ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Friday, August 12, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Friday, August 12, 2011

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Smart skin: Electronics that stick and stretch like a temporary tattoo (August 12, 2011) -- Engineers have developed a device platform that combines electronic components for sensing, medical diagnostics, communications and human-machine interfaces, all on an ultrathin skin-like patch that mounts directly onto the skin with the ease, flexibility and comfort of a temporary tattoo. ... > full story

Dual-action protein better restricts blood vessel formation (August 12, 2011) -- Bioengineers have created a single protein able to target two different chemical receptors at the same time, yielding a promising new direction in the development of cancer treatments and other biomedical applications. ... > full story

Flatworms provide new insight into organ regeneration and the evolution of mammalian kidneys (August 12, 2011) -- Our bodies are perfectly capable of renewing billions of cells every day but fail miserably when it comes to replacing damaged organs such as kidneys. Using the flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea -- famous for its capacity to regrow complete animals from minuscule flecks of tissue -- as an eloquent example, researchers have demonstrated how our distant evolutionary cousins regenerate their excretory systems from scratch. ... > full story

Radiofrequency ablation safely and effectively treats Barrett's esophagus, study suggests (August 12, 2011) -- Radiofrequency ablation is a safe and effective option for the treatment of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus that attains lasting response, new research suggests. ... > full story

El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake was simple on surface, complicated at depth, new data show (August 12, 2011) -- Like scars that remain on the skin long after a wound has healed, earthquake fault lines can be traced on Earth's surface long after their initial rupture. Typically, this line of intersection between the area where the fault slips and the ground is more complicated at the surface than at depth. But a new study of the April 4, 2010, El Mayor-Cucapah earthquake in Mexico reveals a reversal of this trend. ... > full story

Contrary to earlier findings, excess body fat in elderly decreases life expectancy (August 12, 2011) -- New research has shown that men over 75 with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 22.3 had a 3.7-year shorter life expectancy, and women over 75 with a BMI greater than 27.4 had a 2.1-year shorter life expectancy. ... > full story

Route for eliciting HIV-neutralizing antibodies mapped (August 12, 2011) -- Researchers have traced in detail how certain powerful HIV neutralizing antibodies evolve, a finding that generates vital clues to guide the design of a preventive HIV vaccine, according to a new study. ... > full story

Most common bladder cancer tumor sequenced (August 12, 2011) -- Scientists have conducted the first ever genetic sequencing of most common bladder cancer. Recognizing the genetic mutations that make bladder cancer cells different than their healthy neighbors may allow early genetic screenings for cancer and new therapies targeting cells with these mutations. In addition, the mutations the team found are similar to those recently discovered in a host of other cancers, implying a possible common denominator in the cause of cancer in general. ... > full story

New approach to sustain 'forage' fishing (August 12, 2011) -- Reduced catches of small oceanic "forage" fish like sardines and anchovies may be required in some ocean areas in order to protect the larger predators that rely on these species for food. ... > full story

Radiation rates for breast cancer may be underestimated, study finds (August 12, 2011) -- More breast cancer patients than previously believed may be receiving radiation treatments after breast-conserving surgery, a new study shows. ... > full story

Researchers fight cholera with computer forecasting (August 12, 2011) -- Just as the rainy season is driving a new surge of cholera cases in Haiti, a new computational model could forecast where outbreaks are likely to occur. Researchers hope to target anti-cholera efforts where they are most needed in the earthquake-ravaged country. ... > full story

Study links personal, corporate risk-taking; Examination of CEOs with private pilots' licenses indicates potential benefits in bold behavior (August 12, 2011) -- A CEO who enjoys the adrenaline rush of flying a private airplane is more likely than other chief executives to exhibit similarly bold management characteristics, according to a new study. ... > full story

Genomes sequenced: Bugs within mealybugs; and bugs within bugs within mealybugs (August 11, 2011) -- In the case of sap-feeding insects, intimate associations with microbes offer a source for essential nutrients that their sugary diets just don't include. Now, researchers have new insight into organisms that have taken this symbiotic lifestyle to the extreme; they have sequenced the genomes of two species of bacteria that live together, one inside of the other, inside mealybugs. ... > full story

Metabolomics as a basis for gender-specific drugs (August 11, 2011) -- Analyses of the metabolic profile of blood serum have revealed significant differences in metabolites between men and women. Scientists have concluded that there is a need for gender-specific therapies. ... > full story

Steering a beam of 'virtual particles' to manipulate ultra-small-scale particles in real time (August 11, 2011) -- The steady improvement in speed and power of modern electronics may soon hit the brakes unless new ways are found to pack more structures into microscopic spaces. To do this, researchers are looking into precisely steering, in real time, a curve-shaped beam of weird "virtual particles" known as surface plasmons. This technique opens the possibility of even smaller, faster communications systems and optoelectronic devices. ... > full story

Less salt, less strokes, says new research (August 11, 2011) -- A reduction of 3 grams of salt intake per day would prevent up to 8,000 stroke deaths and up to 12,000 coronary heart disease deaths per year in the UK, says new research. A similar reduction in the USA would result in up to 120,000 fewer cases of coronary heart disease, up to 66,000 strokes and up to 99,000 heart attacks annually. It would also save up to billion annually in health care costs. ... > full story

Software predicted risk in California West Nile virus epidemic (August 11, 2011) -- A computer model of the spread of West Nile virus was able to predict areas where human cases would be concentrated, especially around Sacramento in 2005. The success of the model, say researchers, depended on its focus on biological factors and on a high volume of reports from members of the public. ... > full story

Days spent reading to dogs during summer may help avoid decline of reading skills (August 11, 2011) -- Second graders who read aloud to a canine over the summer seem to maintain their reading skills during the dog days of summer, according to a pilot study. ... > full story

Hidden soil fungus, now revealed, is in a class all its own (August 11, 2011) -- A type of fungus that's been lurking underground for millions of years, previously known to science only through its DNA, has been cultured, photographed, named and assigned a place on the tree of life. ... > full story

How estrogen could help protect women from cardiovascular disease (August 11, 2011) -- The sex hormone estrogen could help protect women from cardiovascular disease by keeping the body's immune system in check, new research has revealed. The study has shown that the female sex hormone works on white blood cells to stop them from sticking to the insides of blood vessels, a process which can lead to dangerous blockages. ... > full story

Shooting light a curve: New tool may yield smaller, faster optoelectronics (August 11, 2011) -- Paving the way for fast-as-light, ultra-compact communication systems and optoelectronic devices, scientists have developed a technique for steering the curved path of plasmonic Airy beams -- combinations of laser light and quasi-particles called surface plasmon polaritons. ... > full story

Common class of pain drugs reduces severity of postpartum breast cancers (August 11, 2011) -- During involution -- the process during which milk-producing cells are killed and replaced by fat cells -- the breast is especially susceptible to the development of aggressive cancers. This study shows that NSAIDs like ibuprofen reduce the severity of these cancers. ... > full story

Urban impacts on phosphorus in streams (August 11, 2011) -- Scientists have investigated the link between human sources of phosphorus and phosphorus concentrations in rivers draining into California's Central Valley. ... > full story

Wikipedia gender biases revealed (August 11, 2011) -- Computer science researchers have confirmed a substantial gender gap among editors of Wikipedia and a corresponding gender-oriented disparity in the content. ... > full story

Supernovae parents found: Clear signatures of gas outflows from stellar ancestors (August 11, 2011) -- Observations of Type Ia supernovae has led to the discovery that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate and the notion of dark energy. However, astronomers do not know for certain how the explosions take place and whether they all share the same origin. Now, a team of researchers has examine 41 of these objects and concluded that there are clear signatures of gas outflows from the supernova ancestors, which are likely not white dwarfs. ... > full story

Intestinal protein may have role in ADHD, other neurological disorders (August 11, 2011) -- A biochemical pathway long associated with diarrhea and intestinal function may provide a new therapeutic target for treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) other neuropsychiatric disorders, according to scientists. Researchers discovered the pathway's key protein is also expressed in critical areas of the brain and its activity helps regulate attention and activity level in mice. ... > full story

Scientists discover how molecular motors go into 'energy save mode' (August 11, 2011) -- The transport system inside living cells is a well-oiled machine with tiny protein motors hauling vital cargo around the cell. A new study describes how the motors save energy, when their transport services aren't required. The solution to this molecular puzzle provides new insight into how molecular motor proteins are regulated, and may open new avenues for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's. ... > full story

Researchers decode workings of mysterious, but critical TB drug (August 11, 2011) -- A new study suggests that PZA binds to a specific protein named RpsA and inhibits trans-translation, a process that enables the TB bacteria to survive under stressful conditions. ... > full story

New technology could capture ammonia from liquid manure (August 11, 2011) -- A new method of extracting ammonium from liquid animal manure could be exciting news for both confined animal operations and environmental groups, according to an engineer. The method uses gas-permeable membrane technology that tests have shown could remove 50 percent of the dissolved ammonium in liquid manure in 20 days. ... > full story

Eating protein throughout the day preserves muscle and physical function in dieting postmenopausal women, study suggests (August 11, 2011) -- Dieting postmenopausal women who want to avoid losing muscle as they lose fat should pay attention to a new study. Adding protein throughout the day not only holds hunger pangs at bay so that dieters lose more weight, it keeps body composition -- the amount of fat relative to muscle -- in better proportion. ... > full story

Hydrogen-powered symbiotic bacteria found in deep-sea hydrothermal vent mussels (August 11, 2011) -- While intensive research efforts have gone into developing ways to harness hydrogen energy to fuel our everyday lives, a natural example of a living hydrogen-powered 'fuel cell' has gone unnoticed. Researchers have now discovered hydrogen-powered symbiotic bacteria in deep-sea hydrothermal vent mussels. ... > full story

How a particular gene makes night vision possible (August 11, 2011) -- Scientists have determined how a particular gene makes night vision possible. The study focuses on a gene called nyctalopin. Mutations in the gene result in inherited "night blindness," a loss of vision in low-light environments. ... > full story

Genetically engineered spider silk for gene therapy (August 11, 2011) -- Genetically engineered spider silk could help overcome a major barrier to the use of gene therapy in everyday medicine, according to a new study. ... > full story

New clues to the formation of hearts, intestines and other key organs (August 11, 2011) -- How do the intestines in tiny birds or large mammals form intricate looping patterns? How do hearts and vascular systems form? Why do some large dog breeds succumb to gastric torsion while others don't? Newly released research provides some key clues to these natural phenomena. ... > full story

High levels of potentially toxic flame retardants in California pregnant women (August 11, 2011) -- Pregnant women in Northern California have the highest PBDE flame retardant exposures reported to date among pregnant women worldwide. A new article describes some of the first evidence from humans that certain flame retardants may interfere with thyroid hormone signaling during pregnancy, which is critical to brain development. ... > full story

Narcissism may benefit the young, researchers report; but older adults? Not so much (August 11, 2011) -- A new study suggests that some forms of narcissism are -- at least in the short term -- beneficial, helping children navigate the difficult transition to adulthood. ... > full story

Escaping gravity's clutches: Information could escape from black holes after all, study suggests (August 11, 2011) -- New research gives a fresh perspective on the physics of black holes. Conventional thinking asserts that black holes swallow everything that gets too close and that nothing can escape, but a new study suggests that information could escape from black holes after all. ... > full story

Red meat linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes (August 11, 2011) -- Researchers have found a strong association between the consumption of red meat -- particularly when the meat is processed -- and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study also shows that replacing red meat with healthier proteins, such as low-fat dairy, nuts, or whole grains, can significantly lower the risk. ... > full story

Why vertebrate intestines are so predictably loopy: Gut coils with help from its elastic neighbor (August 11, 2011) -- Between conception and birth, the human gut grows more than two meters long, looping and coiling within the tiny abdomen. Within a given species, the developing vertebrate gut always loops into the same formation -- however, until now, it has not been clear why. ... > full story

Think fast: The neural circuitry of reaction time (August 11, 2011) -- The voluntary movements we make must be "prepared" in our brain before they are executed. However, be it perfect timing, a false-start, or a delayed reaction, the neural circuitry underlying movement preparation is not well understood. Now a new study provides intriguing insight into how a neural circuit forms a motor plan. ... > full story

Paper money worldwide contains bisphenol A (August 11, 2011) -- The cash register receipts that people place near paper money in billfolds and pockets has led to a worldwide contamination of paper money with bisphenol A (BPA) -- a potentially toxic substance. The amounts of BPA on currencies are higher than in dust, but human intake from currency is at least 10 times less than that from house dust, according to a new study. ... > full story

Can blaming others make people sick? (August 11, 2011) -- Constant bitterness can make a person ill, according to researchers who have examined the relationship between failure, bitterness and quality of life. ... > full story

Quantum computers? Physicists 'entangle' two atoms using microwaves for the first time (August 11, 2011) -- Physicists have for the first time linked the quantum properties of two separated ions (electrically charged atoms) by manipulating them with microwaves instead of the usual laser beams. ... > full story

Early evidence suggests that TB jab could help fight cancer (August 11, 2011) -- Scientists have found a potential new mechanism to stimulate the body’s own ability to fight cancer using the germ commonly used to inoculate against tuberculosis. ... > full story

Antioxidant spices, like turmeric and cinnamon, reduce negative effects of high-fat meal (August 11, 2011) -- Eating a diet rich in spices, like turmeric and cinnamon, reduces the body's negative responses to eating high-fat meals, according to new research. ... > full story

Novel mechanism that regulates pro-inflammatory cells identified (August 11, 2011) -- New research has identified a novel sensory pathway that modulates the potency of Th17 cell responses. ... > full story

Carbon sink: Up-and-coming forests replacing aging forests of Upper Great Lakes (August 11, 2011) -- The aging forests of the Upper Great Lakes could be considered the baby boomers of the region's ecosystem. The decline of trees in this area is a cause for concern among policymakers and ecologists who wonder whether the end of the forests' most productive years means they will no longer offer the benefits they are known for: cleansed air, fertile soil, filtered water and, most important to climate change analysts, carbon storage that offsets greenhouse gas emissions. Now researchers say that coming up right underneath the old forests is a new generation of native trees that are younger, more diverse and highly competitive. ... > full story

Spoiler alert: Stories are not spoiled by 'spoilers' (August 11, 2011) -- An experimental study finds that, contrary to popular wisdom, people actually prefer reading a story whose ending they know in advance. And that holds true even if the story is a mystery or an ironic-twist story. ... > full story

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