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Sun, 28 Feb 10
Giant plankton-eating fishes roamed prehistoric seas, fossil evidence shows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qeQeXM1QZeQ/100227171454.htm
Giant plankton-eating fishes roamed the prehistoric seas for over 100 million years before they were wiped out in the same event that killed off the dinosaurs, new fossil evidence has shown.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Multiple sclerosis onset: Could mycobacteria play a role?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cGu7Owbp62M/100226084007.htm
A non-pathogenic bacterium is capable to trigger an autoimmune disease similar to the multiple sclerosis in the mouse, the model animal which helps to explain how human diseases work. This is an unprecedented mechanism which could explain how this terrible central nervous system disease starts up in humans.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Brown recluse spider is sometimes to blame when anemia strikes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jgGhdNcQB3M/100226211648.htm
As spring approaches and people return to outdoor activities, caution should be taken in areas of the country that are home to Loxosceles reclusa, also called the brown recluse spider. A new study found that when patients present with sudden anemia, but the cause is elusive, the brown recluse spider should be part of the differential diagnosis, at least in parts of the nation where the spider is regularly found.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Novel way to study human inflammatory disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/j1H6zAyDSGM/100225214812.htm
A new study shows mice infected with the bacteria salmonella develop clinical signs consistent with a deadly and poorly understood human inflammatory disease, a finding that may lead to new therapies.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Lab on a chip: Ordinary cotton thread used to stitch together low-cost microfluidic analytical device
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XSmWNq5k4F8/100226093225.htm
In a world first, the researchers have used ordinary cotton thread and sewing needles to literally stitch together the uniquely low-cost microfluidic analytical device, which is the size of a postage stamp and allows scientists to carry out chemical analyses of minute fluid samples, such as blood and urine.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Regular exercise reduces patient anxiety by 20 percent, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/pYNTT--Gcjs/100222161848.htm
The anxiety that often accompanies a chronic illness can chip away at quality of life and make patients less likely to follow their treatment plan. But regular exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, a new study shows.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Babies, even when premature, 'see' with their hands
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Szrz2s_2DAA/100226205020.htm
Even premature babies at 33 weeks post-conceptional age, about 2 months before term (40 gestational weeks), are capable of recognizing and distinguishing two objects of different shapes (a prism and a cylinder) with their right or left hands.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Novel compound found effective against avian influenza virus
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/x6gw6qkAUO8/100225214810.htm
A novel compound is highly effective against the pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus, including some drug-resistant strains, according to new research.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Oil droplets can navigate complex maze
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/atQku971QG8/100218125531.htm
Call them oil droplets with a brain or even "chemo-rats." Scientists have developed a way to make simple oil droplets "smart" enough to navigate through a complex maze almost like a trained lab rat. The finding could have a wide range of practical implications, including helping cancer drugs to reach their target and controlling the movement of futuristic nano-machines, the scientists say.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Stents as good as surgery for clogged carotid arteries, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4E8EmsRnelQ/100226161439.htm
The CREST trial that compared traditional surgery with less-invasive stenting to clear dangerously clogged carotid arteries in the neck is being called "seminal and robust."

Sun, 28 Feb 10
New graphene 'nanomesh' could change the future of electronics
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Mie9QUtlFic/100226093223.htm
Scientists have created a new graphene nanostructure called the graphene nanomesh (GNM). The new structure is able to open up a band gap in a large sheet of graphene to create a highly uniform continuous semiconducting thin film. The concept of the GNM therefore points to a clear pathway towards practical application of graphene as a semiconductor material for future electronics.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Does the devil really wear Prada? The psychology of anthropomorphism and dehumanization
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/pSxPXgzxUE4/100225140927.htm
People talk to their plants, pray to human-like gods, name their cars, and even dress their pets up in clothing. We have a strong tendency to give nonhuman entities human characteristics (known as anthropomorphism), but why? A new report examines the psychology behind anthropomorphism.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Tropics: Global warming likely to significantly affect rainfall patterns
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FdQuZyWXuGk/100226093238.htm
Ocean temperature patterns in the tropics and subtropics will change in ways that will lead to significant changes in rainfall patterns, according to new research.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Gene-based stem cell therapy specifically removes cell receptor that attracts HIV
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LJR9ApaMdvw/100225164859.htm
Researchers have successfully removed CCR5 -- a cell receptor to which HIV-1 binds for infection but which the human body does not need -- from human cells. Individuals who naturally lack the CCR5 receptor have been found to be essentially resistant to HIV.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Choking is a leading cause of injury and death among children
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hbLhZz_RgGk/100226212559.htm
Choking is a leading cause of injury and death among children, especially those younger than 4 years of age. The majority of choking-related incidents among children are associated with food, coins and toys.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
HIV drug that protects a fetus should be avoided for one year after childbirth, researchers say
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/45_j6LZUosM/100225214814.htm
A new study found that while nevirapine works well to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, a single dose of nevirapine in infected pregnant women can trigger resistance to some forms of the AIDS-drug cocktail (antiretrovirals). This nevirapine-induced resistance fades after about 12 months and no longer hinders the cocktail, UAB researchers say.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
New process yields high-energy-density, plant-based transportation fuel
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/rI6yPwRwW-k/100225142447.htm
A team of engineers has developed a highly efficient, environmentally friendly process that selectively converts gamma-valerolactone, a biomass derivative, into the chemical equivalent of jet fuel.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Video games may help combat depression in older adults
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/d8KlZlLuF5o/100225140910.htm
New research suggests a novel route to improving the symptoms of subsyndromal depression (SSD) in seniors through the regular use of "exergames" -- entertaining video games that combine game play with exercise. In a pilot study, the researchers found that use of exergames significantly improved mood and mental health-related quality of life in older adults with SSD.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Large Earthquake Hits Chile, Generates Tsunami Across Pacific
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BNmNdr1YpPI/100227210429.htm
An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of central Chile early morning on Saturday, February 27, 2010, about 200 miles southwest of the Chilean capital of Santiago, killing several hundred people and exposing millions of people to strong shaking that toppled many buildings. In addition, a tsunami triggered by the earthquake reverberated through the entire Pacific Ocean.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Detailed insight into failing heart cells gained using new nano technique
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/yJCLmwsPSdY/100225142449.htm
Researchers have been able to see how heart failure affects the surface of an individual heart muscle cell in minute detail, using a new nanoscale scanning technique. The findings may lead to better design of beta-blockers, the drugs that can slow the development of heart failure, and to improvements in current therapeutic approaches to treating heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Dolphin cognitive abilities raise ethical questions, says Emory neuroscientist
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/6qcBZPOoZZc/100218173112.htm
Many modern dolphin brains are significantly larger than those of humans and second in mass to the human brain when corrected for body size, says a scientist. Some dolphin brains exhibit features correlated with complex intelligence, including a large expanse of neocortical volume that is more convoluted than that of humans, extensive insular and cingulated regions, and highly differentiated cellular regions. This has ethical and policy considerations.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Rapid image analysis method helps diagnose Alzheimer's disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_8ecc68Fhj4/100217093652.htm
Scientists have developed a method for analysing MR images (MRI) in just a few minutes when diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The accuracy of the analysis is comparable to manual measurements made by skilled professionals, which are currently considered the most reliable method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The accurate and rapid analysis method is well suited for clinical use.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Fueling the future with fish tank residue: Scientist discusses use of algae as biofuel
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/stMqIWBn7CE/100219141905.htm
As Americans demand new and cleaner ways to meet the country's energy needs, researchers are turning to algae as a promising new fuel source. The approach has the potential to significantly reduce the nation's reliance on imported oil while contributing to rural economic development and lowering greenhouse emissions.

Sun, 28 Feb 10
Warning: Immigrating to North America may foster smoking in children
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GrzznrYnPxY/100222111400.htm
Moving to Canada could be hazardous for the health of young immigrants. A new study has found that over time, immigrant children from multiethnic, disadvantaged, inner-city neighborhoods are up to 3.5 times more likely to smoke. The findings are important since an estimated 45,000 school-aged children immigrate to Canada with their parents each year.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Climate change and coral reefs: Coral species has developed the 'skills' to cope with rising temperatures
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/h60yWqzHcpY/100222094803.htm
Marine reserves are increasingly important for species that are being forced by climate change to move to a new home, adapt to new conditions or die. Biologists have now compared the relative benefits of large and small protected areas in perpetuating populations. Interestingly they have also found a coral species that has developed the "skills" to cope with rising temperatures.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Increasing neurogenesis might prevent drug addiction and relapse
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FbbuclaMFio/100226121317.htm
Researchers hope they have begun paving a new pathway in the fight against drug dependence. Their hypothesis -- that increasing the normally occurring process of making nerve cells might prevent addiction -- is based on a rodent study demonstrating that blocking new growth of specific brain nerve cells increases vulnerability for cocaine addiction and relapse.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Flower power may reduce resistance to breast cancer drug tamoxifen
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1qD5D7DhC_A/100216114032.htm
Combining tamoxifen, the world's most prescribed breast cancer agent, with a compound found in the flowering plant feverfew may prevent initial or future resistance to the drug, say researchers. The finding provides new insight into the biological roots of that resistance, and also tests a novel way to get around it.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Computer simulation of protein malfunction related to Alzheimer's disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/pFj_e0b1800/100217093254.htm
Researchers created a computer modeling of the structural malfunctioning of the ApoE4 protein when it enters into contact with the amyloid beta molecule, the main cause of Alzheimer's disease. The research supports experimental evidence that links ApoE4 with this pathology and opens up new exploration possibilities in understanding and fighting against the disease.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Malicious software: Hiding the honeypots
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0yR4kZymo-Q/100226093211.htm
Armies of networked computers that have been compromised by malicious software are commonly known as Botnets. Such Botnets are usually used to carry out fraudulent and criminal activity on the Internet. Now US computer scientists reveal that the honeypot trap designed to protect computers from Botnets are now vulnerable to attack because of advances in Botnet malware.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Others may know us better than we know ourselves, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LQo5rRhg0FY/100226093235.htm
Humans have long been advised to "know thyself," but new research suggests we may not know ourselves as well as we think we do. While individuals may be more accurate at assessing their own neurotic traits, such as anxiety, it seems friends, and even strangers, are often better barometers of traits such as intelligence, creativity and extroversion.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Threat to monkey numbers from forest decline
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VxYRBLEfX2o/100218102456.htm
Monkey populations in threatened forests are far more sensitive to damage to their habitat than previously thought. Numbers closely related to the type of habitat found between forest fragments, rather than the distance that separates them.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Gene signature may improve colon cancer treatment
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wPglNTiELbs/100226115125.htm
A gene signature, first identified in mouse colon cancer cells, may help identify patients at risk of colon cancer recurrence, according to a recent study. The findings could help personalize treatments for colon cancer -- the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States -- by identifying patients most likely to benefit from chemotherapy.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Lack of morning light keeping teenagers up at night
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2mgkSxOZNxs/100216140305.htm
The first field study on the impact of light on teenagers' sleeping habits finds that insufficient daily morning light exposure contributes to teenagers not getting enough sleep.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
A primer on migraine headaches
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/HE4L9v1hoQY/100216140140.htm
Migraine headache affects many people and a number of different preventative strategies should be considered, according to a new article.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Intelligent energy management for the home
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YE4BwKipH4g/100226093213.htm
In order to save energy, consumers need to be able to obtain up-to-date information at any time about the energy consumption of their appliances, and be able to control them while away from home. Scientists have developed two new applications that help consumers manage their power use.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Many adult diseases sprout in poverty, molecular sociologist says
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EnnkIVw0p3I/100219115355.htm
The roots of many adult diseases sprout in poverty and other burdens on the socially disadvantaged. A self-described molecular sociologist recently talked about the effects such environmental stressors have on the brain and in turn other organ systems.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Can math and science help solve crimes? Scientists work with Los Angeles police to identify and analyze crime 'hotspots'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NoUbbLS2ubU/100222094826.htm
Scientists working with the Los Angeles Police Department to analyze crime patterns report that criminal "hotspots" come in at least two different types -- one of which can be suppressed by police. They believe their findings apply to cities worldwide.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Gestational diabetes: Blood sugar levels once considered normal are not safe for baby, mother
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0b-rbduqz9E/100226084005.htm
Two to three times more pregnant women may soon be diagnosed and treated for gestational diabetes, based on new measurements for determining risky blood sugar levels for the mother and her unborn baby, according to a new study. Blood sugar levels that were once considered in the normal range are now seen as causing a sharp increase in the occurrence of overweight babies, early deliveries, cesarean section deliveries and potentially life-threatening preeclampsia.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Presence of snails points to forest recovery
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MH9XSKCXn24/100216113557.htm
Researchers have studied the changes in the make-up of animal populations following forest fires, and have concluded that malacological fauna are a good indicator of forest recovery. The conclusions of this study will help to ensure that post-fire forestry operations that do not harm these species of mollusks, which are sensitive to microclimatic conditions of the soil and vegetation structure.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Mechanism for Frank-Ter Haar syndrome discovered
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gWY1Bx_eLBM/100216140154.htm
Scientists have discovered that TKS4, a protein implicated in cancer metastasis, also plays a significant role in Frank-Ter Haar syndrome, a rare fatal disorder.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Hastening progress of 3D cinema and TV
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BEtN-e7vYr0/100226093219.htm
This is the year in which 3D cinema and 3D TV will make the breakthrough. At CeBIT in Hannover, German researchers are presenting technologies and standards that are hastening the progress.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Stress raises risk of mental decline in older diabetics, study shows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/pqoAjOuSw8A/100222100807.htm
Stress raises the risk of memory loss and cognitive decline among older people with diabetes, research suggests. Researchers have studied more than 900 men and women aged between 60 and 75 with type-2 diabetes, which tends to be common after the age of 40. They found that brain function slowed in participants with higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
New 'alien invader' star clusters found in Milky Way
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/9vCIHpMLga4/100226161428.htm
As many as one quarter of the star clusters in our Milky Way -- many more than previously thought -- are "invaders" from other galaxies, according to a new study.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
New cancer treatment gives hope to lymphoma and leukemia patients
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/TWHxGth2bCQ/100226161434.htm
Cancer researchers have high hopes for a new therapy for patients with certain types of lymphoma and leukemia.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Good parenting triumphs over prenatal stress
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tiFEcZS2gxs/100225140906.htm
A mother's nurture may provide powerful protection against risks her baby faces in the womb, according to a new article. The research shows that fetuses exposed to high levels of stress hormone -- shown to be a harbinger for babies' poor cognitive development -- can escape this fate if their mothers provide them sensitive care during infancy and toddler-hood.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
The pig and its pancreas: A unique model for a common disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/pWxZi97VsDY/100226115121.htm
The incidence of diabetes is rising worldwide. Using genetic engineering techniques in pigs, scientists at in Germany have created a new model of this metabolic disorder, which recapitulates many features of the disease, and promises to contribute significantly to improvements in diagnosis and therapy.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Scientists unlock key enzyme using newly created 'cool' method
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vGeUFVJrUG8/100226115123.htm
Scientists -- using a new cooling method they created -- have uncovered the inner workings of a key iron-containing enzyme, a discovery that could help researchers develop new medicines or understand how enzymes repair DNA. Taurine/alpha-ketoglutarate dioxygenase, known as TauD, is a bacterial enzyme that is important in metabolism. Enzymes in this family repair DNA, sense oxygen and help produce antibiotics.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Hypnosis can help control pain among women with metastatic breast cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UtPXXwHrE0U/100226161430.htm
Hypnosis can help alleviate the pain and suffering experienced by women being treated for breast cancer, according to a new study.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Smoking significantly increases risk of aneurysm in people with certain genes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YHKuy1po4Nk/100226093207.htm
Researchers have confirmed three gene changes that raise the risk that a blood vessel in the brain will weaken and balloon out (aneurysm), creating a life-threatening chance of rupture. Smoking, the biggest risk factor for brain aneurysm, is five times more dangerous in people with these gene variations. However, a second study on the same population notes that most people with aneurysm die of cancer or heart problems.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Scanning for skin cancer: Infrared system looks for deadly melanoma
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xPlPkErFYNQ/100226093209.htm
Researchers have developed a noninvasive infrared scanning system to help doctors determine whether pigmented skin growths are benign moles or melanoma, a lethal form of cancer.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
New study casts doubt on link between chronic fatigue syndrome and human retrovirus XMRV
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wX1G6BFazZw/100225214803.htm
A new study casts doubt on recent claims that a human retrovirus known as XMRV is linked to chronic fatigue syndrome or ME (myalgic encephalitis).

Sat, 27 Feb 10
How to make French fries with less acrylamide
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8AnbFwJybxw/100226093406.htm
Researchers have developed a technique to to reduce acrylamide in French fries on an industrial scale. Acrylamide is a product that may cause cancer and was discovered in various foods.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Why symptoms of schizophrenia emerge in young adulthood
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wE_UukNe7SY/100225172336.htm
In reports of two new studies, researchers say they have identified the mechanisms rooted in two anatomical brain abnormalities that may explain the onset of schizophrenia and the reason symptoms don't develop until young adulthood. Both types of anatomical glitches are influenced by a gene known as DISC1, whose mutant form was first identified in a Scottish family with a strong history of schizophrenia and related mental disorders.

Sat, 27 Feb 10
Large Iceberg breaks off Antarctica's Mertz Glacier
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WUlV2U8N6gs/100226112732.htm
Scientists have discovered the calving of a large iceberg from Antarctica's Mertz Glacier. The iceberg -- 78 kilometres long with a surface area of roughly 2,500 square kilometres, about the size of Luxembourg -- broke off after being rammed by another iceberg, 97 kilometres long. The future position of the two giant icebergs will likely affect local ocean circulation, experts predict.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Quantum physics breakthrough: Scientists find an equation for materials innovation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mT03pE992KY/100225140904.htm
Engineers have made a breakthrough in an 80-year-old quandary in quantum physics, paving the way for the development of new materials that could make electronic devices smaller and cars more energy efficient.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Exploiting the body's own ability to fight a heart attack
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZSjnfzuPfdM/100225164847.htm
Scientists trying to find a way to better help patients protect themselves against harm from a heart attack are taking their cues from cardiac patients. The work on "ischemic preconditioning" mirrors a perplexing curiosity that physicians have long observed in their patients: When faced with a heart attack, people who have had a previous one oftentimes fare better than patients who have never had one.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Ancient DNA reveals caribou history linked to volcanic eruption
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/B-PA3Nu7NIE/100222200900.htm
DNA recovered from ancient caribou bones reveals a possible link between several small unique caribou herds and a massive volcanic eruption that blanketed much of the Alaskan Yukon territory in a thick layer of ash 1,000 years ago, researchers report.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Single-dose HIV DNA vaccine induces long-lasting immune response in monkeys
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/skS8A3JZDPo/100224171854.htm
For the first time researchers from the U.S. and abroad have shown a single-dose HIV DNA vaccine can induce a long-lasting HIV-specific immune response in nonhuman primates, a discovery that could prove significant in the development of HIV vaccines.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Near-frictionless diamond material created using nanotechnology
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/n58HkZQc1Bk/100225172332.htm
Mechanical engineers have fabricated an ultra sharp, diamond-like carbon tip possessing such high strength that it is 3,000 times more wear-resistant at the nanoscale than silicon. The end result is a diamond-like carbon material mass-produced at the nanoscale that doesn't wear.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
The mathematics behind a good night's sleep
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/HePbVx-VyQQ/100225122703.htm
A mathematics professor is using math to develop a new computer model that can be easily manipulated by other scientists and doctors to predict how different environmental, medical, or physical changes to a person's body will affect their sleep. Their model will also provide clues to the most basic dynamics of the sleep-wake cycle.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Does promiscuity prevent extinction?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3ysu1dW4y0s/100225122655.htm
Promiscuous females may be the key to a species' survival, according to new research. The study could solve the mystery of why females of most species have multiple mates, despite this being more risky for the individual.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Vitamin B3 shows early promise in treatment of stroke
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/rKwp93DhmlM/100224183111.htm
An early study suggests that vitamin B3 or niacin, a common water-soluble vitamin, may help improve neurological function after stroke. When rats with ischemic stroke were given niacin, their brains showed growth of new blood vessels, and sprouting of nerve cells which greatly improved neurological outcome. Now research is underway to investigate the effects of an extended-release form of niacin on stroke patients.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Stellar, metal-free way to make carbon nanotubes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LJV2G78vDvY/100224214434.htm
Space apparently has its own recipe for making carbon nanotubes, one of the most intriguing contributions of nanotechnology here on Earth, and metals are conspicuously missing from the list of ingredients.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Single-dose H5N1 vaccine safe and effective in adults and elderly
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/AqiSpWx6Xrs/100224171933.htm
Researchers from Hungary and the UK have developed a single-dose H5N1 influenza vaccine that induces a protective level of immunity against infection in healthy adult and elderly volunteers. The vaccine is the first single-dose regimen to be tested in elderly subjects and it fulfills all European Union and U.S. licensing criteria offering a promising influenza A virus vaccine candidate.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Going green in the hospital: Recycling medical equipment saves money, reduces waste and is safe
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/HpztNC8Tj_I/100224183113.htm
Wider adoption of the practice of recycling medical equipment -- including laparoscopic ports and durable cutting tools typically tossed out after a single use -- could save hospitals hundreds of millions of dollars annually and curb trash at medical centers, the second-largest waste producers in the United States after the food industry.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Childhood stress such as abuse or emotional neglect can result in structural brain changes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dzAVM5SU55I/100225122705.htm
New research using magnetic resonance imaging shows that childhood stress such as abuse or emotional neglect, in particular when combined with genetic factors, can result in structural brain changes, rendering these people more vulnerable to developing depression.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
First measurement of the age of cometary material
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KX18TcvAQ3U/100225164851.htm
Though comets are thought to be some of the oldest, most primitive bodies in the solar system, new research on comet Wild 2 indicates that inner solar system material was transported to the comet-forming region at least 1.7 million years after the formation of the oldest solar system solids.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Effective prostate cancer treatment discovery
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nH8GIaVBLd8/100225172338.htm
Biomedical scientists have identified a new way to treat castrate resistant cells in prostate cancer sufferers.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Long-reigning microbe controlling ocean nitrogen shares the throne
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7vGzCWk2-Do/100225164855.htm
Marine scientists long believed that a microbe called Trichodesmium, a member of a group called the cyanobacteria, reigned over the ocean's nitrogen budget.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
New cancer-fighting strategy focuses on signaling molecules
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/keyayYiZuy4/100224183117.htm
Cancer researchers studying the immune system have identified a previously unrecognized set of targets and biomarkers to battle solid tumors.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
The safe way to use one Internet password
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/uhDEcxk884w/100225091348.htm
A little-used Internet authentication system from the 1980s could provide the answer for enabling web users to securely sign in only once per Internet session, an Australian researcher has found.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Wii video games may help stroke patients improve motor function
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mbQ6YGxbyg4/100225164849.htm
The use of virtual reality Wii game technology holds the promise as a safe and feasible way to help patients recovering from stroke improve their motor function. Researchers said it's too early to recommend it as standard stroke rehabilitative therapy.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Natural 'magnetometer' in upper beak of birds?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VEArXbr0yys/100223101419.htm
Neurobiologists show similar structural candidates for a magnetoreceptor in different bird species.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Nanotechnology tackles the two biggest problems associated with chemotherapy
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/l2R7fFFBjdw/100225151924.htm
Nanoscale chemistry experts have developed a nanotechnology approach that potentially could eliminate the problems of side effects and drug resistance in the treatment of cancer. Under traditional chemotherapy, cancer cells, like bacteria, can develop resistance to drug therapy, leading to a relapse of the disease.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Road transportation emerges as key driver of warming in new analysis from NASA
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/HZ4HLjxnmvw/100224214653.htm
For decades, climatologists have studied the gases and particles that have potential to alter Earth's climate. They have discovered and described certain airborne chemicals that can trap incoming sunlight and warm the climate, while others cool the planet by blocking the Sun's rays. Now a new study offers a more intuitive way to understand what's changing the Earth's climate. Rather than analyzing impacts by chemical species, scientists have analyzed the climate impacts by different economic sectors.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Innate immune mechanisms can control disease progression in HIV-positive patients
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/j4asHmxPnn0/100224205834.htm
A new study by researchers in Spain shows that dendritic cells in HIV positive patients who spontaneously control the infection produce high levels of alpha-defensins. Results show that cells from these patients produce higher levels of alpha-defensins than the non-infected ones. This reveals a better control of HIV and slower disease progression. The study of patients, especially elite controllers, is relevant since these individuals demonstrate that natural control of HIV without therapy is possible.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
No signal heard during first day of resumed listening for Phoenix Mars Lander
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/esKGWLRlulI/100225101657.htm
NASA's Mars Odyssey began a second campaign Feb. 22 to check on whether the Phoenix Mars Lander has revived itself after the northern Martian winter. The orbiter received no signal from the lander during the first 10 overflights of this campaign.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Treadmill training could help tots walk
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cK8FbJni0X4/100222182155.htm
Using a treadmill could help infants with prenatal complications or who were injured at birth walk earlier and better, according to researchers.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Internal Metronome: Brain implant reveals neural patterns of attention
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1IsIfbLd6hQ/100224132457.htm
A paralyzed patient implanted with a brain-computer interface device has allowed scientists to determine the relationship between brain waves and attention. Characteristic activity patterns known as beta and delta oscillations have been observed in various regions of the brain since the early 20th century, and have been theoretically associated with attention. The unique opportunity to record from human motor cortex allowed researchers to investigate this relationship more thoroughly than ever before.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Novel antitoxin strategy developed using 'tagged binding agents'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UX-YYHb7Dio/100225091346.htm
A study involving the world's deadliest substance has yielded a new strategy to clear toxins from the body -- which may lead to more efficient strategies against toxins that may be used in a bioterrorist event, as well as snake bites, scorpion stings, and even some important chronic diseases.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Computer models show how skyborne seawater particles change cloud brightness, temperature, rain patterns
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/u4e3GDSZjS0/100219115353.htm
Ships blowing off steam are helping researchers understand how human-made particles might be useful against global warming. New results from modeling clouds like those seen in shipping lanes reveal the complex interplay between aerosols, the prevailing weather and even the time of day the aerosol particles hit the air, according to new research.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Obesity and physical inactivity poses arthritis risk, especially for women
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8wRTaejAm5Q/100225082438.htm
Researchers have noted a higher prevalence of arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitations in the US versus the Canadian population. The authors attribute the higher prevalence of arthritis and AAL to a greater level of obesity and physical inactivity in Americans, particularly women.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
NASA breaks ground on new deep space network antennas
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NQJ9Bze9Z-0/100225101853.htm
NASA officials broke ground near Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 22, beginning a new antenna-building campaign to improve Deep Space Network communications.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Could a new UN resolution end doctors' participation in torture?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GHPfU1cDYhA/100225214808.htm
A new UN resolution has the potential to fight torture and cruelty, say experts.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Interactions between species: Powerful driving force behind evolution?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QQu1cMh2BAk/100225091344.htm
Scientists in the UK have provided the first experimental evidence that shows that evolution is driven most powerfully by interactions between species, rather than adaptation to the environment.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Intracranial stenting, injecting clot-busting drugs directly to brain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/E-FTd_PeT5w/100225101216.htm
Placing stents in the brain and injecting clot-busting drugs directly to the brain had better success rates for acute ischemic stroke than other treatments. There was no excess risk of hemorrhage from either of the two treatments, according to a new study.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
As Skiers Go Down, Moguls Migrate Up
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8Ya-uaMFPVs/100225220348.htm
Gravity always wins, one might think. Avalanches roar and skiers plunge inexorably downhill. But moguls -- or bumps, as skiers know them -- move uphill.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Avosentan reduces proteinuria but causes serious side effects
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/u1TJ9iJOxTc/100218173120.htm
The drug avosentan substantially reduces urinary protein loss in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, but the drug causes serious side effects, according to a new study. The results suggest that lower doses of avosentan may have a more favorable risk/benefit ratio for patients.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
The Philippines triples its rice yield
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Lu7N6p8jzfA/100219102209.htm
In the last 50 years, the Philippines has more than tripled its rice yield, while the world average rice yield has increased only about 2.3 times.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Mother's sensitivity may help language growth in children with autism spectrum disorder
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/OXANvAFtNLU/100225101224.htm
A new study shows that maternal sensitivity may influence language development among children who go on to develop autism. Understanding the benefits of sensitive structuring in the development of language among young children with emergent autism provides scientific support for early intervention programs that focus on parent-child interactions.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
The bigger the animal, the stiffer the 'shoes': Carnivores' feet 'tuned' to their body size
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bMIUeM1EIBI/100224132507.htm
If a Tiger's feet were built the same way as a mongoose's feet, they'd have to be about the size of a hippo's feet to support the big cat's weight. But they're not.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Prozac and Celexa exhibit anti-inflammatory effects
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hE8i--mX7us/100225082441.htm
A new study found that fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) treatment significantly inhibited disease progression of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Researchers studied the anti-arthritic potential of these drugs, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors most commonly used to treat depression.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Nouns and verbs are learned in different parts of the brain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LNe-OTHMEJM/100225084640.htm
Two Spanish psychologists and a German neurologist have recently shown that the brain that activates when a person learns a new noun is different from the part used when a verb is learnt. The scientists observed this using brain images taken using functional magnetic resonance.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Patients who have colonoscopy performed by gastroenterologists less likely to develop colorectal cancer, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/T4YzSM7eYpA/100223100657.htm
Following a negative complete colonoscopy, those who had their colonoscopies at a hospital and had their procedures performed by a non-gastroenterologist may be at a significantly increased risk of developing subsequent colorectal cancer.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Idea of restoring 'natural systems' misses mark as response to climate change challenges, expert argues
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/stwxeUexYsU/100219115346.htm
Approaches to formulating geoengineering solutions to global environmental challenges such as climate change are often too one-dimensional, an Arizona expert argues. They fail to move beyond a technical framework and deal with the many societal, cultural and ethical issues that will arise in any large-scale efforts to alter or counteract atmospheric and climate conditions, he says.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Rwandan Genocide Survivors Provide New Insights Into Resilience and PTSD
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dSfkwK8zoCo/100225084638.htm
The 1994 genocide in Rwanda resulted in the mass killing of up to one million people over the course of about 100 days. There can be no doubt or surprise then that some of the survivors developed posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, an anxiety disorder that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatizing event, such as abuse, war, or natural disaster. However, even under stress as extreme as genocide, not all individuals develop PTSD. Why is it that some do and some don't?

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Optical system promises to revolutionize undersea communications
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GxLSvDyQOl4/100224132459.htm
In a technological advance that its developers are likening to the cell phone and wireless Internet access, scientists and engineers have devised an undersea optical communications system that -- complemented by acoustics -- enables a virtual revolution in high-speed undersea data collection and transmission.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Why BPA leached from 'safe' plastics may damage health of female offspring
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GzXdZY1VsZ0/100225101220.htm
Here's more evidence that "safe" plastics are not as safe as once presumed: New research suggests that exposure to bisphenol A during pregnancy leads to epigenetic changes that may cause permanent reproduction problems for female offspring. BPA, a common component of plastics used to contain food, is a type of estrogen that is ubiquitous in the environment.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Woman gives birth to two healthy babies in separate pregnancies after ovarian transplant
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xGVS0QQG2h0/100224102220.htm
For the first time, a woman has given birth to two children in two separate pregnancies after her fertility was restored using transplants of ovarian tissue that had been removed and frozen during her cancer treatment and then restored once she was cured.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Combined drug therapy to treat TB and HIV significantly improves survival
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wTJRyp949ro/100225091340.htm
Initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) during tuberculosis therapy significantly reduced mortality rates by 56 percent in a randomized clinical trial of 642 patients co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis. The study, which provides further impetus for the integration of TB and HIV services, lays to rest the controversy on whether co-infected patients should initiate ART during or after TB treatment.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Second hydrocarbon boom threatens the Peruvian Amazon, researchers say
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iDpZ8sEDnbQ/100218092856.htm
A rapid and unprecedented proliferation of oil and gas concessions threatens the megadiverse Peruvian Amazon. The amount of area leased is on track to reach around 70% of the region, threatening biodiversity and indigenous people. Researchers have documented the full history of hydrocarbon activities in the region and made projections about expected levels of activity in the near future.

Fri, 26 Feb 10
Taxing unhealthy foods may encourage healthier eating habits
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_E8HRBJarA4/100224142046.htm
A recent study found that taxing unhealthy food reduces the amount of calories purchased more than subsidizing healthy foods.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Surprise! Neural mechanism may underlie an enhanced memory for the unexpected
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/U1Fc7edgCrs/100224132451.htm
The human brain excels at using past experiences to make predictions about the future. However, the world around us is constantly changing, and new events often violate our logical expectations. Researchers have discovered that unexpected stimuli enhanced an early and a late electrical potential in the hippocampus and the late signal was associated with a memory for the unexpected picture.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Suffocating head lice works in new treatment
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/F3b4uXUxxPE/100224083052.htm
A new non-neurotoxic treatment for head lice has been found to have an average of 91.2 percent treatment success rate after one week, and to be safe in humans from six months of age and up.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Brightest star-forming region in Small Magellanic Cloud
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dZHNFh8yjfM/100224102237.htm
Astronomers have taken a dramatic new image of NGC 346, the brightest star-forming region in our neighboring galaxy, the Small Magellanic Cloud, 210,000 light-years away towards the constellation of Tucana (the Toucan). The light, wind and heat given off by massive stars have dispersed the glowing gas within and around this star cluster, forming a surrounding wispy nebular structure that looks like a cobweb.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Children can have recurrent strokes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7vkYt4KjuO0/100224183115.htm
Children can have strokes, and the strokes can recur, usually within a month, according to pediatric researchers. Unfortunately, the strokes often go unrecognized the first time, and the child does not receive treatment before the recurrence.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
NASA unveils new space-weather science tool
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Hf0546nJzFg/100223161837.htm
When NASA's satellite operators need accurate, real-time space-weather information, they turn to the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) of the Space Weather Laboratory at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The CCMC's newest and most advanced space-weather science tool is the Integrated Space Weather Analysis system.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Single men, unhappily married men may have higher risk of fatal stroke
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/142_-0yXLMQ/100224151146.htm
Single men and unhappily married men may face a higher risk of fatal stroke in later decades compared to happily married men. The data were taken from interviews done in Israel in the 1960s and follow-up through 1997. It did not include women.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Torn apart by its own tides, massive planet is on a 'death march'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tCnUoWXWMi0/100224165221.htm
Astrophysicists have determined that a massive planet outside our Solar System is being distorted and destroyed by its host star -- a finding that helps explain the unexpectedly large size of the planet, WASP-12b. It's a discovery that not only explains what's happening to WASP-12b; it also means scientists have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to observe how a planet enters this final stage of its life.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Potential rehabilitation following 'mini stroke'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-8jwOHvEgSY/100224102224.htm
Researchers found that a modified version of cardiac rehabilitation was effective at reducing some symptoms of stroke in just six weeks following a transient ischemic attack (TIA) often referred to as "mini strokes." No post-TIA regimen exists to help prevent future strokes -- something that researchers say needs to change.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Laser surgery technique gets new life in art restoration
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/AmkAJbtl1_w/100224132641.htm
A laser technique best known for its use to remove unwanted tattoos from the skin is finding a second life in preserving great sculptures, paintings and other works of art. The technique, called laser ablation, involves removing material from a solid surface by vaporizing the material with a laser beam.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Urine protein test might help diagnose kidney damage from lupus
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/v086YFDQ0DU/100216101208.htm
Simple urine tests for four proteins might be able to detect early kidney disease in people with lupus, researchers have found in an animal study.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Biotech, nanotech and synthetic biology roles in future food supply explored
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Fa5K72iRtvc/100221143238.htm
Some say the world's population will swell to 9 billion people by 2030, presenting significant challenges for agriculture to provide enough food to meet demand. Scientists explore ways biotechnology could provide healthy and plentiful animal-based foods to meet future demands.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
TV ads may be more effective if we pay less attention
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/J2LQ1EDMKgo/100224134145.htm
Viewers pay less attention to creative television adverts, shows new research from the UK, but may make themselves more vulnerable to the advertiser's message.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Genetic link between misery and death discovered; novel strategy probes 'genetic haystack'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tZUf8Hpl0wE/100224151150.htm
Researchers have discovered what they describe as a biochemical link between misery and death, and in addition found a specific genetic variation that seems to break that link. Additionally, they have developed a computer model of gene-environment interactions to more efficiently probe the "genetic haystack."

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Drug delivery breakthrough: Vehicle that can carry drugs to a specific organelle inside the cell
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/W2GhFf_8dh4/100224134327.htm
A team of scientists has got a step closer to one of the holy grails of drug delivery. The goal -- to find a vehicle that can carry drugs not just to a specific cell but a specific organ (organelle) inside the cell, and accurately measure how it behaves when it gets there -- has proved elusive despite two decades of research.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
More frequent fires could aid ecosystems
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Kf1JOXweirg/100224132735.htm
With a changing climate there's a good chance that forest fires in the Pacific Northwest will become larger and more frequent -- and according to one expert speaking today at a professional conference, that's just fine. It will ultimately be good for forest health.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Clot-busting drugs effective in patients with unwitnessed strokes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KHZ6AYw5gwM/100224132455.htm
When stroke symptom onset is unknown, basing emergency clot-busting treatment on the time patients were last seen normal may be beneficial. Clot-busting drugs are only recommended for stroke patients within three to 4.5 hours of symptom onset.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Chemical element 112 is officially named 'Copernicium'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/aMsw3x2t6_k/100224102231.htm
The heaviest recognized chemical element with the atomic number 112 was discovered at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung and -- since February 19, 2010, -- officially carries the name copernicium and the chemical symbol "Cn". The name was approved and officially announced today by the international union for chemistry IUPAC. The name "Copernicium" honors scientist and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Psychiatry's main method to prevent mistaken diagnoses of depression doesn't work: study
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ahbadFgUrvw/100224132651.htm
A new empirically challenges the effectiveness of psychiatrists' official diagnostic manual in preventing mistaken, false-positive diagnoses of depression.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
African pygmy mice: Females are XY ... researchers find out why
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/5d5MVaU2nEw/100224134147.htm
In a great majority of cases, the Y chromosome determines sex in mammals. The African pygmy mouse M. minutoides is an exception to this rule. In this species, which is a close relative of the house mouse, it is the X chromosome that determines sex. Researchers in France have just identified this unexpected case of sex determination. These scientists have demonstrated a particular chromosomal rearrangement on the X chromosome of this mouse. This work should provide a clearer understanding of how classic sex determination functions in mammals.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Research builds on genetic link to autism and schizophrenia
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zTP3uyFkyME/100224133717.htm
A genetic link between schizophrenia and autism is enabling researchers to study the effectiveness of drugs used to treat both illnesses.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Asteroid astronomers get unprecedented amount of telescope time
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wHcTFNrp1HM/100224134143.htm
UK planetary science will be among those to benefit from an exceptional award of 82 nights of European Southern Observatory (ESO) telescope time made to an international team of astronomers. The team will study how near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) react to a phenomenon known as the YORP effect.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
New tool developed to help guide pancreatic cyst treatment
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Egp1pPKY6Eo/100224132505.htm
A research team has developed an evaluation tool to help guide asymptomatic pancreatic cyst treatment. The tool takes into account overall health, age, cyst size, surgical risk and patients' views about quality of life.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Toxicity of antimicrobial silver in products can be reduced
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/pE_5Qs8357k/100224102235.htm
Chemists in Finland have managed to manufacture new polymer-stabilized silver nanoparticles. The result is significant because the antimicrobial characteristics of silver are used in textiles, floor coatings and paints even though the impact on health of silver nanoparticles are not entirely known. Researchers now think that exposure to silver can be reduced by chemically binding the nanoparticles to polymers.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Technology and culture determine our view of the brain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iBZrZ9wr31A/100212210216.htm
What does the brain look like? What do we really know about our brains? For centuries, we’ve been telling ourselves time and again that we now have an objective view of our brains. However, objectivity depends on technological developments, human actions and social and cultural factors, to name but a few.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
More tropical cyclones in past could play role in warmer future
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LWKObCN_KZ4/100224165225.htm
More frequent tropical cyclones in Earth's ancient past contributed to persistent El Niño-like conditions, according to a team of climate scientists. Their findings could have implications for the planet's future as global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Total fat, trans fat linked to higher incidence of ischemic stroke
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/JyJDJ5Btg9A/100224165217.htm
Post-menopausal women who ate the most daily dietary fat had a 40 percent higher incidence of ischemic stroke compared to those who consumed the least. In addition, high trans fat consumption was associated with a 30 percent increase in the incidence of stroke caused by blockages in the brain.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
More evidence on benefits of high blood pressure drugs in diabetic eye disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WVsNoZzTF2E/100224132647.htm
Scientists in Massachusetts are reporting new evidence that certain high blood pressure drugs may be useful in preventing and treating diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. The study, the largest to date on proteins in the retina, could lead to new ways to prevent or treat the sight-threatening disease, they say.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
HIV drug resistance lasts about one year in women treated with nevirapine to prevent infant infection, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ocy5x8adTE0/100215201559.htm
A new study confirms that a single dose of nevirapine (sdNVP) can lead to HIV treatment failure in women who receive the drug to prevent transmission of the AIDS virus to their infants. However, the increased risk of failure could only be detected in women who began full HIV treatment within about a year after receiving sdNVP.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Deluge of scientific data needs to be curated for long-term use
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iYhltNuQLgQ/100224132503.htm
A professor of library and information science says that data curation -- the active and ongoing management of data through their lifecycle of interest to science -- is an important part of supporting and advancing scientific research.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
2010 Winter Olympics case study: Confronting infectious disease threats at large-scale international events
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ooLtc4vAXF0/100224132739.htm
Integrating real-time Internet-based infectious disease surveillance with knowledge of worldwide air traffic patterns could help in confronting infectious disease threats at mass gatherings, such as the Olympics and other large scale events, suggests a new article.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Genes responsible for ability to recognize faces
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/j4wxUpQLDi4/100222161845.htm
The ability to recognize faces is largely determined by your genes, according to new research. Scientists found that identical twins were twice as similar to each other in terms of their ability to recognize faces, compared to non-identical twins. Researchers also found that the genetic effects that allow people to recognize faces are linked to a highly specific mechanism in the brain, unrelated to other brain processes such as the ability to recognize words or abstract art.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Risk of stillbirth is four times higher after IVF/ICSI compared to spontaneous pregnancies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1lVofq2TAHQ/100223191922.htm
Women who become pregnant with a single fetus after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have an increased risk of a stillbirth, according to new research. The study of over 20,000 singleton pregnancies found a four-fold increased risk of stillbirths for women who had IVF/ICSI compared with women who conceived spontaneously or after fertility treatment that did not involve IVF or ICSI.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
First images from European Space Agency's water mission
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ybkCtwYR1ww/100223100708.htm
In less than four months since launch, the first calibrated images are being delivered by the European Space Agency's SMOS mission. These images of 'brightness temperature' translate into clear information on global variations of soil moisture and ocean salinity to advance our understanding of the water cycle.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Combined mammography and breast MRI useful for some high-risk women
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Ys09BnvcGlA/100223100702.htm
Annual breast cancer screening with both mammography and magnetic resonance imaging is likely to be a cost-effective way to improve life expectancy in women with an increased risk of breast cancer, according to a new study.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
When cars go to driving school
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YP1VCtBy6tI/100222095337.htm
Posh cars already learn how you like your seat and steering wheel adjusted. The next generation of cars may be smart enough to learn how you drive and warn you when you’re not driving safely.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Scientists find first physiological evidence of brain's response to inequality
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/24DunYKBjNg/100224132453.htm
The human brain is a big believer in equality -- and a team of scientists has become the first to gather the images to prove it. Specifically, the team found that the reward centers in the human brain respond more strongly when a poor person receives a financial reward than when a rich person does.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Modified adult stem cells may be helpful in spinal cord injury
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NcxzFQxPouY/100224103400.htm
Researchers have demonstrated in rats that transplanting genetically modified adult stem cells into an injured spinal cord can help restore the electrical pathways associated with movement.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Sound of melanoma: Ultrasound can help doctors find cancer more accurately
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/J-4PQGmEKKM/100223174604.htm
Researchers are studying how photoacoustics, or a laser-induced ultrasound, could help scientists locate the general area of the lymph node where melanoma cells could be residing. This new technology could help doctors identify the stage of melanoma with more accuracy.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
How estrogen can interfere with chemotherapy's fight against breast cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1RG-YdoHb-U/100223132017.htm
A new study looks at the ways in which estrogen can interfere with how chemotherapy does its job in destroying breast cancer cells.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Stressed nanomaterials display unexpected movement
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/M4KNb77e7bU/100223132019.htm
Researchers have discovered that, under the right conditions, newly developed nanocrystalline materials exhibit surprising activity in the tiny spaces between the geometric clusters of atoms called nanocrystals from which they are made.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Hospitalization linked to likelihood of cognitive decline for older adults
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/e69XyAEtkh0/100223161821.htm
Older patients hospitalized for acute care or a critical illness are more likely to experience cognitive decline compared to older adults who are not hospitalized, according to a new study.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Stem cells restore sight in mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/n5p82GmM-E4/100224132737.htm
Scientists have successfully used mouse embryonic stem cells to replace diseased retinal cells and restore sight in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. This strategy could potentially become a new treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, a leading cause of blindness that affects approximately one in 3,000 to 4,000 people, or 1.5 million people worldwide.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Gene mutation is linked to autism-like symptoms in mice, researchers find
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/RLIcccdLgkU/100223174547.htm
When a gene implicated in human autism is disabled in mice, the rodents show learning problems and obsessive, repetitive behaviors, researchers have found.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Temperature Trackers Watch Our Watery World Wax and Wane
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iXLwovJe_eQ/100223163004.htm
Climatologists have long known that human-produced greenhouse gases have been the dominant drivers of Earth's observed warming since the start of the Industrial Revolution. But other factors also affect our planet's temperature. Of these, the ocean plays a dominant role. Its effects helped nudge global temperatures slightly higher in 2009, and, according to NASA scientists, could well contribute to making 2010 the warmest year on record.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
New cardiac CT technology drastically reduces patient radiation exposure
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LI3JFfesapE/100223100704.htm
Researchers have determined that an imaging exam of the heart using the latest generation of CT technology exposes patients to as much as 91 percent less radiation than standard helical CT scanning.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Small family farms in tropics can feed the hungry and preserve biodiversity
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zkkpy2UwvFc/100222161858.htm
Conventional wisdom among many ecologists is that industrial-scale agriculture is the best way to produce lots of food while preserving biodiversity in the world's remaining tropical forests. But some researchers reject that idea and argue that small, family-owned farms may provide a better way to meet both goals.

Thu, 25 Feb 10
Liberals and atheists smarter? Intelligent people have values novel in human evolutionary history, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/JNZiFsJJCSU/100224132655.htm
Higher intelligence is associated with liberal political ideology, atheism, and men's (but not women's) preference for sexual exclusivity. More intelligent people are statistically more likely to exhibit social values and religious and political preferences that are novel to human evolution. Specifically, liberalism and atheism, and for men (but not women), preference for sexual exclusivity correlate with higher intelligence, a new study finds.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
New dinosaur discovered head first, for a change
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ml4bmVeBd3Q/100223161829.htm
Paleontologists have discovered a new dinosaur species that they've named Abydosaurus. The discovery includes the rare recovery of four sauropod skulls.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Damaged protein identified as early diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gaQ7M6WrYok/100223161833.htm
Researchers have found that elevated cerebrospinal fluid levels of phosphorylated tau231, a damaged tau protein found in patients with Alzheimer's disease, may be an early diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease in healthy adults.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Stitching together 'lab-on-a-chip' devices with cotton thread and sewing needles
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ONqaES6mdh8/100218125522.htm
Scientists are reporting the first use of ordinary cotton thread and sewing needles to literally stitch together a microfluidic analytical device -- microscopic technology that can transport fluids for medical tests and other purposes in a lab-on-a-chip. The chips shrink room-sized diagnostic testing equipment down to the size of a postage stamp, and promise revolutionary applications in medicine, environmental sensing, and other areas.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Arsenic exposure activates an oncogenic signaling pathway; leads to increased cancer risk
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1uThr6jfkPQ/100223132010.htm
Researchers have found a new oncogenic signaling pathway by which the environmental toxin arsenic may lead to adverse health effects, including bladder cancer.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Quantum leap for phonon lasers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QYcyDJnWGSU/100222094759.htm
Physicists have taken major step forward in the development of practical phonon lasers, which emit sound in much the same way that optical lasers emit light. The development should lead to new, high-resolution imaging devices and medical applications. Just as optical lasers have been incorporated into countless, ubiquitous devices, a phonon laser is likely to be critical to a host of as yet unimaginable applications.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Belief in a caring god improves response to medical treatment for depression, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WLlK912SaSw/100223132021.htm
In patients diagnosed with clinical depression, belief in a concerned god can improve response to medical treatment, according to a new paper.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Cassini finds plethora of plumes, hotspots on Saturn's moon Enceladus
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XfSma8VxVD4/100223162707.htm
Newly released images from last November's swoop over Saturn's icy moon Enceladus by NASA's Cassini spacecraft reveal a forest of new jets spraying from prominent fractures crossing the south polar region and yield the most detailed temperature map to date of one fracture.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Virus hybridization could create pandemic bird flu
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jgOd_e1HPXY/100222161841.htm
Genetic interactions between avian H5N1 influenza and human seasonal influenza viruses have the potential to create hybrid strains combining the virulence of bird flu with the pandemic ability of H1N1, according to a new study.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Crickets 'forewarn' unborn babies about spiders
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PKMFAILX1k8/100217114703.htm
Just because cricket moms abandon their eggs before they hatch doesn't mean they don't pass wisdom along to their babies. New research shows that crickets can warn their unborn babies about potential predator threats.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Changes during menopause increases risk of heart disease and stroke
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BvAYKK7_d68/100223132015.htm
Around the time of menopause, studies have shown the threat for heart disease intensifies drastically and detecting cardiovascular disease in women is very difficult.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Geologists look for answers in Antarctica: Did ice exist at equator some 300 million years ago?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kgyVJPn62pU/100223154346.htm
Focusing on a controversial hypothesis that ice existed at the equator some 300 million years ago during the late Paleozoic Period, researchers have begun a project in search of clues to Earth's climate system.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Stress hormone, depression trigger obesity in girls, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/j1mG1CN7bX8/100223154342.htm
Depression raises stress hormone levels in adolescent boys and girls but may lead to obesity only in girls, according to researchers. Early treatment of depression could help reduce stress and control obesity -- a major health issue.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Scientists create tiny RNA molecule with big implications for life's origins
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/9RVsLDi9M4U/100222162009.htm
An extremely small RNA molecule created by scientists can catalyze a key reaction needed to synthesize proteins, the building blocks of life. The findings could be a substantial step toward understanding "the very origin of earthly life," the lead researcher contends.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Oral cancer study shows full tumor genome; novel method speeds analysis for individualized medicine
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zVJTjySMq6Y/100223101426.htm
Researchers are reporting on the application of a new approach for sequencing RNA to study cancer tumors.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Fungal fumes clear out crop pests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BiKeuLaxGAI/100219102212.htm
A cocktail of compounds emitted by the beneficial fungus Muscodor albus may offer a biologically based way to fumigate certain crops and rid them of destructive pests.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Overweight middle-aged adults at greater risk for cognitive decline in later life
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-tETUQCniyY/100223154344.htm
The adverse affects of being overweight are not limited to physical function but also extend to neurological function, according to new research.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Americans favor conservation, but few practice it
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/h0ybFyueRmo/100216113559.htm
Most Americans like the idea of conservation, but few practice it in their everyday lives, according to the results of a national survey.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Strategies help clinicians say 'no' to inappropriate treatment requests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SCRRMyj254Q/100222161850.htm
Clinicians may use one of several approaches to deny patient requests for an inappropriate treatment while preserving the physician-patient relationship, according to a new report.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
DNA sequencing unlocks evolutionary origins, relationships among flowering plants
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bzZjH3gi3DI/100223161831.htm
The origins of flowering plants from peas to oak trees are now in clearer focus. A new study unravels 100 million years of evolution through an extensive analysis of plant genomes. It targets one of the major moments in plant evolution, when the ancestors of most of the world's flowering plants split into two major groups.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
What it might take to unravel the 'lean mean machine' that is cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XzY8a2xjk6o/100223100712.htm
Scientists in Australia have published a new paper describing gene expression in a prostate cancer cell: more sweeping, more targeted and more complex than we could ever have imagined, even five years ago. The study shows that changes within the prostate cancer cell "epigenome" (biochemical processes that target DNA and affect gene expression) alter the expression of many genes, silencing their expression within large regions of DNA -- nearly 3 percent of the cell's genome.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Barents Sea: An effective ocean cooler
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/9ba-XdJ9oco/100219102736.htm
Stronger ocean currents have transported more heat to the Barents Sea over the last years. Despite this extra heat, the mean temperature has only increased modestly. The reason is a stronger heat loss caused by more open water during wintertime.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Enzyme deficiency protects hepatitis C patients from treatment-related anemia
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GvhL7sHaTUk/100221143232.htm
Many people who undergo treatment for hepatitis C develop hemolytic anemia, a disorder that destroys red blood cells. In some cases, it is so severe they have to reduce their medication or stop therapy altogether. But now, scientists have discovered two genetic alterations linked to a benign enzyme condition that keep some patients anemia-free.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
World-class protection boosts Australia's Great Barrier Reef
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/9hWitaCpD80/100222100815.htm
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is showing an extraordinary range of benefits from the network of protected marine reserves introduced there five years ago, according to a comprehensive new study published.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Lower-cost hospital care is not always lower in quality
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kndu47zRyD0/100222161852.htm
The costs that hospitals incur in treating patients vary widely and do not appear to be strongly associated either with the quality of care patients receive or their risk of dying within 30 days, according to a new report.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Protein study shows evolutionary link between plants, humans
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vKffmiz_fOQ/100216114030.htm
Inserting a human protein important in cancer development was able to revive dying plants, showing an evolutionary link between plants and humans and possibly making it easier to study the protein's function in cancer development, a new study has shown.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Remember magnesium if you want to remember: Synthetic supplement improves memory and staves off age-related memory loss
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/R6K3mpGQGPo/100222162011.htm
Researchers have found that a new synthetic magnesium compound works on both young and aging animals to enhance memory or prevent its impairment. Their study was carried out over a five-year period and has significant implications for the use of over-the-counter magnesium supplements.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Engineer creates unique software that predicts stem cell fate
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_kHBBgN38AY/100216163527.htm
A completely novel approach to analyzing time-lapse images of live stem cell behaviors has yielded a tool for successfully predicting outcomes of stem and progenitor cells. It will allow scientists to search for mechanisms that control stem cell specialization, the main obstacle in advancing the use of stem cell therapy for treatment of disease.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Benefit of HPV vaccination, frequent screening for women over 41 is likely to be low, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZuRk52kvIic/100215173958.htm
The overall potential benefits of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations or frequent HPV screenings for women over the age of 41 are low, concludes a new study. The study found that the rate of new infections preventable by vaccination declines with age. Furthermore, new infections among women at any age typically do not progress to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN 2) or CIN 3, the precursors for cervical cancer.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Neighborhood grids promise energy gains
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/N6enk2zAk2Q/100222095339.htm
Researchers are creating technology that will treat neighborhoods like a miniature power grid, sharing energy generated at each house according to need. Allied to a host of other developments, the concept promises huge energy savings.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
In schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, life is not black and white
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/fsbRAWO7HjA/100204101726.htm
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect 10s of millions of individuals around the world. These disorders have a typical onset in the early 20s and in most cases have a chronic or recurring course. Neither disorder has an objective biological marker than can be used to make diagnoses or to guide treatment.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Grizzly bears move into polar bear habitat in Manitoba, Canada
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Ubk-NQtmDEQ/100223121439.htm
Grizzly bears are moving into an area along the Hudson Bay that is traditionally inhabited by polar bears, and the sightings of grizzly bears are increasing in frequency.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Protecting the brain from Huntington's disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/D1K3zbaFGfY/100223101428.htm
Huntington's disease (HD) is a cruel, hereditary condition that leads to physical and mental deterioration and eventually, death. HD sufferers are born with the disease although they don't show symptoms until late in life. In a new study, researchers identified a protective pathway in the brain that may explain why symptoms take so long to appear.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Better snowfall forecasting
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Kds-x7RXk8I/100222081921.htm
Scientists have developed an easier way for meteorologists to predict snowfall amounts and density -- fluffy powder or wet cement. The method has been adopted by the National Weather Service for use throughout Utah -- and could be adjusted for use anywhere.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Dermatology: Watching immune cell movement to and from the skin
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/JsfGhUOXiDA/100222213330.htm
Immune cells known as Tregs have an important role in preventing other immune cells from attacking the cells of our body and causing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. A team of researchers in Japan has now used mice engineered to express the photoconvertible fluorescence protein Kaede, which changes from green to red when exposed to violet light, to track Treg movement under physiologic conditions and during immune responses in the skin.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Material tested could guarantee body protheses for more than 150 years
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Vo9c_3vFH8U/100223101430.htm
Current body prostheses do not last more than 10-15 years. After this time, the operation has to be repeated in order to change prosthesis. It is usually problematic as, in general, it is elderly people that use the procedure. New research from Spain may well mean the first step to solving this problem.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Science of Hollywood blockbusters
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/uzgDjvOaL-4/100223121435.htm
There is something about the rhythm and texture of early cinema that has a very different "feel" than modern films. But it's hard to put one's finger on just what that something is. New research may help explain this elusive quality.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
New photonic material may facilitate all-optical switching and computing
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/aA73Ma4WAh8/100223121437.htm
A class of molecules whose size, structure and chemical composition have been optimized for photonic use could provide the demanding combination of properties needed to serve as the foundation for low-power, high-speed all-optical signal processing.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Bitter melon extract decreased breast cancer cell growth
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7uFae-BJUPM/100223131956.htm
Bitter melon extract, a common dietary supplement, exerts a significant effect against breast cancer cell growth and may eventually become a chemopreventive agent against this form of cancer, according to results of a recent study.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Seamount scientists offer new comprehensive view of deep-sea mountains
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/37o0UefkFoQ/100222162013.htm
Lying beneath the ocean is spectacular terrain ranging from endless chains of mountains and isolated peaks to fiery volcanoes and black smokers exploding with magma and other minerals from below Earth's surface. This mountainous landscape, some of which surpasses Mt. Everest heights and the marine life it supports, is the spotlight of a special edition of the research journal Oceanography.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Startling new childhood asthma data
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/85LaTe3JTbg/100223101417.htm
Researchers report that asthma, a largely manageable and chronic disease, is on the rise in America. Newly released data reveal the magnitude of the asthma crisis, the surging cost of treatment, and the more than 1 million children with asthma who are uninsured.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Killing in the name of conservation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mXBqA4co5Dw/100222104943.htm
Thanks to the introduction of various non-native species to Australia throughout history, the country is overrun with feral animals. A new application developed by ecologists aims to improve the success of wildlife managers tasked with eradicating such problems.

Wed, 24 Feb 10
Do recreational drugs make us fail to remember?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GEb9binC4c8/100223100659.htm
Have you ever forgotten to post an important letter or let an appointment slip your mind? A new study from UK researchers suggests that for those who regularly use ecstasy or other recreational drugs, this kind of memory lapse is more common. Their research uncovered potential links between memory deficits and cocaine for the first time.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Brain system behind general intelligence discovered
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mXJs-ZkWJEU/100222161843.htm
Neuroscientists have mapped the brain structures that affect general intelligence. The study adds new insight to a highly controversial question: what is intelligence, and how can we measure it?

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Dry winters linked to seasonal outbreaks of influenza
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/C-ruLG4k8aY/100222200847.htm
The seasonal increase of influenza has long baffled scientists, but a new study has found that seasonal changes of absolute humidity are the apparent underlying cause of these wintertime peaks. The study also found that the onset of outbreaks might be encouraged by anomalously dry weather conditions, at least in temperate regions.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Hazardous e-waste surging in developing countries
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1A2xaD_FvYI/100222081911.htm
Unless action is stepped up to properly collect and recycle materials, many developing countries face the specter of fast-rising hazardous e-waste mountains this coming decade with serious consequences for the environment and public health, according to experts.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Further doubt cast on virus link to chronic fatigue syndrome
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QL2FVdpb1c8/100216142328.htm
Researchers investigating UK samples have found no association between the controversial xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus and chronic fatigue syndrome. Their study calls into question a potential link described late last year by an American research team.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Biogas climate benefit greater than previously thought?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QrFImX3wlRU/100218092611.htm
Biogas from refuse produces 95 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, according to a new research report. With a few simple improvements to the biogas plants, the figure can rise to 120 per cent -- i.e. biogas becomes more than climate neutral. This can be compared with the standard figures used today, which indicate that biogas produces 80 per cent lower emissions than gasoline.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Internal and environmental factors trigger unique brain activity in teens
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/pwL3iwGXYAs/100222121632.htm
While the otherworldly behavior of teenagers is well documented, researchers have taken a significant step toward finally unraveling the actual brain activity that can drive adolescents to engage in impulsive, self-indulgent, or self-destructive behavior.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Mouse with human liver: New model for treatment of liver disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ovLwzLvnFxM/100222182144.htm
How do you study -- and try to cure in the laboratory -- an infection that only humans can get? A team of researchers does it by generating a mouse with an almost completely human liver. This "humanized" mouse is susceptible to human liver infections and responds to human drug treatments, providing a new way to test novel therapies for debilitating human liver diseases and other diseases with liver involvement such as malaria.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Typhoid fever bacteria collect on gallstones to perpetuate disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WXXa6eS9yiw/100222162004.htm
A new study suggests that the bacteria that cause typhoid fever collect in tiny but persistent communities on gallstones, making the infection particularly hard to fight in so-called "carriers" -- people who have the disease but show no symptoms. Humans who harbor these bacterial communities in their gallbladders, even without symptoms, are able to infect others with active typhoid fever, especially in developing areas of the world with poor sanitation.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Missing 'ice arches' contributed to 2007 Arctic ice loss
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7Rxug43-uPM/100219164337.htm
In 2007, the Arctic lost a massive amount of thick, multiyear sea ice, contributing to that year's record-low extent of Arctic sea ice. A new NASA-led study has found that the record loss that year was due in part to the absence of "ice arches," naturally-forming, curved ice structures that span the openings between two land points. These arches block sea ice from being pushed by winds or currents through narrow passages and out of the Arctic basin.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Canecutter's disease on the rise among travelers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/165tglmRqZw/100216101324.htm
Scientists have discovered the disease, known medically as leptospirosis, was traditionally a concern for males working in the agricultural and livestock industries, as it is contracted from contact with the urine of host animals.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Earthquake engineers release report on damage in Haiti
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kbVb26T9S3E/100222162017.htm
Engineers sent to Haiti to evaluate the impact of the magnitude-7 earthquake report that they find no surface evidence of the fault, but widespread damage caused by poor building practices.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Children don't trust each other when learning the rules
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Y-U16c9pIQs/100221201806.htm
Children don't trust other children when it comes to learning a new game and will turn to adults for to learn the rules instead, according to a new psychology study.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Is an animal's agility affected by the position of its eyes?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/M3HCaajibHU/100222200856.htm
New research has revealed the relationship between agility and vision in mammals. The study sampled 51 species to compare the relationship between agility and vision between frontal eyed species, such as cats, to lateral-eyed mammals such as rabbits, to establish if the positioning of the eyes resulted in limitations to speed and agility.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
New treatment to prevent cancer recurrence shows promise in study
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QppoAqQFwSY/100222182141.htm
Glioblastoma is one of the most deadly human brain cancers. Radiation can temporarily shrink a tumor, but they nearly always recur within weeks or months and few patients survive longer than two years after diagnosis. Now scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine studying the tumor in mice have found a way to stop the cancer cells from growing back after radiation by blocking its access to oxygen and nutrients.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Will coral reefs disappear?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Q0J6xV9u9yo/100221200908.htm
How vulnerable are coral reefs to climate change due to higher ocean temperatures?

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Secondary stroke prevention needs improvement
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nCDnAcEtCRc/100215173942.htm
New research finds that one out of 12 people who have a stroke will likely soon have another stroke, and one out of four will likely die within one year.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Dust in Earth system can affect oceans, carbon cycle, temperatures, and health
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dnGcA4b5ci8/100219204413.htm
Dust is a powerful thing. Not the stuff that we wipe off the coffee table on a regular basis, but the tiny particles floating around in the Earth's atmosphere, which originate primarily from deserts in North Africa and the Middle East. It can affect the oceans, impact the carbon cycle and even have an effect on global temperature.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Geography of violence: Violent injury among U.S. youth appears to be end result of web of factors
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LxYjF_Xe7IY/100221200906.htm
Violent injury, the second leading cause of death among US youth, appears to be the end result of a web of factors including alcohol, weapons, and dangerous urban environments. Researchers in Pennsylvania are investigating how the nature and whereabouts of daily activities relate to the likelihood of violent injury among youth.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Flightless mosquitoes developed to help control dengue fever
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/aVp5WWUUDUE/100222161958.htm
A new strain of mosquitoes in which females cannot fly may help curb the transmission of dengue fever, according to scientists. Dengue fever causes severe flulike symptoms and is among the world's most pressing public health issues. There are 50 million to 100 million cases per year, and nearly 40 percent of the global population is at risk.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Researchers identify a potential therapeutic target for brain cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/G40D3VvF25I/100222200851.htm
Researchers report the identification of a protein that is highly expressed in a subgroup of glioblastoma brain tumor cells and show that depletion of this protein increases the survival of mice with these tumors.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Roots key to second Green Revolution
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jOYRDFHw1M8/100220184319.htm
Root systems are the basis of the second Green Revolution, and the focus on beans and corn that thrive in poor growing conditions will help some of the world's poorest farmers, according to a plant scientist.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Studies unclear on role of pre-surgery beta blockers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PFglx-mI-Ho/100209183135.htm
It's not unusual for patients to suffer a cardiac event before surgery, and in theory, beta blockers will reduce the risk by relieving stress on the heart. But the one-size-fits-all approach can harm some patients, and heart specialists report that clinical studies have been unclear about who should get perioperative beta blockers and at what dosage.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Role of mass media in climate change skepticism
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3zY90Q8YY_Q/100222140619.htm
Mass media have been a key vehicle by which climate change contrarianism has traveled, according to researchers.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Pets in airplane cabins: An unnecessary allergic hazard?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/6PJTKK948HE/100216140142.htm
The preferences of pet owners should not replace the well-being of their fellow passengers, say experts in a new editorial.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Aphid's genome reflects its reproductive, symbiotic lifestyle
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/yD9BYTzTsxM/100222200853.htm
Aphids could be considered the "mosquitoes" of the plant world, depending on the "blood" of plants to survive. They live in symbiosis with bacteria that pass from one generation to the next, producing essential amino acids. Aphids with the same genotype can be wingless or winged. In different seasons, they develop as asexual females who produce offspring with identical genes through parthenogenesis. When temperatures drop, they can give birth to males who then fertilize the eggs laid by females. The genome of the pea aphid, sequenced by the International Aphid Genomics Consortium, reflects these unusual characteristics and more.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Melanoma transcriptome reveals novel genomic alterations not seen before
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/o_RQhWhtacA/100222182151.htm
Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, afflicts more than 50,000 people in the United States annually and the incidence rate continues to rise. In a new study, scientists have delved deeper than ever before into the RNA world of the melanoma tumor and identified genomic alterations that could play a role in the disease.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Unpacking condensins' function in embryonic stem cells
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZJeEofiJKeI/100222094746.htm
Regulatory proteins common to all eukaryotic cells can have additional, unique functions in embryonic stem cells, according to a new study. If cancer progenitor cells -- which function similarly to stem cells -- are shown to rely on these regulatory proteins in the same way, it may be possible to target them therapeutically without harming healthy neighboring cells.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Risks from low potassium in heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/duSx2HQ9Q-0/100209123812.htm
New research finds that low potassium levels produce an increased risk of death or hospitalization in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers say that even a mild decrease in serum potassium level increased the risk of death in this patient group.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Business culture steers flow of ideas, study says
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jWwXb_6Gly8/100222111402.htm
The business culture that companies emphasize has an effect on new product ideas that bubble back up from the workforce, a new study has found.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Rates of childhood obesity, chronic health problems increase, but conditions may not persist
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Cbt9vu61LJ0/100216163326.htm
A new study confirms that rates of obesity and other chronic health problems have risen in American children in recent years, but it also shows that many children's conditions will improve or resolve over time.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Where did insects come from? New study establishes relationships among all arthropods
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/5wAaw-8zlXg/100216114034.htm
Since the dawn of the biological sciences, humankind has struggled to comprehend the relationships among the major groups of "jointed-legged" animals -- the arthropods. Now, a team of researchers has finished a completely new analysis of the evolutionary relationships among the arthropods, answering many questions that defied previous attempts to unravel how these creatures were connected.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Tumor mechanism identified
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BQKYPJ7ZVbM/100222104949.htm
Researchers have for the first time identified a key mechanism that makes certain cells become tumorous in the brain. The resulting tumors occur most often spontaneously but can also occur in numbers as part of the inherited disease neurofibromatosis type 2.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Dolphins could be ideal model to study human cervical cancer, veterinarians say
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CgEuJPIS6AA/100218173114.htm
Dolphins are the only species besides humans known to harbor infections of multiple papillomavirus types, which are known to be linked with cervical cancer in women. As a result, dolphins may be the ideal model for the study of cervical cancer in women.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Contrast-enhanced MRI could play a key role in differentiating between common types of arthritis
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/n8Nyh2ORTbE/100219074111.htm
Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging may help physicians differentiate between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis in the hand and wrist enabling more targeted therapies unique to each condition, according to a study. Contrast-enhanced MRI uses contrast media to improve the visibility of internal bodily structures.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
European Space Agency chooses three scientific missions for further study
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xEIhek7Xszk/100219102733.htm
Dark energy, habitable planets around other stars, and the mysterious nature of our own Sun, have been chosen by the European Space Agency as candidates for two medium-class missions to be launched no earlier than 2017.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Few professionals keep current, Swedish study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XbtSnnb_wK0/100222104937.htm
Researchers have looked at how professionals in different occupational groups seek and use information and keep updated after finishing their education. The results show that teachers seek information they can use in their own teaching and that librarians focus on helping library users find information, while nurses just don't have the time.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Olympic cross-country skiing: Going for the glide
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tPhTQx1Wz0A/100222082520.htm
Friction -- or the lack of it -- in cross-country skiing events at Winter Olympic games in Vancouver is a decisive factor in who wins the gold. Researchers explain the physics behind what makes the best glide.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Link between marine algae and whale diversity over last 30 million years, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nktQGLYTDjo/100219115357.htm
New research shows a strong link between the diversity of organisms at the bottom of the food chain and the diversity of mammals at the top. Throughout the last 30 million years, changes in the diversity of whale species living at any given time period correlates with the evolution and diversification of diatoms, tiny, abundant algae that live in the ocean.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Mild traumatic brain injury, not so mild after all
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WS33XK5jhIs/100219204409.htm
Scientists are gaining a better understanding of the molecular mechanism at play in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly called concussions. Although mTBI affects over one million people each year in the United States, it is generally ignored as a major health issue.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Damage to threatened Gulf of California habitats can be reversed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BZruMYvEP9c/100221143234.htm
Once described by Jacques Cousteau as the "world's aquarium," the marine ecosystems of the Gulf of California are under threat. Destructive new fishing methods are depleting the sea's habitats, creating areas that are ghosts of their former existences.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
High blood pressure a neglected disease, report declares
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KopiEc6ZWrs/100222121622.htm
Public health officials and health care providers need to step up their efforts to reduce Americans' increasing rates of high blood pressure and better treat those with the condition, which triggers more than one-third of heart attacks and almost half of heart failures in the United States each year, says a new report.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
New security threat against 'smart phone' users, researchers show
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GyU5Y0OJ3Qw/100222121624.htm
Computer scientists have shown how a familiar type of personal computer security threat can now attack new generations of smart mobile phones, with the potential to cause more serious consequences. The researchers demonstrated how such a software attack could cause a smart phone to eavesdrop on a meeting, track its owner's travels, or rapidly drain its battery to render the phone useless.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Cyberbullying: A growing problem
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GwTZWCInH0I/100222104939.htm
Around 10 percent of all adolescents in grades 7-9 are victims of internet bullying. "This type of bullying can be more serious than conventional bullying. At least with conventional bullying the victim is left alone on evenings and weekends," says on of the researchers.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Nanotechnology sparks energy storage on paper and cloth
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/s8LlIhbc5cs/100220204808.htm
Engineers have manufactured new energy storage devices out of paper and cloth, with a range of potential applications. Their research also has shown that using silicon nanowires to replace carbon anodes in lithium ion batteries can significantly improve their performance.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Progesterone for traumatic brain injury tested in phase III clinical trial
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/RIViLtTMTus/100219204407.htm
Researchers at 17 medical centers soon will begin using the hormone progesterone to treat patients who experience traumatic brain injury (TBI). The treatment is part of an NIH-funded, randomized, double-blind Phase III clinical trial that will enroll approximately 1,140 people beginning in March, 2010. An earlier trial in 100 patients found that giving progesterone to trauma victims shortly after a brain injury appears to be safe and may reduce the risk of death and long-term disability.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
From uncharted region of human genome, clues emerge about origins of coronary artery disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sF2IKBpM4DM/100222094801.htm
Scientists have learned how an interval of DNA in an unexplored region of the human genome increases the risk for coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Their research reinforces the tantalizing possibility that many more disease risks -- and potential therapies -- are hidden in the vast and uncharted part of the genome that doesn't contain instructions for making proteins.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Animals linked to human Chlamydia pneumoniae
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jQ5c8ci1_2U/100222094805.htm
Animals have infected humans with the common respiratory disease Chlamydia pneumoniae, according to researchers in Australia and the U.S. The Chlamydia pneumoniae bacteria is a common cause of pneumonia around the world. Infections acquired from wildlife, known as zoonotic infections, are a significant growing threats to global human health, as shown by the H1N1 influenza pandemic which originated from swines.

Tue, 23 Feb 10
Physicists use ultra-fast lasers to open doors to new technologies unheard of just years ago
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VFd4wH42ed0/100221162228.htm
For nearly half a century, scientists have been trying to figure out how to build a cost-effective and reasonably sized X-ray laser that could, among other things, provide super high-resolution imaging. And for the past two decades,scientists have been inching closer to that goal.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Tiny tongue of a fruit fly could offer big clues in fight against obesity, researcher says
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/W0QdU2Hwjw0/100211121804.htm
The tiny tongue of a fruit fly could provide big answers to questions about human eating habits, possibly even leading to new ways to treat obesity, according to a new study.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Low-cost DNA test to pinpoint risk of inherited diseases
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VuLadLV0owI/100216140358.htm
An inexpensive, fast accurate DNA test that reveals a person's risk of developing certain diseases is expected to become a reality, thanks to new technology.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Neuroimaging study may pave way for effective Alzheimer's treatments
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YWufCkZoE4w/100209183240.htm
Scientists have determined that a new instrument known as PIB-PET is effective in detecting deposits of amyloid-beta protein plaques in the brains of living people, and that these deposits are predictive of who will develop Alzheimer's disease.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Predicting effectiveness of flu vaccination campaigns
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LO3ZTkwwA_g/100209182936.htm
A new study describes a new method that assesses the impact and cost-effectiveness of a range of vaccination options. The model was applied to the 2009 influenza H1N1 outbreak and predicted accurately in real-time when the epidemic would peak and who should be prioritized for vaccination.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Enhanced 3D Model of Mars Crater Edge Shows Ups and Downs
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CPoKHDkBWJo/100218151400.htm
A dramatic 3D Mars view based on terrain modeling from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter data shows "highs and lows" of Mojave Crater.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Midday nap markedly boosts the brain's learning capacity
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jo56vsuN_80/100221110338.htm
If you see a student dozing in the library or a co-worker catching 40 winks in her cubicle, don't roll your eyes. New research shows that an hour's nap can dramatically boost and restore your brain power. Indeed, the findings suggest that a biphasic sleep schedule not only refreshes the mind, but can make you smarter.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Evolutionary game of rock-paper-scissors may lead to new species
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mUsPay3Xbww/100218125537.htm
Morphologically distinct types are often found within species, and biologists have speculated that these "morphs" could be the raw material for speciation. What were once different types of individuals within the same population could eventually evolve into separate species. A new study supports this idea.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Common gene variant may increase risk for a type of cardiac arrhythmia
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4T-1Vq6aR1M/100221143208.htm
A common gene variant associated with a form of the irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation has been identified. The investigators describe finding that variations affecting a protein that may help control the heart's electrical activity appear to increase the risk of what is called lone atrial fibrillation, a type seen in younger individuals with no other form of heart disease.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Mosquito genes yield secrets to how they survive malaria-causing parasite
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nNCwBFWXQnE/100216114024.htm
Researchers are studying the main contributing mosquito species to malaria transmission in Africa. They are characterizing genes specific to mosquito blood cells. The researchers were able to identify genes in the blood cells whose expression changed with malaria infection. This could be used for disease control, ultimately. On a more basic level, the researchers are learning how the immune system works and how it recognizes a parasite and limits the infection.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Hypertension may predict dementia in older adults with certain cognitive deficits
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KynL8H5smSE/100208185214.htm
High blood pressure appears to predict the progression to dementia in older adults with impaired executive functions (ability to organize thoughts and make decisions) but not in those with memory dysfunction, according to a new study.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Gold and silver nanowires bond naturally, stay strong
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mQTFQ1QfA9Q/100216114022.htm
Researchers have discovered that gold wires between three-billionths and 10-billionths of a meter wide weld themselves together quite nicely -- without heat.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Music training enhances brainstem sensitivity to speech sounds, neuroscientist says
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SjBnO5zZilM/100220184327.htm
What is the relationship between music and speech processing? Playing an instrument may help children better process speech in noisy classrooms and more accurately interpret language nuances conveyed by subtle changes in the human voice, says one expert who has studied the links between neural encoding of speech and music in the auditory nervous system for three decades.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Diversity of corals, algae in warm Indian Ocean suggests resilience to future global warming
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tntCZjTkZKo/100216140309.htm
Corals that harbor unusual species of symbiotic algae have been discovered thriving in water that is too warm for most other corals. The discovery gives hope that coral reefs and the ecosystems they support may persist -- at least in some places -- in the face of global warming.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
High levels of vitamin D in older people can reduce heart disease and diabetes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QfnC_vfkgG4/100216113553.htm
Middle aged and elderly people with high levels of vitamin D could reduce their chances of developing heart disease or diabetes by 43 percent, according to researchers.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Marriage of microfluidics and optics could advance lab-on-a-chip devices
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kjRQRmiOylA/100216113905.htm
With a silicone rubber "stick-on" sheet containing dozens of miniature, powerful lenses, engineers are one step closer to putting the capacity of a large laboratory into a micro-sized package. The marriage of high performance optics with microfluidics could prove the perfect match for making lab-on-a-chip technologies more practical.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Few women take tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/RvvtvqnrC5U/100208091907.htm
Less than a quarter of one percent of women took tamoxifen in 2000 and 2005 to prevent breast cancer. Further research is recommended to explore explanations for the drug's low use.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Great Southern California shakeout results provide new communication strategies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vgr0ZYiJzhc/100220184335.htm
Researchers who devised the largest earthquake preparedness event ever undertaken in the United States say one of the biggest challenges was translating devastation projections from a hypothetical magnitude 7.8 San Andreas Fault temblor into timely, usable information to the more than 5 million California participants in 2008.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
More alcohol sales sites mean more neighborhood violence, new research finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ylHnYvZmOuY/100221200902.htm
More alcohol sales sites in a neighborhood equates to more violence, and the highest assault rates are associated with carry-out sites selling alcohol for off-premise consumption, according to new research.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Dolphins' health shed light on human and ocean health
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PUBuar5Pnss/100218173116.htm
New research suggests that diseases found in dolphins are similar to human diseases and can provide clues into how human health might be affected by exposure to contaminated coastal water or seafood.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
New strategy produces promising advance in cancer vaccines
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mZjTY_-3T7M/100216114026.htm
Researchers have used a new strategy to develop cancer vaccines that are remarkably effective in mice. The scientists report that 100 percent of the mice vaccinated with a peptide they developed remained alive and tumor-free for at least 60 days after inoculation with colon cancer cells. The research suggests a method for developing vaccines against a wide variety of cancers.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Researchers identify mechanism malaria parasite uses to spread among red blood cells
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3Hkh9fc99-s/100218173325.htm
Malaria remains one of the most deadly infectious diseases. Yet, how Plasmodium, the malaria parasite, regulates its infectious cycle has remained an enigma despite decades of rigorous research. Now a research team has identified a mechanism by which Plasmodium intensively replicates itself in human blood to spread the disease. The discovery could lead to new drugs for combating the disease.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Marker of Ewing sarcoma: Potential new drug target?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/yYC0H2x5EBc/100208185204.htm
Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is a bone tumor that affects children and young adults. The protein CD99 is highly expressed in most cases of EWS, but its function in the disease is unknown. Now, researchers have identified a crucial role for CD99 in the development of EWS and suggest that targeting CD99 or its downstream molecular pathway may be a new therapeutic approach for EWS.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Rain, rain, go online
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/OGTehahZVD4/100219164458.htm
A new webcam at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is keeping an eye on debris and water flows that could course down nearby wildfire-stripped hillsides during a rainstorm.

Mon, 22 Feb 10
Immediate risk of suicide and cardiovascular death after a prostate cancer diagnosis
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kff9k-yMDWI/100202171809.htm
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer may increase a man's risk of suicide or cardiovascular death, especially right after diagnosis, according to a new study.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Pinch away the pain: Scorpion venom could be an alternative to morphine
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Z6azLjIp2h8/100216163341.htm
Researchers are investigating new ways for developing a novel painkiller based on natural compounds found in the venom of scorpions. These compounds have gone through millions of years of evolution and some show high efficacy and specificity for certain components of the body with no side effects.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Human genetic vulnerabilities may underlie infectious diseases, scientist argues
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/DlfdFEWolMw/100219204419.htm
Infectious diseases in the general population depend to a large extent on underlying genetic vulnerabilities, an expert in innate immunity says. While microbes are required for infection, he says, one's genetic background could make the difference between fighting an infection and succumbing to it.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Massive stars’ magnetically controlled diets
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EBIQPyuxXbQ/100218092850.htm
Astronomers have shown that magnetic fields play an important role during the birth of massive stars. Magnetic fields are already known to strongly influence the formation of lower-mass stars like our Sun. This new study reveals that the way in which high-mass and low-mass stars form may be more similar than previously suspected.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Fetal surgery continues to advance
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LBX3qz1d2GI/100216113859.htm
Repairing birth defects in the womb. Inserting a tiny laser into the mother's uterus to seal off an abnormal blood flow and save fetal twins. Advancing the science that may allow doctors to deliver cells or DNA to treat sickle cell anemia and other genetic diseases before birth.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Orange peels, newspapers may lead to cheaper, cleaner ethanol fuel
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gwWiMoZKaSM/100218090814.htm
Scientists may have just made the breakthrough of a lifetime, turning discarded fruit peels and other throwaways into cheap, clean fuel to power the world's vehicles.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
How far should neuroscience evidence go in court trials?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/APhJ3XM8Als/100220204806.htm
Although MRI scans showing a malfunctioning brain could conjure empathy and a finding of innocence for a criminal defendant, they might just as well lead jurors and judges to opt for convictions and long sentences, the law professor says.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Minor variations in one gene may be associated with endurance running
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/uvIak31PjaY/100218173319.htm
A few minor variations in one gene may make a difference in athletic endurance, according to a new study.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Cellular mechanism that protects against disease discovered
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FSwYsnX-9Hg/100215174208.htm
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism within human cells that constantly protects us against disease.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
New material mimics bone to create better biomedical implants
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EZHYGJ4_lH0/100216113603.htm
A "metal foam" that has a similar elasticity to bone could mean a new generation of biomedical implants that would avoid bone rejection that often results from more rigid implant materials, such as titanium. Researchers have developed the metal foam, which is even lighter than solid aluminum and can be made of 100 percent steel or a combination of steel and aluminum.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Heart failure worse when right ventricle goes bad, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/j--D0XTkvCA/100216113857.htm
New research suggests that the ability of right side of the heart to pump blood may be an indication of the risk of death to heart-failure patients whose condition is caused by low function by the left side of their heart.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
NASA's WISE Mission Releases Medley of First Images
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Kmazp9KAoiQ/100217123426.htm
A diverse cast of cosmic characters is showcased in the first survey images NASA from its Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
What model organisms can teach us about emotion
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/aeEcJ1jSTtc/100220184321.htm
Studies of model organisms such as mice and fruit flies can improve scientists' understanding of the neural basis of emotion, according to one researcher.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Warmer planet temperatures could cause longer-lasting weather patterns
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jw_E8GV-M10/100218125535.htm
Although stagnant weather patterns are often difficult to predict, researchers are now studying whether increasing planet temperatures and carbon dioxide levels could lead to atmospheric blocking and when this blocking might occur, leading to more accurate forecasts.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Critical enzyme in healthy heart function identified
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YJZ_DSuIkwc/100219102214.htm
Scientists are reporting the first-ever data to show that the enzyme calcineurin is critical in controlling normal development and function of heart cells, and that loss of the protein leads to heart problems and death in genetically modified mice. The study demonstrates that calcineurin in hearts of mice is directly linked to proper cardiac muscle contraction, rhythm and maintenance of heart activity.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Discovery of nutrient 'mining machine' in plants
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mtRG0dKAKqY/100217093938.htm
Scientists have discovered which genes control the specialized nutrient mining machine that develops on the surface of plant roots. The discovery could help breeders develop crops that can grow on poor soils with low iron and phosphate.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Cell-cell interactions adapt to the stiffness of the environment
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KHWsUuUokgM/100216140144.htm
The ability of tissue cells to stick to one another is critical for many physiological and pathological processes. Now, a new study provides intriguing insight into how mechanical interaction with the external environment influences cell shape and the forces generated by a cell's internal "skeleton."

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Seeds from the Moringa tree can be used for water purification, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hfuhugXu3J8/100218102452.htm
Pure water is a key requirement for good health and alternative cheap, safe methods are required in many countries. Researchers have now described how extracts from seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree can be used for water purification.

Sun, 21 Feb 10
Parents still major influence on child’s decision to pursue science careers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/T5OToL9FJCs/100220204814.htm
Parental influence and access to mathematics courses are likely to guide students to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine, according to new research.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Jurassic space: Ancient galaxies come together after billions of years
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/j-nJx7sP2Tk/100218110946.htm
Astronomers have found the astronomical equivalent of prehistoric life in our intergalactic backyard: a group of small, ancient galaxies that has waited 10 billion years to come together. These "late bloomers" are on their way to building a large elliptical galaxy.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Tiny molecular 'trash' may tell big story about cardiovascular disease risk
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/k-rlEyVcXMI/100219163404.htm
Tiny bits of molecular "trash" found in circulating blood appear to be good predictors of cardiovascular disease and untimely death, say researchers.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
New evidence that green tea may help fight glaucoma and other eye diseases
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XecczQHJPn4/100218125520.htm
Scientists have confirmed that the healthful substances found in green tea -- renowned for their powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties -- do penetrate into tissues of the eye. Their new report, the first documenting how the lens, retina, and other eye tissues absorb these substances, raises the possibility that green tea may protect against glaucoma and other common eye diseases.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Doubling of childhood leukemia rates confirmed in southern Iraq
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/DpbeDVTrdeg/100218173122.htm
Childhood leukemia rates have more than doubled over the last 15 years in the southern Iraq province of Basrah, according to a new study.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Protein tether linked to touch perception
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/DsAPfTzI9GE/100218102454.htm
Humans and animals are able to perceive even the slightest vibration and touch of the skin. Mechanosensitive ion channels play a crucial role in the mediation of these sensations. Researchers have now discovered that the presence of a protein filament causes the ion channels to open and shut like a tethered gate.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Review highlights health benefits of flexible working arrangements: Blood pressure, sleep and mental health improve
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qb8DFIupXrs/100216203144.htm
There is evidence to suggest that flexible working might be beneficial for employees' health if they are allowed to have input into their own working patterns, a review suggests. The study may throw some light on potential health benefits associated with current trends towards more flexible working in the UK and Europe.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Arctic glacial dust may affect climate and health in North America and Europe
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/G80xbaXl4L4/100219123517.htm
New evidence shows that dust storms may exist in the arctic, possibly caused by receding glaciers, which may be making deposits similar to those transported from the deserts of Africa to the southern US and Caribbean.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Exercise helps protect brain of multiple sclerosis patients, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sFA3069ZSXw/100218141813.htm
Highly fit multiple sclerosis patients perform significantly better on tests of cognitive function than similar less-fit patients, a new study shows. In addition, MRI scans of the patients showed that the fitter MS patients showed less damage in parts of the brain that show deterioration as a result of MS, as well as a greater volume of vital gray matter.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Behold the violent history of Saturn's white whale moon
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/588nSCwx_zA/100219164200.htm
Like the battered white whale Moby Dick taunting Captain Ahab, Saturn's moon Prometheus surges toward the viewer in a new 3-D image from NASA's Cassini spacecraft. The image exposes the irregular shape and circular surface scars on Prometheus, pointing to a violent history. These craters are probably the remnants from impacts long ago.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
HIV: Increased HAART coverage associated with 50 percent drop in new infections
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jOlkCIPTbmk/100218141811.htm
A comprehensive population-based study shows that expanded highly active antiretroviral therapy coverage was associated with a 50 percent decrease in new yearly HIV infections among injection drug users.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Cryogenic Dark Matter Search: Experiment hints at interaction with dark matter particles
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YE0pKgWpf04/100218150654.htm
Scientists involved in the Cryogenic Dark Matter Search experiment report their latest findings. Two events recorded during the CDMS experiment had the characteristics of an interaction involving dark matter particles.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
University students normally unscathed by parental divorce
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nkEvlbIk7R0/100218092848.htm
A new study of university students has found that they normally emerge unaffected from the recent divorce of their parents, UK researchers report.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Scientists unlock mystery in important photosynthesis step
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/v7jQ2mgYLEQ/100219135423.htm
An international team of scientists has taken a significant step closer to unlocking the secrets of photosynthesis, and possibly to cleaner fuels.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
How genes interact with their environment to cause disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bqyoSGwTudI/100218125156.htm
A new study reveals how human genes interact with their environment to boost disease risk. The findings shed light on why the search for specific gene variants linked to human diseases can only partly explain common disorders.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
How nerve cells grow: Researcher decodes molecular process that controls growth of nerve cells
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NjWBPPHO0K0/100219102216.htm
A brain researcher has discovered the workings of a process that had been completely overlooked until now, and that allows nerve cells in the brain to grow and form complex networks. The study shows that an enzyme which usually controls the destruction of protein components has an unexpected function in nerve cells: it controls the structure of the cytoskeleton and thus ensures that nerve cells can form the tree-like extensions that are necessary for signal transmission in the brain.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Untreated poor vision in elderly linked to dementia study shows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gv6bboni_4Q/100218102443.htm
Elderly people with visual disorders that are left untreated are significantly more likely to develop dementia, according to new research. Early treatment of visual problems may delay the development of dementia, but because many elderly lack adequate vision coverage, they are not seeking care. This study may draw a picture of poor vision as a possible contributor to the onset of dementia, rather than as a symptom.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
When molecules leave tire tracks: New approach to optimizing molecular self-organization
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YVIJgHfoEmY/100218102450.htm
Certain types of molecules form patterns when deposited onto substrates. Photovoltaic and sensor devices from organic compounds depend on this phenomenon of self-organization. Physicists have now developed a model that predicts these patterns and thus allows optimization of the molecular synthesis in the future.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Low-income urban mothers have high rate of postpartum depression
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/uoOc1S_Pvjk/100218125524.htm
More than half of low-income urban mothers met the criteria for a diagnosis of depression at some point between two weeks and 14 months after giving birth, according to a new study.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Learning from the brain: Computer scientists develop new generation of neuro-computer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/v8MlUQQRljw/100202111752.htm
Intelligent machines that not only think for themselves but also actively learn are the vision of researchers who have been co-ordinating the European Union research project "Brain-i-Nets" (Novel Brain Inspired Learning Paradigms for Large-Scale Neuronal Networks). The scientists want to design a new generation of neuro-computers based on the principles of calculation and learning mechanisms found in the brain, and at the same time gain new knowledge about the brain's learning mechanisms.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
New risk factor for second-most-common form of early-onset dementia
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/lEAwhSWXFcg/100216101150.htm
Examining brain tissue from over 500 individuals in 11 countries, researchers found a new risk factor for the second-most-common cause of early-onset dementia after Alzheimer's disease.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Listening to other stars
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/u4rTp9GBmpQ/100215100611.htm
When scientists realized that observing and analyzing oscillations in the Sun could provide information about its interior, it was only a matter of time before Helioseismology was put to work on other stars.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Ultrasound measurement of fetal adrenal gland a better predictor of preterm birth
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/5VLe9O3zajo/100204075023.htm
Researchers have shown that measuring the fetal zone of the adrenal gland is a better predictor of pre-term birth than measuring cervical length.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Biologists discover how biological clock controls cell division in bacteria
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/C6zfFdKicgY/100218125154.htm
Biologists have unraveled the biochemistry of how bacteria so precisely time cell division, a key element in understanding how all organisms from bacteria to humans use their biological clocks to control basic cellular functions.

Sat, 20 Feb 10
Deadly driving habits: Study on the effect of routine in driving
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/AUNiti4UuGg/100218092800.htm
In a new study, researchers in Germany examined why drivers make fatal errors on familiar routes. When the test persons became familiar with the routes, the activity of their brains became less; this was the case for both the experienced and inexperienced drivers.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Viruses helped shape human genetic variability
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7wIkzdDqzx0/100218203053.htm
Viruses have played a role in shaping human genetic variability, according to a new study. The researchers used population genetics approaches to identify gene variants that augment susceptibility to viral infections or protect from such infections.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Personalized blood tests for cancer using whole genome sequencing
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WglTTSZRKKw/100218141754.htm
Scientists have used data from the whole genome sequencing of cancer patients to develop individualized blood tests they believe can help physicians tailor patients' treatments. The genome-based blood tests, believed to be the first of their kind, may be used to monitor tumor levels after therapy and determine cancer recurrence.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Potentially deadly infection linked to frequent cow exposure
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tajySHWFNA0/100218141805.htm
A common bacteria found in many healthy adult females that can cause life-threatening infections when passed to newborns could be introduced to some women through frequent contact with cows, according to a new research. Group B streptococcus could be a zoonotic disease -- transmitted between different species -- which may have significant public health implications.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Flu-induced stress response is critical for resistance to secondary infection
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xywRallFdIs/100217122216.htm
A new study reveals how infection with the influenza virus impacts the way that the immune system responds to subsequent infections. The research provides a new understanding of the physiological and pathological consequences of the flu.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Electric avenue: Electric cars on a two-way street?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/COXxe_qt6pw/100218173118.htm
Think of it as the end of cars' slacker days: no more sitting idle for hours in parking lots or garages racking up payments, but instead earning their keep by helping store power for the electricity grid.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Happiness is ... looking forward to your vacation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/9HY-K39cyQs/100218125204.htm
It takes more than a vacation to make people happy. Indeed, vacationers tend to be happier than non-vacationers in the lead up to their break, but once they are back, there is very little difference between the two groups' levels of happiness.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Youngest extra-solar planet discovered around solar-type star
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WMM-h0n2jxI/100218092752.htm
Astronomers have discovered the youngest extra-solar planet around a solar-type star, named BD+20 1790b.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Genetic link to leukemias with an unknown origin discovered
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BkvG8pIkpao/100218125158.htm
Although leukemia is one of the best studied cancers, the cause of some types is still poorly understood. Now, a newly found mutation in acute myeloid leukemia patients could account for half of the remaining cases of adult acute leukemia with an unknown origin.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Chemical tags likely to affect metabolism, cancer development
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LMUp05w1xPE/100218141758.htm
New research suggests that the addition or removal of a certain type of chemical tag -- called an acetyl group -- onto metabolic enzymes plays a key role in how cellular metabolism is regulated. The finding gives researchers vital clues to understand how normal cells respond to nutrient changes and how the process by which normal cells turn cancerous, and could one day lead to new drugs that starve cancer cells into submission.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Scientists discover how protein trips up germs
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/V6poDeBjpfE/100217182348.htm
If bad bacteria lurk in your system, chances are they will bump into the immune system's protective cells whose job is gobbling germs. The catch is that these do-gooders, known as macrophages, ingest and destroy only those infectious invaders that they can securely hook and reel in. Now, scientists have shown that a healthy immune response depends on a protein called TRPV2 which, they discovered, is the means by which macrophages capitalize on brief and accidental encounters with nasty bugs.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
New algorithm improves video game quality
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PoPa77IYtg4/100218141801.htm
A new algorithm improve computer graphics for video games.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
In learning, the brain forgets things on purpose
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Su0yHx-xz5A/100218125149.htm
Scientists have known that newly acquired, short-term memories are often fleeting. But a new study in flies suggests that kind of forgetfulness doesn't just happen. Rather, an active process of erasing memories may in some ways be as important as the ability to lay down new memories.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Life's smallest motor, cargo carrier of the cells, moves like a seesaw
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ldAHR4d5r2c/100218091238.htm
Life's smallest motor -- a protein that shuttles cargo within cells and helps cells divide -- does so by rocking up and down like a seesaw according to new high-resolution snapshots of a protein called kinesin. The result is the closest look yet at the structural changes kinesin proteins undergo as they ferry molecules.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Phase II HIV gene therapy trial has encouraging results
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ILqMu1i7kvk/100218191736.htm
In a new phase II study using gene therapy to combat HIV, seven of eight subjects experienced a decrease in viral load set point and one subject experienced prolonged, complete control of HIV viremia for more than 14 weeks in the absence of HAART. The study looked at Lexgenleucel-T infusions in HIV-1 infected individuals prior to being taken off their antiretroviral treatment regimens as part of the study design's scheduled treatment interruption.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Chubby birds get there faster: Heavy migratory birds take shorter breaks and reach their breeding grounds faster
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VRFsxbzSb7s/100217101131.htm
When small migratory birds have crossed extensive ecological barriers, such as deserts or oceans, they must land to replenish their fat reserves. Researchers measured the duration of the stopovers made by garden warblers on an island off the Italian coast. There they observed that fat birds usually move on the night of their arrival, while lean birds interrupt their journey for an average of almost two days.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
New endoscopic treatment may spare Barrett's esophagus patients from surgery
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1AG8RJ7FNlE/100218141803.htm
Early tumor formation in Barrett's esophagus can be effectively and safely treated with radiofrequency ablation, in combination with prior endoscopic removal of visible lesions, study suggests.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
NASA's Stardust Burns for Comet, Less Than a Year Away
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jA2tc-sOAws/100218151152.htm
Just three days shy of one year before its planned flyby of comet Tempel 1, NASA's Stardust spacecraft has successfully performed a maneuver to adjust the time of its encounter by eight hours and 20 minutes. The delay maximizes the probability of the spacecraft capturing high-resolution images of the desired surface features of the 2.99-kilometer-wide (1.86 mile) potato-shaped mass of ice and dust.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Battlefield camaraderie yields long-term dividends for veterans, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3KugClvaC4Y/100218141825.htm
Civil War veterans who served in military units characterized by camaraderie were much less likely decades later to die of a stroke or a heart condition than veterans from less cohesive companies, researchers have found.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Scientists image brain at point when vocal learning begins
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZPViZuicRuc/100217131128.htm
Scientists have imaged living juvenile songbird brains at the moment the brains heard a tutor's mating song. Instead of staying plastic and dynamic after hearing the song, the bird's neurons snapped into a framework nearly immediately, surprising the researchers. Some birds were unable to learn or learn it well, indicating they were past their prime learning window.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Natural compound found in marine sponges inhibits cancer cell migration
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0BXwlHk2kUk/100218125529.htm
Investigators have discovered that the natural compound sceptrin, which is found in marine sponges, reduces cancer cell motility (movement) and has very low toxicity.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Projection shows water woes likely based on warmer temperatures
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/s5M9WnOVuMk/100217093258.htm
Several Midwestern states could be facing increased winter and spring flooding, as well as difficult growing conditions on farms, if average temperatures rise. Scientists ran simulations that show Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan could see as much as 28 percent more precipitation by the year 2070, with much of that coming in the winter and spring. The projections also show drier summer and fall seasons.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Better prognosis markers for prostate cancer found
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KVxvGrUOIAc/100218092608.htm
Measuring levels of the active form of the protein EGFR in the tumor and its vicinity can provide a more reliable prognosis for individuals with prostate cancer, according to new research.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Successful wind tunnel test of controllable rubber trailing edge flap for wind turbine blades
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/010GAszbEeE/100217093654.htm
For some years, the Wind Energy Division at Risø DTU in Denmark has been working to develop a method for controlling the loads on large wind turbine blades using a flexible trailing edge made of an elastic material which can be controlled by means of compressed air or hydraulics. Now, the invention, which has been called CRTEF (Controllable Rubber Trailing Edge Flap), has been tested in a wind tunnel with promising results.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
NIH stem cell guidelines should be modified, researchers urge
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WINF-qF3nLA/100218173321.htm
A group of scientists recommends that the National Institutes of Health ethics guidelines for embryonic stem cell research be modified to better protect the rights of individuals donating egg or sperm to patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Red dwarf-red giant binary pair of stars found
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/277XBFS9YWo/100216221147.htm
A binary pair of red stars -- one giant, one dwarf -- has been discovered by a collaboration of astrophysicists from the UK and China.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Short-term heart disease risks of combination menopausal hormone therapy confirmed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FRYK6tdVjuQ/100216101322.htm
New analyses from the Women's Health Initiative confirm that combination hormone therapy increases the risk of heart disease in healthy postmenopausal women. Researchers report a trend toward an increased risk of heart disease during the first two years of hormone therapy among women who began therapy within 10 years of menopause, and a more marked elevation of risk among women who began hormone therapy more than 10 years after menopause.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Cooling inflammation for healthier arteries
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/A3Y4MparXXY/100216142326.htm
Scientists have reported new reasons for choosing "heart healthy" oats at the grocery store.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Reversing resistance to sunitinib: Findings may help patients with deadly kidney cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/otllgnaVQPc/100218110936.htm
Researchers have found a way to reverse resistance to sunitinib, a treatment that is currently the first line of defense against clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a deadly form of kidney cancer. Most patients who show a positive response to sunitinib develop a resistance to the drug after one year of treatment.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Nuclear downsizing: Report identifies steps to reduce US arsenal, prevent spread of atomic bombs and keep stockpile safe
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wJDqz3ggfWg/100218191738.htm
The American Physical Society, the world's leading organization of physicists, has released a report identifying technical steps that will help the US achieve its goals to downsize the nuclear arsenal, prevent the spread of atomic bombs and keep the stockpile safe and secure.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
'Main Street' economic conditions misread by GDP, researchers say
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CPXZjJycRec/100218173128.htm
The GDP severely overstates the standard of living as experienced on Main Street, say researchers who worked with state officials in Maryland to adopt a more accurate, index, the GPI, or Genuine Progress Indicator.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
No place to hide: Missing primitive stars outside Milky Way uncovered
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/6kw3sa158Io/100217093251.htm
After years of successful concealment, the most primitive stars outside our Milky Way galaxy have finally been unmasked. New observations using ESO's Very Large Telescope have been used to solve an important astrophysical puzzle concerning the oldest stars in our galactic neighborhood -- which is crucial for our understanding of the earliest stars in the universe.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Genomic warfare to counter malaria drug resistance
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZqXiYeskv1M/100216140146.htm
Scientists battling malaria have earned a major victory. According to a new study, an international group of researchers has used genomics to decode the blueprint of Plasmodium falciparum -- a strain of malaria most resistant to drugs that causes the most deaths around the world. The discovery may lead to advanced pharmaceuticals to fight the disease and prevent drug resistance among the 250 million people infected by malaria each year.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Common scents: Honeybees guide neurological discoveries
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qRkNzkNwN-M/100216225117.htm
Every moment of every day the brain is forced to process thousands of separate odorants from the world around us. Through a new study of honeybees, scientists have discovered the brain has an advanced ability to isolate specific odors and recollect smells.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Multiple risk factors existed in 78 percent of sudden infant death syndrome cases
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/anyqmPjyAZw/100216225635.htm
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) continues to be the third leading cause of infant death, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), despite a decline in SIDS that is associated with a rise in safe-sleep practices for newborns and infants. Researchers have identified that more than 96 percent of infants who died of SIDS were exposed to known risk factors, among them sleeping on their side or stomach, or exposure to tobacco smoke, and that 78 percent of SIDS cases contained multiple risk factors.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
A step towards germanium nanoelectronics
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FRvLDX0m8oA/100217093936.htm
The use of germanium instead of silicon as basic material of transistors would enable faster chips containing smaller transistors. However, a number of problems still have to be solved. Transistors are produced using foreign atoms that are implanted into the semiconductor material so that it becomes partly conducting. As this production step damages the material, it has to be repaired by subsequent annealing. So far it has not been possible to produce large-scale integrated transistors of a specific type (NMOS) using germanium. The reason: phosphorus atoms are strongly redistributed within the material during annealing. Two novel techniques can now overcome this dilemma.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Studies show marijuana has 'therapeutic value'; research reported to California legislature
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1Em4AWeVsWE/100217152331.htm
Researchers in California have found "reasonable evidence that cannabis is a promising treatment" for some specific, pain-related medical conditions.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Jets of particles streaming from black holes in far-away galaxies different than previously thought
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MZkfhMSUP8g/100217142635.htm
Jets of particles streaming from black holes in far-away galaxies operate differently than previously thought, according to a new study. The new study reveals that most of the jet's light -- gamma rays, the universe's most energetic form of light -- is created much farther from the black hole than expected and suggests a more complex shape for the jet.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Critical step in fly vision discovered; offers clues to treating retinal degeneration in humans
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/5qqqtOLTe_c/100216163529.htm
Research by sensory biologists studying fruit flies has revealed a critical step in fly vision. Humans with problems in this same step suffer retinal dystrophies, which manifest as visual defects ranging from mild visual impairments to complete blindness. The article paves the way for using the fruit fly to screen for therapies to treat human retinal degeneration.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
System unveiled for regulating anaesthesia via computer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XCP_XrEwqa8/100218092854.htm
Medical researchers have developed a technique for automatically controlling anaesthesia during surgical operations. The new system detects the hypnotic state of the patient at all times and supplies the most appropriate dose of anaesthetic.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Hazards from secondhand smoke in bars and restaurants
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/evgW10nA6mY/100216140303.htm
New research shows that concentrations of secondhand tobacco smoke inhaled in smoking rooms of restaurants and bars are exceptionally high and hazardous to health.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Everyday grass could provide green fuel
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LBJXQICSn74/100216221301.htm
A five-year research project has come up with a way of generating green energy from a humble everyday grass.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Study debunks millennia-old claims of systematic infant sacrifice in ancient Carthage
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2oz3PYDiYfs/100217114644.htm
A new study may finally lay to rest the millennia-old conjecture that the ancient empire of Carthage regularly sacrificed its youngest citizens. An examination of the remains of Carthaginian children revealed that most infants perished prenatally or very shortly after birth and were unlikely to have lived long enough to be sacrificed.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Photosynthesis: A new source of electrical energy? Biofuel cell works in cactus
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/P_v7b6yUbHg/100218092846.htm
Scientists in France have transformed the chemical energy generated by photosynthesis into electrical energy by developing a novel biofuel cell. The advance offers a new strategy to convert solar energy into electrical energy in an environmentally-friendly and renewable manner. In addition, the biofuel cell could have important medical applications.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Genomic map spanning over two dozen cancers charted
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nKPnV5yS0Sg/100217131130.htm
Researchers have created a genome-scale map of 26 different cancers, revealing more than 100 genomic sites where DNA from tumors is either missing or abnormally duplicated compared to normal tissues. The study, the largest of its kind, finds that most of these genetic abnormalities are not unique to one form of cancer, but are shared across multiple cancers.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Ocean geoengineering scheme no easy fix for global warming
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-xMg0hhJDn0/100216221305.htm
Pumping nutrient-rich water up from the deep ocean to boost algal growth in sunlit surface waters and draw carbon dioxide down from the atmosphere has been touted as a way of ameliorating global warming. However, a new study points out the difficulties with such an approach.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Promising therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mmh319SWnWA/100216140307.htm
Scientists have found that adding a humanized monoclonal antibody called daclizumab to standard treatment reduces the number of new or enlarged brain lesions in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Fluorescent probes light up cancerous tumors
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mFCyTvG184o/100216182031.htm
Building on Nobel Prize-winning work creating fluorescent proteins that light up the inner workings of cells, a team of researchers has developed biological probes that can stick to and light up tumors in mice. The scientists were able to spot and remove more cancerous tissue in mice injected with the fluorescent probes than in those mice without the fluorescent probes, upping survival five-fold.

Fri, 19 Feb 10
Helmets must be part of skiing and snowboarding culture, doctors urge
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/6pu01EClCr0/100217114636.htm
While the world's best skiers and snowboarders at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games compete with helmets on, many other skiers and snowboarders are choosing to forgo this important piece of safety equipment. In fact, many skiers and snowboarders place fashion before safety, according to doctors.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Atom interferometer provides most precise test yet of Einstein's gravitational redshift
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qTU42UCYuIA/100217131125.htm
Using an atom interferometer, scientists have tested one of the foundations of Einstein's general theory of relativity: that time slows down in a gravitational field. Their experiment proves that Einstein was correct with 10,000 times more precision than previous experiments. They achieve this precision by comparing the interference between matter waves separated by 4/1000 inch.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
An ibuprofen a day could keep Parkinson's disease away, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/deMlB4nhcjE/100217171909.htm
New research shows people who regularly take ibuprofen may reduce their risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Using gold nanoparticles to hit cancer where it hurts
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nWtT3ZUupf8/100216140402.htm
Scientists have shown that by directing gold nanoparticles into the nuclei of cancer cells, they can not only prevent them from multiplying, but can kill them where they lurk.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Protein identified that helps heart muscle contract
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7e1GzN19n3s/100215201605.htm
Researchers have discovered that a protein called B1N1 is necessary for the heart to contract. The findings shed light not only on what makes a heart beat but also on heart failure, a disease where cardiac cells are no longer able to contract and pump blood through the body.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Silicon-coated nanonets could build a better lithium-ion battery
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LKe4zPTQzQ8/100216101157.htm
The surface area and conductivity of a lattice-like Nanonet coated with silicon particles proves to be a high-performing anode material for Lithium-ion batteries, researchers report.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Don't worry, be happy! Positive emotions protect against heart disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4Suv0uCE5Ok/100217224231.htm
People who are usually happy, enthusiastic and content are less likely to develop heart disease than those who tend not to be happy, according to a major new study.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
NASA's Chandra reveals origin of key cosmic explosions
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-3CV2_5FCwE/100217142117.htm
New findings from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have provided a major advance in understanding a type of supernova critical for studying the dark energy that astronomers think pervades the universe. The results show mergers of two dense stellar remnants are the likely cause of many of the supernovae that have been used to measure the accelerated expansion of the universe.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Protein found to be key in protecting the gut from infection
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/W7l52P1J5q4/100217122218.htm
A signaling protein that is key in orchestrating the body's overall immune response has an important localized role in fighting bacterial infection and inflammation in the intestinal tract, according to a new study.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Pan-frying meat with gas may be worse than electricity for raising cancer risk
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PyoCbQcU6HI/100217224239.htm
Frying meat on a gas burner may be more harmful to health than using an electric burner, because of the type of fumes it produces, suggests new research.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
New method makes vaccines stable at tropical temperatures
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hQHCT2lV5C8/100217142631.htm
A simple and cheap way of making vaccines stable -- even at tropical temperatures -- has now been developed. The technology has the potential to revolutionize vaccination efforts, particularly in the developing world, by removing the need for fridges, freezers and associated health infrastructure.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Cows: More freedom may mean less milk
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0ee-OzdqPMc/100215201608.htm
"Free-stall," untied cattle in small herds produce less milk than cows tied to their stalls but have a higher reproductive performance and suffer less teat injuries and metabolic diseases.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Autism's earliest symptoms not evident in children under 6 months, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mFBoarD7jZM/100216091009.htm
A study of the development of autism in infants, comparing the behavior of the siblings of children diagnosed with autism to that of babies developing normally, has found that the nascent symptoms of the condition.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
New type of genetic variation could strengthen natural selection
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8AO5U25S7wg/100217131132.htm
The unexpected discovery of a new type of genetic variation suggests that natural selection -- the force that drives evolution -- is both more powerful and more complex than scientists have thought.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Botulinum toxin injection may help prevent some types of migraine pain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XjsNObsJq6Y/100215174125.htm
A preliminary study suggests the same type of botulinum injection used for cosmetic purposes may be associated with reduced frequency of migraine headaches that are described as crushing, vicelike or eye-popping (ocular), but not pain that is experienced as a buildup of pressure inside the head, according to a new article.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
New assay helps track termites and other insects
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/E_vGQ1YIPdw/100217101133.htm
A newly developed method to safely and reliably mark termites and other insects over vast acreage so their movements can be tracked is just as effective as the previous method -- and more affordable.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Stillbirths drop dramatically after newborn-care training in developing countries
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/A5P4kyJKf6o/100217171919.htm
The rate of stillbirths in rural areas of six developing countries fell more than 30 percent following a basic training program in newborn care for birth attendants, according to a new study.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Random fluctuations give rise to odd genetic phenomenon
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nr3BqN1nJXg/100217131121.htm
Biophysicists have demonstrated that some cases of incomplete penetrance are controlled by random fluctuations in gene expression.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Parkinson's disease research uncovers social barrier
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hq3CfPIhnvM/100202120815.htm
People with Parkinson's disease suffer social difficulties simply because of the way they talk, researchers have discovered. Many people develop negative impressions about individuals with Parkinson's disease, based solely on how they communicate.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Southern African genomes sequenced: Benefits for human health expected
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MkMegwFTemM/100217131123.htm
Human genomes from Southern African Bushmen and a Bantu individual, Archbishop Tutu, have been sequenced by scientists seeking a greater understanding of human genetic variation and its effect on human health. Knowing the full range of human genetic variation is needed in order to learn how genes affect health. The study revealed that, on average, there are more genetic differences between any two Bushmen in the study than between a European and an Asian.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Drug for advanced kidney cancer shrinks tumors prior to surgery
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kPEchnzN0Bs/100217152329.htm
Physicians found that therapy before surgery with the drug sorafenib can reduce the size of large tumors and could be safely undertaken administered without adding significantly to the risks of surgery.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Scientists find donut-shaped structure of enzyme involved in energy metabolism
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8BCcv4_cqtc/100216101155.htm
Using advanced X-radiation techniques, researchers were able to visualize one of these terminals inside of an enzyme that degrades proline, which is an amino acid that has a central role in metabolism. In humans, proline is important for suppression of cancer, cell death and oxidation. Understanding the structure of this enzyme will help scientists better understand how it functions and develop drugs that may inhibit its catalytic function.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Reduced kidney function, high levels of protein in urine associated with adverse outcomes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/eB4cXb1EcO4/100202171801.htm
Patients with high levels of proteinuria (protein in urine) in addition to another marker of reduced kidney function had an associated increased risk of all-cause death, heart attack or progression to kidney failure, according to a study.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Compostable plastics have a sweet ending
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8X4YziJdfhY/100217093256.htm
Food packaging and other disposable plastic items could soon be composted at home along with organic waste, thanks to a new sugar-based polymer. The degradable polymer is made from sugars known as lignocellulosic biomass, which come from non-food crops such as fast-growing trees and grasses, or renewable biomass from agricultural or food waste.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Alcohol implicated in rising toll of fatal car crashes involving young women drivers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MtHw-H-p9DA/100217224233.htm
Alcohol is an increasingly important factor in the rising toll of fatal car crashes involving young women drivers in the US, indicates new research.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Upside-down answer for deep mystery: What caused Earth to hold its last breath?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ycRpt1EWZYM/100217131140.htm
When Earth was young, it exhaled the atmosphere. During a period of intense volcanic activity, lava carried light elements from the planet's molten interior and released them into the sky. However, some light elements got trapped inside the planet. In a new study, scientists offer a new answer to a longstanding mystery: what caused Earth to hold its last breath?

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Obesity -- mild or severe -- raises kidney stone risk
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kOGIGcQqCe8/100217182350.htm
Obesity in general nearly doubles the risk of developing kidney stones, but the degree of obesity doesn't appear to increase or decrease the risk one way or the other, a new study shows.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Photons led astray: Experiment investigates random motion of quantum particles
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PnP6QtvZK3A/100216113555.htm
Physicists have developed an experiment to investigate the random motion of quantum particles. They have used polarized light -- light waves which oscillate in a particular plane -- to design a simple model for a quantum physical random walk. Their experiments could provide new insights into statistical processes such as photosynthesis, and help to accelerate search algorithms.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Inflammation marker related to obesity is elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/rMNSPDTsKFU/100203121544.htm
The levels of an inflammatory chemokine were significantly elevated in patients with pancreatic cancer who were extremely obese, according to new research.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Beyond the corn field: Balancing fuel, food and biodiversity
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ixyngKRlTHI/100216140152.htm
The development of alternative fuel will greatly benefit the US, say scientists. However, in order to effectively reap the social and economic benefits of biofuel production, US policies need to address potential effects of land-use choices on our ecosystems.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Chronic migraine sufferers sicker, poorer and more depressed than episodic migraine sufferers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iu5vc6Lz2RY/100217224235.htm
Chronic migraine sufferers tend to be in poorer general health, less well off, and more depressed than those with episodic migraine, reveals new research.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Why today's galaxies don't make as many stars as they used to
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3WpJd7hTXIk/100216101201.htm
Scientists have found that fewer stars are born in present-day galaxies because interstellar raw materials have become sparse over time.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
'Secret weapon' of retroviruses that cause cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XqmRwrzEtyM/100215130341.htm
Oncogenic retroviruses are a particular family of viruses that can cause some types of cancer. Scientists have now identified a "virulence factor" that inhibits the host immune response and allows the virus to spread throughout the body. This factor is a sequence of amino acids that is located in the envelope protein of the virus.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Putative skull of St. Bridget probably not authentic
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/g3LJ0Fvz8Ns/100216113849.htm
The putative skull of St. Bridget of Sweden that has been kept in a shrine in Vadstena Abbey is probably not authentic. A new study reveals that the two skulls, believed to be from St. Bridget and her daughter Catherine, are not from maternally related individuals. Furthermore, dating shows that the skulls are not from the time period when Bridget and Catherine lived.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
New drug for kidney transplant recipients effective in humans
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mUKdRL90nek/100217093249.htm
Initial results of a study conducted at 100 centers worldwide indicate that belatacept, a first-in-class co-stimulation blocker can prevent the immune system rejecting new organs. The results also suggest that it may provide similar patient and graft survival to cyclosporine but with fewer side effects and superior kidney function after 12 months.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Mathematical model predicts slight sports injuries
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/x_M-OD6xA9M/100216221303.htm
Spanish researchers have developed a new mathematical model that predicts sport injuries. Their work shows that sport injuries that affect the lower limbs in high-impact sport, such as football, athletics or basketball, can be predicted through the use of equations of logistic regression.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Rose-colored glasses have many shades: Shopping decisions and emotions
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/f_wWMwjV1kI/100217114634.htm
A proud consumer won't necessarily make the same purchase as a contented one, according to a new study.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Chickens 'one-up' humans in ability to see color
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dkrw98o90eQ/100216101159.htm
Researchers have peered deep into the eye of the chicken and found a masterpiece of biological design. Scientists mapped five types of light receptors in the chicken's eye. They discovered the receptors were laid out in interwoven mosaics that maximized the chicken's ability to see many colors in any given part of the retina, the light-sensing structure at the back of the eye.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Small liquid sensor may detect cancer instantly, could lead to home detection kit
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/q_QI1vhM4Eg/100217114709.htm
What if it were possible to go to the store and buy a kit to quickly and accurately diagnose cancer, similar to a pregnancy test? A researcher is developing a tiny sensor, known as an acoustic resonant sensor, that is smaller than a human hair and could test bodily fluids for a variety of diseases, including breast and prostate cancers.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Phobos flyby season starts again
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8o5VEcs7x-Q/100216113851.htm
Today Mars Express began a series of flybys of Phobos, the largest moon of Mars. The campaign will reach its crescendo on March 3, when the spacecraft will set a new record for the closest pass to Phobos, skimming the surface at just 50 km. The data collected could help untangle the origin of this mysterious moon.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Immune system turns on the body in narcolepsy
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GcdCbod52XI/100215173947.htm
It is thought that the sleep disorder narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder -- that is, it is caused by the individual's immune system attacking certain cells in the body -- but this had not been proven definitively. But now, researchers have now identified autoantibodies (immune molecules that target a natural protein in the body rather than a protein from an infectious agent) in narcolepsy patients.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Managing moose: Listen to the natives for better environmental monitoring
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WTgzU0AyXuE/100217093247.htm
Modern methods can answer a multitude of questions, but sometimes traditional techniques are superior. Authorities in northern Quebec, Canada, found this to their cost, when they relied upon statistical data to monitor moose populations. In this instance the traditional methods of monitoring and managing moose, used by the Cree hunters, was a better measure of moose population.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Building fit minds under stress
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sO1-fQRcSpY/100216101153.htm
A new study in which training was provided to a high-stress U.S. military group preparing for deployment to Iraq has demonstrated a positive link between mindfulness training, or MT, and improvements in mood and working memory.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Permafrost line recedes 130 km in 50 years, Canadian study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8_Y8N7cEUFY/100217101129.htm
The southern limit of permanently frozen ground, or permafrost, is now 130 kilometers further north than it was 50 years ago in the James Bay region, according to researchers. In a new study, they suggest that, if the trend continues, permafrost in the region will completely disappear in the near future.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Later introduction of baby foods related to lower risk of obesity later in life
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/HEREHwKbaro/100216142336.htm
The introduction of complementary feeding at a later age is protective against overweight in adulthood.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Get Set for a Possible Glimpse of an Asteroid
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/72VZdeUBqnw/100217122911.htm
The most prominent asteroid in the sky is currently yours for the perusing with binoculars -- and perhaps even the naked eye.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Migraine more common in women with multiple sclerosis
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xIMP1BDChxM/100216163324.htm
Migraine is seen more frequently in women with multiple sclerosis than those without, according to a new study.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Hands-free texting application developed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8SdJTa7naLI/100216142332.htm
Researchers have developed a hands-free alternative to cell phone texting while driving.

Thu, 18 Feb 10
Winter Olympics: Altitude affects skill sports, not just endurance events
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8zmiBmLuMPw/100216113855.htm
For winter sports athletes, including Olympians, the altitude of the sports venue can have a significant impact on performance, requiring athletes in skill sports, such as figure skating, ski jumping and snowboarding, to retool highly technical moves to accommodate more or less air resistance. Researchers discuss how altitude can affect balance and timing and can even boost sprint times -- although not this year.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Study examines family lineage of King Tut, his possible cause of death
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/S8ukJPuOjew/100216163332.htm
Using several scientific methods, including analyzing DNA from royal mummies, research findings suggest that malaria and bone abnormalities appear to have contributed to the death of Egyptian pharaoh King Tutankhamun, with other results appearing to identify members of the royal family, including King Tut's father and mother, according to a new study.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Autism: Oxytocin improves social behavior of patients, French study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/eUbPXWLU5IE/100216221350.htm
Autism is a disease characterized by difficulties in communicating effectively with other people and developing social relationships. New research in France shows that the inhalation of oxytocin, a hormone known to promote mother-infant bonds and social relationships, significantly improved the abilities of autistic patients to interact with other individuals.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Reliable home male fertility test? Accurate sperm counts now possible
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/igmbS_jwF8w/100216221151.htm
A new 'fertility chip' can accurately count spermatozoa in sperm. This is an important step towards the development of a compact device for reliable 'pre-scanning' of male fertility.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
High-fat ketogenic diet to control seizures is safe over long term, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LnO6pVlEaR4/100216163531.htm
Current and former patients treated with the high-fat ketogenic diet to control multiple, daily and severe seizures can be reassured by the news that not only is the diet effective, but it also appears to have no long-lasting side effects, say scientists.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
The carbon cycle before humans: New studies provide clearer picture of how carbon cycle was dramatically affected long ago
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ULcdzV0PRiQ/100216163525.htm
Two new studies contribute new clues as to what drove large-scale changes to the carbon cycle nearly 100 million years ago. Both research teams conclude that a massive amount of volcanic activity introduced carbon dioxide and sulfur into the atmosphere, which in turn had a significant impact on the carbon cycle, oxygen levels in the oceans and marine plants and animals. Oxygen levels dropped so low that one-third of marine life died.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Bilingual babies: The roots of bilingualism in newborns
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/eW1DfDqWB8A/100216142330.htm
According to new findings, infants born to bilingual mothers (who spoke both languages regularly during pregnancy) exhibit different language preferences than infants born to mothers speaking only one language. These results suggest that bilingual infants, along with monolingual infants, are able to discriminate between the two languages, providing a mechanism from the first moments of life that helps ensure bilingual infants do not confuse their two languages.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
NASA's Fermi closes on source of cosmic rays
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sgb5om7OUa8/100216182025.htm
New images from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope show where supernova remnants emit radiation a billion times more energetic than visible light. The images bring astronomers a step closer to understanding the source of some of the universe's most energetic particles -- cosmic rays.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Genetic link between mammographic density and breast cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Z480tB1P6k8/100216113550.htm
An Australian study has revealed that certain breast cancer genetic variants increase mammographic density, confirming the link between mammographic breast density and breast cancer.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
New spiny pocket mouse species discovered
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/d0EfoJHTe5g/100129151806.htm
Biologists have reported the existence of a new species of spiny pocket mouse, from Venezuela, Heteromys catopterius.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Loss of gene function makes prostate cancer cells more aggressive
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2wNp6H8i1so/100202141306.htm
Prostate cancer cells are more likely to spread to other parts of the body if a specific gene quits functioning normally, according to new research.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Nanotech discovery may green chemical manufacturing
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vOusFnaF9Cg/100216142338.htm
A new nanotech catalyst offers industry an opportunity to reduce the use of expensive and toxic heavy metals.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Teaching a foreign language? Best teach in the accent of the listener
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UnKKkiO5wBQ/100216101326.htm
Perception of second language speech is easier when it is spoken in the accent of the listener and not in the "original" accent of that language, shows a new study.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Artificial foot recycles energy for easier walking
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4nPXmY5hHCE/100216203150.htm
An artificial foot that recycles energy otherwise wasted in between steps could make it easier for amputees to walk, its developers say.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Researchers find biomarkers in saliva for detection of early-stage pancreatic cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/w8JcZUC5l_M/100216163343.htm
The genetic biomarkers of pancreatic cancer are present in human saliva, researchers report. The finding could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of this most lethal of human cancers. Early results suggest salivary diagnostics may prove superior to blood tests for the purpose of early detection.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Attacking cancer cells with hydrogel nanoparticles
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/URbB8dVx1LQ/100216140404.htm
Researchers are using hydrogels -- less than 100 nanometers in size -- to sneak a particular type of small interfering RNA into cancer cells. Once in the cell the siRNA turns on the programmed cell death the body uses to kill mutated cells and help traditional chemotherapy do it's job.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Influenza vaccines: Poor evidence for effectiveness in elderly
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/AAiVMsVCpRA/100216203146.htm
Evidence for the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccines in the over-65s is poor, despite the fact that vaccination has been recommended for the prevention of influenza in older people for the past 40 years, according to a new review.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Barley protein concentrate could replace fishmeal in aquaculture feeds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/STrllmybqvg/100205102558.htm
Scientists have developed a barley protein concentrate that could be fed to trout and other commercially produced fish.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
What the brain values may not be what it buys
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/THrSuuPHjZc/100216182022.htm
New brain-imaging research shows it's even possible to predict how much people might be willing to pay for a particular face. Researchers found that as participants were watching a sequence of faces, their brains were simultaneously evaluating those faces in two distinct ways: for the quality of the viewing experience and for what they would trade to see the face again.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Team finds subtropical waters flushing through Greenland fjord
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-488KZjeNZ0/100216163339.htm
Waters from warmer latitudes -- or subtropical waters -- are reaching Greenland's glaciers, driving melting and likely triggering an acceleration of ice loss, reports a team of researchers.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Childhood obesity a risk for premature death
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/JxqUDO40bog/100216221153.htm
A new study shows how childhood obesity, together with other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, affects premature death.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Enzyme design with remote effects: Chemists devise new way of optimizing enzymes for industrial applications
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mH9x5eedLyo/100216140406.htm
Engineers are unlikely to tinker with the cooling system if they want to increase the size of an engine. Yet chemists in Germany have adopted an approach similar to this in their efforts to optimize an enzyme for practical applications. They substituted two amino acids at a site relatively distal to the biocatalyst's binding pocket, the location where the chemical reaction takes place.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Non-invasive testing, earlier surgery can stop seizures in tuberous sclerosis complex
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Nct_6wO4BHc/100129092018.htm
A new study has found that an alternative, non-invasive approach to pre-surgical testing, along with earlier consideration for surgery, is associated with the best seizure-free surgical outcome in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
New approach to understanding surfaces of materials
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/b3RwVy9op98/100216163533.htm
Scientists have produced a new approach for understanding surfaces, particularly metal oxide surfaces, widely used in industry as supports for catalysts. Knowledge of how atoms are arranged on a material's surface is critical to understanding a material's overall properties. In their approach, the research team used a combination of advanced experimental tools coupled with theoretical calculations.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Soccer practice may significantly reduce blood pressure in inactive people
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QC4GbLd4C5Y/100202101249.htm
New research on inactive people with high blood pressure shows that just three months of soccer practice twice a week causes a significant fall in blood pressure, resting pulse rate and percentage of body fat, and is more effective than the doctor's usual advice on healthy diet and exercise.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Highly absorbing, flexible solar cells with silicon wire arrays created
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MCVsF8-_EIg/100216140259.htm
Using arrays of long, thin silicon wires embedded in a polymer substrate, scientists have created a new type of flexible solar cell that enhances the absorption of sunlight and efficiently converts its photons into electrons. The solar cell does all this using only a fraction of the expensive semiconductor materials required by conventional solar cells.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Neuroscientists reveal new links that regulate brain electrical activity
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ix9LZVggBdM/100216163337.htm
Researchers have made a major breakthrough in our understanding of nerve impulse generation within the brain. Brain cells communicate with each other by firing electrical impulses, which in turn rely upon special ion channels that are positioned at strategic locations in their membranes.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Stress and trade-offs explain life's diversity: A new model
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Miy1yeYwErk/100216140400.htm
Plants and people alike face critical choices as they reproduce: to make a few big, well-provisioned seeds -- or babies -- or many small, poorly-provisioned ones. Different species make strikingly different choices, resulting in a great diversity of life forms: Darwin's "endless forms most beautiful. New research argues that these diverse strategies coexist because different levels of stress favor different choices.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Fat behaves differently in patients with polycistic ovary syndrome
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/31otZWbDa2U/100202101253.htm
Fat tissue in women with polycystic ovary syndrome produces an inadequate amount of the hormone that regulates how fats and glucose are processed, promoting increased insulin resistance and inflammation, glucose intolerance and greater risk of diabetes and heart disease, according to a study.

Wed, 17 Feb 10
The rhythm of our star
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GgVHT_I397Q/100215100517.htm
When we look at the Sun we cannot penetrate beyond its outer surface, the photosphere, which emits the photons that make up the radiation we can see. So how can we find out what is inside it?

Wed, 17 Feb 10
Self-control impaired in type 2 diabetics, research suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/rVP_YhSVE_c/100210194404.htm
Type 2 diabetes, an increasingly common complication of obesity, is associated with poor impulse control. Researchers suggest that neurological changes result in this inability to resist temptation, which may in turn exacerbate diabetes.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Particle may be leading candidate for mysterious dark matter
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/fL3mwHaA1qY/100211141146.htm
Physicists may have glimpsed a particle that is a leading candidate for mysterious dark matter but say conclusive evidence remains elusive.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Scientists discover molecular pathway for organ tissue regeneration and repair
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Jl37crINTaA/100215174134.htm
Scientists have discovered a molecular pathway that works through the immune system to regenerate damaged kidney tissues and may lead to new therapies for repairing injury in other organs. The study may have significant medical ramifications as currently there are no effective treatments for acute kidney injury -- a growing problem in hospitals and clinics.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Fog has declined in past century along California's redwood coast
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qyVCrBKugOA/100215174117.htm
An analysis of newly available climate data shows that summer fog along the California coast has declined significantly in the past century, though it is unclear whether this is a natural variation or a result of human activity. The new report links summer high pressure cells above the northwest California coast to frequent fog. When the cells are weak, fog escapes inland and coastal temperatures rise. This could affect redwoods, which need high humidity.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Induced neural stem cells: Not quite ready for prime time
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0uS9g14CeZQ/100215174204.htm
The great promise of induced pluripotent stem cells is that the all-purpose cells seem capable of performing all the same tricks as embryonic stem cells, but without the controversy.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Free trade, loss of support systems crippling food production in Africa
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zf7h4ofaFVs/100215174136.htm
Despite good intentions, the push to privatize government functions and insistence upon "free trade" that is too often unfair has caused declining food production, increased poverty and a hunger crisis for millions of people in many African nations, researchers conclude in a new study.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Simple test may help judge concussion in athletes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_TWad3M8pps/100215173938.htm
A simple test of reaction time may help determine whether athletes have sustained a concussion (also known as mild traumatic brain injury) and when they are ready to play again, according to a new study.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Scientists transplant nose of mosquito, advance fight against malaria
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/lOPkETJ8fgc/100215174119.htm
Scientists have successfully transplanted most of the "nose" of the mosquito that spreads malaria into frog eggs and fruit flies and are employing these surrogates to combat the spread of the deadly and debilitating disease that afflicts 500 million people.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Stem cells sabotage their own DNA to produce new tissues, new study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CSslwepJvpM/100215173955.htm
Stem cells intentionally cut and then repair their own DNA as a mechanism of activating genes that promote the development of new tissues, according to new research. This is a new way of activating a gene, and it could change how researchers think about tissue development, stem cells and cancer.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
'Fingerprinting' method reveals fate of mercury in Arctic snow
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zv5kmXrlLbQ/100210172225.htm
A study offers new insight into what happens to mercury deposited onto Arctic snow from the atmosphere. Mercury is a naturally occurring element, but some 2000 tons of it enter the global environment each year from human-generated sources such as coal-burning power plants, incinerators and chlorine-producing plants.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Bone-anchored hearing aids help youth with single-sided deafness
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/OXva9gRBwZM/100215174131.htm
Surgically implanted hearing aids anchored to the skull bone appear to be a durable treatment option that noticeably improves hearing among children with deafness in one ear, according to a new report.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Natural-disaster mathematical aid systems aid in decision-making
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Ee-WgZ8gEQc/100211090752.htm
Mathematicians have developed a computer application that estimates the magnitude of natural disasters and helps NGOs in the decision making process. The researchers have also presented an on-site humanitarian aid distribution model. Both could have been applied in the case of the recent Haiti earthquake.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Charging less for more effective treatments could reduce health care costs while improving health
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/DeBnhfDk8JA/100215201601.htm
Value-based insurance design in which consumer payments are waived for highly effective treatments, but are raised for less effective ones, could increase the benefits of healthcare in the US without increasing expenditures.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Brain-controlled cursor doubles as a neural workout
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bEdcm9YCSgo/100215174206.htm
Electrodes on the surface of the brain show that using imagined movements to control a computer cursor can generate larger-than-life brain signals after less than 10 minutes of training.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Scientists discover TB disease mechanism and molecule to block it
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2Kb4TZvU17g/100215173953.htm
Researchers have identified a mechanism used by the tuberculosis bacterium to evade the body's immune system and have identified a compound that blocks the bacterium's ability to survive in the host, which could lead to new drugs to treat tuberculosis.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Marine protected areas: A solution for saving the penguin
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2dBpbtQ6rSM/100211090755.htm
Researchers have shown that closing fishing zones in the ocean has a beneficial effect on Cape penguins, an endangered species endemic to Southern Africa that feeds exclusively on fish.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Tinnitus does not appear to be a highly inherited condition, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ojR0RnycOiY/100215174129.htm
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, does not appear to be a highly inherited condition (i.e., does not pass frequently from parents to offspring), according to a new article.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Habit-learning device will lower energy bills under new clean energy cashback scheme
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/q_AWtuUkFxc/100204101734.htm
Smart control units that learn householders' energy habits and provide immediate feedback on consumption could give home energy savings of up to 20 percent without compromising comfort.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Children more likely to visit the dentist if their parents do, too
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/aVkmvY6F7NY/100201091634.htm
Whether or not children receive regular dental care is strongly associated with their parents' history of seeking dental care. A new report is the first to analyze the relationship between parents' and childrens' dental visits in a nationally representative sample.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Biologists image birth of blood-forming stem cells in embryo
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/rb26zmZazcY/100214143125.htm
Biologists have identified the specific region in vertebrates where adult blood stem cells arise during embryonic development. The researchers say their time-lapse imaging of the process, by which primitive embryonic tissues first produce the parent stem cells that produce all adult blood cells over the life of an individual, should help guide future efforts to repair and replace this cell population for therapeutic purposes.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
New weapon to fight disease-causing bacteria, malaria developed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gIC3pNJp8Q0/100215173944.htm
Researchers report that they have discovered -- and now know how to exploit -- an unusual chemical reaction mechanism that allows malaria parasites and many disease-causing bacteria to survive. The research team also has developed the first potent inhibitor of this chemical reaction.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Plant buffers may limit spread of antibiotics in animal waste
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/OxWD6aQjIvM/100212172539.htm
Buffer strips of grasses and other plants can trap and break down veterinary antibiotics in manure fertilizers, according to new research.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Certain pain medications do not appear to be associated with skin cancer risk
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/o9kuLbi7zuk/100215174127.htm
Contrary to previous hypotheses, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs does not appear associated with risk of squamous cell skin cancer, according to a new article.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
New supercomputer uses water-cooled technology to save energy
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/lohha4hsTpo/100211090748.htm
A new supercomputer uses a unique water-cooled technology achieves 30 percent savings in electrical consumption.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Most patients gain weight after knee replacement surgery
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/imS4bR8bSPw/100129151758.htm
You'd think folks who've had knee replacement surgery -- finally able to walk and exercise without pain -- would lose weight instead of put on pounds, but surprisingly that's not the case.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Buddy, can you spare a banana? Study finds that bonobos share like humans
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_-jXAJBEQbI/100212125708.htm
New research suggests that the act of voluntarily sharing something with another may not be entirely exclusive to the human experience. Bonobos -- a sister species of chimpanzees and, like chimps, our closest living relatives -- consistently chose to actively share their food with others.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Pipe and Cigar Smoking Strongly Associated with Decreased Lung Function, COPD
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hUeFf8dduYs/100215173940.htm
Pipe and cigar smoke may be more harmful than once thought. While some believe pipes and cigars are healthier than cigarettes, a major known cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study directly links pipe and cigar smoking to decreased lung function.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Nano for the senses
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tvj2gh9RTyg/100202111746.htm
Pin-sharp projections, light that’s whiter than white, varnishes that make sounds if the temperature changes: at nano tech 2010 in Tokyo, researchers present nanotechnology that is a veritable feast for the senses.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Outcomes after bariatric surgery revisions
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jrdpEDilXzo/100215174123.htm
Revisional bariatric surgery appears to be associated with a higher risk of complications than the initial procedure, according to a new article.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Biofuels policy fails to achieve goals, warn experts
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nTRnC_tEerA/100215130339.htm
US biofuel policies will fail to achieve the intended environmental, energy and agricultural goals, warns a new article.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Behavioral therapy improves sleep and lives of patients with pain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/L8Qndt5Yjh0/100211151657.htm
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia significantly improved sleep for patients with chronic neck or back pain and also reduced the extent to which pain interfered with their daily functioning, according to a new study.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Even single-celled organisms feed themselves in 'smart' manner
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qkS1woGW8Ns/100210164712.htm
How does a single-celled organism, one of the simplest life forms on Earth, manage to satisfy its nutritional needs? It is by studying social amoebae, elementary organisms that are distantly related to fungi and plants, that researchers in France have, for the first time, demonstrated the nutritional preferences of such systems. Despite lacking a centralizing organ, such amoebae are capable of regulating their nutrient supply. When faced with diverse nutritional situations, they adapt so as always to select an optimal ratio of nutrients.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Glaucoma medications may be associated with reduced risk of death over 4-year period
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EFMhyBCwLhg/100208185343.htm
Glaucoma patients who take medication for the condition appear to have a reduced likelihood of death, according to a new study.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Pharmacy students practice diagnostic skills on robotic patient
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_wjvcTOPJmU/100215130336.htm
A robot that can be programmed to have a range of medical conditions, from heart disease to constipation, is being used by Pharmacy students to help practice diagnostic skills and treating patients The SimMan 3G, dubbed “Simon” by the students, i.s a life-sized model that talks, breathes and reacts to medicines in the same way as a real human.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Factors linked to growth of fetus in first trimester and subsequent outcomes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Iffirqa8oUo/100209182354.htm
Factors such as maternal high blood pressure and high hematocrit levels (the proportion of blood that consists of red blood cells) are associated with a greater likelihood of restricted fetal growth during the first trimester, with restricted growth linked to an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, according to a new study.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Hydrogen production via thermal gasification of biomass in near-to-medium term
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wi-W5AMi8-0/100215100515.htm
Dedicated biomass gasification technologies are presently being developed in many countries for the production of second-generation liquid biofuels. Both fluidized-bed gasification and special entrained flow systems are under intensive development. These technologies can also be used for hydrogen production, which may become an interesting alternative in replacing part of fossil fuel input in oil refineries and chemical industries. In addition, fuel cell technology is being developed for hydrogen-rich gases.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Neighborhood socioeconomic status and diabetes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZVpY8oxOEsw/100209152227.htm
Researchers have found a direct link between neighborhood socioeconomic status and risk for type 2 diabetes in African American women. The study is the first prospective study to examine the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic status and incidence of type 2 diabetes in a large, geographically diverse cohort of African-American women.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Diamond nanowire device could lead to new class of diamond nanomaterials suitable for quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and magnetic field imaging
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mXmzOyvHPyE/100214143127.htm
By creating diamond-based nanowire devices, scientists have taken another step towards making applications based on quantum science and technology possible. The new device offers a bright, stable source of single photons at room temperature, an essential element in making fast and secure computing with light practical.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
How an old drug could have a new use for treating river blindness
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VD8aBf7U6SQ/100209123810.htm
Scientists have discovered a potential new use for the drug closantel, currently the standard treatment for sheep and cattle infected with liver fluke. The new research suggests that the drug may be useful in combating river blindness, a tropical disease that is the world's second leading infectious cause of blindness for humans.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
White rye bread healthier than whole wheat?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XQejiF3dEVk/100212210212.htm
Wholegrain bread is good and good for you, as most people know. But it is not only the fiber-rich bran, the outer shell of the grain, that is healthful. On the contrary, new research shows that bread baked with white rye flour, which is flour made from the inner, white part of the rye kernel, leads to better insulin and blood sugar levels compared with wheat bread with rye bran. White rye flour thus leads to much better values than both regular wheat flour and rye bran. At the same time, much of the bread that is sold in stores today in most countries is in fact baked with wheat flour and bran from various grains.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
New CATCH rule to determine need for CT scans in children with minor head injury
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/M9HCg_4xXfc/100208123632.htm
A new tool may help standardize the use of computed tomography (CT scans) in children with minor head injury and help reduce the number of scans, according to a new study.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Rethinking renewable energy strategy
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/h2TOD8pK7aI/100211121810.htm
Researchers suggest that policy makers examine greenhouse gas emissions implications for energy infrastructure as fossil fuel sources must be rapidly replaced by windmills, solar panels and other sources of renewable energy.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
New study examines the impact on children of food product placements in the movies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nBtSWp0nU84/100209152233.htm
New research sheds light on the significant potential negative impact that food product placements in the movies could be having on children.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Energy-efficient lighting made without mercury
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cXfX6eHZswk/100211140629.htm
Scientists have developed a revolutionary lighting technology that is more energy efficient than the common incandescent light bulb and does not contain mercury, making it environmentally safer than the compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Common thread links multiple human cognitive disorders
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/lGKKEvuDVX0/100215122819.htm
A new study reveals that a common underlying mechanism is shared by a group of previously unrelated disorders which all cause complex defects in brain development and function. It helps to explain why these different chromatin abnormalities all interfere with proper gene expression patterns necessary for normal development and mature brain function.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
'Bubbles' of broken symmetry in quark soup
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/E7c7aXkLPNc/100215101018.htm
Scientists report the first hints of profound symmetry transformations in the hot soup of quarks, antiquarks and gluons produced in most energetic collisions. These new results thus suggest the opportunity to test some crucial features of symmetry-altering bubbles speculated to have played important roles in the evolution of the infant universe.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Walking linked to eased osteoarthritis, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Re-mlSTLW3w/100215100757.htm
“Progressive walking” combined with glucosamine sulphate supplementation has been shown to improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Researchers found that patients who walked at least two bouts of 1500 steps each on three days of the week reported significantly less arthritis pain, and significantly improved physical function.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Alternative futures of a warming world: Potential human responses to climate change will be integrated into future models
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MRBRjRuNL1w/100210131946.htm
An international team of climate scientists will take a new approach to modeling Earth's climate future. The next set of models will include, for the first time, tightly linked analyses of greenhouse gas emissions, projections of Earth's climate, impacts of climate change, and human decision-making. This approach will influence the next international scientific assessment undertaken by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Tue, 16 Feb 10
Cognitive and motor delays may be linked to 'flat head syndrome' in young babies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3Yt-p-eQ13w/100215081730.htm
In a new study, infants averaging six months of age who exhibited positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) had lower scores than typical infants in observational tests used to evaluate cognitive and motor development.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
First brain recordings from flying fruit flies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EAo9jiZxF2E/100214143139.htm
Researchers have obtained the first recordings of brain-cell activity in an actively flying fruit fly. The work suggests that at least part of the brain of the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) "is in a different and more sensitive state during flight than when the fly is quiescent," says a study author.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Shifting cellular energy metabolism may help treat cardiovascular disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2HUt6djYkP8/100214143123.htm
Drugs that target the way cells convert nutrients into energy could offer new approaches to treating a range of conditions including heart attack and stroke. Using a new way to screen for potential drugs, researchers have identified several FDA-approved agents, including an over-the-counter anti-nausea drug, that can shift cellular energy metabolism processes in animals.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Mother bats expert at saving energy: Study shows wild female bats’ temperature regulation strategy is flexible
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XxoK2wuA0No/100210124807.htm
In order to regulate their body temperature as efficiently as possible, wild female bats switch between two strategies depending on both the ambient temperature and their reproductive status.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Defective signaling pathway sheds light on cystic fibrosis
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wT36PGEwsjc/100214143133.htm
In a study that could lead to new therapeutic targets for patients with the cystic fibrosis, scientists have identified a defective signaling pathway that contributes to disease severity.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Quantum entanglement used to stack light particles
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2YaEOsiNjJw/100214143131.htm
Physicists are now able to mount up to two photons on top of one another to construct a variety of quantum states of light.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Drama or reality TV: Do medical shows depict proper first aid for seizures?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cXnuXcc9bCw/100214220102.htm
Watching TV medical shows might not be the best way to learn what to do when someone has a seizure. Researchers screened the most popular medical dramas and found that doctors and nurses on the shows responded inappropriately to seizures almost half the time, according to a new study.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
'Primitive' cancer gene discovered in ancestral metazoan
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BfoUfy-e5XI/100211090750.htm
To find the causes for cancer, biochemists and developmental biologists retraced the function of an important human cancer gene 600 million years back in time. For the first time, they have identified the oncogene myc in a fresh water polyp and they have shown that this oncogene has similar biochemical functions in ancestral metazoan and in humans.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Bacteria-killing proteins cover blood type blind spot
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2120KMqV_0I/100214143137.htm
Galectin-4 and galectin-8, carbohydrate-binding proteins found in our intestines, can recognize and kill bacteria that have human blood type sugar molecules on their surfaces. This discovery explains why bacteria can't sneak past our immune systems by camouflaging themselves with blood type molecules. It may also explain why the human population has a diversity of blood types; galectin-4 and -8 create a "protected space" for the diversity.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
A new 3-D map of the interstellar gas within 300 parsecs from the sun
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Ffi5VrBZlOo/100209152225.htm
Astronomy & Astrophysics is publishing new 3-D maps of the interstellar gas in the local area around our sun. A French-American team of astronomers presents new absorption measurements towards more than 1800 stars. They were able to characterize the properties of the interstellar gas within each sight line.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Master gene SRC-3 enables breast cancer growth, invasion
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PNgy94gDLy0/100212125704.htm
The master gene SRC-3 not only enhances estrogen-dependent growth of cancer cells, it also sends a signal to the cell membrane to promote cell movement -- a key element of cancer metastasis, said researchers. The finding not only uncovers a new activity for SRC-3, it also clears up a mystery about how the message that tells a cell to invade gets from the epidermal growth factor receptor to the activating enzyme.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Enzyme with industrial applications characterized
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NA-M6rwvoyY/100211090757.htm
Microbial enzymes are commonly used to reduce the levels of contamination created by industrial processes. Researchers have now characterized xylan-degrading enzyme from the the bacteria Paenibacillus barcinonensis, an isolated microorganism found in the Ebro delta.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Are bees addicted to caffeine and nicotine?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dPrPRMXYAlU/100210101504.htm
Bees prefer nectar with small amounts of nicotine and caffeine over nectar that does not comprise these substances at all, a new study reveals. "This could be an evolutionary development intended, as in humans, to make the bee addicted," states one of the researchers who conducted the study.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Cameras of the future: Heart researchers create revolutionary photographic technique
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1DFFzqfKHEA/100214143129.htm
Scientists have developed a revolutionary way of capturing a high-resolution still image alongside very high-speed video -- a new technology that is attractive for science, industry and consumer sectors alike.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Switch that turns on the spread of cancer discovered
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/T3hDqbwh3Us/100214143135.htm
Researchers describe the discovery of a specific protein called disabled-2 (Dab2) that switches on the process that releases cancer cells from the original tumor and allows the cells to spread and develop into new tumors in other parts of the body.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Cone snails and spiders help neurobiologists investigate ion channels
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NjKFg3G5w-c/100210101510.htm
Neurotoxins from cone snails and spiders help neurobiologists to investigate the function of ion channels in neurons. They have developed a system which for the first time allows the targeted, long-lasting investigation of ion channel function in mammals and also their blockade with neurotoxins. In transgenic mice they succeeded in blocking chronic pain by introducing a toxin gene into the organism.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Less is more in cancer imaging
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gc9hv8ReKMg/100211121806.htm
Scientists have developed an amplitude gating technique that gives physicians a clearer picture of how tumors are responding to treatment.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Virtual museum guide
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bOOpc19j788/100210164838.htm
Archaeological treasures are being brought to life by new software. Real images are enriched with digital information on a virtual tour through ancient buildings, creating a more vivid experience for the museum visitor.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Mexican-Americans come closest to meeting national physical activity goals
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xteIkh7Pz6w/100210161730.htm
When it comes to meeting national health goals for physical activity, Mexican-Americans are the most active group in America and may benefit from exercise that researchers typically have not measured, according to a new study. The research, which used electronic devices to measure people's movement, challenges other studies based on self-reports that claimed non-Hispanic whites are most likely to be physically active.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Built-in amps: How subtle head motions, quiet sounds are reported to the brain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UX9a9mDWJw8/100209091842.htm
Subtle head motions are amplified by inner-ear hair cells before the signal is reported to the brain, report scientists. In both the auditory and the vestibular systems, hair cell response is nonlinear: the lower the strength of the stimulus, the more the hair cell amplifies the signal.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Vaccine possible: Hypothesis on the mystery of dengue virus infection confirmed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/06VOjEqVmPw/100211121756.htm
Scientists have now validated the long-held and controversial hypothesis that antibodies -- usually the "good guys" in the body's fight against viruses -- instead contribute to severe dengue virus-induced disease. The finding has major implications for the development of a first-ever vaccine against dengue virus, a growing public health threat which annually infects 50 to 100 million people worldwide, causing a half million cases of the severest form.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Urbanization, export crops drive deforestation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xnG6SmTI7WU/100209183246.htm
The drivers of tropical deforestation have shifted in the early 21st century to hinge on growth of cities and the globalized agricultural trade, a new large-scale study concludes. The observations starkly reverse assumptions by some scientists that fast-growing urbanization and the efficiencies of global trade might eventually slow or reverse tropical deforestation.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Hospital uses device to revolutionize treatment of traumatic aortic injury
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/rPUhAlwsuOQ/100210124809.htm
Vascular surgeons performed one of the nation's first implants of a Next Generation Conformable GORE TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis device for the treatment of a traumatic aortic transection as part of a national clinical trial. The goal of the trial is to gain insight into using thoracic endografts for patients with traumatic aortic transection (tear) as a less invasive alternative to major surgery.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Benefits of badger culling not long lasting for reducing cattle TB, says study
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Cbvlqe0P9cI/100210101500.htm
Badger culling is unlikely to be a cost-effective way of helping control cattle TB in Britain, according to new research. Study authors say their findings suggest that the benefits of repeated widespread badger culling, in terms of reducing the incidence of cattle TB, disappear within four years after the culling has ended.

Mon, 15 Feb 10
Quitting smoking especially difficult for select groups
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bt6-RbdbjwM/100212125710.htm
With the national trend toward quitting smoking flat, psychologists are finding some success with treatments aimed at helping smokers from under-served groups, including racial and ethnic minorities and those with psychiatric disorders.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Scientists turn light into electrical current using a golden nanoscale system
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XZ86xTSiQ44/100212172537.htm
Material scientists have created a system, using nano-sized molecules of gold, that induces and projects electrical current across molecules, similar to that of photovoltaic solar cells.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Drug created to keep tumor growth switched off
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/oWEENhasefg/100211175217.htm
A novel -- and rapid -- anti-cancer drug development strategy has resulted in a new drug that stops kidney and pancreatic tumors from growing in mice. Researchers have found a drug that binds to a molecular "switch" found in cancer cells and cancer-associated blood vessels to keep it in the "off" position.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Catching calcium waves could provide Alzheimer's insights
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LchjlQAMg48/100212172529.htm
New insights on what causes Alzheimer's disease could arise from a recent discovery made by bioengineers. The finding concerns the infamous amyloid beta peptides (A²) -- fragments of which form plaques thought to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. The bioengineers found that amyloid beta peptides spontaneously trigger calcium waves in purified cultures of astrocyte cells extracted from the cortex region of rat brains and grown in the lab.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Metabolite common among cancers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zuteIOVew78/100208092750.htm
Several distinct mutations found in a subset of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia result in excess production of the same metabolite, according to new research.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Computer simulations can be as effective as direct observation at teaching students
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/5-C4i7WKzYQ/100211151653.htm
Students can learn some science concepts just as well from computers simulations as they do from direct observation, new research suggests. A study found that people who used computer simulations to learn about moon phases understood the concepts just as well -- and in some cases better -- than did those who learned from collecting data from viewing the moon.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
fMRIs reveal brain's handling of low-priority ideas
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vwdhQ_RnUVw/100210110740.htm
Brain networks that allow individuals to put social decisions on the back burner are impacted by genetics, a new study indicates. This capability has been shown to be abnormal in a number of psychiatric disorders.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Are high speed elephants running or walking?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/il2fXLXf99s/100212092308.htm
Elephants can move fast, but can they ever be said to be truly "running"? Researchers have measured the colossal forces generated by high-speed elephants and found that the animals do conserve energy like runners by recycling it like a pogo stick, however, they do not bounce like runners. What is more they are three times more economical than human runners.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Compound shows promise against intractable heart failure
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iQAlfaiOxYg/100211175215.htm
A chemical compound found normally in the blood shows promise in treating and preventing an intractable form of heart failure in a mouse model of the disease.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Layers in a Mars crater record a history of changes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/DslIWQuQpag/100211152126.htm
Near the center of a Martian crater about the size of Connecticut, hundreds of exposed rock layers form a mound as tall as the Rockies and reveal a record of major environmental changes on Mars billions of years ago.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
First blinded study of venous insufficiency prevalence in multiple sclerosis shows promising results
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZYYYFrA5RD0/100210110744.htm
More than 55 percent of multiple sclerosis patients participating in the initial phase of the first randomized clinical study to determine if persons with MS exhibit narrowing of the extracranial veins, causing restriction of normal outflow of blood from the brain, were found to have the abnormality.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Molecule with promising semiconductor properties created
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BSKa02z_8uU/100211163120.htm
Chemists have synthesized the first-ever stable derivative of nonacene, creating a compound that holds significant promise in the manufacture of flexible organic electronics such as large displays, solar cells and radio frequency identification tags.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Six month old babies can understand our intentions
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/b-i_TcsMDTY/100209183333.htm
Researchers have uncovered evidence that six-month-old babies can comprehend our intentions. This contradicts previous findings that infants develop this ability at nine months of age.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Beyond the abyss: Deep sea creatures build their homes from materials that sink from near the ocean surface
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/04H7iEFXmf0/100211100758.htm
Evidence from the Challenger Deep -- the deepest surveyed point in the world's oceans -- suggests that tiny single-celled creatures called foraminifera living at extreme depths of more than ten kilometers build their homes using material that sinks down from near the ocean surface.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
A potent suppressor of endometrial cancer is revealed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hnnG3HxADs4/100208091912.htm
Treatment of endometrial cancer has not advanced significantly in 30 years and there are no screening tests to promote early detection. Researchers have developed a new approach to specifically target genetic changes to the endometrial cells in mice. Using this new technique, they show that loss of an emerging tumor suppressor causes abnormal growth and widespread malignancy of cells lining the uterus.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Link between exploration well and Lusi mud volcano, strongest evidence to date shows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_SRlm4AqpLk/100211211442.htm
Nearly four years ago, a volcano of mud erupted in the middle of an Indonesian suburb, eventually inundating four villages, displacing 30,000 people and causing a gas line explosion that killed 13. The mud volcano continues to erupt today. A new report blames a drilling company that was drilling a gas exploration well, not a relatively mild and distant earthquake.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Diabetes drug ups risk for bone fractures in older women, study suggests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Rb5OLfE_3ZU/100210110746.htm
A new study finds women with type 2 diabetes who take a commonly prescribed class of medications to treat insulin resistance may be at a higher risk for developing bone fractures. After taking a thiazolidinedione (TZD) for one year, women are 50 percent more likely to have a bone fracture than patients not taking TZDs, according to study results. And those at the greatest risk for fractures from TZD use are women older than 65.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Breakthrough for mobile television
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FSigmKhi-9I/100212101253.htm
Long Term Evolution, a new mobile telecommunications standard, is poised to revolutionize mobile internet. High transmission rates will soon be possible on mobile devices. For this purpose, researchers in Germany developed the cross-layer design SVC over LTE -- a coding method that offers HD films in real-time in the appropriate format for cell phones or netbooks.

Sun, 14 Feb 10
Assistive technology helps dementia sufferers get through the day
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Sqj2zgNd4OA/100209124356.htm
Tens of millions of elderly people in the EU suffering from mild dementia may be able to look after themselves, and free up their carers, thanks to a new system.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
New fiber nanogenerators could lead to electric clothing
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qXTy2WQlMLQ/100212141246.htm
In research that gives literal meaning to the term "power suit," engineers have created energy-scavenging nanofibers that could one day be woven into clothing and textiles. The technology could eventually lead to wearable "smart clothes" that can power hand-held electronics through ordinary body movements.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Genetic secrets to jumping the species barrier
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/S0niX_KXiQ4/100211211439.htm
Scientists have pinpointed specific mutations that allow a common plant virus to infect new species. Understanding the genetics of the key interactions between viruses and hosts could provide insight to how some viruses manage to jump the species barrier and even give us a better idea of how animal diseases are generated.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
New picture of ancient ocean chemistry argues for chemically layered water
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CjIzW37o7b8/100211141136.htm
Biogeochemists have developed a dynamic three-dimensional model of Earth's early ocean chemistry that can significantly advance our understanding of how early animal life evolved on the planet. Working on rock samples from the Doushantuo Formation, South China, the research team is the first to show that Earth's early ocean chemistry during a large portion of the Ediacaran Period was far more complex than previously imagined.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Restrictions on female plasma may not be warranted
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4uWeaXXnkQE/100211084836.htm
Three years after the US blood banking industry issued recommendations that discourage transfusing plasma from female donors because of a potential antibody reaction, researchers discovered that female plasma actually may have advantages.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Nanoscale structures with superior mechanical properties developed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LRV7INeOMoE/100209183137.htm
Researchers have developed a way to make some notoriously brittle materials ductile -- yet stronger than ever -- simply by reducing their size. The work could eventually lead to the development of innovative, superstrong, yet light and damage-tolerant materials. These new materials could be used as components in structural applications, such as in lightweight aerospace vehicles that last longer under extreme environmental conditions and in naval vessels that are resistant to corrosion and wear.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
The biggest loser: Maternal obesity puts a load on her offspring that lasts a lifetime
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/q1-fKQ22EFc/100209182938.htm
As if there are not enough reasons for obese people to lose weight, a new research report adds several more. In a study involving rats, researchers found that obesity in mothers causes cellular programming in utero that predisposes offspring to inflammation-related disorders (such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease and more) from birth, regardless of whether or not the offspring are obese themselves.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Long-distance migration shapes butterfly wings
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BmEJoFpVOVg/100211100800.htm
Monarch butterflies that migrate long distances have evolved significantly larger and more elongated wings than their stationary cousins, differences that are consistent with traits known to enhance flight ability in other migratory species.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Muscle loss finding may one day save physiques
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/eVEXMo25KF8/100212172533.htm
Mice that lack a particular antioxidant enzyme show impairment of cell energy centers called mitochondria. This leads to smaller and weaker muscles, and may help scientists better understand age-related muscle atrophy and other neuromuscular diseases.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Sustainable fisheries needed for global food security
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SYAZ4krG6lo/100211141134.htm
Increased aid from developed countries, earmarked specifically for sustainable seafood infrastructure in developing countries, could improve global food security, according to a new policy paper.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Epigenetic signals differ across alleles
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PFwGCWzHbk0/100212125706.htm
Researchers have identified numerous novel regions of the genome where the chemical modifications involved in controlling gene expression are influenced by either genetic variation or the parental origin of that particular stretch of DNA. This contradicts previous assumptions that epigenetic signals are generally equal across both copies of a given region of the genome, except at a small number of known imprinted genes.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
New sensor exploits traditional weakness of nano devices
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0EHO_Y12Rqk/100212172535.htm
By taking advantage of a phenomenon that until now has been a virtual showstopper for electronics designers, scientists are developing a chemical and biological sensor with unprecedented sensitivity.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Male college students also victims of violence at girlfriends' hands
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Acw62cyB1-s/100212112028.htm
Researchers are looking at the impact that being a victim of violence has on male versus female college students in heterosexual relationships. They that found the biggest predictor of whether male and female college students would use violence against a partner was whether the partner was violent toward them.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Scientists synthesize unique family of anti-cancer compounds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PdY9v2Yl94w/100212141106.htm
Scientists have streamlined the process for synthesizing a family of compounds with the potential to kill cancer and other diseased cells, and have found that they represent a unique category of anti-cancer agents.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Low levels of natural antibodies behind stroke
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/b1SAX24TvpE/100212101249.htm
The chances of suffering a stroke are linked to the presence of a certain type of antibody in the immune system, a new study from Sweden shows. The researchers hope to be able to develop a vaccine that can mobilize the body's own defense against arteriosclerosis and stroke.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Single-step technique produces both p-type and n-type doping for future graphene devices
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MPQEC319MfE/100211163122.htm
A simple one-step process that produces both n-type and p-type doping of large-area graphene surfaces could facilitate use of the promising material for future electronic devices. The doping technique can also be used to increase conductivity in graphene nanoribbons used for interconnects.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Role of protein pair in obesity regulation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KFHKDrGp-KM/100212172531.htm
New research implicates a new protein in obesity development and highlights a protein pair's "team effort" in regulating obesity and insulin resistance.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
High-tech applications envisioned for 'multiferroic' crystals
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zYbYnN8bTLg/100212101251.htm
Scientists have had surprising results involving an unusual family of crystalline minerals. Their findings could lay the groundwork for future researchers seeking to develop a new generation of computer chips and other information-storage devices that can hold vast amounts of data and be strongly encrypted for security purposes.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Hypnosis can relieve symptoms in children with respiratory diseases
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YQTxYgSUy5E/100212141108.htm
Hypnosis has potential therapeutic value in children with respiratory disorders for alleviating symptoms such as habit cough or unexplained sensations of difficulty breathing and for lessening a child's discomfort during medical procedures.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Human gait adapted for efficient walking at the cost of efficient running
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tul2tIQcHac/100212092304.htm
Humans, other great apes and bears are among the few animals that step first on the heel when walking, and then roll onto the ball of the foot and toes. Now, a new study shows the advantage: Compared with heel-first walking, it takes 53 percent more energy to walk on the balls of your feet, and 83 percent more energy to walk on your toes.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Herbal medicines can be lethal, pathologist warns
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QdrYmRrAJIc/100209183337.htm
A forensic pathologist has sounded a worldwide warning of the potential lethal dangers of herbal medicines if taken in large quantities, injected, or combined with prescription drugs.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Science used to decode the secrets of Olympic skeleton sliding
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/rtITn1oG69Q/100211141148.htm
Olympic skeleton athletes will hit the ice next month in Vancouver, where one-hundredths of a second can dictate the difference between victory and defeat. Using state-of-the-art flow measurements, engineers are employing science and technology to help the US skeleton team trim track times and gain an edge over other sliders.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Cholera and related diseases: Grasping bacterial 'friending' paves the way to disrupt biofilm creation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mHp5DZN1JIA/100211141142.htm
Finding a biological mechanism much like an online social network, scientists have identified the bacterial protein VpsT as the master regulator in Vibrio, the cause of cholera and other enteric diseases. This discovery provides a major tool to combat enteric disease.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Dramatic changes in agriculture needed as world warms and grows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XSAUXqLOSiM/100211141140.htm
Scientists are urging dramatically changed ideas about sustainable agriculture to prevent a major starvation catastrophe by the end of this century among more than 3 billion people who live in the tropics.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Spitzer goes to the Olympics: Art professor to show space telescope-inspired work at Winter Olympics digital art exhibition
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Nsx3rO1RDW8/100210131749.htm
Artwork inspired by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope is making an appearance at this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia. No, it's not battling other telescopes for the "gold," but its observations are now on display as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad Festival.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Toads anticipate the timing and impact of their landings
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/W-cEdPMulVI/100211135307.htm
Humans may not have a leg up on toads, at least not when it comes to jumping and landing, according to new research. Researchers shows that toads, like humans, are capable of anticipating when and how hard they're going to land after a jump and activating muscles important in absorbing impact accordingly.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
How cholera bacteria becomes infectious
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3HrE1Ctsbdw/100212101257.htm
Researchers have described the structure of a protein called ToxT that controls the virulent nature of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria that causes cholera. Buried within ToxT, the researchers were surprised to find a fatty acid that appears to inhibit ToxT, which prevents the bacteria from causing cholera.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Self-cannibalizing cancer cells targeted
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KV0tIZJgEKA/100211151649.htm
Scientists have embarked on a major new project to unravel the secret lives of cancer cells that go dormant and self-cannibalize to survive periods of stress. The work may help produce new cancer therapies to stem changes that render cancer cells dangerous and resistant to treatment.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Parents often wait too long to treat children's asthma symptoms
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bOSApjCZYUM/100211163127.htm
Parents of young children with asthma often recognize signs that their child is about to have an asthma attack but delay home treatment until the attack occurs, researchers report.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Scientists explore the future of high-energy physics
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_apW7sDj5xM/100211135841.htm
In a 1954 speech to the American Physical Society, the University of Chicago's Enrico Fermi fancifully envisioned a particle accelerator that encircled the globe. Such would be the ultimate theoretical outcome, Fermi surmised, of the quest for the ever-more powerful accelerators needed to discover new laws of physics. Researchers take a new step toward this vision.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Exploring the limits: Understanding the challenges facing Winter Olympic champions
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/r3hFG9_-DEs/100210124811.htm
As the world turns its sporting gaze towards Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Physiological Society journal Experimental Physiology marks the occasion with a special issue exploring the biological and environmental challenges elite winter athletes must overcome to win gold.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Universal DNA reader will advance faster, cheaper sequencing efforts
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zYAkqymn3Qk/100211175212.htm
Scientists have come up with a new twist in their efforts to develop a faster and cheaper way to read the DNA genetic code. They have developed the first, versatile DNA reader that can discriminate between DNA's four core chemical components -- the key to unlocking the vital code behind human heredity and health.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Drinking milk during pregnancy may lower baby's risk of multiple sclerosis
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_bxiKkQmX_k/100209182345.htm
Drinking milk during pregnancy may help reduce your baby's chances of developing multiple sclerosis as an adult, according to a preliminary study.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Antarctic ice shelf collapse possibly triggered by ocean waves
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CyqR6PZOM3Y/100211175219.htm
Extremely long waves could have initiated 2008 collapse events. Depicting a cause-and-effect scenario that spans thousands of miles, scientists discovered that ocean waves originating along the Pacific coasts of North and South America impact Antarctic ice shelves and could play a role in their catastrophic collapse.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Antibiotics as active mutagens in the emergence of multidrug resistance
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vrGI-h-Jua4/100211121754.htm
Multidrug resistant bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pose a major problem for patients, doctors, and the pharmaceutical industry. To combat such bacteria, it is critical to understand how resistance is developed in the first place. New research shows that low doses of antibiotics can produce mutant strains that are sensitive to the applied antibiotic but have cross-resistance to other antibiotics.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Marshall Islands research could lead to resettlement after nuclear tests
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vLcPGJdyGaA/100211151651.htm
Through Laboratory soil cleanup methods, residents of Bikini, Enjebi and Rongelap Islands -- where nuclear tests were conducted on the atolls and in the ocean surrounding them in the 1950s -- could have lower radioactive levels than the average background dose for residents in the United States and Europe.

Sat, 13 Feb 10
Posttraumatic stress disorder: Virtual reality and other technologies offer hope
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/k1sfXxbrWmM/100211163118.htm
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) threatens to overload healthcare and social support systems worldwide as the number of cases rises and existing treatments are not sufficiently effective. New approaches to treatment are relying on technology, such as virtual reality, to alleviate the psychologically damaging effects of PTSD.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Chemists create synthetic 'gene-like' crystals for carbon dioxide capture
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Wy8gVzFPs14/100211141144.htm
Chemists report creating a synthetic "gene," which could capture heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming, rising sea levels and increased acidity of oceans.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Dietary formula that maintains youthful function into old age
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QnGtiS9r8Ao/100211163116.htm
Researchers develop dietary formula that maintains youthful function into old age.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Two years old -- a childhood obesity tipping point?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ReuCOobGjo0/100211121832.htm
While many adults consider a chubby baby healthy, too many plump infants grow up to be obese teens, saddling them with type 2 diabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure, according to a new article.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Baked rhubarb could help fight cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iOZvtfpevuU/100211212117.htm
Eating rhubarb baked in a crumble is not only tasty it may also be the best way to take advantage of its health benefits, and could lead to the development of new cancer treatments.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Seeing the quantum in chemistry: Scientists control chemical reactions of ultracold molecules
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UO44Lx3zn04/100211141130.htm
Physicists have for the first time observed chemical reactions near absolute zero, demonstrating that chemistry is possible at ultralow temperatures and that reaction rates can be controlled using quantum mechanics, the peculiar rules of submicroscopic physics.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Going for Gold: a physiologist’s view of champion cross-country skiers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/aIW0iLPOWSs/100211212120.htm
Cross-country skiing is one of the most demanding of all Olympic sports, with skiers propelling themselves at speeds that exceed 20-25 km per hour over distances as long as 50 km. Yet the difference between winners and losers in these grueling races can be decided by just the tip of a ski, as a glance at any recent world-class competition will show. So just what gives top racers the advantage?

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Models of sea level change during ice-age cycles challenged
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xWFL5Cb4vFc/100211163129.htm
Theories about the rates of ice accumulation and melting during the Quaternary Period -- the time interval ranging from 2.6 million years ago to the present -- may need to be revised, due to new research findings.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Migraine may double risk of heart attack
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hSQRE2PkKq4/100210161732.htm
Migraine sufferers are twice as likely to have heart attacks as people without migraine, according to a new study by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Mescal worm test shows DNA leaks into preservative liquids
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3APwB6CBD64/100209152303.htm
Just because you don't swallow the worm at the bottom of a bottle of mescal doesn't mean you have avoided the essential worminess of the potent Mexican liquor, according to scientists. They have discovered that the liquid itself contains the DNA of the agave butterfly caterpillar -- the famously tasty mescal "worm."

Fri, 12 Feb 10
New screening system for hepatitis C
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VYFt66LEsvM/100211100802.htm
A newly designed system of identifying molecules for treating hepatitis C should enable scientists to discover novel and effective therapies for the dangerous and difficult-to-cure disease of the liver, say chemical engineers who helped develop the screening system. The system enables researchers to study the effects of molecules that obstruct all aspects of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Virus pulls bait and switch on insect vectors
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vrG_6Fc6RWI/100201171758.htm
A common plant virus lures aphids to infected plants by making the plants more attractive, but when the insects taste the plant, they quickly leave for tastier, healthier ones. In the process, the insects rapidly transmit the disease, according to entomologists.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Face recognition: A face is more than the sum of its parts
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1TMIOZIJHpo/100210101506.htm
Researchers have found that inability to recognize faces is linked to an inability to process faces as a whole, or holistically.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Saturn's aurora offer stunning double show
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GYZPpaaXTY0/100211111537.htm
Researchers recently took advantage of a rare opportunity to record Saturn when its rings are edge on, resulting in a unique movie featuring both of the giant planet's poles. Saturn is only in this position every 15 years and this favorable orientation has allowed a sustained study of Saturn's almost symmetric northern and southern lights.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Low levels of antibiotics cause multidrug resistance in 'superbugs'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XDEl9aayHEw/100211151647.htm
A new study by biomedical engineers indicates that treating bacteria with levels of antibiotics insufficient to kill them produces germs that are cross-resistant to a wide range of antibiotics.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Nanomaterials may help fight cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/RJNrSLpJcNk/100210211731.htm
Brain cancer is notoriously difficult to treat with standard cancer-fighting methods, so scientists have been looking outside standard medicine and into nanomaterials as a treatment alternative.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Swine Flu vaccination: voluntary system works
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Sva_bB16bcM/100211084834.htm
Social interaction between neighbors, work colleagues and other communities and social groups makes voluntary vaccination programs for epidemics such as swine flu, SARS or bird flu a surprisingly effective method of disease control.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Environmental disaster in southern Spain compared with Cretaceous mass extinction
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FTcc7j3T0nI/100202101243.htm
Researchers in Spain have compared the disaster caused by the Aznalcóllar spillage in the Doñana National Park in Andalusia 11 years ago with the biggest species extinction known to date. What do these two disasters have in common? The scientists say that carrying out comparisons of this kind will make it possible to find out how ecosystems recover following mass extinctions.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Young patients with chronic illnesses find relief in acupuncture
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Qz2DuoS36uw/100209191441.htm
Some doctors are now offering pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses acupuncture therapy to help ease the pain and negative side effects like nausea, fatigue and vomiting caused by chronic health conditions and intensive treatments.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Can chocolate lower your risk of stroke?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/lytzK45vUSQ/100211163114.htm
Eating chocolate may lower your risk of having a stroke, according to an analysis of available research. Another study found that eating chocolate may lower the risk of death after suffering a stroke.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Single gene mutation induces endometrial cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/5-2lGDgi-p0/100209183248.htm
A mutation in a single gene can cause endometrial cancer that is responsive to a specific drug therapy, researchers have found.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Moderate fertilizer use could double African banana yields, study shows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_bXMwTLVzMU/100210164714.htm
A fertilizer-use study by researchers on East African highland bananas showed that moderate application of mineral fertilizers could double the production of the crop. However, the study also found that majority of the banana growers in the region do not use fertilizers, missing out on the opportunity to maximize their crop's food security and economic potentials. Over 70 million people in the East African highlands depend on banana as their primary source of food and income.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Predicting prognosis and treatment response in a subset of pancreatic cancer patients
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/agdI9OU9G2M/100211091204.htm
Specific chemical modifications to proteins called histones, which are found in the nucleus of cells and act as spools around which DNA is wound, can be used to predict prognosis and response to treatment in subsets patients with pancreatic cancer, a new study has found.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Better weather forecasts with a map showing atmospheric vapor
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/y6anTkvrWWo/100208144625.htm
Weather forecasts, satellite navigation in cars and the inspection of dikes or natural gas fields: these applications using satellite data would all be even more accurate if we knew more about the distribution of water vapor in the atmosphere, according to researchers.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Many veterans not getting enough treatment for PTSD
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mmGRipon5lY/100210110742.htm
There are still significant barriers to veterans getting a full course of PTSD treatment, according to new research.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
How brain hears the sound of silence: Separate brain pathways process the start and end of what we hear
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Abbtt1KsS1M/100210124759.htm
Researchers have isolated an independent processing channel of synapses inside the brain's auditory cortex that deals specifically with shutting off sound processing at appropriate times. Such regulation is vital for hearing and for understanding speech.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Blood clotting finding may lead to new treatments
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/malBaE2Qx2s/100210210211.htm
A key protein that causes the blood to clot is produced by blood vessels in the lungs and not just the liver, according to new research. The findings may ultimately help scientists to develop better treatments for conditions where the blood's ability to clot is impaired, including deep vein thrombosis, where dangerous blood clots form inside the body, and haemophilia A, where the blood cannot clot sufficiently well.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
NASA successfully launches a new eye on the sun
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/JgKz3gAP6lU/100211152456.htm
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, has lifted off on a first-of-a-kind mission to reveal the sun's inner workings in unprecedented detail. The most technologically advanced of NASA's heliophysics spacecraft, SDO will take images of the sun every 0.75 seconds and daily send back about 1.5 terabytes of data to Earth -- the equivalent of streaming 380 full-length movies.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Prepregnancy, obesity and gestational weight gain influence risk of preterm birth
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/82y3DO0n41c/100210101514.htm
Researchers have found that prepregnancy obesity and gestational weight gain are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in African-American participants from the Black Women's Health Study.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Resistant wheat goes for the gut to protect against Hessian flies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/L1jicqRSznA/100209183129.htm
Resistant wheat plants stave off attacks by Hessian fly larvae by essentially destroying the fly's midgut and its ability to absorb nutrients, according to a new study.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Psychosocial problems are common in children with dental fear
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4bz5oo1-4GA/100208144453.htm
Children and adolescents with severe dental fear often come from families with a turbulent background. It is also more common that they have had counseling contact with a psychologist.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Archaeological 'time machine' greatly improves accuracy of early radiocarbon dating
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YZzMpUXIrLM/100211111549.htm
Researchers have produced a new archaeological tool which could answer key questions in human evolution. The new calibration curve, which extends back 50,000 years, is a major landmark in radiocarbon dating -- the method used by archaeologists and geoscientists to establish the age of carbon-based materials.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
First FDA-approved stem cell trial in pediatric cerebral palsy
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jtKSAHTDFBY/100211121812.htm
Researchers are conducting the first FDA-approved clinical trial to determine whether an infusion of stem cells from umbilical cord blood can improve the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Biologist discovers 'stop' signal in honey bee communication
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/W8f62R_l9-U/100211121800.htm
Honey bees warn their nest mates about dangers they encounter while feeding with a special signal that's akin to a "stop" sign for bees. When foragers were attacked by competitors from nearby colonies fighting for food at an experimental feeder, they produced a specific signal to stop nest mates from recruiting others to the dangerous location.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Common cholesterol drugs, statins, fight cataracts, too
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/coNY3KdX4Ck/100209200758.htm
A broad new study confirms that statins, often prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, also cut the risks of cataracts in men by almost 40 percent.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Electric cars are going places
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/I4a3Pjnj_Lo/100208144846.htm
Electric cars have many merits: They are quieter and require less maintenance than cars with internal combustion engines. A network of smartly located charging stations covering the entire Harz region in Germany is bound to make electric cars a regional feature.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Chocoholic mice fear no pain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KIRl_OQ2_Dc/100208144848.htm
Ever get a buzz from eating chocolate? Scientists have shown that chocolate-craving mice are ready to tolerate electric shocks to get their fix.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
3-D structure of bullet-shaped virus with potential to fight cancer, HIV revealed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EZEHaqwccfo/100209111757.htm
A recent study demonstrates that with advanced imaging technique, the vesicular stomatitis virus can be modified to serve as an anti-cancer agent because it displays high selectivity in killing cancer cells while sparing normal cells. It can also be engineered as a potent vaccine against HIV/AIDS.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
New gene discovery could help to prevent blindness
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/uIG5MDg4B44/100211121802.htm
Scientists have uncovered a new gene that could help save the sight of patients with a type of inherited blindness.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
New magnetic tuning method enhances data storage
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2ux1fEkOZOU/100209111801.htm
Researchers have developed a method for controlling the properties of magnets that could be used to improve the storage capacity of next-generation computer hard drives.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Short-term radiation therapy successful on breast cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/DVFOslyeIic/100210172216.htm
An intense three-week course of radiation therapy is just as effective as the standard five-week regimen for women with early stage breast cancer.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
Geographers help map devastation in Haiti
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cthVmUpq_74/100209123814.htm
In the wake of the earthquake in Haiti, geography students are participating in a global effort to enhance the international response and recovery effort by helping to assess damage, using images hosted by Google Earth and the Virtual Disaster Viewer, which shares imagery of disasters from various sources.

Fri, 12 Feb 10
New clue why autistic people don't want hugs
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VoRZ4GbhO6Q/100211121758.htm
Why do people with fragile X syndrome, a genetic defect that is the best-known cause of autism and inherited mental retardation, recoil from hugs and physical touch? New research has found in fragile X syndrome there is delayed development of the sensory cortex, the part of the brain that responds to touch, according to a study from Northwestern University. This delay may trigger a domino effect and cause further problems with wiring of the brain.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Millimeter-scale, energy-harvesting sensor system can operate nearly perpetually
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vYJkFEy-YQM/100209111755.htm
A newly developed 9 cubic millimeter solar-powered sensor system is the smallest that can harvest energy from its surroundings to operate nearly perpetually.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Hot pepper relief: New category of painkillers on the way?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/lnXXvKWzWP8/100209123808.htm
Research has opened the door for the advancement of a new category of painkillers, called TRPV1 antagonists. These drugs block the transient receptor potential vannilloid-1 (TRPV1) channel, which is the same receptor responsible for the sensation of hotness from hot peppers.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Headache may linger years later in people exposed to World Trade Center dust, fumes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qBL3juKqfcY/100210161728.htm
Workers and residents exposed to dust and fumes caused by the collapse of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, frequently reported headache years later, according to new research.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Gene with likely role in premenstrual disorder identified
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YaKAjj1SCQk/100209131643.htm
Some women are especially sensitive to the natural flux of hormones in the menstrual cycle. New research points to a gene that likely influences how women respond to swings in estrogen levels and could help diagnose and treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and inform treatments during menopause, such as hormone replacement therapy, researchers say.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Extra large carbon: Heaviest halo nucleus discovered
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sXjrK-bqnTI/100209182405.htm
The nucleus of one form of carbon is much larger and more stable than expected.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Underdogs have more motivation? Not so fast, study says
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/r6RC7SgYi94/100209144157.htm
Members of a group or team will work harder when they're competing against a group with lower status than when pitted against a more highly ranked group, according to a new study. The results run contrary to the common belief that underdogs have more motivation because they have the chance to 'knock the higher-status group down a peg.'

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Selective brain damage modulates human spirituality, research reveals
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/6uURCuwP38I/100210124757.htm
New research provides fascinating insight into brain changes that might underlie alterations in spiritual and religious attitudes. The study explores the neural basis of spirituality by studying patients before and after surgery to remove a brain tumor.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
First genes for stuttering: Common speech problem, in some cases, may actually be an inherited metabolic disorder
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2wMVItIAQlc/100210172214.htm
Researchers have identified three genes as a source of stuttering in some people. Mutations in two of the genes have already been implicated in rare metabolic disorders involved in cell recycling, while mutations in a third, closely related, gene have now been shown to be associated for the first time with a disorder in humans.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Tigers in serious trouble around the world, including the US
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_MkAcpbT6Ls/100210124813.htm
As many Asian countries prepare to celebrate Year of the Tiger beginning Feb. 14, World Wildlife Fund reports that tigers are in crisis around the world, including here in the United States, where more tigers are kept in captivity than are alive in the wild throughout Asia. As few as 3,200 tigers exist in the wild where they are threatened by poaching, habitat loss, illegal trafficking and the conversion of forests for infrastructure and plantations.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Using nitroglycerin to treat prostate cancer shows potential to halt disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/zwBhZGN1ScA/100209091844.htm
Treatment of prostate cancer using a very low dose of nitroglycerin may slow and even halt the progression of the disease without the severe side effects of current treatments, researchers have discovered.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Perfectly shaped solid components
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/TCJIvt2RGXE/100208144850.htm
When metals are shaped, the materials they are made of are often damaged in the process. One cause of this is excessive press force, which cracks and perforates the material. By running simulations on a PC, research scientists can now calculate how to avoid component defects.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Brain waves show patterns for deciding which faces we prefer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dtFwLGLMUts/100210165037.htm
Faces play a very important role in our social life. We make complex social decisions based on facial appearance. But we know little how we make a preference decision when the two faces are closely matched (e.g., age, race, gender, gaze, facial attributes, facial emotion). Is there any specific brain activity pattern associated with our preference (or non-preference)? Can these patterns be identified before our conscious decision?

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Home computers around the world unite to map the Milky Way
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/503OXJZZMSY/100210124823.htm
At this very moment, tens of thousands of home computers around the world are quietly working together to solve the largest and most basic mysteries of our galaxy. Volunteers from Africa to Australia are donating their computing power to help researchers map the shape of our Milky Way galaxy. Now, just this month, the collected computing power of these humble home computers has surpassed one petaflop, a computing speed that surpasses the world's second fastest supercomputer.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Scientists discover origin of HIV transmission among male partners
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UYLk7UGIHWo/100210141649.htm
A team of scientists has discovered the origin of strains of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among men who have sex with men. The study may be important in developing prevention strategies for HIV.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Infection-fighting antibodies made in plants as effective as costlier conventional version
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SbNNTCrAaGQ/100208185349.htm
The first head-to-head comparison of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies produced from plants versus the same antibodies produced from mammalian cells has shown that plant-produced antibodies can fight infection equally well. Scientists conducted the comparison as a test of the potential for treating disease in developing nations with the significantly less expensive plant-based production technique.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Women with gout at greater risk of heart attack than men
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3bx3tPv7Izg/100207214124.htm
Women with gout are at greater risk of a heart attack than men with the disease, indicates research published ahead of print in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Researchers map all fragile sites of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae's genome
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bR-ZgVHCkMc/100209152301.htm
Researchers have accomplished a technical breakthrough: they mapped all the fragile sites of a living organism, the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The method used by the researchers can be applied to humans.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Intense sweets taste especially good to some kids
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1nbLWHz-CQw/100210074950.htm
Children's response to intense sweet taste is related to both a family history of alcoholism and the child's own self-reports of depression. The findings illustrate how liking for sweets differs among children based on underlying familial and biological factors.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Mass extinctions: 'Giant' fossils are revolutionizing current thinking
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4INAwFGgU-Y/100210171413.htm
Large-sized gastropods dating from only 1 million years after the greatest mass extinction of all time, the Permian-Triassic extinction, have been discovered by an international team of researchers. These specimens call into question the existence of a "Lilliput effect", the reduction in the size of organisms inhabiting postcrisis biota, normally spanning several million years.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Incidence of cerebral palsy on rise in US, new data reveals
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FWVNG6A9ZDI/100209144203.htm
Cerebral palsy (CP) has increased in infants born prematurely in the United States, according to new data.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Nuclear pore complexes harbor new class of gene regulators
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ImDSdswt37Y/100204144424.htm
Nuclear pore complexes are best known as the communication channels that regulate the passage of all molecules to and from a cell's nucleus. Researchers, however, have shown that some of the pores' constituent proteins, called nucleoporins, pull double duty as transcription factors regulating the activity of genes active during early development.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Benefits outweigh risks associated with newborn screening for disorder
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0uuFBHPwnCo/100201145515.htm
Newborn screening for a metabolic disorder could lead to false positives -- adding stress to parents, costing money and possibly subjecting a baby to unnecessary follow-up treatment and dietary restrictions. But the benefits of diagnosing these children early and preventing the risk of mental retardation, disability or death outweigh the costs of a false positive, according to new research.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Study reveals need to evaluate and regulate 'electronic cigarettes'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/J2fnNYAbJ44/100210161734.htm
Electronic cigarettes should be evaluated, regulated, labeled and packaged in a manner consistent with cartridge content and product effect -- even if that effect is a total failure to deliver nicotine as demonstrated in a new study.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
TV drama can be more persuasive than news program, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/6i4TUZA30Kc/100209144153.htm
A fictional television drama may be more effective in persuading young women to use birth control than a news-format program on the same issue, according to a new study. Researchers found that college-age women who viewed a televised drama about a teen pregnancy felt more vulnerable two weeks after watching the show, and this led to more support for using birth control.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Animals cope with climate change at the dinner table: Birds, foxes and small mammals adapt their diets to global warming
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0g3S_k5CguA/100209152235.htm
New research measures the evolving body sizes of birds and animals in areas where climate change is most extreme. In higher latitudes, a pattern of birds getting smaller and mammals getting bigger has been identified. The change, researchers hypothesizes, is likely a strategy for survival.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Certain genetic profiles associated with recurrence-free survival for non-small cell lung cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/c9xfqvYw-Wc/100209182356.htm
An analysis of genetic and clinical data for nearly 800 patients with non-small cell lung cancer has identified differences in genetic characteristics that are associated with age and sex specific patterns of increased or decreased recurrence-free survival, according to a new study.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Adapting to clogged airways makes common pathogen resist powerful drugs
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2bDIO6RXiYU/100209183238.htm
Mutations of a common environmental pathogen that causes chronic lung disease in patients with cystic fibrosis are able to survive in oxygen-poor, nitrate-rich airway secretions. This same survival mechanism also enables the mutate bacteria to resist the effects of certain antibiotics -- even without any previous exposure to antibiotics.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Of swine, birds and humans: Pandemic H1N1 flu
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/N3Hds5PTRQU/100201145525.htm
Current research suggests that pandemic H1N1 influenza of swine origin has distinct means of transmission from the seasonal flu, yet does not result in the pathogenic severity of avian flu viruses.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
High-performance microring resonator developed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FjFPI_orY1E/100209191443.htm
A new, more efficient low-cost microring resonator for high speed telecommunications systems has been developed. This technological advance capitalizes on the benefits of optical fibers to transmit large quantities of data at ultra-fast speeds.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Bioethics memory aid can help assess patient decision-making capacity in medical emergencies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/IAzUaoJ-7jA/100205112108.htm
Physicians in training and bioethicists have created an easy-to-remember checklist to help medical students and clinicians quickly assess a patient's decision-making capacity in an emergency.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Agricultural scientists sequence genome of grass that can be a biofuel model crop
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/U26r_KBnx2o/100210131957.htm
Scientists have completed sequencing the genome of a kind of wild grass that will enable researchers to shed light on the genetics behind hardier varieties of wheat and improved varieties of biofuel crops.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Bowel disease link to blood clots: New findings
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Lw-JHvKkl5s/100210124803.htm
People living with inflammatory bowel disease are known to be at high risk of blood clots when admitted to hospital during a flare-up of their disease. But now new research has shown that those who are not admitted to hospital during flare-ups are also at risk.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Eczema in early childhood may influence mental health later
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/N6MENl4cS5w/100210101516.htm
Eczema in early childhood may influence behavior and mental health later in life.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
One-third of antimalarial medicines sampled in three African nations found to be substandard
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xHHK3qCNdO0/100209144159.htm
The first results from a large-scale study of key antimalarial medicines in ten Sub-Saharan African countries reveal that a high percentage of medicines circulating on national markets are of substandard quality and thus may contribute to the growth of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent form of malaria.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Social networking sites could solve many communication problems when disaster strikes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/l8-2ymnzpM0/100209183131.htm
Online social networking sites could solve many problems plaguing information dissemination and communications when disaster strikes, according to a new report.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Older investors prone to mental misfires while playing the market, study shows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/U5botxkk06I/100209100056.htm
Old age traditionally brings with it respect, experience and wisdom. But when it comes to making risky financial investments, an older mind is likely to make more mistakes than a younger one, psychologists say.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Surprising new branches on arthropod family tree
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7FNKIzNnzB4/100210131952.htm
Any way you look at it -- by sheer weight, species diversity or population -- the hard-shelled, joint-legged creepy crawlies called arthropods dominate planet Earth. Because of their success and importance, scientists have been trying for decades to figure out the family relationships that link lobsters to millipedes and cockroaches to tarantulas and find which might have come first.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Developmental delay in brain provides clue to sensory hypersensitivity in autism
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BwPZ5cu_fr4/100210124755.htm
New research provides insight into why fragile X syndrome, the most common known cause of autism and mental retardation, is associated with an extreme hypersensitivity to sounds, touch, smells, and visual stimuli that causes sensory overload and results in social withdrawal, hyperarousal, and anxiety. The study uncovers a previously unknown developmental delay in a critical brain circuit that processes sensory information in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Orion in a new light
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iWcPrG9ek1w/100210101508.htm
The Orion Nebula reveals many of its hidden secrets in a dramatic image taken by ESO's new VISTA survey telescope. The telescope's huge field of view can show the full splendor of the whole nebula and VISTA's infrared vision also allows it to peer deeply into dusty regions that are normally hidden and expose the curious behavior of the very active young stars buried there.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Popular antidepressant blocks the beneficial effects of tamoxifen in breast cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dzqT1xWuBYo/100209182454.htm
Women with breast cancer who take the antidepressant paroxetine at the same time as tamoxifen are at an increased risk of death, concludes a new study.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Comprehensive study using bioinformatics predicts the molecular causes of many genetic diseases
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3EcuRuNQi8s/100209152221.htm
It is widely known that genetic mutations cause disease. What are largely unknown are the mechanisms by which these mutations wreak havoc at the molecular level, giving rise to clinically observable symptoms in patients. Now a new study using bioinformatics reports the ability to predict the molecular cause of many inherited genetic diseases. These predictions have led to the creation of a web-based tool available to academic researchers who study disease.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Brain scans track hoop fans' happy memories
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/k5GeV7tY3KI/100209182932.htm
In a novel study that used historical tape of a thrilling overtime basketball game between Duke and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, brain researchers at Duke have found that fans remember the good things their team did much better than the bad.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Waking the dead: Scientists reconstruct nuclear genome of extinct human being
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SqaI9ANGZS4/100210131948.htm
For the first time, scientists have reconstructed the nuclear genome of an extinct human being. The innovative technique can help reconstruct human phenotypic traits of extinct cultures. It also allows for finding those contemporary populations most closely related to extinct cultures revealing ancient human expansions and migrations. Finally, the discovery improves our understanding of heredity and the disease risk passed down from our ancestors. The spectacular findings are being published in Nature.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
People with anxiety disorder less able to regulate response to negative emotions, study shows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NDXvZS5ABTM/100210124805.htm
People with generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, have abnormalities in the way their brain unconsciously controls emotions. That's the conclusion of a new study, and the authors say the findings could open up new avenues for treatments and change our understanding of how emotion is regulated in everyday life.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Silver nanoparticles may one day be key to devices that keep hearts beating strong and steady
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sEugTcD0NhQ/100210160150.htm
Diamonds and gold may make some hearts flutter on Valentine's Day, but in one laboratory, silver nanoparticles are being designed to do just the opposite.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Cervical cancer: Regiment with new drug triapine provides both significant reduction in cancer disease and cancer control
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8PRRBr7vbwE/100209152223.htm
Researchers have published new findings that may lead to a new standard of care for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. The phase one study found that a new chemotherapy medicine, Triapine, was well tolerated in combination with standard-of-care cisplatin chemotherapy and radiation treatment in women with cervical cancer. This regimen provided both significant reduction in cancer disease and cancer control.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Future earthquake risk in Haiti: Startling images of ground motion help scientists understand risk of aftershocks
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KXGlRs2MQoE/100209152237.htm
Analyzing images captured using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) by Japan's ALOS satellite before and just after Haiti's earthquake on Jan. 12, scientists are making new discoveries. The images show that the earthquake rupture did not reach the surface -- unusual for an earthquake this size. More importantly, the images confirm that only the western half of the fault actually ruptured this time. Scientists are interpreting the data to establish the probability of another large quake in the next 20-30 years.

Thu, 11 Feb 10
Childhood obesity: It's not the amount of TV, it's the number of junk food commercials
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jz8npIsX6d8/100209095753.htm
The association between television viewing and childhood obesity is directly related to children's exposure to commercials that advertise unhealthy foods, according to a new study.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Bird-from-dinosaur theory of evolution challenged: Was it the other way around?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nmBXJpjm1Zw/100209183335.htm
A new study provides yet more evidence that birds did not descend from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs, experts say, and continues to challenge decades of accepted theories about the evolution of flight.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Anorexics found to have excess fat -- in their bone marrow
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NRNDDmh8Al8/100209152229.htm
Researchers have found that girls with anorexia, despite being emaciated, have strikingly high levels of fat in their bone marrow. This can be visualized in MRIs of the knee. The researchers believe that malnutrition causes hormonal alterations that push mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow to form fat cells rather than bone-forming cells. This may explain why patients with anorexia have bone loss.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Biological risks of eating reptiles
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cz4SxmsCEGY/100209182456.htm
Reptiles are bred in captivity primarily for their skins, but some restaurants and population groups also want them for their meat. A study shows that eating these animals can have side effects that call into question the wisdom of eating this 'delicacy.'

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Butter leads to lower blood fats than olive oil, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/JVfW0encMJQ/100209124352.htm
High blood fat levels normally raise the cholesterol values in the blood, which in turn elevates the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack. Now a new study shows that butter leads to considerably less elevation of blood fats after a meal compared with olive oil and a new type of canola and flaxseed oil. The difference was stronger in men than in women.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Battery-less radios developed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-yNOxq2Vfx4/100209124402.htm
Scientists report a 2.4GHz/915MHz wake-up receiver which consumes only 51µW power. This record low power achievement opens the door to battery-less or energy-harvesting based radios for a wide range of applications including long-range RFID and wireless sensor nodes for logistics, smart buildings, healthcare etc.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Sporting Prowess Through Brain Power
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/D3jC3wcpdvk/100209124457.htm
Expert sportsmen are quicker to observe and react to their opponents’ moves than novice players, exhibiting enhanced activation of the cortical regions of the brain. More experienced sports players are better able to detect early anticipatory clues from opposing players’ body movements, giving them a split second advantage in preparing an appropriate response.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Climate 'tipping points' may arrive without warning, says top forecaster
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_Ahi2Dhddpk/100209191445.htm
A new study by a top ecological forecaster says it is harder than experts thought to predict when sudden shifts in Earth's natural systems will occur -- a worrisome finding for scientists trying to identify the tipping points that could push climate change into an irreparable global disaster.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Low IQ among strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease -- second only to cigarette smoking in large population study
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/9VaT7Fzf90U/100209200754.htm
While lower intelligence scores have been associated with a raised risk of cardiovascular disease, no study has so far compared the relative strength of this association with other established risk factors. Now, a large study has found that lower intelligence scores were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and total mortality at a greater level of magnitude than found with any other risk factor except smoking.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Thirty-eight percent of world's surface in danger of desertification
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YhxuWSj4kis/100209183133.htm
Researchers have measured the degradation of the planet's soil using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a scientific methodology that analyses the environmental impact of human activities, and which now for the first time includes indicators on desertification. The results show that 38 percent of the world is made up of arid regions at risk of desertification.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Research could lead to way to halt deadly immune response
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UxiKmznP0AU/100209183127.htm
Scientists have published new details of their research into the complement reaction, an immune system response that kills thousands annually. Researchers have teased out the molecular process that can shut down a marauding, often deadly immune response that kills thousands each year who suffer battlefield casualties, heart attacks, strokes, automobile accidents and oxygen deprivation, according to a new article.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Cells can read damaged DNA without missing a beat
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CFGxdK087pU/100209183230.htm
Under certain growth-limiting conditions, enzymes that read DNA can skim through damaged DNA without skipping any letters in the genetic "text." This suggests a mechanism that can allow bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Feeling blue? You'll shun the new
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_FVENiEHWrM/100209183242.htm
A negative mood imparts a warm glow to the familiar. Happiness, on the other hand, makes novelty attractive (and can instead give the familiar a "blah" cast). This is the first time the effect has been experimentally demonstrated in humans.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Seeing the brain hear reveals surprises about how sound is processed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nfXQUij-MjA/100201093037.htm
Neurobiologists have discovered information about how the brain processes sound that challenges previous understandings of the auditory cortex. Their research shows our brains are a lot more chaotic than previously thought, and that this might be a good thing.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
New way to kill pediatric brain tumors
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dnGYUW_MAz8/100209191447.htm
Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized target, a protein called STAT3, at which they can aim new drugs for the treatment of cancer in neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1), a genetic condition that causes increased risk of benign and malignant brain tumors.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Early life stress may predict cardiovascular disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-tJ1Jv1t_s0/100209183236.htm
Early life stress could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood, researchers report.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Little effect of soy isoflavones found on bone loss in postmenopausal women
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/j8fPCnUHKgs/100209183234.htm
Results from a new multicenter clinical trial of 224 postmenopausal women questions the value of consuming soy isoflavone tablets to help lessen bone loss and minimize the effect of osteoporosis.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
High, not flat: nanowires for a new chip architecture
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/g3aSG58LNvI/100202103625.htm
Silicon is the most prevalent material in electronics, whether for mobile phones, solar cells or computers. Nanometer-sized wires made of silicon have a large potential for a completely new chip architecture. But this requires a detailed investigation and understanding of their electronic properties which is technologically challenging due to the ultra-small size of the nanowires. Researchers were able to describe the electrical resistance and current flow inside individual silicon nanowires.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Depression and lack of concentration do not necessarily go together
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vITbtIYMgVw/100209183244.htm
A recent review has found that depression does not always lead to memory problems or difficulties concentrating.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Electrons on the brink: Fractal patterns may be key to semiconductor magnetism
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2AUnofzNqAU/100209091840.htm
Scientists have observed electrons in a semiconductor on the brink of the metal-insulator transition for the first time. Caught in the act, the electrons formed complex patterns resembling those seen in turbulent fluids, confirming some long-held predictions and providing new insights into how semiconductors can be turned into magnets. The work also could lead to the production of smaller and more energy-efficient computers.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Communication breakdown: What happens to nerve cells in Parkinson's disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-_QyUiEfOU4/100209200803.htm
Scientists have discovered a molecular link between Parkinson's disease and defects in the ability of nerve cells to communicate. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease, and could lead to innovative new therapeutic strategies.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
High prevalence of atrial fibrillation found among cross-country skiers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/fEI_MYV31Ds/100209200756.htm
At this year's Birkebeiner ski marathon, 12,000 cross-country skiers will line up for the 54 kilometer race, run almost every year since 1932. In 1976 almost 150 participants were invited to take part in a long-term study designed to discover the extent of latent heart disease in these elite cross-country skiers. Now, the results of the follow-up study have been published and suggest that long-distance competition skiers are at an unusually high risk of atrial fibrillation.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Obese teens who receive gastric banding achieve significant weight loss
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jExfIVu_DQA/100209182400.htm
A higher percentage of severely obese adolescents who received laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding lost more than 50 percent of excess weight and experienced greater benefits to health and quality of life compared to those in an intensive lifestyle management program, according to a new study.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Understanding cement, right down to the atomic scale
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cB3wXiFFUFA/100209124505.htm
Two thousand years after the Romans invented cement, this material is still the most commonly used in construction throughout the world. Its complex internal structure means that many questions about this material continue to have unsatisfactory answers.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Cell-phone bans while driving have more impact in dense, urban areas
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/f4M--EBWTDI/100209131641.htm
A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas where there are fewer licensed drivers.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Invasive plants are beneficiaries of climate change in Thoreau's woods
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qJw86Xu9yG0/100203111626.htm
Invasive plants could become even more prevalent and destructive as climate change continues, according to a new analysis of data stretching back more than 150 years. The scientists who conducted the study say that non-native plants, and especially invasive species, appear to thrive during times of climate change because they're better able to adjust the timing of annual activities like flowering and fruiting.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
New proposed changes posted for leading manual of mental disorders: Draft diagnostic criteria for DSM-5
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/t0oGFc9ce40/100210001247.htm
The American Psychiatric Association has released the proposed draft diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The draft criteria represent content changes under consideration for DSM, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health and other health professionals, and is used for diagnostic and research purposes.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Why did mammals survive the 'K/T extinction'?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XbOE8wIDjTA/100131221348.htm
Picture a dinosaur. Huge, menacing creatures, they ruled the Earth for nearly 200 million years, striking fear with every ground-shaking stride. Yet these great beasts were no match for a 6-mile wide meteor that struck near modern-day Mexico 65 million years ago, incinerating everything in its path. This catastrophic impact -- called the Cretaceous-Tertiary or K/T extinction event -- spelled doom for the dinosaurs and many other species. Some animals, however, including many small mammals, managed to survive.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Antiretroviral therapy associated with increase in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4ecO4YHCHdk/100208211921.htm
A new study conducted in a multi-country HIV treatment program in sub-Saharan Africa has found that pregnancy rates increase in HIV-infected women after they start antiretroviral therapy.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
New perspective for understanding the mechanisms of catalytic conversion
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SvNIBk63J6k/100209124501.htm
The oxidation of toxic carbon monoxide (CO) to carbon dioxide occurs every day in millions of cars. Despite being one of the most studied catalytic processes, the exact mechanism of interaction between the carbon monoxide molecule and the catalyst, often platinum, is not fully understood. An important step in the reaction is the adsorption of CO on the surface of the catalyst. Scientists have now managed to see how the electrons in the platinum reorganize as the adsorption is taking place and why catalysts are “poisoned”, i.e. why their activity is reduced.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Burglars have changed their 'shopping list', new research reveals
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tlHts97cZrM/100209215123.htm
Research in the UK highlights a career change for criminals from the more traditional household burglaries to personal muggings.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Racial gaps continue in heart disease awareness
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/T19WH19ieNg/100210001244.htm
Minority women's awareness remains behind that of white women. Only about half of women were aware of heart attack warning signs or said they would dial 9-1-1 if they thought they were having heart attack symptoms. Most women surveyed listed therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease that are not evidence based.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Anesthetic approach stops pain without affecting motor function
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/HhbY9FSAXbQ/100201171916.htm
One of the holy grails of local anesthesia is the ability to achieve a long-lasting nerve block that eliminates pain sensation while not affecting motor function. Now, researchers have discovered an anesthetic approach that seems to do just that.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
New approach to treating breast and prostate cancers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4RvZXysI0z8/100209091846.htm
In a new approach to developing treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer and enlarged hearts, researchers are zeroing in on a workhorse protein called RSK. When activated, RSK is involved in cell survival, cell proliferation, cell enlargement and a rare disease called Carney complex.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Prion protein in cell culture
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4IFFF9L7gT8/100205115944.htm
The fatal brain disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob in humans, BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in cattle and scrapie in sheep are so-called prion diseases, whereby one of the body's normal proteins, the prion protein PrPc misfolds into a pathogenic form: PrPSc. In spite of several years of extensive research, little is still known about what actually happens in this process.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can undergo surgery sooner, shortening hospital stays
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/eH5Gr3KvwRc/100204144600.htm
Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can safely undergo surgery within 48 hours of admission, a new approach that can shorten hospital stays.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Locust study promises new insights into limb control
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Xn34sIPugKo/100209124503.htm
New research into how the brain controls the movements of limbs could prompt major advances in understanding the human brain and the development of prosthetic limbs.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Family meals, adequate sleep and limited TV may lower childhood obesity
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/OqrzCmYMqHc/100208091916.htm
A new national study suggests that preschool-aged children are likely to have a lower risk for obesity if they regularly engage in one or more of three specific household routines: eating dinner as a family, getting adequate sleep and limiting their weekday television viewing time. The study showed that 4-year-olds living in homes with all three routines had an almost 40 percent lower prevalence of obesity than did children living in homes that practiced none of these routines.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Moss helps chart the conquest of land by plants
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/eqNphIa37rM/100204144809.htm
Clues to how the first land plants managed to avoid drying out might be provided by bryophytes, a group that includes the mosses, many of which retain remarkable drought tolerance. Some mosses can become so dry they crumble in the hand, but, if remoistened, will begin making proteins within minutes.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Brain protein for synapse development identified
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GewVUrEwue0/100129151800.htm
A new study identifies for the first time a brain protein called SynDIG1 that plays a critical role in creating and sustaining synapses, the complex chemical signaling system responsible for communication between neurons.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Great tits: Birds with character
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sMIjRdlbNYM/100209124605.htm
Gene variation is the reason that some great tit populations are more curious than others. In humans and animals alike, individuals differ in sets of traits that we usually refer to as personality. An important part of the individual difference in personality is due to variation in the underlying genes. One gene, the dopamine receptor D4 gene, however, is known to influence novelty seeking and exploration behavior in a range of species, including humans and birds. Researchers now show that the gene’s influence on birds’ behavior differs markedly between wild populations of great tits.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Study examines course and treatment of unexplained chest pain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ideIZII58NI/100208185212.htm
Fewer than half of individuals who have "non-specific" chest pain (not explained by a well-known condition) experience relief from symptoms following standard medical care, according to a new study. In addition, one-tenth of those with persistent chest pain undergo potentially unnecessary diagnostic testing.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Studies provide insight into key oat chemical
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/aSM2stwAQaE/100201113752.htm
Agricultural scientists are helping to increase understanding about the environmental factors that regulate production of avenanthramides -- metabolites with potent antioxidant properties, in oat grain.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
The new civil defense: Researchers look at public's role in national cybersecurity
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ur4D3wdAaeQ/100201102020.htm
"Duck and cover!" should now be updated to "Scan and protect!" according to a new research article. Experts cite individual users as the weakest link in the nation's cybersecurity, and call for a new phase of civil defense.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
'Ingredients for life' present on Saturn's moon Enceladus, say scientists
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/IOPLVqkk3Uc/100209144657.htm
Some of 'the major ingredients for life' are present on one of Saturn's moons, according to scientists. A team working on the Cassini-Huygens mission have found negatively charged water ions in the ice plume of Enceladus. Their analysis of data gathered during the spacecraft's plume fly-throughs in 2008 provide evidence for the presence of liquid water.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Auto exhaust linked to thickening of arteries, possible increased risk of heart attack
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8xt39L55hLk/100209100434.htm
Swiss, California and Spanish researchers have found that particulates from auto exhaust can lead to the thickening of artery walls, possibly increasing chances of a heart attack and stroke.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Cars of the future could be powered by their bodywork, thanks to new battery technology
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gtMG3pZLtvo/100205115808.htm
Parts of a car’s bodywork could one day double up as its battery, according to the scientists behind a new project in the UK.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Dangers of older allergy drugs often underestimated and overlooked
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2zN50zC0bQc/100209124629.htm
Experts warn that older antihistamines in over-the-counter allergy medications -- the most common form of self-medication in allergic rhinitis -- may be hazardous to our health. A position paper reviews new data on the treatment of allergies with older antihistamines compared with newer, second-generation H1-antihistamines.

Wed, 10 Feb 10
Biologist solves mystery of tropical grasses' origin
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/luUvKhXdssQ/100208154649.htm
Biologists have found that rainfall, not temperature, was the primary trigger for the evolutionary beginnings of C4 tropical grasses.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Probing exoplanets from the ground: A little telescope goes a long way
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PfhHWvnFGCo/100203131134.htm
NASA astronomers have successfully demonstrated that a David of a telescope can tackle Goliath-size questions in the quest to study Earth-like planets around other stars. Their work provides a new tool for ground-based observatories, promising to accelerate by years the search for prebiotic, or life-related, molecules on planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Poor hand-grip strength associated with poor survival
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vvgENiA8jkg/100208123628.htm
Poor or declining hand-grip strength in the oldest old is associated with poor survival and may be used as a tool to assess mortality, found a new article. The fastest growing segment of the elderly population is the group older than 85 years, classified as the oldest old.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Detecting cancer early
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vZSiovqfn3w/100201101907.htm
A new testing method is being developed to detect cancer soon after the tumor has formed. It will identify characteristic substances in the blood which accompany a certain type of tumor. The first steps in the development have already been completed.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Marijuana ineffective as an Alzheimer's treatment
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SNpclSjMG0k/100208091926.htm
The benefits of marijuana in tempering or reversing the effects of Alzheimer's disease have been challenged in a new study.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Ultra-cold chemistry: First direct observation of exchange process in quantum gas
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Cyr3oWnu98c/100202101241.htm
Considerable progresses made in controlling quantum gases open up a new avenue to study chemical processes. An Austrian research team has now succeeded in directly observing chemical exchange processes in an ultra-cold sample of cesium atoms and Feshbach molecules.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Morality research sheds light on the origins of religion
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/R4jBAtLARDQ/100208123625.htm
The details surrounding the emergence and evolution of religion have not been clearly established and remain a source of much debate among scholars. Now, a new article brings a new understanding to this long-standing discussion by exploring the fascinating link between morality and religion.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Brain location for fear of losing money pinpointed -- the amygdala
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/A9R8yMHV3fY/100208154645.htm
Two patients with rare lesions to the brain have provided direct of evidence of how we make decisions -- and what makes us dislike the thought of losing money.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Mediterranean diet may lower risk of brain damage that causes thinking problems
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/5YhrXPXovZ0/100208185158.htm
A Mediterranean diet may help people avoid the small areas of brain damage that can lead to problems with thinking and memory, according to a new study.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Beer is a rich source of silicon and may help prevent osteoporosis
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/DBrJOlrTx6g/100208091922.htm
A new study suggests that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Blueberries counteract intestinal diseases
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/eMdyBqE-4oc/100208145055.htm
It is already known that blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. New research shows that blueberry fiber is important and can alleviate and protect against intestinal inflammations, such as ulcerative colitis. The protective effect is even better if the blueberries are eaten together with probiotics.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Plant derivative could help refine cancer treatment
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_hQwEIFICUM/100203161432.htm
Researchers are seeking to refine cancer treatment with an anti-inflammatory plant derivative long used in Chinese medicine.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Music, not gadgets, related to teenagers' headaches
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/B9uwmssU0eo/100208211928.htm
Use of most electronic media is not associated with headaches, at least not in adolescents. A study of 1,025 13- to 17-year-olds found no association between the use of computer games, mobile phones or television and the occurrence of headaches or migraines. However, listening to one or two hours of music every day was associated with a pounding head.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Carcinogens form from third-hand smoke
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ofjeYWux6wo/100208154651.htm
Nicotine in third-hand smoke, the residue from tobacco smoke that clings to virtually all surfaces long after a cigarette has been extinguished, reacts with the common indoor air pollutant nitrous acid to produce dangerous carcinogens.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Drug shows promise for Huntington's disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/OtZLJ71faGQ/100208185347.htm
An early stage clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon (latrepirdine) in people with Huntington's disease appears to be safe and may improve cognition.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Smart coating opens door to safer hip, knee and dental implants
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/40gBIIg3PYo/100203101120.htm
Researchers have developed a "smart coating" that helps surgical implants bond more closely with bone and ward off infection.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
High-altitude climbs may cause corneal swelling, but do not appear to affect vision
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/60D7pPlQvQE/100208185345.htm
Swelling commonly occurs in the corneas of mountain climbers, but does not appear to affect vision at altitudes of up to 6,300 meters (about 20,670 feet), according to a new study.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Will earlier springs throw nature out of step?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/J9wvtaLnS-A/100208211930.htm
The recent trend towards earlier UK springs and summers has been accelerating, according to a new study. The research is the most comprehensive and rigorous assessment so far of long-term changes in the seasonal timing of biological events across marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments in the UK.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Depressed people feel more gray than blue
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LSp1DeMoF2s/100208211926.htm
People with anxiety and depression are most likely to use a shade of gray to represent their mental state. Researchers describe the development of a color chart, the Manchester Color Wheel, which can be used to study people's preferred pigment in relation to their state of mind.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Soft drink consumption may markedly increase risk of pancreatic cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/wT0BdeP_VtI/100208091924.htm
Consuming two or more soft drinks per week increased the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by nearly twofold compared to individuals who did not consume soft drinks, according to a new study.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Enhancing arrest of cell growth to treat cancer in mice
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/P_W87TDZ3EY/100208185202.htm
New research has identified a new type of cellular senescence (i.e., irreversible arrest of cell growth) and determined a way to enhance it to suppress prostate tumor development and growth in mice. These data suggest that enhancing this process might provide a new approach for cancer prevention and therapy.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
How respiratory tubes and capillaries form in flies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sfYpIRwQngE/100208144627.htm
Scientists in Spain report on the formation of the small-diameter respiratory tubes of the fly Drosophila -- a process that resembles the development of the finest blood vessels, the capillaries, in mammals.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Rab25: a suppressor of tumor formation in intestines?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/jvn-eRrR0hE/100208215358.htm
Colorectal adenocarcinoma accounts for the majority of cases of colorectal cancer. A series of genetic mutations in the cells lining the colon (intestinal epithelial cells) is thought to be the cause of colorectal adenocarcinoma. By studying mouse models of colon cancer and tissue from individuals with colorectal adenocarcinoma, researchers have now identified RAB25 as one gene that might be involved in the formation of colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
New method for measuring fluid flow in algae could herald revolution for fluid mechanics
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/upGCcP2L17Q/100208144852.htm
Researchers in fluid dynamics have studied algae to illuminate fluid mechanics. One of the researchers said, "Nature has long inspired researchers in fluid mechanics to explore the mechanical strategies used by living creatures. Where better to look for innovative solutions to a technological challenge than to organisms that have had millions of years to devise strategies for related challenges?"

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Nicotine replacement therapy is over-promoted since most ex-smokers quit unassisted, experts argue
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Nl_1YMMOd0g/100208211924.htm
Health authorities should emphasize the positive message that the most successful method used by most ex-smokers is unassisted cessation, despite the promotion of cessation drugs by pharmaceutical companies and many tobacco control advocates, according to a new article.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Evolution impacts environment: Fundamental shift in how biologists perceive relationship between evolution and ecology
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/KSB6bu6A6Dw/100201171639.htm
The traditional view is that ecology shapes evolution. Some research has suggested, however, that evolutionary processes reciprocate by influencing ecology in turn. Now biologists present evidence that ecology and evolution are indeed reciprocally interacting processes, presenting a fundamental shift in our understanding of the relationship between evolution and ecology. The results represent a first significant step in showing that evolution cannot be ignored when studying ecological interactions.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Mice shed new light on causes of childhood deafness
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/OhGR1ZUoB9c/100208091910.htm
Mice with a genetic change that causes progressive hearing loss in children, also have hearing loss because sound waves are not processed properly. The ear's attempts to compensate for hearing loss may, ironically, cause further damage leading to complete hearing loss. These mice will allow detailed research into many forms of deafness, and bring closer the prospects of therapies to slow or halt hearing loss in both children and adults.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
'Boutique' fish farms created for Ugandans to combat Lake Victoria's depleted fish supplies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WBxLYOjqaCY/100208144629.htm
In a unique project to combat depleted fish supplies in Lake Victoria, researchers have established 'boutique' fish farms in small villages around the Lake's shore in Uganda.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Complete chemokine profile of a cell
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vmK_9k54DN4/100208215508.htm
Chemokines are a large group of proteins whose predominant function is to direct cell migration. They regulate many physiological and pathophysiological processes, in particular in the immune system. Researchers have now developed a simple method to efficiently identify all the chemokines produced by a single cell type, something that has not been possible before.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Method of the future uses single-cell imaging to identify gene interactions
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ODc8YwiYJxY/100208185200.htm
Cellular imaging offers a wealth of data about how cells respond to stimuli, but harnessing this technique to study biological systems is a daunting challenge. Researchers have now developed a novel method of interpreting data from single-cell images to identify genetic interactions within biological networks, offering a glimpse into the future of high-throughput cell imaging analysis.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
More smokers than non-smokers accept HPV vaccination for their daughters
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MIVXgQ8mjqE/100208091914.htm
A parent's existing health habits or behaviors, like cigarette smoking, may influence the likelihood that they will have their daughters vaccinated against HPV.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Small insect with a big heart: 'Giving' aphids endangered by their selflessness
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WHsnUyd3fhA/100202193629.htm
One of the founding principles of Darwin's theory is that biological evolution has been shaped by the survival of the fittest. Things, however, are not always that simple as researchers have discovered while analyzing the social behavior of aphids. A few aphid species have "soldiers" who stop reproducing and instead contribute to the public good. Not only do they risk their lives to defend the nest from invaders, but they also mend and clean it.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Double agent: Glial cells can protect or kill neurons, vision
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/AO9YeDclKzk/100201171647.htm
Scientists have identified a double agent in the eye that, once triggered, can morph from neuron protector to neuron killer. The discovery has significant health implications since the neurons killed through this process results in vision loss and blindness.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Better sign of blood vessel narrowing and early coronary artery disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/osJntP12OxE/100203172851.htm
Cardiologists and heart imaging specialists at 15 medical centers in eight countries have enrolled the first dozen patients in a year-long investigation to learn whether the subtle squeezing of blood flow through the inner layers of the heart is better than traditional SPECT nuclear imaging tests and other diagnostic radiology procedures for accurately tracking the earliest signs of coronary artery clogs.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Genes that regulate maternal inflammatory response, bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth related
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QIaUZKX6aqE/100204075017.htm
Researchers have used haplotype tagging (hap-tag) single-nucleotide polymorphisms to study the relationship between genetic predispositions, an environmental factor -- bacterial vaginosis -- and preterm birth.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Conservation from space: Landscape diversity helps to conserve insects
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mToaODzmcIE/100207214126.htm
Rugged, hilly landscapes with a range of different habitat types can help maintain more stable butterfly populations and thus aid their conservation, according to new findings. This has implications for how we might design landscapes better to help conserve species.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
People out and about make cities secure
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ITR-6z_I9bs/100208144457.htm
Young people who have experienced threats and violence feel more insecure than others in urban public spaces, especially when alone.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Like escape artists, rotifers elude enemies by drying up and -- poof! -- they are gone with the wind
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/IKmE3IabiZk/100128142130.htm
They haven't had sex in some 30 million years, but some very small invertebrates named bdelloid rotifers are still shocking biologists -- they should have gone extinct long ago. Researchers have discovered the secret to their evolutionary longevity: these rotifers are microscopic escape artists. When facing pathogens, they dry up and are promptly gone with the wind.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Link between advanced maternal age and autism confirmed
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SbmnRboLxqk/100208102411.htm
Advanced maternal age is linked to a significantly elevated risk of having a child with autism, regardless of the father's age, according to an exhaustive study of all births in California during the 1990s.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
The Stars behind the Curtain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Z4gk4AQpU7c/100203084300.htm
Astronomers have obtained a new image of the giant stellar nursery surrounding NGC 3603, in which stars are continuously being born. Embedded in this scenic nebula is one of the most luminous and most compact clusters of young, massive stars in our Milky Way, which therefore serves as an excellent “local” analogue of very active star-forming regions in other galaxies. The cluster also hosts the most massive star to be “weighed” so far.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Test could predict which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients will become severely ill
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Cbgwu-hk788/100203121546.htm
A simple blood test could predict which patients with the lung-scarring disease known as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are soon to get far worse, an indicator that could one day influence their treatment, according to researchers. Their findings indicate that the body's immune cells attack healthy lung tissue, suggesting that IPF is in fact an immunologic disease.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Agricultural scientists turn to a wild oat to combat crown rust
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EnaQfrSIMtQ/100204144545.htm
Scientists are tapping into the DNA of a wild oat, considered by some to be a noxious weed, to see if it can help combat crown rust, the most damaging fungal disease of oats worldwide.

Tue, 9 Feb 10
Month of birth determines who becomes a sports star
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SqUfUw8pjGA/100202101251.htm
The month of your birth influences your chances of becoming a professional sportsperson, an Australian researcher has found. Scientists studied the seasonal patterns of population health and found the month you were born in could influence your future health and fitness.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Bees recognize human faces using feature configuration
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/L_MDBxBrfWc/100129092010.htm
Bees can be trained to recognize human faces, so long as the insects are tricked into thinking that the faces are oddly shaped flowers, new research shows. The insects use the arrangement of facial features to recognize and distinguish one face from another.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Industrial cleaner linked to increased risk of Parkinson's disease
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/o-a0hIE0RVc/100207214119.htm
Workers exposed to tricholorethylene, a chemical once widely used to clean metal such as auto parts, may be at a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
'Starving' fat suppresses appetite
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xZuIiS_02R0/100201113756.htm
Peptides that target blood vessels in fat and cause them to go into programmed cell death (termed apoptosis) could become a model for future weight-loss therapies, say researchers.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Older female cancer survivors have added health issues compared to their counterparts
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dFDyZve7aHc/100203101122.htm
As cancer survivors live longer, questions arise about what kind of care long-term survivors require. A recently study found 245 older married women who survived cancer had more health problems as compared to a sample of 245 married women without cancer.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Argonautes: A big turn-off for proteins
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/fFIT_NGOCJ0/100201171752.htm
Scientists believe they may have figured out how genetic snippets called microRNAs are able to shut down the production of some proteins.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Hackers at the movies
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-HBAfefDO54/100205120215.htm
Researchers in Ireland have analyzed 50 non-documentary movies from the last four decades featuring hackers and come to some intriguing conclusions about the hacker stereotype with implications for policy makers and education.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Scientists identify first genetic variant linked to biological aging in humans
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/v3UMh9mUFJM/100207145351.htm
Scientists announced they have identified for the first time definitive variants associated with biological ageing in humans. The new discovery has important implications for the understanding of cancer and age-associated diseases.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Transforming human fat into stem cells using virus-free technique
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Rrg0YQHWMPs/100207145349.htm
Tiny circles of DNA are the key to a new and easier way to transform stem cells from human fat into induced pluripotent stem cells for use in regenerative medicine, say scientists. Unlike other commonly used techniques, the method, which is based on standard molecular biology practices, does not use viruses to introduce genes into the cells or permanently alter a cell's genome.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Virology: Some viruses use fats to penetrate a cell
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8lS3gFL4NKg/100129105934.htm
SV40 viruses use an amazing means of communication, in order to be able to penetrate into a cell: fats, whose structure must fit like a key in a lock.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Promising results shown for kidney cancer drug
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_TP7Ii5h8Lg/100204101723.htm
The drug pazopanib (Votrient) slowed the progression of advanced renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, in patients by 54 percent, according to a new study.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Carbonate veins reveal chemistry of ancient seawater
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/fE0QgQARSlo/100205091823.htm
The chemical composition of our oceans is not constant but has varied significantly over geological time. In a new study, researchers describe a novel method for reconstructing past ocean chemistry using calcium carbonate veins that precipitate from seawater-derived fluids in rocks beneath the seafloor.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Soft intelligence for hard decisions: Soft metrics improve homeland security and other critical decisions
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7cJVvqnUIao/100204101738.htm
An approach to decision making based on soft metrics could allow problems to be solved where no definitive "yes-no" answer is possible in fields as diverse as health care, defense, economics, engineering, public utilities and science.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Did bacteria developed into more complex cells much earlier in evolution than thought?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bp_aHirye2E/100205091829.htm
Biochemists have described the process by which bacteria developed into more complex cells and found this crucial step happened much earlier in the evolutionary timeline than previously thought.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Inhibiting serotonin in gut could cure osteoporosis
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/sb4eAPSXbU4/100207145344.htm
An investigational drug that inhibits serotonin in the gut, administered orally once daily, effectively cured osteoporosis in mice and rats, reports a new article. Serotonin in the gut has been shown in recent research to stall bone formation. The finding could lead to new therapies that build new bone; most osteoporosis drugs only prevent the breakdown of old bone.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Cells send dirty laundry home to mom
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/aoMV9i5427Q/100201093035.htm
Understanding how aged and damaged mother cells manage to form new and undamaged daughter cells is one of the toughest riddles of aging, but scientists now know how yeast cells do it. In a groundbreaking study, researchers in Sweden show how the daughter cell uses a mechanical "conveyor belt" to dump damaged proteins in the mother cell.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Discovery may expand availability of bone marrow transplants by stopping fatal complications
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3b7cQoTjpHE/100201101909.htm
Scientists explain how an anti-inflammatory agent called "ATL146e" may significantly improve the likelihood of success for bone marrow transplants by preventing or halting the progression of graft-versus-host disease, a complication of bone marrow transplants in which the donor marrow attacks the host.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Biofilms: Discovery of a new mechanism of virus propagation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/p5Pghn04UNc/100205115946.htm
Researchers have shown for the first time that certain viruses are capable of forming complex biofilm-like assemblies, similar to bacterial biofilms. These extracellular infectious structures may protect viruses from the immune system and enable them to spread efficiently from cell to cell. "Viral biofilms" would appear to be a major mechanism of propagation for certain viruses. They are therefore emerging as new and particularly attractive therapeutic targets.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Winning the war on weight
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dcR6kFFAPy4/100205091831.htm
An Australian study into the health beliefs and behaviors of obese people has found that the more severely obese a person is, the less likely they feel they can reduce their weight.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Growing cartilage: bioactive nanomaterial promotes growth of new cartilage
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3lSo1AmPtlc/100201171649.htm
Researchers have designed a bioactive nanomaterial that promotes the growth of new cartilage in vivo and without the use of expensive growth factors. The therapy is minimally invasive, utilizes bone marrow stem cells and produces natural cartilage. Unlike bone, cartilage does not grow back, and it cannot effectively be replaced. Countless people learn this all too well when they bring their bad knees, shoulders and elbows to an orthopedic surgeon.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Road mapping could be key to curing TB
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iHmFSF1B6UU/100205102556.htm
The complex chain of metabolic events in bacteria that lead to fatal diseases such as tuberculosis may be better understood using mathematical models, according to a new article.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Targeting cancer stem cells in the lab
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/9eGjuOICCtY/100131145507.htm
Understanding of the particular cancer cells within a tumour that drive its growth could now advance more rapidly, thanks to new research. Scientisist now show how a crucial class of cancer cell, called cancer stem cells, can be investigated in the lab in ways that should greatly speed their study, and allow the development of drugs targeted against them.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Important advance in imaging of cell death
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_TyeN7s63Zg/100129151804.htm
Scientists have made progress in using a synthetic probe to target dead and dying cells in mammary and prostate tumors in living animals.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Novel theory for mammalian stem cell regulation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kCDK9hNuAb0/100129111835.htm
Researchers propose a model of mammalian adult stem cell regulation that may explain how the coexistence of two disparate stem cell states regulates both stem cell maintenance and simultaneously supports rapid tissue regeneration.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Moms influence how children develop advanced cognitive functions
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dMUsdawRv4w/100205081809.htm
Executive functioning is a set of advanced cognitive functions -- such as the ability to control impulses, remember things, and show mental flexibility -- that help us plan and monitor what we do to reach goals. A new study of 80 infant-mother pairs finds that the ways moms act when they're playing and solving puzzles with their babies can explain some of the differences in children's development of executive functioning.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Second 'quantum logic clock' based on aluminum ion is now world's most precise clock
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nhi5FO3V9jA/100204204321.htm
Physicists have built an enhanced version of an experimental atomic clock based on a single aluminum atom that is now the world's most precise clock, more than twice as precise as the previous pacesetter based on a mercury atom. The new aluminum clock would neither gain nor lose one second in about 3.7 billion years.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Gene that improves quality of reprogrammed stem cells identified
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/qjk4rbx9rDA/100207145347.htm
Scientists report that Tbx3 significantly improves quality of induced pluripotent stem cells. Stem cells reprogrammed from differentiated cells are known as induced pluripotent stem cells or iPS cells.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
New way to study how enzymes repair DNA damage
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BdwTNIFzY4M/100128165129.htm
Researchers have found a new way to study how enzymes move as they repair DNA sun damage -- and that discovery could one day lead to new therapies for healing sunburned skin. Ultraviolet (UV) light damages skin by causing chemical bonds to form in the wrong places along the DNA molecules in our cells.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Screening for spinal muscular atrophy not cost effective, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/dIa4ztpDFKE/100205081807.htm
New findings suggest that it is not cost effective to screen for spinal muscular atrophy. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the most common genetic cause of infant mortality and the second most common inherited autosomal recessive disorder. There is controversy about whether prenatal carrier detection should be routinely offered to couples.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Genetic analysis helps spot sugarcane rusts
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-eCwD3fw1AY/100129111753.htm
Scientists have analyzed rust fungi from more than 160 sugarcane samples from 25 countries to provide a valuable resource for plant breeders and pathologists who are searching for genetic resistance to the deadly orange and brown rusts.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Fingers account for majority of pediatric amputations, new study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gs73BC93yMo/100201113750.htm
According to a new study, there were more than 950 cases of traumatic amputations among children aged 17 years and younger in the United States in 2003. Of these cases, finger and thumb amputations accounted for the majority of the injuries.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Migrating insects fly in the fast lane
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/DB2k2MI5hrE/100204144416.htm
Scientists shed new light on the flight behaviors that enable insects to undertake long-distance migrations, and highlights the remarkable abilities of these insect migrants.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy may increase risk of asthma after menopause
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/WWSA4kUv9qM/100207214122.htm
Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of developing asthma after the menopause, suggests a large scale study.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Uncorrelated activity in the brain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/7gQMiFpfm84/100128142126.htm
Interconnected networks of neurons process information and give rise to perception by communicating with one another via small electrical impulses known as action potentials. In the past, scientists believed that adjacent neurons synchronized their action potentials. However, researchers now show that this synchronization does not happen.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Preventing pancreatic islet loss after transplantation
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Yhfb8p8Bb8s/100201171413.htm
Although transplantation of pancreatic islets is an attractive way to treat type 1 diabetes, early islet loss soon after transplantation has limited its clinical use. By studying islet transplantation in a mouse model of diabetes, researchers have now identified a potential new set of targets to improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Characteristics of Earthquakes that Have Caused Exceptional Ground Accelerations and Velocities
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LdvW8KgVCr4/100205102550.htm
A new study identifies earthquakes through July 2007 that have produced 100 of the strongest peak accelerations and 100 of the strongest peak velocities ever recorded.

Mon, 8 Feb 10
Many surgeons suffer injuries from minimally invasive techniques
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/x1mSzKZ_FbQ/100201113807.htm
Surgeons who engage in minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgery are providing great benefits to their patients, but possibly to their own detriment. That's the finding of the largest survey ever conducted of surgeons in North America who perform laparoscopic procedures. The survey found that 87 percent of laparoscopic surgeons have experienced physical symptoms or discomfort. This was especially true among those with high case volumes.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
How well do scientists understand how changes in Earth's orbit affect long-term natural climate trends?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YMbueBtoHeI/100205091825.htm
The notion that scientists understand how changes in Earth's orbit affect climate well enough for estimating long-term natural climate trends that underlie any anthropogenic climate change is challenged by new research findings.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Scientists discover new treatment for chronic pain condition
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_Tz1TKs1wBk/100201171417.htm
Scientists have discovered that treating the immune system of patients with complex regional pain syndrome leads to a significant reduction in pain.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
First measurement of energy released from a virus during infection
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/eNM3ipo4gnE/100205102620.htm
For the first time, scientists have directly measured the energy associated with the expulsion of viral DNA, a pivotal discovery toward fully understanding the physical mechanisms that control viral infection and designing drugs to interfere with the process.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Cholesterol's link to heart disease gets clearer and more complicated
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/5Il2U03Qywk/100202120802.htm
By considering molecular-level events on a broader scale, researchers now have a clearer, if more complicated, picture of how one class of immune cells goes wrong when loaded with cholesterol. The findings show that, when it comes to the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease, it's not about any one bad actor -- it's about a network gone awry.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Helmets reduce the risk of head injuries among skiers and snowboarders by 35 percent
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/G0rpHXYYYcI/100201145426.htm
Helmets reduce the risk of head injury among skiers and snowboarders by 35 percent with no evidence of an increased risk of neck injury, a new study finds.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Brain dopamine receptor density correlates with social status
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UkkPZVqmu_A/100203084254.htm
People have typically viewed the benefits that accrue with social status primarily from the perspective of external rewards. A new study suggests that there are internal rewards as well. Researchers found that increased social status and increased social support correlated with the density of dopamine D2/D3 receptors in the striatum, a region of the brain that plays a central role in reward and motivation, where dopamine plays a critical role in both of these behavioral processes.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
NASA, GM take giant leap in robotic technology
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1XnwjOKSbu8/100205110636.htm
Engineers and scientists from NASA and GM are working together to build a new humanoid robot capable of working side by side with people. Using leading edge control, sensor and vision technologies, future robots could assist astronauts during hazardous space missions and help GM build safer cars and plants.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Link between birth defect gastroschisis and the agricultural chemical atrazine found
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/tvsW2alqh8M/100205081805.htm
New findings demonstrate a link between the birth defect gastroschisis and the agricultural chemical atrazine. Gastroschisis is a type of inherited congenital abdominal wall defect in which the intestines, and sometimes other organs, develop outside the fetal abdomen through an opening in the abdominal wall. The incidence of gastroschisis is on the rise, increasing two to four times in the last 30 years.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Melt from Alaskan glaciers largely overestimated in previous studies, glaciologists show
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bJJlZY7AP4I/100205130226.htm
Glaciologists have shown that previous studies have largely overestimated mass loss from Alaskan glaciers over the past 40 years. Recent data from the SPOT 5 and ASTER satellites have enabled researchers to extensively map mass loss in these glaciers, which contributed 0.12 mm/year to sea-level rise between 1962 and 2006, rather than 0.17 mm/year as previously estimated.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
New research on Type 2 diabetes could benefit young adults with condition
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_x_ptZpvNeA/100201145434.htm
Researchers have demonstrated new mechanisms in muscle cells that may explain severe insulin resistance and a reduced response to aerobic exercise in young obese patients with type 2 diabetes. These findings may contribute to the development of more specific treatments for young people with type 2 diabetes.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Instruments to study space weather set for NASA launch
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EGg89L_E6b8/100204204309.htm
A $32 million instrument package set for launch Feb. 9 by NASA should help scientists better understand the violent effects of the sun on near-Earth space weather that can affect satellites, power grids, ground communications systems and even astronauts and aircraft crews.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
High sensitivity to stress isn't always bad for children
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SoU3vFuJ8qQ/100205081815.htm
Researchers looked at 338 kindergarteners, as well as their teachers and families, to determine how family adversity and biological reactivity contribute to healthy development. They found that children who had significantly stronger biological reactions to a series of mildly stressful tasks designed to look like challenges in their daily lives were more affected by their family contexts, both bad and good.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Scientists demonstrate world's fastest graphene transistor; holds promise for improving performance of transistors
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UWTampycUc8/100205113551.htm
IBM researchers have demonstrated a radio-frequency graphene transistor with the highest cut-off frequency achieved so far for any graphene device -- 100 billion cycles/second (100 GigaHertz). The high frequency record was achieved using wafer-scale, epitaxially grown graphene using processing technology compatible to that used in advanced silicon device fabrication.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
New compound could become important new antidepressant
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/IiIz-h1ax8U/100204144821.htm
Chemists have discovered and synthesized a new compound that in laboratory and animal tests appears to be similar to, but may have advantages over one of the most important antidepressant medications in the world.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
First discovery of the female sex hormone progesterone in a plant
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/fz6wapWKdng/100204144815.htm
In a finding that overturns conventional wisdom, scientists are reporting the first discovery of the female sex hormone progesterone in a plant. Until now, scientists thought that only animals could make progesterone. A steroid hormone secreted by the ovaries, progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy and maintains pregnancy.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Biologists determine microRNA activity is suppressed in mouse ovum
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BGEjjqmp0As/100203131409.htm
Scientists studying RNA activity, the so-called dark matter of the biological world, may have found the first event in reprogramming a differentiated oocyte into pluripotent blastomeres of the embryo.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Sunny Record: Breakthrough for Hybrid Solar Cells
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZOohh82SaVI/100202103446.htm
Scientists in Germany have succeeded in developing a method for treating the surface of nanoparticles which greatly improves the efficiency of organic solar cells. The researchers were able to attain an efficiency of 2 percent by using so-called quantum dots composed of cadmium selenide. These measurements, well above the previous efficiency ratings of 1 to 1.8 percent, were confirmed.

Sun, 7 Feb 10
Early abuse tied to more depression in children
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/RpGVhDLdgI8/100205081811.htm
A study of 500 low-income children ages 7 to 13, about half of whom had been abused and/or neglected, aimed to find out whether abuse early in life and feelings of depression affected cortisol ("stress hormone") levels. Study results suggest that there are different subtypes of depression, with atypical cortisol regulation occurring among children who were abused before age 5.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
How the butterflies got their spots
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/xDCy7DYTIO0/100205213102.htm
How two butterfly species have evolved exactly the same striking wing color and pattern has intrigued biologists since Darwin's day. Now, scientists have found "hot spots" in the butterflies' genes that they believe will explain one of the most extraordinary examples of mimicry in the natural world.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
New malaria vaccine is safe and protective in children, scientists find
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/C2iBMO39tpw/100203201425.htm
A new vaccine to prevent the deadly malaria infection has shown promise to protect the most vulnerable patients -- young children -- against the disease, according to an international team of researchers. The vaccine seems to replicate in children the natural protective immunity that adults develop after years of intense exposure to malaria. A child dies of malaria every 30 seconds, according to the WHO.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Toward safer plastics that lock in potentially harmful plasticizers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/6yj-BIJ_n7w/100203121554.htm
Scientists have published the first report on a new way of preventing potentially harmful plasticizers -- the source of long-standing human health concerns -- from migrating from one of the most widely used groups of plastics.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
How progesterone prevents preterm birth
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nrbsh1mXNR0/100205081823.htm
Researchers believe they may have discovered how the hormone progesterone acts to prevent preterm birth.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Secrets to superb malting barleys explored
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/D1CBLnI9ePE/100203111624.htm
Agricultural scientists are discovering more about what goes on inside malting barley grains as they germinate, or sprout, in the malt house.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Moms' depression in pregnancy tied to antisocial behavior in teens
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/fYkHjAt_uIc/100205081813.htm
Researchers studying 120 British youth from inner-city areas found that mothers who became depressed when pregnant were four times as likely to have children who were violent at 16. This was true for both boys and girls. The mothers' depression, in turn, was predicted by their own aggressive and disruptive behavior as teens.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Quantum computing leap forward: altering a lone electron without disturbing its neighbors
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/F2z_wNOhswg/100205162953.htm
A major hurdle in the ambitious quest to design and construct a radically new kind of quantum computer has been finding a way to manipulate the single electrons that very likely will constitute the new machines' processing components or "qubits." Now, a physicist has discovered how to do just that -- demonstrating a method that alters the properties of a lone electron without disturbing the trillions of electrons in its immediate surroundings. The feat is essential to the development of future varieties of superfast computers with near-limitless capacities for data.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
World's first in-depth study of the malaria parasite genome
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/TptrgLJai1M/100205102607.htm
Groundbreaking research could lead to the development of more potent drugs or a vaccine for malaria. Scientists have scored a world first in successfully using transcriptional profiling to uncover hitherto unknown gene expression (activity) patterns in malaria.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Leaves whisper their properties through ultrasound
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/1Y2uR8Uhupo/100203111628.htm
The water content of leaves, their thickness, their density and other properties can now be determined without even having to touch them. Researchers in Spain have presented an innovative technique that enables plant leaves to be studied using ultrasound in a quick, simple and noninvasive fashion.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Blacks with MS have more severe symptoms, decline faster than whites, new study shows
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/fYUzhlIiYjE/100205122238.htm
Fewer African Americans than Caucasians develop multiple sclerosis, statistics show, but their disease progresses more rapidly, and they don't respond as well to therapies, a new study by neurology researchers has found.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Sweet! Sugar plays key role in cell division
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/A39jUNZ6h0s/100205112105.htm
Using an elaborate sleuthing system they developed to probe how cells manage their own division, scientists have discovered that common but hard-to-see sugar switches are partly in control.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Length of time in institutional care may influence children's learning
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XzGh0H323WI/100205081817.htm
A new study shows that children adopted early from foster care didn't differ from children who were raised in their birth families but that children adopted from institutional care performed worse than those raised in families on tests measuring visual memory and attention, learning visual information, and impulse control. Findings suggest that children make tremendous advances in cognitive functioning once they reach their adoptive families but the impact of early deprivation is difficult to reverse completely.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Where did today's spiral galaxies come from?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/oUHa7f1-Qb0/100204101719.htm
Using data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have created a demographic census of galaxy types and shapes from a time before the Earth and the sun existed, to the present day. The results show that more than half of the present-day spiral galaxies had peculiar shapes only six billion years ago, which, if confirmed, highlights the importance of collisions and mergers in the recent past of many galaxies. It also provides clues for the unique status of our own galaxy.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
HPV vaccines may reduce a wide range of genital diseases
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NwOgI5iiXpI/100205162951.htm
High-coverage human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations among adolescents and young women may result in a rapid reduction of genital warts, cervical cell abnormalities, and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, researchers report in a new study. Some of these genital abnormalities are precursors of cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Craters young and old in southern highlands of Mars
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UH-IJKvhOYQ/100203084258.htm
The Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera has imaged craters both young and old in a new view of the southern highlands of Mars.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Screening for short cervix could improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce preterm birth
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/_kpc5NDJluI/100205112101.htm
Using ultrasound to screen all pregnant women for signs of a shortening cervix improves pregnancy outcomes and is a cost-effective way to reduce preterm birth, researchers report in a new study.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Super material will make lighting cheaper and fully recyclable
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/NJaZk8AmMeE/100205115810.htm
With the use of the new super material graphene, Swedish and American researchers have succeeded in producing a new type of lighting component. It is inexpensive to produce and can be fully recycled.

Sat, 6 Feb 10
Youth who self-identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual at higher suicide risk, say researchers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BGwarpYPFgk/100205122240.htm
Mental health professionals have long-known that gay, lesbian and bisexual teens face significantly elevated risks of mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts. However, a group of researchers has now come to the conclusion that self-identity is the crucial risk-factor, rather than actual sexual behaviors.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
'Zen' bats hit their target by not aiming at it
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GqwtCIlssuk/100204204319.htm
New research shows Egyptian fruit bats find a target by NOT aiming their guiding sonar directly at it. Instead, they alternately point the sound beam to either side of the target. The new findings suggest that this strategy optimizes the bats' ability to pinpoint the location of a target, but also makes it harder for them to detect a target in the first place.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Prion leaves lasting mark on memory
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/pe3x2LGcRpQ/100204144420.htm
Prions are a special class of proteins best known as the source for mad cow and other neurodegenerative diseases. Despite this negative reputation, a prion may also have important and very positive roles in brain function. The researchers suggest that a prion-like protein may participate in memory in higher eukaryotes, from sea slugs on up.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Commercial fishing endangers dolphin populations, new study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ce2tlT5iG8c/100204101813.htm
Extensive commercial fishing endangers dolphin populations in the Mediterranean, according to a new study by researchers in Israel.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Scientists map out regulatory regions of genome, hot spots for diabetes genes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XedXQWOXLpA/100202120806.htm
Researchers have generated a complete map of the areas of the genome that control which genes are "turned on" or "off." The discovery, made in pancreatic islet cells, opens new avenues for understanding the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes and other common illnesses.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
New system provides hybrid electric autos with power to spare
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VkzBrJCvVTc/100204204323.htm
An advancement in hybrid electric vehicle technology is providing powerful benefits beyond transportation.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Couples who say 'we' do better at resolving conflicts
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/9_sdCOyxQ_g/100128142143.htm
People often complain about those seemingly smug married couples who constantly refer to themselves as "we." But a new study suggests that spouses who use "we-ness" language are better able to resolve conflicts than those who don't.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
'Artificial pancreas' a step nearer for children with type 1 diabetes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vPB_AhEPJio/100204204307.htm
Scientists have made a significant step towards developing a so-called "artificial pancreas" system for managing type 1 diabetes in children. The team has developed and successfully tested a new algorithm, providing a stepping stone to home testing for the artificial pancreas.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
How sperm get a move on; discovery suggests new target for male contraception
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ZsD1ra6C3N8/100204144418.htm
Most of us probably think of sperm as rather active little cells, swimming with quick movements of their "tail" or flagella. But actually sperm's motility is in fact short lived. When in the male reproductive tract they have to rest easy, lest they wear themselves out prematurely and give up any chance of ever finding an egg.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Madly mapping the universe
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/QPwILqA54mo/100204101826.htm
It takes special software to map the universe from noisy data. Scientists have developed a code called MADmap to do just that for the cosmic microwave background, then posted it on the web for other interested sky mappers. Scientists probing the sky with the PACS instrument aboard the Herschel satellite have adapted MADmap to make spectacular images of the infrared universe.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Melatonin precursor stimulates growth factor circuits in brain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Y400GduXpHE/100204101817.htm
N-acetylserotonin, the immediate precursor to melatonin, activates the same growth circuits in the brain as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). The results have implications for how some antidepressants function and suggest that the molecules and pathways involved in mood regulation and circadian rhythms are intertwined.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Engineers aim to make air travel greener
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/HsYHKLPGJiI/100203111811.htm
Carbon emissions from air travel could be reduced, thanks to a new collaboration between engineers in the UK and the aerospace industry. The million project will investigate new ways of using composite materials for wing panels in aircraft. The research will be using carbon fibres that are curved within flat plates to produce damage-tolerant, buckle-free structures.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Haiti: International relief efforts remain fragmented, warn doctors
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/YA23PmWb-pI/100202193609.htm
Despite the frightening regularity of humanitarian disasters like the earthquake in Haiti, international responses remain fragmented and must be improved, argue a group of trauma surgeons.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Computers that use light instead of electricity? First germanium laser created
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Cv4xuAEcEO0/100204144555.htm
Researchers have demonstrated the first laser built from germanium that can emit wavelengths of light useful for optical communications. It's also the first germanium laser to operate at room temperature. Unlike the materials typically used in lasers, germanium is easy to incorporate into existing processes for manufacturing silicon chips. So the result could prove an important step toward computers that move data -- and maybe even perform calculations -- using light instead of electricity.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Bacteria toxic to wound-treating maggots
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/z5qXecljWfI/100204204304.htm
Bacteria that infect chronic wounds can be deadly to maggot "bio-surgeons" used to treat the lesions, show researchers. The findings could lead to more effective treatment of wounds and the development of novel antibiotics.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Study maps effects of acupuncture on the brain
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/u7-SjA1sJI0/100204101736.htm
New research about the effects of acupuncture on the brain may provide an understanding of the complex mechanisms of acupuncture and could lead to a wider acceptability of the treatment.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Growth factor gene shown to be key to cleft palate
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/AJ_P7S9BgEc/100202141302.htm
Cleft palate has been linked to dozens of genes. During their investigation of one of these genes, researchers were surprised to find that cleft palate occurs both when the gene is more active and when it is less active than normal.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
New material absorbs, conserves oil
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0DqjvXvCguM/100204144547.htm
Researchers make new material to clean up oil spills in factories or on the ocean, and conserve the oil.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Novelty lures rats from cocaine-paired settings, hinting at new treatments for recovering addicts
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/MGAdB-gBqYs/100201145440.htm
The brain's innate interest in the new and different may help trump the power of addictive drugs, according to new research. In controlled experiments, novelty drew cocaine-treated rats away from the place they got cocaine.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Dinosaur had vibrant colors, microscopic fossil clues reveal
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BEySvHrCQCQ/100204144422.htm
Deciphering microscopic clues hidden within fossils, scientists have uncovered the vibrant colors that adorned a feathered dinosaur extinct for 150 million years.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Vaccine to protect pregnant women from contracting malaria?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/yQpv-GrWZUc/100204144433.htm
Researchers have synthesized the entire protein that is responsible for life-threatening malaria in pregnant women and their unborn children. The protein known as VAR2CSA enables malaria parasites to accumulate in the placenta and can therefore potentially be used as the main component in a vaccine to trigger antibodies that protect pregnant women against malaria. The research team is now planning to test the efficacy of the protein-based vaccine on humans.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
It looks, feels and tastes like chicken, but it's made of soy
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/azoyzDjs9zY/100204144549.htm
Sure, some delicacies might taste just like chicken, but they usually feel and look much different. Soy meat alternatives, such as the soy burger, have become more popular recently, with increased sales of eight percent from 2007 to 2008. Now, scientists have created a soy substitute for chicken that is much like the real thing. The new soy chicken also has health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and maintaining healthy bones.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Molecular 'firing squad' in mice triggered by overeating destroys metabolism
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-45sTWLhXas/100204144429.htm
Overeating in mice triggers a molecule once considered to be only involved in detecting and fighting viruses to also destroy normal metabolism, leading to insulin resistance and setting the stage for diabetes.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Oceans reveal further impacts of climate change
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bprZau_WFo0/100204144811.htm
The increasing acidity of the world's oceans -- and that acidity's growing threat to marine species -- are definitive proof that the atmospheric carbon dioxide that is causing climate change is also negatively affecting the marine environment.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
More smokers kick the habit with extended nicotine patch therapy
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/lh52p8JjlGo/100201171421.htm
New research may help more smokers keep their New Year's resolution by helping them quit smoking. Extended use of a nicotine patch -- 24 weeks versus the standard eight weeks recommended by manufacturers -- boosts the number of smokers who maintain their cigarette abstinence and helps more of those who backslide into the habit while wearing the patch, according to a new study.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Physicists kill cancer with 'nanobubbles'
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/vIpwOZ6agl0/100204204438.htm
Scientists have discovered a way to use lasers and nanoparticles to identify and treat individual diseased cells with tiny vapor "nanobubbles." In a new study, the scientists described how to use the method to explode nanobubbles and kill cancer cells. In laboratory tests, they showed they could tune these nanobubbles for "theranostics," a combined approach that melds diagnosis and treatment into a single procedure.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Molecular regulator that controls ability of sperm to reach and fertilize the egg identified
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/X0eChq5_KVk/100204144431.htm
Researchers have identified an elusive molecular regulator that controls the ability of human sperm to reach and fertilize the egg, a finding that has implications on both treating male infertility and preventing pregnancy.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Video of virus in action shows viruses can spread faster than thought possible
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mlqzK26D2fY/100121141102.htm
New video footage of a virus infecting cells is challenging what researchers have long believed about how viruses spread, suggesting that scientists may be able to create new drugs to tackle some viruses.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Simple test can help predict and diagnose preeclampsia
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/srsPGtKffe8/100204075103.htm
Researchers have developed a simple urine test to rapidly predict and diagnose preeclampsia, a common, but serious hypertensive complication of pregnancy.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Nano imagining takes turn for the better: Photothermal technique provides new way to track nanoparticles
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/4USe1viPdeM/100203161430.htm
Scientists researching how nanomaterials align have found a way to use gold nanorods as orientation sensors by combining their plasmonic properties with polarization imaging techniques.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Cocaine or ecstasy consumption during adolescence increases risk of addiction
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/3n8o_im7V_s/100204101821.htm
Exposure to ecstasy or cocaine during adolescence increases the "reinforcing effects" that make people vulnerable to developing an addiction. This is the main conclusion of a research team that has shown for the first time how these changes persist into adulthood.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
New Hubble maps of Pluto show surface changes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0celDtLWn5I/100204234213.htm
NASA has released the most detailed set of images ever taken of the distant dwarf planet Pluto. The images taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope show an icy and dark molasses-colored, mottled world that is undergoing seasonal changes in its surface color and brightness.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Possible source of beta cell destruction that leads to Type 1 diabetes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ISpfP7KQ_jo/100204204442.htm
Doctors have been studying the role of the enzyme 12-Lipoxygenase (12-LO) in the development of Type 1 diabetes. They hope that targeting this enzyme will hold the key to reversing the disease.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Seabed biodiversity of the Straits of Magellan and Drake Passage
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VkujgQ88yuU/100128101857.htm
A study of animals visible to the naked eye and living in and on the seabed -- the "macrobenthos" -- of the Straits of Magellan and Drake Passage will help scientists understand the biodiversity, biogeography and ecology of the Magellanic region.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Novel surgery may help young trauma patients avoid total hip replacements
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/LyvEaOyOZNQ/100129111837.htm
A novel surgery using transplanted bone and cartilage may help young patients avoid a hip replacement after a specific traumatic injury to the hip joint, according to a new study.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Europe seeks alternatives to natural latex from Asia
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ajo6uLNYAyo/100129112023.htm
Some natural latexes are the main ingredient in the extraction of natural rubber, an indispensable raw material for all kinds of industries and essential for the manufacture of surgical gloves, condoms or tyres. All the latex used in Europe is imported, extracted fundamentally from the the Hevea brasiliensis tree. The largest producers in the world are Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, three Asian countries that have practically the worldwide monopoly of this resource. In order to find alternatives to this commercial dependence and promote the cultivation of latex-producing plant species in the European Union, a research project is being undertaken in which 12 technological centres, universities and companies related to this matter are taking part.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
New method improves eating skills of dementia patients
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/SGb3XWrd8Pw/100128142139.htm
New research has shown for the first time that it is possible to improve the eating skills and nutritional status of older people with dementia.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Ancient human teeth show that stress early in development can shorten life span
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/IagwzsVjsT8/100204204315.htm
Ancient human teeth are telling secrets that may relate to modern-day health: Some stressful events that occurred early in development are linked to shorter lifespans. "Prehistoric remains are providing strong, physical evidence that people who acquired tooth enamel defects while in the womb or early childhood tended to die earlier, even if they survived to adulthood," says anthropologist George Armelagos, who recently published the first summary of prehistoric evidence for the Barker hypothesis.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Scientists ID a protein that splices and dices genes
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EQH766WjD7k/100204144426.htm
Researchers have discovered that the protein MRG15, which previously had been known to affect cell growth and aging, also directs the gene-splicing machinery. As people or animals age, this machinery can go awry, producing nonsense proteins. The finding thus has potential implications for therapies to treat both cancer and aging.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Fewer honey bee colonies and beekeepers throughout Europe
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/R8h-sllwaqk/100128101905.htm
The number of bee colonies in Central Europe has decreased over recent decades. In fact, the number of beekeepers has been declining in the whole of Europe since 1985.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Cell mechanism leading to diabetic blindness identified
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/XOKzF3roV0s/100201102022.htm
Scientists have long known that high blood sugar levels from diabetes damage blood vessels in the eye, but they didn't know why or how. Now a Michigan State University scientist has discovered the process that causes retinal cells to die, which could lead to new treatments that halt the damage.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
New simulation tool could shorten manufacturing design process
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GzKQa0bIEEE/100128142228.htm
Researchers have demonstrated they were able to speed up SystemC based simulation by factors of 30 to 100 times that of previous performances. SystemC is often used to shorten manufacturing design cycles to improve the time it takes to bring a product to the marketplace.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Mandatory policy boosts influenza vaccination rate among health care workers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/CFvt1x4jswk/100128130225.htm
A mandatory influenza vaccination policy improves immunization rates among health care workers, according to a recent study of a large health care organization.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Potential evolutionary role for same-sex attraction
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/uX4UpogpSLk/100204144551.htm
Male homosexuality doesn't make complete sense from an evolutionary point of view. One possible explanation is what evolutionary psychologists call the "kin selection hypothesis." What that means is that homosexuality may convey an indirect benefit by enhancing the survival prospects of close relatives.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Genes of pregnant women and their fetuses can increase risk of preterm labor
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Xk-jMcPKxPQ/100204075029.htm
New evidence that genetics play a significant role in some premature births may help explain why a woman can do everything right and still give birth too soon. Researchers have identified DNA variants in mothers and fetuses that appear to increase the risk for preterm labor and delivery.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Enlisting a drug discovery technique in the battle against global warming
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/kP_w7k4897c/100203121552.htm
Scientists in Texas are reporting that a technique used in the search for new drugs could also be used in the quest to discover new, environmentally friendly materials for fighting global warming. Such materials could be used to capture the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from industrial smokestacks and other fixed sources before it enters the biosphere.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
Prolactin blocks oncogene associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/reIPbYTMFSE/100203121548.htm
Researchers have found a mechanism by which a hormone responsible for milk production blocks an oncogene that makes breast cancer more aggressive.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
New computational tool for cancer treatment
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/nDhfURmcb5A/100129151756.htm
Researchers have developed an approach for creating new IDO inhibitors by computer-assisted structure-based drug design.

Fri, 5 Feb 10
From music to sports: Autonomy fosters passion among kids
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/gglUXuI2wbw/100203111630.htm
Parents take heed: children and young adults are more likely to pursue sports, music or other pastimes when given an opportunity to nurture their own passion. According to a new study, parental control can predict whether a child develops a harmonious or obsessive passion for a hobby.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Spherical cows help to dump metabolism law
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VQgnYWo5OQs/100203101124.htm
Apparently, the mysterious "3/4 law of metabolism" -- proposed by Max Kleiber in 1932, printed in biology textbooks for decades, and described as "extended to all life forms" from bacteria to whales -- is just plain wrong. "Actually, it's two-thirds," says University of Vermont mathematician Peter Dodds. A new paper of his helps overturn almost 80 years of near-mystical belief in a 3/4 exponent used to describe the relationship between the size of animals and their resting metabolism.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Scientists map epigenome of human stem cells during development
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/uNuHwQY8axY/100203141326.htm
Singapore and US scientists have mapped major components of the epigenome and DNA methylation for the entire human DNA sequence, and compared three cell types representing three stages of human development.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Baker's yeast: A promising, natural therapy for cancer?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Jm1a4BOUWL8/100202201622.htm
Researchers are investigating the potential use of nonpathogenic baker's yeast as a promising, natural therapy for cancer.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Link between human birth defect syndrome, cancer metastasis explored
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ltQ5XYIxWyw/100203131403.htm
Some cells are natural rule-breakers. Neural crest cells for example, not only migrate throughout the body during development (most cells are more selective in their wandering), they are also more developmentally flexible than their predecessors (a no-no for nearly all cell types). Now researchers have shown that a protein that controls DNA accessibility is responsible for the cells' unruly ways.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Learning from climate's sedimental journey
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/td8OF3PrJ7s/100129123611.htm
By analyzing sediments up to 4,000 years old, an environmental scientist is hoping to provide a tool to help predict future climate change. Ancient records of what was happening with climate conditions can be used with regional climate models to tell a story of what happened in the past and to correlate it to the present and the future. Current models typically use data only for the last 100 years or less and may miss wet and dry periods from past millennia.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Pay it forward: Elevation leads to altruistic behavior
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ygl10c8tTeU/100203121600.htm
Seeing someone perform a virtuous deed (especially if they are helping another person), makes us feel good -- a positive, uplifting emotion, known as "elevation." New findings suggest that elevation may lead to helping behavior: participants who viewed an uplifting TV clip spent almost twice as long helping a research assistant than participants who saw a neutral TV clip or a comedy clip.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Magnetic nanoparticles show promise for combating human cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/GrXuIsHqMnw/100201101911.htm
Scientists at Georgia Tech and the Ovarian Cancer Institute have further developed a potential new treatment against cancer that uses magnetic nanoparticles to attach to cancer cells, removing them from the body. The treatment, tested in mice in 2008, has now been tested using samples from human cancer patients.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Scientists find ideal target for malaria therapy
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-nfDJZcLazQ/100203131405.htm
Scientists have identified a protein made by the malaria parasite that is essential to its ability to take over human red blood cells.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Laboratory 'gunfights' show that movement is swiftest in response to events in the environment
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/ySlzDK4Ak5s/100202193603.htm
Scientists have carried out "laboratory gunfights" to show that we move faster when we react to something in our environment than we do when we initiate the action ourselves -- an idea inspired by cowboy movies but in reality more useful for avoiding oncoming traffic.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Immune protein fends off exotic virus
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/teRVWZ6t7po/100201091622.htm
A study shows that antiviral proteins called type I interferons (IFNs) are needed to fend off infection with an exotic mosquito-borne virus called Chikungunya virus. This pathogen, which causes high fevers and severe joint pain, triggered a recent epidemic in Southeast Asia, infecting more than 30 percent of the population in some areas.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Code defends against 'stealthy' computer worms
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/BB1DMiSjWNA/100201113758.htm
Self-propagating worms are malicious computer programs, which, after being released, can spread throughout networks without human control, stealing or erasing hard drive data, interfering with pre-installed programs and slowing, even crashing, home and work computers. Now a new code, or algorithm, created by researchers targets the "stealthiest" of these worms, containing them before an outbreak can occur.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Shark virgin birth study shows offspring can survive long term
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PHNR4WONDBw/100125094518.htm
Shark pups born to virgin mothers can survive over the long-term, according to new research. The study shows for the first time that some virgin births can result in viable offspring.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Quantum mechanics at work in photosynthesis: Algae familiar with these processes for nearly two billion years
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8IC_apzrbxk/100203131356.htm
Chemists have made a major contribution to the emerging field of quantum biology, observing quantum mechanics at work in photosynthesis in marine algae.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
New class of AIDS drug? Two compounds lay foundation, help combat drug-resistant virus strains
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/z6t04--lz7A/100203172849.htm
A team of scientists has identified two compounds that act on novel binding sites for an enzyme used by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. The discovery lays the foundation for the development of a new class of anti-HIV drugs to enhance existing therapies, treat drug-resistant strains of the disease, and slow the evolution of drug resistance in the virus.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Chemists discover how antiviral drugs bind to and block flu virus
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/HDGbmUt5JPA/100203131407.htm
Researchers have determined where an antiviral drug binds to and blocks a channel necessary for the flu virus to spread. The team also discovered that the drug spins in the channel, meaning there could be room for developing drugs that do a better job blocking the channel and stopping the flu.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Cord blood-derived CD133+ cells improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cqs-F30zMdc/100203161438.htm
Researchers have evaluated the therapeutic potential of purified and expanded CD133+ cells human umbilical cord blood (HUCB)-derived in treating myocardial infarction by intramyocardially injecting them into a rat model. Patients who have high cardiovascular risks have fewer endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and their EPCs exhibit greater in vitro senescence.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Optical refrigeration expected to enhance airborne and spaceborne applications
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/lVn9EARH34Y/100129092014.htm
Researchers have created the first-ever all-solid-state cryocooler that can be applied to airborne and spaceborne sensors.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Excessive Internet use is linked to depression
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/yBGZ8EjJhOY/100202193605.htm
People who spend a lot of time browsing the 'Net' are more likely to show depressive symptoms, according to the first large-scale study of its kind.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Merging galaxies create a binary quasar
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/EzpJ-0yyFvk/100203131413.htm
Astronomers have found the first clear evidence of a binary quasar within a pair of actively merging galaxies. Binary quasars, like other quasars, are thought to be the product of galaxy mergers. Until now, however, binary quasars have not been seen in galaxies unambiguously in the act of merging. But images the Magellan telescope in Chile show two distinct galaxies with "tails" produced by their mutual gravitational attraction.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Mother's exposure to bisphenol A may increase children's chances of asthma
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/Zbq_k66Cc7U/100203161441.htm
Mouse experiments have produced evidence that a mother's exposure to bisphenol A may increase the odds that her children will develop asthma.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Bad news for mosquitoes: Scent receptor research may lead to better traps, repellents
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UePnvYjLl5s/100203131358.htm
Researchers have found more than two dozen scent receptors in malaria-transmitting mosquitoes that detect compounds in human sweat, a finding that may help scientists to develop new ways to combat a disease that kills 1 million people annually.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Curing more cervical cancer cases may be in the math
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/8FXg_ih01Tc/100129092016.htm
A third of cervical cancer cases respond poorly to standard therapy or experience recurrence, making cure difficult. A new mathematical model using information gathered by magnetic resonance imaging scans may make it possible to identify patients with non-responding tumors much sooner. These patients could then be offered aggressive or experimental therapy midway through treatment, something not possible now.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Male erectile dysfunction drug enhances fetal growth in female sheep, study finds
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UIDgdCQ53-c/100203161428.htm
Viagra (sildenafil citrate), which is used to treat male erectile dysfunction, enhanced blood flow in pregnant female sheep, helping send vital amino acids and other nutrients needed in fetal development, a new study has found. The study's results not only will assist with solving fetal development problems in other livestock, but possibly in humans.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Suicides by mental health patients preventable, says report
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/PdaiXEThk1E/100202193607.htm
Preventing patients from leaving psychiatric wards without staff agreement could avoid up to 50 suicide deaths every year, say University of Manchester researchers.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Some morbidly obese people are missing genes, shows new research
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/UogP4l-AWro/100203131401.htm
A small but significant proportion of morbidly obese people are missing a section of their DNA, according to new research. The authors of the study say that missing DNA such as that identified in this research may be having a dramatic effect on some people's weight.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Malaria's key survival protein identified, offering drug hope
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0rNI0BatxEw/100203131354.htm
Researchers in Australia have identified a key protein used by the malaria parasite to transform human red blood cells, ensuring the parasite's survival. Their discovery means researchers have a clear target against which to develop a new class of anti-malarial drugs that destroy the parasite.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Is iron from soil a factor in algal blooms?
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/VdfnGWv5-BA/100128101855.htm
Scientists are studying the part that iron from Australia's iron-rich soil plays in the algal blooms that plague parts of the eastern coast line during summer.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Symptoms have little value for early detection of ovarian cancer
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/-VI4bVDTtjg/100128165840.htm
Use of symptoms to trigger a medical evaluation for ovarian cancer does not appear to detect early-stage ovarian cancer earlier and would likely result in diagnosis in only 1 out of 100 women in the general population with such symptoms, according to a new article.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Haiti earthquake a reminder that disasters are preventable, expert says
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/hmExLwNs8Sk/100201145443.htm
Amid all the commentary focused on the historic tragedy in Haiti, a tough but important fact -- disasters are preventable -- has gone virtually unmentioned, according to a nationally recognized expert on disasters.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Recent immigrants may have lower risk of early stroke
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/0uW_i4o0RYM/100203161424.htm
New immigrants to North America may be less likely to have a stroke at a young age than long-time residents, according to a new study.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Black carbon a significant factor in melting of Himalayan glaciers
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/bNxLCizUI_c/100203161436.htm
The fact that glaciers in the Himalayan mountains are thinning is not disputed. However, few researchers have attempted to rigorously examine and quantify the causes. Scientists have now isolated the impacts of the most commonly blamed culprit -- greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide -- from other particles in the air that may be causing the melting. Their research finds that airborne black carbon aerosols, or soot, from India is a major contributor to the decline in snow and ice cover on the glaciers.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
New vaccine effective in preventing TB in African patients with HIV infection
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/2ftPUjpAF04/100129151753.htm
Results of a clinical trial show that a new vaccine against tuberculosis is effective in preventing tuberculosis in people with HIV infection. Scientists found that MV immunization reduced the rate of definite tuberculosis by 39 percent among 2,000 HIV-infected patients in Tanzania.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Sources of infection: Mycobacterium avium infections in pigs, humans and birds in Norway
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/cY_KV0eH_Rs/100203091600.htm
New research from Norway has shown that Mycobacterium avium does not infect pigs via birds, as previously believed. M. avium can be divided into several subspecies, and the research shows that birds are infected by one particular subspecies, whereas pigs and humans are infected by another. Closely related bacteria were isolated in pigs and humans, which would indicate that pigs and humans are vulnerable to infection from the same sources in their surroundings.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Severe complications of diabetes higher in depressed patients
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/FxVowRHjZwc/100127182459.htm
A prospective study of Group Health primary-care patients with diabetes in western Washington showed that depression raised the risks of advanced and severe complications from diabetes during a five-year follow-up. These complications include kidney failure or blindness, the result of small vessel damage, as well as major vessel problems leading to heart attack or stroke.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Ecology: Introducing new genes for restoration purposes may affect local populations
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/iGWyiODuBFU/100128165127.htm
Revegetation seems like a beneficial strategy for conserving and restoring damaged ecosystems, and using a variety of species can help increase biodiversity in these systems. But what risks are involved with introducing seeds from other locations to plants located near the damaged site? When new, foreign genes are introduced to a damaged site, neighboring populations may experience initial negative effects; however, over time, the negative effects may diminish and the maladapted foreign genes will decrease.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
Electronic health records need better monitoring, experts urge
http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/76wqzWHcd0k/100203161434.htm
The push is on for health-care providers to make the switch to electronic health records but it is hard to tell how well these complex health information technology systems are being implemented and used.

Thu, 4 Feb 10
'Good' bacteria keep immune system primed to fight future