ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Thursday, September 8, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Thursday, September 8, 2011

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Jumping gene's preferred targets may influence genome evolution (September 8, 2011) -- Our genetic blueprint contains numerous entities known as transposons, which have the ability to move from place to place on the chromosomes within a cell. An astounding 50 percent of human DNA comprises both active transposon elements and the decaying remains of former transposons. Every time a plant or animal cell prepares to divide, the chromosome regions richest in transposon-derived sequences are among the last to duplicate. New research provides potential insight into both these enigmas. ... > full story

New 'bouncer' molecule halts rheumatoid arthritis; Protective protein prevents immune system from ravaging joints and bones (September 8, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered why immune cells of people with rheumatoid arthritis become hyperactive and attack the joints and bones. The cells have lost their bouncer, the burly protein that keeps them in line the way a bouncer in a nightclub controls rowdy patrons. The protein, called P21, prevents immune cells from their destructive rampage. When the scientists injected a mimic of P21 into an animal model of arthritis, the disease process was halted. ... > full story

Neutron analysis reveals unique atom-scale behavior of 'cobalt blue' (September 8, 2011) -- Neutron scattering studies of "cobalt blue," a compound prized by artists for its lustrous blue hue, are revealing unique magnetic characteristics that could answer questions about mysterious properties in other materials. ... > full story

Flaxseed no help for hot flashes during breast cancer or menopause, study finds (September 8, 2011) -- A new study has found that flaxseed provided no benefit in easing hot flashes among breast cancer patients and postmenopausal women. ... > full story

New video gaming technology used to detect illness, prevent falls in older adults (September 8, 2011) -- Many older adults lose their independence as their health declines and they are compelled to move into assisted care facilities. Researchers at an independent living community have been using motion-sensing technology to monitor changes in residents' health for several years. Now, researchers have found that two devices commonly used for video gaming and security systems are effective in detecting the early onset of illness and fall risk in seniors. ... > full story

Volunteering to help others could lead to better health; Reduced mortality risk not seen in people motivated by self-centered reasons (September 8, 2011) -- People who volunteer may live longer than those who don't, as long as their reasons for volunteering are to help others rather than themselves, suggests new research. ... > full story

Clouds don't cause climate change, study shows (September 8, 2011) -- Clouds only amplify climate change, says a professor in a study that rebuts recent claims that clouds are actually the root cause of climate change. ... > full story

Promising target in treating and preventing the progression of heart failure identified (September 8, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a new drug target that may treat and/or prevent heart failure. The team evaluated failing human and pig hearts and discovered that SUMO1, a so-called "chaperone" protein that regulates the activity of key transporter genes, was decreased in failing hearts. When the researchers injected SUMO1 into these hearts via gene therapy, cardiac function was significantly improved. ... > full story

Researchers expand capabilities of miniature analyzer for complex samples (September 8, 2011) -- A research team has extended the capabilities a a novel microfluidic lab-on-a-chip system for analyzing the chemical components of complex biological samples. ... > full story

Researchers discuss challenges to developing broadly protective HIV vaccines (September 8, 2011) -- The human body can produce powerful antibodies that shield cells in the laboratory against infection by an array of HIV strains. In people, however, recent research shows that these broadly neutralizing antibodies are not produced in an efficient or timely enough fashion in HIV-infected individuals to effectively block progression of infection, appearing only after a person has been infected with HIV for at least one year -- by which time the virus has fully established itself within the body. ... > full story

Smartphones as helpers during disasters: Software for autonomous smartphone network developed (September 8, 2011) -- Scientists have developed software, with which smartphones can automatically and autonomously organize an energy-efficient, ad-hoc network. Rapid organization of such a communications network can be vital in the event of disasters where normal communications infrastructures have been destroyed, since smartphones could then exchange, e.g., environmental-sensor data. ... > full story

Exercise at work boosts productivity, Swedish researchers find (September 8, 2011) -- Devoting work time to physical activity can lead to higher productivity, according to a new study performed by researchers in Sweden. ... > full story

New cellular surprise may help scientists better understand human mitochondrial diseases (September 7, 2011) -- A surprising new discovery regarding the division of tiny "power plants" within cells known as mitochondria has implications for better understanding a wide variety of human diseases and conditions due to mitochondrial defects. ... > full story

Scientists identify key protein linked to acute liver failure: Inhibition of protein protects liver from acetaminophen toxicity in mice (September 7, 2011) -- New research shows that inhibition of the Sab protein prevents liver damage associated with acetaminophen overdose. The results suggest that inhibition of the protein can protect against various types of cellular death in any organ. ... > full story

How the mole got its twelve fingers (September 7, 2011) -- Polydactyly is a hereditary anomaly that is relatively common in both humans and animals. Moles also have additional fingers. In their case, however, the irregularity compared to the five-finger formula of land vertebrates is the norm. An international team of researchers has now uncovered the background to the development of the mole's extra "thumb": A bone develops in the wrist that stretches along the real thumb, giving the paw a bigger surface area for digging. ... > full story

Relationship between two mutated genes can dictate outcome of prostate cancer (September 7, 2011) -- Being able to distinguish between the 1% of prostate cancer patients who will develop lethal disease and the majority of patients who will develop non-lethal cancer is a key goal in prostate cancer research. Scientists have gotten closer to this goal by identifying a new prostate tumor suppressor gene called PHLPP1 and showing that it acts in concert with PTEN, a tumor suppressor that is mutated in roughly half of prostate cancer patients. ... > full story

The geophysicist's guide to striking it rich (September 7, 2011) -- Combining a number of surveying techniques for the first time, experts say their integrated surveying techniques can be applied to any region in the world to more accurately identify riches beneath the earth's surface -- before expensive drilling and mining are necessary. ... > full story

One drink a day may be related to good overall health in women when older, study suggests (September 7, 2011) -- Women who drink 15 grams or less of alcohol a day (the equivalent of one drink of any alcoholic beverage) at midlife may be healthier when older than women who do not drink at all, who consume more than two drinks a day, or who consume four drinks or more at the one time, according to a new study. ... > full story

Nanosensors made from DNA may light path to new cancer tests and drugs (September 7, 2011) -- Sensors made from custom DNA molecules could be used to personalize cancer treatments and monitor the quality of stem cells, according to new research. ... > full story

Stroke prevention trial has immediate implications for clinical practice (September 7, 2011) -- Patients at a high risk for a second stroke who received intensive medical treatment had fewer strokes and deaths than patients who received a brain stent in addition to the medical treatment, a large U.S. nationwide clinical trial has shown. ... > full story

First global portrait of greenhouse gases emerges from pole-to-pole flights (September 7, 2011) -- A three-year series of research flights from the Arctic to the Antarctic has produced an unprecedented portrait of greenhouse gases. The HIPPO project is enabling researchers to generate the first detailed mapping of the global distribution of gases and particles that affect Earth's climate. ... > full story

Sight fails when defective eye cells cripple renewal (September 7, 2011) -- In the rare eye disease, Enhanced S-Cone Syndrome, the retina degenerates because light-receiving cells fail to regenerate, new research shows. The discovery provides a target to treat the disease, which affects about one in 1 million people. But, the findings and the scientists' use of two technologies to uncover the mechanisms leading to sight loss may help gain understanding of other retinal degenerative diseases, including macular degeneration, affecting millions worldwide. ... > full story

Innovative superconductor fibers carry 40 times more electricity (September 7, 2011) -- Researchers in Israel have developed superconducting wires made of single sapphire crystals that can be used in high-powered cables. They take up much less space and conduct energy far more efficiently than current superconductor technologies -- and have the potential to revolutionize energy transfer. ... > full story

Evidence for a persistently iron-rich ocean changes views on Earth's early history (September 7, 2011) -- Researchers report that the ancient deep ocean was not only devoid of oxygen but also rich in iron, a key biological nutrient, for nearly a billion years longer than previously thought -- right through a key evolutionary interval that culminated in the first rise of animals. "We will need to rethink all of our models for how life-essential nutrients were distributed in the ocean through time and space," the authors say. ... > full story

Malaria prevention strategies could substantially cut killer bacterial infections, study suggests (September 7, 2011) -- Interventions targeting malaria, such as insecticide-treated bed nets, antimalarial drugs and mosquito control, could substantially reduce cases of bacteraemia, which kill hundreds of thousands of children each year in Africa and worldwide. ... > full story

Exact brain electrode placement for Parkinson’s patients now possible; Research opens the way to more precise deep brain stimulation (September 7, 2011) -- Deep brain stimulation stops limb tremors in Parkinson's patients. But positioning the stimulation electrode in the brain must be done very precisely to avoid undesired side-effects. To make this possible, a researcher in the Netherlands has developed a method for precise, external localization of the right part of the brain: the motor area of the subthalamic nucleus. She has found an ingenious way to localize this 'magic area': by using MRI to visualize the pathways in the brain that lead to it. ... > full story

Baker’s yeast substance can aid healing, Norwegian researchers show (September 7, 2011) -- Can wounds be helped to heal faster? Yes, says a Norwegian company whose product’s active ingredient, beta-glucans, comes from common baker’s yeast. Beta-glucans have been called nature's super-medicine. Norwegian researchers have been pioneers in producing these substances from the cell walls of everyday baker's yeast. Beta-glucans are now widely used in the aquaculture industry and veterinary medicine, as well as in dietary supplements and cosmetics. ... > full story

New type of solar cell retains high efficiency for long periods (September 7, 2011) -- Scientists are reporting development of a new genre of an electrolyte system for solar cells that breaks the double-digit barrier in the efficiency with which the devices convert sunlight into electricity. ... > full story

Seeing isn't believing: Intense focus on objects can distort perception of where things are (September 7, 2011) -- Pay attention! It's a universal warning, which implies that keeping close watch helps us perceive the world more accurately. But a new study by cognitive psychologists finds that intense focus on objects can have the opposite effect: It distorts perception of where things are in relation to one another. ... > full story

Scientists create mammalian cells with single chromosome set (September 7, 2011) -- Researchers have created mammalian cells containing a single set of chromosomes for the first time. The technique should allow scientists to better establish the relationships between genes and their function. ... > full story

Drinking pattern linked to alcohol's effect on heart health (September 7, 2011) -- New research shows that patterns of alcohol consumption -- a drink or two every night, or several cocktails on Friday and Saturday nights only -- may be more important in determining alcohol's influence on heart health than the total amount consumed. Scientists found that daily moderate drinking -- the equivalent of two drinks per day, seven days a week -- decreased atherosclerosis in mice, while binge drinking -- seven drinks a day, two days a week -- increased atherosclerosis. ... > full story

Evidence suggests La Niña will return this winter (September 7, 2011) -- A return of La Nina, which historically delivers dry conditions, is increasingly likely, according to scientists. ... > full story

Expert calls for change in trans fat labelling (September 7, 2011) -- Not all trans fats are created equal and it's time for nutritional labels to reflect that reality, says a Canadian nutrition expert. According to a recent scientific review, natural trans fats produced by ruminant animals such as dairy and beef cattle are not detrimental to health. In fact, they show significant positive health effects and some evidence even links these natural trans fats to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. ... > full story

Reuse, reliability will launch future, expert says (September 7, 2011) -- Engineers have successfully completed the first of a series of acoustic tests on the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) ground test vehicle, which consists of two major components of the Orion spacecraft: the crew module and the launch abort system. Built to spaceflight specifications, the Orion MPCV ground test vehicle is the first full-scale spacecraft built to support the development of the final human space flight vehicle, which is slated for its first orbital flight test in about two years. ... > full story

Parents' behavior linked to kids' videogame playing (September 7, 2011) -- Children who think their parents are poor monitors or nag a lot tend to play video games more than other kids, according to a new study. ... > full story

Growing meat in the lab: Scientists initiate action plan to advance cultured meat (September 7, 2011) -- An international group of scientists recently took a step closer to their goal to produce cultured meat, during a workshop in Sweden. Many technology components are now coming into place in order to realize the concept of cultured meat. This includes a cell source that is possible to use, several alternative processes to turn these cells into muscle cells for meat, and nutrients free of animal components which can be produced from sunlight and carbon dioxide. ... > full story

Prenatal exposure to phthalates linked to decreased mental and motor development (September 7, 2011) -- A new study heightens concerns over the potential health effects on children of a group of ubiquitous chemicals known as phthalates, a class of chemicals that are known to disrupt the endocrine system, and are widely used in consumer products. This is the first study to examine prenatal phthalate exposure and the prevalence of mental, motor and behavioral problems in children who are in the preschool years. ... > full story

Innovative nanoparticle purification system uses magnetic fields (September 7, 2011) -- A team of scientists has invented a new system that uses magnetism to purify hybrid nanoparticles. The system holds the promise of helping to improve drug-delivery systems, drug-targeting technologies, medical-imaging technologies, and electronic information-storage devices. ... > full story

Dangerous arrhythmia analyzed in a heartbeat (September 7, 2011) -- One second, one heartbeat. That's what is needed for a new, noninvasive functional imaging technology, to record data for locating the source in the heart of a dangerous cardiac arrhythmia called ventricular tachycardia (VT). Researchers in biomedical engineering and medicine report that the technique would far more quickly find the source and type of VT, saving hours of mapping. ... > full story

Scientists pinpoint shape-shifting mechanism critical to protein signaling (September 7, 2011) -- Scientists have shown that changes in a protein's structure can change its signaling function and they have pinpointed the precise regions where those changes take place. The new findings could help provide a much clearer picture of potential drugs that would be both effective and highly specific in their biological actions. ... > full story

Virtual reality may help adults recover from stroke (September 7, 2011) -- Early results suggest that using virtual reality (VR) human-computer interfaces might help adult stroke patients regain arm function and improve their ability to perform standard tasks, when compared to patients who don't use VR, according to a new review. ... > full story

Control of fear in the brain decoded: Emotional balance is regulated by molecular factors behind stress response, study finds (September 7, 2011) -- When healthy people are faced with threatening situations, they react with a suitable behavioral response and do not descend into a state of either panic or indifference, as is the case, for example, with patients who suffer from anxiety. With the help of genetic studies on mice, scientists in Germany have discovered two opposing neuronal regulatory circuits for the generation and elimination of fear. ... > full story

Diabetes: New drug target that stimulates beta cell growth identified (September 7, 2011) -- One of the holy grails in diabetes research is to discover molecules that stimulate beta cell growth and to find drugs that target these molecules. Now researchers have done both, discovering not only a protein that regulates beta cell growth, but also a chemical compound that stimulates it. ... > full story

Innovation is step toward digital graphene transistors (September 7, 2011) -- Researchers are making progress in creating digital transistors using a material called graphene, potentially sidestepping an obstacle thought to dramatically limit the material's use in computers and consumer electronics. ... > full story

Scientists develop new technologies for understanding bacterial infections (September 7, 2011) -- Understanding how bacteria infect cells is crucial to preventing countless human diseases. In a recent breakthrough, scientists have discovered a new approach for studying molecules within their natural environment, opening the door to understanding the complexity of how bacteria infect people. ... > full story

Ultrasound improves stem cell transplants, Swedish researchers discover (September 7, 2011) -- Transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells is an effective treatment for patients with malignant blood diseases. The composition and quality of the transplanted cells are crucial to the outcome. Researchers from Sweden have now developed a method to improve the quality of the transplanted cells using ultrasound for cell separation. ... > full story

Family meals help children to be less fussy about food (September 7, 2011) -- A study has found that eating together as a family may encourage children to be more open to trying new types of food. ... > full story

Novel magnetic, superconducting material opens new possibilities in electronics (September 7, 2011) -- Scientists have reached a crucial milestone that could lead to a new class of materials with useful electronic properties. A research team has sandwiched two nonmagnetic insulators together and discovered a startling result: The layer where the two materials meet has both magnetic and superconducting regions -- two properties that normally can't co-exist. ... > full story