ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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Electrons on the brink: Fractal patterns may be key to semiconductor magnetism (February 10, 2010) -- Scientists have observed electrons in a semiconductor on the brink of the metal-insulator transition for the first time. Caught in the act, the electrons formed complex patterns resembling those seen in turbulent fluids, confirming some long-held predictions and providing new insights into how semiconductors can be turned into magnets. The work also could lead to the production of smaller and more energy-efficient computers. ... > full story
Communication breakdown: What happens to nerve cells in Parkinson's disease (February 10, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered a molecular link between Parkinson's disease and defects in the ability of nerve cells to communicate. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease, and could lead to innovative new therapeutic strategies. ... > full story
High prevalence of atrial fibrillation found among cross-country skiers (February 10, 2010) -- At this year's Birkebeiner ski marathon, 12,000 cross-country skiers will line up for the 54 kilometer race, run almost every year since 1932. In 1976 almost 150 participants were invited to take part in a long-term study designed to discover the extent of latent heart disease in these elite cross-country skiers. Now, the results of the follow-up study have been published and suggest that long-distance competition skiers are at an unusually high risk of atrial fibrillation. ... > full story
Obese teens who receive gastric banding achieve significant weight loss (February 10, 2010) -- A higher percentage of severely obese adolescents who received laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding lost more than 50 percent of excess weight and experienced greater benefits to health and quality of life compared to those in an intensive lifestyle management program, according to a new study. ... > full story
Understanding cement, right down to the atomic scale (February 10, 2010) -- Two thousand years after the Romans invented cement, this material is still the most commonly used in construction throughout the world. Its complex internal structure means that many questions about this material continue to have unsatisfactory answers. ... > full story
Cell-phone bans while driving have more impact in dense, urban areas (February 10, 2010) -- A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas where there are fewer licensed drivers. ... > full story
Invasive plants are beneficiaries of climate change in Thoreau's woods (February 10, 2010) -- Invasive plants could become even more prevalent and destructive as climate change continues, according to a new analysis of data stretching back more than 150 years. The scientists who conducted the study say that non-native plants, and especially invasive species, appear to thrive during times of climate change because they're better able to adjust the timing of annual activities like flowering and fruiting. ... > full story
New proposed changes posted for leading manual of mental disorders: Draft diagnostic criteria for DSM-5 (February 10, 2010) -- The American Psychiatric Association has released the proposed draft diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The draft criteria represent content changes under consideration for DSM, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health and other health professionals, and is used for diagnostic and research purposes. ... > full story
Why did mammals survive the 'K/T extinction'? (February 10, 2010) -- Picture a dinosaur. Huge, menacing creatures, they ruled the Earth for nearly 200 million years, striking fear with every ground-shaking stride. Yet these great beasts were no match for a 6-mile wide meteor that struck near modern-day Mexico 65 million years ago, incinerating everything in its path. This catastrophic impact -- called the Cretaceous-Tertiary or K/T extinction event -- spelled doom for the dinosaurs and many other species. Some animals, however, including many small mammals, managed to survive. ... > full story
Antiretroviral therapy associated with increase in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa (February 10, 2010) -- A new study conducted in a multi-country HIV treatment program in sub-Saharan Africa has found that pregnancy rates increase in HIV-infected women after they start antiretroviral therapy. ... > full story
New perspective for understanding the mechanisms of catalytic conversion (February 10, 2010) -- The oxidation of toxic carbon monoxide (CO) to carbon dioxide occurs every day in millions of cars. Despite being one of the most studied catalytic processes, the exact mechanism of interaction between the carbon monoxide molecule and the catalyst, often platinum, is not fully understood. An important step in the reaction is the adsorption of CO on the surface of the catalyst. Scientists have now managed to see how the electrons in the platinum reorganize as the adsorption is taking place and why catalysts are “poisoned”, i.e. why their activity is reduced. ... > full story
Burglars have changed their 'shopping list', new research reveals (February 10, 2010) -- Research in the UK highlights a career change for criminals from the more traditional household burglaries to personal muggings. ... > full story
Anesthetic approach stops pain without affecting motor function (February 9, 2010) -- One of the holy grails of local anesthesia is the ability to achieve a long-lasting nerve block that eliminates pain sensation while not affecting motor function. Now, researchers have discovered an anesthetic approach that seems to do just that. ... > full story
New approach to treating breast and prostate cancers (February 9, 2010) -- In a new approach to developing treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer and enlarged hearts, researchers are zeroing in on a workhorse protein called RSK. When activated, RSK is involved in cell survival, cell proliferation, cell enlargement and a rare disease called Carney complex. ... > full story
Prion protein in cell culture (February 9, 2010) -- The fatal brain disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob in humans, BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in cattle and scrapie in sheep are so-called prion diseases, whereby one of the body's normal proteins, the prion protein PrPc misfolds into a pathogenic form: PrPSc. In spite of several years of extensive research, little is still known about what actually happens in this process. ... > full story
Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can undergo surgery sooner, shortening hospital stays (February 9, 2010) -- Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can safely undergo surgery within 48 hours of admission, a new approach that can shorten hospital stays. ... > full story
Locust study promises new insights into limb control (February 9, 2010) -- New research into how the brain controls the movements of limbs could prompt major advances in understanding the human brain and the development of prosthetic limbs. ... > full story
Family meals, adequate sleep and limited TV may lower childhood obesity (February 9, 2010) -- A new national study suggests that preschool-aged children are likely to have a lower risk for obesity if they regularly engage in one or more of three specific household routines: eating dinner as a family, getting adequate sleep and limiting their weekday television viewing time. The study showed that 4-year-olds living in homes with all three routines had an almost 40 percent lower prevalence of obesity than did children living in homes that practiced none of these routines. ... > full story
Moss helps chart the conquest of land by plants (February 9, 2010) -- Clues to how the first land plants managed to avoid drying out might be provided by bryophytes, a group that includes the mosses, many of which retain remarkable drought tolerance. Some mosses can become so dry they crumble in the hand, but, if remoistened, will begin making proteins within minutes. ... > full story
Brain protein for synapse development identified (February 9, 2010) -- A new study identifies for the first time a brain protein called SynDIG1 that plays a critical role in creating and sustaining synapses, the complex chemical signaling system responsible for communication between neurons. ... > full story
Great tits: Birds with character (February 9, 2010) -- Gene variation is the reason that some great tit populations are more curious than others. In humans and animals alike, individuals differ in sets of traits that we usually refer to as personality. An important part of the individual difference in personality is due to variation in the underlying genes. One gene, the dopamine receptor D4 gene, however, is known to influence novelty seeking and exploration behavior in a range of species, including humans and birds. Researchers now show that the gene’s influence on birds’ behavior differs markedly between wild populations of great tits. ... > full story
Study examines course and treatment of unexplained chest pain (February 9, 2010) -- Fewer than half of individuals who have "non-specific" chest pain (not explained by a well-known condition) experience relief from symptoms following standard medical care, according to a new study. In addition, one-tenth of those with persistent chest pain undergo potentially unnecessary diagnostic testing. ... > full story
Studies provide insight into key oat chemical (February 9, 2010) -- Agricultural scientists are helping to increase understanding about the environmental factors that regulate production of avenanthramides -- metabolites with potent antioxidant properties, in oat grain. ... > full story
The new civil defense: Researchers look at public's role in national cybersecurity (February 9, 2010) -- "Duck and cover!" should now be updated to "Scan and protect!" according to a new research article. Experts cite individual users as the weakest link in the nation's cybersecurity, and call for a new phase of civil defense. ... > full story
'Ingredients for life' present on Saturn's moon Enceladus, say scientists (February 9, 2010) -- Some of 'the major ingredients for life' are present on one of Saturn's moons, according to scientists. A team working on the Cassini-Huygens mission have found negatively charged water ions in the ice plume of Enceladus. Their analysis of data gathered during the spacecraft's plume fly-throughs in 2008 provide evidence for the presence of liquid water. ... > full story
Auto exhaust linked to thickening of arteries, possible increased risk of heart attack (February 9, 2010) -- Swiss, California and Spanish researchers have found that particulates from auto exhaust can lead to the thickening of artery walls, possibly increasing chances of a heart attack and stroke. ... > full story
Cars of the future could be powered by their bodywork, thanks to new battery technology (February 9, 2010) -- Parts of a car’s bodywork could one day double up as its battery, according to the scientists behind a new project in the UK. ... > full story
Dangers of older allergy drugs often underestimated and overlooked (February 9, 2010) -- Experts warn that older antihistamines in over-the-counter allergy medications -- the most common form of self-medication in allergic rhinitis -- may be hazardous to our health. A position paper reviews new data on the treatment of allergies with older antihistamines compared with newer, second-generation H1-antihistamines. ... > full story
Biologist solves mystery of tropical grasses' origin (February 9, 2010) -- Biologists have found that rainfall, not temperature, was the primary trigger for the evolutionary beginnings of C4 tropical grasses. ... > full story
'Counterfactual' thinkers are more motivated and analytical, study suggests (February 9, 2010) -- Counterfactual thinking -- considering a "turning point" moment in the past and alternate universes had it not occurred -- heightens one's perception of the moment as significant, and even fated, according to a new study. Armed with a sense that life may not be arbitrary, counterfactual thinkers are more motivated and analytical in organizational settings, the study suggests. ... > full story
Probing exoplanets from the ground: A little telescope goes a long way (February 9, 2010) -- NASA astronomers have successfully demonstrated that a David of a telescope can tackle Goliath-size questions in the quest to study Earth-like planets around other stars. Their work provides a new tool for ground-based observatories, promising to accelerate by years the search for prebiotic, or life-related, molecules on planets orbiting stars beyond our solar system. ... > full story
Poor hand-grip strength associated with poor survival (February 9, 2010) -- Poor or declining hand-grip strength in the oldest old is associated with poor survival and may be used as a tool to assess mortality, found a new article. The fastest growing segment of the elderly population is the group older than 85 years, classified as the oldest old. ... > full story
Detecting cancer early (February 9, 2010) -- A new testing method is being developed to detect cancer soon after the tumor has formed. It will identify characteristic substances in the blood which accompany a certain type of tumor. The first steps in the development have already been completed. ... > full story
Marijuana ineffective as an Alzheimer's treatment (February 9, 2010) -- The benefits of marijuana in tempering or reversing the effects of Alzheimer's disease have been challenged in a new study. ... > full story
Ultra-cold chemistry: First direct observation of exchange process in quantum gas (February 9, 2010) -- Considerable progresses made in controlling quantum gases open up a new avenue to study chemical processes. An Austrian research team has now succeeded in directly observing chemical exchange processes in an ultra-cold sample of cesium atoms and Feshbach molecules. ... > full story
Morality research sheds light on the origins of religion (February 9, 2010) -- The details surrounding the emergence and evolution of religion have not been clearly established and remain a source of much debate among scholars. Now, a new article brings a new understanding to this long-standing discussion by exploring the fascinating link between morality and religion. ... > full story
Brain location for fear of losing money pinpointed -- the amygdala (February 9, 2010) -- Two patients with rare lesions to the brain have provided direct of evidence of how we make decisions -- and what makes us dislike the thought of losing money. ... > full story
Mediterranean diet may lower risk of brain damage that causes thinking problems (February 9, 2010) -- A Mediterranean diet may help people avoid the small areas of brain damage that can lead to problems with thinking and memory, according to a new study. ... > full story
Beer is a rich source of silicon and may help prevent osteoporosis (February 9, 2010) -- A new study suggests that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon. ... > full story
Blueberries counteract intestinal diseases (February 9, 2010) -- It is already known that blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. New research shows that blueberry fiber is important and can alleviate and protect against intestinal inflammations, such as ulcerative colitis. The protective effect is even better if the blueberries are eaten together with probiotics. ... > full story
Plant derivative could help refine cancer treatment (February 9, 2010) -- Researchers are seeking to refine cancer treatment with an anti-inflammatory plant derivative long used in Chinese medicine. ... > full story
Music, not gadgets, related to teenagers' headaches (February 9, 2010) -- Use of most electronic media is not associated with headaches, at least not in adolescents. A study of 1,025 13- to 17-year-olds found no association between the use of computer games, mobile phones or television and the occurrence of headaches or migraines. However, listening to one or two hours of music every day was associated with a pounding head. ... > full story
Carcinogens form from third-hand smoke (February 9, 2010) -- Nicotine in third-hand smoke, the residue from tobacco smoke that clings to virtually all surfaces long after a cigarette has been extinguished, reacts with the common indoor air pollutant nitrous acid to produce dangerous carcinogens. ... > full story
Drug shows promise for Huntington's disease (February 9, 2010) -- An early stage clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon (latrepirdine) in people with Huntington's disease appears to be safe and may improve cognition. ... > full story
Smart coating opens door to safer hip, knee and dental implants (February 9, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a "smart coating" that helps surgical implants bond more closely with bone and ward off infection. ... > full story
High-altitude climbs may cause corneal swelling, but do not appear to affect vision (February 9, 2010) -- Swelling commonly occurs in the corneas of mountain climbers, but does not appear to affect vision at altitudes of up to 6,300 meters (about 20,670 feet), according to a new study. ... > full story
Will earlier springs throw nature out of step? (February 9, 2010) -- The recent trend towards earlier UK springs and summers has been accelerating, according to a new study. The research is the most comprehensive and rigorous assessment so far of long-term changes in the seasonal timing of biological events across marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments in the UK. ... > full story
Depressed people feel more gray than blue (February 9, 2010) -- People with anxiety and depression are most likely to use a shade of gray to represent their mental state. Researchers describe the development of a color chart, the Manchester Color Wheel, which can be used to study people's preferred pigment in relation to their state of mind. ... > full story
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