| Extreme weather of last decade part of larger pattern linked to global warming Posted: 25 Mar 2012 02:32 PM PDT The past decade has been one of unprecedented weather extremes. Scientists now argue that the high incidence of extremes is not merely accidental. From the many single events a pattern emerges. At least for extreme rainfall and heat waves the link with human-caused global warming is clear, the scientists show in a new analysis of scientific evidence.  |
| Genetics of flu susceptibility: Why the flu is life-threatening for some, and quite mild for others Posted: 25 Mar 2012 02:31 PM PDT A genetic finding could help explain why influenza becomes a life-threatening disease to some people while it has only mild effects in others. New research has identified for the first time a human gene that influences how we respond to influenza infection.  |
| Materials Inspired by Mother Nature: One-Pound Boat That Could Float 1,000 Pounds Posted: 25 Mar 2012 02:30 PM PDT Combining the secrets that enable water striders to walk on water and give wood its lightness and strength yielded an amazing material so buoyant that, in everyday terms, a boat made from 1 pound of it could carry five kitchen refrigerators, about 1,000 pounds. It is one of the lightest solid substances in the world.  |
| Popcorn: The snack with even higher antioxidants levels than fruits and vegetables Posted: 25 Mar 2012 02:30 PM PDT Popcorn's reputation as a snack food that's actually good for health popped up a few notches today as scientists reported that it contains more of the healthful antioxidant substances called "polyphenols" than fruits and vegetables.  |
| Scientists identify novel pathway for T-cell activation in leprosy Posted: 25 Mar 2012 02:30 PM PDT Scientists have pinpointed a new mechanism that potently activates T-cells to fight leprosy. Specifically, the team studied how immune cells located at the site of infection, called dendritic cells, become more specialized to fight leprosy. Dendritic cells deliver key information about an invading pathogen that helps activate the T-cells in launching a more effective attack. The finding may have applications in combating other infectious diseases and cancer.  |
| A double ring ceremony prepares telomerase RNA to wed its protein partner Posted: 25 Mar 2012 02:30 PM PDT Few molecules are more interesting than DNA—except of course RNA. After two decades of research, that "other macromolecule" is no longer considered a mere messenger between glamorous DNA and protein-synthesizing machines. We now know that RNA has been leading a secret life, regulating gene expression and partnering with proteins to form catalytic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes.  |
| Incontinence 20 years after child birth three times more common after vaginal delivery Posted: 25 Mar 2012 07:26 AM PDT Women are nearly three times more likely to experience urinary incontinence for more than 10 years following a vaginal delivery rather than a caesarean section, finds new research.  |
| High blood sugar lowers chances of surviving a heart attack Posted: 25 Mar 2012 07:26 AM PDT Patients with high blood sugar run an increased risk of dying if they have a heart attack, and diabetics are less likely to survive in-hospital cardiac arrest than non-diabetics, reveals new research.  |
| The body's bacteria affect intestinal blood vessel formation Posted: 25 Mar 2012 07:26 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism which helps intestinal bacteria to affect the formation of blood vessels. The results may provide future treatments of intestinal diseases and obesity.  |
| Brushing teeth: New 'massage method' quadruples protection against tooth decay, study suggests Posted: 25 Mar 2012 07:26 AM PDT Do you really want to avoid cavities in your teeth? Try massaging them with a high-fluoride toothpaste after lunch. "Rubbing toothpaste onto your teeth increases the fluoride protection by 400%," says experts.  |
| Diabetes drug can prevent heart disease, new study suggests Posted: 25 Mar 2012 07:26 AM PDT The widely used diabetes medicine metformin can have protective effects on the heart, reveals a new study.  |
