ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Herschel Space Telescope uncovers sources of cosmic infrared background
• Alzheimer's disease may protect against cancer and vice versa
• New insights into mushroom-derived drug promising for cancer treatment
• Fight infection by disturbing how bacteria communicate
• Soil studies reveal rise in antibiotic resistance
• Santa Claus at risk? Unhealthy lifestyle, unreasonable working conditions, and stress
• World's first molecular transistor created
• How flu succeeds
• Dental delight: Tooth of sea urchin shows formation of biominerals
• Researchers find new patterns in H1N1 deaths
• How do you improve mammogram accuracy? Add noise
• Brain training can help improve specific abilities in older people
• Youthful appearance of stars known as blue stragglers explained
• Two genes discovered that drive aggressive brain cancers
• Chemical energy influences tiny vibrations of red blood cell membranes
• Is nicotinamide overload a trigger for type 2 diabetes?
• Conservation areas threatened nationally by housing developments
• Fine-tuning Treatments For Depression
• Scientists map speed of climate change for different ecosystems
• Key protein helps control blood pressure
• New warbler discovered in Laos
• Heart transplant patients appear to have elevated risk for multiple skin cancers
• Consumers 'Key Part Of Solution' To Global Warming
• Disproportionate effects of global warming and pollution on disadvantaged communities
• Opening new frontiers: First volume of microbial encyclopedia published
• Synergistic interaction enhances pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
• Genetic study clarifies African and African-American ancestry
• IKK may act as both inhibitor and promoter of Huntington's disease
• Marine Research Is Key To 'Super Foods' Market
• Number of 85-year-olds in the UK will increase by a third by 2020
• Broken genomes behind breast cancers, research finds
• Subtle change dramatically reduces pathogenic potential of Huntington's protein
• Motility mechanism of malaria pathogens explained
• New pathway discovered that may prevent tissue damage resulting from inflammation
• Air pollution linked to hospitalizations for pneumonia in seniors
• Role of addiction cannot be ignored in obesity epidemic
• Wild chimps have near human understanding of fire
• Altering malignant cells' structure said to possibly slow spread of cancer
• SPARKy devices helps amputees return to normal lives
• Older adults may have a higher risk of complications and death after abdominal surgery
• System developed to detect plastic anti-personnel mines
• Enhanced sweet taste: Endocannabinoids act directly on tongue taste receptors
• Australian fossil unlocks secrets to the origin of whales
• Brain controls formation of bone, researchers find
• Turtles' Christmas journey tracked by scientists
• Adverse consequences of obesity may be greater than previously thought
• Bacteria make artificial blood vessels of the future
• Teenagers use violence to boost their social standing

Herschel Space Telescope uncovers sources of cosmic infrared background Posted: 24 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST A weak cosmic infrared radiation field that reaches Earth from all directions contains not yet deciphered messages about the evolution of galaxies. Using first observations with the PACS Instrument on board ESA's Herschel Space Telescope, scientists have for the first time resolved more than half of this radiation into its constituting sources. Observations with Herschel open the road towards understanding the properties of these galaxies, and trace the dusty side of galaxy evolution.

Alzheimer's disease may protect against cancer and vice versa Posted: 24 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST People who have Alzheimer's disease may be less likely to develop cancer, and people who have cancer may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.

New insights into mushroom-derived drug promising for cancer treatment Posted: 24 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST A promising cancer drug, first discovered in a mushroom commonly used in Chinese medicine, could be made more effective thanks to researchers who have discovered how the drug works.

Fight infection by disturbing how bacteria communicate Posted: 24 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Researchers have clarified the structure of an enzyme that disturbs the communication processes between bacteria. By doing so they have laid the foundations for a new method of tackling bacterial infections such as cystic fibrosis.

Soil studies reveal rise in antibiotic resistance Posted: 24 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST An unexpected rise in environmental levels of antibiotic resistance poses a potential threat to people's health.

Santa Claus at risk? Unhealthy lifestyle, unreasonable working conditions, and stress Posted: 24 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST An unhealthy lifestyle, unreasonable working conditions, and then the stress of having to deliver 152 million Christmas gifts in 24 hours. The extreme accomplishments of Santa Claus are making researchers in Sweden doubt his very existence.

World's first molecular transistor created Posted: 24 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Scientists have succeeded in creating the first transistor made from a single molecule. They showed that a benzene molecule attached to gold contacts could behave just like a silicon transistor.

How flu succeeds Posted: 24 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Investigators have identified 295 human cell factors that influenza A strains must harness to infect a cell, including the currently circulating swine-origin H1N1.

Dental delight: Tooth of sea urchin shows formation of biominerals Posted: 24 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Some of the most common minerals in biology, including those in bones and shells, have a mysterious structure: Their crystals are positioned in the same orientation, making them behave as one giant crystal, even though they do not look like a faceted crystal.

Researchers find new patterns in H1N1 deaths Posted: 24 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Brazilian researchers have performed the first-ever autopsy study to examine the precise causes of death in victims of the H1N1 swine flu. While previous data has shown that most patients with a non-fatal infection have fever, cough and achiness (myalgia), the study reveals that most patients with a fatal form of the disease presented with difficulty breathing (dyspnea), with fever and myalgia being less frequently present.

How do you improve mammogram accuracy? Add noise Posted: 24 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Researchers have shown that an obscure phenomenon called stochastic resonance can improve the clarity of signals in systems such as radar, sonar and even radiography, used in medical clinics to detect signs of breast cancer.

Brain training can help improve specific abilities in older people Posted: 24 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Many brain training products claim to be able to keep us mentally fit. Some products even claim that brain training can prevent dementia in old age. But there is no scientific proof that games or other brain exercises can have this effect.

Youthful appearance of stars known as blue stragglers explained Posted: 24 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST For almost 50 years, astronomers have puzzled over the youthful appearance of stars known as blue stragglers.

Two genes discovered that drive aggressive brain cancers Posted: 24 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Scientists have discovered two genes that, when simultaneously activated, are responsible for the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. This finding was made possible by the assembly of the first comprehensive network of molecular interactions that determine the behavior of these cancer cells, a map so complex and elusive that, until now, it could not be constructed. The discovery may lead to novel strategies to diagnose and treat these incurable tumors.

Chemical energy influences tiny vibrations of red blood cell membranes Posted: 24 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Much like a tightly wound drum, red blood cells are in perpetual vibration. Those vibrations help the cells maintain their characteristic flattened oval or disc shape, which is critical to their ability to deform as they traverse blood vessels in the body to deliver oxygen to tissues.

Is nicotinamide overload a trigger for type 2 diabetes? Posted: 24 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Type 2 diabetes is a major global health problem. Although the underlying mechanism of the pathogenesis is not clear, generally it is accepted that type 2 diabetes is a result of gene-environment interactions. A research group from China investigated the relationship between the metabolism of nicotinamide and diabetes and found that nicotinamide overload may be involved in the development of diabetes.

Conservation areas threatened nationally by housing developments Posted: 24 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Conservationists have long known that lines on a map are not sufficient to protect nature because what happens outside those boundaries can affect what happens within. Now, scientists have measured the threat of housing development around protected areas in the United States.

Fine-tuning Treatments For Depression Posted: 24 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST New research clarifies how neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, are regulated -- a finding that may help fine-tune therapies for depression.

Scientists map speed of climate change for different ecosystems Posted: 24 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST From beetles to barnacles, pikas to pine warblers, many species are already on the move in response to shifting climate regimes. But how fast will they -- and their habitats -- have to move to keep pace with global climate change over the next century? Scientists have calculated that on average, ecosystems will need to shift about 0.42 kilometers per year to keep pace with changing temperatures across the globe.

Key protein helps control blood pressure Posted: 24 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Researchers have shown that a protein channel helps nerve sensors in blood vessels keep blood pressure in check. Without the protein channel, known as ASIC2, the sensors are unable to send the brain the signals it needs to properly control blood pressure.

New warbler discovered in Laos Posted: 24 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST A diminutive, colorful bird living in the rocky forests of Laos and Vietnam has been discovered.

Heart transplant patients appear to have elevated risk for multiple skin cancers Posted: 24 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Many heart transplant patients develop multiple skin cancers, with increased risk for some skin cancers among patients with other cancers and with increasing age, according to a new study.

Consumers 'Key Part Of Solution' To Global Warming Posted: 24 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Consumers can have a major impact on the world's efforts to reduce global warming, a major report has concluded. The research estimates that if consumers are responsible for 75% of emissions and in the developed world reduce their emissions in line with government targets, their action could leverage major a 50% reductions in emissions within a few years by 2050.

Disproportionate effects of global warming and pollution on disadvantaged communities Posted: 24 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Global warming, pollution, and the environmental consequences of energy production impose a greater burden on low-income, disadvantaged communities, and strategies to prevent these inequities are urgently needed. A provocative collection of articles on climate justice presents the global implications of climate change and its effects on human health and the environment in a special issue of Environmental Justice.

Opening new frontiers: First volume of microbial encyclopedia published Posted: 23 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST The Earth is estimated to have about a nonillion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000) microbes in, on, around, and under it, comprised of an unknown but very large number of distinct species. Despite the widespread availability of microbial genome data -- close to 2,000 microbes have been and are being decoded to date -- a vast unknown realm awaits scientists intent on exploring microorganisms that inhabit this "undiscovered country."

Synergistic interaction enhances pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease Posted: 23 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Scientists have identified a synergistic interaction that disrupts normal intracellular transport mechanisms and leads to the accumulation of neuron-damaging clumps of protein associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a specific loss of neurons in the midbrain and brainstem. The research identifies a new potential therapeutic option for preventing PD-associated neuropathology.

Genetic study clarifies African and African-American ancestry Posted: 23 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST People who identify as African-American may be as little as 1 percent West African or as much as 99 percent -- just one finding of a large-scale, genome-wide study of ancestry. An international research team has collected and analyzed genotype data from 365 African-Americans, 203 people from 12 West African populations and 400 Europeans from 42 countries to provide a genome-wide perspective of African and African-American ancestry.

IKK may act as both inhibitor and promoter of Huntington's disease Posted: 23 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST The kinase IKK phosphorylates the protein mutated in Huntington's disease to promote its removal and neuron survival, but IKK may be a double-edged sword that increases neurotoxicity in later stages of the disease.

Marine Research Is Key To 'Super Foods' Market Posted: 23 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Milk drinks that lower blood pressure, meat products that reduce the risk of heart disease, chocolate that calms you down and a new range of foods that can fight obesity can be created from marine animals and plants. Japan already has several product ranges on the shelves and research programs are underway all over the world to create more. And now Ireland is well on the way to becoming a player in this worldwide multi-billion euro industry, according to recently presented research results.

Number of 85-year-olds in the UK will increase by a third by 2020 Posted: 23 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Health and social care provision needs to be put in place for a large increase in the 85-year-old population in the UK by 2020, according to a new study.

Broken genomes behind breast cancers, research finds Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST A detailed search has revealed how the human genome is rearranged in 24 cases of breast cancer. Researchers were astounded by the number and complexity of genomic rearrangements found in some cases. While some breast cancers are relatively undisturbed, others are fractured extensively and then reassembled, with more than 200 rearrangements present. The research highlights that breast cancer is not one but several diseases and could help to make tumor classification and diagnosis more accurate.

Subtle change dramatically reduces pathogenic potential of Huntington's protein Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Scientists have identified a key molecular switch that may drive the onset of Huntington's disease (HD), an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that leads to severe disruptions in muscle coordination and cognitive function. The research enhances the understanding of HD pathogenesis and may direct new strategies for treating this devastating brain disease.

Motility mechanism of malaria pathogens explained Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST How do one-celled parasites move from the salivary gland of a mosquito through a person's skin into red blood cells? What molecular mechanisms form the basis for this very important movement of the protozoa? Researchers observed the initial stage of the malaria parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes with new microscope techniques.

New pathway discovered that may prevent tissue damage resulting from inflammation Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Interferon gamma is a protein secreted by lymphocytes that is used to fight the bacteria in white blood cells that cause tuberculosis. Scientists have now discovered that in addition to white blood cells, other cells such as epithelial and endothelial cells, also respond to interferon gamma and also protect mice from uncontrolled tuberculosis infection.

Air pollution linked to hospitalizations for pneumonia in seniors Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST A study found that among older individuals, long-term exposure to traffic pollution independently increased their risk of hospitalization for pneumonia.

Role of addiction cannot be ignored in obesity epidemic Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Researchers argue that food addiction in some individuals may be a reality and needs to be considered in the management of weight problems.

Wild chimps have near human understanding of fire Posted: 23 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST The use and control of fire are behavioral characteristics that distinguish humans from other animals. Now anthropologists report that savanna chimpanzees in Senegal have a near human understanding of wildfires and change their behavior in anticipation of the fire's movement.

Altering malignant cells' structure said to possibly slow spread of cancer Posted: 23 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Cancer may spread throughout the human body when malignant cells travel in the blood stream. But it may be possible to slow or even stop those cells from spreading by altering their structure, according to a recent investigation.

SPARKy devices helps amputees return to normal lives Posted: 23 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Researchers have developed a prosthetic device that literally puts the spring back into an amputee's step. The scientists have developed and refined SPARKy (for spring ankle with regenerative kinetics) into a smart, active and energy storing below-the-knee (transbitial) prosthesis.

Older adults may have a higher risk of complications and death after abdominal surgery Posted: 23 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST The risk of complications and early death after commonly performed abdominal surgical procedures appears to be higher among older adults, according to a new study.

System developed to detect plastic anti-personnel mines Posted: 23 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST A team of European researchers has devised a method for locating plastic anti-personnel mines, which are manufactured to avoid detection by metal detectors. The technique involves analyzing the temperature of the ground in three dimensions using specific software and hardware.

Enhanced sweet taste: Endocannabinoids act directly on tongue taste receptors Posted: 23 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST New findings show that endocannabinoids act directly on tongue taste receptors to specifically enhance sweet taste. The findings suggest that modulation of sweet taste responses may be an important component of the endocannabinoid system's role in regulating feeding behavior and may open doors to the development of novel therapeutic compounds to combat metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Endocannabinoids are substances similar to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Australian fossil unlocks secrets to the origin of whales Posted: 23 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST A palaeobiologist has made groundbreaking discoveries into the origin of baleen whales, based on a 25-million-year-old fossil found near Torquay in Victoria, Australia.

Brain controls formation of bone, researchers find Posted: 23 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST The brain acts as a profound regulatory center, controlling myriad processes throughout the body in ways we are only just beginning to understand. In new findings, Australian scientists have shown surprising connections between the brain and regulation of bone mass.

Turtles' Christmas journey tracked by scientists Posted: 23 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Noelle and Darwinia are two adult female leatherback turtles that nest in Gabon, Western Central Africa. A research team has fitted each turtle with a small satellite tracking device, which enables the scientists to monitor their precise movements and observe where and how deep they dive.

Adverse consequences of obesity may be greater than previously thought Posted: 23 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST The link between obesity and cardiovascular mortality may be substantially underestimated, while some of the adverse consequences of being underweight may be overstated, concludes a new study.

Bacteria make artificial blood vessels of the future Posted: 23 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST The cellulose produced by bacteria could be used for artificial blood vessels in the future as it carries a lower risk of blood clots than the synthetic materials currently used for bypass operations, according to new research.

Teenagers use violence to boost their social standing Posted: 23 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST A new study looks in depth at the social relationships between male and female teenagers, relational violence, and psycho-social adjustment factors such as loneliness, self-esteem and satisfaction with life. The results show that young people who want to be better appreciated and respected within their group are the most likely to be violent.

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