ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Thursday, May 5, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Thursday, May 5, 2011

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Turning 'bad' fat into 'good': A future treatment for obesity? (May 5, 2011) -- By knocking down the expression of a protein in rat brains known to stimulate eating, researchers say they not only reduced the animals' calorie intake and weight, but also transformed their fat into a type that burns off more energy. The finding could lead to better obesity treatments for humans, the scientists report. ... > full story

Damaged hearts pump better when fueled with fats, study suggests (May 5, 2011) -- Contrary to what we've been told, eliminating or severely limiting fats from the diet may not be beneficial to cardiac function in patients suffering from heart failure, a new study suggests. ... > full story

Dirty mouths lead to broken hearts (May 5, 2011) -- Nurses who care for patients with dementia now have a tailored approach to dental hygiene for their charges, thanks to a pilot study by a team of nurses. ... > full story

Air pollution near Michigan schools linked to poorer student health, academic performance (May 5, 2011) -- Air pollution from industrial sources near Michigan public schools jeopardizes children's health and academic success, according to a new study. ... > full story

Evolutionary lessons for wind farm efficiency (May 5, 2011) -- Evolution is providing the inspiration for computer science research in Australia to find the best placement of turbines to increase wind farm productivity. ... > full story

Attention, please: How innovations and Nobel Prize winners make it (May 5, 2011) -- "The rich-get-richer effect" is famous not only in sociology. It applies to the success of innovators as well. But if attention is paid only to people who are already at the top, how are scientific revolutions possible? A new publication investigating careers of Nobel Prize winners gives insight into this stunning phenomenon. ... > full story

Horsetail plant developed successful set of tools for extreme environments -- for millions of years (May 5, 2011) -- Over 100 million years ago, the understory of late Mesozoic forests was dominated by a diverse group of plants of the class Equisetopsida. Today, only one genus from this group, Equisetum (also known as horsetail or scouring rush), exists -- and it is a prime candidate for being the oldest extant genus of land plant. The authors of this study showed that the plant developed a successful set of tools for life in extreme environments and has maintained them for millions of years. ... > full story

Asthma pill more user-friendly than inhalers -- and no less effective, study finds (May 5, 2011) -- A rarely prescribed asthma drug is easier to use and just as effective as conventional treatment with inhalers, according to a new study. ... > full story

In therapy with avatars: Virtual technology to combat phobias, psychotic disorders (May 5, 2011) -- Virtual technology is being used to combat phobias and psychotic disorders. Researchers in the Netherlands show how this method can provide solutions for such problems as fear of flying and, in the longer term, possibly also for social disorders. ... > full story

Age alone should be used to screen for heart attacks and strokes, say experts (May 5, 2011) -- Using age alone to identify those at risk of heart disease or stroke could replace current screening methods without diminishing effectiveness, according to a groundbreaking study. ... > full story

Ranking research: Using social bookmarking tools to extract relevance (May 5, 2011) -- A new approach to evaluating research papers exploits social bookmarking tools to extract relevance. ... > full story

Estimated costs of environmental disease in children at .6 billion per year (May 5, 2011) -- In three new studies, researchers reveal the staggering economic impact of toxic chemicals and air pollutants in the environment, and propose new legislation to mandate testing of new chemicals and also those already on the market. ... > full story

Genome duplication encourages rapid adaptation of plants (May 4, 2011) -- A biologist has found that at least some plant adaptations can occur almost instantaneously, not by a change in DNA sequence, but simply by duplication of existing genetic material. ... > full story

New mitochondrial control mechanism discovered (May 4, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a new component of mitochondria that plays a key part in their function. The discovery is of potential significance to our understanding of both inherited and age-related diseases. ... > full story

Supernova and star birth in the Meathook Galaxy (May 4, 2011) -- The Meathook Galaxy, or NGC 2442, has a dramatically lopsided shape. One spiral arm is tightly folded in on itself and host to a recent supernova, while the other, dotted with recent star formation, extends far out from the nucleus. The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the MPG/ESO 2.2-meter telescope have captured two contrasting views of this asymmetric spiral galaxy. ... > full story

Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for ongoing post-therapy GI complications (May 4, 2011) -- Patients who received therapy for cancer during childhood have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal complications later in life. ... > full story

Economic analysis updated for the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (May 4, 2011) -- The US Geological Survey assessment on the economic recoverability of undiscovered, conventional oil and gas resources within the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska and adjacent state waters is now available. Economically recoverable resources are those that can be sold at a price that covers the costs of discovery, development, production and transportation to the market. The new economic analysis estimates that approximately 273 million barrels of undiscovered oil are economically recoverable at an oil price of per barrel (comparable to per thousand cubic feet of gas). About 500 million barrels of undiscovered oil are economically recoverable at per barrel (comparable to per thousand cubic feet of gas). ... > full story

Gender bias uncovered in children's books with male characters, including male animals, leading the fictional pack (May 4, 2011) -- The most comprehensive study of 20th century children's books ever undertaken in the United States has found a bias towards tales that feature men and boys as lead characters. Surprisingly, researchers found that even when the characters are animals, they tend to be male. ... > full story

Revolutionary new paper computer shows flexible future for smartphones and tablets (May 4, 2011) -- The world's first interactive paper computer is set to revolutionize the world of interactive computing. The computer looks, feels and operates like a small sheet of interactive paper. Users interact with it by bending it into a cell phone, flipping the corner to turn pages, or writing on it with a pen. ... > full story

Unlocking the metabolic secrets of the microbiome (May 4, 2011) -- The number of bacterial cells living in and on our bodies outnumbers our own cells ten to one. But the identity of all those bugs and just what exactly our relationship to all of them really is remains rather fuzzy. Now, researchers have new evidence showing the metabolic impact of all those microbes in mice, and on their colons in particular. ... > full story

Technique developed for measuring stressed molecules in cells (May 4, 2011) -- Biophysicists have helped develop a new technique for studying how proteins respond to physical stress and have applied it to better understand the stability-granting structures in normal and mutated red blood cells. ... > full story

Chronic fatigue syndrome not related to XMRV retrovirus, comprehensive study finds (May 4, 2011) -- New findings show that the retrovirus called XMRV is not present in the blood of patients who have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). These findings contradict a widely reported 2009 Science study that linked CFS to XMRV. ... > full story

Marine snails get a metabolism boost (May 4, 2011) -- Most of us wouldn't consider slow-moving snails to be high-metabolism creatures. But at one point in the distant past, snail metabolism sped up, according to a new study of marine snails. ... > full story

Positive effects of depression (May 4, 2011) -- Sadness, apathy, preoccupation. These traits come to mind when people think about depression, the world's most frequently diagnosed mental disorder. Yet, new research provides evidence that depression has a positive side-effect. ... > full story

Battle scars found on an ancient sea monster (May 4, 2011) -- Scars on the jaw of a 120-million-year-old marine reptile suggest that life might not have been easy in the ancient polar oceans. The healed bite wounds were probably made by a member of the same species. Such injuries give important clues about the social behavior of extinct sea creatures from the time of dinosaurs. ... > full story

Natural protection against radiation (May 4, 2011) -- In the midst of ongoing concerns about radiation exposure from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, scientists are reporting that a substance similar to resveratrol -- an antioxidant found in red wine, grapes and nuts -- could protect against radiation sickness. ... > full story

Portable tech might provide drinking water, power to villages (May 4, 2011) -- Researchers have developed an aluminum alloy that could be used in a new type of mobile technology to convert non-potable water into drinking water while also extracting hydrogen to generate electricity. ... > full story

New evidence that caffeine is a healthful antioxidant in coffee (May 4, 2011) -- Scientists are reporting an in-depth analysis of how the caffeine in coffee, tea and other foods seems to protect against conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and heart disease on the most fundamental levels. ... > full story

Climbers leave rare plants' genetic variation on the rocks (May 4, 2011) -- Rock climbers are having a negative impact on rare cliff-dwelling plants, ecologists have found. In areas popular with climbers, conservation management plans should be drawn up so that some cliffs are protected from climbers, experts urge. ... > full story

Physical and emotional health of older couples linked for better or worse, study finds (May 4, 2011) -- A study of older married couples that gives new meaning to the matrimonial adage "for better or worse" finds that spouses have a much greater impact on their partner's health than previously known. ... > full story

Effects of climate change in Arctic more extensive than expected, report finds (May 4, 2011) -- A much reduced covering of snow, shorter winter season and thawing tundra: The effects of climate change in the Arctic are already here. And the changes are taking place significantly faster than previously thought, according to a new research report on the Arctic. ... > full story

Blood test for Alzheimer's: Study identifies procedure that detects early stages (May 4, 2011) -- A new blood test that will diagnose Alzheimer's disease may soon hit the market, thanks to an innovative new study. The findings have characterized a unique biochemical diagnosis, which identifies patients with this devastating disorder. ... > full story

Dawn spacecraft reaches milestone approaching asteroid Vesta (May 4, 2011) -- NASA's Dawn spacecraft has reached its official approach phase to the asteroid Vesta and will begin using cameras for the first time to aid navigation for an expected July 16 orbital encounter. The large asteroid is known as a protoplanet -- a celestial body that almost formed into a planet. ... > full story

Extracting stem cells from fat for tissue regeneration (May 4, 2011) -- Stem cells extracted from body fat may pave the way for the development of new regenerative therapies including soft tissue reconstruction and the treatment of cardiovascular disease. ... > full story

Cola detectives test natural flavoring claims for pricey soft drinks (May 4, 2011) -- Scientists are reporting development and successful testing of a new way to determine whether cola drinks -- advertised as being made with natural ingredients and sold at premium prices -- really do contain natural flavoring. ... > full story

Does it take one to know one? New research reveals conspiring conspiracy theorists (May 4, 2011) -- Conspiracy theories -- such as those surrounding the death of Princess Diana -- are more likely to be believed by people who are willing themselves to conspire, new research has shown. ... > full story

Marsupial wolf or Tasmanian tiger? Extinct Australian thylacine was more cat than dog, researchers find (May 4, 2011) -- Was the iconic, extinct creature that once roamed Australia a marsupial wolf or a Tasmanian tiger? By examining bones, researchers have shown that the thylacine was an ambush-style predator that was unable to outrun prey over long distances. This hunting approach differs from wolves and other dog-like species that hunt in packs and pursue. ... > full story

Mouse study turns fat-loss/longevity link on its head (May 4, 2011) -- Food restriction in 41 different strains of mice showed that, contrary to a widely held view, the animals' loss of fat did not necessarily result in longer life. ... > full story

Revolution in wound care? Cotton candy-like glass fibers appear to speed healing in initial venous stasis wound trial (May 4, 2011) -- Imagine a battlefield medic or emergency medical technician providing first aid with a special wad of cottony glass fibers that simultaneously slows bleeding, fights bacteria (and other sources of infection), stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms, resists scarring, and-because it is quickly absorbed by surrounding tissue -- may never have to be removed in follow-up care. Or, imagine diabetics with hard-to-heal wounds finding a source of relief from the battle against infections and limb amputation. Those scenarios are the hope of the developers of a revolutionary borate glass nanofiber material. ... > full story

Most patients recover from 'chemo-brain' by 5 years after stem cell transplant (May 4, 2011) -- Many patients who undergo bone marrow or blood stem cell transplantation to treat blood cancers experience a decline in mental and fine motor skills due to the toll of their disease and its treatment. A new study found that overall, these effects are largely temporary and that most patients can expect a return to normal motor and memory function within five years. ... > full story

Climate change analysis predicts increased fatalities from heat waves (May 4, 2011) -- Global climate change is anticipated to bring more extreme weather phenomena such as heat waves that could impact human health in the coming decades. A new analysis has calculated that the city of Chicago could experience between 166 and 2,217 excess deaths per year attributable to heat waves using three different climate change scenarios for the final decades of the 21st century. ... > full story

Ecstasy associated with chronic change in brain function (May 4, 2011) -- Ecstasy -- the illegal "rave" drug that produces feelings of euphoria and emotional warmth -- may have therapeutic value. Clinical trials are testing Ecstasy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. It's important, therefore, to define the impact of Ecstasy on brain function. Researchers report that recreational Ecstasy use is associated with a chronic change in brain function. ... > full story

Sense of justice built into the brain, imaging study shows (May 4, 2011) -- A new study shows that the brain has built-in mechanisms that trigger an automatic reaction to someone who refuses to share. Subjects' sense of justice was challenged in a two-player monetary fairness game, and their brain activity was simultaneously measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. ... > full story

'I'm a tumor and I'm over here!' Nanovaults used to prod immune system to fight cancer (May 4, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a way to wake up the immune system to fight cancer by delivering an immune system-stimulating protein in a nanoscale container called a vault directly into lung cancer tumors, harnessing the body's natural defenses to fight disease growth. ... > full story

Market lighting affects nutrients in salad greens, researchers find (May 4, 2011) -- Many people reach toward the back of the fresh-produce shelf to find the freshest salad greens with the latest expiration dates. But a new study by agriculture scientists may prompt consumers to instead look for packages that receive the greatest exposure to light -- usually those found closest to the front. ... > full story

Structured exercise training associated with improved glycemic control for patients with diabetes (May 4, 2011) -- Implementing structured exercise training, including aerobic, resistance or both, was associated with a greater reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels (a marker of glucose control) for patients with diabetes compared to patients in the control group, and longer weekly exercise duration was also associated with a greater decrease in these levels, according to results of an analysis of previous studies. ... > full story

Using social networking to tap collective intelligence of online study groups (May 4, 2011) -- Taking their cue from social media, educators have developed a social networking application called Classroom Salon that engages students in online learning communities that effectively tap the collective intelligence of groups. ... > full story

Nicotine and cocaine leave similar mark on brain after first contact (May 4, 2011) -- The effects of nicotine upon brain regions involved in addiction mirror those of cocaine, according to new neuroscience research. A single 15-minute exposure to nicotine caused a long-term increase in the excitability of neurons involved in reward, according to a new study. ... > full story