The EDGE: ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Tuesday, June 5, 2012

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Tuesday, June 5, 2012

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Practical tool can 'take pulse' of blue-green algae status in lakes (June 4, 2012) -- Scientists have designed a screening tool that provides a fast, easy and relatively inexpensive way to predict levels of a specific toxin in lakes that are prone to blue-green algal blooms. ... > full story

The mysterious arc of Venus (June 4, 2012) -- When Venus transits the sun on June 5-6, an armada of spacecraft and ground-based telescopes will be on the lookout for something elusive and, until recently, unexpected: the arc of Venus. ... > full story

RHESSI will use Venus transit to improve measurements of the sun's diameter (June 4, 2012) -- With the new data obtained during the Venus transit on June 5-6, 2012, the RHESSI team hopes to improve the knowledge of the exact shape of the sun and provide a more accurate measure of the diameter than has previously been obtained. ... > full story

Investigational diabetes drug may have fewer side effects (June 4, 2012) -- Drugs for Type 2 diabetes can contribute to unwanted side effects, but researchers have found that in mice, an investigational drug appears to improve insulin sensitivity without side effects. The medicine works through a different pathway, which could provide additional targets for treating insulin resistance and diabetes. ... > full story

Little cognitive benefit from soy supplements for older women (June 4, 2012) -- In a new study of the effects of soy supplements for postmenopausal women, researchers found no significant differences -- positive or negative -- in overall mental abilities between those who took supplements and those who didn't. ... > full story

Families of kids with staph infections have high rate of drug-resistant germ (June 4, 2012) -- Family members of children with a staph infection often harbor a drug-resistant form of the germ, although they don’t show symptoms, a team of researchers has found. ... > full story

Early childhood neglect may raise risk of adult skin cancer (June 4, 2012) -- Skin cancer patients whose childhood included periods of neglect or maltreatment are at a much greater risk for their cancers to return when they face a major stressful event, new research suggests. ... > full story

Cancer drugs: Better, cheaper (June 4, 2012) -- Cancer drug development is known to be too slow, costly and fraught with failure. Now the US Food and Drug Administration is issuing recommendations for breast cancer trials that would substantially accelerate patient access to new medications while lowering the time and cost of drug development. ... > full story

Neuroscientists show how brain responds to sensual caress (June 4, 2012) -- A nuzzle of the neck, a brush of the knee -- these caresses often signal a loving touch, but can also feel highly aversive, depending on who is delivering the touch, and to whom. Interested in how the brain makes connections between touch and emotion, neuroscientists have discovered that the association begins in the brain's primary somatosensory cortex, a region that was thought only to respond to basic touch. ... > full story

Fossil discovery: More evidence for Asia, not Africa, as the source of earliest anthropoid primates (June 4, 2012) -- A new fossil primate from Myanmar illuminates a critical step in the evolution of early anthropoids. Afrasia closely resembles another early anthropoid, Afrotarsius libycus. The close similarity indicates that early anthropoids colonized Africa only shortly before the time when these animals lived. This was a pivotal step in primate and human evolution, because it set the stage for the later evolution of more advanced apes and humans there. ... > full story

Reign of the giant insects ended with the evolution of birds (June 4, 2012) -- Giant insects ruled the prehistoric skies during periods when Earth's atmosphere was rich in oxygen. Then came the birds. After the evolution of birds about 150 million years ago, insects got smaller despite rising oxygen levels, according to a new study. ... > full story

Zeroing in on the best shape for cancer-fighting nanoparticles (June 4, 2012) -- A pair of new articles suggests that cancer-fighting nanoparticles ought to be disc-shaped, not spherical or rod-shaped, when targeting cancers at or near blood vessels. ... > full story

Mosquitoes fly in rain thanks to low mass (June 4, 2012) -- Even rain can't deter mosquitoes. The blood-sucking insect can fly in a downpour because of its strong exoskeletons and low mass render it impervious to falling drops. Researchers determined this using high-speed videography. ... > full story

‘Good fat’ activated by cold, not ephedrine (June 4, 2012) -- Researchers have shown that while a type of “good” fat found in the body can be activated by cold temperatures, it is not able to be activated by the drug ephedrine. ... > full story

How infectious disease may have shaped human origins (June 4, 2012) -- Scientists suggest that inactivation of two specific genes related to the immune system may have conferred selected ancestors of modern humans with improved protection from some pathogenic bacterial strains, such as Escherichia coli K1 and Group B Streptococci, the leading causes of sepsis and meningitis in human fetuses, newborns and infants. ... > full story

Physicists close in on a rare particle-decay process: Underground experiment may unlock mysteries of the neutrino (June 4, 2012) -- In the biggest result of its kind in more than ten years, physicists have made the most sensitive measurements yet in a decades-long hunt for a hypothetical and rare process involving the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. If discovered, the researchers say, this process could have profound implications for how scientists understand the fundamental laws of physics and help solve some of the universe's biggest mysteries. ... > full story

Vaccinations of US children declined after publication of now-refuted autism risk (June 4, 2012) -- Health economics researchers have found that publication of the perceived risk linking the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine to autism in the late 1990s seemingly led to declines in the vaccination rate of children. This is despite the fact that later studies refuted the existence of an MMR-autism link. ... > full story

Giant black hole kicked out of home galaxy (June 4, 2012) -- Astronomers have found strong evidence that a massive black hole is being ejected from its host galaxy at a speed of several million miles per hour. New observations suggest that the black hole collided and merged with another black hole and received a powerful recoil kick from gravitational wave radiation. ... > full story

High blood caffeine levels in older adults linked to avoidance of Alzheimer’s disease (June 4, 2012) -- Those cups of coffee that you drink every day to keep alert appear to have an extra perk -- especially if you’re an older adult. A recent study monitoring the memory and thinking processes of people older than 65 found that all those with higher blood caffeine levels avoided the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in the two-to-four years of study follow-up. Moreover, coffee appeared to be the major or only source of caffeine for these individuals. ... > full story

Will a NYC supersize soda ban help obesity battle? (June 4, 2012) -- Researchers say it does not appear that limiting sizes of soft drinks will have a significant effect on reducing weight at a population level. ... > full story

Cannabinoid shown effective as adjuvant analgesic for cancer pain (June 4, 2012) -- An investigational cannabinoid therapy helped provide effective analgesia when used as an adjuvant medication for cancer patients with pain that responded poorly to opioids, according to results of a multicenter trial. ... > full story

Facebook photos may reflect unconscious cultural differences (June 4, 2012) -- The photos we select for our Facebook profiles may reflect individual preferences, but they also appear to reflect more deeply rooted, unconscious cultural differences. ... > full story

Ancient jugs hold the secret to practical mathematics in Biblical times (June 4, 2012) -- Archaeologists and mathematicians alike have been puzzled for centuries by the use of spherical jugs in trade in the ancient world, and how merchants measured the volume of the commodities they held. Now researchers have revealed that these ancient cultures had their own unique means of measurement, accurate enough for business and other uses. ... > full story

Researchers achieve RNA interference, in a lighter package (June 4, 2012) -- Using a technique known as "nucleic acid origami," chemical engineers have built tiny particles made out of DNA and RNA that can deliver snippets of RNA directly to tumors, turning off genes expressed in cancer cells. ... > full story

Healthy habits can prevent disease (June 4, 2012) -- Five new studies provide evidence to support simple steps we can take to prevent illness and improve our overall health. Researchers report on fish consumption to reduce the risk of colon cancer; the effectiveness of hypnotherapy and acupuncture for smoking cessation; regular teeth cleaning to improve cardiovascular health; the effectiveness of primary care physicians in weight loss programs; and the use of low-dose aspirin to reduce cancer risk. ... > full story

Many new mothers spend more time on facebook after birth (June 4, 2012) -- Many first-time parents - particularly mothers - actually increase the amount of time they spend on Facebook after the birth of their child. ... > full story

Are wider faced men more self-sacrificing? (June 4, 2012) -- Picture a stereotypical tough guy and you might imagine a man with a broad face, a square jaw, and a stoical demeanor. Existing research even supports this association, linking wider, more masculine faces with several less-than-cuddly characteristics, including perceived lack of warmth, dishonesty, and lack of cooperation. But a new study suggests that men with these wide, masculine faces aren't always the aggressive tough guys they appear to be. ... > full story

Flexible channel width improves user experience on wireless systems (June 4, 2012) -- Researchers have developed a technique to efficiently divide the bandwidth of the wireless spectrum in multi-hop wireless networks to improve operation and provide all users in the network with the best possible performance. ... > full story

Teaching tree-thinking through touch (June 4, 2012) -- A pair of new studies by computer scientists, biologists, and cognitive psychologists suggest that collaborative touch-screen games have value beyond just play. ... > full story

Groundbreaking x-ray snapshots of active photosynthesis (June 4, 2012) -- Scientists are opening new avenues to understand photosynthesis and create artificial photosynthesis. Using x-ray analysis, they have managed to see the structure of molecules under conditions where photosynthesis can occur, and they have also found that calcium plays a critical role in decomposing water. ... > full story

New breast cancer drug halts tumor growth better than standard therapy (June 4, 2012) -- A new cancer treatment that links chemotherapy with an agent that homes in on specific breast cancer cells was significantly better than the current drug regimen at keeping patients' advanced tumors from progressing, according to results from a phase III clinical trial. ... > full story

Bug-bomb foggers are no match for bed bugs (June 4, 2012) -- Recent research shows "bug bombs" and foggers to be ineffective against bed bugs. ... > full story

Excessive endurance training can be too much of a good thing, research suggests (June 4, 2012) -- Micah True, legendary ultra-marathoner, died suddenly while on a routine 12-mile training run March 27, 2012. The mythic Caballo Blanco in the best-selling book, Born to Run, True would run as far as 100 miles in a day. On autopsy his heart was enlarged and scarred; he died of a lethal arrhythmia (irregularity of the heart rhythm). Although speculative, the pathologic changes in the heart of this 58 year-old veteran extreme endurance athlete may have been manifestations of "Phidippides cardiomyopathy," a condition caused by chronic excessive endurance exercise. ... > full story

Immune system glitch tied to fourfold higher likelihood of death identified (June 4, 2012) -- High levels of an antibody molecule has been found to be linked to increased rates of death from all diseases. ... > full story

Knowing yeast genome produces better wine (June 4, 2012) -- The yeast Dekkera bruxellensis plays an important role in the production of wine, as it can have either a positive or a negative impact on the taste. Researchers have analyzed the yeast’s genome giving wine producers the possibility to take control of the flavor development of the wine. ... > full story

Artificial muscle as shock absorber: Dampen annoying vibrations in a car or supply wireless power (June 4, 2012) -- Engineers are working on intelligent materials that can diminish vibrations and extract power from the environment. These electro-active elastomers could dampen annoying vibrations in a car, for example, or supply wireless power to sensors in otherwise inaccessible places. ... > full story

New multitarget molecule designed with high potential in future treatments for Alzheimer's disease (June 4, 2012) -- Researchers have developed a multitarget molecule, ASS234, which according to the results of in vitro studies conducted, inhibits the aggregation of the ß-amyloid protein, involved in Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, ASS234 stimulates the cholinergic and monoaminergic transmission, key factors involved in the cognitive function. In addition, ASS234 is able to cross the blood–brain barrier with an elevated multipotent profile designed on basis of donepezil (Aricept®), one of the few effective drugs in palliative and symptomatic treatments of the disease. ... > full story

Repelling the drop on top (June 4, 2012) -- It would make life a lot easier if the surfaces of window panes, corrosion coatings or microfluidic systems in medical labs could keep themselves free of water and other liquids. A new simulation program can now work out just how such surfaces have to look for a variety of applications. ... > full story

Export extravaganza in human cells (June 4, 2012) -- In the first comprehensive census of human cells’ export workers, scientists found an unexpected variety of genes involved in transporting molecules to the cell membrane and beyond. ... > full story

Filming life in the fast lane (June 4, 2012) -- A new microscope enabled scientists to film a fruit fly embryo, in 3D, from when it was about two-and-a-half hours old until it walked away from the microscope as a larva. ... > full story

Molecular algebra in mammalian cells (June 4, 2012) -- Researchers have reprogrammed mammalian cells in such a way as to perform logical calculations like a pocket calculator. The cells owe this ability to one of the most complex gene networks that has ever been incorporated into a higher cell. ... > full story

Search engine for social networks based on the behavior of ants (June 4, 2012) -- Researchers are developing an algorithm, based on ants’ behavior when they are searching for food, which accelerates the search for relationships among elements that are present in social networks. One of the main technical questions in the field of social networks, whose use is becoming more and more generalized, consists in locating the chain of reference that leads from one person to another, from one node to another. The greatest challenges that are presented in this area is the enormous size of these networks and the fact that the response must be rapid. ... > full story

Shape-shifting shell of retroviruses detailed (June 4, 2012) -- Scientists have for the first time uncovered the detailed structure of the shell that surrounds the genetic material of retroviruses, such as HIV, at a crucial and potentially vulnerable stage in their life cycle: when they are still being formed. The study provides information on a part of the virus that may be a potential future drug target. ... > full story

Powerful new tool for research and drug development (June 4, 2012) -- Scientists have harnessed bioinformatics and molecular biology to create powerful software that promises to become a “must have” tool in drug development research labs the world over. The software is used to analyze kinases – a type of enzyme involved in virtually every cellular function, from energy use and reproduction to modifying gene expression. ... > full story

New statistical model lets patient's past forecast future ailments (June 4, 2012) -- Analyzing medical records from thousands of patients, statisticians have devised a statistical model for predicting what other medical problems a patient might encounter. ... > full story

Expanding the genetic alphabet may be easier than previously thought (June 3, 2012) -- A new study suggests that the replication process for DNA -- the genetic instructions for living organisms that is composed of four bases (C, G, A and T) -- is more open to unnatural letters than had previously been thought. An expanded "DNA alphabet" could carry more information than natural DNA, potentially coding for a much wider range of molecules and enabling a variety of powerful applications, from precise molecular probes and nanomachines to useful new life forms. ... > full story

A different drummer: Engineers discover neural rhythms drive physical movement (June 3, 2012) -- In a significant departure from earlier models, neural engineers and neuroscientists have developed a new model for the brain activity underlying arm movements. Motor neurons do not represent external-world parameters as previously thought, but rather send a few basic rhythmic patterns down the spine to drive movement. The finding has implications in prosthetics, the understanding of motor disorders and other uses yet to be discovered. ... > full story

Scientists complete most comprehensive genetic analysis yet of corn (June 3, 2012) -- Scientists have completed the most comprehensive analysis to date of the corn genome. The team expects the achievement to speed up development of improved varieties of one of the world's most important agricultural commodities. The results should boost international efforts to increase yields, expand areas where corn can be cultivated and produce varieties better equipped to resist pests and disease. ... > full story