ScienceDaily: Top News

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• New clues to how the brain and body communicate to regulate weight
• Solving stem cell mysteries
• Next-generation antireflection coatings could improve solar photovoltaic cell efficiency
• Drug shows promise in animal model of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's with dementia
• Hurricane Sandy looks as the 'Bride of Frankenstorm' Approaching U.S. East Coast
• Strengthening fragile forests of carbon nanotubes for new MEMS applications
• Progress in ultrasound-guided surgery may improve breast cancer treatment
• Near-atomically flat silicon could help pave the way to new chemical sensors
• Nanotechnology helps scientists keep silver shiny
• New materials may help prevent infections by blocking initial bacterial attachment
• Immune system fighters speak in patterns of proteins, prefer squishy partners
• High-efficiency quantum dot solar cells developed
• Scientists build 'nanobowls' to protect catalysts needed for better biofuel production
• Hermit crabs socialize to evict their neighbors
• Drug used to treat glaucoma actually grows human hair
• Bean used in Chinese food could protect against sepsis
• Autism early intervention found to normalize brain activity in children as young as 18 months
• Magnetic brain stimulation treats depression independent of sleep effect
• Minimizing mining damage with manure
• New options for ease and accuracy in extraction of rare cells or separating blood
• Mechanism of membrane fission deciphered
• Watching the cogwheels of the biological clock in living cells
• Glass: Characterizing with precision and efficiency
• Dietary supplements can cause liver injury, says hepatologist
• Technology helping to crack oldest undeciphered writing system
• Laser spotlight reveals machine 'climbing' DNA
• Sickle cell anemia: Maps and newborn estimates released
• NASA radar penetrates thick, thin of Gulf oil spill
• Elevated formaldehyde levels found in day care centers
• Measuring molecules with the naked eye: Chemists' innovation may be a better model for disease diagnostic kits
• Diabetes raises levels of proteins linked to Alzheimer's features, study finds
• New tools developed to better treat ADHD patients in early stages
• High-risk carotid artery plaque formation is increased in older COPD patients
• Efforts to mitigate climate change must target energy efficiency, experts say
• Most ancient pottery prehistoric figurine of the Iberian Peninsula found in Begues
• Penis worms show the evolution of the digestive system
• Smoking takes 10 years off life expectancy in Japan, not 4 as previously thought, experts warn

New clues to how the brain and body communicate to regulate weight Posted: 26 Oct 2012 12:37 PM PDT Researchers describe new findings that help explain the neurocircuitry underlying the fat-burning properties of brown fat.

Solving stem cell mysteries Posted: 26 Oct 2012 12:36 PM PDT The ability of embryonic stem cells to differentiate into different types of cells with different functions is regulated and maintained by a complex series of chemical interactions, which are not well understood. Learning more about this process could prove useful for stem cell-based therapies down the road. New research zeroes in on the process by which stem cells maintain their proper undifferentiated state.

Next-generation antireflection coatings could improve solar photovoltaic cell efficiency Posted: 26 Oct 2012 12:34 PM PDT Photovoltaic cell efficiency may soon get a big boost, thanks to next-generation antireflection coatings crafted from nanomaterials capable of cutting down on the amount of light reflected away from a cell's surface.

Drug shows promise in animal model of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's with dementia Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:33 AM PDT New research demonstrates the role of the investigational compound IRX4204 in alleviating cognitive decline in animal models of Alzheimer's disease.

Hurricane Sandy looks as the 'Bride of Frankenstorm' Approaching U.S. East Coast Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:33 AM PDT NASA's TRMM satellite revealed Hurricane Sandy's heavy rainfall and the storm is expected to couple with a powerful cold front and Arctic air to bring that heavy rainfall to the Mid-Atlantic and northeastern US. Some forecasters are calling this combination of weather factors "Frankenstorm" because of the close proximity to Halloween. However, because Sandy is a woman's name, the storm could be considered a "bride of Frankenstorm."

Strengthening fragile forests of carbon nanotubes for new MEMS applications Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:32 AM PDT By using a variety of materials not commonly associated with MEMS technology, researchers have created stronger microstructures that can form precise, tall and narrow 3-D shapes – characteristics that were never before possible in MEMS.

Progress in ultrasound-guided surgery may improve breast cancer treatment Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:32 AM PDT Scientists are developing an alternate means of precisely tagging breast cancer tumors for removal or targeted destruction.

Near-atomically flat silicon could help pave the way to new chemical sensors Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:32 AM PDT Scientists have succeeded in creating near-atomically flat silicon, of the orientation used by the electronics industry, in a room temperature reaction. The flat silicon might one day serve as the base for new biological and chemical sensors.

Nanotechnology helps scientists keep silver shiny Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:32 AM PDT There are thousands of silver artifacts in museum collections around the world, and keeping them shiny is a constant challenge. A team of researchers is investigating less labor-intensive ways to protect silver artifacts from tarnishing.

New materials may help prevent infections by blocking initial bacterial attachment Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:32 AM PDT Recently a team of British researchers has discovered a new class of materials that resists bacterial attachment.

Immune system fighters speak in patterns of proteins, prefer squishy partners Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:32 AM PDT Researchers have discovered two new conditions for immune system communication that may help scientists one day harness the power of T-cells to fight diseases such as cancer.

High-efficiency quantum dot solar cells developed Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:32 AM PDT Scientists have demonstrated the first solar cell with external quantum efficiency (EQE) exceeding 100 percent for photons with energies in the solar range.

Scientists build 'nanobowls' to protect catalysts needed for better biofuel production Posted: 26 Oct 2012 11:32 AM PDT Researchers are using a layering technique developed for microchip manufacturing to build nanoscale "bowls" that protect miniature metal catalysts from the harsh conditions of biofuel refining.

Hermit crabs socialize to evict their neighbors Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:51 AM PDT Social animals usually congregate for protection or mating or to capture bigger prey, but a biologist has found that the terrestrial hermit crab has a more self-serving social agenda: to kick another crab out of its shell and move into a larger home.

Drug used to treat glaucoma actually grows human hair Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:51 AM PDT If you're balding and want your hair to grow back, then here is some good news. A new research shows how the FDA-approved glaucoma drug, bimatoprost, causes human hair to regrow. It's been commercially available as a way to lengthen eyelashes, but these data are the first to show that it can actually grow human hair from the scalp.

Bean used in Chinese food could protect against sepsis Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:51 AM PDT Researchers have discovered that a bean commonly used in Chinese cuisine protects against the life-threatening condition sepsis.

Autism early intervention found to normalize brain activity in children as young as 18 months Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:50 AM PDT An intensive early intervention therapy that is effective for improving cognition and language skills among very young children with autism also normalizes their brain activity, decreases their autism symptoms and improves their social skills, a nationwide study has found. The researchers said the study is the first to demonstrate that an autism early intervention program can normalize brain activity.

Magnetic brain stimulation treats depression independent of sleep effect Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:50 AM PDT While powerful magnetic stimulation of the frontal lobe of the brain can alleviate symptoms of depression, those receiving the treatment did not report effects on sleep or arousal commonly seen with antidepressant medications, researchers say.

Minimizing mining damage with manure Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:50 AM PDT New research confirms that the time-tested practice of amending crop soils with manure also can help restore soils on damaged post-mining landscapes.

New options for ease and accuracy in extraction of rare cells or separating blood Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:50 AM PDT Using something called "inertial microfluidics," researchers are able to continuously and selectively collect rare cells, such as circulating tumor cells, based on their size vs. other biomarkers. This could reduce analysis time and increase selectivity while reducing reliance on antibody-based testing in clinical tests.

Mechanism of membrane fission deciphered Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:50 AM PDT Researchers have shed light on the mechanism of the fission of cell membranes. They used an in vitro analysis of the functioning of dynamin, a protein involved in this mechanism.

Watching the cogwheels of the biological clock in living cells Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:50 AM PDT Most physiological functions in mammals are controlled by a daily internal time-keeping system, termed the circadian clock. The transcription of many genes producing detoxifying enzymes is regulated by DBP, a protein that is itself expressed in a highly rhythmic fashion. Scientists have now deciphered the molecular basis of how the circadian clock controls the rhythmic production of DBP protein in individual living cells.

Glass: Characterizing with precision and efficiency Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:48 AM PDT Glass can possess a quite diverse array of characteristics, depending on what ingredients one uses to modify it. A new process now makes the analysis of glass characteristics easier: Up to five-times faster than predecessor methods, this process only requires 20 percent of the material.

Dietary supplements can cause liver injury, says hepatologist Posted: 26 Oct 2012 09:48 AM PDT Niacin, comfrey, Kava and even green tea in high doses can cause liver injury, according to an expert.

Technology helping to crack oldest undeciphered writing system Posted: 26 Oct 2012 08:12 AM PDT New technology has allowed researchers to come closer than ever to cracking the world's oldest undeciphered writing system. Researchers in the UK have developed a Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) System for Ancient Documentary Artefacts to capture images of some of the world's most important historical documents. Recently this system was used on objects held in the vaults of the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Laser spotlight reveals machine 'climbing' DNA Posted: 26 Oct 2012 08:07 AM PDT New imaging technology has revealed how the molecular machines that remodel genetic material inside cells 'grab onto' DNA like a rock climber looking for a handhold.

Sickle cell anemia: Maps and newborn estimates released Posted: 26 Oct 2012 08:01 AM PDT In 2010 around 300,000 babies were born with sickle cell anemia, a serious blood disorder which can be fatal if untreated, and 5.5 million newborns inherited the sickle cell gene, a new study suggests.

NASA radar penetrates thick, thin of Gulf oil spill Posted: 26 Oct 2012 07:12 AM PDT Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena have developed a method to use a specialized NASA 3-D imaging radar to characterize the oil in oil spills, such as the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The research can be used to improve response operations during future marine oil spills.

Elevated formaldehyde levels found in day care centers Posted: 26 Oct 2012 07:09 AM PDT A study of 40 child-care facilities in California found that most had levels of formaldehyde and a few other contaminants that exceeded exposure guidelines. The study is the first to provide a detailed analysis of environmental contaminants and exposures for children in day care centers.

Measuring molecules with the naked eye: Chemists' innovation may be a better model for disease diagnostic kits Posted: 26 Oct 2012 07:09 AM PDT A new "lab on a chip" reveals the presence of ultra-low concentrations of a target molecule to the naked eye. This model for diagnostic testing could mean point-of-care results displayed visually for diseases that involve very subtle shifts in the bloodstream.

Diabetes raises levels of proteins linked to Alzheimer's features, study finds Posted: 26 Oct 2012 07:09 AM PDT Growing evidence suggests that there may be a link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, but the physiological mechanisms by which diabetes impacts brain function and cognition are not fully understood. In a new study published in Aging Cell, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies show, for the first time, that diabetes enhances the development of aging features that may underlie early pathological events in Alzheimer's.

New tools developed to better treat ADHD patients in early stages Posted: 26 Oct 2012 07:08 AM PDT Researchers have developed a method to get better input from parents and teachers of children who are being diagnosed with ADHD for the first time -- allowing for more effective treatment upon the first consultation. Researchers also showed how a tool can help clinicians better diagnose and treat children who have both ADHD and oppositional defiance disorder.

High-risk carotid artery plaque formation is increased in older COPD patients Posted: 26 Oct 2012 05:46 AM PDT Older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at increased risk for carotid artery plaque formation and for the presence of vulnerable plaques with a lipid core, according to a new study.

Efforts to mitigate climate change must target energy efficiency, experts say Posted: 26 Oct 2012 05:46 AM PDT More must be done to develop energy efficient cars, buildings and domestic appliances to address climate change – according to new research. Twice as much effort is spent developing energy supply technologies, such as new power stations, as is spent improving the efficiency with which energy is used. Efficient end-use technologies have the potential to contribute large emission reductions and provide higher social returns on investment, so the imbalance must be redressed.

Most ancient pottery prehistoric figurine of the Iberian Peninsula found in Begues Posted: 26 Oct 2012 05:46 AM PDT In the course of the excavation process in Can Sadurní cave (Begues), archeologists found the torso, with one complete arm and the initial part of the other, of a human figurine made of pottery. It is the most ancient human figurine that has been found in Catalonia and is approximately 6500 years old.

Penis worms show the evolution of the digestive system Posted: 26 Oct 2012 05:43 AM PDT Scientists have revealed that the enigmatic marine penis worms (priapulids) develop their intestine as humans, fish or starfish do. This surprising finding shows that very different animals share a common way of forming a gut.

Smoking takes 10 years off life expectancy in Japan, not 4 as previously thought, experts warn Posted: 25 Oct 2012 04:36 PM PDT Smoking reduces life expectancy by ten years in Japan, but much of the risk can be avoided by giving up smoking, a new paper shows.

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