ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Wednesday, July 13, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.

Biologists identify new strategy used by bacteria during infection (July 13, 2011) -- Biologists identified a new way in which bacteria hijack healthy cells during infection, which could provide a target for new antibiotics. ... > full story

Advice to drink eight glasses of water a day 'nonsense,' argues doctor (July 13, 2011) -- The recommendation to drink six to eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration "is not only nonsense, but is thoroughly debunked nonsense," an expert argues in a new article. ... > full story

Scientists model physics of a key dark-energy probe: Simulations improve characterization of cosmology’s 'standard ruler’ (July 13, 2011) -- Researchers are leveraging powerful supercomputers to investigate one of the key observational probes of "dark energy." The project focuses on simulations created on Ohio Supercomputer Center systems to simplify and better characterize a subtle dark-matter clustering feature. The new model allows cosmologists to gain a more accurate understanding of certain aspects of large-scale structure, such as the effect of the expansion of the universe on the growth of density fluctuations. ... > full story

Study investigates association between intake of sodium and potassium and deaths among U.S. adults (July 13, 2011) -- A high sodium intake, especially when combined with a low potassium intake, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, according to a new study. ... > full story

Landscape change leads to increased insecticide use in U.S. Midwest, study finds (July 13, 2011) -- The continued growth of cropland and loss of natural habitat have increasingly simplified agricultural landscapes in the U.S. Midwest. A new study concluded that this simplification is associated with increased crop pest abundance and insecticide use, consequences that could be tempered by perennial bioenergy crops. ... > full story

Family meals remain important through teen years, expert says (July 13, 2011) -- As children become teenagers, it may be more challenging to regularly include them in family meals, but doing so is key to heading off such problems as eating disorders, obesity, and inadequate nutrition in adolescence, according to a new study. The results showed that teens who eat at least five meals a week with their families are 35 percent less likely to engage in disordered eating than teens who don't. ... > full story

Bodyguard for the brain: Researchers identify mechanism that seems to protect brain from aging (July 13, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a mechanism that seems to protect the brain from aging. In experiments with mice, they switched off the cannabinoid-1 receptor. As a consequence, the animals showed signs of degeneration -- as seen in people with dementia -- much faster. ... > full story

Low dose naltrexone: Harnessing the body's own chemistry to treat human ovarian cancer (July 13, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered that a low dose of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (LDN) markedly suppresses progression of human ovarian cancer transplanted into mice. LDN's antitumor action was comparable to that of chemotherapy (cisplatin, taxol). LDN combined with cisplatin but not taxol had an additive inhibitory action on tumorigenesis. LDN offers a non-toxic and efficacious biologic pathway-related treatment that may benefit patients with this deadly cancer. ... > full story

A novel enzymatic catalyst for biodiesel production (July 13, 2011) -- Continuous production of biodiesel can now be envisaged thanks to a novel new catalyst. Biofuel production provides an alternative to fossil fuels. Biodiesels, for instance, are processed products based on oils from oleaginous plants such as oilseed rape, palm, sunflower and soybeans. They result from a chemical reaction, catalyzed in either an acidic or preferably a basic medium, between a vegetable oil (90%) and an alcohol (10%). ... > full story

No substantial link between swine flu vaccine and Guillain-Barre syndrome, experts confirm (July 13, 2011) -- Adjuvanted vaccines used during the 2009 swine flu pandemic did not increase the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome substantially, if at all, finds a large Europe-wide study. ... > full story

Innovative system for producing carpets (July 13, 2011) -- In Europe 700 million square meters of carpets are produced each year, and in the United States the volume is ten times higher. Researchers have now developed an enzyme-based biological technology that paves the way for manufacturing carpets that are much lighter, sustainable, biodegradable, and 100% recyclable. A wool carpet manufactured using this innovative system is a completely natural and biodegradable product. At the end of its useful life the entire product can be shredded and turned into organic material, which can then be used, for example, as fertilizer for growing plants. ... > full story

Male flirts less happy at work (July 13, 2011) -- Men who flirt at work tend to be less satisfied with their job, according to new research. ... > full story

Computer learns language by playing games (July 12, 2011) -- Researchers have created a system that allows a computer to learn to play a computer game by learning the language required to read the manual. ... > full story

Positron emission tomography may help identify the presence of Alzheimer's disease lesions in the brain (July 12, 2011) -- The use of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging may help identify findings in brain tissue associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to two articles. ... > full story

Deeper insight in the activity of cortical cells (July 12, 2011) -- Scientists can now image the processing of information deeper in the cortex with the help of a new multi-photon microscope design. ... > full story

Younger age associated with greater treatment response in children with amblyopia (July 12, 2011) -- Treatment for amblyopia (commonly known as lazy eye) was associated with better response among younger children (3 to 7 years of age) than older children, according to a meta-analysis of previous studies. ... > full story

Pesticide pathways into the atmosphere (July 12, 2011) -- Scientists have found that herbicide volatilization consistently resulted in herbicide losses that exceed losses from field runoff. ... > full story

Neighborhood fast food availability related to an individual's fast food consumption (July 12, 2011) -- Living near fast-food restaurants appears related to an individual's consumption of these foods whereas living near grocery stores and supermarkets appears generally unrelated to dietary quality, according to a new study. ... > full story

Border fences pose threats to wildlife on US-Mexico border, study shows (July 12, 2011) -- Current and proposed border fences between the United States and Mexico pose significant threats to wildlife populations, with those animals living in border regions along the Texas Gulf and California coasts showing some of the greatest vulnerability, a new study shows. ... > full story

Indirubin, component Of Chinese herbal remedy, might block brain tumor's spread, study suggests (July 12, 2011) -- Indirubin, the active ingredient in a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, might offer a new strategy for treating glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. A new study shows that indirubin both blocks the migration of glioblastoma cells, preventing their spread to other areas of the brain, and the migration of endothelial cells, preventing them from forming the new blood vessels the tumor needs to grow. ... > full story

Hubble's Neptune anniversary pictures (July 12, 2011) -- Today, Neptune has arrived at the same location in space where it was discovered nearly 165 years ago. To commemorate the event, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has taken these "anniversary pictures" of the blue-green giant planet. ... > full story

Researchers suggest ways for physicians to individualize cost-effectiveness of treatments (July 12, 2011) -- In an era of skyrocketing health-care costs and finite financial resources, health economists are increasingly called upon to determine which medical treatments are the most cost-effective. Now two researchers suggest a way to tailor this cost-benefit analysis (more accurately known as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, or ICER) more precisely to individuals by assessing the outcome of each treatment on smaller subgroups of patients. ... > full story

Greener disaster alerts: Low-energy wireless sensor networks warn of hurricanes, earthquakes (July 12, 2011) -- New software allows wireless sensor networks to run at much lower energy, according to researchers. The technology could improve efficiency for hurricane and other natural disaster warning systems. ... > full story

Cracking the code of the mind (July 12, 2011) -- Researchers have applied advanced mathematical and engineering techniques to connect neurons with electronics and understand how neuronal networks work. In addition to real-world applications, this research also permits scientists to investigate activity patterns of many neurons simultaneously, providing a window on how different parts of the brain communicate with each other. ... > full story

One in 10 species could face extinction: Decline in species shows climate change warnings not exaggerated, research finds (July 12, 2011) -- One in 10 species could face extinction by the year 2100 if current climate change impacts continue, according to new research examining studies on the effects of recent climate change on plant and animal species and comparing this with predictions of future declines. ... > full story

Too much sitting may be bad for your health (July 12, 2011) -- Lack of physical exercise is often implicated in many disease processes. However, sedentary behavior, or too much sitting, as distinct from too little exercise, potentially could be a new risk factor for disease. A new collection of articles addresses many aspects of the problem of sedentary behavior, including the relevant behavioral science that will be needed to evaluate whether initiatives to reduce sitting time can be effective and beneficial. ... > full story

Eating nuts daily could help control Type 2 diabetes and prevent complications, study suggests (July 12, 2011) -- Eating nuts every day could help control Type 2 diabetes and prevent its complications, according to new research. ... > full story

Effects of exercise on meal-related gut hormone signals (July 12, 2011) -- New research finds that alterations of meal-related gut hormone signals may contribute to the overall effects of exercise to help manage body weight. ... > full story

Long distance: Research shows ancient rock under Haiti came from 1,000+ miles away (July 12, 2011) -- Earthquakes and volcanoes are known for their ability to transform Earth's surface, but new research in the Caribbean has found they can also move ancient Earth rock foundations more than 1,000 miles. ... > full story

Evidence for 'food addiction' in humans (July 12, 2011) -- New research suggests that people can become dependent on highly palatable foods and engage in a compulsive pattern of consumption, similar to the behaviors we observe in drug addicts and those with alcoholism. ... > full story

Biomarker for autism discovered (July 12, 2011) -- Siblings of people with autism show a similar pattern of brain activity to that seen in people with autism when looking at emotional facial expressions. Researchers have now identified the reduced activity in a part of the brain associated with empathy and argue it may be a "biomarker" for a familial risk of autism. ... > full story

HPV infection highly prevalent among organ transplant recipients, study reveals (July 12, 2011) -- A new study reveals an association between the human papillomavirus (betaPV) infection and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in organ transplant recipients. ... > full story

Switch from corn to grass would raise ethanol output, cut emissions (July 12, 2011) -- Growing perennial grasses on the least productive farmland now used for corn ethanol production in the US would result in higher overall corn yields, more ethanol output per acre and better groundwater quality, researchers report in a new study. The switch would also slash emissions of two potent greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. ... > full story

Seven in one blow: Scientists discover DNA regions influencing prostate cancer risk (July 12, 2011) -- Scientists are studying the genetic risks for prostate cancer. The researchers have discovered seven DNA regions for which an association with an increased prostate cancer risk has now been established for the first time. ... > full story

Lie of the land beneath glaciers influences impact on sea levels (July 12, 2011) -- Fresh research into glaciers could help scientists better predict the impact of changing climates on global sea levels. ... > full story

Consortium warns U.S. policymakers against clear-cutting selected science budgets (July 12, 2011) -- More than 140 scientific societies and universities today sent a letter urging U.S. policymakers, in their need to cut spending, to avoid singling out specific programs -- such as the National Science Foundation's Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences -- and to refrain from bypassing independent peer review. ... > full story

Energy-storage capacity of ancient microorganism could lead to power source for synthetic cells (July 12, 2011) -- Researchers are studying one of the oldest known life forms, Archaea, to learn how they thrive in harsh environments. A new study shows that M. hungatei, a type of Archaea, contain granules that are incredibly efficient energy storage structures. ... > full story

Hypoallergenic dogs don't have lower household allergen levels than other dogs, study finds (July 12, 2011) -- Contrary to popular belief, so-called hypoallergenic dogs do not have lower household allergen levels than other dogs. That's the conclusion of a study by researchers who sought to evaluate whether hypoallergenic dogs have a lower dog allergen in the home than other dogs. Hypoallergenic dogs are believed to produce less dander and saliva and shed less fur. ... > full story

Tarantula's double beating heart revealed by MRI (July 12, 2011) -- A specialized magnetic resonance imaging scanner has been used on tarantulas for the first time, giving unprecedented videos of the spider's heart beating. The images showed possible "double beating," a type of contraction which has never been considered before. The non-invasive nature of MRI provides added insight. ... > full story

Malaria parasites use camouflage to trick immune defences of pregnant women (July 12, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered why malaria parasites are able to hide from the immune defenses of expectant mothers. ... > full story

'Resilience' of U.S. metros measured by online index developed by researchers (July 12, 2011) -- Which U.S. metro region is most likely to come out of the next recession, natural disaster or other regional "shock" relatively unscathed? Rochester, Minn. A little more battered might be College Station-Bryan, Texas. These two regions are ranked first and last, respectively, by a new online tool measuring more than 360 U.S. metros for their "regional resilience," or capacity to weather acute and chronic stresses. ... > full story

Even before language, babies learn the world through sounds (July 12, 2011) -- It's not just the words, but the sounds of words that have meaning for us. This is true for children and adults, who can associate the strictly auditory parts of language -- vowels produced in the front or the back of the mouth, high or low pitch -- with blunt or pointy things, large or small things, fast-moving or long-staying things. ... > full story

Forest trees remember their roots (July 12, 2011) -- When it comes to how they respond to the environment, trees may not be that different from humans. Recent studies showed that even genetically identical human twins can have a different chance of getting a disease. This is because each twin has distinct personal experiences through their lifetime. According to new research, it turns out that the same is likely true for forest trees as well. ... > full story

Nervous system stem cells can replace themselves, give rise to variety of cell types, even amplify (July 12, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered in young adult mice that a lone brain stem cell is capable not only of replacing itself and giving rise to specialized neurons and glia -- important types of brain cells -- but also of taking a wholly unexpected path: generating two new brain stem cells. ... > full story

Climate change could turn oxygen-free seas from blessing to curse for zooplankton (July 12, 2011) -- Zooplankton can use specialized adaptations that allow them to hide from predators in areas of the ocean where oxygen levels are so low that almost nothing can survive, but they may run into trouble as these areas expand due to climate change. ... > full story

New way to classify post-cardiac arrest patients to better predict outcomes (July 12, 2011) -- A new method for scoring the severity of illness for patients after cardiac arrest may help to predict their outcomes, according to researchers. New results also show that none of the severity categories rules out the potential for a patient's recovery. ... > full story

Plants in cities are an underestimated carbon store (July 12, 2011) -- Vegetation in towns and cities can make a significant contribution to carbon storage and, ecologists say, could lock away even more carbon if local authorities and gardeners planted and maintained more trees. ... > full story

Parkinson's disease patients may benefit from virtual-reality-based therapies (July 12, 2011) -- In people with Parkinson's disease (PD), the inability to make quick movements limits basic functioning in daily life. Movement can be improved by various cuing techniques, such as providing visual or auditory stimuli when movements are started. Researchers now report that virtual reality and physical reality exercises can be used to provide effective stimuli to increase movement speeds in PD patients. ... > full story