Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for November 16, 2010:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Researchers find faster way to produce efficient nano-vehicles for gene delivery- Anthropologist challenges Lucy's butchery tool use
- 'Space-time cloak' to conceal events revealed in new study
- Pedestrians follow the herd instinct when crossing the road
- Researchers link cerebral malaria to epilepsy, behavior disorders
- Nanotechnology: A dead end for plant cells?
- New possibilities for solar energy with molecular 'stencils'
- Breaking Antarctica's ice
- Gene linked to ADHD allows memory task to be interrupted by brain regions tied to daydreaming
- Imaging tool may aid nanoelectronics by screening tiny tubes
- More evidence that melanoma does not conform to the cancer stem cell model
- Astronomers discover merging star systems that might explode (w/ Video)
- DNA weaving: Two-dimensional crystals from DNA origami tiles
- Detecting cancer with the prick of a finger (w/ Video)
- Linking geometric problems to physics could open door to new solutions
Space & Earth news
Paraguay nixes expedition to remote tribal region
Paraguay suspended a British scientific expedition into the remote Chaco woodlands after indigenous rights groups raised concerns over the welfare of protected tribes in the region.
LASCO coronagraphs obtain the first complete solar cycle set of CME observations
Naval Research Laboratory scientists have analyzed and developed the first comprehensive empirical characterization of solar Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) size, speed, mass, and kinetic energy.
The time to prepare for climate change is now
Though the massive glaciers of the greater Himalayan region are retreating slowly, development agencies can take steps now to help the region's communities prepare for the many ways glacier melt is expected to impact their lives, according to a new report. Programs that integrate health, education, the environment and social organizations are needed to adequately address these impacts, the report states.
Nearly all Gulf of Mexico waters open to fishing after spill
Nearly all US federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico are now open to fishing, in the latest sign of recovery from a huge oil spill, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Monday.
Fading fish stocks driving Asian sea rivalries
Maritime incidents in the East and South China Seas, such as the one that sparked a major row between China and Japan, could intensify in a fight over dwindling fish stocks, experts say.
Lower part of Earth's atmosphere is warming, data review concludes
(PhysOrg.com) -- The troposphere, the lower part of the atmosphere closest to the Earth, is warming in ways that are broadly consistent with both theoretical expectations and climate models, according to a new scientific study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the NOAA-North Carolina State University Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites (CICS).
Cosmonauts complete spacewalk
Expedition 25 Flight Engineers Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Skripochka ended Monday’s spacewalk at 4:22 p.m. EST. The excursion lasted six hours and 27 minutes.
Satellites track Mt Merapi volcanic ash clouds
Since its latest series of deadly eruptions, Java’s Mt Merapi has been spewing volcanic ash clouds into the air. Satellite data are crucial for assessing the eruption’s danger to air traffic and public safety.
Mining on the moon could actually happen, someday: researcher
While lunar mining might some day be economically feasible for countries and companies, a Missouri University of Science and Technology researcher believes strongly that mining in space is essential to the very survival of our species.
Newly discovered drumlin field provides answers about glaciation and climate
The landform known as a drumlin, created when the ice advanced during the Ice Age, can also be produced by today's glaciers. This discovery, made by researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, has just been published in the scientific journal Geology.
Tahoe analysis adds 'when' and 'how much' to climate-change forecasts
UC Davis scientists today issued the most detailed forecast to date of likely climate-change effects at Lake Tahoe, complete with estimates of when those effects might be seen and how big they might be.
Sulfur dioxide in Venus' atmosphere could be key to fighting global warming on Earth
An international team, including Jean-Loup Bertaux, CNRS senior researcher, has discovered a layer of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in the upper atmosphere of Venus. The researchers obtained this result using measurements performed by ESA's Venus Express spacecraft. They propose a new mechanism to explain this unexpected result. SO2 is of particular interest to them since this gas could be used to cool down the Earth via a geo-engineering process put forward by Chemistry Nobel Laureate Paul Crutzen.
Caribbean reef ecosystems may not survive repeated stress
Coral reefs suffered record losses as a consequence of high ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean in 2005 according to the most comprehensive documentation of basin-scale bleaching to date. Collaborators from 22 countries report that more than 80 percent of surveyed corals bleached and over 40 percent of the total surveyed died, making this the most severe bleaching event ever recorded in the basin. The study appears in PLoS ONE, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication.
Japan confirms space probe brought home asteroid dust (Update)
A Japanese deep-space probe became the first ever to collect asteroid dust, during a seven-year odyssey that ended with its return to Earth over the Australian desert this year, Japan said Tuesday.
Declining nitrogen availability reduces CO2 fertilization effects
Climate models that project future atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations should include a coupled nitrogen cycle, a team of researchers led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory has concluded.
Breaking Antarctica's ice
Over the course of the past decade, NASA spacecraft have identified several sites on Mars where conditions capable of supporting life existed in the past. One of the most promising of these sites, and a good candidate for a follow-up mission designed explicitly to look for signs of life, is the shallow subsurface at the Phoenix landing site in the arctic northern plains of Mars. Indeed, the region where Phoenix landed some scientists believe, may still be habitable today.
Astronomers discover merging star systems that might explode (w/ Video)
Sometimes when you're looking for one thing, you find something completely different and unexpected. In the scientific endeavor, such serendipity can lead to new discoveries. Today, researchers who found the first hypervelocity stars escaping the Milky Way announced that their search also turned up a dozen double-star systems. Half of those are merging and might explode as supernovae in the astronomically near future.
Technology news
Pope goes HD with Vatican's new high-definition TV
(AP) -- The pope is going HD.
APS releases report on renewable energy and the electricity grid
U.S. policymakers must focus more closely on developing new energy storage technologies as they consider a national renewable electricity standard, according to one of the principal recommendations in a newly released report, Integrating Renewable Electricity on the Grid, by the American Physical Society's Panel on Public Affairs (POPA). Establishing a national renewable electricity standard will help to unify the fragmented U.S. grid system—an important step in the wider adoption of using more wind and solar for energy generation.
INL software helps improve performance of the world's largest automotive vehicle fleet
If you owned a fleet of 650,000-plus vehicles that are driven some 5 billion miles a year and use the equivalent of 390 million gallons of gasoline, how would you keep track of them all?
Northeastern researchers made the call on 'zombie virus'
Northeastern University researchers predicted last year that major Smartphone viruses will become a real threat to devices such as Blackberrys and iPhones once a particular operating system approaches a 10 percent market share. Based on news reports indicating that more than one million Smartphones in China have been hit with such a virus, it appears their predictions have been realized.
Google denounces Web curbs as '21st century trade barriers'
Google on Monday decried restrictions on the Internet by China, Vietnam and other countries, calling them the "trade barriers of the 21st century" and making a case for new trade rules and talks.
Beatles coming to iTunes: WSJ
Apple is preparing to announce that its online entertainment store iTunes will start carrying music by the Beatles, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
Google Hotpot lets friends share hotspots
Google launched a Hotpot recommendation engine that lets people tap into the tastes of trusted friends when it comes to local shops, restaurants, theaters and more.
Microsoft sells one million Kinects in 10 days
Microsoft said it sold one million Kinect motion-sensing controllers for the Xbox 360 videogame console in 10 days and is on pace to sell five million by the end of the year.
Infineon swings into profit, pays first dividend since 2001
German chip maker Infineon Tuesday posted a healthy profit for its fiscal year 2010 and rewarded its shareholders by paying out its first dividend for nine years.
Researchers announce saturation of first commercial 100 gigabit link
Indiana University and four research technology partners have succeeded in using the Lustre file system over a wide area network (WAN), saturating the world's first commercial 100 gigabit link.
Intel teams up with leading researchers to make football helmets safer
Intel today announced that it is collaborating with industry experts and several universities to tackle the issue of football-related head injuries.
Israeli high tech adjusts to Asian challenge
(AP) -- It's well known that the emergence of India and China is casting a shadow on the developed economies of Europe and North America. Less famous is the challenge facing Israel: With the Jewish state having quietly prospered as a global haven of innovation, key players here are asking whether the Asian giants might steal their high-tech thunder.
China video-sharing site Youku files for IPO in US
China's biggest online video-hosting site Youku.com is seeking to raise up to 150 million dollars in a US initial public offering as it jostles with domestic rival Tudou.com for top position.
Yahoo! adds Twitter, Zynga, and local deals
Yahoo! on Tuesday meshed microblogging sensation Twitter and social game star Zynga into its websites as the faded Internet pioneer strived to stay relevant in a changing online world.
Pellets reduce costs, but not enough for cellulosic ethanol producers
Despite reducing transportation and handling costs, pelletizing cellulosic biomass would not be cost-effective for ethanol producers, according to a Purdue University study.
Apple says iTunes will sell music from Beatles (Update)
(AP) -- "Beatles for Sale" is finally for sale on iTunes - along with the rest of the Fab Four's albums, from "Please Please Me" to "Revolver" to "Abbey Road."
Engineers test effects of fire on steel structures
Researchers at Purdue University are studying the effects of fire on steel structures, such as buildings and bridges, using a one-of-a-kind heating system and a specialized laboratory for testing large beams and other components.
After tussle, Google Voice application comes to iPhone
Google launched a Google Voice for the iPhone application Tuesday after a lengthy dispute with Apple that drew the attention of US government telecom regulators.
Medicine & Health news
Prescribed medicines are responsible for over 3 percent of road traffic crashes in France
To mark The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which takes place on Sunday November 21st, PLoS Medicine publishes two research articles on Road Traffic Crashes.
Disruptive behaviour disorders in male teenagers associated with increased risk of road crashes
Disruptive behaviour disorders in male teenagers, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder are associated with about a one-third increase in the risk of being seriously injured in a road traffic crash – either as driver or pedestrian. This increase is similar to the increased relative risk found for patients treated for epilepsy.
Strengthening health systems research to achieve health-related Millennium Development Goals
A major obstacle to achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals is the weakness of the health systems in many low and middle income countries, and their struggle to effectively provide health care to populations in need. Research into health systems aims to improve health care delivery; however, multiple definitions of this type of research exist and this lack of clarity is negatively affecting the credibility, and hence progress, of this research.
Social costs of achievement vary by race/ethnicity, school features
Doing well in school and feeling accepted by your peers are both important challenges during adolescence. Sometimes these don't fit well together, as when teens are ostracized for being smart. A new study has found that such pressures differ for teens in different racial/ethnic groups, and that characteristics of the teens' schools also play a role.
Radiation fears should not deter women from mammography screening
The risk of radiation-induced breast cancer from mammography screening is slight in comparison to the benefit of expected lives saved, according to a new study appearing online and in the January issue of the journal Radiology.
Studying our emotional life
Lisa Feldman Barrett, a psychology professor, says that our mood has a direct effect on our perception of the world. When we’re happy, she says, we’ll see neutral faces as smiling. When we’re sad, they’ll appear as scowls.
Increased age of sexual consent in Canada may not protect teens at greatest risk: study
The increase in the legal age of sexual consent from 14 to 16 years in 2008 may not be protecting those at greatest risk, according to researchers who have analyzed British Columbia population-based data and recommend additional strategies to safeguard vulnerable children and teens.
Study takes first steps to improve the quality of health care for chronically ill children
Children with chronic health conditions such as cystic fibrosis, type 1 diabetes, sickle cell diseases and cerebral palsy represent less than two percent of the population but can consume more than 50 percent of resources at children's hospitals throughout the country. Coordinating care for these children has historically been difficult because hospitals have varying methods to identify them in their systems. In a new study led by John Neff, MD, of Seattle Children's Research Institute, researchers developed a unique method to identify children with serious lifelong chronic conditions using hospital discharge data that will enable children's hospitals to improve the quality of care for these patients and reduce costs. The study, "Identifying Children with Lifelong Chronic Conditions for Care Coordination Using Hospital Discharge Data," published online November 15 in Academic Pediatrics.
Animal studies suggest new paths to treating depression
New animal research has identified factors, such as the stress response and immune system, that may play important roles in depression. Scientists have also found that the regulation of nerve cell signals influences depression in animals, and that new drug combinations may more effectively treat it. The findings were presented at Neuroscience 2010, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world's largest source of emerging news on brain science and health.
Oxytocin medication often unnecessary in normal deliveries
It is standard practice in Swedish delivery rooms to use oxytocin to stimulate a labour that has been slow to start or has grind to a halt for a few hours. However, it is also fine to wait for a further three hours in first-time mothers, reveals a thesis from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Treatment that includes surgery results in better blood flow to heart
Treatment that included early surgical procedures to open blocked arteries resulted in better blood flow to the heart than aggressive medical treatment alone in patients with both diabetes and heart disease, according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2010.
Treating heart attack with fat-derived stem cells may be safe in humans
Fat cells — liposuctioned from a patient's belly — can safely boost heart function after a heart attack, according to a first-of-its-kind study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2010.
Community education may shorten treatment time for heart attack patients
Systematic education in rural and suburban communities can significantly shorten onset to hospital arrival times for patients with chest pain, according to study findings to be presented Nov. 16 at the 2010 annual American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
First in man SESAME stent trial demonstrates 100 percent acute success rate
A new study revealed that the novel self-expanding super-elastic all-metal endoprosthesis stent (SESAME StentTM) used in patients undergoing angioplasty of degenerated saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions has 100% acute success, low 30 day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates, and 9-month patency comparable to balloon expandable stents without embolic protection. Results of the study are published in the November issue of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Intervention, a peer-reviewed journal from The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.
Brain-machine interfaces offer improved options for prosthetics and treatments after injury
Two experimental brain-machine technologies — deep brain stimulation coupled with physical therapy and a thought-controlled computer system—may offer new therapies for people with stroke and brain injuries, new human research shows. In addition, an animal study shows a new artificial retina may restore vision better than existing prosthetics.
Organ network uses Carnegie Mellon algorithm to match live kidney donors with recipients
A computer algorithm developed at Carnegie Mellon University matched living kidney donors with medically compatible transplant candidates late last month as the national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), operated by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), began a national pilot program to increase the number of kidney paired-donation (KPD) transplants.
Minimally invasive procedure safe alternative for treating congenital heart defect
A less invasive procedure for treating a congenital heart defect in children is a safe alternative to traditional surgery with no five-year difference in risk of death and is associated with a 62 percent reduced risk for neurological events (such as strokes or seizures), according to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2010.
Research shows behavior greatly impacts recovery from brain injury, addiction and other conditions
New research is providing a deeper understanding of how individual actions -- such as exercising, sensory stimulation, or drinking -- influence brain health and outcomes. This new knowledge could ultimately lead to interventions in age-related cognitive declines, drug abuse, stroke, and brain injury, separate from or in combination with traditional pharmacological approaches.
New dry powder antibiotic targets tuberculosis, reduces treatment time
New research being presented at the 2010 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Pharmaceutical Sciences World Congress (PSWC) in association with the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition will feature an inhalable dry powder antibiotic that when used alone or with current treatments may significantly reduce treatment for tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant TB.
University of Colorado in pilot project to map defibrillators
Three-year-old Denver resident Brianna's favorite color was yellow and her favorite restaurant was the hot dog stand outside Home Depot. At 18 months she strapped on her first pair of skis and spent Saturdays forever chasing a soccer ball. She loved playing with her brother and noticed everything.
Eyeblink conditioning may help in assessing children with fetal alcohol exposure
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an irreversible disorder in children that affects the learning centers of the brain and results in cognitive and behavioral impairment in the child for life. One of the most pressing problems in studying and treating this disorder is that it is difficult to diagnose. Although the more severe form of the disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), is characterized by a distinct set of facial features and growth retardation, the majority of lack these features, and there is no recognized diagnostic criteria that can be used to identify them.
Never-smokers fare far better than smokers after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
Patients with head and neck cancer who have never smoked have much better survival rates after radiation therapy than patients with a history of smoking, new research from UC Davis Cancer Center has found.
Effective diagnosis, treatment of ear infections in children examined in study
Among the findings of an analysis of previous studies regarding ear infections in children are that results from otoscopic exams (an instrument for examining the interior of the ear) are critical to accurate diagnosis and antibiotics are modestly more effective than no treatment, with most antibiotics demonstrating similar rates of clinical success among children at normal risk, according to an article in the November 17 issue of JAMA.
Impulsive behavior in males increases after periods of heavy drinking
Alcohol is known to cause an increase in impulsive behavior in individuals, which can not only be dangerous for themselves, but for others as well. A new study on adolescent males indicate that risky behavior may actually increases over time after periods of heavy drinking.
Combination therapy improves survival time for patients with advanced liver cancer
Treatment of inoperable advanced liver cancer with the agent doxorubicin (routinely used to treat this condition) in addition to the agent sorafenib resulted in greater overall survival and progression-free survival, compared to patients who received treatment with doxorubicin alone, according to a study in the November 17 issue of JAMA.
Some kids with spinal cord injury may be overlooked for walking rehabilitation
The traditional way to predict whether children can regain movement after spinal cord injuries may exclude a small subset of patients who could benefit from therapy, according to two studies presented by University of Florida researchers at the Society for Neuroscience meeting this week in San Diego.
Study seeks new way to enhance neuron repair in spinal cord injury
If researchers could determine how to send signals to cells responding to a spinal cord injury, they might be able to stop one type of cell from doing additional damage at the injury site and instead, coax it into helping nerve cells grow.
Light to moderate drinking linked to fewer heart problems in male bypass patients
Light to moderate alcohol consumption (about two to three drinks daily) among male coronary artery bypass patients was associated with 25 percent fewer subsequent cardiovascular procedures, heart attacks, strokes and death compared to non-drinkers, in a study presented at the American Heart's Association's Scientific Sessions 2010.
Umbilical cord cells may treat arthritis
Umbilical cord stem cells may be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Animal and in vitro experiments, described in BioMed Central's open access journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) taken from umbilical cord blood can suppress inflammation and attenuate collagen-induced arthritis.
Highlighting gender promotes stereotyped views in preschoolers
In many preschool classrooms, gender is very noticeable—think of the greeting, "Good morning, boys and girls" or the instruction, "Girls line up on this side, boys on that." A new study has found that when teachers call attention to gender in these simple ways, children are more likely to express stereotyped views of what activities are appropriate for boys and girls, and which gender they prefer to play with.
Young children sensitive to others' behaviors and intentions
Young children's helpfulness is tempered when they see that the person they intend to help has harmed another person. But it also diminishes when they see that the object of their attention meant to harm another, even if no harm was done.
New low-cost method to deliver vaccine shows promise
Researchers have developed a promising new approach to vaccination for rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrheal disease that is responsible for approximately 500,000 deaths among children in the developing world every year. In a study published in the November issue of Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, a vaccine delivered as nasal drops effectively induced an immune response in mice and protected them from rotavirus infection. The new vaccine delivery system has also been tested successfully and found to be heat stable with tetanus and is currently being tested with diphtheria and pertussis.
Nighttime sleep found beneficial to infants' skills
At ages 1 and 1-1/2, children who get most of their sleep at night (as opposed to during the day) do better in a variety of skill areas than children who don't sleep as much at night.
Heavy smoking during pregnancy linked to kids becoming repeat offenders as adults
Mums who smoke heavily while pregnant run the risk of having kids who grow up to become repeat criminal offenders, suggests research published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Passive smokers at increased risk of hearing loss
Non-smokers who regularly breathe in others' tobacco smoke are at increased risk of some degree of hearing loss, reveals research published online in Tobacco Control.
World first in-human stem cell trial begins in Glasgow
The first patient has been treated with stem cell therapy in a ground-breaking UK clinical trial led by the University of Glasgow.
Fast food restaurants dish up unhealthy marketing to youth: report
(PhysOrg.com) -- Children as young as age 2 are seeing more fast food ads than ever before, and restaurants rarely offer parents the healthy kids’ meal choices, according to a new study from Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.
West Nile virus more prevalent in low-income neighborhoods, study finds
Low-income neighborhoods appear to be the most susceptible to West Nile virus, a mosquito-transmitted disease that is linked to more than 1,000 deaths since in the United States since 1999, according to new UCLA-lead research.
New discovery offers hope for the prevention of prostate cancer
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists may have found the key to preventing prostate cancer, according to promising new research, published in the journal Cancer Research.
Inexpensive drug can reduce deaths from heart failure, study finds
(PhysOrg.com) -- The risk of death and hospitalisation of patients with heart failure can be reduced considerably by administering a cheap and easily available drug, according to new medical research.
Greater cognitive deficits in marijuana users who start young, study shows
Researchers at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital have shown that those who start using marijuana at a young age are more impaired on tests of cognitive function than those who start smoking at a later age.
Effects of blood pressure drug on Alzheimer's disease shown in mouse study
A drug used decades ago to treat high blood pressure has been shown to improve learning and memory in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study by researchers at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health. The study found that the drug, diazoxide, acted on nerve cells in the mouse brain in ways that slowed the development of the neurodegenerative disorder. The findings appear in the Nov. 15, 2010, print edition of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Rare genetic disorder highlights importance of selenium
A rare genetic disorder has highlighted the importance to human health of selenium, a little known trace element. The discovery, reported today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, may also shed light on the role of free radicals - highly reactive molecules which can cause cellular damage - in the body.
Diabetes drug may have killed 500 in France: authorities
French health authorities sounded an alert Tuesday to patients who took a diabetes drug believed to have killed 500 people over three decades in France before it was banned last year.
The impact of sleep deprivation in children
We all know kids, especially, need a good night's sleep in order to thrive. After studying thousands of children, psychologist Mona El-Sheikh, a professor of child development, says children who don't get enough shut-eye suffer serious consequences.
A blind eye in regards to a mother's love
Aggressive and emotionally cold children literally do not see the love in their mother's eyes, according to new research findings that highlight the significance of poor eye contact in childhood.
Not following doctor's orders: Prescription abandonment
Failure to have a prescription filled can undermine medical treatment, result in increased health care costs and potentially have devastating results for the patient. An editorial in the Nov. 16 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the problem and issues a call to action.
Scientists learn more about how kidneys fail and how new drugs may intervene
Scientists are learning more about how protein gets in the urine when the kidneys begin to fail and how a new drug blocks it.
Smoke from fireworks is harmful to health
The metallic particles in the smoke emitted by fireworks pose a health risk, particularly to people who suffer from asthma. This is the conclusion of a study led by researchers from the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), published this week in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.
Researchers find tie between fat outside of the arteries and cardiovascular disease
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have found that fat around the outside of arteries may lead to the development of cardiovascular disease and could be linked to its onset in individuals with diabetes.
Protein with cardioprotective capabilities during heart attack discovered
University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers have discovered a new protein that could be cardioprotective during heart attack, potentially leading to more targeted treatments for patients at risk.
NSU researcher makes breakthrough discovery to curb heart failure
A Nova Southeastern University (NSU) researcher has announced a breakthrough discovery to block a protein that can contribute to heart failure.
Combo high-tech CT scans just as good as older imaging to detect coronary artery disease
Heart imaging specialists at Johns Hopkins have shown that a combination of CT scans that measure how much blood is flowing through the heart and the amount of plaque in surrounding arteries are just as good as tests that are less safe, more complex and more time-consuming to detect coronary artery disease and its severity.
New characteristics of premature aging protein discovered
(PhysOrg.com) -- Dr. Joseph Glavy at Stevens Institute of Technology studies the smallest and most basic elements of life. The Assistant Professor of Chemical Biology runs the Glavy Lab, where advanced student scientists study the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) in cells, observing the minutest mechanisms of life as they unfold during mitosis. The Glavy Lab's formal purpose is to study the NPC at the molecular level in the pursuit of the unknown or unexpected in the well-studied but not always well-understood nuclei of living cells.
Aortic aneurysm treatable with asthma drugs
A new study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet shows that asthma drugs are a potential treatment for aortic aneurysm. These drugs, which block cysteinyl-leukotrienes, could reduce the break down of vessel wall tissue and the dilation of the aortic wall, and thus the risk of its rupturing. This could both save lives and reduce the need for complicated and risky surgery. The results are presented in the scientific journal PNAS.
Depression linked to HIV risk among South African young people, study shows
University of Alberta research has discovered a strong link between depression and risky sexual behaviours such as improper condom use, transactional sex and relationship violence among young people in South Africa.
New agent to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation shown in major study
In the primary result from the largest double-blind study ever completed to assess a drug’s effect in the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm abnormality, rivaroxaban, an anti-clotting drug, was shown to be superior to warfarin, the current standard for treatment of atrial fibrillation, while patients in the study were taking study drug. However, the full intention-to-treat analysis, which includes patients who discontinued study drug, showed that rivaroxaban was non inferior to warfarin for the prevention of stroke or blood clots but did not demonstrate statistical superiority.
Questions finally answered about Nesiritide in world's largest heart failure study
Results from the largest acute heart failure study ever conducted have resolved safety questions raised five years ago about the acute heart failure medication nesiritide (Natrecor), but more importantly illustrate the need for comprehensive, large, real world studies of investigational agents early in the course of development of new therapies, according to researchers at the Duke Clinical Research Institute.
Clues to thyroid cancer unlocked
Researchers at the University of Toronto and Mount Sinai Hospital have utilized proteomic technologies to discover proteins secreted by thyroid cancer cell lines to identify and characterize potential biomarkers for the future management of thyroid carcinomas.
Childrens' overall diet affected by school vending machine choices
Vending machines in public schools influence the diets of school children and can affect overall dietary intake and health, depending on what foods they contain.
The psychology of the job hunt
In addition to the traditional application form and interview, job seekers are increasingly asked to take a pre-employment test -- an assessment that employers use to screen candidates. But how easy is it to fake the "right" answers on these tests and what can be done to promote honesty? Associate Professor of Psychology Chris Wright investigated these questions in his latest study. He discusses his findings below.
Heavier people are better at 'smelling' food
People who have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) have a greater sense of smell when it comes to food, a new study has found.
Infant estrogen levels tracked through diaper research
With the help of babies and more than 5,000 of their diapers, Emory University researchers have developed an accurate, noninvasive method to determine estrogen levels in infants.
Enzyme action could be target for diabetes, heart disease treatments
Cardiac researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have found a new cellular pathway that could help in developing therapeutic treatments for obesity-related disorders, like diabetes and heart disease.
Walmart drug plan for seniors may not be best deal
(AP) -- Consumer alert: A new Medicare drug plan with the lowest upfront cost in the country may not be for everyone, experts say.
Energy drink use may lead to alcohol dependence
A hallmark of college life is staying up late to study for an exam the following morning, and many students stay awake by consuming an energy drink. Also increasing in popularity is the practice of mixing alcohol with energy drinks. But these drinks are highly caffeinated and can lead to other problems, in addition to losing sleep. Unfortunately, the contents of energy drinks are not regulated.
Your view of personal goals can affect your relationships
whether it's to improve yourself or to do better than others—can affect whether you reach those goals. Different kinds of goals can also have distinct effects on your relationships with people around you, according to the authors of a paper published in Current Directions in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
More evidence that melanoma does not conform to the cancer stem cell model
ANN ARBOR, Mich---University of Michigan researchers have determined that most types of melanoma cells can form malignant tumors, providing new evidence that the deadliest form of skin cancer does not conform to the increasingly popular cancer stem cell model.
Coaching with compassion can 'light up' human thoughts (w/ Video)
Coaching happens just about everywhere, and every day, with learning as the goal. Effective coaching can lead to smoothly functioning organizations, better productivity and potentially more profit. In classrooms, better student performance can occur. Doctors or nurses can connect more with patients. So, doing coaching right would seem to be a natural goal, and it has been a major topic of research at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management since 1990.
Important brain area organized by color and orientation
A brain area known to play a critical role in vision is divided into compartments that respond separately to different colors and orientations, Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered. The findings have important implications for furthering our understanding of perception and attention.
Gene linked to ADHD allows memory task to be interrupted by brain regions tied to daydreaming
Neuroscientists at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) say brain scans show that a gene nominally linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) leads to increased interference by brain regions associated with mind wandering during mental tasks.
Researchers link cerebral malaria to epilepsy, behavior disorders
Almost a third of cerebral malaria survivors developed epilepsy or other behavioral disorders in the most comprehensive study to date of the disease in African children, solidifying the link between malaria and neuropsychiatric disorders that affect hundreds of thousands of children.
Statin RX may be overprescribed in healthy people without evidence of diseased arteries
Rolling back suggestions from previous studies, a Johns Hopkins study of 950 healthy men and women has shown that taking daily doses of a cholesterol-lowering statin medication to protect coronary arteries and ward off heart attack or stroke may not be needed for everyone.
Biology news
The revolution of dairy farming with automatic milking machines
This week heralds a new era in dairy farming with the revelation of the robotic rotary, a world first, developed by DeLaval in collaboration with the University of Sydney and Australia's FutureDairy project.
Appearance not always enough to identify species
Linnaean taxonomy is still a cornerstone of biology, but modern DNA techniques have erased many of the established boundaries between species. This has made identifying species difficult in practice, which can cause problems, as shown by a researcher from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Back off, Rudolph: Protecting this year's Christmas tree crop
Hair clippings, cayenne pepper and raw eggs – these are just a few of the odd ingredients recommended to keep those pesky deer away from your backyard garden. But what about farmers who have hundreds of acres of Christmas trees to protect? North Carolina State University extension specialists have now found an effective, inexpensive alternative to available commercial products to keep the deer at bay.
Detroit's urban farms could provide a majority of produce for local residents
Transforming vacant urban lots into farms and community gardens could provide Detroit residents with a majority of their fruits and vegetables.
Three new amphibian treasures found on search for 'lost' frogs
A team of scientists on a quest to rediscover several "lost" amphibians in western Colombia has returned with a surprising result: three species of frogs believed to be entirely new to science, Conservation International (CI), the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG), Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) and Fundación ProAves announced today.
Sticky snack for elephant-shrews
Long-nosed Cape rock elephant-shrews are fond of sticky treats, according to Dr. Petra Wester from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. Her investigations show for the first time that the elephant-shrew, Elephantulus edwardii, licks the nectar of the flowers and pollinates the Pagoda lily. Her results are published in Springer's journal, Naturwissenschaften – The Science of Nature.
Using plants against soils contaminated with arsenic
Two essential genes that control the accumulation and detoxification of arsenic in plant cells have been identified. This discovery is the fruit of an international collaboration involving laboratories in Switzerland, South Korea and the United States, with the participation of members of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Plant Survival.
Budding research links climate change and earlier flowering plants
According to research published today by a University of Cincinnati faculty member, native plants in southwestern Ohio are flowering significantly earlier, a finding he attributes, at least in part, to global warming.
Researcher explores whether fish feel pain
(PhysOrg.com) -- Do fish feel pain? Victoria Braithwaite, Penn State professor of fisheries and biology, has spent decades studying that question. In her recently published book, "Do Fish Feel Pain?" she examines whether fish are capable of experiencing pain, whether humans cause them to suffer and whether it even matters.
Rescue missions underway to save Haiti's species from mass extinctions
Haiti is on the brink of an era of mass extinctions similar to the time when dinosaurs and many other species suddenly disappeared from the Earth, reports a biologist at Penn State University, who is announcing today the establishment of a species-rescue program for Haiti's threatened frogs and other species, including captive-breeding and gene-preservation efforts.
Bioengineers provide adult stem cells with simultaneous chemical, electrical and mechanical cues
Bioengineers from the University of California, San Diego have achieved the "Triple Crown" of stem cell culture – they created an artificial environment for stem cells that simultaneously provides the chemical, mechanical and electrical cues necessary for stem cell growth and differentiation. Building better microenvironments for nurturing stem cells is critical for realizing the promises of stem-cell-based regenerative medicine, including cartilage for joint repair, cardiac cells for damaged hearts, and healthy skeletal myoblasts for muscular dystrophy patients. The advance could also lead to better model systems for fundamental stem cell research.
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