ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Thursday, June 9, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Thursday, June 9, 2011

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Can evolution outpace climate change? Tiny seashore animal suggests not (June 9, 2011) -- Animals and plants may not be able to evolve their way out of the threat posed by climate change, according to a new study of a tiny seashore animal. ... > full story

Breast cancer drug pushes colon cancer cells to their death (June 9, 2011) -- A new treatment for colon cancer that combines a chemotherapy agent approved to treat breast cancer and a cancer-fighting antibody is ready for clinical trials, according to researchers. ... > full story

An alternative to antibiotics (June 9, 2011) -- Antibiotics are among the greatest achievements of medical science. But lately the former multipurpose weapon fails in the battle against infectious diseases. Bacteria are increasingly developing resistance to antibiotics. Researchers have now found a therapeutic equivalent which could replace penicillin and related pharmaceuticals. ... > full story

Bone cancer, from the lab to the clinic (June 9, 2011) -- A new study into osteosarcoma -- cancer of the bone -- will use advances in genomic research to identify new genes that give rise to the cancer and to create personalized blood tests for children and young adults. The hope is that the project will improve monitoring in patients with cancer and guide the best drug treatment for the cancer in each patient. ... > full story

Ecology biased against non-native species? (June 9, 2011) -- Nineteen eminent ecologists issue a call to "end the bias against non-native species" in a new commentary. Often called aliens, hitchhikers or invasives, non-native species could just as easily be coined "abductees" whose transport links to activities by humans, some scientists say. ... > full story

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment may also have some functional impairment, study finds (June 9, 2011) -- Difficulty remembering important dates and medications, and gathering paperwork, is more common in older individuals with mild cognitive impairment than in those with no cognition problems, according to a new report. ... > full story

Water's surface not all wet: Some water molecules split the difference between gas and liquid (June 9, 2011) -- At any one time, one quarter of water molecules in the uppermost layer have one hydrogen atom in water and the other vibrating freely above. Such molecules straddle gas and liquid phases, according to a new study that bears on atmospheric chemistry and raises the question of how exactly to define the air-water boundary. ... > full story

Moderate to intense exercise may protect the brain (June 9, 2011) -- Older people who regularly exercise at a moderate to intense level may be less likely to develop the small brain lesions, sometimes referred to as "silent strokes," that are the first sign of cerebrovascular disease, according to a new study. ... > full story

Rosetta comet probe starts years-long space hibernation (June 9, 2011) -- The final command placing the European Space Agency's Rosetta comet-chaser into deep-space hibernation was sent June 8, 2011. With virtually all systems shut down, the probe will now coast for 31 months until waking up in 2014 for arrival at its comet destination. ... > full story

Finnish twin study yields new information on how fat cells cope with obesity (June 9, 2011) -- The mechanisms by which obesity leads towards metabolic comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, are poorly understood and of great public health interest. A study led by researchers in Finland suggests that adaptation of fat cell membranes to obesity may play a key role in the early stages of inflammatory disorders. ... > full story

Stable temperatures boost biodiversity in tropical mountains, study finds (June 9, 2011) -- We often think of rainforests and coral reefs as hotspots for biodiversity, but mountains are treasure troves for species too -- especially in the tropics, scientists say. But what drives montane biodiversity? The diversity of plants and animals in tropical mountain ranges may have something to do with the stable seasonal temperatures found in the tropics relative to higher latitudes, says a new study. ... > full story

Lifelong gap in health between rich and poor set by age 20, Canadian study finds (June 9, 2011) -- Canadians who are less educated and have a lower income start out less healthy than their wealthier and better-educated compatriots, and remain so over the course of their lives, according to a new study. ... > full story

Many genetic keys needed to unlock autism, researchers discover (June 8, 2011) -- Hundreds of small genetic variations are associated with autism spectrum disorders, including an area of DNA that may be a key to understanding why humans are social animals, according to a multi-site collaborative study. ... > full story

Adjuvant combo shows potential for universal influenza vaccine (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered how to prime a second arm of the immune system to boost influenza vaccine effectiveness. A combination of two adjuvants induced killer T cells to join antibodies in response to influenza infection. Since the killer T cells targeted a highly conserved protein that does not change from year to year, the adjuvant strategy suggests potential for a universal flu vaccine. ... > full story

Stranding records are faithful reflection of live whale and dolphin populations, study suggests (June 8, 2011) -- Whales are the Earth's largest creatures, yet they are incredibly hard to study in the open ocean. For decades scientists have used boats, aircraft and even high cliffs to conduct visual surveys and gather data on whale and dolphin populations. Now, a paleobiologist has revealed a second, equally valuable resource for information on cetaceans -- the record of dead whales and dolphins stranded and washed ashore on beaches around the world. ... > full story

Connection discovered between the nervous system and the vascular system (June 8, 2011) -- Scientists have shown for the first time that a key molecule of the vascular system directs axons during the formation of neural circuits. This connection between the nervous system and the vascular system could be a good starting point for the development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. ... > full story

Planet's soils are under threat, expert warns (June 8, 2011) -- The planet's soils are under greater threat than ever before, at a time when we need to draw on their vital role to support life more than ever, an expert warns in a new article. ... > full story

Active social, spiritual and physical life helps prevent health decline in seniors, study finds (June 8, 2011) -- Small, healthy lifestyle changes and involvement in meaningful activities -- going beyond just diet and exercise -- are critical to healthy aging, according to a new study. ... > full story

Tut, tut: Microbial growth in pharaoh's tomb suggests burial was a rush job (June 8, 2011) -- In the tomb of King Tutankhamen, the elaborately painted walls are covered with dark brown spots that mar the face of the goddess Hathor, the silvery-coated baboons -- in fact, almost every surface. A researcher thinks those brown spots reveal something: that the young pharaoh was buried in an unusual hurry, before the walls of the tomb were even dry. ... > full story

Unraveling the complex genetics of autism (June 8, 2011) -- Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are devastating developmental disorders characterized by altered social interactions and behavior. Although genetic risks are known to contribute to the development of ASDs, the genetic causes of the disease are not well understood. Now, three new papers provide new insight into the diversity of the genetic abnormalities that contribute to autism and represent a step towards the future design of treatments specifically targeted to different kinds of autism. ... > full story

Dolphins use double sonar: Researchers discover that dolphins can generate two sound beam projections simultaneously (June 8, 2011) -- Dolphins and porpoises use echolocation for hunting and orientation. By sending out high-frequency sound, known as ultrasound, dolphins can use the echoes to determine what type of object the sound beam has hit. Researchers from Sweden and the U.S. have now discovered that dolphins can generate two sound beam projections simultaneously. ... > full story

Treating children's eye infections without surgery (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers report that medical management may be preferred over surgery for children with orbital cellulitis, an acute infection of the tissues surrounding the eye. They have determined the criteria for surgical intervention should be dependent upon the size of a subperiosteal abscess. ... > full story

Dangerous toxin discovered in critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a potent and highly-debilitating toxin in the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, a first-of-its-kind chemical finding that is now prompting investigations of other marine mammals in the state. ... > full story

Lack of relationships, education top list of common American regrets (June 8, 2011) -- Regrets -- we've all had a few. Although too many regrets can interfere with life and mental health, a healthy amount of regret can motivate us to improve our lives, say researchers. ... > full story

Astronomers find a new class of stellar explosions (June 8, 2011) -- They're bright and blue -- and a bit strange. They're a new type of stellar explosion that was recently discovered by a team of astronomers. Among the most luminous in the cosmos, these new kinds of supernovae could help researchers better understand star formation, distant galaxies, and what the early universe might have been like. ... > full story

Scientists create humanized mouse model for hepatitis C (June 8, 2011) -- A team of researchers has, for the first time, recreated a portion of the hepatitis C virus life cycle in a mouse with a functional immune system. The new mouse model will enable scientists to test molecules that block entry of the hepatitis C virus into cells as well as potential vaccine candidates. ... > full story

New method to make sodium ion-based battery cells could lead to better, cheaper batteries for the electrical grid (June 8, 2011) -- By adding the right amount of heat, researchers have developed a method that improves the electrical capacity and recharging lifetime of sodium ion rechargeable batteries, which could be a cheaper alternative for large-scale uses such as storing energy on the electrical grid. Researchers have used nanomaterials to make electrodes that can work with sodium. ... > full story

Crucial molecule involved in spread of breast cancer identified; Findings suggest strategy for halting metastasis (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a key player in the spread of breast cancer. The findings identify a critical molecule that helps cancer spread beyond the primary tumor. The research highlights a potential new strategy against metastatic disease. ... > full story

Mountain pine beetle activity may impact snow accumulation and melt (June 8, 2011) -- Infestation of trees by mountain pine beetles in the high country across the West could potentially trigger earlier snowmelt and increase water yields from snowpack that accumulates beneath affected trees, a new article suggests. ... > full story

Ordered fear plays a strong role in market chaos (June 8, 2011) -- When the current financial crisis hit, the failure of traditional economic doctrines to provide any sort of early warning shocked not only financial experts worldwide, but also governments and the general public, and we all began to question the effectiveness and validity of those doctrines. A research team based in Israel decided to investigate what went awry, searching for order in an apparently random system. ... > full story

Current carbon dioxide emission higher than it was just before ancient episode of severe global warming (June 8, 2011) -- The present rate of greenhouse carbon dioxide emissions through fossil fuel burning is higher than that associated with an ancient episode of severe global warming, according to new research. ... > full story

Universal flu vaccine clinical trials show promise (June 8, 2011) -- A universal influenza vaccine targeting a protein common to all strains of influenza A has safely produced an immune response in humans. If proven effective, the vaccine could eliminate the practice of creating a new flu vaccine annually to match predicted strains, with major implications for global health. ... > full story

Bacteria that clean art: Restorers and microbiologists use bacteria to make works of art shine like new (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers in Spain are beginning to experiment with this new technique on the frescoes of Antonio Palomino from the 17th century in the Church of Santos Juanes in Valencia. They have shown that a certain type of micro-organism is capable of cleaning works of art in a fast, specific and respectful way as well as being non-toxic for the restorer and the environment. ... > full story

Squeeze an arm, protect the heart: New technique for heart protection analyzed (June 8, 2011) -- Scientists in the UK are investigating a novel technique that promises to protect heart muscle from life-threatening damage following a heart attack -- simply by squeezing an arm. Heart attacks are the major cause of premature death in England, with massive implications for survival and costs of long-term health care. ... > full story

Research creates nanoparticles perfectly formed to tackle cancer (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a way to load up nanoparticles with large numbers of light-sensitive molecules to create a more effective form of photodynamic therapy for treating cancer. ... > full story

‘Sleep on it’ is sound, science-based advice, study suggests (June 8, 2011) -- In recent years, much sleep research has focused on memory, but now results of a new study suggest another key effect of sleep is facilitating and enhancing complex cognitive skills such as decision-making. ... > full story

Using magnets to help prevent heart attacks: Magnetic field can reduce blood viscosity, physicist discovers (June 8, 2011) -- Blood viscosity can be reduced 20-30 percent by subjecting it to a small magnetic field, lowering potential damage to blood vessels and the risk of heart attack, according to a new study. ... > full story

Insulin action on brain's reward circuitry linked to obesity (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers have what they say is some of the first solid proof that insulin has direct effects on the reward circuitry of the brain. Mice whose reward centers can no longer respond to insulin eat more and become obese, they show. ... > full story

GPS stations can detect clandestine nuclear tests (June 8, 2011) -- At the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization meeting, American researchers are unveiling a new tool for detecting illegal nuclear explosions: the Earth's global positioning system (GPS). Even underground nuclear tests leave their mark on the part of the upper atmosphere known as the ionosphere, the researchers discovered, when they examined GPS data recorded the same day as a North Korean nuclear test in 2009. ... > full story

Teens with type 2 diabetes already show possible signs of impaired heart function (June 8, 2011) -- Heart function may be affected in people with type 2 diabetes as early as adolescence, according to a new study. ... > full story

Finding answers century-old questions about platinum's catalytic properties (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers now understand more about why platinum is so efficient at producing power in hydrogen fuel cells. ... > full story

Many patients with advanced cancers get treatments that won't help, study finds (June 8, 2011) -- A study of more than 1,000 patients with colon cancer that had spread to distant sites found that one in eight was treated with at least one drug regimen that was not recommended. Those patients were exposed to significant risk without proven benefits, at an estimated cost -- just for the drugs -- of more than million. ... > full story

Bacteria on old-growth trees may help forests grow (June 8, 2011) -- The growth and development of many forests is thought to be limited by the availability of nitrogen. By collecting mosses on the forest floor and then at 15 and 30 meters up into the forest canopy, researchers were able to show both that the cyanobacteria are more abundant in mosses high above the ground, and that they "fix" twice as much nitrogen as those associated with mosses on the forest floor. ... > full story

'Wrong'-time eating reduces fertility in fruit flies: Study points to fertility-metabolism connection (June 8, 2011) -- Researchers manipulated circadian rhythms in fruit flies and measured the affect on egg-laying capacity. But they stress what's true in flies grown in a lab does not necessarily hold for humans, and any potential link between diet and reproduction would have to be independently tested. "I would say that eating at the wrong time of the day has deleterious consequences for physiology," says lead author Amita Sehgal. ... > full story

New bee viruses identified: Finding offers baseline to study colony collapse (June 8, 2011) -- A 10-month study of healthy honey bees by California scientists has identified four new viruses that infect bees, while revealing that each of the viruses or bacteria previously linked to colony collapse is present in healthy hives as well. ... > full story

Coffee drinking improves hepatitis C treatment response, study suggests (June 8, 2011) -- Advanced hepatitis C patients with chronic liver disease may benefit from drinking coffee during treatment, according to a new study. Patients who received peginterferon plus ribavirin treatment and who drank three or more cups of coffee per day were two times more likely to respond to treatment than non-drinkers. ... > full story

Near infrared fluorescence lights up hidden blood clots (June 8, 2011) -- New research may mark the expansion of a novel imaging agent for an optical technique called near-infrared fluorescence, which uses light energy to glean information about cells and tissues. NIRF combined with the newly synthesized agent can image dangerous blood clots hiding inside elusive veins, most commonly within the deep tissues of the thighs and pelvis, but potentially also in the coronary arteries. The agent uses a biomarker that seeks out a peptide (the building blocks of proteins) called fibrin that is actively involved in the formation of blood clots. ... > full story

Be it numbers or words, the structure of our language remains the same (June 8, 2011) -- It is one of the wonders of language: We cannot possibly anticipate or memorize every potential word, phrase or sentence. Yet we have no trouble constructing and understanding myriads of novel utterances every day. How do we do it? Linguists say we naturally and unconsciously employ abstract rules -- syntax. ... > full story