ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Evolution caught in the act: Scientists measure how quickly genomes change
• Mutant gene lessens devastation of flesh-eating bacteria
• Carbon nanotubes show promise for high-speed genetic sequencing
• Alzheimer's: How amyloid beta reduces plasticity related to synaptic signaling
• Two proteins act as molecular tailors in DNA repair
• Changing Behavior Helps Patients Take Medication As Prescribed
• 'Lifeless' prions capable of evolutionary change and adaptation
• Unusual protein modification involved in muscular dystrophy, cancer
• Whiskers hold secrets of invasive minks
• Physiologic factors linked to image quality of multidetector computed tomography scans
• Indian Ocean climate event recurs quicker with global warming
• Telephone Depression Program Offers Benefits At A Moderate Cost
• Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease: Nervous culprit found
• Scientists identify DNA that regulates antibody production
• Small changes in protein chemistry play large role in Huntington's disease
• Molecular anchor links the two inheritable diseases Fanconi anemia and Bloom's syndrome
• Fungus contaminant in corn, peanuts, soybeans: Chlorophyll effective against aflatoxin
• The Skinny On 'Lean' Education

Evolution caught in the act: Scientists measure how quickly genomes change Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Mutations are the raw material of evolution. Scientists have now been able to measure for the first time directly the speed with which new mutations occur in plants. Their findings shed new light on a fundamental evolutionary process. They explain, for example, why resistance to herbicides can appear within just a few years.

Mutant gene lessens devastation of flesh-eating bacteria Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Scientists recently discovered a simple gene mutation that decreases the chance people will get a flesh-eating disease called necrotizing fasciitis. Further, they proved that inactivating this section of the gene lessens the devastating disease in humans.

Carbon nanotubes show promise for high-speed genetic sequencing Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Scientists have demonstrated the potential of a new DNA sequencing method in which a single-stranded ribbon of DNA is threaded through a carbon nanotube.

Alzheimer's: How amyloid beta reduces plasticity related to synaptic signaling Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST The early stages of Alzheimer's disease are thought to occur at the synapse, since synapse loss is associated with memory dysfunction. Evidence suggests that amyloid beta plays an important role in early synaptic failure, but little has been understood about amyloid beta's effect on the plasticity of dendritic spines.

Two proteins act as molecular tailors in DNA repair Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Every day tiny segments of our DNA are chipped or fragmented or get stuck together when they should really be pulled apart. But what our genome necessarily lacks in stability it makes up for with a phalanx of guards that monitor and repair the damage.

Changing Behavior Helps Patients Take Medication As Prescribed Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Researchers found that applying behavior changing strategies, such as using pill boxes or reducing the number of daily doses, can improve patients' abilities to take their medications as required.

'Lifeless' prions capable of evolutionary change and adaptation Posted: 03 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Scientists have determined for the first time that prions, bits of infectious protein devoid of DNA or RNA that can cause fatal neurodegenerative disease, are capable of Darwinian evolution.

Unusual protein modification involved in muscular dystrophy, cancer Posted: 03 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST With the discovery of a new type of chemical modification on an important muscle protein, a new study improves understanding of certain muscular dystrophies and could potentially lead to new treatments for the conditions.

Whiskers hold secrets of invasive minks Posted: 03 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Details of the lifestyle of mink, which escaped from fur farms and now live wild in the UK, have been revealed through analysis of their whiskers. New research reveals more about the diet of this invasive species and provides a clue to its whereabouts. There are now plans to use the findings to eradicate it from environments where it can be devastating to native species.

Physiologic factors linked to image quality of multidetector computed tomography scans Posted: 03 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST The image quality of multidetector computed tomography scans, used for the noninvasive detection of coronary artery disease, can be significantly affected by patient characteristics such as ethnicity, body mass index and heart rate, according to a new study.

Indian Ocean climate event recurs quicker with global warming Posted: 03 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), an oscillation of sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, has become a major influence on the weather variations in the Indian Ocean region. During positive IOD events, abnormally warm sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean are accompanied by severe droughts over the Indonesian region and heavy rainfall over east Africa.

Telephone Depression Program Offers Benefits At A Moderate Cost Posted: 03 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Patients who participate in a structured telephone program to manage their depression appear to experience significant benefits and only a moderate increase in health care costs when compared with those who receive usual care, according to a new report.

Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease: Nervous culprit found Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Cells that protect nerves are the likely origin of the devil facial tumor disease that has been devastating Australia's Tasmanian devil population, an international team of scientists has discovered.

Scientists identify DNA that regulates antibody production Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Performance enhancers are the currency of a competitive society. But there's one that we have always had: For millions of years, segments of our DNA have improved the performance of our genome, revving up protein production at those times we need it most. New research now show that these genome enhancers regulate how our bodies make germ-fighting antibodies, molecules that keep savvy viruses and bacteria at bay.

Small changes in protein chemistry play large role in Huntington's disease Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Investigators studying the toxic protein at the root of Huntington's disease have found that small biochemical changes to the protein have a large effect on its toxicity. These changes could be exploited or mimicked to develop a drug treatment for Huntington's.

Molecular anchor links the two inheritable diseases Fanconi anemia and Bloom's syndrome Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST A new study establishes a molecular link that bridges two rare inherited disorders and explains why these diseases result in genetic instability. The research may lead to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms that enable cells to repair damaged DNA.

Fungus contaminant in corn, peanuts, soybeans: Chlorophyll effective against aflatoxin Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST A new study has found that chlorophyll and its derivative chlorophyllin are effective in limiting the absorption of aflatoxin in humans. Aflatoxin is produced by a fungus that is a contaminant of grains including corn, peanuts and soybeans; it is known to cause liver cancer -- and can work in concert with other health concerns, such as hepatitis.

The Skinny On 'Lean' Education Posted: 03 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Educators should learn from the "Just-In-Time" and "Lean" production techniques used by the automotive industry if they are to add value to the student experience as quickly and effectively as possible.

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ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• How the Moon gets its exosphere
• High fat diet increases inflammation in the mouse colon
• Imaging study shows HIV particles assembling around genome of infected cell
• Use of telemedicine for ICU patients not linked with improvement in survival
• Making payments via cell phones
• Elusive protein points to mechanism behind hearing loss
• Will higher global temperatures make it easier for viruses to jump species?
• NASA's Mars rover Spirit has uncertain future as sixth anniversary nears
• Fewer left-sided colorectal tumors observed after colonoscopies
• Major offshore quake could surge inland to Seattle area
• Final moments of bee landing tactics revealed
• Genomic differences identified in common skin diseases may lead to better treatments
• NASA's WISE space telescope jettisons its cover
• Bacterial protein mimics its host to disable a key enzyme
• Explaining plasma motion around Saturn
• It's never too late to quit smoking and save your vision

How the Moon gets its exosphere Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Several decades ago scientists discovered that the Moon, long thought to have no atmosphere, actually does have an extremely thin exosphere. Scientists generally believe that the ions that make up the lunar exosphere are generated at the Moon's surface by interaction with solar photons, plasma in the Earth's magnetosphere, or micrometeorites. However, scientists have been uncertain about which processes are the main contributors of lunar exosphere ions.

High fat diet increases inflammation in the mouse colon Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Colorectal cancer, the third most common type of cancer worldwide, has been linked to an increased prevalence of the Western diet: one high in fat and low in fiber, vitamin D and calcium. Now, scientists have shown what happens to colon tissue when mice are fed such a diet: an inflammatory response that could be the trigger for carcinogenic processes.

Imaging study shows HIV particles assembling around genome of infected cell Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST HIV is a wily and lethal replicator. In less than 25 years, it's killed more than 25 million people. Scientists are exploring exactly how this virus reproduces because they would like to find a way to abort the process. Now, just two years after scientists witnessed the birth of a single HIV particle in real time, the same team has zoomed in for a closer look at how the virus packages its genetic material as it assembles beneath the surface of an infected cell.

Use of telemedicine for ICU patients not linked with improvement in survival Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Remote monitoring of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) was not associated with an overall improvement in the risk of death or length of stay in the ICU or hospital, according to a new study.

Making payments via cell phones Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST New security technology allows people to make payments via mobile phones. The technology is designed to work in almost all situations: person to person, in a shop or restaurant, at a vending machine, online, or as part of a telephone conversation.

Elusive protein points to mechanism behind hearing loss Posted: 02 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST A serendipitous discovery of deaf zebra fish larvae has helped narrow down the function of an elusive protein necessary for hearing and balance. The work suggests that hearing loss may arise from a faulty pathway that translates sound waves into electrical impulses the brain can understand.

Will higher global temperatures make it easier for viruses to jump species? Posted: 02 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Scientists soon will begin investigating whether viruses that have adapted to higher temperatures -- similar to increases due to global warming -- can jump species more easily.

NASA's Mars rover Spirit has uncertain future as sixth anniversary nears Posted: 02 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST NASA's Mars rover Spirit will mark six years of unprecedented science exploration and inspiration for the American public on Jan. 3, 2010. However, the upcoming Martian winter could end the roving career of the beloved, scrappy robot.

Fewer left-sided colorectal tumors observed after colonoscopies Posted: 02 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST The prevalence of left-sided advanced colorectal neoplasms was lower in participants in a community setting, but not right-sided advanced neoplams, who had received a colonoscopy in the preceding 10 years, according to a new study.

Major offshore quake could surge inland to Seattle area Posted: 02 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Large megathrust earthquakes occur on average every 550 years on the northern Cascadia subduction zone, where the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate subducts underneath the North American plate off the coast of Washington State. Scientists had thought that major earthquakes were likely to occur only offshore, but a new analysis shows that a giant earthquake could extend deeper along the subduction zone, and thus farther inland.

Final moments of bee landing tactics revealed Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST When bees come into land they slow their speed as they approach, but what happens in the final instants before touch down? Using high speed video, scientists from Australia and Sweden have found that there are three stages to the final touch down: a quasi-hover, a stable hover 16mm from the surface and finally a gentle touch down. Using this approach, bees can land on surfaces ranging from the horizontal to completely inverted ceilings.

Genomic differences identified in common skin diseases may lead to better treatments Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Scientists have drilled down on the molecular nitty-gritty that distinguishes the two most common forms of inflammatory skin disease, atopic eczema and psoriasis. The researchers say that the ability to distinguish between the disorders' genetic and immunological signatures opens the door for more narrowly targeted therapies sorely needed by the millions of people afflicted worldwide.

NASA's WISE space telescope jettisons its cover Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST NASA's recently launched Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) opened its eyes to the starry sky Dec. 29, after ejecting its protective cover. Engineers and scientists say the maneuver went off without a hitch, and everything is working properly. The mission's "first-light" images of the sky will be released to the public in about a month, after the telescope has been fully calibrated.

Bacterial protein mimics its host to disable a key enzyme Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Helicobacter pylori infects up to 90 percent of people in the developing world and causes gastric ulcers and cancers of the gut. Now scientists have revealed a subterfuge used by the bacterium to trick stomach cells into playing along. By injecting a protein into the stomach lining that mimics a native protein but has its opposite effect, the bacterium shuts down a process that helps properly structure stomach tissue, scientists say.

Explaining plasma motion around Saturn Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Understanding the motion and source of the plasma around Saturn is important for understanding the dynamics of the magnetosphere. Researchers present a theory that describes plasma transport in Saturn's magnetosphere, including processes that add new mass to the plasma and those that remove momentum from the plasma without changing plasma mass.

It's never too late to quit smoking and save your vision Posted: 02 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Need a little extra incentive to kick the habit? Just in time for New Year's resolutions, a new study finds that even after age 80, smoking continues to increase one's risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Americans over 65.

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ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Fast pace of glacier melt in the 1940s: lower aerosol pollution
• New research could advance research field critical to personalized medicine
• New molecule identified in DNA damage response
• The cancer 'TRAP': protein may prevent cancer cell death
• Window opens into Moon's past volcanism
• Student sleuths using DNA reveal zoo of 95 species in NYC homes -- and new evidence of food fraud
• Quelling Casimir: Scientists to control quantum mechanical force
• Mutation leads to new and severe form of bacterial disease
• Protein link may be key to new treatment for aggressive brain tumor
• New suppressor of common liver cancer
• Northern South America rainier during Little Ice Age
• Obesity epidemic taking root in Africa
• Keeping hepatitis C virus at bay after a liver transplant
• Biofilms: Researchers discover new ways to treat chronic infections
• Genetic link to heart failure
• 'Land Grabs' For Rice Production Due To Supply Threats
• Influenza in Africa should not be ignored, researchers urge
• Restless leg syndrome linked to erectile dysfunction in older men
• Earlier bedtimes may help protect adolescents against depression and suicidal thoughts
• A facial expression is worth a thousand words
• NEDD9 Protein Supports Growth Of Aggressive Breast Cancer
• Drunk walking makes New Year's the deadliest day of the year for pedestrians
• New Function For The Protein Bcl-xL: It Prevents Bone Breakdown
• Springtime sheep grazing helps control leafy spurge
• Partners sculpt each other to achieve their ideal selves: If successful, relationship goes well
• Ophthalmologist calls for caution when popping bottles of bubbly this holiday season

Fast pace of glacier melt in the 1940s: lower aerosol pollution Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST In the 1940s Swiss glaciers were melting at an even-faster pace than at present, according to new research. This is despite the fact that the temperatures in the 20th century were lower than in this century. Researchers see the main reason for this as the lower level of aerosol pollution in the atmosphere.

New research could advance research field critical to personalized medicine Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST It's the ultimate goal in the treatment of cancer: tailoring a person's therapy based on his or her genetic makeup. While a lofty goal, scientists are steadily moving forward, rapidly exploiting new technologies. Researchers report a significant advance in this field of research using a new chip that looks for hundreds of mutations in dozen of genes.

New molecule identified in DNA damage response Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST In the harsh judgment of natural selection, the ultimate measure of success is reproduction. So it's no surprise that life spends lavish resources on this feat, whether in the courtship behavior of birds and bees or replicating the cells that keep them alive. Now research has identified a new piece in an elaborate system to help guarantee fidelity in the reproduction of cells, preventing potentially lethal mutations in the process.

The cancer 'TRAP': protein may prevent cancer cell death Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST New research suggests that TNF-receptor associated protein-1 (TRAP-1) may prevent cancer cell death.

Window opens into Moon's past volcanism Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Lava tubes, underground cave-like channels through which lava once flowed, are commonly found on Earth. Scientists have debated whether these tubes could form on the Moon as well, but no studies have yet conclusively identified features that indicate the presence of lunar lava tubes.

Student sleuths using DNA reveal zoo of 95 species in NYC homes -- and new evidence of food fraud Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Two New York City high school students exploring their homes using the latest high-tech DNA analysis techniques discover a veritable zoo of 95 animal species surrounding them, in everything from fridges to furniture, from sidewalks to shipping boxes, and from feather dusters to floor corners.

Quelling Casimir: Scientists to control quantum mechanical force Posted: 01 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Scientists are developing a way to control the Casimir force, a quantum mechanical force that attracts objects when they are only hundred nanometers apart.

Mutation leads to new and severe form of bacterial disease Posted: 01 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Fighting an illness is not just about fighting the bacteria or viruses that cause it, it also has to do with your genes. Scientists have now identified a gene mutation that makes children susceptible to a severe form of mycobacterial disease, any disease caused by species of Mycobacterium such as tuberculosis and leprosy. The mutation represents a new layer of disease severity in children who lack a vital disease-fighting component from their immune system.

Protein link may be key to new treatment for aggressive brain tumor Posted: 01 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Biomedical researchers have found a protein that could hold the key to treating one of the most common and aggressive brain tumors in adults. Glioblastoma multiforme, the type of malignant brain tumor that killed the late US Sen. Edward Kennedy, is difficult to treat because it spreads cancerous cells to other parts of the brain very quickly. About 10,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.

New suppressor of common liver cancer Posted: 01 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Tumor suppressor genes make proteins that help control cell growth. Mutations in these genes that generate nonfunctional proteins can contribute to tumor development and progression. One of the most well-known tumor suppressor genes is BRACA1, mutations in which are linked to breast cancer. Researchers have now identified SCARA5 as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in human hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer that is the fifth most common cancer worldwide

Northern South America rainier during Little Ice Age Posted: 01 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST During the Little Ice Age (LIA; covering approximately the fifteenth through the eighteenth centuries), northern South America experienced about 10 percent more rainfall than during the twentieth century, according to researchers.

Obesity epidemic taking root in Africa Posted: 01 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST The urban poor in sub-Saharan Africa are the latest victims of the obesity epidemic. Researchers claim that overweight and obesity are on the increase among this group.

Keeping hepatitis C virus at bay after a liver transplant Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Individuals infected with hepatitis C virus who receive a liver transplant find that their new liver becomes infected with HCV almost immediately. However, researcher in Japan have developed an approach that transiently keeps HCV levels down in most treated HCV-infected patients receiving a new liver.

Biofilms: Researchers discover new ways to treat chronic infections Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Researchers have identified three key regulators required for the formation and development of biofilms. The discovery could lead to new ways of treating chronic infections.

Genetic link to heart failure Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST New research has identified a group of 12 genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene that is associated with heart failure in humans.

'Land Grabs' For Rice Production Due To Supply Threats Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Recent interest in "land grabs" or the international acquisition of land to produce rice is sparked by a looming threat of inadequate rice supplies.

Influenza in Africa should not be ignored, researchers urge Posted: 01 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Influenza is circulating in Africa, but virtually no information or attention is evident, according to a new article.

Restless leg syndrome linked to erectile dysfunction in older men Posted: 31 Dec 2009 09:00 PM PST A new study shows that erectile dysfunction was more common in older men with restless leg syndrome (RLS) than in those without RLS, and the magnitude of this association increased with a higher frequency of RLS symptoms.

Earlier bedtimes may help protect adolescents against depression and suicidal thoughts Posted: 31 Dec 2009 09:00 PM PST New research finds that adolescents with bedtimes that were set earlier by parents were significantly less likely to suffer from depression and to think about committing suicide, suggesting that earlier bedtimes could have a protective effect by lengthening sleep duration and increasing the likelihood of getting enough sleep.

A facial expression is worth a thousand words Posted: 31 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Moving pictures are more suitable to interpret the mood of a person than a static photograph. Communication is a central aspect of everyday life, a fact that is reflected in the wide variety of ways that people exchange information, not only with words, but also using their face and body. Scientists have now found out that we are able to recognize facial expressions in motion far better than in a static photograph. The video sequence needs to be at least as long as one tenth of a second to gain this dynamic advantage.

NEDD9 Protein Supports Growth Of Aggressive Breast Cancer Posted: 31 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Researchers have demonstrated that a protein called NEDD9 may be required for some of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer to grow. According to the researchers, the protein could serve as a clinical biomarker to indicate the presence of aggressive forms of breast cancer. NEDD9 may also provide a target for some future therapeutic against metastatic cancer.

Drunk walking makes New Year's the deadliest day of the year for pedestrians Posted: 31 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST This is the time of the holiday season when New Year's partiers are inundated with warnings about the risks of drinking and driving. Little is ever heard, though, about the risks of drinking and walking, which can be just as dangerous.

New Function For The Protein Bcl-xL: It Prevents Bone Breakdown Posted: 31 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST In blood cells, the protein Bcl-xL has a well-characterized role in preventing cell death by a process known as apoptosis. New research has now identified its functions in osteoclasts, cells that slowly breakdown bone (a process known as resorption). Surprisingly, not only does Bcl-xL prevent osteoclast apoptosis in mice, it also negatively regulates the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts.

Springtime sheep grazing helps control leafy spurge Posted: 31 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Using sheep to control leafy spurge works best if it's done in the spring every year, according to a new study.

Partners sculpt each other to achieve their ideal selves: If successful, relationship goes well Posted: 31 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Is that really Bob? You've seen him hundreds of mornings for the last 10 years at local coffee shops. Since he started dating Sara, he looks you in the eye -- and smiles. Sara takes every opportunity to let coffee shop cronies know that Bob is her guy and to gush about how funny he is. And he is. Who knew? Think of Sara like Michelangelo chipping away at a block of marble to release the ideal figure slumbering within. To the degree that the sculpting process has gone well, that she has helped mold Bob toward his ideal self, the relationship functions better and both partners are happier, according to new research. Conversely, a relationship can run into trouble when an individual emphasizes attributes that are peripheral to the core elements of what a partner ideally wishes to become.

Ophthalmologist calls for caution when popping bottles of bubbly this holiday season Posted: 31 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST For many, celebrating the holidays calls for a champagne toast. But for some people popping a bottle of bubbly can be dangerous to your health.

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