ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Friday, September 23, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Friday, September 23, 2011

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Bioengineers reprogram muscles to combat degeneration (September 23, 2011) -- Researchers have turned back the clock on mature muscle tissue, coaxing it back to an earlier stem cell stage to form new muscle. Moreover, they showed in mice that the newly reprogrammed muscle stem cells could be used to help repair damaged tissue. The research could lead to new treatments to combat muscle degeneration. ... > full story

Five new genes affecting the risk of coronary artery disease identified (September 23, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered five new genes that affect the risk of developing coronary artery disease and heart attacks. ... > full story

Aquarius yields NASA's first global map of ocean salinity (September 23, 2011) -- NASA's new Aquarius instrument has produced its first global map of the salinity of the ocean surface, providing an early glimpse of the mission's anticipated discoveries. Aquarius, which is aboard the Aquarius/SAC-D (Satélite de Aplicaciones Científicas) observatory, is making NASA's first space observations of ocean surface salinity variations -- a key component of Earth's climate. Salinity changes are linked to the cycling of freshwater around the planet and influence ocean circulation. ... > full story

Novel technique reveals both gene number and protein expression simultaneously (September 23, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a method to simultaneously measure gene number and protein expression in individual cells. The fluorescence microscopy technique could permit a detailed analysis of the relationship between gene status and expression of the corresponding protein in cells and tissues, and bring a clearer understanding of cancer and other complex diseases. ... > full story

New metal hydride clusters provide insights into hydrogen storage (September 23, 2011) -- A new study has shed light on a class of heterometallic molecular structures whose unique features point the way to breakthroughs in the development of lightweight fuel cell technology. The structures contain a previously-unexplored combination of rare-earth and d-transition metals ideally suited to the compact storage of hydrogen. ... > full story

Single-sex schooling does not improve academic performance and can lead to gender stereotyping, study finds (September 23, 2011) -- Social scientists have found that there is no well-designed research that demonstrates that single-sex schools improve student's academic performance. However, there is evidence that sex segregation increases gender stereotyping among children and teachers and legitimizes institutional sexism. ... > full story

Evolutionary tree of life for mammals greatly improved (September 23, 2011) -- Biologists have released a large and robust DNA matrix that has representation for all mammalian families. The matrix -- the culmination of about five years of painstaking research -- has representatives for 99 percent of mammalian families, and covers not only the earliest history of mammalian diversification but also all the deepest divergences among living mammals. ... > full story

BPA alters development of in vitro ova and could increase risk of Down syndrome, study suggests (September 23, 2011) -- Researchers in Spain analysed the effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a polymer widely used to manufacture plastics, in an in vitro culture of ovaries. The research demonstrated that exposure to this substance gravely altered the development of oocytes and future ova, possibly diminishing the fertility of a woman's offspring and at the same time increasing the risk of Down Syndrome in following generations. ... > full story

El Niño and the tropical Eastern Pacific annual cycle run to the same beat (September 23, 2011) -- The interaction between El Niño events and the seasonal cycle of sea surface temperature in the eastern equatorial Pacific can be described through a nonlinear phase synchronization mechanism, according to a study by researchers in Hawaii. The findings are expected to improve prediction of El Niño events. ... > full story

Error rate higher in breast imaging reports generated by automatic speech recognition, study finds (September 23, 2011) -- Breast imaging reports generated using an automatic speech recognition system are nearly six times more likely to contain major errors than those generated with conventional dictation transcription, a new study in Canada shows. ... > full story

Spiral constriction: How dynamin mediates cellular nutrient uptake (September 23, 2011) -- Researchers have determined the molecular structure of dynamin -- a "wire-puller" that mediates nutrient uptake into the cell. Since pathogens such as HIV can also enter the body's cells in this way, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms can potentially open up new approaches for medical applications. ... > full story

Extent of peer social networks influences onset of adolescent alcohol consumption (September 23, 2011) -- Most parents recognize that the influence of peers on their children's behavior is an undeniable fact. But, just how far do these influences reach? A new study finds that adolescents are more likely to start drinking alcoholic beverages when they have large social networks of friends. ... > full story

Nanoscale nonlinear light source optical device can be controlled electronically (September 22, 2011) -- By harnessing plasmonics to intensify light, engineers have created an ultra-compact nonlinear light source that shrinks a large-scale, high-energy device to the nanoscale with research implications ranging from data communications to a better understanding of fundamental science. ... > full story

Newly identified antibodies may improve pneumonia vaccine design (September 22, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered how a novel type of antibody works against pneumococcal bacteria. ... > full story

Close up look at a microbial vaccination program (September 22, 2011) -- Researchers, using a combination of cryo-electron microscopy and 3-D image reconstruction, determined the structure of Cascade, a protein complex that plays a key role in the microbial immune system by detecting and inactivating the nucleic acid of invading pathogens. Microbial immune systems in the human microbiome play a critical role in preserving the health of their human host. ... > full story

Cellular origin of a rare form of breast cancer identified (September 22, 2011) -- Identifying the cellular origins of breast cancer might lead to earlier diagnosis and more efficient management of the disease. New research has determined that common forms of human breast cancers originate from breast cells known as luminal epithelial cells, while rare forms of breast cancer, such as metaplastic carcinomas, originate from basal epithelial cell types. ... > full story

Religion and ecology among China's Blang people (September 22, 2011) -- Fieldwork conducted by two researchers could help develop culturally appropriate conservation efforts and environmental education programs in a remote mountainous area of southwest China where deforestation is a major environmental issue. ... > full story

With more choice, friends are more similar, but not closer (September 22, 2011) -- People prefer to make friends with others who share their beliefs, values and interests. The more choice people have, the more their friends are alike, but the similar friends are not closer to one another than less similar friends. ... > full story

Aquarium fishes are more aggressive in reduced environments, new study finds (September 22, 2011) -- Fish in a cramped, barren space turn mean, a new study has found. With nearly 183 million ornamental fishes in tanks across the US, that's a big deal. ... > full story

Virus kills breast cancer cells in laboratory (September 22, 2011) -- A nondisease-causing virus kills human breast cancer cells in the laboratory, creating opportunities for potential new cancer therapies, according to researchers who tested the virus on three different breast cancer types that represent the multiple stages of breast cancer development. ... > full story

Scientists observe how superconducting nanowires lose resistance-free state (September 22, 2011) -- Physicists have measured the temperatures at which collections of electrons build up enough heat to force regions along superconducting aluminum nanowires to switch to a non-superconducting state. The information could help engineers build more reliable nanowires and more efficient nano-electronics. ... > full story

Cancer drug may also work for scleroderma, study suggests (September 22, 2011) -- A drug used to treat cancer may also be effective in diseases that cause scarring of the internal organs or skin, such as pulmonary fibrosis or scleroderma. The drug, with the generic name bortezomib, stopped the development of fibrotic proteins in human cells and stopped the development of fibrous scarring in a mouse model of fibrotic disease. There currently is no effective treatment for these diseases, which have a high fatality rate. ... > full story

New technique for dating silk (September 22, 2011) -- For the first time, scientists have developed a fast and reliable method to date silk. This new technique, which is based on capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry, has great potential to improve the authentication and dating of the priceless silk artifacts held in museum and other collections around the world. ... > full story

Hedging your bets: How the brain makes decisions based on related information (September 22, 2011) -- When making decisions based on multiple, interdependent factors, we choose based on how these factors correlate with each other, and not based on an ad hoc rule of thumb or through trial and error as was previously thought, according to new research. ... > full story

Carnivorous plant inspires coating that resists just about any liquids (September 22, 2011) -- Adopting the pitcher plant's slick prey-catching strategy, a group of applied scientists have created a material that repels just about any type of liquid, including blood and oil, and does so even under harsh conditions like high pressure and freezing temperatures. The bio-inspired liquid repellence technology should find applications in biomedical fluid handling, fuel transport, and anti-fouling and anti-icing technologies. It could even lead to self-cleaning windows and improved optical devices. ... > full story

Radiation boost for artificial joints (September 22, 2011) -- A blast of gamma radiation could toughen up plastic prosthetic joints to make them strong enough to last for years, according to researchers. ... > full story

Saturn's moon Enceladus spreads its influence (September 22, 2011) -- Chalk up one more feat for Saturn's intriguing moon Enceladus. The small, dynamic moon spews out dramatic plumes of water vapor and ice -- first seen by NASA's Cassini spacecraft in 2005. It possesses simple organic particles and may house liquid water beneath its surface. Its geyser-like jets create a gigantic halo of ice, dust and gas around Enceladus that helps feed Saturn's E ring. Now, thanks again to those icy jets, Enceladus is the only moon in our solar system known to influence substantially the chemical composition of its parent planet. ... > full story

Vitamin D deficiency linked with airway changes in children with severe asthma (September 22, 2011) -- Children with severe therapy-resistant asthma (STRA) may have poorer lung function and worse symptoms compared to children with moderate asthma, due to lower levels of vitamin D in their blood, according to researchers. Lower levels of vitamin D may cause structural changes in the airway muscles of children with STRA, making breathing more difficult. The study provides important new evidence for possible treatments for the condition. ... > full story

Model provides successful seasonal forecast for the fate of Arctic sea ice (September 22, 2011) -- Relatively accurate predictions for summer sea ice extent in the Arctic can be made the previous autumn, but forecasting more than five years into the future requires understanding of the impact of climate trends on the ice pack. ... > full story

Men and women cooperate equally for the common good, study finds (September 22, 2011) -- Stereotypes suggest women are more cooperative than men, but an analysis of 50 years of research shows that men are equally cooperative, particularly in situations involving a dilemma that pits the interests of an individual against the interests of a group. ... > full story

Bionic bacteria may help make new drugs, biofuels: Artificially enhanced bacteria capable of producing new kinds of synthetic chemicals (September 22, 2011) -- A strain of genetically enhanced bacteria developed by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies may pave the way for new synthetic drugs and new ways of manufacturing medicines and biofuels, according to a new paper. ... > full story

New system finds prostate cancer spread earlier than conventional imaging (September 22, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a way to image the spread of a particularly dangerous form of prostate cancer earlier than conventional imaging in use today, which may allow oncologists to find and treat these metastases more quickly and give patients a better chance at survival. ... > full story

Could the Higgs boson explain the size of the universe? (September 22, 2011) -- The race to identify the Higgs boson is on at CERN. This Holy Grail of particle physics would help explain why the majority of elementary particles possess mass. The mysterious particle would also help us understand the evolution of the universe from the moment of its birth, according to a group of physicists. If their theory is verified with data from the Planck satellite, it would clear up several questions about the universe, past and future. ... > full story

The 'disinhibited' brain: New findings on CRPS -- a disease characterized by severe pain (September 22, 2011) -- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as Morbus Sudeck, is characterised by "disinhibition" of various sensory and motor areas in the brain. A multidisciplinary research group has now demonstrated for the first time that with unilateral CRPS excitability increases not only in the brain area processing the sense of touch of the affected hand. In addition, the brain region representing the healthy hand is simultaneously "disinhibited." ... > full story

Steep increase in global CO<sub>2</sub> emissions despite reductions by industrialized countries with binding Kyoto targets (September 22, 2011) -- Global emissions of carbon dioxide -- the main cause of global warming -- increased by 45% between 1990 and 2010, and reached an all-time high of 33 billion tonnes in 2010. Increased energy efficiency, nuclear energy and the growing contribution of renewable energy are not compensating for the globally increasing demand for power and transport, which is strongest in developing countries, according to a new report. ... > full story

Information technologies foster freedom or reinforce repression (September 22, 2011) -- The media may portray text messaging and social networks as powerful new weapons for freedom fighters, but these new communication tools may not be as uniformly beneficial or as robust as suggested, according to researchers. ... > full story

Scientists play ping-pong with single electrons (September 22, 2011) -- Researchers have moved an individual electron along a wire, batting it back and forth over 60 times, rather like the ball in a game of ping-pong. ... > full story

Scientists induce hibernation at will: Discovery puts scientists closer to human application (September 22, 2011) -- Hibernation is an essential survival strategy for some animals and scientists have long thought it could also hold promise for human survival. But how hibernation works is largely unknown. Scientists have successfully induced hibernation at will, showing how the process is initiated. ... > full story

Queen bee or worker bee? New insights into honeybee society caste system (September 22, 2011) -- Scientists are reporting deep new insights into whys and hows of the famous caste system that dominates honey bee societies, with a select few bee larvae destined for royalty and the masses for worker status. ... > full story

Good night's sleep may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes in obese teens (September 22, 2011) -- Obese teenagers who don't get the proper amount of sleep may have disruptions in insulin secretion and blood sugar (glucose) levels, say pediatric researchers. Their study suggests that getting a good night's sleep may stave off the development of type 2 diabetes in these adolescents. ... > full story

From protein to planes and pigskin: Discovery in insects' skin points to improved pest control, new bioplastics technology (September 22, 2011) -- The discovery that a protein in insect skin is responsible for protecting the insect as it molts its skin opens the possibilities for selective pest control and new biomaterials like football padding or lightweight aircraft components. It also debunks a more than 50-year-old belief about the protective shell of insects. ... > full story

Do women's voices really allow men to detect ovulation? No, says new study (September 22, 2011) -- The voice can reveal a lot about a person -- their sex, their age, how they are feeling -- and recent studies have even suggested that women's voices might also contain cues that men can read about how close they are to ovulation. A new study, however, challenges the view that women broadcast reproductive information in their voice. ... > full story

Biologists discover genes that repair nerves after injury (September 22, 2011) -- Biologists have identified more than 70 genes that play a role in regenerating nerves after injury, providing biomedical researchers with a valuable set of genetic leads for use in developing therapies to repair spinal cord injuries and other common kinds of nerve damage such as stroke. ... > full story

Blood pressure drugs may lengthen lives of melanoma patients (September 22, 2011) -- Beta-blocker drugs, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, may also play a major role in slowing the progression of certain serious cancers, based on a new study. A review of thousands of medical records showed that patients with the skin cancer melanoma, and who also were taking a specific beta-blocker, had much lower mortality rates than did patients not taking the drug. ... > full story

Genetic 'GPS' system to comprehensively locate and track inhibitory nerve cells created (September 22, 2011) -- Neuroscientists have succeeded in creating what amounts to a GPS system for locating and tracking GABA inhibitory neurons, a vital class of brain cells that until now has eluded comprehensive identification, particularly in living animals. 20 mouse lines provide views of cortical GABA neurons not previously possible. ... > full story

Important new familial motor neuron disease gene identified (September 22, 2011) -- Families suffering from a history of motor neuron disease have helped an international scientific team locate a new gene linked to the incurable disease. The team discovered the patients share a changed genetic segment on the short arm of chromosome 9. The new discovery will lead to new blood tests for families with a history of this condition. ... > full story

Researchers use liquid crystal to replace space motors (September 22, 2011) -- Researchers in Northern Ireland have devised a way to eliminate the need for motors in space borne radiometers by incorporating liquid crystals in their Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) antenna arrays. ... > full story

U.S. Civil War took bigger toll than previously estimated, new analysis suggests (September 22, 2011) -- The Civil War -- already considered the deadliest conflict in American history -- in fact took a toll far more severe than previously estimated. That's what a new analysis of census data reveals. ... > full story

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