ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Friday, April 29, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Friday, April 29, 2011

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Voyager probes set to enter interstellar space (April 29, 2011) -- More than 30 years after they left Earth, NASA's twin Voyager probes are now at the edge of the solar system. Not only that, they're still working. And with each passing day they are beaming back a message that, to scientists, is both unsettling and thrilling. ... > full story

Heart attacks are more serious if they occur at certain times of the day (April 29, 2011) -- People who have a heart attack are likely to be more seriously affected if the attack happens in the morning, reveals new research. ... > full story

Andromeda’s coat of many colors (April 29, 2011) -- The European Space Agency's fleet of space telescopes has captured the nearby Andromeda Galaxy, also known as M31, in different wavelengths. Most of these wavelengths are invisible to the eye and each shows a different aspect of the galaxy's nature. ... > full story

Stress and depression are associated with shorter survival in head and neck cancer patients (April 29, 2011) -- Studies have shown that stress can affect the immune system. In cancer patients this stress can also affect a tumor's ability to grow. However, the biological mechanisms that underlie such associations are not well understood. Now, researchers find that poor psychosocial functioning is associated with greater vascular endothelial growth factor expression -- a signaling protein that stimulates tumor growth and is also associated with shorter disease-free survival in head and neck cancer patients. ... > full story

International trade may offset reported carbon emission reductions (April 29, 2011) -- An increasing share of global emissions is from the production of internationally traded goods and services, according to a new study. Due to current reporting practices, this has allowed some countries to increase their carbon footprints while reporting stabilized emissions. ... > full story

Long-term poverty but not family instability affects children's cognitive development, study finds (April 29, 2011) -- Children from homes that experience persistent poverty are more likely to have their cognitive development affected than children in better off homes, reveals new research. ... > full story

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have evolved a unique chemical mechanism, new discovery reveals (April 29, 2011) -- For the first time, scientists have been able to paint a detailed chemical picture of how a particular strain of bacteria has evolved to become resistant to antibiotics. The research is a key step toward designing compounds to prevent infections by the recently evolved, drug-resistant "superbugs" that are infecting hospitalized patients and others. ... > full story

Antibiotics, not surgery, may better treat appendicitis if appendix hasn't burst, study suggests (April 29, 2011) -- Antibiotics, not surgery, may better treat childhood appendicitis when the appendix hasn't burst, according to new research. Findings suggest that nonperforating appendicitis, when the appendix hasn't burst, and nonperforating diverticulitis, which is treated with antibiotics, could be different manifestations of the same underlying process. If so, the authors say, antibiotic therapy may be the best treatment for nonperforating antibiotics. ... > full story

Improved recovery of samples from biohazard events (April 29, 2011) -- In a recent paper, Researchers studied different methods for collecting, extracting and quantifying microbial spores from indoor surfaces to estimate parameters that should be considered in the development of a standard biological sampling protocol. A precise and reliable recovery system is critical to evaluating the success of cleanup efforts following an accidental biohazard contamination or bioterrorist attack (such as the aanthrax spore-laden letters sent to Congress and elsewhere in 2001). ... > full story

Adults with arthritis suffer with poorer health related quality of life (April 29, 2011) -- A new study reports that the health-related quality of life for US adults with arthritis is much worse than for those without this condition. Both physical and mental health are affected by arthritis, which poses a significant health and economic burden as the number of those diagnosed continues to climb. ... > full story

Online social network members donate personal data for public health research (April 29, 2011) -- Using a combination of Facebook-like tools and personally controlled health records, researchers have engaged members of an online diabetes social network as participants in public health surveillance. Researchers say that health-focused social networks can be viable resources for chronic disease surveillance. ... > full story

Lower risk of coronary heart disease from alcohol, even with hazardous drinking? (April 29, 2011) -- A new study suggests there may be a lower risk of coronary heart disease from alcohol, even with hazardous drinking. ... > full story

Early warning signal for ecosystem collapse: Fluctuations before the fall (April 28, 2011) -- Researchers eavesdropping on complex signals emanating from a remote Wisconsin lake have detected what they say is an unmistakable warning -- a death knell -- of the impending collapse of the lake's aquatic ecosystem. Researchers have found that models used to assess catastrophic changes in economic and medical systems can also predict environmental collapse. Stock market crashes, epileptic seizures, and ecological breakdowns are all preceded by a measurable increase in variance --- be it fluctuations in brain waves, the Dow Jones index, or, in the case of the Wisconsin lake, chlorophyll. ... > full story

Cotton swabs prove problematic for ear health (April 28, 2011) -- A new study shows a direct association between cotton swab use and ruptured eardrum. The study also shows that in most cases the rupture heals on its own and surgery is only necessary for the most severe cases. ... > full story

Plenty more fish in the sea? New method for measuring biomass reveals fish stocks are more stable than widely believed (April 28, 2011) -- Fish and marine species are among the most threatened wildlife on earth, due partly to over exploitation by fishing fleets. Yet there are differences in assessing trends in worldwide fishing stocks which, researchers argue, stem from inappropriate use of time trends in catches. ... > full story

Study targets treatment for serious ACE inhibitor side effect, facial, tongue and airway swelling (April 28, 2011) -- A new study takes a closer look at one of the lesser known, but potential most serious side-effects of ACE inhibitor use -- facial, tongue and airway swelling -- and identifies a successful and less invasive course of treatment. ... > full story

Artificial retinal implants must adapt to unique features of human eye to be effective, experts say (April 28, 2011) -- A professor of physics, psychology and art warns that artificial retinal implants -- a technology fast becoming a reality -- must adapt to the unique features of the human eye in order to become an effective treatment. ... > full story

Adult-supervised drinking in young teens may lead to more alcohol use, consequences (April 28, 2011) -- Allowing adolescents to drink alcohol under adult supervision does not appear to teach responsible drinking as teens get older. In fact, such a "harm-minimization" approach may actually lead to more drinking and alcohol-related consequences, according to a new study. ... > full story

Electrical oscillations found to be critical for storing spatial memories in brain (April 28, 2011) -- Biologists have discovered that electrical oscillations in the brain, long thought to play a role in organizing cognitive functions such as memory, are critically important for the brain to store the information that allows us to navigate through our physical environment. ... > full story

Being tall, obese may significantly increase risk of blood clots in deep veins (April 28, 2011) -- The combination of being tall and obese, particularly in men, may substantially raise the risk of developing potentially dangerous blood clots in veins deep in the body. If you're tall, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight. ... > full story

As the worm turns, its secrets are revealed (April 28, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a new method for discerning the functions of previously uncharacterized genes and placing them in interactive, functional networks that reveal how gene products interact to bring about cellular events. ... > full story

New gene therapy technique on iPS cells holds promise in treating immune system disease (April 28, 2011) -- Researchers have developed an effective technique that uses gene therapy on stem cells to correct chronic granulomatous disease in cell culture, which could eventually serve as a treatment for this rare, inherited immune disorder, according to a new study. ... > full story

Social bonding in prairie voles helps guide search for autism treatments (April 28, 2011) -- Researchers are focusing on prairie voles as a new model to screen the effectiveness of drugs to treat autism. They are starting with D-cycloserine, a drug resarchers have shown enhances behavioral therapy for phobias and also promotes pair bonding among prairie voles. Giving female voles D-cycloserine, which is thought to facilitate learning and memory, can encourage them to bond with a new male more quickly than usual. ... > full story

From the beginning, the brain knows the difference between night and day (April 28, 2011) -- The brain is apparently programmed from birth to develop the ability to determine sunrise and sunset, according to new research on circadian rhythms that research sheds new light on brain plasticity and may explain some basic human behaviors. ... > full story

Mutations in single gene may have shaped human cerebral cortex (April 28, 2011) -- The size and shape of the human cerebral cortex, an evolutionary marvel responsible for everything from Shakespeare's poetry to the atomic bomb, are largely influenced by mutations in a single gene, according to new research. ... > full story

Obese adolescents lacking vitamin D, study suggests (April 28, 2011) -- A new study has found that most obese adolescents are lacking in vitamin D. The researchers call for increased surveillance of vitamin D levels in this population and for further studies to determine if normalizing vitamin D levels will help to lower the health risks associated with obesity. ... > full story

Electronics: A step toward valleytronics (April 28, 2011) -- Valley-based electronics, also known as valleytronics, is one step closer to reality. Researchers have now shown that the valley degree of freedom in graphene can be polarized through scattering off a line defect. Unlike previously proposed valley filters in graphene, which rely on confined structures that have proven hard to achieve experimentally, the present work is based on a naturally occurring line defect that has already been observed. ... > full story

Fish livers contain beneficial fatty acids, study suggests (April 28, 2011) -- The fishing industry usually discards fish livers, but a team of researchers has confirmed that they are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to health. Anchovies are one of the fish whose livers contain the highest levels of these substances. ... > full story

Two unsuspected proteins may hold the key to creating artificial chromosomes (April 28, 2011) -- Scientists report that two proteins once thought to have only supporting roles, are the true "stars" of the kinetochore assembly process in human cells. The kinetochore is vital to proper DNA distribution during cell division. This finding suggests that scientists may be able to stimulate kinetochore assembly in a process that could lead to new genetic research tools, such as efficient creation of artificial human chromosomes. ... > full story

Our own status affects the way our brains respond to others (April 28, 2011) -- Our own social status influences the way our brains respond to others of higher or lower rank, according to a new study. People of higher subjective socioeconomic status show greater brain activity in response to other high-ranked individuals, while those with lower status have a greater response to other low-status individuals. ... > full story

Get a whiff of this: Low-cost sensor can diagnose bacterial infections (April 28, 2011) -- Bacterial infections really stink. And that could be the key to a fast diagnosis. Researchers have demonstrated a quick, simple method to identify infectious bacteria by smell using a low-cost array of printed pigments as a chemical sensor. In only a few hours, the array not only confirms the presence of bacteria, but identifies a specific species and strain. It even can recognize antibiotic resistance -- a key factor in treatment decisions. ... > full story

Five-minute screen identifies subtle signs of autism in one-year-olds (April 28, 2011) -- A five-minute checklist that parents can fill out in pediatrician waiting rooms may someday help in the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a new study. The study's design also provides a model for developing a network of pediatricians to adopt such a change to their practice. ... > full story

Scientists can track origin of shark fins using 'zip codes' in their DNA (April 28, 2011) -- Scientists have used DNA to determine that groups of dusky sharks and copper sharks living in different coastal regions across the globe are separate populations of each species. ... > full story

Why bariatric surgery is better than dieting alone for glucose control (April 28, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered a new clue for why bariatric surgery is more effective than dietary remedies alone at controlling glucose levels. ... > full story

Good eggs: Nanomagnets offer food for thought about computer memories (April 28, 2011) -- Magnetics researchers colored lots of eggs recently. Bunnies might find the eggs a bit small, but these "eggcentric" nanomagnets have another practical use, suggesting strategies for making future low-power computer memories. ... > full story

The doctor will see all of you now? Group doctor visits may be feasible for Parkinson's disease (April 28, 2011) -- Group appointments where doctors see several people for a longer time may be feasible for Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. ... > full story

Can traumatic memories be erased? (April 28, 2011) -- Can veterans of war, rape victims and people who have seen horrific crimes some day have the traumatic memories that haunt them weakened in their brains? In a new study, life scientists report a discovery that may make the reduction of such memories a reality. ... > full story

Tobacco-derived compound prevents memory loss in Alzheimer's disease mice (April 28, 2011) -- Cotinine, a compound derived from tobacco, reduced plaques associated with dementia and prevented memory loss in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, reports a new study. ... > full story

Record number of whales, krill found in Antarctic bays (April 28, 2011) -- Scientists have observed a "super aggregation" of more than 300 humpback whales gorging on the largest swarm of Antarctic krill seen in more than 20 years in bays along the Western Antarctic Peninsula. ... > full story

Protective T-cells, which are used in stem-cell treatment, can cause the body to attack itself (April 28, 2011) -- Researchers have made an important discovery that provides a new understanding of how our immune system "learns" not to attack our own body, and this could affect the way doctors treat patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer. ... > full story

Exploring the superconducting transition in ultra thin films (April 28, 2011) -- Researchers are using a precise atom-by-atom layering technique to fabricate an ultrathin transistor-like field effect device to study the conditions that turn insulating materials into high-temperature superconductors. The technical breakthrough is already leading to advances in understanding high-temperature superconductivity, and could also accelerate the development of resistance-free electronic devices. ... > full story

Guns in the home provide greater health risk than benefit (April 28, 2011) -- Despite the fact that nearly one-third of American households have a firearm, studies show that having a gun in the home poses a household a greater health risk than a potential benefit. A new study examined scientific research on both sides of the debate to put hard numbers to this on-going discussion. ... > full story

Animals have personalities, too, bird study suggests (April 28, 2011) -- An individual's personality can have a big effect on their life. Some people are outgoing and gregarious while others find novel situations stressful which can be detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Increasingly, scientists are discovering that animals are no different. ... > full story

Researchers reveal 18 novel subtype-dependent genetic variants for autism spectrum disorders and identify potential genetic markers for diagnostic screening (April 28, 2011) -- By dividing individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) into four subtypes according to similarity of symptoms and reanalyzing existing genome-wide genetic data on these individuals vs. controls, researchers have identified 18 novel and highly significant genetic markers for ASD. ... > full story

Two graphene layers may be better than one (April 28, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that the electronic properties of two layers of graphene vary on the nanometer scale. Surprising new measurements may bring graphene a step closer to being used in practical electronic devices. ... > full story

A less painful colonoscopy (April 28, 2011) -- Colonoscopy is regarded as the most thorough way to screen for colon cancer but it can be a painful procedure. Researchers have developed a technique that could potentially reduce patient discomfort while also ensuring the accuracy of the exam. ... > full story

NASA mission seeks to uncover a rainfall mystery (April 28, 2011) -- Scientists are on a mission to unlock the mysteries of why certain clouds produce copious amounts of rain. In a field mission that is now under way, aircraft are carrying instruments above and into rain clouds. Meanwhile scientists are also getting rainfall measurements on the ground. ... > full story

Psychologists ask how well -- or badly -- we remember together (April 28, 2011) -- Several years ago, a researcher noticed a strange sort of contagion in a couple she was close to. One partner acquired dementia -- and the other lost the nourishing pleasures of joint reminiscence. "When the other person cannot validate shared memories," she says, "they are both robbed of the past." ... > full story

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