Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for November 2, 2010:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Unique duality: 'Exotic' superconductor with metallic surface discovered- Regulating Earth's climate with micro-organisms
- Breakthrough: Scientists harness the power of electricity in the brain (w/ Video)
- Physics experiment suggests existence of new particle
- Radically simple technique developed to grow conducting polymer thin films
- Google sues US government, says bid terms favor Microsoft
- Astronomers find evidence of cosmic climate change
- Shuttle has electrical problem; could delay launch (Update)
- Ears tuned to water
- Mouse model confirms mutated protein's role in dementia
- Researchers discover how brain is wired for attention
- Scientists unveil new method to create bioartificial organs
- Table-top nuclear materials detector shows exact location of radiation sources
- Broadcasters 'misunderstand' Google TV, exec says
- Battle begins in business-software square-off
Space & Earth news
Some city trees may discourage 'shady' behavior
Along with energy conservation and storm-water reduction, scientists may soon be adding crime-fighting to the list of benefits that urban trees provide. Researchers with the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest (PNW) and Southern Research Stations have published a new study that suggests that certain types of city trees may help lower property and violent crime rates. Their study—which is posted online in advance of its appearance in a forthcoming printed issue of the journal Environment and Behavior—is the first to examine the effects of trees and other factors on crime occurrence in Portland, Ore.
Scientists find that evergreen agriculture boosts crop yields
A unique acacia known as a "fertilizer tree" has typically led to a doubling or tripling of maize yields in smallholder agriculture in Zambia and Malawi, according to evidence presented at a conference in the Hague today. The findings were central to the arguments of agroforestry experts at the conference, who urged decision makers to spread this technology more widely throughout the African nations most vulnerable to climate change and food shortages, and to think differently about more practical ways to solve the problems that are most pressing to smallholder farmers.
Groundwater threat to rivers worse than suspected
Excessive groundwater development represents a greater threat to nearby rivers and streams during dry periods (low flows) than previously thought, according to research released today by CSIRO.
Image: Face-Off
Robonaut 2, a dexterous, humanoid astronaut helper, will fly to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery on the STS-133 mission.
Syr Darya River Floodplain captured
Central Asia’s most important cotton-growing region is concentrated in the floodplain of the Syr Darya. The river was one of the farthest points reached by the ancient Greek leader Alexander of Macedon (or Alexander the Great).
Massive computing effort to evaluate national hydrological models
(PhysOrg.com) -- A team of Penn State civil engineers has received one of the largest single-year allocations of supercomputing hours made for 2010.
Function analysis drives the development of a concept Mars rover
Humans have walked on the Moon, and inevitably, according to NASA, humans will tread the Red Planet as well, possibly by 2037. An ergonomist and an industrial designer pondered the challenges of the Martian environment and developed an award-winning concept rover that could someday transport and house astronauts on the surface of Mars. The rover is described in an article to be published in Ergonomics in Design: The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications.
Tiny marine creatures could help diagnose the health of Puget Sound
(PhysOrg.com) -- University of Washington researchers are using tiny sea creatures called foraminifera to help diagnose the health of Puget Sound.
Major surgery complete for Deep Space Network antenna
(PhysOrg.com) -- The seven-month upgrade to the historic "Mars antenna" at NASA's Deep Space Network site in Goldstone, Calif. has been completed. After a month of intensive testing, similar to the rehabilitation stage after surgery, the antenna is now ready to help maintain communication with spacecraft during the next decade of space exploration.
Indonesian volcano forces flight cancellations
(AP) -- Indonesia's most dangerous volcano forced international airlines to cancel flights to nearby airports Tuesday, as fiery lava lit the rumbling mountain's cauldron and plumes of smoke blackened the sky.
How much oil is there, how much more will we use and at what price?
Too often the debate over the world's use of oil has been marred by skewed information. In his recently published book, 'Oil Panic and the Global Crisis,' Stanford Professor Steven Gorelick lays out the facts about oil – its production and prospects – along with the consequences of both continued use and a shift to other energy.
GOES-13 catches Tropical Storm Tomas' early morning strengthening
The GOES-13 satellite keeps a continuous eye on the eastern half of the U.S. and Atlantic Ocean basin, and has provided meteorologists with an infrared look at a strengthening Tropical Storm Tomas this morning.
Every person emits 2 tons of CO2 a year through eating
Every person emits the equivalent of approximately two tonnes of carbon dioxide a year from the time food is produced to when the human body excretes it, representing more than 20% of total yearly emissions. That is what a study by the Universidad de Almería says, confirming for the first time that human excrements contribute to water pollution, primarily with nitrogen and phosphorus.
New long-range undersea robot goes the distance
Over the past decade, the undersea robots known as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have become increasingly important in oceanographic research. Today's AUVs fall into two groups: 1) propeller-driven vehicles that can travel fast and carry lots of instruments, but are limited to expeditions of only a few days; and 2) "gliders," which can stay at sea for weeks or even months at a time, but cannot travel very quickly. MBARI engineers recently demonstrated a new super-efficient AUV that combines the best of these two approaches. This new long-range AUV (LRAUV) can travel rapidly for hundreds of kilometers, "hover" in the water for weeks at a time, and carry a wide variety of instruments.
On launch eve, NASA marks 10 yrs at space station
(AP) -- NASA celebrated 10 years of continuous human presence at the International Space Station on Tuesday while readying shuttle Discovery for one last trip into orbit.
Astronauts cast early ballots from space station
(AP) -- Red states. Blue states. And now voting from a weightless state.
Mars rovers mission using cloud computing
(PhysOrg.com) -- The project team that built and operates the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity has become the first NASA space mission to use cloud computing for daily mission operations.
Last tango in space
Adding to their unique information from previous tandem missions, ESA’s ERS-2 and Envisat satellites have been paired up again – for the last time. Data from this final duet are generating 3D models of glaciers and low-lying coastal areas.
NASA spacecraft on final approach toward comet
(PhysOrg.com) -- The EPOXI mission spacecraft has refined its path toward a Nov. 4 flyby of comet Hartley 2, successfully performing its final maneuver today at 8 a.m. PDT (11 a.m. EDT). The spacecraft burned its engines for 6.8 seconds, changing the spacecraft's velocity by 1.4 meters per second (3 miles per hour).
Cassini sees Saturn rings oscillate like mini-galaxy (w/ Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists believe they finally understand why one of the most dynamic regions in Saturn's rings has such an irregular and varying shape, thanks to images captured by NASA's Cassini spacecraft. And the answer, published online today in the Astronomical Journal, is this: The rings are behaving like a miniature version of our own Milky Way galaxy.
EPOXI comet mission may face multiple jets Nov. 4 (w/ Video)
Two movies derived from images taken by the two cameras aboard NASA's EPOXI mission spacecraft show comet Hartley 2 is, as expected, quite active, and it provides information on the nucleus's rotation. The spacecraft has been imaging Hartley 2 almost daily since Sept. 5, in preparation for its scheduled Nov. 4 flyby of the comet.
Shuttle has electrical problem; could delay launch (Update)
(AP) -- An electrical problem cropped up aboard Discovery again Tuesday after engineers thought they had it licked, and threatened to delay the shuttle's final liftoff just one day away.
Astronomers find evidence of cosmic climate change
(PhysOrg.com) -- Evidence of an intense warming period in the Universe’s early history, described as a form of "cosmic climate change", has been found by an international team of astronomers.
Technology news
Court hears India's 'biggest corporate fraud' case
The disgraced founder of Indian outsourcing giant Satyam appeared in court Tuesday in a billion-dollar corporate fraud case dubbed "India's Enron".
Autonomous vehicle to demonstrate portable battery charging for dismounted soldiers
Lockheed Martin’s Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) autonomous vehicle will demonstrate its rugged maneuverability while meeting Soldiers’ needs to recharge batteries in Portable Power Excursion (PPE) tests next month at Fort Riley, KS.
Nonwoven, perfectly needled
Hardly any other textile is as versatile as nonwoven: it keeps babies’ bottoms dry and protects plants from the sun. In the Gulf of Mexico, special nonwovens soaked up the oil washed up on beaches like blotting paper. A new piece of simulation software now makes it possible to produce high-quality, stripe-free nonwoven fabrics.
Steam train X-rayed for first time
(PhysOrg.com) -- A steam locomotive has been X-rayed by an innovative new mobile X-ray unit used for scanning cargo and vehicles for criminal activity.
Android reigns on US smart phones
Google's Android software continued its rocket-like ascent over the summer, ending the third quarter with the dominant market share in the United States among smart-phone operating systems and a solid No. 2 spot globally.
Yahoo! and Samsung expand Internet TV territory
Yahoo! and Samsung on Tuesday raised their bet that television viewers want to easily link to websites such as Facebook without having the entire Web crammed into TV sets.
After bitter row, Google launches Street View in Germany
Following months of controversy over privacy, US Internet giant Google put its first images from Germany online Tuesday as part of its Street View navigation service.
Nissan sells out electric Leaf before it hits US showrooms
US consumers looking to get Nissan's all-electric Leaf will have to wait another year, after dealers sold this year's entire shipment before the zippy sedan even hit showrooms, the Japanese automaker said Monday.
Dell loses another Taiwan consumer lawsuit
A Taiwanese woman has won a lawsuit forcing US computer giant Dell to honour bargains the firm said it mistakenly offered on the Internet, a court said Tuesday, the latest in a series of defeats for Dell.
Improving health care in the Internet age
Faster and more widely available internet access has improved our lives in many ways but healthcare is lagging behind, according to researchers writing in the International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics.
Political calls jam Comcast system in New England
(AP) -- Telecommunications company Comcast says massive numbers of automatically dialed political telephone calls that caused service outages in New England have dropped off sharply.
Britain's Times releases paywall customer figures
Some 105,000 people have paid to read British newspapers The Times and The Sunday Times online after its owners erected a paywall, they said Tuesday.
The deep sea, from a robot's perspective
Robots do not have to breathe. For this reason they can dive longer than any human. Equipped with the necessary sensor technology they inspect docks or venture down to the ocean fl oor to search for raw materials. At present, researchers are developing a model which will carry out routine tasks independently, without help from humans.
Saving energy with power grid of the future
Green energy too comes out of the electricity socket, but to get there it has to travel a long journey – from wind turbines in the North Sea or regional solar, wind and biogas power plants. On the way to the consumer lots of energy is lost. New electronic components will change things in future.
In a Stockholm hotel, mobile phones replace room keys
Check-in and check-out and even opening the door to your room -- a mobile phone is the only key you need at a Stockholm hotel conducting a pilot project of new mobile applications, the participating companies said Tuesday.
Hydrogen powered car leaves Bristol for Arkansas
Professor Cliff Ricketts preferred the fuel efficiency of a 1994 Toyota Tercel when compared to other used cars. That's why he gutted its gas tank and fuel lines in favor of water tanks and solar cells.
Court hears arguments on violent video games
(AP) -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed sympathy for a California law that aims to keep children from buying ultra-violent video games in which players maim, kill or sexually assault images of people. But several justices said the law faces a high constitutional hurdle before going into effect.
Report: YouTube faces new ban in Turkey
(AP) -- Turkey's telecommunications authority will again block access to YouTube unless the video-sharing site removes a sex video of a former opposition party leader, the state-run news agency reported Tuesday.
Internet, mobile at forefront of election coverage
(AP) -- News organizations have unleashed a multimedia blizzard of widgets, apps, dashboards, Twitter tie-ins and iPad doohickeys for Tuesday's elections.
Dell acquires 'cloud' computing services company Boomi
US computer giant Dell announced Tuesday that it has acquired Boomi, a company that provides Web-based or "cloud" computing services.
US videogame maker EA in deal with Facebook
Electronic Arts said Tuesday that it has reached a five-year agreement with Facebook that calls for the social network's virtual currency to be the exclusive payment method for EA games.
Infections detected by new dressing
Wounds have to be regularly checked, to make sure any complications in the healing process are detected at an early stage. A new material will make it possible to check wounds without changing the dressing: If an infection arises, the material changes its color.
Oracle buying Art Technology for one billion dollars
US business software giant Oracle announced Tuesday it was buying e-commerce software company Art Technology Group for one billion dollars in cash.
S.Korea to build 8.2 billion-dollar offshore wind farm
South Korea said Tuesday it would build a massive offshore wind farm off the west coast by 2019 to develop new sources of renewable energy and help wind turbine exporters.
Broadcasters 'misunderstand' Google TV, exec says
Attempts by broadcasters to seek payment for allowing their online video to be viewed through Google Inc.'s new Web-connected TV platform represents a "misunderstanding" of what it is, a Google executive said Tuesday.
Battle begins in business-software square-off
A battle between two of the world's biggest makers of business software hinges on the value of a trove of millions of stolen customer-support documents.
Google sues US government, says bid terms favor Microsoft
Google has filed suit against the US government claiming the terms for a large Department of the Interior contract favor rival Microsoft.
Medicine & Health news
'Gold standard' tool cuts needless serious eye problem referrals
A tool, widely regarded as the "gold standard," but often deemed to be too expensive, cuts needless referrals for suspected glaucoma, indicates preliminary research published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Eliminating or reducing cost-sharing for high-value prescription drugs improves medication use
An initiative by the U. S. technology company Pitney Bowes to make medications of proven value less expensive for their employees succeeded in stabilizing employees' adherence to their treatment regimens, according to a Commonwealth Fund-supported study published in this month's Health Affairs.
Lactic acid levels may indicate onset of brain-related aging
Researchers may eventually monitor the progress of aging by measuring lactic acid levels in the brain, according to a mouse study.
Blood might carry an untapped source of biomarkers
Researchers have uncovered a potential source of blood-derived biomarkers for certain kinds of cancer, according to a study.
Fox Chase researchers identify risk factors for the spread of breast cancer to lymph nodes
Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent cancers in women, afflicts an additional 200,000 women each year and causes about 40,000 deaths annually. The disease often extends to neighboring lymph nodes, in part, through lymphovascular invasion (LVI) -- a process in which cancer cells invade blood vessels or the lymphatic system -- and can often translate into a poor prognosis for patients. Some scientists argue that evidence of LVI does not necessarily mean that the disease will recur in the lymph nodes after radiation to the breast alone, but research from Fox Chase Cancer Center now shows that the appearance of LVI in the breast tissue does in fact predict recurrence of breast in the regional lymph nodes.
Comprehensive nutrition services vital to children's health
School meal programs play a significant role in keeping children healthy and are "the anchor" of comprehensive school nutrition services that improve children's nutritional status, health and academic performance, according to an updated joint position paper from the Society for Nutrition Education (SNE), American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the School Nutrition Association (SNA).
Breast cancer survivors often rate post-treatment breast appearance only 'fair'
A third of breast cancer survivors who received the breast-conserving treatments lumpectomy and radiation rate the appearance of their post-treatment breast as only "fair" or "poor" in comparison to their untreated breast, according to a new University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study that will be presented today at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in San Diego. In addition, one fifth of patients report complications including chronic pain in their breast or arm and loss of arm or shoulder flexibility following their treatment, the study authors found.
Rate of falls in hospitals significantly reduced after use of intervention for fall prevention
Use of a fall prevention tool kit, which included a fall risk assessment, patient-specific prevention plan, an educational handout and a poster for over the patient's hospital bed reduced the number of older patients with falls in hospitals, according to a study in the November 3 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on aging.
New study re-examines bacterial vaccine studies conducted during 1918 influenza pandemic
Secondary infections with bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes pneumonia, were a major cause of death during the 1918 flu pandemic and may be important in modern pandemics as well, according to a new article in the Journal of Infectious Diseases co-authored by David M. Morens, M.D., senior advisor to the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Modify hospice eligibility for dementia patients, says Institute for Aging Research study
The system for hospice admissions for patients with advanced dementia, which is a terminal illness, should be guided by patient and family preference for comfort, not estimated life expectancy, says a new study published in the Nov. 3 Journal of the American Medical Association by the Institute for Aging Research at Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
Aging with grace: Health care delivery model yields improved outcomes and lower costs
A model program developed at Indiana University to provide care to low-income older adults in their homes has earned recognition for its effective approach and cost-saving benefits in a leading national medical journal.
Comprehensive primary care programs treat older patients with chronic conditions
In a review of comprehensive primary care programs for older adults with multiple chronic conditions, authors identified three models that appear to have the greatest potential for improving quality of care and life for these patients, while reducing or not increasing the costs of their health care, according to an article in the November 3 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on aging.
International summit held to stimulate collaborative clinical research on antiphospholipid syndrome
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a condition that may be responsible for up to one-third of strokes in people under age 50, up to one-fifth of all cases of blood clots in large veins, and one-quarter of recurrent miscarriages. Nonetheless, relatively few randomized clinical trials have been conducted involving people with APS, and those completed have included small numbers of participants.
10-year-old gives birth in southern Spain
(AP) -- A 10-year-old girl has given birth in southern Spain and authorities are evaluating whether to let her and her family retain custody of the baby, an official said Tuesday. The baby was born last week in the city of Jerez de la Frontera, said Micaela Navarro, the Andalusia region's social affairs minister.
Robotic radiosurgery offers palliative care for hilar lung tumors
Patients report decreased pain and improved breathing following treatment of their hilar tumors with robotic radiosurgery, but researchers say the therapy falls short of improving survival. Still, the study, conducted by researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and presented today at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians in Vancouver, BC, represents the first of its kind to document the use of radiosurgery for hilar tumors and presents a novel therapy option.
Childhood sexual abuse may be a risk factor for later psychotic illness
An Australian study suggests that children who are sexually abused, especially if it involves penetration, appear to be at higher risk for developing schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.
Anti-obesity program for low-income kids shows promise, study finds
An approach that attempted to prevent childhood obesity in African-American girls produced beneficial changes in cholesterol, diabetes risk and depressive symptoms but had little effect on youths' weight, in a trial conducted by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.
UCI non-small cell lung cancer study highlights advances in targeted drug therapy
A UC Irvine oncologist's work with a targeted therapy is showing great promise in patients with a deadly form of lung cancer. The results were published Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine.
New drug may provide more cost-effective stroke prevention than warfarin
A newly approved drug may be a cost-effective way to prevent stroke in patients with an irregular heart rhythm — and may also offer patients better health outcomes than the commonly prescribed, but potentially risky, blood thinner warfarin. That's according to a new analysis from researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System.
Кesearchers develop 'hi-def' copy number variation decoder
University of Toronto researchers have developed a new "high definition" computer program to analyze human DNA and more accurately detect genetic variants that affect individual traits like disease susceptibility and varying drug responses.
Physical fitness curbs frequency and severity of colds
People who are physically fit and active have fewer and milder colds, indicates research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Mandatory curbs on food salt content 20 times more effective than voluntary curbs
Imposing statutory limits on the salt content of processed foods could be 20 times more effective than voluntary curbs by industry, finds research published online in the journal Heart.
MRI may help determine time of stroke onset
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain could expand the number of stroke patients eligible for a potentially life-saving treatment, according to a new study, published online and in the December issue of the journal Radiology.
Aiding injury recovery in aged livers improve transplant success in seniors
University of Florida scientists have identified a key cellular process involved in age-related damage to the liver — and ways to reverse that damage by manipulating genes or administering certain drugs.
There's no place like home for older adults
For most older adults in long-term care, nursing homes are the last places they will ever live, and many give up hope on ever returning to home.
Predicting fracture risk with new imaging technology
A new method for identifying which bones have a high risk of fracture, and for monitoring the effectiveness of new bone-strengthening drugs and techniques, has been developed by scientists at the University of Cambridge.
Pain is common in the last two years of life, study finds
In the first study to look at the prevalence of pain experienced among older people during the last two years of life, researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center found that 46 percent of study participants suffered moderate to severe pain during their final four months of life.
Urine test developed to detect heart disease
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists at the University of Glasgow have developed a simple test to detect coronary artery disease by analysing urine samples.
Parents are the biggest influence on children's attitude towards alcohol, study finds
A report released today by the Universities of Leeds and Manchester shows that parents are the most important influence on young children’s - aged 5 to 12 - attitudes towards alcohol.
Language intervention provides educational benefits for preschool children
A pre-school language intervention programme can significantly improve the educational lives of children with poorly developed speech and language skills, according to new research by psychologists at the University of York.
Macrophage protein has major role in inflammation
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that a multi-tasking protein called FoxO1 has another important but previously unknown function: It directly interacts with macrophages, promoting an inflammatory response that can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. Contrarily, it also generates a negative feedback loop that can limit damage from excessive inflammation.
New study tracks factors leading to physical decline in older adults
A study by Yale School of Medicine researchers reveals that the illnesses and injuries that can restrict the activity of older adults or land them in the hospital are linked to worsening functional ability, especially among those who are physically frail. The report appears in JAMA's November 3 theme issue on aging.
U-M's concept of value-based insurance design featured in major health policy journal
Value-Based Insurance Design -- a concept created at the University of Michigan and incorporated in the nation's new health care reform law -- is the focus of an upcoming national policy journal.
Strengthening routine flu vaccination and health programs may improve pandemic vaccinations
Strengthening routine influenza vaccination and health programs may help states improve their vaccination coverage against future pandemics or other health emergencies, a new study suggests.
Gastric bypass alters sweet taste function
Gastric bypass surgery decreases the preference for sweet-tasting substances in obese rats, a study finding that could help in developing safer treatments for the morbidly obese, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.
Math researcher illuminates cellular basis of neural impulse transmission
(PhysOrg.com) -- NJIT Associate Professor Victor Matveev, PhD, in the department of mathematical sciences, was part of a research team that published "N-type Ca2+ channels carry the largest current: Implications for nanodomains and transmitter release," in Nature Neuroscience on Oct. 17, 2010.
Severely injured should go directly to trauma center: research
Severely injured patients should be transported directly from the scene of an accident to a trauma center, even if it means bypassing a closer hospital, according to new research that shows this results in a nearly 25 per cent lower death rate.
Daily dose of beet juice promotes brain health in older adults
Researchers for the first time have shown that drinking beet juice can increase blood flow to the brain in older adults – a finding that could hold great potential for combating the progression of dementia.
DHA 'fish oil' supplements do not seem to slow cognitive, functional decline in Alzheimer's disease
Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) who received supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), believed to possibly reduce the risk of AD, did not experience a reduction in the rate of cognitive and functional decline, compared to patients who received placebo, according to a study in the November 3 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on aging.
Shift work linked to higher risk of work injury: study
Canadians who work night and rotating shifts are almost twice as likely to be injured on the job than those working regular day shifts, according to a study by researchers at the University of British Columbia.
Exposure of humans to cosmetic UV filters is widespread
An investigation conducted in the context of the Swiss National Research Programme (NRP50), Endocrine Disrupters: Relevance to Humans, Animals and Ecosystems, demonstrates for the first time that internal exposure of humans to cosmetic UV filters is widespread.
Global map of the sickle cell gene supports 'malaria hypothesis'
At a global scale, the sickle cell gene is most commonly found in areas with historically high levels of malaria, adding geographical support to the hypothesis that the gene, whilst potentially deadly, avoids disappearing through natural selection by providing protection against malaria.
Liver hormone is a cause of insulin resistance
Researchers have identified a hormone produced and secreted by the liver as a previously unknown cause of insulin resistance. The findings, in the November issue of Cell Metabolism, suggest a new target for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, the researchers say.
Black raspberries may prevent colon cancer, study finds
Black raspberries are highly effective in preventing colorectal tumors in two mouse models of the disease, according to a University of Illinois at Chicago study.
Scientists develop method to keep surgically-removed prostate tissue alive
Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, University of Helsinki and Stanford University have developed a technique to keep normal and cancerous prostate tissue removed during surgery alive and functioning normally in the laboratory for up to a week.
Study points to genetic link in apnea of prematurity
A potentially life-threatening challenge characterized by pauses in breathing that can last for more than 20 seconds, apnea of prematurity (AOP) affects more than 50 percent of premature infants and is almost universal in the smallest of preemies. Caused in part by an underdeveloped central nervous system that can't adequately regulate breathing outside of the womb, especially during sleep, AOP is not yet fully understood by scientists and remains a grave concern among neonatologists and parents alike. New research published in the October issue of Pediatrics by clinical scientists at the University of Massachusetts Medical School suggests that heredity may play a strong role in determining an infant's susceptibility to AOP and could lead to the development of more effective treatments and screening methods.
First peer-reviewed study finds BPA levels in US foods 1,000 times less than limits
For the first time in the United States, researchers are reporting in a peer-reviewed scientific journal today detection of Bisphenol A (BPA) in fresh and canned food as well as food wrapped in plastic packaging.
Hepatitis C study shows superior viral cure rate
For patients with the most common form of hepatitis C being treated for the first time, the addition of an investigational hepatitis C–specific protease inhibitor called telaprevir to the current standard therapy markedly improved their sustained viral response (SVR or viral cure) rate.
Colorectal cancer survival advantage in MUTYH-associated polyposis
Survival for colorectal cancer patients with MUTYH-associated polyposis was statistically significantly better than for patients with colorectal cancer from the general population, according to a recent study published online November 2 in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Bone-anchored implant offers solution for some with hearing loss
(PhysOrg.com) -- Physicians at the University of Rochester Medical Center are using a device that conducts sound through bone to give new hope to the hearing impaired who are not helped by traditional hearing aids.
Tamiflu is more effective at relieving flu symptoms than a combination of tamiflu and relenza: study
In adults with seasonal influenza A virus infection, the combination of the drugs oseltamivir (tamiflu) and zanamivir (relenza) is less effective than oseltamivir monotherapy and not significantly more effective than zanamivir monotherapy. This key finding comes from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial— in adults presenting with influenza symptoms at general practices throughout France during the seasonal influenza epidemic in 2008-2009— carried out by Catherine Leport from the University of Paris, France, and colleagues, and reported in this week's PLoS Medicine.
Researchers discover how brain is wired for attention
University of Utah medical researchers have uncovered a wiring diagram that shows how the brain pays attention to visual, cognitive, sensory, and motor cues. The research provides a critical foundation for the study of abnormalities in attention that can be seen in many brain disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorder. The study appears Nov. 1, 2010, online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Collecting your thoughts: You can do it in your sleep!
(PhysOrg.com) -- It is one thing to learn a new piece of information, such as a new phone number or a new word, but quite another to get your brain to file it away so it is available when you need it.
Aging process revealed by lactate in the brain
Swedish researchers at Karolinska Institutet have shown that they may be able to monitor the aging process in the brain, by using MRI technique to measure the brain lactic acid levels. Their findings suggest that the lactate levels increase in advance of other aging symptoms, and therefore could be used as an indicator of aging and age-related diseases of the CNS.
Drug decreases alcohol cravings
Rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug prescribed to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs, has been shown for the first time to decrease excessive alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and alcohol-seeking behavior in rodents. The finding is in a study by researchers at the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at the University of California, San Francisco.
Antibody locks up West Nile's infection mechanism
(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers have learned the structure that results when an antibody binds to the West Nile virus, neutralizing the virus by locking up its infection mechanism. The information could help scientists develop a vaccine against the mosquito-borne disease.
Researchers identify genetic elements influencing the risk of type 2 diabetes
A team led by researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health, has captured the most comprehensive snapshot to date of DNA regions that regulate genes in human pancreatic islet cells, a subset of which produces insulin.
Mouse model confirms mutated protein's role in dementia
A team of scientists from Japan and the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have created a new mouse model that confirms that mutations of a protein called beta-synuclein promote neurodegeneration. The discovery creates a potential new target for developing treatments of diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Scientists redefine how our immune system responds to viruses
(PhysOrg.com) -- Landmark research from the Medical Research Council (MRC) has discovered that antibodies can fight viruses from within infected cells. This finding transforms the previous scientific understanding of our immunity to viral diseases like the common cold, 'winter vomiting' and gastroenteritis. It also gives scientists a different set of rules that pave the way to the next generation of antiviral drugs.
How some brain cells hook up surprises researchers (w/ Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- Immune cells known as microglia, long thought to be activated in the brain only when fighting infection or injury, are constantly active and likely play a central role in one of the most basic, central phenomena in the brain – the creation and elimination of synapses.
Breakthrough: Scientists harness the power of electricity in the brain (w/ Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- A paralyzed patient may someday be able to "think" a foot into flexing or a leg into moving, using technology that harnesses the power of electricity in the brain, and scientists at University of Michigan School of Kinesiology are now one big step closer.
Biology news
Japan dolphin hunt town meets with activists
(AP) -- An unprecedented meeting between conservationists and leaders of the dolphin-hunting village depicted in the Oscar-winning film "The Cove" ended in bitter disagreement Tuesday.
Giant virus found in marine predatory plankton
Researchers have identified a marine giant virus that infects Cafeteria roenbergensis, a widespread planktonic predator that occupies a key position in marine food webs, according to a study.
Online map allows visitors Arboretum experience
If the UW Arboretum were just a pretty place to take a walk, its new Interactive Map wouldn't need much more than crisscrossing trails, grey blobs for parking lots and symbols marking the restrooms.
Getting rid of cattle fever ticks
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed two strategies to ward off cattle fever ticks that are crossing the border from Mexico into the United States. These ticks transmit bovine babesiosis, commonly known as Texas cattle fever, a deadly disease of cattle that's caused by singled-celled organisms.
Males more considerate than imagined
Male worms plug females after copulation as a form of 'gift', rather than to prevent them from mating again, as had previously been thought. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Frontiers in Zoology found that plugged females mated just as often and were just as attractive as those who were unplugged, and that plugging ultimately improved female fitness.
Fly study uncovers molecular link between obesity and heart disease
It's no secret that obesity is hard on the heart. More than 30 percent of Americans are obese, and many of them are also at increased risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease. However, there are numerous causes of obesity and other risk factors for each of these conditions, making it difficult to tease them apart. At Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham), a team led by Sean Oldham, Ph.D., and Rolf Bodmer, Ph.D., recently created a simple model to link high-fat diet, obesity and heart dysfunction. Using fruit flies, they discovered that a protein called TOR influences fat accumulation in the heart.
Study shows how ancient plants and soil fungi turned the Earth green
A new breakthrough by scientists at the University of Sheffield has shed light on how the Earth's first plants began to colonise the land over 470 million years ago by forming a partnership with soil fungi.
Algae for biofuels: Moving from promise to reality, but how fast?
A new report from the Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) in Berkeley projects that development of cost-competitive algae biofuel production will require much more long-term research, development and demonstration. In the meantime, several non-fuel applications of algae could serve to advance the nascent industry.
Ears tuned to water
(PhysOrg.com) -- For bats any smooth, horizontal surface is water. Even so if vision, olfaction or touch tells them it is actually a metal, plastic or wooden plate. Bats therefore rely more on their ears than on any other sensory system. This is due to how smooth surfaces reflect the echolocation calls of bats: they act just like mirrors. In nature there are no other extended, smooth surfaces, so these mirror properties prove to be a reliable feature for recognition of water surfaces.
Scientists unveil new method to create bioartificial organs
Spanish scientists on Tuesday presented a new technique to create bioartifical organs for transplant using stem cells which they said will vastly reduce the risk of rejection of the donated organ.
Regulating Earth's climate with micro-organisms
Scientists have sought to learn more about how the Earth's oceans absorb carbon dioxide and generally exchange gases with the atmosphere so they can better understand the corresponding effects on climate. To that end, many researchers are turning their attention to the microscopic organisms that help recycle carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and other elements through the oceans. Finding out exactly how and to what degree they do that is an ongoing scientific challenge, and scientists may first have to learn more about how the microbes interact with their environment at the scale of the individual microbe.
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