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Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for November 9, 2010:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Human-computer music performances use system that links music and musical gestures (w/ Video)- Link found between arsenic in drinking water and strokes
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread expected in the next few days
- Quantum computers may be much easier to build than previously thought: study
- Darwin's theory of gradual evolution not supported by geological history, scientist concludes
- The ethical robot (w/ Video)
- Fermi telescope discovers new giant structure in our galaxy (w/ Video)
- Lunar discovery: Two new moon rock types
- Tokyo 'seizes Google user records' over video leak
- Cleaner stoves for developing countries, thanks to heat-powered fan design
- E Ink, maker of Kindle display, to offer color
- Growth defects in cystic fibrosis may start before birth
- Myth of a germ-free world: A closer look at antimicrobial products
- Alpha males take greater risks: Study links finger length to behavior
- Study shows sea lice problem widespread
Space & Earth news
New book examines health and environmental impacts of common (and not-so-common) chemicals
Chemicals pervade our lives. While the benefits to society from the development of these chemicals have been impressive, enabling safer, more efficient and more convenient consumer products and life-saving pharmaceuticals, many chemicals also have a dark side. Today, a growing awareness of the risks posed to humans and the environment from harmful chemicals has stimulated intensive investigations into their lifecycle and the unintended consequence of their use.
Improving soil for better lawns and gardens
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists in West Virginia are finding ways to improve soil on degraded land so it can be used for sports fields and other uses.
China to rein in dioxin emissions to help air quality
China has said it aims to cut the intensity of dioxin emissions in key industries by 10 percent by 2015, as part of efforts by the world's top polluter to tackle ever-worsening air quality.
BP did not put profit before safety on Gulf well: probe
A US presidential panel probing the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster examined Tuesday the oil industry's safety culture, after its lead investigator said he found no evidence BP and its partners had sacrificed safety for profits.
Missing Milky Way dark matter
Although dark matter is inherently difficult to observe, an understanding of its properties (even if not its nature) allows astronomers to predict where its effects should be felt. The current understanding is that dark matter helped form the first galaxies by providing gravitational scaffolding in the early universe. These galaxies were small and collapsed to form the larger galaxies we see today. As galaxies grew large enough to shred incoming satellites and their dark matter, much of the dark matter should have been deposited in a flat structure in spiral galaxies which would allow such galaxies to form dark components similar to the disk and halo. However, a new study aimed at detecting the Milky Way‘s dark disk have come up empty.
20 years later, spaceport partners aim to create the next Cape Canaveral
A runway in an otherwise vast, empty stretch of desert in southern New Mexico will soon become the starting point of weekly sightseeing trips to space for anyone who can afford the $200,000 ticket, and with NASA retiring the Space Shuttle, that might eventually include traditional astronauts as well.
NASA watching Jal's remnants in the Arabian Sea for possible rebirth
Infrared and visible imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite today hinted that the low pressure area formerly known as Cyclone Jal may have new life soon. Jal has emerged into the warm waters of the Arabian Sea after crossing India this past weekend.
Aboriginal astronomers observed and recorded a 'supernova-impostor' event: research
(PhysOrg.com) -- New research by Macquarie University astronomers Duane Hamacher and David Frew supports the assertion that Aboriginal Australians were active observers of the night sky and incorporated significant astronomical events into their oral traditions.
Astronomers find 'snooker star system'
Astronomers at The University of Warwick and the University of Sheffield have helped discover an unusual star system which looks like, and may even once have behaved like, a game of snooker.
Oil will run dry before substitutes roll out: study
At the current pace of research and development, global oil will run out 90 years before replacement technologies are ready, says a new University of California, Davis, study based on stock market expectations.
Black holes' true power revealed by 'Russian doll' galaxy
Following a study of what is in effect a miniature galaxy buried inside a normal-sized one – like a Russian doll – astronomers using a CSIRO telescope have concluded that massive black holes are more powerful than we thought.
Bringing a bit of Mars back home
If there is evidence of life on Mars, it will be found in the planet’s rocks. And as most scientists who study Mars will tell you, the best way to learn about martian rocks is to bring a few back to Earth.
Lunar discovery: Two new moon rock types
Many of us think of our nearest celestial neighbor as having few secrets to give up. However, we are still finding out new things about the moon. The latest discovery is of two types of moon rock not seen before. The last time scientists identified a different type of moon rock, it was in the 1970s. One of the new types of rock was found on the far side of the moon, but the other was found on the near side.
Fermi telescope discovers new giant structure in our galaxy (w/ Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has unveiled a previously unseen structure centered in the Milky Way. The feature spans 50,000 light-years and may be the remnant of an eruption from a supersized black hole at the center of our galaxy.
Technology news
Freescale announces powerful 32-bit microcontrollers for automotive applications
New Qorivva microcontroller families, based on Power Architecture technology, designed to increase performance, safety and energy efficiency for a new generation of smart vehicles.
Japan's Rakuten e-retailer books larger sales
Japan's top online Rakuten on Tuesday reported an increase in net sales for the nine months to September as it continues a global expansion of its e-commerce business.
Feds: Woman illegally fired over Facebook remarks
(AP) -- A Connecticut woman who was fired after she posted disparaging remarks about her boss on Facebook has prompted a first-of-its-kind legal case by federal authorities who say her comments are protected speech under labor laws.
Ask.com laying off 130 workers in search retreat
(AP) -- Internet search engine Ask.com is laying off about 130 engineers because it no longer plans to use its own technology for indexing and recommending websites.
Microsoft Windows Phone 7 devices go on sale
(AP) -- Smart phones running Microsoft's new software are now available for AT&T Inc. and T-Mobile USA customers.
Amazon increases revenue split for papers, magazines
Amazon is increasing the revenue split for newspapers and magazines sold through its Kindle electronic bookstore.
Toshiba profits surge but yen overshadows outlook
Japanese electronics giant Toshiba said Tuesday its net profit surged in the three months ended September from a year earlier but left its profit outlook unchanged on uncertainties caused by a strong yen.
NEC develops organic radical battery for practical use
NEC Corporation announced today the development of a thin and flexible Organic Radical Battery (ORB) that is significantly more reliable and produces 1.4 times more output than existing units.
Global warming reduces available wind energy
A switch to wind energy will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions -- and reduce the global warming they cause. But there's a catch, says climate researcher Diandong Ren, a research scientist at the University of Texas at Austin in a paper appear in the AIP's Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy: rising temperatures decrease wind speeds, making for less power bang for the wind turbine buck.
Fujitsu develops optical switch that cuts power consumption by half
Fujitsu Laboratories Limited today announced that it has been able to halve the power consumption of an optical waveguide switch based on silicon photonics through the world's first use of fine-patterned silicon germanium (SiGe) for this application, rather than conventional silicon (Si). This achievement will allow for high-speed optical switches capable of operating across a wide range of wavelengths, while featuring the world's lowest power requirements. In accordance with the constant rise of data volume being transmitted over networks, likewise, the power consumption of networking equipment shows a continuous growth trend, leading to concerns for a potentially serious energy problem in the future. Fujitsu's newly-developed technology will help contain power consumption while supporting large-volume network traffic, thus enabling high-end services linking multiple cloud networks and ultra-high-definition videoconferencing, among other applications.
Carnegie Mellon to develop autonomous capability for 'flying car'
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded a 17-month, $988,000 contract to Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute to develop an autonomous flight system for the Transformer (TX) Program, which is exploring the feasibility of a military ground vehicle that could transform into a vertical-take-off-and-landing (VTOL) air vehicle.
Yahoo! shares surge on takeover reports
Yahoo! shares surged on Wall Street on Tuesday as takeover reports swirled around the Internet giant.
Interpol approves new hi-tech crime centre in Singapore
The global police organisation Interpol approved at its general assembly in Qatar on Tuesday the creation of a new Singapore-based anti-crime centre.
AMD sees better profit margins in 2011
(AP) -- Advanced Micro Devices is raising its profit forecast as the company readies the rollout of an ambitious new line of computer processors.
Activision studio hangs hopes on new 'Call of Duty'
Mark Lamia, as the head of Treyarch Studio, is used to late nights overseeing the creation of what's likely to be the biggest video game of the holidays, "Call of Duty: Black Ops." But on a Monday in late October, Lamia stuck around even later than normal - until 1:30 a.m. - waiting to talk to a game journalist.
Google announces 'Instant Previews' search feature
(AP) -- People searching on Google will soon be able to see previews of websites before clicking on them.
Researchers aim to harvest solar energy from pavement to melt ice, power streetlights
The heat radiating off roadways has long been a factor in explaining why city temperatures are often considerably warmer than nearby suburban or rural areas. Now a team of engineering researchers from the University of Rhode Island is examining methods of harvesting that solar energy to melt ice, power streetlights, illuminate signs, heat buildings and potentially use it for many other purposes.
Tokyo 'seizes Google user records' over video leak
Japanese prosecutors on Tuesday seized user records from Google in an investigation into the leak of a video on YouTube showing a tense maritime incident that sparked a row with China, reports said.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread expected in the next few days
(PhysOrg.com) -- While Google hasn't made any official announcements on the release date for Android 2.3 several clues online over the weekend point to an imminent release of Gingerbread. This may have to do with the timing of iOS 4.2 which is set to release this week.
Human-computer music performances use system that links music and musical gestures (w/ Video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- Every musical sound comes from a specific way that an instrument is played. With modern technology such as sensors, signal processing, and sometimes machine learning algorithms, researchers can determine the precise musical gesture used to produce a particular sound on an instrument. The ability to recreate musical gestures from sounds can be used for interactive human-computer music performances, music transcription, and other innovative applications.
Medicine & Health news
Combined imaging technologies may better identify cancerous breast lesions
By combining optical and x-ray imaging, radiologists may be better able to distinguish cancer from benign lesions in the breast, according to a new study published in the online edition and January issue of Radiology.
New research shows genetic test for lung cancer risk prompts smokers to quit
New research shows a gene-based test for lung cancer risk assessment motivates smokers to quit or cut down, according to results of a clinical study presented today at the American Association of Cancer Research's Ninth Annual Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.
Conference focuses on unmet needs in developing world
On a screen in the cavernous hall at the Harvard Club of Boston were images of two patients, one with a hernia and the second with breast cancer, conditions routinely treated with surgery in the United States.
Researchers to explore why there is a high risk of second stroke
Neurological researchers at Rush University Medical Center are part of a multicenter, National Institutes of Health (NIH) study to determine the levels of stroke risk and stroke recurrence in patients with narrowed brain arteries.
Shock absorbent flooring to reduce injury through falls
A study to see if using 'shock absorbent' flooring can reduce injuries caused by falling in hospitals is being piloted by the University of Portsmouth.
Cancer experience worse for young adults in spite of better survival odds
Younger adult cancer patients have the most difficulty coping with the pain and emotional issues of cancer, in spite of their potentially better survival odds, according to a University of Michigan Health System study.
Cognitive problems may appear in children with epilepsy
Up to half of new cases of epilepsy are in children and adolescents. This is particularly significant because the onset of epilepsy in children can have a lasting impact on their cognitive development, says Philip Fastenau, a neurologist at Case Western Reserve's School of Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland.
Breast cancer detection improved with image processing
Siemens researchers in Portugal hope to detect breast cancer more reliably in the future using a new statistical detection method. The digital image processing technique reveals tiny calcium deposits in the breast, which are a frequent indication of tumors. Previously only experienced radiologists could deduce the possible existence of such deposits from x-ray images. Computer-assisted detection of calcium deposits is very sensitive and can assist radiologists with their diagnosis. Comparisons with other methods have shown that the new method even permits conclusions to be drawn regarding the malignancy of the tumors associated with the deposits. The method is currently undergoing clinical trials.
Improve memory with culture-sensitive cognitive training
It's a universal problem: you spot a familiar face in the crowd, but can't recall the person's name. This ability to match unrelated items (such as faces and names) is called memory binding, and the skill declines with age. But two Ryerson researchers are curious: does memory-binding deterioration happen in the same way to older adults around the world, or does culture moderate the effects?
Feds dismiss misconduct claims at FDA device unit
(AP) -- For the second time this year, federal inspectors have dismissed allegations by Food and Drug Administration scientists who say they were pressured and harassed by their managers into approving medical devices against their judgment.
New report suggests why risk for sudden infant death syndrome is greater in babies of mothers who smoke
The link between maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) may relate to the negative effects of nicotine on the development of brain centers that regulate breathing, according to an article in the recent issue of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
New NIH data show gains in COPD awareness
The number of Americans who report being aware of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, increased by 4 percentage points between 2008 and 2010, but many people at risk are still unaware of the disease, according to mailed survey results released today by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health.
New assessment tool helps shed light on lupus in kids worldwide
A newly designed tool is helping researchers shed light on the quality of life (QoL) of children with lupus around the world, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual meeting, held Nov. 7-11, in Atlanta.
Lupus patients: The doctor, nurse and social worker are here to see you
The benefits of collaborative, multidisciplinary care of patients with complex autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis are just beginning to be appreciated by physicians. Hospital for Special Surgery in New York will present evidence of the advantages of such a specialized disease center dedicated to comprehensive lupus care at the 74th Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in Atlanta.
Study shows young, unsupervised children most at risk for dog bites
As dog bites become an increasingly major public health concern, a new study shows that unsupervised children are most at risk for bites, that the culprits are usually family pets and if they bite once, they will bite again with the second attack often more brutal than the first.
Side effects of hormonal breast cancer therapy increased; may affect treatment adherence
Women being treated for breast cancer with aromatase inhibitors may experience extremely low estrogen levels resulting in a wide variety of side effects that a typical postmenopausal woman without cancer may not experience.
Menopausal hormone therapy may increase risk of ovarian cancer
Women planning on taking hormone therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms should be aware of a possible increased risk for ovarian cancer, according to data presented at the Ninth Annual AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, held here Nov. 7-10, 2010.
Cooling may benefit children after cardiac arrest
When the heart is stopped and restarted, the patient's life may be saved but the brain is often permanently damaged. Therapeutic hypothermia, a treatment in which the patient's body temperature is lowered and maintained several degrees below normal for a period of time, has been shown to mitigate these harmful effects and improve survival in adults.
Unconventional idea for antiviral contraceptive gel wins Gates Foundation grant
A vaginal gel that affords both contraception and HIV protection using nanoparticles that carry bee venom is one of the bold, unconventional ideas that won a 2010 Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Computer-automated monitoring system may help identify medical devices with potential safety risks
Implementation in Massachusetts of a computer-automated safety surveillance system of clinical outcomes registries for cardiovascular devices resulted in the identification of a drug-releasing stent that had significantly higher rates of major adverse cardiac events than similar stents, according to a study in the November 10 issue of JAMA. The findings indicate that this type of system appears feasible and useful in identifying new cardiovascular devices with early low-frequency potential safety issues that are not observed in premarket approval studies.
Significant variations found among medical centers regarding bloodstream infections surveillance
The quality of public reporting of bloodstream infection rates among hospitals may be effected by the variation in surveillance methods, according to a study in the November 10 issue of JAMA.
How well does clot-busting drug work in stroke patients?
The clot-busting drug rt-PA remains the most beneficial proven emergency treatment for strokes caused by blood clots, according to an editorial in the November issue of Archives of Neurology by Dr. José Biller.
Use of androgen deprivation therapy increases fracture risk among prostate cancer patients
Men with history of fracture and comorbidities are at an increased risk of fracture after long-term use of androgen deprivation therapy, and initiating this therapy should be carefully considered in older men with localized prostate cancer.
Surge of cholera feared in Haiti's crowded capital
(AP) -- Health workers feared a surge of cholera cases in the shantytowns and muddy tent camps of Haiti's capital as suspected cases piled up Tuesday and a laboratory confirmed a case originated in the overcrowded city.
Cholera confirmed for resident of Haiti's capital
(AP) -- The cholera epidemic has spread into Haiti's capital, imperiling nearly 3 million people living in Port-au-Prince, nearly half of them in unsanitary tent camps for the homeless from the Jan. 12 earthquake.
How do you teach professionalism in pharmacy?
(PhysOrg.com) -- Professionalism teaching and learning needs to be integrated, grounded and longitudinal throughout all four years of the pharmacy curriculum, says a new University of Manchester study.
Using CT, radiologists can pinpoint cause of some strokes
Multidetector computed tomography (CT) helps pinpoint the causes of ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke, potentially speeding the delivery of life-saving treatments, according to a study published online and in the January issue of Radiology.
Sex, drugs more common in hyper-texting teens
(AP) -- Teens who text 120 times a day or more - and there seems to be a lot of them - are more likely to have had sex or used alcohol and drugs than kids who don't send as many messages, according to provocative new research.
New test for ovarian cancer patients
Scientists have developed a new test to select which patients with ovarian cancer will benefit from new drugs called PARP inhibitors, according to research presented at the National Cancer Research Institute Cancer Conference in Liverpool.
Alzheimer's presents unique cultural challenges for Chinese families
If dementia were a country, its economy would rank 18th between Turkey and Indonesia. The total estimated global cost of dementia in 2010 is slated to be $604 billion, according to Alzheimer's Disease International. The sharpest increase in the 35.6 million people across the world with dementia is now occurring in rapidly developing regions -- especially in China.
Great genetic variation in pancreatic cancer, study shows
A new study published recently in Nature details the complexity of genetic variation found in pancreatic cancer cells. The ability to identify and understand the early mutations involved with the disease may lead to the discovery of new drug targets.
Tocophobic men can find hope in psychoprophylaxis
New research presented in a doctoral thesis from Karolinska Institutet shows that psychoprophylaxis can help men with tocophobia (fear of childbirth). The thesis, which is to be presented on 12 November, also shows that although psychoprophylaxis generally has no effect on the experience of childbirth for women or men, its actual use during delivery seems to reduce the risk of emergency C-section.
The connection between childhood, teenage abuse and diabetes in women
A new study of nearly 70,000 women found a clear association between abuse in childhood and adolescence and the risk of type 2 diabetes in adult women.
Poor health could be linked to unaffordable housing
People who cannot afford their housing are more likely to suffer from poor health, according to a new study, which also found that renters consider themselves less healthy than homeowners.
Bilingual benefits reach beyond communication
Speaking two languages can be handy when traveling abroad, applying for jobs, and working with international colleagues, but how does bilingualism influence the way we think? In the current issue of Psychological Science in the Public Interest, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, Ellen Bialystok (York University), Fergus I.M. Craik (Rotman Research Institute), David W. Green (University College London), and Tamar H. Gollan (University of California, San Diego) review the latest research on bilingualism and ways in which knowing two languages can change brain function, even affecting brain areas not directly involved in communication.
Timely depression diagnosis critical to maintain health of elderly
Depression affects approximately 30 to 40 percent of nursing home residents, but it often goes unrecognized, according to American Geriatrics Society, which can lead to lower quality of life or even suicide. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found a series of indicators, other than changes in mood that are associated with the development of depression in nursing home residents.
Poll analysis: Americans have conflicting views about spending on public health system
A comprehensive review of national opinion polls shows that Americans have conflicting views about the nation's public health system and are divided along partisan lines in their support of additional spending on public health programs. A majority supports increased spending on public health in general and sees public health interventions as saving money in the long term. At the same time, however, many do not favor increased spending on a number of areas that public health officials deem important and do not see their state health department as doing a good job preventing chronic illnesses.
Exercise may reduce risk of endometrial cancer
Women who exercise for 150 minutes a week or more may see a reduced risk of endometrial cancer, despite whether or not they are overweight, according to data presented at the Ninth Annual AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, held here Nov. 7-10, 2010.
Children with high blood pressure more likely to have learning disabilities
Children who have hypertension are much more likely to have learning disabilities than children with normal blood pressure, according to a new University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) study published this week in the journal, Pediatrics. In fact, when variables such as socio-economic levels are evened out, children with hypertension were four times more likely to have cognitive problems.
Rogue gene hijacks stem cells to jumpstart human cancer
A gene thought to be responsible for initiating human cancer has been identified by researchers at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. The study - published online today (9 November) in the journal Cancer Research - paves the way for developing early cancer diagnostic tests, and finding new treatments that prevent or stop the spread of cancer cells at an early stage.
Undergraduates' low-cost ultrasound system wins Gates Foundation grant
A team of University of Washington undergraduate students was among 65 research groups that today learned they had won one of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grants.
Overcoming the IVF baby blues
Between 20 and 30 percent of women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures suffer from significant symptoms of depression. Many practitioners believe that the hormone therapy involved in IVF procedures is primarily responsible for this. But new research from Tel Aviv University shows that, while this is true, other factors are even more influential.
New heart pump to provide temporary assist for infants, adults
Researchers have created a new type of heart pump inserted with a catheter to improve the survival rate for infants undergoing a series of surgeries to correct a deadly birth defect.
Tarantulas help parse fear in the human brain
The human brain may respond differently to threats based on proximity, trajectory, and expectations, according to a study published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Obesity in adolescence significantly associated with increased risk of severe obesity in adulthood
An analysis of nationally representative data suggests that being obese in adolescence increases the risk of being severely obese in adulthood, with the risk higher in women, and highest for black women, according to a study in the November 10 issue of JAMA.
Researchers discover important link between adrenal gland hormone and brain in hypertension
A hormone already responsible for increasing blood pressure by prompting the kidneys to retain salt appears to moonlight as a major stimulator of the brain centers that control the vascular system and blood pressure.
Variation in heart disease death risk in England largely attributed to population characteristics
In England, a country with a universal access health care system, there is wide variation between local populations in the rate of death from coronary heart disease, which is largely explained by population characteristics such as low socioeconomic factors, white ethnicity, levels of smoking, and diabetes, according to a study in the November 10 issue of JAMA.
In Brief: Bisphenol A causes sterility in roundworm
Bisphenol A can cause sterility and embryo death in a laboratory roundworm, according to a study published yesterday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Text messaging improves health of Kenyans with HIV: researcher
A simple "how are you" delivered weekly through cell phone text messaging (SMS) increases the likelihood that Kenyans with HIV will stay healthy and follow their medication regimen, while reducing the spread of the disease, according to a new study led by a University of British Columbia researcher.
Long-term statin use is unlikely to increase cancer risk: study
Researchers have further established that long-term use of statins is unlikely to substantially increase or decrease overall cancer risk, according to study results presented at the Ninth Annual AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, held Nov. 7-10, 2010, in Philadelphia.
Few eligible young women choose to take HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, study shows
In a study of more than 9,600 adolescent and young adult women in the Baltimore area, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found that fewer than 30 percent of those eligible to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer actually chose to get it. And only about a third of those who began receiving the vaccine completed the three doses recommended for maximum protection.
MicroRNA controls mammary gland development in mice
Hormones, growth factors and several proteins ensure that development occurs in the right way, at the right time. The components that cause breast development in mammals, for example, were thought to be largely known. However, as a team of scientists from Göttingen, Frankfurt and Hanover have now discovered, in the case of breast development, hormones and proteins do not account for the full story. The scientists have shown that tiny ribonucleic acid molecules play a key role in this process. The mammary glands of mice lacking the gene for the microRNAs 212 and 132 failed to grow at puberty. (Nature Genetics, Nov. 7, 2010)
New role for protein molecule that inhibits response of immune-system cells
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a new role for a protein molecule that inhibits the response of immune-system cells to inflammatory signals associated with many human diseases.
Growth defects in cystic fibrosis may start before birth
A new study using a pig model of cystic fibrosis (CF) suggests that low levels of a growth promoting hormone at or before birth may contribute to growth defects in patients with CF.
Alpha males take greater risks: Study links finger length to behavior
Potential investors might wish to examine the fingers of their financial advisor prior to signing over any savings. A new study from Concordia University has found the length between the second and fourth finger is an indicator of high levels of prenatal testosterone, risk-taking and potential financial success in men. The findings, published in the journal of Personality and Individual Differences, suggest that alpha males may take greater risks in relationships, on the squash court and in the financial market.
Myth of a germ-free world: A closer look at antimicrobial products
Killing microorganisms has become a national obsession. A pair of antimicrobial compounds known as triclosan and triclocarban are lately the weapons of choice in our war of attrition against the microbial world. Both chemicals are found in an array of personal care products like antimicrobial soaps, and triclosan also is formulated into everyday items ranging from plastics and toys to articles of clothing.
Link found between arsenic in drinking water and strokes
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study in Michigan in the U.S. suggests the presence of moderate levels of arsenic in drinking water could increase the risk of strokes.
Biology news
K-State research team receives patent to control destructive parasite
A recently patented invention from a Kansas State University research team aims to control a devastating parasite that causes millions of dollars in crop damage each year.
Heavy metals and moose
Moose in southern Norway are in significantly worse health than those further north and in eastern Norway. An analysis of roughly 600 moose livers, combined with information such as carcass weights and ages, shows that Norway’s southernmost herds are afflicted with kidney problems and osteoporosis.
More than 1,000 tigers reduced to skin and bones in last decade
Parts of at least 1,069 tigers have been seized in tiger range countries over the past decade, according to new analysis of tiger seizures carried out by TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network. Reduced to Skin and Bones shows that from January 2000 to April 2010, parts of between 1,069 and 1,220 tigers were seized in 11 of the 13 tiger range countries—or an average of 104 to 119 animals per year.
Scientists: Beak deformities increase in Northwest
(AP) -- Scientists have observed the highest rate of beak abnormalities ever recorded in wild bird populations in Alaska and the Northwest, a study by two federal scientists said.
Mountain ranges may act as 'safe haven' for species facing climate change
Swiss researchers studying the projected effects of climate change on alpine plant species have discovered that mountain ranges may represent a 'safer' place to live during changing climate conditions. The research, published in the Journal of Biogeography, finds that the habitat diversity of mountain ranges offer species 'refuge habitats' which may be important for conservation.
How the dragon got its 'snap'
Scientists at the John Innes Centre and the University of East Anglia are pioneering a powerful combination of computer modeling and experimental genetics to work out how the complex shapes of organs found in nature are produced by the interacting actions of genes. Their findings will influence our thinking about how these complex shapes have evolved.
Researchers sequence human methylome at single base-pair resolution
DNA methylation plays an important role in many processes such as animal development, X-chromosome inactivation, and carcinogenesis. Understanding the mechanisms and functions of DNA methylation and how it varies from tissue to tissue and between individuals will have profound implications for human health and disease.
Study shows sea lice problem widespread
Salmon farms are transferring parasitic sea lice to wild salmon over a much wider region than first thought. That’s the conclusion of a newly published article called Evidence of farm-induced parasite infestations on wild juvenile salmon in multiple regions of coastal British Columbia, Canada.
DNA reveals origins of first European farmers
A team of international researchers led by ancient DNA experts from the University of Adelaide has resolved the longstanding issue of the origins of the people who introduced farming to Europe some 8000 years ago.
Darwin's theory of gradual evolution not supported by geological history, scientist concludes
Charles Darwin's theory of gradual evolution is not supported by geological history, New York University Geologist Michael Rampino concludes in an essay in the journal Historical Biology. In fact, Rampino notes that a more accurate theory of gradual evolution, positing that long periods of evolutionary stability are disrupted by catastrophic mass extinctions of life, was put forth by Scottish horticulturalist Patrick Matthew prior to Darwin's published work on the topic.
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