ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

NASA lends Galaxy Evolution Explorer to Caltech

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:30 EDT

NASA is lending the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, where the spacecraft will continue its exploration of the cosmos. In a first-of-a-kind move for NASA, a Space Act Agreement was signed May 14 so the university soon can resume spacecraft operations and data management for the mission using private funds.

Sumatra faces yet another risk: Major volcanic eruptions

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:01:01 EDT

The early April earthquake of magnitude 8.6 that shook Sumatra was a grim reminder of the devastating earthquakes and tsunami that killed tens of thousands of people in 2004 and 2005. Now a new study shows that the residents of that region are at risk from yet another potentially deadly natural phenomenon -- major volcanic eruptions.

Graphite enters different states of matter in ultrafast experiment

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT

For the first time, scientists have seen an X-ray-irradiated mineral go to two different states of matter in about 40 femtoseconds. Scientists heated graphite to induce a transition from solid to liquid and to warm-dense plasma.

Alzheimer's gene causes brain's blood vessels to leak toxins and die

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT

ApoE4, a well-known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease triggers a cascade of signaling that ultimately results in leaky blood vessels in the brain, allowing toxic substances to pour into brain tissue in large amounts, scientists report.

Colorful butterflies increase their odds of survival by sharing traits

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Bright black-and-red butterflies that flit across the sunlit edges of Amazonian rain forests are natural hedonists, and it does them good, according to new genetic data.

Human genes transplanted into zebrafish: Helps identify genes related to autism, schizophrenia and obesity

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Researchers have transplanted a set of human genes into a zebrafish and then used it to identify genes responsible for head size at birth. This finding also is related to some cases of autism and possibly schizophrenia and childhood obesity.

Paralyzed individuals use thought-controlled robotic arm to reach and grasp

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT

In an ongoing clinical trial, a paralyzed woman was able to reach for and sip from a drink on her own -- for the first time in nearly 15 years -- by using her thoughts to direct a robotic arm. The trial, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, is evaluating the safety and feasibility of an investigational device called the BrainGate neural interface system, which is intended to put robotics and other assistive technology under the brain's control.

People with paralysis control robotic arms to reach and grasp using brain computer interface

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Two people with tetraplegia were able to reach for and grasp objects in three-dimensional space with robotic arms that they controlled directly with brain activity. They used the BrainGate neural interface system, an investigational device currently being studied under an IDE. One participant used the system to serve herself coffee for the first time since becoming paralyzed nearly 15 years ago.

Genome research reveals key behind one butterfly’s ability to mimic another

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:55:55 EDT

Scientists have discovered promiscuous sharing of large regions of DNA code among species by sequencing the genome of a South American butterfly.

Ancient tree-ring records from southwest U.S. suggest today's megafires are truly unusual

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:03:03 EDT

Today's mega forest fires of the southwestern U.S. are truly unusual and exceptional in the long-term record, suggests an unprecedented study that examined 1,500 years of ancient tree ring and fire data from two distinct climate periods. Researchers constructed and analyzed a statistical model and found that today's dry, hot climate combined with the past century of human fire suppression is causing megafires.

Baby galaxies grew up quickly

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:02:02 EDT

Baby galaxies from the young universe more than 12 billion years ago evolved faster than previously thought, shows new research. This means that already in the early history of the universe, there was potential for planet formation and life.

OMG! Texting ups truthfulness, new iPhone study suggests

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:02:02 EDT

Text messaging is a surprisingly good way to get candid responses to sensitive questions, according to a new study.

Common fungicide wreaks havoc on freshwater ecosystems

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:01:01 EDT

A new study on chlorothalonil, one of the world's most common fungicides, shows it was lethal to a wide variety of freshwater organisms.

Let's get moving: Unraveling how locomotion starts

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:59:59 EDT

Scientists have shed new light on one of the great unanswered questions of neuroscience: How the brain initiates rhythmic movements like walking, running and swimming.

Microscope looks into cells of living fish

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:59:59 EDT

Microscopes provide valuable insights in the structure and dynamics of cells, in particular when the latter remain in their natural environment. However, this is very difficult especially for higher organisms. Researchers have now developed a new method to visualize cell structures of an eighth of a micrometer in size in living fish larvae.

Character traits determined genetically? Genes may hold the key to a life of success, study suggests

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:59:59 EDT

Genes play a greater role in forming character traits -- such as self-control, decision making or sociability -- than was previously thought, new research suggests.

'Gaydar' automatic and more accurate for women's faces; Accurate even when faces were upside down, psychologists find

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:58:58 EDT

After seeing faces for less than a blink of an eye, college students have accuracy greater than mere chance in judging others' sexual orientation. Their "gaydar" persisted even when they saw the photos upside-down, and gay versus straight judgments were more accurate for women's faces than for men's.

Deeper Look at Centaurus A

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:32:32 EDT

The strange galaxy Centaurus A is pictured in a new image from the European Southern Observatory. With a total exposure time of more than 50 hours this is probably the deepest view of this peculiar and spectacular object every created.

Chocolate and diamonds: Why volcanoes could be 'a girl's best friend'

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:32:32 EDT

Scientists have discovered a previously unrecognized volcanic process, similar to one that is used in chocolate manufacturing, which gives important new insights into the dynamics of volcanic eruptions. The scientists investigated how a process called ‘fluidized spray granulation’ can occur during kimberlite eruptions to produce well-rounded particles containing fragments from the Earth’s mantle, most notably diamonds.

Plant growth without light control

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:31:31 EDT

Plants are dependent on the sun. Sunlight does not only supply them with energy, but also controls their development steps. So-called photoreceptors activate the processes of germination, leaf development, bud formation, and blossoming in the cells. The light-absorbing component of a photoreceptor may be replaced by a chemically similar synthetic substance. For the first time, the effects on complete plants have now been described.

Full control of plastic transistors

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:30:30 EDT

Transistors made of plastic can be controlled with great precision, according to a new article.

Sulfur finding may hold key to Gaia theory of Earth as living organism

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:31:31 EDT

Is Earth really a sort of giant living organism as the Gaia hypothesis predicts? A new discovery may provide a key to answering this question. This key of sulfur could allow scientists to unlock heretofore hidden interactions between ocean organisms, atmosphere, and land -- interactions that might provide evidence supporting this famous theory.

Hidden lives of elephant seals: Record-setting dive more than a mile deep

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:30:30 EDT

The same researchers who pioneered the use of satellite tags to monitor the migrations of elephant seals have compiled one of the largest datasets available for any marine mammal species, revealing their movements and diving behavior at sea in unprecedented detail.

Ancient sea reptile with gammy jaw suggests dinosaurs got arthritis too

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:30:30 EDT

Imagine having arthritis in your jaw bones ... if they're over 2 meters long! A new study has found signs of a degenerative condition similar to human arthritis in the jaw of a pliosaur, an ancient sea reptile that lived 150 million years ago. Such a disease has never been described before in fossilized Jurassic reptiles.

Mixed bacterial communities evolve to share resources, not compete

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:30:30 EDT

New research shows how bacteria evolve to increase ecosystem functioning by recycling each other's waste. The study provides some of the first evidence for how interactions between species shape evolution when there is a diverse community.

New look at prolonged radiation exposure: At low dose-rate, radiation poses little risk to DNA, study suggests

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:12:12 EDT

A new study suggests that the guidelines governments use to determine when to evacuate people following a nuclear accident may be too conservative.

Air pollution level changes in Beijing linked with biomarkers of cardiovascular disease

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:54:54 EDT

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, changes in air pollution were associated with changes in biomarkers of systemic inflammation and thrombosis (formation of blood clot) as well as measures of cardiovascular physiology in healthy young persons, according to a new study.

Drugs from gila monster lizard saliva reduces cravings for chocolate and ordinary food

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:54:54 EDT

A drug made from the saliva of the Gila monster lizard is effective in reducing the craving for food. Researchers have tested the drug on rats, who after treatment ceased their cravings for both food and chocolate.

Elusive capacity of networks: Calculating data network's total capacity notoriously difficult, but theorists making some headway

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:53:53 EDT

In its early years, information theory was dominated by research on error-correcting codes: How do you encode information so as to guarantee its faithful transmission, even in the presence of the corrupting influences engineers call "noise"? Recently, one of the most intriguing developments in information theory has been a different kind of coding, called network coding, in which the question is how to encode information in order to maximize the capacity of a network as a whole. For information theorists, it was natural to ask how these two types of coding might be combined: If you want to both minimize error and maximize capacity, which kind of coding do you apply where, and when do you do the decoding?

This is your brain on sugar: Study in rats shows high-fructose diet sabotages learning, memory

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:09:09 EDT

A new study is the first to show how a diet steadily high in fructose slows the brain, hampering memory and learning -- and how omega-3 fatty acids can minimize the damage.

A supernova cocoon breakthrough

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT

Astronomers have the first X-ray evidence of a supernova shock wave breaking through a cocoon of gas surrounding the star that exploded. This discovery may help astronomers understand why some supernovas are much more powerful than others.

Timely discovery: Physics research sheds new light on quantum dynamics

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT

Physicists have made a breakthrough that improves understanding of matter-light interactions. Their research allows double ionization events to be observed at the time scale of attoseconds and shows that these ionization events occur earlier than thought -- a key factor to improve knowledge of correlated electron dynamics.

People see sexy pictures of women as objects, not people; sexy-looking men as people

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT

Perfume ads, beer billboards, movie posters: everywhere you look, women's sexualized bodies are on display. A new study finds that both men and women see images of sexy women's bodies as objects, while they see sexy-looking men as people.

Mystery gene reveals new mechanism for anxiety disorders

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:17:17 EDT

A novel mechanism for anxiety behaviors, including a previously unrecognized inhibitory brain signal, may inspire new strategies for treating psychiatric disorders, researchers report. By testing the controversial role of a gene called Glo1 in anxiety, scientists uncovered a new inhibitory factor in the brain: The metabolic by-product methylglyoxal. The system offers a tantalizing new target for drugs designed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorder, epilepsy, and sleep disorders.

Statistical analysis projects future temperatures in North America

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:16:16 EDT

For the first time, researchers have been able to combine different climate models using spatial statistics -- to project future seasonal temperature changes in regions across North America.

Chronic child abuse strong indicator of negative adult experiences

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:13:13 EDT

Child abuse or neglect are strong predictors of major health and emotional problems, but little is known about how the chronicity of the maltreatment may increase future harm apart from other risk factors in a child’s life. Scientist have now taken a closer look at how chronic maltreatment has impacted the future health and behavior of children and adults.

New 'metamaterial' practical for optical advances

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47:47 EDT

Researchers have taken a step toward overcoming a key obstacle in commercializing "hyperbolic metamaterials," structures that could bring optical advances including ultrapowerful microscopes, computers and solar cells.

Ultrasensitive biosensor promising for medical diagnostics

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:47:47 EDT

Researchers have created an ultrasensitive biosensor that could open up new opportunities for early detection of cancer and "personalized medicine" tailored to the specific biochemistry of individual patients.

Tiny plants could cut costs, shrink environmental footprint

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:46:46 EDT

Tall, waving corn fields that line Midwestern roads may one day be replaced by dwarfed versions that require less water, fertilizer and other inputs, thanks to a fungicide commonly used on golf courses.

Juggling with air pollutant data

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:45:45 EDT

Models integrating air quality and climate change data will help reaching compliance with new emission targets.

Surgeons restore some hand function to quadriplegic patient

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:45:45 EDT

Surgeons have restored some hand function in a quadriplegic patient with a spinal cord injury at the C7 vertebra, the lowest bone in the neck. Instead of operating on the spine itself, the surgeons rerouted working nerves in the upper arms. These nerves still “talk” to the brain because they attach to the spine above the injury.

Beyond the high-speed hard drive: Topological insulators open a path to room-temperature spintronics

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:41 EDT

Theorists and experimenters have explored the unique properties of topological insulators, where electrons may flow on the surface without resistance, with spin orientations and directions intimately related. Recent research opens exciting prospects for practical new room-temperature spintronic devices that can exploit control of electron spin as well as charge.

Looks matter more than reputation when it comes to trusting people with our money

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:41 EDT

Our decisions to trust people with our money are based more on how they look then how they behave, according to new research.

Mice with big brains provide insight into brain regeneration and developmental disorders

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:41:41 EDT

Scientists have discovered that mice that lack a gene called Snf2l have brains that are 35 percent larger than normal. The research could lead to new approaches to stimulate brain regeneration and may provide important insight into developmental disorders such as autism and Rett syndrome.

Arctic seabirds adapt to climate change

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:39:39 EDT

The planet is warming up, especially at the poles. How do organisms react to this rise in temperatures? Biologists have now shown that little auks, the most common seabirds in the Arctic, are adapting their fishing behavior to warming surface waters in the Greenland Sea. So far, their reproductive and survival rates have not been affected. However, further warming could threaten the species.

Black holes turn up the heat for the Universe

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:39:39 EDT

Astrophysicists have just discovered a new heating source in cosmological structure formation. Until now, astrophysicists thought that super-massive black holes could only influence their immediate surroundings. Scientists have now discovered that diffuse gas in the universe can absorb luminous gamma-ray emission from black holes, heating it up strongly. This surprising result has important implications for the formation of structures in the universe.

Female terrorists' bios belie stereotypes, study finds

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:39:39 EDT

Much like their male counterparts, female terrorists are likely to be educated, employed and native residents of the country where they commit a terrorist act, according to new research.

Delivery system for gene therapy may help treat arthritis

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT

A DNA-covered submicroscopic bead used to deliver genes or drugs directly into cells to treat disease appears to have therapeutic value just by showing up, researchers report.

Key genes and prototype predictive test for schizophrenia identified

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT

Medical researchers have identified and prioritized a comprehensive group of genes most associated with schizophrenia that together can generate a score indicating whether an individual is at higher or lower risk of developing the disease.

Animal disease research misses the human perspective, say researchers

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:03:03 EDT

Animal disease research concentrates too much on the behavior of micro organisms while ignoring the role played by human beings; we need to take more account of the human dimension if the work of scientists is to be translated effectively into policy, according to experts.

Scientists discover clues to muscle stem cell functions

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:03:03 EDT

Scientists have identified how skeletal muscle stem cells respond to muscle injury and may be stimulated to improve muscle repair in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe inherited disease of muscle that causes weakness, disability and, ultimately, heart and respiratory failure.

Early Biomarker for Pancreatic Cancer Identified

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:03:03 EDT

Researchers have identified a new biomarker and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer, an often-fatal disease for which there is currently no reliable method for early detection or therapeutic intervention.

Cross-reactivity between peanuts and other legumes can lead to serious allergic reactions

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:25:25 EDT

Food allergies pose a serious and growing problem in the West. Many foods can lead to allergic reactions and this situation is further complicated by so-called cross-reactions, whereby an allergy to one particular food can trigger allergic reactions to another food. There are no treatments available for food allergies, but the establishment of two mouse models can be used to develop and test new forms of treatment, for example vaccines.

A practical guide to green products and services

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:25:25 EDT

A new report provides key information for policy makers and business managers on how to assess the environmental impacts of products and services. It helps to pave the way towards a resource-efficient Europe and aims to help design more sustainable products, which are indispensable in a world of 7 billion people and limited resources.

Watching the 'birth' of an electron: Ionization viewed with 10 attosecond resolution

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:25:25 EDT

A strong laser beam can remove an electron from an atom – a process which takes place almost instantly. This phenomenon could now be studied with a time resolution of less than ten attoseconds (ten billionths of a billionth of a second). Scientists succeeded in watching an atom being ionized and a free electron being “born”. These measurements yield valuable information about the electrons in the atom, which up until now hasn't been experimentally accessible, such as the time evolution of the electron’s quantum phase – the beat to which the quantum waves oscillate.

New research could mean faster computers and better smart phones

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:23:23 EDT

Graphene and carbon nanotubes could improve the electronics used in computers and mobile phones, reveals new research.

Playful games promote reading development

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:23:23 EDT

Short but intense training sessions in the form of structured language games from the age of four can stimulate children’s early language development and may also make it easier for children to learn to read. Previous research has shown that children’s reading development can be stimulated with structured and playful language games from the age of six. In a current three-year study, researchers are exploring the effects of having children as young as four participate in such games.

Rainforest microbe can handle ionic liquids: New find could help reduce biofuel production costs

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:40:40 EDT

Researchers have identified a tropical rainforest microbe that can endure relatively high concentrations of an ionic liquid used to dissolve cellulosic biomass for the production of advanced biofuels. They've also determined how the microbe accomplishes this, a discovery that holds broad implications beyond biofuels.

First gene therapy successful against aging-associated decline: Mouse lifespan extended up to 24% with a single treatment

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:40:40 EDT

A new study consisting of inducing cells to express telomerase, the enzyme which -- metaphorically -- slows down the biological clock -- was successful. The research provides a "proof-of-principle" that this "feasible and safe" approach can effectively "improve health span."

How to minimize damage from strokes, according to experts

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:39:39 EDT

Following a stroke, factors as varied as blood sugar, body temperature and position in bed can affect patient outcomes, researchers report.