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Thursday, September 8, 2011

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Scientists successfully expand bone marrow-derived stem cells in culture

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:05 PM PDT

All stem cells -- regardless of their source -- share the remarkable capability to replenish themselves by undergoing self-renewal. Yet, so far, efforts to grow and expand scarce hematopoietic (or blood-forming) stem cells in culture for therapeutic applications have been met with limited success.

Biological agents for rheumatoid arthritis associated with increased skin cancer risk, review finds

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 04:23 PM PDT

Biological agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis seem to be associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, indicates a systematic review of published research.

Parents who lose child during first year of life at significantly increased risk of early death, study finds

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 04:23 PM PDT

Parents who lose their child during the first 12 months of life are at significantly increased risk of an early death, new research finds.

'Dirty' wild mice may be more relevant immunology model

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 04:23 PM PDT

Like humans, mice that live in their natural habitat encounter bacteria and other pathogens that exercise their immune system, yet lab mice typically used in immunology studies are raised in isolation from most diseases. A study on natural killer cells in wild mice examines the hypothesis that the unsterile living conditions faced by humans and wild mice may improve the readiness of the immune system to fight new infections.

Computer-aided design used for breast tissue reconstruction

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 04:23 PM PDT

A technology usually reserved for designing buildings, bridges and aircraft has now been used to aid breast tissue reconstruction in cancer patients.

Evolution's past is modern human's present: DNA evidence of ancient interbreeding inside Africa

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

That seems to be the takeaway from new research that concludes "archaic" humans, somewhere in Africa during the last 20-60 thousand years, interbred with anatomically modern humans and transferred small amounts of genetic material to their offspring who are alive today. University of Arizona geneticist Michael Hammer and a team of evolutionary biologists, geneticists and mathematicians report the finding in today's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Flaxseed no help for hot flashes during breast cancer or menopause, study finds

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

A new study has found that flaxseed provided no benefit in easing hot flashes among breast cancer patients and postmenopausal women.

Researchers discuss challenges to developing broadly protective HIV vaccines

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

The human body can produce powerful antibodies that shield cells in the laboratory against infection by an array of HIV strains. In people, however, recent research shows that these broadly neutralizing antibodies are not produced in an efficient or timely enough fashion in HIV-infected individuals to effectively block progression of infection, appearing only after a person has been infected with HIV for at least one year -- by which time the virus has fully established itself within the body.

Global fight against non-communicable diseases should take lessons from HIV-AIDS, say experts

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

Valuable lessons from the global commitment to fight HIV/AIDS over the past three decades should inspire a new worldwide effort to confront the epidemic of non-communicable diseases, say public health leaders. A UN summit will offer a rare opportunity to generate momentum and resources for global solutions against these diseases.

Sorting out major brain stent study: Experts say procedure effective for some patients

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

An article reporting on research on brain stents says aggressive medical treatment without stenting is better for high-risk stroke patients. But experts who were involved in the study believe this procedure is appropriate for some patients. They say this study is a helpful start but not likely to be the final word on understanding when stenting may be appropriate, and raise concerns about several study limitations and exclusions.

Aggressive medical therapy could help prevent stroke

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

In a clinical study, the short-term risk of stroke and related death was twice as high in some cases for patients whose diseased arteries were widened via balloon angioplasty and stent insertion, compared with patients who received medical therapy alone. Although the 30-day risk of stroke for the stenting patients is concerning, long-term results could be more favorable.

Obesity and large waist size linked to higher risk of death in African-American women

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

The risk of death increases with higher levels of overweight and obesity among African American women, according to a new study.

Medical management alone may be best treatment course for stroke prevention, study suggests

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

Patients with narrowed arteries in the brain who received intensive medical treatment had fewer strokes and deaths than patients who received a brain stent in addition to medical treatment, according to the initial results from the first, nationwide stroke prevention trial to compare the two treatment options.

Stroke prevention trial has immediate implications for clinical practice

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 02:15 PM PDT

Patients at a high risk for a second stroke who received intensive medical treatment had fewer strokes and deaths than patients who received a brain stent in addition to the medical treatment, a large U.S. nationwide clinical trial has shown.

Endangered horse has ancient origins and high genetic diversity, new study finds

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 01:39 PM PDT

An endangered species, Przewalski's horse, is much more distantly related to the domestic horse and has a much more diverse gene pool than researchers previously had hypothesized, researchers report. The new study's findings could be used to inform conservation efforts to save the endangered species, of which only 2,000 individuals remain in parts of China and Mongolia, and in wildlife reserves in California and the Ukraine.

Aerobic exercise may reduce the risk of dementia, researchers say

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 01:39 PM PDT

Any exercise that gets the heart pumping may reduce the risk of dementia and slow the condition's progression once it starts, a new study finds. Researchers examined the role of aerobic exercise in preserving cognitive abilities and concluded that it should not be overlooked as an important therapy against dementia.

Entomologists begin to control winter moth infestation in eastern Massachusetts

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 01:39 PM PDT

A six-year campaign to control invasive winter moths with a natural parasite now has concrete evidence that a parasitic fly, Cyzenis albicans, has been established and is attacking the pest at four sites in Seekonk, Hingham, Falmouth and Wellesley. It's the beginning of the end for the decade-long defoliation of eastern Massachusetts trees by the invasive species.

Liquor store density linked to youth homicides, U.S. studies find

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 01:39 PM PDT

Violent crime could be reduced significantly if policymakers at the local level limit the number of neighborhood liquor stores and ban the sale of single-serve containers of alcoholic beverages, according to separate U.S. studies.

Space instrument observes new characteristics of solar flares; Findings may lead to improved space weather forecasting

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 01:39 PM PDT

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which is carrying a suite of instruments, has provided scientists with new information that energy from some solar flares is stronger and lasts longer than previously thought.

National forests can provide public health benefits, U.S. study finds

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 01:39 PM PDT

Each year, more than 170 million people visit U.S. national forests for recreation. And the physical activity associated with these visits burns 290 billion food calories. That equals enough french fries laid end to end to reach the Moon and back -- twice -- according to a recent study.

Scientists identify key protein linked to acute liver failure: Inhibition of protein protects liver from acetaminophen toxicity in mice

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 01:39 PM PDT

New research shows that inhibition of the Sab protein prevents liver damage associated with acetaminophen overdose. The results suggest that inhibition of the protein can protect against various types of cellular death in any organ.

First global portrait of greenhouse gases emerges from pole-to-pole flights

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 12:18 PM PDT

A three-year series of research flights from the Arctic to the Antarctic has produced an unprecedented portrait of greenhouse gases. The HIPPO project is enabling researchers to generate the first detailed mapping of the global distribution of gases and particles that affect Earth's climate.

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome may be linked to dysregulated neuronal RNA transport, study suggests

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 12:18 PM PDT

A new study suggests that cellular dysregulation associated with certain neurodegenerative disorders may result from molecular competition in neuronal RNA transport pathways.

Seeing isn't believing: Intense focus on objects can distort perception of where things are

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 11:40 AM PDT

Pay attention! It's a universal warning, which implies that keeping close watch helps us perceive the world more accurately. But a new study by cognitive psychologists finds that intense focus on objects can have the opposite effect: It distorts perception of where things are in relation to one another.

New strategy for overcoming resistance to targeted cancer drug

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 11:22 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered a pair of backup circuits in cancer cells that enable the cells to dodge the effect of cetuximab. Until now, scientists haven't known why cancers that initially respond to cetuximab become resistant to it, or how to overcome such resistance.

Clue to cause of childhood hydrocephalus: Excess of natural molecule can bring about the devastating ‘water on the brain’ condition in mice

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 11:21 AM PDT

Scientists have found what may be a major cause of congenital hydrocephalus, one of the most common neurological disorders of childhood that produces mental debilitation and sometimes death in premature and newborn children.

Young women with early breast cancer have similar survival with breast conservation, mastectomy

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:22 AM PDT

Young women with early-stage breast cancer have similar survival rates with a lumpectomy and radiation treatment, known as breast-conservation therapy, as with mastectomy, a new study has found.

Spring flings may explain teen pregnancies peak

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:21 AM PDT

Researchers have found that the relative likelihood of conceiving in the month of March is higher if you're a school-aged adolescent than if you're an adult.

Nanosensors made from DNA may light path to new cancer tests and drugs

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:21 AM PDT

Sensors made from custom DNA molecules could be used to personalize cancer treatments and monitor the quality of stem cells, according to new research.

Scientists offer way to address 'age-old' questions

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:21 AM PDT

Scientists have devised a method to measure the impact of age on the growth rates of cellular populations, a development that offers new ways to understand and model the growth of bacteria, and could provide new insights into how genetic factors affect their life cycle.

When that shoulder aches too much to move

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:21 AM PDT

Adhesive capsulitis, sometimes described as "frozen shoulder," is a condition where the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes chronically inflamed, causing thickening and tightening in the affected joint. Diagnosing adhesive capsulitis can be difficult because its symptoms -- restricted movement and considerable pain -- are similar to a variety of shoulder-related musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis. Proper diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis may require extensive investigation into the patient's medical history to eliminate other causes.

Sensory experience and rest control survival of newborn neurons in adults

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:20 AM PDT

When it comes to the circuits that make up the olfactory system, it seems that less is more. Much like the addition and elimination of extra synapses that helps fine-tune brain circuitry, the olfactory system continues to produce and remove neurons throughout life. Yet it is not entirely clear how and why some newborn neurons are preserved while others are eliminated. Now, new research reveals that both olfactory experience during feeding and a subsequent period of rest contribute to both the likelihood that a new olfactory neuron will escape elimination and be incorporated into existing circuitry.

Inflammatory mediator enhances plaque formation in Alzheimer’s disease

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:20 AM PDT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. Now, a new study identifies a previously unrecognized link between neuroinflammation and the classical pathological brain changes that are the hallmark of the disease. In addition, the research identifies a new potential therapeutic target for AD.

Evidence for a persistently iron-rich ocean changes views on Earth's early history

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:20 AM PDT

Researchers report that the ancient deep ocean was not only devoid of oxygen but also rich in iron, a key biological nutrient, for nearly a billion years longer than previously thought -- right through a key evolutionary interval that culminated in the first rise of animals. "We will need to rethink all of our models for how life-essential nutrients were distributed in the ocean through time and space," the authors say.

Promising target in treating and preventing the progression of heart failure identified

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:20 AM PDT

Researchers have identified a new drug target that may treat and/or prevent heart failure. The team evaluated failing human and pig hearts and discovered that SUMO1, a so-called "chaperone" protein that regulates the activity of key transporter genes, was decreased in failing hearts. When the researchers injected SUMO1 into these hearts via gene therapy, cardiac function was significantly improved.

Scientists create mammalian cells with single chromosome set

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:20 AM PDT

Researchers have created mammalian cells containing a single set of chromosomes for the first time. The technique should allow scientists to better establish the relationships between genes and their function.

Where does all Earth's gold come from?

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:20 AM PDT

Ultra high precision analyses of some of the oldest rock samples on Earth provides clear evidence that the planet's accessible reserves of precious metals are the result of a bombardment of meteorites more than 200 million years after the Earth was formed.

Reuse, reliability will launch future, expert says

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:11 AM PDT

Engineers have successfully completed the first of a series of acoustic tests on the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) ground test vehicle, which consists of two major components of the Orion spacecraft: the crew module and the launch abort system. Built to spaceflight specifications, the Orion MPCV ground test vehicle is the first full-scale spacecraft built to support the development of the final human space flight vehicle, which is slated for its first orbital flight test in about two years.

Acoustic tests verify Orion’s sound engineering

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:09 AM PDT

Engineers have successfully completed the first of a series of acoustic tests on the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) ground test vehicle, which consists of two major components of the Orion spacecraft: the crew module and the launch abort system. Built to spaceflight specifications, the Orion MPCV ground test vehicle is the first full-scale spacecraft built to support the development of the final human space flight vehicle, which is slated for its first orbital flight test in about two years.

CERES continues legacy of cloud study on NPP

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 10:06 AM PDT

In October when NASA launches its next-generation Earth-observing satellite, NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project), one of the passengers aboard will be the latest in a series of instruments that has studied Earth's climate for nearly 30 years.

Researchers eye newer, safer birth control method

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:46 AM PDT

Researchers have uncovered a new contraceptive that is more focused, safer and, therefore, available for use among a larger population of women. This research in monkeys has demonstrated that targeting these enzymes can prevent the release of an egg from the ovary.

Intoxication important in determining when some men commit sexual aggression

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:46 AM PDT

A new review article assesses the extent to which alcohol plays a causal role in sexual assault perpetration. Results found that men who are already prone to anger, who have hostile attitudes toward women, and who are in social environments that accept sexual aggression are most likely to engage in sexual aggression when intoxicated.

New 'bouncer' molecule halts rheumatoid arthritis; Protective protein prevents immune system from ravaging joints and bones

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:46 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered why immune cells of people with rheumatoid arthritis become hyperactive and attack the joints and bones. The cells have lost their bouncer, the burly protein that keeps them in line the way a bouncer in a nightclub controls rowdy patrons. The protein, called P21, prevents immune cells from their destructive rampage. When the scientists injected a mimic of P21 into an animal model of arthritis, the disease process was halted.

Concerned with safety, hovering 'helicopter parents' can impede child’s ability to play, study shows

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:44 AM PDT

Parental safety concerns may prevent children from getting good exercise, according to a new study that examined how families use neighborhood parks.

Couples who receive government assistance report less marital satisfaction, commitment, U.S. study finds

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:44 AM PDT

According to a new U.S. study, low-income couples who receive government assistance, such as Medicaid or Food Stamps, are significantly less satisfied and committed in their marriages. In the study, couples with low incomes (less than $20,000 per year) scored significantly lower on five of the six dimensions of marital quality: overall satisfaction, commitment, divorce proneness, feelings of being trapped in a marriage, and negative interaction. Married individuals who received government assistance reported similar scores.

Tree rings reveal forest fires from hundreds of years ago

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:44 AM PDT

Like clues from an Agatha Christie mystery novel, trees can provide secrets about past events, and their rings are especially good at providing information about fires, some of which happened hundreds of years ago, according to studies from a Texas researcher.

Expert calls for change in trans fat labelling

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:43 AM PDT

Not all trans fats are created equal and it's time for nutritional labels to reflect that reality, says a Canadian nutrition expert. According to a recent scientific review, natural trans fats produced by ruminant animals such as dairy and beef cattle are not detrimental to health. In fact, they show significant positive health effects and some evidence even links these natural trans fats to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Running backs take hardest hits to the head, linemen take the most, U.S. college football study finds

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:43 AM PDT

Researchers gathered data on the frequency, direction, and magnitude of head impacts from players who wore sensor-equipped helmets during three football seasons at Brown University, Dartmouth College, and Virginia Tech. The data amount to a measure of players' exposure to head impacts, which can ultimately help physicians and scientists understand how concussions occur.

New record for measurement of atomic lifetime

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:43 AM PDT

Researchers in Denmark have measured the lifetime of an extremely stable energy level of magnesium atoms with great precision. Magnesium atoms are used in research with ultra-precise atomic clocks. The new measurements show a lifetime of 2050 seconds, which corresponds to approximately one half hour. This is the longest lifetime ever measured in a laboratory.

White favoritism by Major League home plate umps lowers minority pitcher performance and pay, baseball study finds

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:43 AM PDT

Racial/ethnic bias by home plate umpires lowers the performance of Major League's minority pitchers, diminishing their pay compared to white pitchers, a new study finds. A researcher says analysis of 3.5 million pitches found minorities responded to racial bias by sacrificing performance and throwing safer balls to limit umpires' subjective judgments. The findings matter when measuring the extent of wage discrimination not only in baseball, but also labor markets generally.

Equilibrium in the brain: Excitation and inhibition remain balanced, even when the brain undergoes reorganization

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:43 AM PDT

Every second, the brain's nerve cells exchange many billions of synaptic impulses. Two kinds of synapses ensure that this flow of data is regulated: Excitatory synapses relay information from one cell to the next, while inhibitory synapses restrict the flow of information. Scientists can now show that excitatory and inhibitory synapses remain balanced -- even if the brain undergoes reorganization.

Hubble to target 'Hot Jupiters'

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:25 AM PDT

An international team of astronomers has set out on the largest program to date exploring the alien atmospheres of "Hot Jupiters" -- massive planets in solar systems far away from our own.

Evidence suggests La Niña will return this winter

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:22 AM PDT

A return of La Nina, which historically delivers dry conditions, is increasingly likely, according to scientists.

Cellular metabolism self-adapts to protect against free radicals

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 09:12 AM PDT

Oxygen-consuming organisms obtain energy through cellular respiration, which is the transformation of carbohydrates and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water. This process also produces toxic oxygen radicals which must be decomposed immediately, as they would otherwise cause damage to cells. Scientists have now discovered a mechanism, with whose help cells can coordinate respiratory activity and the degradation of free radicals. Thus, the cells prepare their metabolism for free radicals before they even arise.

Drinking pattern linked to alcohol's effect on heart health

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:47 AM PDT

New research shows that patterns of alcohol consumption -- a drink or two every night, or several cocktails on Friday and Saturday nights only -- may be more important in determining alcohol's influence on heart health than the total amount consumed. Scientists found that daily moderate drinking -- the equivalent of two drinks per day, seven days a week -- decreased atherosclerosis in mice, while binge drinking -- seven drinks a day, two days a week -- increased atherosclerosis.

Parents' behavior linked to kids' videogame playing

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:47 AM PDT

Children who think their parents are poor monitors or nag a lot tend to play video games more than other kids, according to a new study.

Researchers power line-voltage light bulb with nanotube wire

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:47 AM PDT

Cables made of carbon nanotubes are inching toward electrical conductivities seen in metal wires, and that may light up interest among a range of industries.

New type of solar cell retains high efficiency for long periods

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:46 AM PDT

Scientists are reporting development of a new genre of an electrolyte system for solar cells that breaks the double-digit barrier in the efficiency with which the devices convert sunlight into electricity.

'TF beacons' may light path to new cancer tests and drugs

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:46 AM PDT

Scientists are reporting development of a long-sought new way to detect the activity of proteins that bind to the DNA in genes, often controlling the activity of genes in ways that make cells do everything from growing normally to becoming cancerous.

A scientific 'go' for commercial production of vitamin-D enhanced mushrooms

Posted: 07 Sep 2011 07:46 AM PDT

A new commercial processing technology is suitable for boosting the vitamin D content of mushrooms and has no adverse effects on other nutrients in those tasty delicacies, the first study on the topic has concluded. The technology, which involves exposing mushrooms to the same kind of ultraviolet light that produces suntans, can greatly boost mushrooms' vitamin D content.

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