ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Tuesday, October 25, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Tuesday, October 25, 2011

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Design rules will enable scientists to use DNA to build nanomaterials with desired properties (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists have learned how to top nature by building crystalline materials from nanoparticles (the "atoms") and DNA (the "bonds"). The researchers have learned how to create crystals with the particles arranged in the same types of atomic lattice configurations as some found in nature, but they also have built completely new structures that have no naturally occurring mineral counterpart. Their design rules could help improve the efficiency of optics, electronics and energy storage technologies. ... > full story

Could additives in hot dogs affect incidence of colon cancer? (October 25, 2011) -- The addition of ascorbate (vitamin C) or its close relative, erythorbate, and the reduced amount of nitrite added in hot dogs, mandated in 1978, have been accompanied by a steep drop in the death rate from colon cancer, according to new research. ... > full story

One clock with two times: When quantum mechanics meets general relativity (October 25, 2011) -- General relativity, the joint theory of gravity, space and time gives predictions that become clearly evident on a cosmic scale of stars and galaxies. Quantum effects are fragile and observed on small scales like single particles and atoms. To test the interplay between them is very hard. Now theoretical physicists propose an experiment to overlap of the two theories. ... > full story

Study confirms males and females have at least one thing in common: Upregulating X (October 25, 2011) -- In a new study, scientists present experiments supporting a longstanding hypothesis that explains how males can survive with only one copy of the X chromosome. The finding provides clarity to a hotly debated topic in science and provides biologists with more information to interpret experiments involving genetic measurements in males and females. ... > full story

Viking buried with axe, sword and spear found with fully intact Viking boat burial in UK (October 25, 2011) -- The UK mainland's first fully intact Viking boat burial site has been discovered by archaeologists working in the Scottish Highlands. The 5m-long grave contained the remains of a high status Viking, who was buried with an axe, a sword with a beautifully decorated hilt, a spear, shield boss and bronze ring-pin. ... > full story

Exceptional cognitive and physical health in old age leaves immunological fingerprint, study finds (October 25, 2011) -- Exceptional cognitive and physical function in old age leaves a tell-tale immunologic fingerprint, say researchers. Likewise, older adults who have mild impairments bear a distinct immunologic pattern, according to new findings. ... > full story

Earthquakes generate big heat in super-small areas (October 25, 2011) -- In experiments mimicking the speed of earthquakes, geophysicists detail a phenomenon known as flash heating. They report that because fault surfaces touch only at microscopic, scattered spots, these contacts are subject to intense stress and extreme heating during earthquakes, lowering their friction and thus the friction of the fault. The localized, intense heating can occur even while the temperature of the rest of the fault remains largely unaffected. ... > full story

High fluid intake appears to reduce bladder cancer risk (October 25, 2011) -- Drinking plenty of fluids may provide men with some protection against bladder cancer, according to a study. ... > full story

Unraveling the mysteries of the natural killer within us (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists in Australia have discovered more about the intricacies of the immune system in a breakthrough that may help combat viral infections such as HIV. The researchers have discovered more about the critical role Natural Killer cells play in the body's innate immune response. ... > full story

Gene variant increases risk of kidney disease in African-Americans (October 25, 2011) -- African-Americans with two copies of the APOL1 gene have about a four percent lifetime risk of developing a form of kidney disease, according to scientists. The finding brings scientists closer to understanding why African-Americans are four times more likely to develop kidney failure than whites. ... > full story

Taking the pulse of charge-separation processes: Self-organization gives rise to more efficient organic solar cells (October 25, 2011) -- Organic solar cells have the potential to convert sunlight into electrical energy in an economical and environmentally friendly fashion. The challenge is that they still work less efficiently than inorganic semiconductors. Ultrafast measurements on hybrid cells now reveal a route to double their efficiency. ... > full story

'Trading places' most common pattern for couples dealing with male depression (October 25, 2011) -- Researchers have identified three major patterns that emerge among couples dealing with male depression. These can be described as "trading places," "business as usual" and "edgy tensions." ... > full story

Fallout of a giant meteorite strike revealed in new model (October 24, 2011) -- Seeking to better understand the level of death and destruction that would result from a large meteorite striking Earth, researchers have developed a new model that can not only more accurately simulate the seismic fallout of such an impact, but also help reveal new information about the surface and interior of planets based on past collisions. ... > full story

Water disinfection byproducts linked to adverse health effects (October 24, 2011) -- Scientists report the first identification of a cellular mechanism linked to the toxicity of a major class of drinking water disinfection byproducts. This study suggests a possible connection to adverse health effects, including neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. ... > full story

Hold your forces: Mechanical stress can help or hinder wound healing depending on time of application (October 24, 2011) -- A new study demonstrates that mechanical forces affect the growth and remodeling of blood vessels during tissue regeneration and wound healing. The forces diminish or enhance the vascularization process and tissue regeneration depending on when they are applied during the healing process. ... > full story

High-dose vitamin D may not be better than low-dose vitamin D in treating multiple sclerosis (October 24, 2011) -- Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), but the first randomized, controlled trial using high-dose vitamin D in MS did not find any added benefit over and above ongoing low-dose vitamin D supplementation, according to a new study. ... > full story

Gallium nitride is non-toxic, biocompatible; holds promise for implants, research finds (October 24, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that the semiconductor material gallium nitride is non-toxic and is compatible with human cells -- opening the door to the material's use in a variety of biomedical implant technologies. ... > full story

Studying depression: Researchers demonstrate rare animal model (October 24, 2011) -- Scientists have taken a promising step toward creating an animal model for decoding the specific brain circuits involved in depression. By electrically stimulating a brain region central to an animal's primary emotions, the researchers saw rats exhibit a variety of behaviors associated with a depressed, negative mood, or affect. ... > full story

Fiery volcano offers geologic glimpse into land that time forgot (October 24, 2011) -- The first scientists to witness exploding rock and molten lava from a deep sea volcano, seen during a 2009 expedition, report that the eruption was near a tear in Earth's crust that is mimicking the birth of a subduction zone. ... > full story

Insomnia could moderately raise your heart attack risk, study suggests (October 24, 2011) -- Having trouble sleeping? If so, you could have a moderately higher risk of having a heart attack, according to new research. In a recent study, the risk of heart attack in people with insomnia ranged from 27 percent to 45 percent greater than for people who rarely experienced trouble sleeping. ... > full story

Yoga eases back pain in largest U.S. yoga study to date (October 24, 2011) -- Yoga classes were linked to better back-related function and diminished symptoms from chronic low back pain in the largest U.S. randomized controlled trial of yoga to date. ... > full story

Dietary patterns may be linked to increased colorectal cancer risk in women (October 24, 2011) -- Researchers may have found a specific dietary pattern linked to levels of C-peptide concentrations that increase a woman's risk for colorectal cancer. ... > full story

New device measures viscosity of ketchup and cosmetics (October 24, 2011) -- A device that can measure and predict how liquids flow under different conditions will ensure consumer products -- from makeup to ketchup -- are of the right consistency. ... > full story

Psychologists defend the importance of general abilities (October 24, 2011) -- What makes a great violinist, physicist, or crossword puzzle solver? Are experts born or made? The question has intrigued psychologists since psychology was born -- and the rest of us, too, who may secretly fantasize playing duets with Yo Yo Ma or winning a Nobel Prize in science. ... > full story

Propensity for longer life span inherited non-genetically over generations, study shows (October 24, 2011) -- We know that our environment -- what we eat, the toxic compounds we are exposed to -- can positively or negatively impact our life span. But could it also affect the longevity of our descendants, who may live under very different conditions? Recent research suggests this could be the case. ... > full story

'First step' to perfect drug combinations (October 24, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a way of speeding up the creation of perfect drug combinations, which could help patients recovering from critical health problems such as stroke, heart attacks and cancer. ... > full story

Run-off, emissions deliver double whammy to coastal marine creatures, study finds (October 24, 2011) -- Increasing acidification in coastal waters could compromise the ability of oysters and other marine creatures to form and keep their shells, according to a new study. ... > full story

Poor cerebral cortex functions leads to more impulsive behavior (October 24, 2011) -- If the front part of the cerebral cortex is less active then people have less control over their social behavior and automatically follow their inclinations more. The research was the first to make use of magnetic stimulation (TMS) to suppress this part at the front of the prefrontal cortex. During TMS a changing magnetic field on the head temporarily influences the activity of the underlying part of the brain. ... > full story

Nanoparticles and their size may not be big issues (October 24, 2011) -- If you've ever eaten from silverware or worn copper jewelry, you've been around nanoparticles dropped into the environment, say scientists. Using high-powered microscopes, researchers looked at common metal products, finding that we've been exposed for years and concluding that 'size' concerns may be overblown. ... > full story

Mentoring programs: How effective are they? (October 24, 2011) -- Whether it's parents, teachers, coaches, or family friends, there's no question that adults serve as powerful role models for youth as they transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. Mentoring programs across the United States have tried to harness the power of positive role models in the hopes that relationships with an adult mentor will help to support kids' socioemotional and cognitive development. But are mentoring programs effective? And do all programs have equally positive effects? ... > full story

NASA telescopes help solve ancient supernova mystery (October 24, 2011) -- A mystery that began nearly 2,000 years ago, when Chinese astronomers witnessed what would turn out to be an exploding star in the sky, has been solved. New infrared observations from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, reveal how the first supernova ever recorded occurred and how its shattered remains ultimately spread out to great distances. ... > full story

Exposure to chemical BPA before birth linked to behavioral, emotional difficulties in girls (October 24, 2011) -- Exposure in the womb to bisphenol A (BPA) -- a chemical used to make plastic containers and other consumer goods -- is associated with behavior and emotional problems in young girls, according to a new study. ... > full story

Stranded dolphins exhibit bubbles, and ability to recover (October 24, 2011) -- Scientists know that the blood and tissues of some deceased beaked whales stranded near naval sonar exercises are riddled with bubbles. It is also well known that human divers can suffer from bubbles-induced decompression sickness, also known as the bends. What researchers know comparatively little about is how living marine mammals handle the compression of lung gas as they dive deep and then resurface. ... > full story

Children with certain dopamine system gene variants respond better to ADHD drug (October 24, 2011) -- Children with certain dopamine system gene variants have an improved response to methylphenidate -- the most commonly prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to new research. The finding that could help eliminate the guesswork from prescribing effective medications for children with ADHD. ... > full story

Liver parasite lacks key genes for fatty acid synthesis: Genome sequencing of Clonorchis sinensis (October 24, 2011) -- The human liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis affects more than 35 million people in South East Asia and 15 million in China. The complete genome sequence the genome of C. sinensis has provided insight into the biochemical pathways available to the fluke and shows that they are lacking enzymes required for fatty acid biosynthesis. ... > full story

Consumers don't pay as much attention to nutrition fact labels as they think, eye-tracking study finds (October 24, 2011) -- Are Nutrition Facts labels read in detail by consumers when making purchases? Do people read only certain portions of the labels? According to a new study, consumers' self-reported viewing of Nutrition Facts label components was higher than objectively measured viewing using an eye-tracking device. Researchers also determined that centrally located Nutrition Facts labels are viewed more frequently and for longer than those located peripherally. ... > full story

Spiral arms hint at presence of planets: High resolution image of young star with circumstellar disks verifies predictions (October 24, 2011) -- A new image of the disk of gas and dust around a sun-like star has spiral-arm-like structures. These features may provide clues to the presence of embedded but as-yet-unseen planets. ... > full story

Pre-term babies' exposure to steroids associated with impaired brain growth (October 24, 2011) -- Premature infants exposed after birth to drugs known as glucocorticoids are at increased risk for having impaired growth of the cerebellum, according to new findings. The cerebellum is a region of the brain associated with balance, motor learning, language and behavior. ... > full story

New study shows no simultaneous warming of northern and southern hemispheres as a result of climate change for 20,000 years (October 24, 2011) -- A common argument against global warming is that the climate has always varied. Temperatures rise sometimes and this is perfectly natural is the usual line. However, a climate researcher has now shown that global warming, i.e. simultaneous warming events in the northern and southern hemispheres, have not occurred in the past 20 000 years, which is as far back as it is possible to analyze with sufficient precision to compare with modern developments. ... > full story

Elevated hormone levels add up to increased breast cancer risk, research finds (October 24, 2011) -- Post-menopausal women with high levels of hormones such as estrogen or testosterone are known to have a higher risk of breast cancer. New research looked at eight different sex and growth hormones and found that the risk of breast cancer increased with the number of elevated hormones -- each additional elevated hormone level increased risk by 16 percent. ... > full story

How close is too close? Hydrofracking to access natural gas reservoirs poses risks to surface water, researchers say (October 24, 2011) -- Natural gas mining has drawn fire recently after claims that hydraulic fracturing, an increasingly popular technique for tapping hard-to-reach reservoirs, contaminates groundwater. Surface lakes, rivers and streams may also be at risk. In a new paper, researchers estimate the average proximity of drill platforms to surface lakes and streams for two large shale basins underlying much of the eastern United States. ... > full story

Whether we know it or not, we can 'see' through one eye at a time (October 24, 2011) -- Although portions of the visible world come in through one eye only, the brain instantaneously takes all that information and creates a coherent image. As far as we know, we "see" with both eyes at once. Now a new study suggests that the brain may know which eye is receiving information -- and can turn around and tell that eye to work even harder. ... > full story

Solving the mysteries of short-legged Neandertals (October 24, 2011) -- While most studies have concluded that a cold climate led to the short lower legs typical of Neandertals, researchers have found that lower leg lengths shorter than the typical modern human's let them move more efficiently over the mountainous terrain where they lived. The findings reveal a broader trend relating shorter lower leg length to mountainous environments that may help explain the limb proportions of many different animals. ... > full story

Combination of available tests helps predict Alzheimer's disease risk (October 24, 2011) -- A team of physicians and scientists have described using a combination of broadly available medical tests to produce a much improved predictive picture of the likelihood of impending AD in patients with mild cognitive impairment -- an intermediate stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and the more pronounced decline of dementia. ... > full story

How hemp got high: Cannabis genome mapped (October 24, 2011) -- Researchers have sequenced the genome of Cannabis sativa, the plant that produces both industrial hemp and marijuana, and in the process revealed the genetic changes that led to the plant's drug-producing properties. ... > full story

Feed a cold -- starve a tumor (October 24, 2011) -- The condition tuberous sclerosis, due to mutation in one of two tumor suppressor genes, TSC1 or TSC2, causes the growth of non-malignant tumors throughout the body and skin. New research shows that the growth of glucose-dependent TSC-related tumors can be restricted by 2-deoxyglucose, which blocks glucose metabolism, but not by restricting dietary carbohydrates. ... > full story

Minimizing chemical pollution from airport de-icing (October 24, 2011) -- In the future, winter temperatures in countries with a typically cold climate may be rising, meaning more frequent conditions near the 0°C point. One of the impacts could be a greater need to de-ice airplanes. Norwegian researchers have studied the potential ramifications of increased use of the chemicals involved. ... > full story

A passing mood can profoundly alter 'rational decisions' (October 24, 2011) -- Could a passing mood influence your financial portfolio for decades to come? Can impulses you inherited from your cave-man ancestors influence your financial decisions in the modern world in ways that may have lifelong consequences? In a word, yes. Researchers report new evidence that passing mood and deeply embedded human impulses can and do influence us as we make important financial decisions. ... > full story