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Sunday, February 12, 2012

ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News


Complex wiring of the nervous system may rely on a just a handful of genes and proteins

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 06:53 AM PST

Researchers have discovered a startling feature of early brain development that helps to explain how complex neuron wiring patterns are programmed using just a handful of critical genes. The findings may help scientists develop new therapies for neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and provide insight into certain cancers.

Putting the squeeze on planets outside our solar system

Posted: 11 Feb 2012 06:53 AM PST

Using high-powered lasers, scientists have discovered that molten magnesium silicate undergoes a phase change in the liquid state, abruptly transforming to a more dense liquid with increasing pressure. The research provides insight into planet formation.

C-sections linked to breathing problems in preterm infants, study suggests

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:34 AM PST

A cesarean delivery, which was thought to be harmless, is associated with breathing problems in preterm babies who are small for gestational age, a new study suggests.

EEG pattern reflects brain's shift into low-energy, protective mode

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:34 AM PST

A distinctive pattern of brain activity associated with conditions including deep anesthesia, coma and congenital brain disorders appears to represent the brain's shift into a protective, low-activity state in response to reduced metabolic energy.

New method for creating tissue engineering scaffolds

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:33 AM PST

Researchers have developed a new method for creating scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, providing an alternative that is more flexible and less time-intensive than current technology.

Grass to gas: Genome map speeds biofuel development

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:33 AM PST

Researchers have taken a major step in the ongoing effort to find sources of cleaner, renewable energy by mapping the genomes of two originator cells of Miscanthus x giganteus, a large perennial grass with promise as a source of ethanol and bioenergy.

Hovering not hard if you're top-heavy

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 10:32 AM PST

Top-heavy structures are more likely to maintain their balance while hovering in the air than are those that bear a lower center of gravity, researchers have found. Their findings are counter to common perceptions that flight stability can be achieved only through a relatively even distribution of weight—and may offer new design principles for hovering aircraft.

Fighting crimes against biodiversity: How to catch a killer weed

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:12 AM PST

Invasive species which have the potential to destroy biodiversity and influence global change could be tracked and controlled in the same way as wanted criminals, according to new research.

Cannabis use doubles chances of vehicle crash

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:12 AM PST

Drivers who consume cannabis within three hours of driving are nearly twice as likely to cause a vehicle collision as those who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol claims a paper published today on bmj.com.

Metastatic breast cancer hitches a free ride from the immune system

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:12 AM PST

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most lethal form of breast cancer . It spreads easily through the lymphatic and blood vessels, forming metastasis which can lead to multi-organ failure. New research demonstrates how IBC cells use IL-8, secreted as part of the anti-inflammatory response by a specific set of white blood cells (monocytes), to increase fibronectin expression.

A novel method for simultaneously measuring blood pressure and arterial stiffness

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:12 AM PST

Arterial stiffness due to is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease but is very difficult to measure. A new method for measuring arterial stiffness has been developed. This simple, non-invasive, calculation is able to interpret standard oscillometric measurements to quantify both arterial stiffness and blood pressure simultaneously.

Arthritic knees, but not hips, have robust repair response

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:05 AM PST

Researchers used new tools they developed to analyze knees and hips and discovered that osteoarthritic knee joints are in a constant state of repair, while hip joints are not.

Neurologic improvement detected in rats receiving stem cell transplant

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:02 AM PST

Researchers report that early transplantation of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells into the lateral ventricles of neonatal rats with birth-related brain damage is possible, and that the donor cells can survive and migrate in the recipient's brain. The study was designed to have the rat's brain damage mimic brain injury in infants with very low birth weight.

For women with prior cesarean, optimal gestational age for elective delivery is week 39

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:02 AM PST

For women with prior delivery via cesarean section the optimal timing of elective delivery for mother and baby is 39 weeks even after consideration of the risk with continuing pregnancy.

Domestic consumption main contributor to Africa's growing E-waste problem

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:00 AM PST

new report sheds light on current recycling practices and on socio-economic characteristics of the E-waste sector in West Africa. In the five countries studied, between 650,000 and 1,000,000 tons of domestic E-waste are generated each year, which need to be managed to protect human health and the environment in the region.

Phosphate additives pose a risk to health, study suggests

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:00 AM PST

Excessive consumption of phosphate is damaging to health. Therefore, food that contains phosphate additives should be labeled, researchers recommend.

Four natural extracts with anti-obesity effects tested on rats

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 08:00 AM PST

Researchers have identified four plant extracts that might help in preventing and fighting obesity. The researchers identified the most effective plant extracts through in vitro assays; subsequently, extracts were tested on rats. While the results obtained are promising, further studies on animals are required to evaluate and confirm the anti-obesity effects of these extracts. Once their anti-obesity effects are confirmed on animals, the extracts will be tested on humans.

Curry spice component may help slow prostate tumor growth

Posted: 10 Feb 2012 07:58 AM PST

Curcumin, an active component of the Indian curry spice turmeric, may help slow down tumor growth in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy, a new study suggests.

New method makes culture of complex tissue possible in any lab

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:29 PM PST

Scientists have developed a new method for making scaffolds for culturing tissue in three-dimensional arrangements that mimic those in the body. This advance allows the production of tissue culture scaffolds containing multiple structurally and chemically distinct layers using common laboratory reagents and materials.

New integrated building model may improve fish farming operations

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:29 PM PST

Those who have ventured to turn a vacant barn or garage into an aquaculture business have too often been defeated by high energy and feed costs, building-related woes and serious environmental problems. Now researchers are melding building design, fish ecology and aquaculture engineering techniques into a first-of-its-kind "building-integrated aquaculture" (BIAq) model to offer an affordable, more holistic and sustainable approach to indoor fish production located close to markets and able to succeed even in cold climates.

An economic analysis of emerald ash borer management options

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:29 PM PST

A new study examines several options for managing the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that is destroying US ash trees.

New avenue for treating colon cancer

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:29 PM PST

Cell biologists have uncovered a new insight into colon cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The team analyzed human colon cancer specimens and found that in nearly 80 percent of them the variants of a gene (HNF4A) are out of balance. This imbalance appears to be the result of a complex, multi-step process by an enzyme (Src kinase).

Decoding the molecular machine behind E. coli and cholera

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:28 PM PST

Scientists have discovered the workings behind some of the bacteria that kill hundreds of thousands every year, possibly paving the way for new antibiotics that could treat infections more effectively.

A gentler way of doing brain surgery

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:26 PM PST

Brain surgery is getting much easier for many patients. Neurosurgeons are using catheters rather than open surgery to repair aneurysms and other defects. Patients recover in a few days, with less chance of cognitive deficits.

Creativity: Anyone can learn to be more inventive, expert says

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 02:26 PM PST

There will always be a wild, unpredictable quality to creativity and invention, says a cognitive psychology, because reaching an "Aha moment" means leaping tall mental obstacles. But he has developed a tookit for overcoming common roadblocks and improving problem-solving.

Fuel from market waste

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 10:58 AM PST

Mushy tomatoes, brown bananas and overripe cherries -- to date, waste from wholesale markets has ended up on the compost heap at best. In future it will be put to better use: Researchers have developed a new facility that ferments this waste to make methane, which can be used to power vehicles.

New technology platform for molecule-based electronics

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 10:53 AM PST

Researchers have developed a new nanotechnology platform for the development of molecule-based electronic components using the wonder material graphene.

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