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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News


New drug reverses memory deficits and slows Alzheimer's in mice

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:24 PM PDT

A drug known as J147 reverses memory deficits and slows Alzheimer's disease in aged mice following short-term treatment. The findings may pave the way to a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease in humans.

Tumor-activated protein promotes cancer spread

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:23 PM PDT

Researchers report that cancers physically alter cells in the lymphatic system – a network of vessels that transports and stores immune cells throughout the body – to promote the spread of disease, a process called metastasis.

Scientists find extensive glacial retreat in Mount Everest region

Posted: 13 May 2013 02:48 PM PDT

Researchers taking a new look at the snow and ice covering Mount Everest and the national park that surrounds it are finding abundant evidence that the world's tallest peak is shedding its frozen cloak. The scientists have also been studying temperature and precipitation trends in the area and found that the Everest region has been warming while snowfall has been declining since the early 1990s.

Satellites see double jeopardy for Southern California fire season

Posted: 13 May 2013 02:45 PM PDT

New insights into two factors that are creating a potentially volatile Southern California wildfire season come from an ongoing project using NASA and Indian satellite data by scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.; and Chapman University, Orange, Calif.

Oldest fossil hominin ear bones ever recovered: Discovery could yield important clues on human origins

Posted: 13 May 2013 02:43 PM PDT

Anthropologists could shed new light on the earliest existence of humans. The study analyzed the tiny ear bones, the malleus, incus and stapes, from two species of early human ancestor in South Africa.

Leap in leukemia treatment

Posted: 13 May 2013 02:43 PM PDT

Doctors have found a combination of drugs to potentially treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) more effectively. The research helps address a basic problem of treating CLL.

Seabird bones reveal changes in open-ocean food chain

Posted: 13 May 2013 02:43 PM PDT

Remains of endangered Hawaiian petrels -- both ancient and modern -- show how drastically today's open seas fish menu has changed. Scientists analyzed the bones of Hawaiian petrels -- birds that spend the majority of their lives foraging the open waters of the Pacific. They found that the substantial change in petrels' eating habits, eating prey that are lower rather than higher in the food chain, coincides with the growth of industrialized fishing.

Salt levels in food still dangerously high

Posted: 13 May 2013 02:40 PM PDT

The dangerously high salt levels in processed food and fast food remain unchanged, despite numerous calls from health agencies for the food industry to voluntarily reduce sodium. Excess sodium in the diet is a major cause of high blood pressure and prematurely kills up to 150,000 people in the US each year. The government must regulate sodium, the study says.

Individual and small-chain restaurant meals exceed recommended daily calorie needs

Posted: 13 May 2013 02:40 PM PDT

Researchers analyzed meals from independent and small-chain restaurants, which account for approximately 50% of the nation's restaurant locations. They found that the average single meal contained two to three times the estimated calorie needs of an individual adult at a single meal and 66% of typical daily calorie requirements.

New method of finding planets scores its first discovery

Posted: 13 May 2013 12:28 PM PDT

Detecting alien worlds presents a significant challenge since they are small, faint, and close to their stars. The two most prolific techniques for finding exoplanets are radial velocity (looking for wobbling stars) and transits (looking for dimming stars). Astronomers have just discovered an exoplanet using a new method that relies on Einstein's special theory of relativity.

Master regulator that drives majority of lymphoma discovered

Posted: 13 May 2013 12:28 PM PDT

A soon-to-be-tested class of drug inhibitors were predicted to help a limited number of patients with B-cell lymphomas with mutations affecting the EZH2 protein. However medical researchers now report that these agents may, in fact, help a much broader cross section of lymphoma patients.

Brain frontal lobes not sole center of human intelligence, comparative research suggests

Posted: 13 May 2013 12:28 PM PDT

Human intelligence cannot be explained by the size of the brain's frontal lobes, say researchers. Research into the comparative size of the frontal lobes in humans and other species has determined that they are not -- as previously thought -- disproportionately enlarged relative to other areas of the brain, according to the most accurate and conclusive study of this area of the brain. It concludes that the size of our frontal lobes cannot solely account for humans' superior cognitive abilities.

Receptor proteins could hold clues to antibiotic resistance in MRSA

Posted: 13 May 2013 12:27 PM PDT

Scientists have identified four new proteins that act as  receptors for an essential signalling molecule in bacteria such as MRSA.

Using earthquake sensors to track endangered whales

Posted: 13 May 2013 12:24 PM PDT

Oceanographers used data from seafloor seismometers to analyze more than 300,000 fin-whale calls. By triangulating the position they created more than 150 tracks off the Pacific Northwest coast.

N. C. coal plant emissions might play role in state suicide numbers

Posted: 13 May 2013 12:24 PM PDT

New research finds that suicide, while strongly associated with psychiatric conditions, also correlates with environmental pollution.

Fish oil doesn't seem to help age-related macular degeneration

Posted: 13 May 2013 12:24 PM PDT

A large-scale study of age-related macular degeneration suggests fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids do not alter the progression of age-related macular degeneration, and that lutein and zeaxanthin may be safer than beta-carotene in reducing risk of disease progression.

Out of sync: Body clocks altered at cell level in depression

Posted: 13 May 2013 12:23 PM PDT

Every cell in our bodies runs on a 24-hour clock, tuned to the night-day, light-dark cycles that have ruled us since the dawn of humanity. But new research shows that the clock may be broken in the brains of people with depression -- even at the level of the gene activity inside their brain cells.

Grammar errors? The brain detects them even when you are unaware

Posted: 13 May 2013 10:15 AM PDT

Your brain often works on autopilot when it comes to grammar. That theory has been around for years, but neuroscientists have now captured elusive hard evidence that people indeed detect and process grammatical errors with no awareness of doing so.

Possible new acute leukemia marker, treatment target identified

Posted: 13 May 2013 10:15 AM PDT

A study has identified microRNA-155 as a new independent prognostic marker and treatment target in patients with acute myeloid leukemia that has normal-looking chromosomes under the microscope (that is, cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia). The findings suggest that this molecule is important in leukemia development and should be targeted by a drug that will inhibit it.

When deciding how to bet, less detailed information may be better

Posted: 13 May 2013 09:33 AM PDT

People are worse at predicting whether a sports team will win, lose, or tie when they bet on the final score than when they bet on the overall outcome, according to a new study.

Reversing paralysis with a restorative gel

Posted: 13 May 2013 09:33 AM PDT

Scientists have invented a method for repairing damaged peripheral nerves using a biodegradable implant along with a newly-developed gel that increases nerve growth and healing, ultimately restoring function to a torn or damaged nerve. The therapy is only a few years away from clinical use, say the researchers.

Routine screening for depression not recommended for adults with no apparent symptoms of depression

Posted: 13 May 2013 09:33 AM PDT

For adults with no apparent symptoms of depression, routine screening is not recommended in primary care settings because of the lack of high-quality evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for depression, according to new evidence-based guidelines.

Heart disease: Healthy lifestyle offsets work-related stress, study suggests

Posted: 13 May 2013 09:33 AM PDT

People with job stress and an unhealthy lifestyle are at higher risk of coronary artery disease than people who have job stress but lead healthy lifestyles, found a new study.

New non-GM technology platform for genetic improvement of sunflower oilseed crop

Posted: 13 May 2013 09:32 AM PDT

Scientists have developed techniques for the genetic improvement of sunflowers using a non-GMO based approach. The new technology platform can harness the plant's own genes to improve characteristics of sunflower, develop genetic traits, which will improve its role as an important oilseed crop.

Mechanism that puts the curl in the curling stone revealed

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:52 AM PDT

Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden can now reveal the mechanism behind the curved path of a curling stone. The discovery by the researchers, who usually study friction and wear in industrial and technical applications.

Global warming trends contribute to spread of West Nile virus to new regions in Europe

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:52 AM PDT

Global warming trends have a significant influence on the spread of West Nile Virus to new regions in Europe and neighboring countries, where the disease wasn't present before, according to a new study. The study found that rising temperatures have a more considerable contribution than humidity, to the spread of the disease, while the effect of rain was inconclusive.

Physicists light 'magnetic fire' to reveal energy's path

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:52 AM PDT

Physicists have uncovered how energy is released and dispersed in magnetic materials in a process akin to the spread of forest fires, a finding that has the potential to deepen our understanding of self-sustained chemical reactions.

Terahertz technology: Seeing more with less

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:50 AM PDT

Single-chip integration of the components needed for sending and receiving terahertz radiation should help applications in imaging and communication.

Metallic glass: How nanoscale islands react under strain

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:49 AM PDT

High-level simulations reveal that plastic deformation in super-resilient alloys is governed by atomic zones with characteristic lengths.

Data storage: Synchronized at the 'write time'

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:49 AM PDT

Numerical simulations show how to avoid imperfections in the next generation of high-density data storage.

Serotonin mediates exercise-induced generation of new neurons

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:09 AM PDT

Mice that exercise in running wheels exhibit increased neurogenesis in the brain. Crucial to this process is serotonin signaling. Surprisingly, mice lacking brain serotonin due to a genetic mutation exhibited normal baseline neurogenesis. However, in these serotonin-deficient mice, activity-induced proliferation was impaired, and wheel running did not induce increased generation of new neurons.

Bird flu in live poultry markets are the source of viruses causing human infections

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:09 AM PDT

On 31 March 2013, the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission announced human cases of novel H7N9 influenza virus infections. Scientists have now investigated the origins of this novel H7N9 influenza virus.

Molecular basis of strawberry aroma

Posted: 13 May 2013 08:09 AM PDT

You know that summer is here when juicy red strawberries start to appear on the shelves. In Germany, this seasonal fruit has never been more popular: on average 3.5 kilos per head were consumed in 2012 -- a full kilogram more than ten years ago. Scientists decided to find out what gives strawberries their characteristic flavor.

Photonic quantum computers: A brighter future than ever

Posted: 13 May 2013 07:38 AM PDT

Harnessing the unique features of the quantum world promises a dramatic speed-up in information processing as compared to the fastest classical machines. Scientists have succeeded in prototyping a new and highly resource efficient model of a quantum computer -- the boson sampling computer.

Western Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami hazard potential greater than previously thought

Posted: 13 May 2013 07:37 AM PDT

Earthquakes similar in magnitude to the 2004 Sumatra earthquake could occur in an area beneath the Arabian Sea at the Makran subduction zone, according to recent research.

Solar panels as inexpensive as paint?

Posted: 13 May 2013 07:36 AM PDT

Researchers are helping develop a new generation of photovoltaic cells that produce more power and cost less to manufacture than what's available today.

Not all cytokine-producing cells start out the same way

Posted: 13 May 2013 06:57 AM PDT

Not all IL17-producing cells are the same, and the rules regarding how particular cell types are instructed to produce this important mediator differ. Understanding the rules that govern IL17 cell development and function will suggest ways to specifically modulate one population or the other.

World first clinical trial supports use of Kava to treat anxiety

Posted: 13 May 2013 06:57 AM PDT

A world-first completed clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava, a medicinal South Pacific plant, significantly reduced the symptoms of people suffering anxiety.

Poultry drug increases levels of toxic arsenic in chicken meat

Posted: 13 May 2013 06:50 AM PDT

Chickens likely raised with arsenic-based drugs result in chicken meat that has higher levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen, according to a new study.

Less oxygen triggers grasshopper molting, farmers could benefit

Posted: 13 May 2013 06:50 AM PDT

Less oxygen means shorter time between molts, which means shorter life-span, which means fewer hungry grasshoppers. And for farmers, that's very good news. A recent study offers insight into the relationship between respiratory function and molting that could help farmers save more of their crops.

Breakthrough in the understanding of how pancreatic cancer cells ingest nutrients points to new drug target

Posted: 13 May 2013 06:50 AM PDT

In a landmark cancer study, researchers have unraveled a longstanding mystery about how pancreatic tumor cells feed themselves, opening up new therapeutic possibilities for a notoriously lethal disease with few treatment options. Pancreatic cancer kills nearly 38,000 Americans annually, making it a leading cause of cancer death. The life expectancy for most people diagnosed with it is less than a year.

Land management options outlined to address cheatgrass invasion

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:33 AM PDT

A new study suggests that overgrazing and other factors increase the severity of cheatgrass invasion in sagebrush steppe, one of North America's most endangered ecosystems. Researchers said one of the most effective restoration approaches would be to minimize the cumulative impact of grazing, by better managing the timing, frequency of grazing and number of animals.

To suppress or to explore? Emotional strategy may influence anxiety

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:33 AM PDT

When trouble approaches, what do you do? Run for the hills? Pretend it isn't there? Hide? Or do you focus on the promise of rain in those looming dark clouds? New research suggests that the way you regulate your emotions, in bad times and in good, can influence whether -- or how much -- you suffer from anxiety.

As Canada takes Arctic Council helm, experts stress north's vulnerability to spills, emergencies

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:33 AM PDT

It is crucial that northern nations strengthen response capabilities to shipping-related accidents foreseen in newly-opened northern waters, as well as to more-common local emergencies such as floods, forest fires and rescue situations, experts say.

New model to recommend media content according to your preferences

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:31 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a model capable to recommend audiovisual content to each user based on their own media consumption and intrinsic features of images and videos.

Improving communication during disasters

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:30 AM PDT

A small armband which can be attached to the injured. An information board containing a complete visual record of events. This is technology helping to improve communications during major national disasters.

Oxygen consumption of individual cells measured: Scanning electrochemical microscopy decisively optimized

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:30 AM PDT

How active a living cell is can be seen by its oxygen consumption. The method for determining this consumption has now been significantly improved. The problem up to now was that the measuring electrode altered the oxygen consumption in the cell's environment much more than the cell itself.

Family trees for yeast cells

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:30 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a revolutionary method to analyze the genomes of yeast families.

How multitasking can improve judgments

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:30 AM PDT

Multitasking does not always result in poor judgments. In fact, multitasking can improve performance -- provided that the task at hand can be best resolved by using a simpler, less demanding strategy, according to new research.

Agent orange exposure linked to life-threatening prostate cancer

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:30 AM PDT

A new analysis has found a link between exposure to Agent Orange and lethal forms of prostate cancer among US Veterans. The findings suggest that Agent Orange exposure history should be incorporated into prostate screening decisions for Veterans.

Early formula use helps some mothers breastfeed longer

Posted: 13 May 2013 05:28 AM PDT

Recent public health efforts have focused extensively on reducing the amount of formula babies are given in the hospital after birth. But in the first randomized trial of its kind, researchers have found that giving small amounts of formula in the first few days of life to infants experiencing high levels of early weight loss actually can increase the length of time their mothers end up breastfeeding.

Mutation causing wrong-way plumbing explains one type of blue-baby syndrome

Posted: 12 May 2013 11:06 AM PDT

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, one type of "blue baby" syndrome, is a potentially deadly congenital disorder that occurs when pulmonary veins don't connect normally to the left atrium of the heart. TAPVC babies are born cyanotic from lack of oxygen. Semaphorin 3d guides the development of endothelial cells and is crucial for normal development of pulmonary veins. Mutations in Sema3d cause embryonic blood vessels to hook up in the wrong way.

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