Τρίτη 28 Αυγούστου 2012

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News


Selective imprinting: how the wallaby controls growth of its young

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 05:57 PM PDT

Marsupial mothers regulate the composition of their milk so that it is optimal for the development stage of their young. New research shows that, similar to the human placenta, which regulates embryonic growth and development, insulin appears to be imprinted in the marsupial mammary gland.

Reducing the side effects of treatment for prostate cancer

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 05:57 PM PDT

New research reassessing clinical data from trials, which investigate ways of treating side effects of therapy for prostate cancer, finds that tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen used to treat breast cancer, is also able to suppress gynecomastia and breast pain in men. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and early treatment is usually very successful.

How a virus might make you diabetic later in life

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 05:57 PM PDT

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the viruses that most infected people carry without ill effects. Once infected you are infected for life and, although it normally is dormant, it can become active again at any point in time. New research shows that CMV infection is a significant risk factor for the type 2 diabetes in the elderly.

NASA rover returns voice and telephoto views from Mars

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:19 PM PDT

NASA's Mars Curiosity has debuted the first recorded human voice that traveled from Earth to another planet and back. The voice playback was released along with new telephoto camera views of the varied Martian landscape.

New maps may reduce tourism impacts on Hawaiian dolphins

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 03:00 PM PDT

Over-eager eco-tourists intent on seeing spinner dolphins up close may inadvertently be disturbing the charismatic animals' daytime rest periods and driving them out of safe habitats in bays along Hawaii's coast. Scientists have developed a promising new tool that may help to limit repeated human disturbances and help reduce their negative impacts on the dolphins.

Oldest occurrence of arthropods preserved in amber: Fly, mite specimens are 100 million years older than previous amber inclusions

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 03:00 PM PDT

Scientists have discovered the oldest record of arthropods -- invertebrate animals that include insects, arachnids, and crustaceans -- preserved in amber. The specimens, one fly and two mites found in millimeter-scale droplets of amber from northeastern Italy, are about 100 million years older than any other amber arthropod ever collected.

Link between protein and aggressive, recurring prostate cancer discovered

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 02:59 PM PDT

In a study to decipher clues about how prostate cancer cells grow and become more aggressive, urologists have found that reduction of a specific protein is correlated with the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, acting as a red flag to indicate an increased risk of cancer recurrence.

Frankenstein programmers test a cybersecurity monster

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 02:59 PM PDT

To catch a thief, you have to think like one. Computer scientists are trying to stay one step ahead of cyberattackers by creating their own monster. Their monster can cloak itself as it steals and reconfigures information in a computer program.

Speaking two languages also benefits low-income children

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 01:20 PM PDT

Living in poverty is often accompanied by conditions that can negatively influence cognitive development. Can being bilingual counteract these effects? Although previous research has shown that being bilingual enhances executive functioning in middle-class children, less is known about how it affects lower income populations.

Working moms spend less time daily on kids' diet, exercise

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 01:20 PM PDT

When it comes to cooking, grocery shopping and playing with children, American moms with full-time jobs spend roughly three-and-half fewer hours per day on these and other chores related to their children's diet and exercise compared to stay-at-home and unemployed mothers.

Midlife fitness staves off chronic disease at end of life

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 01:20 PM PDT

Being physically fit during your 30s, 40s, and 50s not only helps extend lifespan, but it also increases the chances of aging healthily, free from chronic illness, investigators have found.

Neandertal's right-handedness verified, hints at language capacity

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 01:08 PM PDT

There are precious few Neandertal skeletons available to science. One of the more complete was discovered in 1957 in France, roughly 900 yards away from the famous Lascaux Cave. That skeleton was dubbed "Regourdou." Then, about two decades ago, researchers examined Regourdou's arm bones and theorized that he had been right-handed.

Oceanic mystery solved: Connection between 'monster larva' and unique species of shrimp

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:20 PM PDT

The origin of Cerataspis monstrosa has been a mystery as deep as the ocean waters it hails from. For nearly two centuries, researchers have tried to track down the larva that has shown up in the guts of other fish over time but found no adult counterpart. Until now.

Links between nutrients, genes and cancer spread documented

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:20 PM PDT

More than 40 plant-based compounds can turn on genes that slow the spread of cancer, according to a first-of-its-kind study. A professor of pharmaceutical sciences says he is encouraged by his findings because the spread of cancer is most often what makes the disease fatal. Moreover, he says, diet, nutrients and plant-based chemicals appear to be opening many avenues of attack.

Panda preferences influence trees used for scent marking

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:20 PM PDT

As solitary animals, giant pandas have developed a number of ways to communicate those times when they are ready to come into close contact. One means of this communication occurs through scent marking. A recent study indicates that pandas make clear and specific choices about what trees are used for scent marking.

Plants unpack winter coats when days get shorter

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:20 PM PDT

Mechanisms that protect plants from freezing are placed in storage during the summer and wisely unpacked when days get shorter. An expert in molecular genetics has demonstrated how the CBF cold response pathway is inactive during warmer months when days are long, and how it's triggered by waning sunlight to prepare plants for freezing temperatures.

Adolescent pot use leaves lasting mental deficits; Developing brain susceptible to lasting damage from exposure to marijuana

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:20 PM PDT

The persistent, dependent use of marijuana before age 18 has been shown to cause lasting harm to a person's intelligence, attention and memory, according to an international research team.

Long-held theory on human gestation refuted: Mother’s metabolism, not birth canal size, limits gestation

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:20 PM PDT

An anthropologist suggests that the length of human pregnancy is limited primarily by a mother's metabolism, not the size of the birth canal. The research challenges the long-held notion of an evolutionary trade-off between childbirth and a pelvis adapted for walking upright.

One third less life on planet Earth? Scientists offer better estimate of living biomass

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:18 PM PDT

Previous estimates about the total mass of all life on our planet have to be reduced by about one third, according to the results of a study by a German-U.S. science team.

Planning ahead: Consumers prefer fewer options when thinking about the future

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:16 PM PDT

Consumers generally prefer having more options when choosing among products but not when making choices involving the distant future, according to a new study.

Study questions recommendation to discontinue LABA therapy in asthma patients

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 12:16 PM PDT

An extensive literature review and analysis of five clinical trials suggests that discontinuing long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) therapy in adults and older children who have asthma that is controlled with a combination of inhaled corticosteroids and LABAs may be associated with increased asthma-related impairment, according to a new report.

Short- and mid-term cardiovascular effects of Japan's 2011 earthquake and tsunami: Incidence rises with the seismic peak

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 11:21 AM PDT

The Japanese earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, which hit the north-east coast of Japan with a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale, was one of the largest ocean-trench earthquakes ever recorded in Japan. The tsunami caused huge damage, including 15,861 dead and 3018 missing persons, and, as of June 6, 2012, 388,783 destroyed homes.

Darwin discovered to be right: Eastern Pacific barrier is virtually impassable by coral species

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 11:21 AM PDT

Coral from the eastern Pacific rarely crosses a deep-ocean barrier to reach the west coast of the Americas, according to new research. The finding has important implications for climate-change research, species-preservation efforts, and the economic stability of the eastern Pacific region, including the Galapagos, Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador.

Why some fats are worse than others

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 11:21 AM PDT

All dietary fats are not created equal. Some types of fats have been linked to ailments like heart disease and diabetes, while others, like those often found in plants and fish, have well documented health benefits. So why do our bodies respond so destructively to some fats but not others?

Diagnostic 'fatal flaws' in the ICU may account for as many annual deaths as breast cancer, patient safety team finds

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 11:21 AM PDT

Each year as many as 40,500 critically ill U.S. hospital patients die with an unknown medical condition that may have caused or contributed to their death, patient safety experts report in a recent study. The researchers say that although diagnostic errors in the intensive care unit (ICU) may claim as many lives each year as breast cancer, they remain an underappreciated cause of preventable patient harm.

Cooled coal emissions would clean air and lower health and climate-change costs

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 11:21 AM PDT

Refrigerating coal-plant emissions would reduce levels of dangerous chemicals that pour into the air -- including carbon dioxide by more than 90 percent -- at a cost of 25 percent efficiency, according to a simple math-driven formula.

Media violence consumption increases the relative risk of aggression, analysis shows

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:07 AM PDT

A comprehensive analysis of existing research clearly shows that media violence consumption increases the relative risk of aggression.

Arctic sea ice reaches lowest extent ever recorded

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:07 AM PDT

The blanket of sea ice floating on the Arctic Ocean melted to its lowest extent ever recorded since satellites began measuring it in 1979, according to new research.

Fossil skeleton of strange, ancient digging mammal clears up 30-year-old evolutionary debate

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:07 AM PDT

Shortly after dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops went extinct, the Earth became filled with mammals only distantly related to those alive today. Until recently, one of these creatures, Ernanodon antelios, was only known from a single, highly distorted specimen that raised many questions about its habits and evolutionary relationships. Scientists have now described a second specimen of Ernanodon that sheds new light on this curious beast.

The effects of discrimination could last a lifetime

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:06 AM PDT

Increased levels of depression as a result of discrimination could contribute to low birth weight babies.

Probiotics supercharge plants' immunity to disease

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:06 AM PDT

Pathogens can slip through leaf pores and begin infecting a plant. However, new research shows that this invasion is halted when a beneficial bacterium is present in the soil where the plant is rooted.

Advanced tornado/hurricane shelter panels from recycled materials

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 10:06 AM PDT

Recycled materials may become armor against flying debris: Panels for a new high-tech shelter have passed the National Storm Shelter Association's tornado threat test.

Compounds activate key cancer enzyme to interfere with tumor formation

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:25 AM PDT

Scientists have known for decades that cancer cells use more glucose than healthy cells, feeding the growth of some types of tumors. Now, scientists have identified compounds that delay the formation of tumors in mice, by targeting a key enzyme that governs how cancer cells use glucose and its metabolites.

Controlling superconductors with light

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:25 AM PDT

By shining a light on a thin layer of molecules coating a material, scientists have been able to control the critical temperature at which the material can act as a superconductor. This method might be used to develop more powerful computing devices able to save data and run continuously without generating heat and wasting energy.

The role of genes in political behavior

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:24 AM PDT

Politics and genetics have traditionally been considered non-overlapping fields, but over the past decade it has become clear that genes can influence political behavior, according to a review. This paradigm shift has led to novel insights into why people vary in their political preferences and could have important implications for public policy.

New model of muscular dystrophy provides insight into disease development

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:24 AM PDT

Researchers report the development of a mouse model of Fukuyama's muscular dystrophy that copies the pathology seen in the human form of the disease.

Studying how diseases spread in primates may help predict what diseases will emerge in humans

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:23 AM PDT

A new study has investigated how diseases are shared among species of primates with a view to predicting what diseases may emerge in humans in the future. The findings aim to help in the fight against these diseases by enabling scientists to develop treatments before outbreaks occur.

Limiting TV time: An effective strategy for preventing weight gain in children

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:23 AM PDT

A new study highlights how parents can help their children achieve a healthier lifestyle. Limit TV time.

Vitamin B3 may offer new tool in fight against staph infections, 'superbugs'

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 09:22 AM PDT

A new study suggests that nicotinamide, more commonly known as vitamin B3, may be able to combat some of the antibiotic-resistance staph infections and "superbugs" that are increasingly common around the world, have killed thousands and can pose a significant threat to public health.

Lack of sleep found to be a new risk factor for aggressive breast cancers

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 08:33 AM PDT

Lack of sleep is linked to more aggressive breast cancers, according to new findings by physician-scientists.

Scientists discover nerves control iridescence in squid's remarkable 'electric skin'

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 08:33 AM PDT

Nerves in squid skin control the animal's spectrum of shimmering hues -- from red to blue -- as well as their speed of change, biologists have found. The work marks the first time neural control of iridescence in an invertebrate species has been demonstrated.

Little evidence supports autism treatment options in adolescents

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 08:32 AM PDT

Researchers studying interventions for adolescents and young adults with autism have reported that there is insufficient evidence to support findings, good or bad, for the therapies currently used.

Super glue: Tests show that adhesive could improve safety of LASIK eye surgery

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 08:32 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a glue mixture that may reduce risks after laser vision correction surgery. Recent studies describe a new protocol involving brinogen, riboavin and ultraviolet light that could improve the safety of the corrective surgery.

To cap or not to cap: Scientists find new RNA phenomenon that challenges dogma

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 07:51 AM PDT

Some RNA molecules spend time in a restful state akin to hibernation rather than automatically carrying out their established job of delivering protein-building instructions in cells. This restful period appears to be a programmed step for RNA produced by certain types of genes. Protein production in cells is not as clear-cut as biology textbooks suggest, scientists say.

Unexpected findings at multi-detector CT scans: Less reason to worry

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 07:51 AM PDT

A new study reports that nearly seven percent of urologic multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans for hematuria result in incidental findings that may be clinically important for the patient.

Smoking after stroke increases death risk three-fold, researchers find

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 07:49 AM PDT

Patients who resume smoking after a stroke increase their risk of death by three-fold, according to new research. The researchers also found that the earlier patients resume smoking, the greater their risk of death with one year.

Leg compressions may enhance stroke recovery

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 06:43 AM PDT

Successive, vigorous bouts of leg compressions following a stroke appear to trigger natural protective mechanisms that reduce damage, researchers report.

Breast milk promotes a different gut flora growth than infant formulas

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 06:43 AM PDT

The benefits of breast milk have long been appreciated, but now scientists have described a unique property that makes mother's milk better than infant formula in protecting infants from infections and illnesses. The finding explains how breast milk, but not infant formula, fosters colonies of microbiotic flora in a newborn's intestinal tract that aid nutrient absorption and immune system development.

Precise and persistent cell sabotage: Control of siRNA could aid regenerative medicine, cancer therapy

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 06:43 AM PDT

Small interfering RNA (siRNA), can be packaged then unleashed as a precise and persistent technology to guide cell behavior, researchers report. The technology holds promise for tissue engineering and cancer therapy.

How ocean currents affect global climate becoming better understood

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 06:42 AM PDT

Oceanographers have developed a "new paradigm" for describing how the world's oceans circulate -- and with it they may help reshape science's understanding of the processes by which wind, water, sunlight and other factors interact and influence the planet's climate.

Light from self-luminous tablet computers can affect evening melatonin, delaying sleep

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 06:42 AM PDT

A two-hour exposure to electronic devices with self-luminous "backlit" displays causes melatonin suppression, which might lead to delayed bedtimes, especially in teens.

Nutrition tied to improved sperm DNA quality in older men: Healthy micronutrient intake linked to reduced DNA fragmentation

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:48 AM PDT

A healthy intake of micronutrients is strongly associated with improved sperm DNA quality in older men. In younger men, however, a higher intake of micronutrients didn't improve their sperm DNA.

Obese and overweight women face increased risk of recurrence of most common type of breast cancer

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:48 AM PDT

Extra pounds -- even within the overweight but not obese range -- are linked to a higher risk of recurrence of the most common type of breast cancer despite optimal cancer treatment, according to a new study. The study's results suggest that extra body fat causes hormonal changes and inflammation that may drive some cases of breast cancer to spread and recur despite treatment.

Renal denervation treats resistant hypertension in real world patient populations

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:42 AM PDT

Renal denervation successfully treats patients with resistant hypertension in real world patient populations, according to a new study.

Renal denervation improves blood pressure and arterial stiffness, study suggests

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:42 AM PDT

Renal denervation improves blood pressure and arterial stiffness in patients with therapy resistant hypertension, according to new research. The findings suggest that renal denervation regenerates blood vessels and could reduce cardiovascular events.

How methane becomes fish food

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:42 AM PDT

Methane is an organic carbon compound containing the fundamental building block of nearly all living material: carbon. It provides an important source of energy and nutrients for bacteria. Methane is produced in oxygen-free environments and is found in abundance at the bottom of lakes.

Pesticides endanger bats

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:42 AM PDT

Bats are a highly threatened group of animals and many people are concerned with their conservation. The entire group of animals is protected in Europe. Therefore it is worrying that bats are not included in the EU-wide authorization procedures for plant protection products. A new study has revealed that pesticide contamination of their diet can lead to long-term effects in bats.

X-ray chemist solves cholera mystery: Blood group O most susceptible

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:41 AM PDT

The likelihood of becoming seriously ill from cholera depends on your blood group. It is possible to find a new remedy for the feared illness by studying the molecular structure in the toxin in the cholera bacteria.

Healthy lifestyle reduces risk of hypertension by two thirds

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:41 AM PDT

Healthy behaviors regarding alcohol, physical activity, vegetable intake and body weight reduce the risk of hypertension by two thirds, according to new research.

Normal weight individuals with belly fat at highest CVD risk

Posted: 27 Aug 2012 04:41 AM PDT

Normal weight individuals who carry weight concentrated in their belly have a higher death risk than obese individuals, according to new research.

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