ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Monday, October 3, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Monday, October 3, 2011

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Astronomers reveal supernova factory (October 2, 2011) -- A team of astronomers has detected seven previously unknown supernovae in a galaxy 250 million light years away. Never before have so many supernovae been discovered at the same time in the same galaxy. ... > full story

Alcohol impairs the body's ability to fight off viral infection, study finds (October 2, 2011) -- Alcohol can worsen the effects of disease. New research shows that alcohol modulates the anti-viral and inflammatory functions of monocytes. Prolonged alcohol consumption has a double negative effect of reducing the anti-viral effect of Type 1 interferon (IFN) whilst increasing inflammation via the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF±. Consequently this may impair host response to single-stranded virus infection like hepatitis C. ... > full story

Small amount of exercise could protect against memory loss in elderly, study suggests (October 2, 2011) -- A new study shows that a small amount of physical exercise could profoundly protect the elderly from long-term memory loss that can happen suddenly following infection, illnesses or injury in old age. Researchers have now shown that aging rats that ran just over half a kilometer each week were protected against infection-induced memory loss. ... > full story

New factor in HIV infection uncovered (October 2, 2011) -- Scientists have revealed the specific process by which the HIV virus infects healthy T cells -- a process previously unknown. The principal investigator says he hopes this breakthrough will start a new line on inquiry into how researchers can use this knowledge to create drugs that could limit or halt HIV infection. ... > full story

Toxic red tides: Scientist tracks neurotoxin-producing algae (October 2, 2011) -- With toxic algal blooms -- which can increase the amount of harmful toxins in the shellfish that California residents consume -- ramping up in frequency and severity locally, scientists have developed a new algae monitoring method in hopes of one day being able to predict when and where toxic "red tides" will occur. ... > full story

What's in a kids meal? Not happy news (October 2, 2011) -- High-calorie, high-sodium choices were on the menu when parents purchased lunch for their children at a San Diego fast-food restaurant. Why? Because both children and adults liked the food and the convenience. However, the study of data showed that convenience resulted in lunchtime meals that accounted for between 36 and 51 percent of a child's daily caloric needs. ... > full story

Measuring global photosynthesis rate: Earth's plant life 'recycles' carbon dioxide faster than previously estimated (October 2, 2011) -- A research team followed the path of oxygen atoms on carbon dioxide molecules during photosynthesis to create a new way of measuring the efficiency of the world's plant life. The authors of the study said the new estimate of the rate of global photosynthesis enabled by their method will in turn help guide other estimates of plant activity such as the capacity of forests and crops to grow. ... > full story

Overweight mothers increase asthma risk for their children, study finds (October 2, 2011) -- The children of mothers who overweight or obese when they become pregnant are more likely to have asthma or wheezing as teenagers, according to a team of researchers. ... > full story

High-performance simulation, neutrons uncover three classes of protein motion (October 2, 2011) -- Molecular motion in proteins comes in three distinct classes, according to researchers. The research team combined high-performance computer simulation with neutron scattering experiments to understand atomic-level motions that underpin the operations of proteins. ... > full story

New inherited neurometabolic disorder discovered (October 2, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a new inherited disorder that causes severe mental retardation and liver dysfunction. The disease, adenosine kinase deficiency, is caused by mutations in the ADK gene, which codes for the enzyme adenosine kinase. ... > full story

Single ions -- extremely cool: Single magnesium ion brought to a standstill by means of novel, simple laser cooling (October 2, 2011) -- One of the fundamental questions in the search for the "theory of everything" is whether fundamental constants possibly vary. To prove this in the case of the fine-structure constant, for instance, scientists have to measure the spectral lines of atoms more accurately. Quantum logic spectroscopy provides such a method. Physicists have come one decisive step closer to this goal. ... > full story

Level and nature of autistic intelligence: What about Asperger Syndrome? (October 2, 2011) -- Autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger syndrome, have generally been associated with uneven intellectual profiles and impairment, but according to a new study of Asperger individuals, this may not be the case -- as long as intelligence is evaluated by the right test. ... > full story

Galaxy caught blowing bubbles (October 1, 2011) -- Hubble's famous images of galaxies typically show elegant spirals or soft-edged ellipses. But these neat forms are only representative of large galaxies. Smaller galaxies like the dwarf irregular galaxy Holmberg II come in many shapes and types that are harder to classify. This galaxy's indistinct shape is punctuated by huge glowing bubbles of gas. ... > full story

Less is more for common cancer drug, study suggests (October 1, 2011) -- Scientists have found that smaller, less toxic amounts of chemotherapy medicine given frequently to mice with human prostate cancer noticeably slowed tumor growth. ... > full story

Vicious queen ants use mob tactics to reach the top (October 1, 2011) -- Leptothorax acervorum ants' reproductive strategy depends on habitat. Colonies are functionally monogynous (only one queen reproduces) on sun-exposed slopes in Alaska, Hokkaido and the mountains of central Spain. New research demonstrates that queen ants fight by antennal boxing to become the reproductive queen, and that worker ants reinforce queen behavior by feeding dominant females and expelling, or killing, their weaker sisters. ... > full story

Cell-specific mechanism-based gene therapy approach to treat retinitis pigmentosa (October 1, 2011) -- Scientists have achieved temporary functional preservation of photoreceptors in a mouse model for retinitis pigmentosa using novel bipartite gene therapy. ... > full story

Pressurized vascular systems for self-healing materials (October 1, 2011) -- Artificial microvascular systems for self-repair of materials damage, such as cracks in a coating applied to a building or bridge, have relied on capillary force for transport of the healing agents. Now, researchers have demonstrated that an active pumping capability for pressurized delivery of liquid healing agents in microvascular systems significantly improves the degree of healing compared with capillary force methods. ... > full story

How your brain reacts to mistakes depends on your mindset (October 1, 2011) -- "Whether you think you can or think you can't -- you're right," said Henry Ford. A new study finds that people who think they can learn from their mistakes have a different brain reaction to mistakes than people who think intelligence is fixed. ... > full story

Mechanism uncovered for the establishment of vertebrate left–right asymmetry (October 1, 2011) -- A research team has demonstrated a mechanism by which left-right asymmetry in the body is established and maintained. The study offers a new model of how families of genes interact to promote and direct body asymmetry. ... > full story

Scientists discover 'fickle' DNA changes in brain (October 1, 2011) -- Scientists investigating chemical modifications across the genomes of adult mice have discovered that DNA modifications in non-dividing brain cells, thought to be inherently stable, instead underwent large-scale dynamic changes as a result of stimulated brain activity. Their report has major implications for treating psychiatric diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and for better understanding learning, memory and mood regulation. ... > full story

Koalas' bellows boast about size (October 1, 2011) -- Koalas are usually slothful until the mating season when they begin bellowing. Intrigued by the marsupial's strange sound, biologists decided to find out what messages the koalas' bellows may send and discovered that they are boasting about their size. The largest koalas produce deeper resonances than smaller males, and even the smallest males produce resonances that make them sound larger than a bison, which are 100 times their size. ... > full story

'Master key' to unlock new treatments for autoimmune disorders discovered (October 1, 2011) -- Imagine a drug that treats most autoimmune disorders, such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and Lupus. New research shows how scientists have discovered a molecule used by the body to prevent unnecessary immune reactions. This molecule, "alpha v beta 6," normally keeps our immune systems from overreacting when food passes through our bodies, and it may unlock an entirely new set of treatments for autoimmune disorders. ... > full story

Hydrogen released to fuel cell more quickly when stored in metal nanoparticles (October 1, 2011) -- Researchers have demonstrated that the size of a metal alloy nanoparticle influences the speed with which hydrogen gas is released when stored in a metal hydride. The smaller the size of the nanoparticle, the greater the speed at which the hydrogen gas makes its way to the fuel cell. ... > full story

Antisocial personality traits predict utilitarian responses to moral dilemmas (October 1, 2011) -- Scientists found that people who endorse actions consistent with an ethic of utilitarianism -- the view that what is the morally right thing to do is whatever produces the best overall consequences -- tend to possess psychopathic and Machiavellian personality traits. ... > full story

Space telescopes reveal secrets of turbulent black hole (September 30, 2011) -- Supermassive black holes at the hearts of active galaxies swallow large amounts of gas. During this feast they spill a lot of their 'food', which is discharged in turbulent outbursts. An international team of astronomers has revealed some striking features of such an outburst around a supermassive black hole in a distant galaxy. They found a very hot 'convertor' corona hovering above the black hole and cold gas 'bullets' in hotter diffuse gas, speeding outwards with velocities up to 700 km/s. ... > full story

Intrinsic aerobic exercise capacity linked to longevity (September 30, 2011) -- Aerobic exercise capacity has proven to be a good indicator of health. A recent article uses a rat model to show that innate exercise capacity can be linked to longevity. ... > full story

Humans and sharks share immune system feature (September 30, 2011) -- A central element of the immune system has remained constant through more than 400 million years of evolution, according to new research. T-cell receptors from mice continue to function even when pieces of shark, frog and trout receptors are substituted in. The function of the chimeric receptors depends on a few crucial amino acids, found also in humans, that help the T-cell receptor bind to MHC molecules presenting antigens. ... > full story

Experts propose new unified genetic model for human disease (September 30, 2011) -- Based on a wide variety of genetic studies and analysis -- from genome wide association studies looking for common variations in the DNA of many people with complex diseases to the sequencing of specific gene mutations thought to cause disease to whole genome sequencing -- four leaders in the field propose a unified genetic model for human disease. ... > full story

Researchers realize high-power, narrowband terahertz source at room temperature (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a simpler way to generate single-chip terahertz radiation, a discovery that could soon allow for more rapid security screening, border protection, high sensitivity biological/chemical analysis, agricultural inspection, and astronomical applications. ... > full story

Female promiscuity can rescue populations from harmful effects of inbreeding, beetle study finds (September 30, 2011) -- Females in inbred populations become more promiscuous in order to screen out sperm from genetically incompatible males, according to new study by the University of East Anglia (UEA). ... > full story

Autistic mice act a lot like human patients: Geneticists develop promising mouse model for testing new autism therapies (September 30, 2011) -- Scientists have created a mouse model for autism that opens a window into the biological mechanisms that underlie the disease and offers a promising way to test new treatment approaches. The research found that autistic mice display remarkably similar symptoms and behavior as children and adults on the autism spectrum. ... > full story

Glucosamine-like supplement suppresses multiple sclerosis attacks, study suggests (September 30, 2011) -- A glucosamine-like dietary supplement suppresses the damaging autoimmune response seen in multiple sclerosis, according to a new study. ... > full story

Small fish recover faster than large fish (September 30, 2011) -- In football, linebackers are usually the largest players and have the endurance required to get through a game plus overtime. But when it comes to fish, larger doesn't always mean stronger. A new study showed smaller fish recover from exertion faster than larger fish. ... > full story

New approach to keeping coronary arteries open after angioplasties (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers report a possible new approach to preventing coronary arteries from reclogging after balloon angioplasties. ... > full story

Building better catalysts (September 30, 2011) -- Chemists have developed a method to design and test new catalysts, which are substances that speed chemical reactions and are crucial for producing energy, chemicals and industrial products. By using the new method, the chemists also made a discovery that will make it easier to design future catalysts. ... > full story

Changes in attention and visual perception are correlated with aging: Older people find it harder to see the wood for the trees (September 30, 2011) -- When looking at a picture of many trees, young people will tend to say: "This is a forest." However, the older we get, the more likely we are to notice a single tree before seeing the forest. Researchers have found that these age-related changes are correlated with a specific aspect of visual perception, known as Gestalt perception. ... > full story

Engineers 'cook' promising new heat-harvesting nanomaterials in microwave oven (September 30, 2011) -- Waste heat is a byproduct of nearly all electrical devices and industrial processes, from driving a car to flying an aircraft or operating a power plant. Engineering researchers have developed new nanomaterials that could lead to techniques for better capturing and putting this waste heat to work. The key ingredients for making marble-sized pellets of the new material are aluminum and a common, everyday microwave oven. ... > full story

Powerful antibody-based strategy suggests a new therapeutic approach to diabetes and obesity (September 30, 2011) -- Scientists have devised a way to overcome one of the major technical obstacles preventing a leading therapeutic target for diabetes and obesity from being addressed successfully by novel drugs. ... > full story

Complicated gene networks involved in fly aggression (September 30, 2011) -- Put up your dukes. A study of aggression in fruit flies aims to provide a framework for how complex gene interactions affect behavior. And these clues in flies could translate to a better understanding of human genes and behavior. ... > full story

Proteins that control development of varicose veins discovered (September 30, 2011) -- A discovery explains for the first time what kicks off the process that causes varicose veins. In a new study, researchers from Germany describe a single protein that binds to DNA to control gene function (called "transcription factor AP-1") and the subsequent production of a newly discovered set of proteins that significantly affect the development of varicose veins. ... > full story

Closing of a collider . . . and opening of a new frontier: Fermilab moves toward new discoveries (September 30, 2011) -- Today, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) will shut down its Tevatron particle accelerator after nearly 30 years in operation. Named one of the top engineering achievements of the past 100 years, the Tevatron accelerated particles to almost the speed of light along its 4-mile ring, smashed them together, and studied the resulting particle showers in order to understand fundamental facts about elementary particles and forces. ... > full story

Early to bed and early to rise: Study suggests it's keeping kids leaner (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers recording the bedtimes and wake times of 2,200 Australian youths found that the night owls were 1.5 times more likely to become obese than the early birds, twice as likely to be physically inactive and 2.9 times more likely to sit in front of the TV and computer or play video games for more hours than guidelines recommend. ... > full story

Scientists release most accurate simulation of the universe to date (September 30, 2011) -- The Bolshoi supercomputer simulation, the most accurate and detailed large cosmological simulation run to date, gives physicists and astronomers a powerful new tool for understanding such cosmic mysteries as galaxy formation, dark matter, and dark energy. ... > full story

Promising drug treatment for improving language, social function in people with autism (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers are examining the use of propranolol (a drug used to treat high blood pressure and control heart rate as well as to reduce test anxiety) to improve the primary traits associated with autism -- difficulty with normal social skills, language and repetitive behaviors. Researchers say the drug is a promising new avenue for improving language and social function. ... > full story

Unprecedented insight into fighting viral infections (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers have determined the structure of a protein that is the first line of defense in fighting viral infections including influenza, hepatitis C, West Nile, rabies and measles. ... > full story

Smoking linked to chronic pain in women (September 30, 2011) -- Kentucky women who smoke heavily may experience more chronic musculoskeletal pain, suggests a new study. ... > full story

Scientists and engineers create the 'perfect plastic' (September 30, 2011) -- Researchers have solved a long-standing problem that could revolutionize the way new plastics are developed. ... > full story

High social status makes people more trusting, study finds (September 30, 2011) -- When you start a new job, your boss may be more likely to trust you than you are to trust him or her, a new study suggests. The reason has to with the role that social status plays in relationships. ... > full story