ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Tuesday, June 8, 2010
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Secondhand smoke associated with psychiatric distress, illness (June 8, 2010) -- Exposure to secondhand smoke appears to be associated with psychological distress and the risk of future psychiatric hospitalization among healthy adults, according to a new report. ... > full story
Simple eye test measures damage from multiple sclerosis, researchers find (June 8, 2010) -- A quick, painless eye measurement shows promise as a way to diagnose multiple sclerosis in its very early stages, and to track the effectiveness of treatments, researchers have found in a multicenter study. ... > full story
Florida ridges' mystery marine fossils tied to rising land, not seas, geologist says (June 8, 2010) -- Sea level has not been as high as the distinctive ridges that run down the length of Florida for millions of years. Yet recently deposited marine fossils abound in the ridges' sands. Now, a geologist may have helped crack that mystery. ... > full story
Gene loss can cause leukemia, researchers find (June 8, 2010) -- Researchers in Belgium have discovered a new factor in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a disease that mainly affects children. In the cells of the patients, the specific gene PTPN2 ceases to function, causing the cancer cells to survive longer and grow faster. The study provides genetic and functional evidence for a tumor suppressor role of PTPN2. ... > full story
Even small patches of urban woods are valuable for migrating birds (June 8, 2010) -- Even tiny patches of woods in urban areas seem to provide adequate food and protection for some species of migrating birds as they fly between wintering and breeding grounds, new research has found. The results are important because, with the expansion of cities worldwide, migrating land birds increasingly must pass through vast urban areas which offer very little of the forest habitats on which many species rely. ... > full story
Intimate partner violence against mothers associated with children's obesity (June 8, 2010) -- Children whose mothers report being abused by their partners appear more likely to be obese at age 5, according to a new report. ... > full story
Bats are keeping an ear out for kin (June 8, 2010) -- Bats can distinguish between the calls of their own and different species with their echolocation calls, report scientists. ... > full story
Genetic markers could predict prostate cancer in younger men, study finds (June 8, 2010) -- Prostate cancer has become more common in younger men, and it's often more aggressive in these men. A new study has found that a series of genetic mutations could help detect this early onset prostate cancer. ... > full story
Ironing out inflammation: Substance in iron metabolism displays life-saving potential for inflammatory diseases (June 8, 2010) -- In a surprising discovery that someday may lead to new treatments for many inflammatory diseases, scientists found that a hormone involved in iron metabolism can save mice from deadly acute inflammation. ... > full story
Cyclotrons could alleviate medical isotope shortage (June 8, 2010) -- The most widely used medical radioisotope, Technetium-99m (Tc-99m), is essential for an estimated 70,000 medical imaging procedures that take place daily around the world. Aging reactors, production intermittencies and threats of permanent reactor closures have researchers striving to develop alternative methods of supply. In a comparative study, researchers show that medical cyclotrons could be capable of producing this medical isotope. ... > full story
Racial disparities in asthma exist even among children with equal access to health care (June 8, 2010) -- Within a comprehensive health insurance system, black and Hispanic children appear more likely than white children to have asthma and their outcomes are often worse, according to a new study. ... > full story
Earth and Moon formed later than previously thought, new research suggests (June 7, 2010) -- Astronomers have theorized that the planet Earth and the Moon were created as the result of a giant collision between two planets the size of Mars and Venus. Until now, the collision was thought to have happened when the solar system was 30 million years old, or approximately 4,537 million years ago. But new research shows that Earth and the Moon must have formed much later -- perhaps up to 150 million years after the formation of the solar system. ... > full story
Monitoring cholesterol increases life expectancy, 25-year study finds (June 7, 2010) -- A new study definitively shows that those with decreased LDL cholesterol levels can count on an increased life expectancy. ... > full story
How mast cells set immune defense on the right track (June 7, 2010) -- Researchers in Germany have now been able to show that previously underrated immune cells, so-called mast cells, decide at a very early stage of an infection which way the defense has to go. They only produce the crucial messenger substance beta-interferon during a viral infection, not during a bacterial infection. ... > full story
New treatment method safe, effective for advanced melanoma patients, study suggests (June 7, 2010) -- Patients undergoing treatment for melanoma that has spread to the liver may respond well to chemotherapy delivered directly to the liver's blood vessels, according to a new study. ... > full story
New 'microbead' radiotherapy more effective with molecular imaging (June 7, 2010) -- Research may change the way that a novel form of radiotherapy is set up and tested prior to treatment. This technique, known as radiomicrosphere therapy, involves the injection of tiny highly radioactive beads that "nestle up" with cancerous tumors and destroy them with precision. ... > full story
Strangers influence our dating preferences (June 7, 2010) -- Many people think they have discriminating tastes when it comes to romance. A new study found that men and women are greatly influenced by what their friends and strangers think of their potential fling or partner. ... > full story
NASA rover finds clue to Mars' past and environment for life (June 7, 2010) -- Rocks examined by NASA's Spirit Mars Rover hold evidence of a wet, non-acidic ancient environment that may have been favorable for life. Confirming this mineral clue took four years of analysis by several scientists. ... > full story
Blocking DNA repair protein could lead to targeted, safer cancer therapy (June 7, 2010) -- Inhibiting a key molecule in a DNA repair pathway could provide the means to make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy while protecting healthy cells, according to new research. The findings provide new insights into mechanisms of how the body fixes environmentally induced DNA damage and into the deadly neurological disease ataxia-telangiectasia. ... > full story
NASA images show oil's invasion along Louisiana coast (June 7, 2010) -- New images, acquired on May 24, 2010 by the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) instrument aboard NASA's Terra spacecraft, show the encroachment of oil from the former Deepwater Horizon rig into Louisiana's wildlife habitats. ... > full story
Inspiratory muscle training and endurance sport performance (June 7, 2010) -- Strengthening inspiratory muscles by performing daily breathing exercises for six weeks significantly reduced the amount of oxygen these same breathing muscles required during exercise, possibly making more oxygen available for other muscles, new research suggests. ... > full story
Genome of bacteria responsible for tuberculosis of olive tree sequenced (June 7, 2010) -- Researchers have managed to sequence the genome of the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis in the olive tree. The study represents the first sequencing of the genome of a pathogenic bacteria undertaken in Spain, being the first genome known worldwide of a pathogenic Pseudomonas in woody plants. ... > full story
Binge drinkers report sub-optimal health status more often than non-binge drinkers (June 7, 2010) -- Binge drinking accounts for more than half of 79,000 excessive-drinking deaths annually in the United States. A new study has looked at heavy and binge drinking in relation to drinkers' own perceptions of their overall health status. Results show binge drinkers have a 13 to 23 percent greater likelihood of self-reporting fair to poor health status. ... > full story
Life on Titan? New clues to what's consuming hydrogen, acetylene on Saturn's moon (June 7, 2010) -- Two new papers based on data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft scrutinize the complex chemical activity on the surface of Saturn's moon Titan. While non-biological chemistry offers one possible explanation, some scientists believe these chemical signatures bolster the argument for a primitive, exotic form of life or precursor to life on Titan's surface. According to one theory put forth by astrobiologists, the signatures fulfill two important conditions necessary for a hypothesized "methane-based life." ... > full story
'Remote control' for cholesterol regulation discovered in brain (June 7, 2010) -- Circulation of cholesterol is regulated in the brain by the hunger-signaling hormone ghrelin, researchers say. The finding points to a new potential target for the pharmacologic control of cholesterol levels. ... > full story
Seal bulls in the service of science (June 7, 2010) -- "Gustavo" is an imposing bull always in search of the best feeding grounds. At the beginning of the Antarctic winter the mighty elephant seal bull and others were tagged with state-of-the-art satellite transmitters. Researchers will learn where the animals migrate, where they find prey at what depth and under what oceanographic conditions the food supply is good in the Southern Ocean. ... > full story
Hip exercises found effective at reducing, eliminating common knee pain in runners, study suggests (June 7, 2010) -- A twice weekly hip strengthening regimen performed for six weeks proved surprisingly effective at reducing -- and in some cases eliminating -- knee pain referred to as patellofemoral pain (PFP) in female runners. ... > full story
Untangling the mystery of knotted flex: Mass experiment to investigate one of the banes of everyday life (June 7, 2010) -- A UK scientist believes his "Loop Conjecture" theory can prevent knots in everything from simple flex through to mountain and sailing ropes and potentially DNA structure. ... > full story
Burger diet boosts kids' asthma and wheeze risk, study finds (June 7, 2010) -- Eating three or more burgers a week may boost a child's risk of asthma and wheeze -- at least in developed nations -- reveals a large international study. ... > full story
New technique turns proteins into glass: Could lead to new ways to deliver medication (June 7, 2010) -- Researchers have devised a method to dry and preserve proteins in a glassified form that seems to retain the molecules' properties as workhorses of biology. ... > full story
Artificial sweeteners, without the aftertaste: Scientists find bitter-blocking ingredient (June 7, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a chemical that specifically blocks people's ability to detect the bitter aftertaste that comes with artificial sweeteners such as saccharin. The key is a molecule known only as GIV3727 that specifically targets and inhibits a handful of human bitter taste receptors, according to a new report. ... > full story
Next generation CT scanner views whole organs in a heartbeat (June 7, 2010) -- A next generation CT scanner allows doctors to image an entire organ in less than a second or track blood flow through the brain or to a tumor -- all with less radiation exposure to patients. ... > full story
Study of microRNA helps scientists unlock secrets of immune cells (June 7, 2010) -- With the rapid and continuous advances in biotechnology, scientists are better able to see inside the nucleus of a cell to unlock the secrets of its genetic material. However, what happens outside of the nucleus has, in many ways, remained a mystery. Now, researchers are closer to understanding how activity outside of the nucleus determines a cell's behavior. ... > full story
Sowing seeds with new agricultural carbon accounting tool (June 7, 2010) -- Carbon dioxide emissions from agricultural activity in the United States can now be tracked with unprecedented resolution, thanks to a recently developed carbon accounting tool. ... > full story
New intervention to reduce self-stigma among persons with serious mental illness (June 7, 2010) -- A new intervention was found to reduce the self-stigma and improve the quality of life and self-esteem among persons with serious mental illness. ... > full story
Hold the salt: Engineers develop revolutionary new desalination membrane (June 7, 2010) -- Researchers have unveiled a new class of reverse-osmosis membranes for desalination that resist the clogging which typically occurs when seawater, brackish water and waste water are purified. The highly permeable, surface-structured membrane can easily be incorporated into today's commercial production system, the researchers say, and could help to significantly reduce desalination operating costs. ... > full story
Do we clamp the umbilical cord too soon? Early clamping may interrupt humankind's first 'natural stem cell transplant' (June 7, 2010) -- The timing of umbilical cord clamping at birth remains controversial. The cord has been clamped early to facilitate resuscitation and stabilization of infants. Now, a new review paper suggests clamping should be delayed in normal births to tap the physiological benefits of "nature's first stem cell transplant." ... > full story
Silver nanoparticles mitigate the cell damage caused by ethanol, study suggests (June 7, 2010) -- In a new study, researchers in Spain describe how nanoparticles formed by very small numbers of silver atoms can protect against the cell damage caused by ethanol. ... > full story
Growth hormone safe for infants with chronic kidney failure, study finds (June 7, 2010) -- Infants with chronic renal failure (CRF) grow slowly, a problem that usually improves with aggressive nutritional therapy. When it doesn't, growth hormone is a safe and effective treatment to promote growth, according to a new study. ... > full story
New approach to finding and removing defects in graphene (June 7, 2010) -- Scientists have pinpointed the noncarbon atoms that create defects when graphene is produced through a technique called graphene-oxide reduction. The researchers have also proposed how to make that technique more efficient by precisely applying hydrogen -- rather than heat -- to remove the impurities. ... > full story
Strategy may help translate research findings about blood-pressure treatment into clinical practice (June 7, 2010) -- Academic detailing -- a method involving face-to-face education of clinicians by investigators trained to present trial findings and guidelines -- may have been associated with a small change in prescribing patterns for patients with high blood pressure, according to a new report. ... > full story
Cockroaches share 'recommendations' of best food sources, research finds (June 7, 2010) -- Ever wondered how cockroaches seem to know the best place to grab a meal? New research suggests that, just like humans, they share their local knowledge of the best food sources and follow 'recommendations' from others. ... > full story
New treatment regimen shown effective against advanced ovarian cancer, study suggests (June 7, 2010) -- Newly reported results from a major clinical trial show that adding bevacizumab (Avastin) to standard frontline chemotherapy for women with advanced ovarian cancer and then continuing a maintenance dose of the drug afterwards significantly extends progression-free survival. Women receiving the new treatment regimen saw no worsening of their disease for 14.1 months, compared to 10.3 months for women receiving standard therapy. ... > full story
Selenium shows no benefit in prevention of lung cancer, study suggests (June 7, 2010) -- Selenium, a supplement taken daily by millions in hopes of protection against cancer and a host of other diseases, has proven to be of no benefit in reducing a patient's risk of developing lung cancer -- either a recurrence or second primary malignancy, according to results of an international Phase III clinical trial. ... > full story
New standards for reliable fisheries: Preserving population diversity stabilizes fisheries, ecosystems, and economies (June 7, 2010) -- The many populations of sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska, act like a diversified portfolio of investments, buffering fisheries from the ups and downs of particular stocks. A new study quantifies, for the first time, how much depends on this "portfolio effect." Without its current population diversity, the Bristol Bay sockeye fishery would close ten times more frequently -- once every two to three years rather than once every 25 years. ... > full story
Adolescent brains biologically wired to engage in risky behavior, study finds (June 6, 2010) -- There are biological motivations behind the stereotypically poor decisions and risky behavior associated with adolescence, psychologists reveal. ... > full story
Body's own proteins may lead the way in global fight against tuberculosis (June 6, 2010) -- Scientists hope to counter the re-emerging threat of tuberculosis with help from proteins within our bodies. In new research, scientists show how the protein CCL5 plays a protective role in helping the body ward off TB in early stages of infection. CCL5 is a member of a large family of proteins responsible for immune cell migration toward infection sites. ... > full story
Lead in ammunition contaminates game meat (June 6, 2010) -- Eating the meat of animals hunted using lead ammunition can be more dangerous for health than was previously thought, especially for children and people who consume large quantities. ... > full story
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