ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Friday, August 26, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Friday, August 26, 2011

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Milky Way's halo raining ionized gas to fuel continued star formation (August 26, 2011) -- Astrophysicists have concluded that the Milky Way will have the fuel to continue forming stars, thanks to massive clouds of ionized gas raining down from its halo and intergalactic space. The Milky Way would rapidly change its gas into stars if no supply of new matter were available to replenish the gas. ... > full story

New prostate cancer screening test shows promise for diagnosis (August 26, 2011) -- A new prostate screening test may prove to be a promising new tool in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The study found that this new screening test, the PSA/SIA assay, may be more sensitive in detecting prostate cancer than traditional screening methods. ... > full story

No bones about it: Eating dried plums helps prevent fractures and osteoporosis, study suggests (August 26, 2011) -- When it comes to improving bone health in postmenopausal women -- and people of all ages, actually -- researchers has found a simple, proactive solution to help prevent fractures and osteoporosis: eating dried plums. ... > full story

Early embryos can correct genetic abnormalities during development, researchers find (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have found the first direct evidence that early embryos with genetic abnormalities can correct their faults as they develop, marginalizing cells with an incorrect number of chromosomes, while allowing the growth of normal cells. ... > full story

Using math to fight cancer (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a mathematical model to understand and predict the progress of a tumor, from its early stages to metastasis, in hopes of creating highly personalized treatment strategies for patients who have cancer. ... > full story

Major brain similarities found in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have conducted a study which has found striking brain similarities in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. ... > full story

Simple way to grow muscle tissue with real muscle structure (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have found a simple way to grow muscle tissue with a real muscle structure in the laboratory. They found that the muscle cells automatically align themselves if they are subjected to tension in one direction -- this is essential for the ability of the muscle cells to exert a force. ... > full story

Could the Spanish flu devastate us again? (August 26, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a new computational method that can predict viral mutation strategies, tracking virus strains and giving researchers the tools they need to better combat these mutations with more precisely formulated vaccines. ... > full story

Predicting perilous plaque in coronary arteries via fluid dynamics (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a method for predicting which areas of the coronary arteries will develop more atherosclerotic plaque over time, based on intracoronary ultrasound and blood flow measurements. The method could help doctors identify "vulnerable plaque," unstable plaque that is likely to cause a heart attack or stroke. It involves calculating shear stress, or how hard the blood tugs on the walls of the arteries, based on the geometry of the arteries and how fast the blood is moving. ... > full story

Crucial role for molecule in muscle development (August 26, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered the crucial role of a molecule in skeletal muscle development. The finding could have implications in the future for maintenance of healthy muscle or muscle regeneration in certain diseases, for example cancer and neuromuscular conditions such as muscular dystrophy. ... > full story

New model predicts environmental effect of pharmaceutical products (August 26, 2011) -- Most synthetic chemical products used in consumer goods end up unchanged in the environment. Given the risks this could pose for the environment and human health, researchers in Spain have developed a new tool to effectively predict what will happen to current and future pharmaceutical products. ... > full story

Fat-stigma study: Mass media messages appear to trump opinions of family, close friends (August 26, 2011) -- Women harbor a fat-stigma even though their family and closest friends may not judge them as "fat," according to new findings by social scientists. Those research results have scientists questioning the weight of messages from sources outside one's social networks, especially those in mass media marketing. ... > full story

Scientists discover an 'instant cosmic classic' supernova (August 25, 2011) -- A supernova discovered August 24 is closer to Earth -- approximately 21 million light-years away -- than any other of its kind in a generation. Astronomers believe they caught the supernova within hours of its explosion, a rare feat made possible with a specialized survey telescope and state-of-the-art computational tools. ... > full story

Cell receptor could allow measles virus to target tumors (August 25, 2011) -- Canadian researchers have discovered that a tumor cell marker is a receptor for measles virus, suggesting the possible use of measles virus to help fight cancer. ... > full story

'Hidden' differences of chromosome organization become visible (August 25, 2011) -- Why do different species have dissimilar sets of chromosomes? Why do the differentiated species often conserve apparently identical chromosome complements? Furthermore, why, while chromosome rearrangements can considerably change the course of species evolution, do certain variation among individuals and populations of some species persists indefinitely? Such questions motivate researchers to compare chromosomes in closely related species. To understand the nature of chromosome changes in the voles Microtus savii, researchers launched a molecular cytogenetic study. ... > full story

Slim down by targeting the hormone uroguanylin (August 25, 2011) -- The number of people who are obese and suffer one or more of its associated health problems is escalating dramatically. Researchers are seeking to identify new targets for therapeutics that could limit appetite and thereby obesity. Researchers have now uncovered one new potential target (uroguanylin) by studying the molecular control of appetite in mice. ... > full story

Surprise difference in neutrino and antineutrino mass lessening with new measurements from a Fermilab experiment (August 25, 2011) -- The physics community got a jolt last year when results showed for the first time that neutrinos and their antimatter counterparts, antineutrinos, might have different masses. A new from the MINOS experiment at the U.S. Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory appears to quell concerns raised by a MINOS result in June 2010 and brings neutrino and antineutrino masses more closely in sync. ... > full story

Vitamin A supplements for children could save 600,000 lives a year, experts predict (August 25, 2011) -- Children in low and middle income countries should be given vitamin A supplements to prevent death and illness, a new study concludes. ... > full story

Pulsar transformed into small planet made of diamond discovered in Milky Way (August 25, 2011) -- A once-massive star that's been transformed into a small planet made of diamond: that's what astronomers think they've found in our Milky Way. ... > full story

Single vaccines to protect against both rabies and Ebola (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have developed single vaccines to protest against both rabies and the Ebola virus. ... > full story

Darwin's butterflies? Spectacular species radiation in the Caribbean studied with 'DNA barcoding' (August 25, 2011) -- In one of the first taxonomic revisions of Neotropical butterflies that utilizes "DNA barcoding," biologists have uncovered a spectacular degree of evolutionary divergence within the satyrine butterfly genus Calisto. ... > full story

Malaria mosquito is disappearing, but it is not necessarily just good news (August 25, 2011) -- The incidence of malaria in many African countries south of the Sahara is falling rapidly, shows new research. Scientists have discovered that the mosquito carrying the malaria parasite has practically disappeared from villages without organized mosquito control, and they do not know why. Since the researchers can discount mosquito nets, the question is whether the mosquitoes have succumbed to disease, or communities have been using pesticides, or whether the fall is due to the chaotic new precipitation patterns. ... > full story

Irrigation's impacts on global carbon uptake (August 25, 2011) -- Globally, irrigation increases agricultural productivity by an amount roughly equivalent to the entire agricultural output of the US, according to a new study. ... > full story

Getting back from a trip 'ahead of time' (August 25, 2011) -- After returning from holiday, it's likely you felt that the journey home by plane, car or train went much quicker than the outward journey, even though in fact both distances and journey are usually the same. So why the difference? According to a new study, it seems that many people find that, when taking a trip, the way back seems shorter. The findings suggest that this effect is caused by the different expectations we have, rather than being more familiar with the route on a return journey. ... > full story

Interbreeding between modern humans and evolutionary cousins gave healthy immune system boost to human genome, study finds (August 25, 2011) -- For a few years now, scientists have known that humans and their evolutionary cousins had some casual flings, but now it appears that these liaisons led to a more meaningful relationship. Interbreeding between modern humans and close relatives -- including Neanderthals and the recently discovered Denisovans -- has endowed some human gene pools with beneficial versions of immune system genes, researchers report in a new study. ... > full story

Few health problems are caused by vaccines, review of studies suggests (August 25, 2011) -- An analysis of more than 1,000 research articles concluded that few health problems are caused by or clearly associated with vaccines. Experts reviewing possible adverse effects of vaccines found convincing evidence of 14 health outcomes. ... > full story

Discovery explains why influenza B virus exclusively infects humans: Opens door for new drugs (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have reported a discovery that could help scientists develop drugs to fight seasonal influenza epidemics caused by the common influenza B strain. Their discovery also helps explain how influenza B is limited to humans, and why it cannot be as virulent as A strains that incorporate new genes from influenza viruses that infect other species. ... > full story

Differences in metabolic disease markers in healthy and obese 7-to-9-year-olds identified (August 25, 2011) -- Obese 7-to-9-year-old children had nearly three times the liver fat and almost double the belly fat of their non-obese counterparts and insulin resistance was more than double and insulin sensitivity less than half respectively, according to a new study. The study is among the first to use a combination of advanced measurements in healthy obese and non-obese children in this age group prior to entering puberty. ... > full story

Math-based model for deep-water oil drilling (August 25, 2011) -- A new mathematical model has applications to the study of gas kicks in deep-water oil wells, which in worst-case scenarios can lead to blowouts. ... > full story

Young brains lack the wisdom of their elders, clinical study shows (August 25, 2011) -- Language task reveals brains of older people are not slower but rather wiser than young brains, allowing older adults to achieve an equivalent level of performance. ... > full story

Protein-making machinery in bacteria successfully re-engineered (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have successfully re-engineered the protein-making machinery in bacteria, a technical tour de force that promises to revolutionize the study and treatment of a variety of diseases. ... > full story

Smoking soon after waking raises risk of lung and head and neck cancers (August 25, 2011) -- Smokers who tend to take their first cigarette soon after they wake up in the morning may have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers than smokers who refrain from lighting up right away. Findings may help identify smokers who have an especially high risk of developing cancer and would benefit from targeted smoking interventions to reduce their risk. ... > full story

NASA satellites Hurricane Irene almost one-third the size of U.S. east coast (August 25, 2011) -- Hurricane Irene is a major hurricane, and NASA satellite data shows its diameter is now about one-third the length of the U.S. Atlantic coastline. Meanwhile, far in the eastern Atlantic Ocean a tenth tropical depression formed. One satellite image captured both storms and shows the tremendous difference in their size. ... > full story

New sensors streamline detection of estrogenic compounds (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have engineered new sensors that fluoresce in the presence of compounds that interact with estrogen receptors in human cells. The sensors detect natural or human-made substances that alter estrogenic signaling in the body. ... > full story

Researchers discover superdense aluminum (August 25, 2011) -- An international research team has discovered a new material, superdense aluminum, which has never before been found on Earth. In a new paper, the researchers describe how the material can only exist under extreme pressure, similar to that found in our planet's core. ... > full story

Workplace stress a growing health hazard (August 25, 2011) -- Job-related stress is catching up with people. A new study has found that increased job stress causes workers to increasingly seek help from health professionals for physical, mental and emotional ailments linked to job stress. Indeed, the number of visits to health-care professionals is up to 26 per cent for workers in high stress jobs, a Canadian study shows. ... > full story

Beams to order from table-top accelerators (August 25, 2011) -- Laser plasma accelerators could create powerful electron beams within a fraction of the space required by conventional accelerators and light sources -- and at a fraction of the cost. But fulfilling the promise of "table-top accelerators" requires the ability to tune stable, high-quality beams through a range of energies. Scientists have now demonstrated a two-stage, tunable laser plasma accelerator that meets the goal. ... > full story

Study identifies chemical changes in brains of people at risk for Alzheimer's disease (August 25, 2011) -- A brain imaging scan identifies biochemical changes in the brains of normal people who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. ... > full story

Why spiders don't drop off of their threads: Source of spider silk's extreme strength unveiled (August 25, 2011) -- It has five times the tensile strength of steel and is stronger than even the best currently available synthetic fibers: Spider thread. Scientists have now succeeded in unveiling a further secret of silk proteins and the mechanism that imparts spider silk with its strength. ... > full story

Commonly prescribed antibiotic reduces acute COPD attacks; Study finds azithromycin lowers frequency and severity of flare-ups (August 25, 2011) -- Adding a common antibiotic to the usual daily treatment regimen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can reduce the occurrence of acute exacerbations and improve quality of life, reports new results from a clinical trial. ... > full story

Tunable nano-suspensions for light harvesting; Discovery may be key to solar energy and smart glass technologies (August 25, 2011) -- A researcher has developed a patent-pending robust process to manufacture stable suspensions of metal nanoparticles capable of capturing sunlight. ... > full story

Men and women differ in the way they anticipate an unpleasant emotional experience, research finds (August 25, 2011) -- Men and women differ in the way they anticipate an unpleasant emotional experience, which influences the effectiveness with which that experience is committed to memory, according to new research. ... > full story

How a distant black hole devoured a star (August 25, 2011) -- Astronomers have provided new insights into a cosmic accident that has been streaming X-rays toward Earth since late March. NASA's Swift satellite first alerted astronomers to intense and unusual high-energy flares from the new source in the constellation Draco. ... > full story

Scientists reengineer antibiotic to overcome dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria (August 25, 2011) -- A team of scientists has successfully reengineered an important antibiotic to kill the deadliest antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The compound could one day be used clinically to treat patients with life-threatening and highly resistant bacterial infections. ... > full story

Fast asleep to wide awake: Hibernating bears, predation and pregnancy (August 25, 2011) -- Black bears hibernate, sleeping their way through winter, and who can blame them? New research shows that, despite low heart rates and respiration, hibernating black bears are always alert to danger and ready to act. Additionally, the heart rates of pregnant bears, which give birth during winter months, increase as the pregnancy progresses but return to hibernation levels after the cubs are born. ... > full story

MRI techniques can detect early osteoarthritis (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers have found that advanced MRI techniques can be used to detect subtle changes in joint cartilage microstructure -- and provide physicians a diagnostic tool for finding key markers of early osteoarthritis. ... > full story

Storing vertebrates in the cloud: Cloud-based data make searching the world’s museum collections easier (August 25, 2011) -- Researchers are taking information about the vertebrate collections in museums around the world and store it in "the cloud" for easy use by researchers and citizen scientists alike. VertNet combines four earlier databases -- for mammals, birds, herps and fish -- and makes them more easily searchable and viewable via powerful applications being developed to manipulate and display cloud-based data. Already, online databases are spurring broad studies of biodiversity change. ... > full story

Seeing eye to eye is key to copying, say scientists (August 25, 2011) -- Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but how do our brains decide when and who we should copy? Researchers have found that the key may lie in an unspoken invitation communicated through eye contact. ... > full story

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