ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Tuesday, April 26, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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Global catastrophic amphibian declines have multiple causes, no simple solution (April 26, 2011) -- Amphibian declines around the world have forced many species to the brink of extinction, are much more complex than realized and have multiple causes that are still not fully understood, researchers conclude in a new report. ... > full story

Tuberculosis discovery paves way for drugs that prevent lung destruction (April 26, 2011) -- Scientists have identified a key enzyme responsible for destroying lung tissue in tuberculosis. Drugs that inhibit this enzyme are already available, meaning that the finding could lead quickly to new treatments. ... > full story

Self-powered, blood-activated sensor detects pancreatitis quickly and cheaply (April 26, 2011) -- A new low cost test for acute pancreatitis that gets results much faster than existing tests has been developed by scientists. The sensor, which could be produced for as little as a dollar, is built with a 12-cent LED light, aluminum foil, gelatin, milk protein and a few other cheap, easily obtainable materials. ... > full story

Death rates among those with high blood pressure decreasing, but still high (April 26, 2011) -- Death rates are decreasing among people with high blood pressure but remain far higher than in people without high blood pressure, according to new research. The gap between adults with and without hypertension has improved more among men than women. ... > full story

Understanding how crops deal with stress -- yield's biggest enemy (April 26, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a new arm of the pathway by which plants activate a response to environmental stress caused by adverse environmental conditions, such as drought, flood and heat. These stresses affect yield more than crop pests and diseases. Finding a way to maintain high yields for plants under stress is a goal of plant breeders and other agriculture stakeholders. ... > full story

Increased computer use by adolescents cause for concern, Canadian study finds (April 26, 2011) -- Researchers in Canada have found a strong association between computer and Internet use in adolescents and engagement in multiple-risk behaviors, including illicit drug use, drunkenness and unprotected sex. ... > full story

Large galaxies stopped growing seven billion years ago (April 26, 2011) -- Galaxies are thought to develop by the gravitational attraction between and merger of smaller 'sub-galaxies', a process that standard cosmological ideas suggest should be ongoing. But new data directly challenges this idea, suggesting that the growth of some of the most massive objects stopped 7 billion years ago when the universe was half its present age. ... > full story

New class of cancer drugs could work in colon cancers with genetic mutation, study finds (April 26, 2011) -- A class of drugs that shows promise in breast and ovarian cancers with BRCA gene mutations could potentially benefit colorectal cancer patients with a different genetic mutation, a new study finds. ... > full story

Lollipops with side effects: A plant's sugary offering betrays caterpillars to predatory ants (April 26, 2011) -- Trichomes, hair-like projections on leaves, of wild tobacco contain acyl sugars, which are composed of sucrose, bound to branched chain aliphatic acids. Hatched caterpillars consume these sweet secretions. This has unwanted side effects for the insects: the caterpillars develop a distinctive odor. Scientists discovered that ants recognize the caterpillar's odor to locate the larvae on the plants and carry them back to their nests to feed their young and co-workers. ... > full story

Targeted agent selumetinib shows promise in biliary cancer (April 26, 2011) -- The experimental agent selumetinib has shown promising results in people with advanced biliary cancer, a malignancy of the bile ducts and gall bladder, according to a multi-institutional clinical trial. Most patients are diagnosed at later stages of the disease, which has a universally poor outcome. The study provides a strong rationale for developing this agent further in larger trials, probably in combination with other drugs. ... > full story

Discovery identifies elaborate G-protein network in plants (April 26, 2011) -- The most elaborate heterotrimeric G-protein network known to date in the plant kingdom has just been identified. ... > full story

Psychologists find unintentional racial biases may affect economic and trust decisions (April 26, 2011) -- Psychologists have found that people may make economic and trust decisions based on unconscious or unintentional racial biases. ... > full story

Cheaper hydrogen fuel cells: Utility of non-precious-metal catalysts documented (April 25, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a way to avoid the use of expensive platinum in hydrogen fuel cells, the environmentally friendly devices that might replace current power sources in everything from personal data devices to automobiles. Scientists have developed a platinum-free catalyst for use in the cathode of a hydrogen fuel cell. ... > full story

Intellectual disability is frequently caused by non-hereditary genetic problems, study finds (April 25, 2011) -- Mutations in a group of genes associated with brain activity frequently cause intellectual disability, according to a new study. ... > full story

Fruit flies on meth: Study explores whole-body effects of toxic drug (April 25, 2011) -- A new study in fruit flies offers a broad view of the potent and sometimes devastating molecular events that occur throughout the body as a result of methamphetamine exposure. The study tracks changes in the expression of genes and proteins throughout the body in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) exposed to meth. ... > full story

New scientific model tracks form of ovarian cancer to origins in fallopian tube (April 25, 2011) -- High-grade serous ovarian cancer is thought by many scientists to often be a fallopian tube malignancy masquerading as an ovarian one. While most of the evidence linking the cancer to the fallopian tubes has so far been only circumstantial, a new study suggests there is a direct connection, a finding that could aid in the development of better treatments. ... > full story

Biophysicist targeting IL-6 to halt breast, prostate cancer (April 25, 2011) -- A biophysicist is using supercomputer resources to search thousands of molecular combinations for the best configuration to block a protein that can cause breast or prostate cancer. ... > full story

High rates of substance abuse exist among veterans with mental illness, study finds (April 25, 2011) -- A new study reveals that veterans who suffer from mental health disorders also have high rates of substance use disorders. ... > full story

'Going off the grid' helps some bacteria hide from antibiotics (April 25, 2011) -- Call them the Jason Bournes of the bacteria world. Going "off the grid," like rogue secret agents, some bacteria avoid antibiotic treatments by essentially shutting down and hiding until it's safe to come out again. ... > full story

Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce effectiveness of SSRI antidepressants, study shows (April 25, 2011) -- A study in mice and in a human population shows that use of anti-inflammatory drugs reduces the effectiveness of SSRIs, the most widely used class of antidepressant medications. ... > full story

Bioengineering students' invention may help diagnose painful eye condition (April 25, 2011) -- Bioengineering students responded to an ophthalmologist's cry for help with a device to diagnose dry eye, the itching and burning sensation that results when a person doesn't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. ... > full story

Pelvic organs given the slip by the protein fibulin-5 (April 25, 2011) -- Pelvic organ prolapse is a disabling condition that affects almost 50 percent of women over the age of 50. New research provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms, identifying potential new targets for nonsurgical approaches to treating the condition. ... > full story

Phage hunting students find new bacteriophages in soils of St. Louis suburbs (April 25, 2011) -- Twelve students who had participated in an unusual biology course as freshmen have found two bacteriophages, viruses that prey exclusively on bacteria, in the soil of two suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri. As the finders, they had the naming rights; the new phages are called Angelica and Uncle Howie. ... > full story

Snooze control: Fatigue, air traffic and safety (April 25, 2011) -- It is safe to say that we are all guilty of these at some point in our day -- stifling a yawn in the middle of the work day, eyelids growing heavy and having the strong urge for caffeine when 3 p.m. rolls around. While most of us have experienced fatigue and lethargy on the job, spare a thought for those who hold the fate of people's lives in their hands. ... > full story

New theory of evolution for spiral galaxy arms (April 25, 2011) -- A study of spiral patterns found in galaxies like our Milky Way could overturn the theory of how the spiral arm features form and evolve. Since 1960s, the most widely accepted explanation has been that the spiral arm features move like a Mexican wave in a crowd, passing through a population of stars that then return to their original position. Computer simulations now suggest that the stars actually rotate with the arms. ... > full story

Omega 3: What is good for the heart may not be good for the prostate, study suggests (April 25, 2011) -- The largest study to examine the association of dietary fats and prostate cancer risk has found what's good for the heart may not be good for the prostate. A U.S. nationwide study involving more than 3,400 men found those with the highest blood percentages of DHA, an inflammation-lowering omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fatty fish, have more than twice the risk of developing aggressive, high-grade prostate cancer compared to men with the lowest DHA levels. ... > full story

Zeroing in on the elusive green LED (April 25, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a new method for manufacturing green LEDs with greatly enhanced light output. The research team etched a nanoscale pattern at the interface between the LED's sapphire base and the layer of gallium nitride (GaN) that gives the LED its green color. Overall, the new technique results in green LEDs with significant enhancements in light extraction, internal efficiency, and light output. ... > full story

Laying bare the not-so-sweet tale of a sugar and its role in the spread of cancer (April 25, 2011) -- Cancer has a mighty big bag of tricks that it uses to evade the body's natural defense mechanisms and proliferate. Among those tricks is one that allows tumor cells to turn the intricate and extensive system of lymphatic vessels into something of a highway to metastasis. Yet new research may aid in the development of therapeutics that will put the brakes on such cancer spread, and the researchers who completed the study say the findings may extend to other lymphatic disorders. ... > full story

Radar checks buildings after earthquakes (April 25, 2011) -- Recent advances in ground-penetrating radar could be used to help structural engineers and conservationists assess the stability of historic buildings or buildings affected by earthquakes that otherwise appear sound. ... > full story

Becoming a vampire without being bitten: Reading expands our self-concepts, study shows (April 25, 2011) -- When we read, we psychologically become part of the community described in the narrative—be they wizards or vampires. That mechanism satisfies the deeply human, evolutionarily crucial, need for belonging, according to new research. ... > full story

Beetle bling: Researchers discover optical secrets of 'metallic' beetles (April 25, 2011) -- Brilliant gold- (and silver-colored beetles have given optics researchers new insights into the way biology can recreate the appearance of some of nature's most precious metals, which in turn may allow researchers to produce new materials based on the natural properties found in the beetles' coloring. ... > full story

Blocking crucial molecule could help treat multiple sclerosis, neuroscientists say (April 25, 2011) -- Neuroscientists have identified a driving force behind autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and suggest that blocking this cell-signaling molecule is the first step in developing new treatments to eradicate these diseases. ... > full story

Far sighted space technology finds practical uses on Earth (April 25, 2011) -- Technology developed for space missions to study the most distant objects in the Universe is now finding a host of practical applications back on Earth. A new kind of detector could have applications in hospitals, factories and airports. ... > full story

Widespread use of medications among pregnant women, researchers report (April 25, 2011) -- Researchers have reported widespread and increasing medication use among pregnant women. The study also found that medication use varied by socioeconomic status, maternal age, race/ethnicity and state of residence. ... > full story

Fractal dimension analysis aids breast cancer prognosis (April 25, 2011) -- Cancer researchers are investigating a new tool to use for the prognosis of breast cancer in patients. The scientists are using fractal dimension analysis to quantitatively assess the degree of abnormality and aggressiveness of breast cancer tumors obtained through biopsy. ... > full story

Therapies based on positive emotions may not work for all cultures, psychologists warn (April 25, 2011) -- Thinking happy thoughts, focusing on the good and downplaying the bad is believed to accelerate recovery from depression, bolster resilience during a crisis and improve overall mental health. But pursuing happiness may not be beneficial across all cultures. ... > full story

Anti-helium discovered in Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider experiment (April 25, 2011) -- Antimatter nuclei of helium-4, the heaviest antiparticles ever found, have been created in the STAR experiment of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Eighteen examples of the anti-helium particles were detected in debris from a billion high-energy collisions of gold nuclei. ... > full story

Combination therapy provides hope for cure of dangerous infections of cystic fibrosis patients (April 25, 2011) -- An over-the-counter drug used to treat diarrhea combined with minocycline, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, could one day change the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis. ... > full story

How do you get a fruit fly to exercise? (April 25, 2011) -- A professor puts his fruit flies through a grueling daily workout in a quest to understand how their genes respond to exercise and to uncover clues that may one day help people stay healthier and more active into their advanced years. ... > full story

Obesity not always protective following surgery (April 25, 2011) -- Obese patients with high blood pressure and diabetes are at much higher risk for major complications following non-cardiac surgery compared to otherwise healthy obese patients and patients of normal weight. The new finding diverges from previous research demonstrating that obesity is associated with a lower risk of death and complications after non-cardiac surgery and helps clarify the so-called "obesity paradox," or notion that a high body mass index confers a protective effect in certain circumstances. ... > full story

New robot to help people to walk again (April 25, 2011) -- Cognitive skills for a new robot which will help people with damaged limbs to walk again are being developed by researchers in the UK. ... > full story

Clumsy avatars: Perfection versus mortality in games and simulation (April 25, 2011) -- Willy Nilly's Surf Shack offers a cure for the idealized virtual world of Second Life. The online shop endows otherwise flawless avatars with real-world foils like clumsiness. A project allowing avatars to visibly age over time is in the works. ... > full story

Ozone hole linked to climate change all the way to the equator (April 25, 2011) -- The ozone hole, which is located over the South Pole, has affected the entire circulation of the Southern Hemisphere all the way to the equator, according to new research. This is the first time that ozone depletion, an upper atmospheric phenomenon confined to the polar regions, has been linked to climate change from the Pole to the equator. ... > full story

Link between brain molecule and obesity and diabetes discovered (April 25, 2011) -- The brain's hypothalamus plays a key role in obesity and one of its major complications -- Type 2 diabetes. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus detect nutrients and hormones circulating in the blood and then coordinate a complex series of behavioral and physiological responses to maintain a balance between calories eaten and calories burned. Obesity and diabetes can result when this regulatory mechanism goes awry. Now, research has revealed a molecule in the brain that may contribute to those health problems, both of which are reaching epidemic proportions. ... > full story

Breed-specific causes of death in dogs revealed in landmark study (April 25, 2011) -- Dog owners and veterinarians have long relied on a mix of limited data and anecdotal evidence to assess which breeds are at risk of dying from various conditions, but a new study provides a rare and comprehensive look at causes of death in more than 80 breeds. ... > full story

RNA dynamics deconstructed (April 25, 2011) -- RNA plays a critical role in directing the creation of proteins, but there is more to the life of an RNA molecule than simply carrying DNA's message. Researchers have developed an approach that offers many windows into the lifecycle of these essential molecules. Their approach offers high resolution and a comprehensive scope. ... > full story

Researcher use trees to detect contaminants and health threats (April 25, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a method to detect the presence of soil and groundwater contamination without turning a shovel or touching the water. Instead, they're using trees. ... > full story

Over range of ADHD behavior, genes major force on reading achievement, environment on math (April 25, 2011) -- Researchers found that genes and environment both play a role in ADHD behavior and troubles with reading and math. But genes more so with reading, and the environment more so with math. ... > full story

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