ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Wednesday, September 28, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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Jumping gene enabled key step in corn domestication (September 28, 2011) -- In seeking to better understand how teosinte gave rise to corn, a scientific team has pinpointed one of the key genetic changes that paved the way for corn's domestication. ... > full story

Possible cardiovascular risk found with NSAID use, study suggests (September 28, 2011) -- A new study suggests that controlling cholesterol may be important for heart health in patients who are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen. The findings are based on a study on the safety of NSAID medications in clinically relevant animal models when high cholesterol is a factor. ... > full story

New advanced biofuel identified as an alternative to diesel fuel (September 28, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a terpene called bisabolane as a potential biofuel for replacing diesel fuel. The researchers have also engineered two strains of microbes -- a bacteria and a yeast -- that can be used in the biosynthetic production of this clean, green, renewable and domestic alternative to diesel fuel. ... > full story

New discoveries in genetics of lung health (September 28, 2011) -- Scientists have for the first time discovered sixteen new sections of the genetic code that relate to lung health -- opening up the possibility for better prevention as well as treatment for lung diseases. ... > full story

Successful rainwater harvesting systems should combine new technology with old social habits (September 28, 2011) -- A combination of modern engineering and ancient social principles makes large-scale rainwater harvesting feasible in a time of drought, and could reduce deadly flash flooding common to parts of Texas, a new article argues. ... > full story

Company stock prices jump before public announcements of oncology trial results (September 28, 2011) -- Prior knowledge of phase III clinical trials of new drugs and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory decisions may affect the price of a drug company's stock according to a new study. ... > full story

Pigeon 'milk' contains antioxidants and immune-enhancing proteins (September 28, 2011) -- Production of crop milk, a secretion from the crops of parent birds, is rare among birds and, apart from pigeons, is only found in flamingos and male emperor penguins. Essential for the growth and development of the young pigeon squab, pigeon 'milk' is produced by both parents from fluid-filled cells lining the crop that are rich in fat and protein. Researchers have now used new technology to study the genes and proteins involved in pigeon 'milk' production and shows that pigeon 'milk' contains antioxidants and immune-enhancing proteins. ... > full story

Atypical antipsychotics appear to be effective for only few off-label uses, study suggests (September 28, 2011) -- A review of previous studies suggests that even though atypical antipsychotic medications are commonly used for off-label conditions such as behavioral symptoms of dementia, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, these medications are effective for only a few off-label conditions, and that the benefits and harms of these medications for these uses vary, according to a new article. ... > full story

Insight into the architecture of life: Researchers discover supporting pillars of the structure of cellular power plants (September 28, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a new mechanism that is of central significance for the architecture and functioning of mitochondria, known as the power plants of the cell. With the help of chemical reactions that take place on their inner membranes, these organelles convert food into energy for the metabolism and growth of the cell. The inner mitochondrial membrane features a characteristic architecture that is essential for its role as an energy transducer. Errors in the structure of the mitochondria can lead to serious illnesses in humans, particularly illnesses affecting the muscles and nerves. ... > full story

Foam injections for varicose veins better for patients and cheaper, study finds (September 28, 2011) -- Foam injections to treat varicose veins cause less pain for patients and could save money compared with a popular alternative treatment, according to researchers. ... > full story

Chemists make first molecular binding measurement of radon (September 28, 2011) -- Even in trace quantities, the radioactive gas radon is very dangerous; it is second only to cigarette smoking as a cause of lung cancer deaths in the United States. The expense and precautions necessary to study it safely have limited research into its properties. Now, chemists have for the first time measured how well radon binds to a molecule, paving the way for future research on it and other noble gasses. ... > full story

Romance scams online hit hundreds of thousands of victims, UK study finds (September 28, 2011) -- New online research reveals that over 200,000 people living in Britain may have fallen victim to online romance scams -- far more than had been previously estimated. The study is believed to be the first formal academic analysis to measure the scale of this growing problem. ... > full story

Venus weather not boring after all, scientists discover (September 27, 2011) -- At first glance, a weather forecaster for Venus would have either a really easy or a really boring job, depending on your point of view. The climate on Venus is widely known to be unpleasant -- at the surface, the planet roasts at more than 800 degrees Fahrenheit under a suffocating blanket of sulfuric acid clouds and a crushing atmosphere more than 90 times the pressure of Earth's. However, higher up, the weather gets more interesting, according to a new study of old data by NASA and international scientists. ... > full story

New analysis of the cardiovascular risks of common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (September 27, 2011) -- An updated study gives some new information on the cardiovascular risks of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and suggests that among these commonly used drugs, naproxen and low dose ibuprofen are least likely to increase cardiovascular risk whereas diclofenac, even in doses available without prescription, elevates risk. ... > full story

Do long-lived crops differ from annual crops in their genetic response to human domestication? (September 27, 2011) -- Most of what we have come to think of as our daily fruits, vegetables, and grains were domesticated from wild ancestors. Over hundreds and thousands of years, humans have selected and bred plants for traits that benefit us -- traits such as bigger, juicier, and easier-to-harvest fruits, stems, tubers, or flowers. But how do long-lived species respond to short-term selection processes, and will this information be helpful in predicting responses to rapid climate changes? ... > full story

Study examines whether age for initial screening colonoscopy should be different for men, women (September 27, 2011) -- An analysis of results of more than 40,000 screening colonoscopies finds that men have a higher rate of advanced tumors compared to women in all age groups examined, suggesting that the age that individuals should undergo an initial screening colonoscopy should be sex-specific, according to a new study. ... > full story

Researchers use carbon nanotubes to make solar cells affordable, flexible (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have found that metallic carbon nanotubes are 50 times more effective than semiconducting ones when used as transparent conductors in organic solar cells. ... > full story

Central Asia's hidden burden of neglected tropical diseases: High rates of parasitic infection nearly 20 years after Soviet collapse (September 27, 2011) -- Central Asia continues to suffer from a post-Soviet economic breakdown that may have contributed to a re-emergence of several neglected tropical diseases in the area, especially among its most economically disadvantaged groups, according to a new article. ... > full story

People learn while they sleep, study suggests (September 27, 2011) -- People may be learning while they're sleeping -- an unconscious form of memory that is still not well understood, according to a new study. ... > full story

Increasing dosage of saw palmetto does not appear to reduce urinary symptoms from enlarged prostate (September 27, 2011) -- Men with urinary problems related to an enlarged prostate who received increasing doses of the fruit extract saw palmetto did not experience a reduction in these symptoms compared to men who received placebo, according to a new study. ... > full story

New nanostructure-based process will streamline production of magnetic materials (September 27, 2011) -- Scientists report for the first time designing a simpler method of preparing ordered magnetic materials than ever by coupling magnetic properties to nanostructure formation at low temperatures. The process allows them to create room-temperature ferromagnetic materials that are stable for long periods more effectively and with fewer steps than more complicated existing methods. ... > full story

Biochemists identify new genetic code repair tool (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers recently reported finding a new class of DNA repair-makers. To ensure the integrity of the genetic material, cells are equipped with a "molecular toolkit" for repairing DNA damage. The toolkit is composed of a variety of different molecules -- called enzymes -- that have evolved to repair different types of DNA damage. Researchers have now discovered a new class of enzymes in that superfamily that lack the ability to repair uracil. ... > full story

Sneaking up on the glassy transition of water (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers claim to have settled a long-standing debate over the exact temperature at which water transforms into an exotic glass-like substance believed to be present in comets and other icy objects in the outer solar system, as well as in the coldest regions of the Earth's atmosphere. ... > full story

Public ignorant about key messages concerning diet and cancer, research finds (September 27, 2011) -- New research reveals widespread lack of knowledge of the importance of diet and obesity as contributing causes towards the development of cancer. ... > full story

New 'FeTRAM' is promising computer memory technology (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers are developing a new type of computer memory that could be faster than the existing commercial memory and use far less power than flash memory devices. The technology combines silicon nanowires with a "ferroelectric" polymer. ... > full story

Treatment of common virus can reduce tumour growth, study suggests (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to inhibit the growth of brain tumors by treating the common Cytomegalovirus (CMV). The virus, which is found in a wide range of tumor types, offers a possible route towards controlling tumor growth and reducing the size of the tumor as a complement to conventional cytotoxin-based therapies. ... > full story

Tracing an elusive killer parasite in Peru (September 27, 2011) -- Despite what Hollywood would have you believe, not all epidemics involve people suffering from zombie-like symptoms -- some can only be uncovered through door-to-door epidemiology and advanced mathematics. Researchers are now in the trenches combining tried-and-true epidemiological approaches with new statistical methods to learn more about the course of a dangerous, contagious disease epidemic. ... > full story

Aggressive glycemic control in diabetic CABG patients does not improve survival, study suggests (September 27, 2011) -- A new study finds that aggressive glycemic control in diabetic CABG patients does not improve survival. ... > full story

Dust makes light work of vehicle emissions (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a silver lining in the cloud of red dust that enveloped much of eastern Australia two years ago. Data from what is believed to be the first air quality test undertaken during an Australian dust storm shows that large dust particles swept up the smaller, potentially fatal ultrafine particles caused by everyday vehicle emissions. ... > full story

As minds get quicker, teenagers get smarter (September 27, 2011) -- Adolescents become smarter because they become mentally quicker according to a new study. ... > full story

Feathered friends help wild birds innovate (September 27, 2011) -- Larger groups of great and blue tits are better at solving problems than smaller ones, scientists have found. The researchers believe that this is probably because the larger the group, the more chance there is of it including a 'bright' or 'experienced' bird that can solve a particular new problem: in this case operating lever-pulling devices to receive a food reward. ... > full story

Low vitamin B12 levels may lead to brain shrinkage, cognitive problems (September 27, 2011) -- Older people with low blood levels of vitamin B12 markers may be more likely to have lower brain volumes and have problems with their thinking skills, according to researchers. ... > full story

Compression experiments lead to shocking results (September 27, 2011) -- Using acceleration one trillion times faster than a jet fighter in a maximum turn, researchers have gained new insight into dynamic compression of aluminum at ultra-high strain rates. ... > full story

New hidden heart attack culprit identified in women (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a hidden culprit in the battle against women's heart disease. Plaque disruption, a rupture or ulceration of cholesterol plaque in a coronary artery, has been discovered as the mechanism behind myocardial infarction (heart attack) in some women without significant coronary artery disease (CAD). ... > full story

Frankenstein’s moon: Astronomers vindicate account of masterwork (September 27, 2011) -- Victor Frankenstein's infamous monster led a brief, tragic existence, blazing a trail of death and destruction that prompted mobs of angry villagers to take up torches and pitchforks against him on the silver screen. Now, a team of astronomers has applied its unique brand of celestial sleuthing to a long-simmering controversy surrounding the events that inspired author Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley to write her legendary novel Frankenstein. Their results shed new light on the question of whether or not Shelley's account of the episode is merely a romantic fiction. ... > full story

Musical weather shows climate influence (September 27, 2011) -- Scientists have cataloged and analyzed depictions of weather in classical music from the 17th Century to the present day to help understand how climate affects how people think. ... > full story

Giant star expels multiple dust shells, astronomers find (September 27, 2011) -- An international team of astronomers has discovered not less than a dozen cold dust arcs around the giant star CW Leo. The team used the sensitive PACS instrument on board the Herschel Space Observatory to detect for the first time arcs of dust far away from the star. CW Leo has expelled these shells of dust in different epochs in its life. The faintest shell we can see now was, according to the team, expelled about 16,000 years ago. In the mean time it has drifted away from the star over more than 7,000 billion kilometers. ... > full story

Discovery of insulin switches in pancreas could lead to new diabetes drugs (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered how a hormone turns on a series of molecular switches inside the pancreas that increases production of insulin. ... > full story

'Heat-proof' eggs help turtles cope with hot beaches (September 27, 2011) -- Research shows that some turtles are naturally heat-tolerant. The study focused on green turtles nesting on Ascension Island, a UK overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Scientists have found that eggs laid by turtles nesting on a naturally hot beach withstand high temperatures better than eggs from turtles nesting on a cooler beach just a few kilometers away. ... > full story

Researchers map genome of advanced, lethal prostate cancers and discover 'hypermutation' (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have conducted the first comprehensive assessment of every gene in the genome of advanced, lethal prostate cancer. Until now, the genetic composition of such tumors had been poorly defined. ... > full story

Climate change set to increase ozone-related deaths over next 60 years, scientists warn (September 27, 2011) -- Scientists are warning that death rates linked to climate change will increase in several European countries over the next 60 years. ... > full story

Learning and remembering linked to holding material in hands, new research shows (September 27, 2011) -- New research shows that people's ability to learn and remember information depends on what they do with their hands while they are learning. ... > full story

Handling nanoscale particles: 'Next-generation' optical tweezers trap tightly without overheating (September 27, 2011) -- Engineers have created a device that may make it easier to isolate and study tiny particles such as viruses. Their plasmonic nanotweezers use light from a laser to trap nanoscale particles. The new device creates strong forces more efficiently than traditional optical tweezers and eliminates a problem that caused earlier setups to overheat. ... > full story

Childless men more at risk of death from cardiovascular disease (September 27, 2011) -- The risk of dying from cardiovascular disease is higher for childless men than for fathers, according to a large study. ... > full story

'Illusion of plenty' masking collapse of two key Southern California fisheries (September 27, 2011) -- A new study has found that overfishing of spawning areas and environmental conditions are behind the collapse of two bass species. ... > full story

New genetic region responsible for testicle development found (September 27, 2011) -- New research has found a genetic region that may control testicle development in the fetus. ... > full story

Catalyst discovery potential has to revolutionize chemical industry (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a remarkably active catalyst that has the potential to revolutionize the chemical industry. ... > full story

Shape memory materials ready for mass production (September 27, 2011) -- Materials that can remember their shape and switch from one form to another may sound like science fiction, they are actually real and already in use all around us. But the alloy used to produce shape memory materials, based on nickel and titanium is expensive. Some researchers have started looking for cheaper options. ... > full story