ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Thursday, August 18, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Thursday, August 18, 2011

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Sniffer dogs can be used to detect lung cancer, research suggests (August 18, 2011) -- Sniffer dogs could be used for the early detection of lung cancer, according to new research. The study, carried out by researchers in Germany, is the first to find that sniffer dogs can reliably detect lung cancer. ... > full story

Maternal fat has negative impact on embryo development (August 18, 2011) -- Exposing eggs to high levels of saturated fatty acids -- as commonly found in the ovaries of obese women and those with type 2 diabetes -- compromises the development of the embryo, according to new research. ... > full story

Nature reaches for the high-hanging fruit: Tools of paleontology shed new light on diversity of natural plant chemicals (August 18, 2011) -- In the first study of its kind, researchers have used tools of paleontology to gain new insights into the diversity of natural plant chemicals. They have shown that during the evolution of these compounds nature doesn't settle for the "low-hanging fruit" but favors rarer, harder to synthesize forms, giving pointers that will help in the search for potent new drugs. ... > full story

New risk score spots patients at high risk of serious blood clots (August 18, 2011) -- A new risk prediction tool can identify patients at high risk of serious blood clots who might need preventative treatment, according to a new study. ... > full story

Researchers find way to align gold nanorods on a large scale (August 18, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a simple, scalable way to align gold nanorods, particles with optical properties that could be used for emerging biomedical imaging technologies. ... > full story

Suburban schools have worked to 'hoard' advantages, study finds (August 18, 2011) -- As suburban school districts have gained advantages over their urban counterparts, they have tenaciously clung to them, often at the expense of urban districts, according to a new study. ... > full story

Human pathogen killing corals in the Florida Keys (August 18, 2011) -- A research team has identified human sewage as the source of the coral-killing pathogen that causes white pox disease of Caribbean elkhorn coral. Once the most common coral in the Caribbean, elkhorn coral was listed for protection under the United States Endangered Species Act in 2006, largely due to white pox disease. ... > full story

Common vein condition increases risk for developing life-threating blood clots (August 18, 2011) -- Patients with clinically diagnosed superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), a blood clot in the veins just beneath the skin that commonly resolves on its own without treatment, are four to six times more likely to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE), a dangerous, often life-threatening condition, according to a new study. ... > full story

Near-infrared imaging system shows promise as future pancreatic cancer diagnostic tool (August 18, 2011) -- Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that optical coherence tomography (OCT), a high resolution optical imaging technique that works by bouncing near-infrared laser light off biological tissue, can reliably distinguish between pancreatic cysts that are low-risk and high-risk for becoming malignant. ... > full story

Better mattresses improve care, cut hospital costs (August 18, 2011) -- Hospitals could reduce health-care costs arising from pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, by investing in pressure-reduction mattresses for elderly patients in emergency departments, according to new research. ... > full story

Cellular laser microsurgery illuminates research in vertebrate biology (August 18, 2011) -- Using an ultrafast femtosecond laser, researchers were able to label, draw patterns on, and remove individual melanocytes cells from a species of frog tadpole (Xenopus) without damaging surrounding cells and tissues. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for skin pigment; they also are descendants of a specific type of stem cell that has regenerative potential and other characteristics similar to some cancer cells. ... > full story

Want to improve employee engagement? Make it part of the performance management process (August 18, 2011) -- The performance management process should evaluate and focus on employee engagement in addition to job performance, according to a new paper. ... > full story

Physicists undo the 'coffee ring effect' (August 17, 2011) -- A team of physicists has shown how to disrupt the "coffee ring effect" -- the ring-shaped stain of particles leftover after coffee drops evaporate -- by changing the particle shape. The discovery provides new tools for engineers to deposit uniform coatings. ... > full story

Hospitalizations due to skin and soft-tissue infections among children have doubled (August 17, 2011) -- The number of children hospitalized for skin and soft-tissue infections, most due to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has more than doubled since 2000, a new study has found. ... > full story

First major survey of amphibian fungus in Asia completed (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers have completed the first major survey in Asia of the deadly chytridiomycosis fungus that has wiped out more than 200 species of amphibians worldwide. The massive survey could help scientists zero in on why the fungus has been unusually devastating in many parts of the globe -- and why Asian amphibians have so far been spared the same dramatic declines. ... > full story

Relationship between glaucoma and diabetes, hypertension (August 17, 2011) -- Many Americans suffer from diabetes and hypertension and, according to a new study, these individuals may have an increased risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. ... > full story

Robotic refueling module, soon to be relocated to permanent space station position (August 17, 2011) -- NASA's groundbreaking Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) will reach a key milestone in September when the International Space Station (ISS) robots transfer the module to its permanent home on space station's ExPRESS Logistics Carrier-4. Robotic operations for the technology demonstration are currently slated to begin soon afterwards. ... > full story

Can stock markets regulate themselves? History of markets offers insight into effects of regulation on success of initial public offerings (August 17, 2011) -- Whenever crisis threatens the financial markets, voices are loud in calling for greater control. It is dubious, however, whether tighter regulation would actually offer investors better protection against losing their capital, economists argue in a new historical review of the markets. ... > full story

Getting inside the mind (and up the nose) of our ancient ancestors (August 17, 2011) -- Reorganization of the brain and sense organs could be the key to the evolutionary success of vertebrates, one of the great puzzles in evolutionary biology, according to a new article. ... > full story

Fish oil's impact on cognition and brain structure identified in new study (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers have found positive associations between fish oil supplements and cognitive functioning as well as differences in brain structure between users and non-users of fish oil supplements. The findings suggest possible benefits of fish oil supplements on brain health and aging. ... > full story

Reliability issues for carbon nanotubes in future electronics uncovered (August 17, 2011) -- Carbon nanotubes theoretically can carry 1,000 times more electric current than a metal conductor of the same size, so researchers hope they might replace copper wiring in future nanoscale electronics, but recent tests suggest device reliability is a major issue. ... > full story

Using powder-free latex gloves reduces latex allergy rate in health care workers (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers investigating latex allergy in health care workers have demonstrated the most effective public health strategy to prevent allergic sensitization is by stopping the use of powdered latex gloves. ... > full story

Greenhouse gases: The measurement challenge (August 17, 2011) -- A new report focuses on one of the key challenges to developing an effective strategy for managing Earth's greenhouse gases: Defining and developing the measurement technology needed to quantify greenhouse gas emissions. ... > full story

Working together can help battle effects of fatigue: Teams show more flexible thinking when fatigued than individuals, study finds (August 17, 2011) -- Fatigue can lead to dangerous errors by doctors, pilots and others in high-risk professions, but individuals who work together as a team display better problem-solving skills than those who face their fatigue alone, new research shows. ... > full story

Most primitive living eel discovered: Creating a new species, genus and family of animal (August 17, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a remarkably primitive eel in a fringing reef off the coast of the Republic of Palau. This fish exhibits many primitive anatomical features unknown in the other 19 families and more than 800 species of living eels, resulting in its classification as a new species belonging to a new genus and family. ... > full story

Researchers find new hope for treatment of chronic leukemia (August 17, 2011) -- While testing a new drug designed to treat chronic leukemia, researchers have discovered new markers that could identify which patients would receive maximum benefit from the treatment. ... > full story

Wind-turbine placement produces tenfold power increase, researchers say (August 17, 2011) -- The power output of wind farms can be increased at least tenfold simply by optimizing the placement of turbines on a given plot of land, say researchers conducting a unique field study at an experimental two-acre wind farm in northern Los Angeles County, California. ... > full story

Gene combination increases risk of lung cancer, particularly in light smokers, study finds (August 17, 2011) -- Smokers with variations in two specific genes have a greater risk of smoking more cigarettes, becoming more dependent on nicotine and developing lung cancer, a new study shows. ... > full story

New tool allows first responders to visualize post-event disaster environments (August 17, 2011) -- Using iPad™ mobile devices, emergency preparedness officials and first responders participating in an exercise, were able, for the first time, to make use of a new, science-based software tool that allows them to view and modify accurate models of building damage and other post-event disaster effects. ... > full story

Fifteen minutes of moderate daily exercise lengthens life, Taiwanese study finds (August 17, 2011) -- An observational study of 416,175 Taiwanese shows that low-volume, moderate intensity exercise reduces death rates and extends life expectancy by three years. ... > full story

It's a small world, after all: Earth is not expanding, NASA research confirms (August 17, 2011) -- A NASA-led research team has confirmed what Walt Disney told us all along: Earth really is a small world, after all. Since Charles Darwin's time, scientists have speculated that the solid Earth might be expanding or contracting. That was the prevailing belief, until scientists developed the theory of plate tectonics, which explained the large-scale motions of Earth's lithosphere, or outermost shell. Even with the acceptance of plate tectonics half a century ago, some Earth and space scientists have continued to speculate on Earth's possible expansion or contraction on various scientific grounds. Now a new study has essentially laid those speculations to rest. Using a cadre of space measurement tools and a new data calculation technique, the team detected no statistically significant expansion of the solid Earth. ... > full story

Effects of prenatal stress passed across generations in mice (August 17, 2011) -- Sons of male mice exposed to prenatal stress are more sensitive to stress as adults, according to a new study. These findings suggest experiences in the womb can lead to individual differences in stress response that may be passed across generations. ... > full story

Gator in your tank: Alligator fat as a new source of biodiesel fuel (August 17, 2011) -- Amid growing concern that using soybeans and other food crops to produce biodiesel fuel will raise the price of food, scientists have identified a new and unlikely raw material for the fuel: Alligator fat. A new article documents alligator fat's suitability for biofuel production. ... > full story

Popular herbal supplements may adversely affect chemotherapy treatment (August 17, 2011) -- Acai berry, cumin, herbal tea, turmeric and long-term use of garlic -- all herbal supplements commonly believed to be beneficial to your health -- may negatively impact chemotherapy treatment according to a new report. ... > full story

Researchers improving GPS accuracy in the third dimension (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers who are working to fix global positioning system (GPS) errors have devised software to take a more accurate measurement of altitude -- particularly in mountainous areas. The software is still under development, but in initial tests it enabled centimeter-scale GPS positioning -- including altitude -- as often as 97 percent of the time. ... > full story

Fat and healthy? Study finds slim isn't always superior (August 17, 2011) -- A new study has some refreshing news: Being fat can actually be good for you. Researchers have found that obese people who are otherwise healthy live just as long as their slim counterparts, and are less likely to die of cardiovascular causes. ... > full story

Oldest evidence of nails in modern primates (August 17, 2011) -- From hot pink to traditional French and Lady Gaga's sophisticated designs, manicured nails have become the grammar of fashion. Scientists have now recovered and analyzed the oldest fossil evidence of fingernails in modern primates, confirming the idea nails developed with small body size and disproving previous theories nails evolved with an increase in primate body size. ... > full story

'Methyl magnet' genes can predispose families to increased cancer risk (August 17, 2011) -- Medical researchers have discovered a new type of mechanism causing cancer susceptibility, showing that tiny changes in some anti-cancer genes can act as magnets to attract modifying "biochemical tags", effectively switching them off and predisposing families to an increased risk of the disease. ... > full story

Phone losing charge? With photovoltaic polarizers, devices could be powered by sunlight, own backlight (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a novel energy harvesting and recycling concept for electronic devices -- incorporating their LCD screens with built-in photovoltaic polarizers -- so they could convert ambient light, sunlight, and the device's own backlight into electricity. Called polarizing organic photovoltaics (or ZOPVs), these can potentially boost the function of a LCD, Light Crystal Displays, by working simultaneously as a polarizer, as a photovoltaic device and as an ambient light or sunlight photovoltaic panel. ... > full story

Use of radioactive iodine for treatment of thyroid cancer on the rise (August 17, 2011) -- Despite uncertainty about the appropriate use of radioactive iodine after surgery for different stages of thyroid cancer, between 1990 and 2008 its use has increased among patients with all tumor sizes, and there was wide variation in use of this treatment among hospitals, according to a new study. ... > full story

A new look below the surface of nanomaterials (August 17, 2011) -- Scientists can now look deeper into new materials to study their structure and behavior. A new technique will enable more detailed study of new types of materials for use in electronics, energy production, chemistry and other applications. ... > full story

Easy to visualize goal is powerful motivator to finish a race or a task (August 17, 2011) -- Making goal attainment visual provides motivation for reaching abstract goals just as with physical destinations. ... > full story

Holograms reveal brain's inner workings: Microscopy technique used to observe activity of neurons like never before (August 17, 2011) -- Like far away galaxies, powerful tools are required to bring the minute inner workings of neurons into focus. Borrowing a technique from materials science, a team of neurobiologists, psychiatrists, and advanced imaging specialists from Switzerland report how digital holographic microscopy can now be used to observe neuronal activity in real-time and in three dimensions -- with up to 50 times greater resolution than ever before. ... > full story

Five inherited genetic variants linked to the most lethal prostate cancers (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers have identified five inherited genetic variants that are strongly associated with aggressive, lethal prostate cancer. The discovery ultimately could lead to the development of a simple blood test that could be given upon diagnosis to determine which men should receive aggressive treatment versus a more conservative "watchful waiting" approach. ... > full story

Mimicking biological complexity, in a tiny particle (August 17, 2011) -- Tiny particles made of polymers hold great promise for targeted delivery of drugs and as structural scaffolds for building artificial tissues. However, current production methods for such microparticles yield a limited array of shapes and can only be made with certain materials, restricting their usefulness. New technology could lead to better drug delivery and artificial tissues that imitate natural tissue. ... > full story

New drug aids gout patients not helped by standard treatments (August 17, 2011) -- Injections of pegloticase can produce significant and sustained clinical improvements in many patients with chronic gout that is resistant to conventional therapies. In two clinical trials, pegloticase rapidly lowered high levels of uric acid, the biochemical abnormality in gout. Forty percent of patients had complete resolution of at least one of the painful swollen joint nodules that are a hallmark of severe gout. ... > full story

Gemini-Scout robot likely to reach trapped miners ahead of rescuers (August 17, 2011) -- Robotics engineers have designed the Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue Robot, which finds dangers and can provide relief to trapped miners. ... > full story

Nut-allergy sufferers face prejudice: Life-threatening nut allergies viewed as 'frivolous' by many (August 17, 2011) -- Parents of nut-allergy sufferers face hostility and skepticism in trying to find safe environments for their children, a new study has found. ... > full story

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