ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Bird-from-dinosaur theory of evolution challenged: Was it the other way around?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

A new study provides yet more evidence that birds did not descend from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs, experts say, and continues to challenge decades of accepted theories about the evolution of flight.

Anorexics found to have excess fat -- in their bone marrow

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Researchers have found that girls with anorexia, despite being emaciated, have strikingly high levels of fat in their bone marrow. This can be visualized in MRIs of the knee. The researchers believe that malnutrition causes hormonal alterations that push mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow to form fat cells rather than bone-forming cells. This may explain why patients with anorexia have bone loss.

Biological risks of eating reptiles

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Reptiles are bred in captivity primarily for their skins, but some restaurants and population groups also want them for their meat. A study shows that eating these animals can have side effects that call into question the wisdom of eating this 'delicacy.'

Butter leads to lower blood fats than olive oil, study finds

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

High blood fat levels normally raise the cholesterol values in the blood, which in turn elevates the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack. Now a new study shows that butter leads to considerably less elevation of blood fats after a meal compared with olive oil and a new type of canola and flaxseed oil. The difference was stronger in men than in women.

Battery-less radios developed

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Scientists report a 2.4GHz/915MHz wake-up receiver which consumes only 51µW power. This record low power achievement opens the door to battery-less or energy-harvesting based radios for a wide range of applications including long-range RFID and wireless sensor nodes for logistics, smart buildings, healthcare etc.

Sporting Prowess Through Brain Power

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Expert sportsmen are quicker to observe and react to their opponents’ moves than novice players, exhibiting enhanced activation of the cortical regions of the brain. More experienced sports players are better able to detect early anticipatory clues from opposing players’ body movements, giving them a split second advantage in preparing an appropriate response.

Climate 'tipping points' may arrive without warning, says top forecaster

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

A new study by a top ecological forecaster says it is harder than experts thought to predict when sudden shifts in Earth's natural systems will occur -- a worrisome finding for scientists trying to identify the tipping points that could push climate change into an irreparable global disaster.

Low IQ among strongest predictors of cardiovascular disease -- second only to cigarette smoking in large population study

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

While lower intelligence scores have been associated with a raised risk of cardiovascular disease, no study has so far compared the relative strength of this association with other established risk factors. Now, a large study has found that lower intelligence scores were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and total mortality at a greater level of magnitude than found with any other risk factor except smoking.

Thirty-eight percent of world's surface in danger of desertification

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

Researchers have measured the degradation of the planet's soil using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a scientific methodology that analyses the environmental impact of human activities, and which now for the first time includes indicators on desertification. The results show that 38 percent of the world is made up of arid regions at risk of desertification.

Research could lead to way to halt deadly immune response

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

Scientists have published new details of their research into the complement reaction, an immune system response that kills thousands annually. Researchers have teased out the molecular process that can shut down a marauding, often deadly immune response that kills thousands each year who suffer battlefield casualties, heart attacks, strokes, automobile accidents and oxygen deprivation, according to a new article.

Cells can read damaged DNA without missing a beat

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

Under certain growth-limiting conditions, enzymes that read DNA can skim through damaged DNA without skipping any letters in the genetic "text." This suggests a mechanism that can allow bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics.

Feeling blue? You'll shun the new

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST

A negative mood imparts a warm glow to the familiar. Happiness, on the other hand, makes novelty attractive (and can instead give the familiar a "blah" cast). This is the first time the effect has been experimentally demonstrated in humans.

Seeing the brain hear reveals surprises about how sound is processed

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Neurobiologists have discovered information about how the brain processes sound that challenges previous understandings of the auditory cortex. Their research shows our brains are a lot more chaotic than previously thought, and that this might be a good thing.

New way to kill pediatric brain tumors

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized target, a protein called STAT3, at which they can aim new drugs for the treatment of cancer in neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1), a genetic condition that causes increased risk of benign and malignant brain tumors.

Early life stress may predict cardiovascular disease

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Early life stress could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood, researchers report.

Little effect of soy isoflavones found on bone loss in postmenopausal women

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Results from a new multicenter clinical trial of 224 postmenopausal women questions the value of consuming soy isoflavone tablets to help lessen bone loss and minimize the effect of osteoporosis.

High, not flat: nanowires for a new chip architecture

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Silicon is the most prevalent material in electronics, whether for mobile phones, solar cells or computers. Nanometer-sized wires made of silicon have a large potential for a completely new chip architecture. But this requires a detailed investigation and understanding of their electronic properties which is technologically challenging due to the ultra-small size of the nanowires. Researchers were able to describe the electrical resistance and current flow inside individual silicon nanowires.

Depression and lack of concentration do not necessarily go together

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent review has found that depression does not always lead to memory problems or difficulties concentrating.

Electrons on the brink: Fractal patterns may be key to semiconductor magnetism

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST

Scientists have observed electrons in a semiconductor on the brink of the metal-insulator transition for the first time. Caught in the act, the electrons formed complex patterns resembling those seen in turbulent fluids, confirming some long-held predictions and providing new insights into how semiconductors can be turned into magnets. The work also could lead to the production of smaller and more energy-efficient computers.

Communication breakdown: What happens to nerve cells in Parkinson's disease

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST

Scientists have discovered a molecular link between Parkinson's disease and defects in the ability of nerve cells to communicate. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease, and could lead to innovative new therapeutic strategies.

High prevalence of atrial fibrillation found among cross-country skiers

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST

At this year's Birkebeiner ski marathon, 12,000 cross-country skiers will line up for the 54 kilometer race, run almost every year since 1932. In 1976 almost 150 participants were invited to take part in a long-term study designed to discover the extent of latent heart disease in these elite cross-country skiers. Now, the results of the follow-up study have been published and suggest that long-distance competition skiers are at an unusually high risk of atrial fibrillation.

Obese teens who receive gastric banding achieve significant weight loss

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST

A higher percentage of severely obese adolescents who received laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding lost more than 50 percent of excess weight and experienced greater benefits to health and quality of life compared to those in an intensive lifestyle management program, according to a new study.

Understanding cement, right down to the atomic scale

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST

Two thousand years after the Romans invented cement, this material is still the most commonly used in construction throughout the world. Its complex internal structure means that many questions about this material continue to have unsatisfactory answers.

Cell-phone bans while driving have more impact in dense, urban areas

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST

A new study analyzing the impact of hand-held cell phone legislation on driving safety concludes that usage-ban laws had more of an impact in densely populated urban areas with a higher number of licensed drivers than in rural areas where there are fewer licensed drivers.

Invasive plants are beneficiaries of climate change in Thoreau's woods

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST

Invasive plants could become even more prevalent and destructive as climate change continues, according to a new analysis of data stretching back more than 150 years. The scientists who conducted the study say that non-native plants, and especially invasive species, appear to thrive during times of climate change because they're better able to adjust the timing of annual activities like flowering and fruiting.

New proposed changes posted for leading manual of mental disorders: Draft diagnostic criteria for DSM-5

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST

The American Psychiatric Association has released the proposed draft diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The draft criteria represent content changes under consideration for DSM, which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health and other health professionals, and is used for diagnostic and research purposes.

Why did mammals survive the 'K/T extinction'?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST

Picture a dinosaur. Huge, menacing creatures, they ruled the Earth for nearly 200 million years, striking fear with every ground-shaking stride. Yet these great beasts were no match for a 6-mile wide meteor that struck near modern-day Mexico 65 million years ago, incinerating everything in its path. This catastrophic impact -- called the Cretaceous-Tertiary or K/T extinction event -- spelled doom for the dinosaurs and many other species. Some animals, however, including many small mammals, managed to survive.

Antiretroviral therapy associated with increase in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST

A new study conducted in a multi-country HIV treatment program in sub-Saharan Africa has found that pregnancy rates increase in HIV-infected women after they start antiretroviral therapy.

New perspective for understanding the mechanisms of catalytic conversion

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST

The oxidation of toxic carbon monoxide (CO) to carbon dioxide occurs every day in millions of cars. Despite being one of the most studied catalytic processes, the exact mechanism of interaction between the carbon monoxide molecule and the catalyst, often platinum, is not fully understood. An important step in the reaction is the adsorption of CO on the surface of the catalyst. Scientists have now managed to see how the electrons in the platinum reorganize as the adsorption is taking place and why catalysts are “poisoned”, i.e. why their activity is reduced.

Burglars have changed their 'shopping list', new research reveals

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 EST

Research in the UK highlights a career change for criminals from the more traditional household burglaries to personal muggings.

Racial gaps continue in heart disease awareness

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Minority women's awareness remains behind that of white women. Only about half of women were aware of heart attack warning signs or said they would dial 9-1-1 if they thought they were having heart attack symptoms. Most women surveyed listed therapies to prevent cardiovascular disease that are not evidence based.

Anesthetic approach stops pain without affecting motor function

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST

One of the holy grails of local anesthesia is the ability to achieve a long-lasting nerve block that eliminates pain sensation while not affecting motor function. Now, researchers have discovered an anesthetic approach that seems to do just that.

New approach to treating breast and prostate cancers

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST

In a new approach to developing treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer and enlarged hearts, researchers are zeroing in on a workhorse protein called RSK. When activated, RSK is involved in cell survival, cell proliferation, cell enlargement and a rare disease called Carney complex.

Prion protein in cell culture

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST

The fatal brain disease Creutzfeldt-Jakob in humans, BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in cattle and scrapie in sheep are so-called prion diseases, whereby one of the body's normal proteins, the prion protein PrPc misfolds into a pathogenic form: PrPSc. In spite of several years of extensive research, little is still known about what actually happens in this process.

Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can undergo surgery sooner, shortening hospital stays

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST

Patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis can safely undergo surgery within 48 hours of admission, a new approach that can shorten hospital stays.

Locust study promises new insights into limb control

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST

New research into how the brain controls the movements of limbs could prompt major advances in understanding the human brain and the development of prosthetic limbs.

Family meals, adequate sleep and limited TV may lower childhood obesity

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST

A new national study suggests that preschool-aged children are likely to have a lower risk for obesity if they regularly engage in one or more of three specific household routines: eating dinner as a family, getting adequate sleep and limiting their weekday television viewing time. The study showed that 4-year-olds living in homes with all three routines had an almost 40 percent lower prevalence of obesity than did children living in homes that practiced none of these routines.

Moss helps chart the conquest of land by plants

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Clues to how the first land plants managed to avoid drying out might be provided by bryophytes, a group that includes the mosses, many of which retain remarkable drought tolerance. Some mosses can become so dry they crumble in the hand, but, if remoistened, will begin making proteins within minutes.

Brain protein for synapse development identified

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

A new study identifies for the first time a brain protein called SynDIG1 that plays a critical role in creating and sustaining synapses, the complex chemical signaling system responsible for communication between neurons.

Great tits: Birds with character

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Gene variation is the reason that some great tit populations are more curious than others. In humans and animals alike, individuals differ in sets of traits that we usually refer to as personality. An important part of the individual difference in personality is due to variation in the underlying genes. One gene, the dopamine receptor D4 gene, however, is known to influence novelty seeking and exploration behavior in a range of species, including humans and birds. Researchers now show that the gene’s influence on birds’ behavior differs markedly between wild populations of great tits.

Study examines course and treatment of unexplained chest pain

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Fewer than half of individuals who have "non-specific" chest pain (not explained by a well-known condition) experience relief from symptoms following standard medical care, according to a new study. In addition, one-tenth of those with persistent chest pain undergo potentially unnecessary diagnostic testing.

Studies provide insight into key oat chemical

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Agricultural scientists are helping to increase understanding about the environmental factors that regulate production of avenanthramides -- metabolites with potent antioxidant properties, in oat grain.

The new civil defense: Researchers look at public's role in national cybersecurity

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

"Duck and cover!" should now be updated to "Scan and protect!" according to a new research article. Experts cite individual users as the weakest link in the nation's cybersecurity, and call for a new phase of civil defense.

'Ingredients for life' present on Saturn's moon Enceladus, say scientists

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST

Some of 'the major ingredients for life' are present on one of Saturn's moons, according to scientists. A team working on the Cassini-Huygens mission have found negatively charged water ions in the ice plume of Enceladus. Their analysis of data gathered during the spacecraft's plume fly-throughs in 2008 provide evidence for the presence of liquid water.

Auto exhaust linked to thickening of arteries, possible increased risk of heart attack

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST

Swiss, California and Spanish researchers have found that particulates from auto exhaust can lead to the thickening of artery walls, possibly increasing chances of a heart attack and stroke.

Cars of the future could be powered by their bodywork, thanks to new battery technology

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST

Parts of a car’s bodywork could one day double up as its battery, according to the scientists behind a new project in the UK.

Dangers of older allergy drugs often underestimated and overlooked

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST

Experts warn that older antihistamines in over-the-counter allergy medications -- the most common form of self-medication in allergic rhinitis -- may be hazardous to our health. A position paper reviews new data on the treatment of allergies with older antihistamines compared with newer, second-generation H1-antihistamines.

Biologist solves mystery of tropical grasses' origin

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST

Biologists have found that rainfall, not temperature, was the primary trigger for the evolutionary beginnings of C4 tropical grasses.