Πέμπτη 19 Δεκεμβρίου 2013

ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News

Role for sugar uptake in breast cancer revealed

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 02:12 PM PST

Researchers have shown that aerobic glycolysis -- glucose metabolism in the presence of oxygen -- is not the consequence of the cancerous activity of malignant cells, as has been widely believed, but is itself a cancerous event.

Modest weight loss may reduce heart disease, diabetes risks in middle-aged women

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 02:10 PM PST

Sustaining a modest weight loss for 2 years in overweight or obese, middle-aged women may reduce risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Women who lost 10 percent or more of their body weight reduced almost every measure of cardiometabolic health.

Heart disease linked with dementia in older postmenopausal women

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 02:10 PM PST

Heart disease is linked with decreased brain function in older postmenopausal women. Women who have high blood pressure or diabetes may also be at higher risk for decreasing brain function over time.

Total smoking bans work best

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 12:25 PM PST

Completely banning tobacco use inside the home – or more broadly in the whole city – measurably boosts the odds of smokers either cutting back or quitting entirely.

Powerful ancient explosions explain new class of supernovae

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:38 AM PST

Astronomers have discovered two of the brightest and most distant supernovae ever recorded, 10 billion light-years away and a hundred times more luminous than a normal supernova.

Animal vaccine study yields insights that may advance HIV vaccine research

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:37 AM PST

A vaccine study in monkeys designed to identify measurable signs that the animals were protected from infection by SIV, the monkey version of HIV, as well as the mechanism of such protection has yielded numerous insights that may advance HIV vaccine research.

Growers the big winners in Malawi's tobacco industry

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:37 AM PST

Tobacco growers are the big winners, while the environment and people who have lost land to tobacco estates are the major losers in Malawi's expanding tobacco industry. The author of this study believes that concerted and coordinated efforts are needed to solve the related dilemmas faced by this African country.

Scientists solve a decades-old mystery in Earth's upper atmosphere

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:37 AM PST

New research resolves decades of scientific controversy over the origin of ultra-relativistic electrons in the Earth's near space environment, and is likely to influence our understanding of planetary magnetospheres throughout the universe.

Neanderthal genome shows early human interbreeding, inbreeding

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:36 AM PST

Population geneticists have produced the first high-quality genome of a Neanderthal, allowing comparison with the genomes of modern humans and Denisovans. The analysis shows a long history of interbreeding among these early humans and a fourth, previously unknown group. The Neanderthal, from Denisova cave, also shows evidence of inbreeding. About 87 genes in modern humans were found to be significantly different from related genes in Neanderthals and Denisovans.

Mountain erosion accelerates under a cooling climate

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:36 AM PST

The Earth's continental topography reflects the balance between tectonics, climate, and their interaction through erosion. However, understanding the impact of individual factors on Earth's topography remains elusive. Scientists have now investigated the effect of global cooling and glaciation on topogrpahy over the last two to three million years. Their data show that mountain erosion rates have increased since circa 6 million years and most rapidly in the last 2 million years. Moreover, alpine glaciers play a significant role in the increase of erosion rates under a cool climate.

Sugar beet genome sequenced and analyzed

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:36 AM PST

Scientists have sequenced and analyzed the sugar beet genome.

First battery-powered invisibility cloak designed

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:03 AM PST

Researchers have proposed the first design of a cloaking device that uses an external source of energy to significantly broaden its bandwidth of operation.

Europe's billion-star surveyor is ready for launch

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:02 AM PST

Europe's billion-star surveyor, Gaia, is due to be launched into space on Thursday 19 December 2013, where it will embark on its mission to create a highly accurate 3D map of our galaxy.

Seven distinct African crocodile species, not just three, biologists show

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 10:01 AM PST

African crocodiles, long thought of as just three known species, are among the most iconic creatures in Africa. But recent research now finds that there are at least seven distinct African crocodile species.

Oil- and metal-munching microbes dominate deep sandstone formations

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 08:30 AM PST

Halomonas are a hardy breed of bacteria. They can withstand heat, high salinity, low oxygen, utter darkness and pressures that would kill most other organisms. These traits enable these microbes to eke out a living in deep sandstone formations that also happen to be useful for hydrocarbon extraction and carbon sequestration, researchers report in a new study.

New actors in the Arctic ecosystem

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 08:30 AM PST

Biologists have for the first time shown that amphipods from the warmer Atlantic are now reproducing in Arctic waters to the west of Spitsbergen.

HPV home tests could identify cancer risk

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 08:29 AM PST

HPV self-testing is as effective as tests done by doctors, according to a study. Simple HPV home tests could therefore complement existing screening program, and identify more women at risk for cervical cancer.

3D technology from film industry improves rehab for stroke patients

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 08:29 AM PST

Researchers have been using 3D technology from the film industry to analyze the everyday movements of stroke patients. The results indicate that computerized motion analysis increases our knowledge of how stroke patients can improve their ability to move through rehabilitation.

Sunlight adaptation region of Neanderthal genome found in up to 65 percent of modern East Asian population

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 07:02 AM PST

With the Neanderthal genome now published, for the first time, scientists have a rich new resource of comparative evolution. For example, recently, scientists have shown that humans and Neanderthals once interbred, with the accumulation of elements of Neanderthal DNA found in up to 5 percent in modern humans. Scientist have found evidence of accumulation of a Neanderthal DNA region found on chromosome 3 that contains 18 genes, with several related to UV-light adaptation, including the Hyal2 gene. Their results reveal this region was positively selected and enriched in East Asians, ranging from up to 49 percent in Japanese to 66 percent in Southern Chinese.

3-D tissue printing: Cells from the eye inkjet-printed for the first time

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 07:02 AM PST

Scientists have used inkjet printing technology to successfully print cells taken from the eye for the very first time. The breakthrough could lead to the production of artificial tissue grafts made from the variety of cells found in the human retina and may aid in the search to cure blindness.

Computer-controlled table could direct radiotherapy to tumors while sparing vital organs

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 07:02 AM PST

Swivelling patients around on a computer-controlled, rotating table could deliver high doses of radiotherapy to tumors more quickly than current methods, while sparing vulnerable organs such as the heart, brain, eyes and bowel. Sophisticated computer modelling could be used to slowly move the table -- known as a couch -- and a radiation source in three dimensions to direct radiation precisely to the patient's tumor, researchers have suggested.

Algae to crude oil: Million-year natural process takes minutes in the lab

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 07:01 AM PST

Engineers have created a chemical system that continually produces useful crude oil minutes after they pour in raw algae material -- a green paste with the consistency of pea soup. The technology eliminates the need to dry the algae and recycles ingredients such as phosphorus, cutting costs. The work has been licensed to a biofuels company which is working with an industrial partner to build a pilot plant.

Residents of poorer nations find greater meaning in life

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 07:01 AM PST

While residents of wealthy nations tend to have greater life satisfaction, new research shows that those living in poorer nations report having greater meaning in life. The findings suggest that meaning in life may be higher in poorer nations as a result of greater religiosity: as countries become richer, religion becomes less central to people's lives and they lose a sense of meaning in life.

Spiders are partial to a side order of pollen with their flies

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 07:01 AM PST

Spiders may not be the pure predators we generally believe, after a study found that some make up a quarter of their diet by eating pollen. Biologists have now demonstrated that orb web spiders -- like the common garden variety -- choose to eat pollen even when insects are available.

Freezing semen doubles chances of fatherhood for men after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 06:59 AM PST

Men with Hodgkin lymphoma who want to become fathers after their cancer treatment have greatly increased chances of doing so if they have frozen and stored semen samples beforehand, according to research published.

How hypergravity impacts electric arcs

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 06:58 AM PST

A new study on electric discharge behavior under intense gravitational forces shows that its dynamic changes as gravity increases. Arc discharges are common in everyday conditions like welding or in lightning storms. But in altered gravity, not as much is known about the behavior of electric discharges.

Dogs recognize familiar faces from images

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 06:58 AM PST

So far the specialized skill for recognizing facial features holistically has been assumed to be a quality that only humans and possibly primates possess. Although it's well known, that faces and eye contact play an important role in the communication between dogs and humans, this was the first study, where facial recognition of dogs was investigated with eye movement tracking.

Scientists provide new insights into cause of human neurodegenerative disease

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 06:58 AM PST

A recent study opens a possible new route for treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a devastating disease that is the most common genetic cause of infant death and also affects young adults. As there is currently no known cure for SMA, the new discovery gives a strong boost to the fight against SMA. 

Debate continues on impact of artificial sweeteners

Posted: 18 Dec 2013 06:53 AM PST

New research has added to the debate about how our bodies respond to artificial sweeteners and whether they are good, bad or have no effect on us.

Will stem cell therapy help cure spinal cord injury?

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 06:05 PM PST

A systematic survey of the scientific literature shows that stem cell therapy can have a statistically significant impact on animal models of spinal cord injury, and points the way for future studies.

Non-specialist psychosocial interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 06:05 PM PST

Many children with intellectual disability or lower functioning autism spectrum disorders, particularly those in low and middle income countries, do not receive psychosocial treatment interventions for their condition. If non-specialists were able to deliver such care, more children may be able to receive treatment.

Moderate alcohol consumption boosts body's immune system, study suggests

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 02:10 PM PST

Medical science has known for years that people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol actually have a reduced risk of death. Now, new research adds a fascinating twist: moderate drinking may actually bolster our immune system and help it fight off infection.

Different parents, different children: bladder cancers arise from different stem cells

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 02:08 PM PST

A study published shows that progenitor cells that create dangerous, muscle-invasive bladder cancer are different than the progenitor cells that create non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Though these two cancers grow at the same site, they are different diseases.

Silencing synapses to deal with addictions

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 12:53 PM PST

Imagine kicking a cocaine addiction by simply popping a pill that alters the way your brain processes chemical addiction. New research suggests that a method of biologically manipulating certain neurocircuits could lead to a pharmacological approach that would weaken post-withdrawal cocaine cravings.

Saving Fiji's coral reefs linked to forest conservation upstream

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 12:53 PM PST

The health of coral reefs offshore depend on the protection of forests near the sea, according to a new study that outlines the importance of terrestrial protected areas to coastal biodiversity.

TV ads nutritionally unhealthy for kids, study finds

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 12:52 PM PST

The nutritional value of food and drinks advertised on children's television programs is worse than food shown in ads during general air time, according to new study.

Research shows coral reefs worth saving

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 12:52 PM PST

Scientists study a reef off Little Cayman Island for 14 years and find damaged reefs can recover, if left alone.

Radiation therapy to treat uterine cancer linked to increased risk of bladder cancer later in life

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 10:47 AM PST

Radiation therapy used to treat uterine cancer may increase a patient's risk of developing bladder cancer. That is the conclusion of a recent study published. The findings indicate the importance of monitoring patients for potential signs of bladder cancer to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Study challenges long-held hypothesis that iron promotes atherosclerosis

Posted: 17 Dec 2013 09:37 AM PST

A research team has found no evidence of an association between iron levels in the body and the risk of atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that leads to cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in the U.S. The discovery contradicts a long-held hypothesis about the role of iron in the disease and carries important implications for patients with chronic kidney disease or anemia related to inflammatory disorders, many of whom receive high-dose iron supplementation therapy.
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