ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Tuesday, May 10, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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'Fool's Gold' is ocean life's fertilizer: Pyrite nanoparticles from hydrothermal vents are rich source of iron in deep sea (May 10, 2011) -- Similar to humans, the bacteria and tiny plants living in the ocean need iron for energy and growth. But their situation is quite different from ours -- for one, they can't turn to natural iron sources like leafy greens or red meat for a pick-me-up. So, from where does their iron come? ... > full story

Heart medication best at bedtime, animal study suggests (May 10, 2011) -- Many doctors give heart drugs to patients in the morning. But a new study has revealed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors -- commonly given to patients with high blood pressure or after a heart attack or during heart failure -- improve heart structure and function when given at sleep time. In fact, when administered during wake time, ACE inhibitors are no more effective than a placebo. The research findings are based on a study conducted on mice with high blood pressure. ... > full story

Airborne pollutants: New view of how water and sulfur dioxide mix (May 10, 2011) -- High in the sky, water in clouds can act as a temptress to lure airborne pollutants such as sulfur dioxide into reactive aqueous particulates. Although this behavior is not incorporated into today's climate-modeling scenarios, emerging research provides evidence that it should be. ... > full story

Evidence insufficient on relationship of modifiable factors with risk of Alzheimer's disease (May 10, 2011) -- The available evidence is insufficient to draw firm conclusions about the association of modifiable factors and risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. ... > full story

Hydrogen opens the road to graphene ... and graphane (May 10, 2011) -- An international research team has discovered a new method to produce belts of graphene called nanoribbons. By using hydrogen, they have managed to unzip single-walled carbon nanotubes. The method also opens the road for producing nanoribbons of graphane, a modified and promising version of graphene. ... > full story

We actually 'become' happy vampires or contented wizards when reading a book (May 10, 2011) -- Bad news for muggle parents! A new study by psychologists finds that we more or less "become" vampires or wizards just by reading about them. ... > full story

Genome of marine organism reveals hidden secrets; New methods to identify promising species in the wild (May 10, 2011) -- An international team of researchers has deciphered the genome of a tropical marine organism known to produce substances potentially useful against human diseases. ... > full story

Research identifies risk factors associated with progression of glaucoma (May 10, 2011) -- Elevated pressure inside the eye, cornea thinning, and visual field loss are all markers that glaucoma may progress, according to a new study. ... > full story

Electromechanics also operates at the nanoscale (May 10, 2011) -- What limits the behavior of a carbon nanotube? This is a question that many scientists are trying to answer. Physicists have now shown that electromechanical principles are valid also at the nanometer scale. In this way, the unique properties of carbon nanotubes can be combined with classical physics -- and this may prove useful in the quantum computers of the future. ... > full story

Single bioptic telescope for low vision driving may not obscure road view of second eye (May 10, 2011) -- A bioptic telescope on one lens of a pair of glasses used to magnify traffic signs and lights may not prevent the wider view of the road with the second eye, study suggests. ... > full story

More effective and less risky when you paint the hull of your boat (May 10, 2011) -- Every boat owner recognizes the dilemma: environmentally friendly paint or effective paint. Researchers have now found a way of reconciling these two almost unattainable aims. By using smart combinations of the most environmentally friendly biocides in the paint, it is possible to both reduce the total quantity of biocides and dramatically reduce the environmental impact. ... > full story

Health professionals appear concerned about bias in commercially funded continuing medical education (May 10, 2011) -- Commercial funding of continuing medical education and the potential for bias appear to concern many health care practitioners and researchers, but many reported being unwilling to pay higher fees to eliminate or offset commercial funding sources, according to a new report. ... > full story

Astronomers find newly discovered asteroid is Earth's companion (May 9, 2011) -- Astronomers have found that a recently discovered asteroid has been following the Earth in its motion around the Sun for at least the past 250,000 years, and may be intimately related to the origin of our planet. ... > full story

New sepsis discovery goes straight to the heart to save lives (May 9, 2011) -- New research in rats and mice offers hope for stopping the devastating, and often fatal, effects of sepsis in humans. Researchers show how neutralizing the effects of a key protein fragment, called C5a, used by the immune system to attract white blood cells may ultimately prevent heart failure. ... > full story

Green tea and tai chi enhance bone health and reduce inflammation in postmenopausal women (May 9, 2011) -- There is a favorable effect of modest green tea consumption on bone remodeling in this pre-osteoporotic population. ... > full story

Genes an important factor in urinary incontinence (May 9, 2011) -- Much of the risk of developing incontinence before middle age is determined by our genes. Genetic factors can explain half of people's susceptibility to urinary incontinence, a study of twins reveals. ... > full story

New models may reduce seabird bycatch (May 9, 2011) -- Tens of thousands of albatrosses and other far-ranging seabirds are killed each year after they become caught in longline fishing gear. Innovative new models may help reduce these casualties by more precisely projecting where and when birds and boats are likely to cross paths. ... > full story

Sexy clothes -- too much, too young: Study reveals that a significant proportion of young girls' clothing is sexualized (May 9, 2011) -- Are clothing manufacturers helping to turn young girls into sex objects? According to a new study, up to 30 percent of young girls' clothing available online in the US is 'sexy' or sexualizing. The study's authors say this has serious implications for how girls evaluate themselves according to a sexualized model of feminine physical attractiveness. It makes them confront the issue of sexual identity at a very young age. ... > full story

For peacocks, the eyespots don't lie (May 9, 2011) -- Male peacock tail plumage and courtship antics likely influence their success at attracting and mating with females, according to recent research. ... > full story

Fast, sensitive blood test for human prion disease (May 9, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a method -- 10,000 times more sensitive than other methods -- to detect variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (vCJD) in blood plasma. vCJD is a type of prion disease in humans that leads to brain damage and death. The researchers also used the test to rapidly detect scrapie, a prion disease of sheep, in infected hamsters, some pre-symptomatic. ... > full story

Parsley, celery carry crucial component for fight against breast cancer, study suggests (May 9, 2011) -- A compound in parsley and other plant products, including fruits and nuts, can stop certain breast cancer tumor cells from multiplying and growing, new research suggests. ... > full story

Nitric oxide impacts source of sickle cell pain crisis, study suggests (May 9, 2011) -- Nitric oxide gas appears to directly impact the source of the classic, disabling pain crises of sickle cell disease, researchers report. ... > full story

Direct removal of carbon dioxide from air likely not viable, report suggests (May 9, 2011) -- Technologies for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are unlikely to offer an economically feasible way to slow human-driven climate change for several decades, according to a new report. ... > full story

Dinner with the in-laws: Why does knowing how long a bad experience will last make it worse? (May 9, 2011) -- Knowing how long a good experience will last makes it better, but being aware of the duration of an unpleasant event makes it worse, according to a new study. But people usually predict the opposite effect. ... > full story

Caught in the act: Herschel detects gigantic storms sweeping entire galaxies clean (May 9, 2011) -- With observations the Herschel space observatory, scientists have found gigantic storms of molecular gas gusting in the centres of many galaxies. Some of these massive outflows reach velocities of more than 1000 kilometers per second -- thousands of times faster than in terrestrial hurricanes. The observations show that the more active galaxies contain stronger winds, which can blow away the entire gas reservoir in a galaxy, thereby inhibiting both further star formation and the growth of the central black hole. This finding is the first conclusive evidence for the importance of galactic winds in the evolution of galaxies. ... > full story

New hope for treatment of painful adult shingles (May 9, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a compound with the potential to be more effective than existing agents in treating the very painful blisters known as shingles -- a condition that affects up to 30 percent of Americans, mostly elderly, and for which no specific treatment exists. ... > full story

Celiac disease vaccine shows promising results in Phase I trial (May 9, 2011) -- The world's first potential vaccine for celiac disease has shown promising results for treating celiac disease in a Phase I clinical trial and is expected to move to Phase II trials within the next year. ... > full story

Cells derived from different stem cells: Same or different? (May 9, 2011) -- There are two types of stem cell considered promising sources of cells for regenerative therapies: ES and iPS cells. Recent data indicate these cells are molecularly different, raising the possibility that cells derived from the two sources could be distinct. New research, however, has determined that there is considerable overlap in the genetic programs of thyroid, lung, liver, and pancreas progenitors derived from ES and iPS cells and these progenitors isolated from mouse embryos. ... > full story

High temperature milestone achieved in silicon spintronics (May 9, 2011) -- Researchers have demonstrated that spin accumulation in silicon -- semiconductor spintronics -- is viable as a basis for practical devices relying on electron spin rather than electron charge, providing higher performance, lower power consumption and less heat dissipation. ... > full story

Sexual orientation affects cancer survivorship, study finds (May 9, 2011) -- Gay men have a higher prevalence of cancer compared with heterosexual men, and lesbian and bisexual female cancer survivors report lower levels of health than heterosexual female cancer survivors, according to a new study. The study's findings shed light on the types of programs and services that are needed to assist lesbian, gay and bisexual cancer survivors. ... > full story

Zombie ants have fungus on the brain, new research reveals (May 9, 2011) -- Tropical carpenter ants (Camponotus leonardi) are turned into "zombie ants" when infected by the parasitic fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis). Infected ants become erratic and zombie-like, and are manipulated by the fungus into dying at a spot that provides optimal conditions for fungal reproduction. New research looks at altered behavior patterns in zombie ants in Thailand and shows how the fungus manipulates ant behavior. ... > full story

New DNA role in modifying gene function: Findings suggest new approach could create highly targeted therapeutics (May 9, 2011) -- For years, scientists have thought of DNA as a passive blueprint capable only of producing specific proteins through RNA transcription. Now, researchers have shown DNA can also act to fine-tune the activity of certain proteins known as nuclear receptors. ... > full story

Battery-less chemical detector developed (May 9, 2011) -- Unlike many conventional chemical detectors that require an external power source, researchers have now developed a nanosensor that relies on semiconductor nanowires, rather than traditional batteries. ... > full story

Key feature of age-related miscarriages and birth defects: Egg cells failing to properly arrange chromosomes (May 9, 2011) -- Researchers have confirmed a critical step in cell division that results in age-related miscarriages and birth defects, including Down syndrome. ... > full story

Measurement of 'hot' electrons could have solar energy payoff; Nanoantennas hold promise for infrared photovoltaics (May 9, 2011) -- Basic scientific curiosity paid off in unexpected ways when researchers investigating the fundamental physics of nanomaterials discovered a new technology that could dramatically improve solar energy panels. ... > full story

Reading at 16 linked to better job prospects (May 9, 2011) -- Reading books is the only out-of-school activity for 16-year-olds that is linked to getting a managerial or professional job in later life, says a new study.  ... > full story

Brain region that influences gambling decisions pinpointed (May 9, 2011) -- When a group of gamblers gather around a roulette table, individual players are likely to have different reasons for betting on certain numbers. Recently, researchers hedged their bets -- and came out winners -- when they proposed that a certain region of the brain drives these different types of decision-making behaviors. ... > full story

Protein active in small part of brain contributes to obesity, researchers discover (May 9, 2011) -- Scientists have added another piece to the obesity puzzle, showing how and why a certain protein that is active in a small part of the brain contributes to weight gain. ... > full story

Antibody-based biosensor can guide environmental clean-ups, provide early warning system for spills (May 9, 2011) -- Researchers have developed an antibody-based biosensor that can detect marine pollutants like oil much faster and more cheaply than current technologies. ... > full story

Simple exercise improves lung function in children with cystic fibrosis (May 9, 2011) -- A small study of children and teens with cystic fibrosis (CF) shows that simple exercise, individually tailored to each patient's preference and lifestyle, can help improve lung function and overall fitness. ... > full story

Giant hummingbirds: Running a little hot, but not on empty (May 9, 2011) -- Scientists have long thought that the giant hummingbird (Patagona gigas) was just about as big as a hummingbird could get. They're nearly twice the size of the next largest species, and it was assumed that the energy needed for hovering flight would take the giants close to the upper metabolic limits for an animal that size. Not so, according to a new study. ... > full story

Holistic processing: Seeing the trees and missing the forest (May 9, 2011) -- The phenomenon known as holistic processing is best known in faces. Most people see faces as a whole, not as two eyes a nose and a mouth. But holistic processing happens in other cases, too, and can even be taught. One possible explanation is that holistic processing emerges from expertise, but the truth is much more nuanced, according to new research. ... > full story

In a genetic research first, researchers turn zebrafish genes off and on (May 9, 2011) -- Researchers have designed a new tool for identifying protein function from genetic code. The team succeeded in switching individual genes off and on in zebrafish, then observing embryonic and juvenile development. ... > full story

Key innovations in stem-cell technology (May 9, 2011) -- Scientists are reporting significant stem-cell discoveries that advance medicine and human health by creating powerful new approaches for using stem cells and stem-cell-like technology. ... > full story

Electronic life on the edge: Scientists discover the edge states of graphene nanoribbons (May 9, 2011) -- Scientists have used new techniques to confirm the existence of long-predicted edge states in graphene nanoribbons, opening new prospects for characterizing and controlling the electronic, spintronic, magnetic, and optical properties of nanoscale devices. ... > full story

Strong evidence supports prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer (May 9, 2011) -- French researchers have reported the strongest proof yet that evidence of ‘circulating tumor cells’ found in samples of a patient’s blood is strongly linked to poor outcomes such as a short time to disease progression. ... > full story

What keeps an asexual fish species from taking over? (May 9, 2011) -- When a red-bellied dace and a finescale dace (freshwater fish in the carp and minnow family) mate with each other, they produce a hybrid with a very special ability: it can reproduce asexually. This asexual hybrid should have a tremendous evolutionary advantage over its sexually reproducing forefathers. So why doesn't the hybrid dace take over? ... > full story

Public confused about ingredients in pain relievers, study finds (May 9, 2011) -- Billions of people take pain relievers like Tylenol, but many do not pay attention to the active ingredients they contain, such as acetaminophen, a new study reports. That lack of knowledge plus ignorance of acetaminophen's presence in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines could be a key reason acetaminophen overdose has become the leading cause of acute liver failure. The solution proposed is to develop a universal icon for acetaminophen to appear on all medicine labels. ... > full story