ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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VISTA finds new globular star clusters and sees right through the heart of the Milky Way (October 26, 2011) -- Two newly discovered globular clusters have been added to the total of just 158 known globular clusters in our Milky Way. They were found in new images from ESO's VISTA survey telescope as part of the Via Lactea survey. This survey has also turned up the first star cluster that is far beyond the center of the Milky Way and whose light has had to travel right through the dust and gas in the heart of our galaxy to get to us. ... > full story

Blood test could identify smokers at higher risk for heart disease, UT Southwestern researchers find (October 26, 2011) -- A simple blood test could someday quantify a smoker's lung toxicity and danger of heart disease, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found. ... > full story

Study explains paradox of insulin resistance genetics (October 26, 2011) -- A paradox in understanding insulin resistance is figuring out why insulin-resistant livers make more fat. Insulin resistance occurs when the body does a poor job of lowering blood sugars. The signals to make lipid after a meal come from hormones -- most notably insulin -- and the direct effect of nutrients on the liver. Researchers describe the pathway that insulin uses to change the levels of gene expression that control lipid metabolism. ... > full story

Early HIV treatment dramatically increases survival in patients co-infected with tuberculosis, study suggests (October 26, 2011) -- Timing is everything when treating patients with both HIV and tuberculosis. Starting HIV therapy in such patients within two weeks of TB treatment, rather than two months as is the current practice, increases survival by 33 percent, according to a large-scale clinical trial. ... > full story

Magnetic nanoswitch for thermoelectric voltages (October 26, 2011) -- Thanks to a recently discovered effect in magnetic tunnel structures, thermoelectric voltages in nano-electronic junctions can be controlled. ... > full story

Daily smoking, low mastery associated with repeat episodes of depression in people with a history of depression (October 26, 2011) -- Previous depression, daily smoking and a lack of control over life circumstances -- or "low mastery" -- are risk factors for repeat episodes of depression, a new article finds. ... > full story

Culture in humans and apes has the same evolutionary roots, researchers show (October 26, 2011) -- Culture is not a trait that is unique to humans. By studying orangutan populations, researchers have demonstrated that great apes also have the ability to learn socially and pass them down through a great many generations. ... > full story

Young, apparently healthy -- and at risk of heart disease: New study pinpoints hidden thickening of the arteries in young adults (October 26, 2011) -- Atherosclerosis -- or buildup of fat in the walls of arteries -- is thought of as a disorder of older people but it affects a large number of young men and women, according to a new study. ... > full story

Singling out the real breast cancer among the lumps: Finding several proteins in blood at same time improves accuracy of cancer detection (October 26, 2011) -- A recent breast cancer study using patient blood reveals a possible way to reduce the number of false alarms that arise during early screening. Researchers found a panel of proteins shed by breast cancer that are easily detected and can distinguish between real cancer and benign lumps. ... > full story

New role of vascular endothelial growth factor in regulating skin cancer stem cells (October 26, 2011) -- One of the key questions in cancer is the identification of the mechanisms that regulate cancer stem cells and tumor growth. Researchers have now identified a new role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in regulating skin cancer stem cells. ... > full story

Laser ion source will produce a new generation of semiconductors (October 26, 2011) -- For ion implantation, that is 'hammering' ions into the surface layer of the material, conventional ion accelerators are commonly used. Laser ion sources are much simpler, cheaper and more universal. However, they emit wide energy ions usually accompanied by some admixtures. Scientists have now produced a unique laser ion source has been built which is equipped with a special system for accelerating ions to a chosen energy and for eliminating admixtures. ... > full story

Literary detectives unravel famous Ben Jonson mystery (October 26, 2011) -- The amazing chance discovery of a manuscript hidden among papers in an ancient family archive is shedding new light on the legendary career of William Shakespeare’s biggest rival, the poet and playwright, Ben Jonson. ... > full story

Watching motion of electrons in molecules during chemical reactions (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists have, for the first time, visualized the motion of electrons during a chemical reaction. The new findings in the experiment are of fundamental importance for photochemistry and could also assist the design of more efficient solar cells. ... > full story

HPV linked to cardiovascular disease in women (October 25, 2011) -- Women with cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke even when no conventional risk factors for CVD are present. ... > full story

Scientists discover way to determine when water was present on Mars and Earth (October 25, 2011) -- The discovery of the mineral jarosite in rocks analyzed by the Mars Rover, Opportunity, on the Martian surface had special meaning for a team of scientists who study the mineral here on Earth. Jarosite can only form in the presence of water. ... > full story

Perinatal antidepressant stunts brain development in rats; Miswired brain circuitry traced to early exposure (October 25, 2011) -- Rats exposed to an antidepressant just before and after birth showed substantial brain abnormalities and behaviors, according to a new study. After receiving citalopram, a serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor, during this critical period, long-distance connections between the two hemispheres of the brain showed stunted growth and degeneration. The animals also became excessively fearful when faced with new situations and failed to play normally with peers. ... > full story

Nanotubes key to microscopic mechanics (October 25, 2011) -- Researchers from Spain and Belgium report on the innovative use of carbon nanotubes to create mechanical components for use in a new generation of micro-machines. While the electronics industry has excelled in miniaturizing components, with individual elements approaching the nanoscale (or a billionth of a meter), reducing the size of mechanical systems has proved much more challenging. ... > full story

Women aren't becoming engineers because of confidence issues, study suggests (October 25, 2011) -- Women are less likely than men to stay in engineering majors and to become engineers because they want to have families and are more insecure about their math abilities, right? Not necessarily, suggests a new study. ... > full story

Mental time-travel in birds (October 25, 2011) -- Some tropical birds collect their prey at army ant raids, where massive swarms of ants sweep through the forest and drive out insects. The behavior of interest is called bivouac checking; it allows these birds to track the cyclical raid activity of army ant colonies. ... > full story

New anti-inflammatory drugs might help avoid side effects of steroids (October 25, 2011) -- A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs may one day serve as an alternative to steroid medications and possibly help avoid the serious side effects of steroids, new research findings suggest. ... > full story

Computer scientist cracks mysterious 'Copiale Cipher' (October 25, 2011) -- More than three centuries after it was devised, the 75,000-character "Copiale Cipher" has finally been broken. The mysterious cryptogram, bound in gold and green brocade paper, reveals the rituals and political leanings of a 18th-century secret society in Germany. ... > full story

Analgesics use associated with increased risk for renal cell carcinoma (October 25, 2011) -- Use of acetaminophen and nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was associated with a significantly increased risk for developing renal cell carcinoma, according to new research. ... > full story

First-of-a-kind tension wood study broadens biofuels research (October 25, 2011) -- Taking a cue from Mother Nature, researchers have undertaken a first-of-its-kind study of a naturally occurring phenomenon in trees to spur the development of more efficient bioenergy crops. Tension wood, which forms naturally in hardwood trees in response to bending stress, is known to possess unique features that render it desirable as a bioenergy feedstock. Although individual elements of tension wood have been studied previously, the team is the first to use a comprehensive suite of techniques to systematically characterize tension wood and link the wood's properties to sugar release. Plant sugars, known as cellulose, are fermented into alcohol for use as biofuel. ... > full story

Generation X Report: Survey paints a surprisingly positive portrait (October 25, 2011) -- They've been stereotyped as a bunch of insecure, angst-ridden, underachievers. But most members of Generation X are leading active, balanced and happy lives, according to a long-term survey. ... > full story

Evidence for the existence of a hypnotic state? Key may be in the glazed staring eyes, researchers suggest (October 25, 2011) -- A multidisciplinary group of researchers from Finland and Sweden has found that the strange stare of patients under hypnosis may be a key that can eventually lead to a solution to a long debate about the existence of a hypnotic state. ... > full story

Many Alzheimer's patients get drugs with opposing effects, study finds (October 25, 2011) -- You wouldn't brake your car while stepping on the gas -- or wash down a sleeping pill with espresso. Yet many people taking common Alzheimer's disease medications -- cholinesterase inhibitors -- are given medications with anticholinergic properties, which oppose their effects. Scientists investigated how often that happens and reported on the consequences in a new study. ... > full story

New genetic evidence confirms coyote migration route to Virginia and hybridization with wolves (October 25, 2011) -- Changes in North American ecosystems over the past 150 years have caused coyotes to move from their native habitats in the plains and southwestern deserts of North America to habitats throughout the United States. In a new study, researchers used DNA from coyote scat (feces) to trace the route that led some of the animals to colonize in Northern Virginia. The researchers also confirmed that, along the way, the coyotes interbred with the native Great Lakes wolves. ... > full story

Linking of mutations in 12 genes to ovarian cancer may lead to more effective prevention (October 25, 2011) -- More patients with ovarian cancer carry predisposing mutations, and in more genes, than previously thought. A rapid method for screening genomes has located 12 genes for ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum cancers. More than one-fifth arose in women with a family history, but relying on family history would have missed one-third of cases. The sequencing method could become applicable to patient testing for a broad range of breast, colon, pancreatic and melanoma gene mutations. ... > full story

Simple compound with surprising antifreeze properties (October 25, 2011) -- A chemical compound used to stabilize particles in suspension has proved capable of controlling the growth of ice crystals, according to researchers in France. Surprisingly, the compound in question is a simple molecule, not at all like the macromolecules previously known for their antifreeze properties. It offers many advantages, including low production costs, stability and ease of use, which should open the way to industrial applications. The discovery also provides new leads for the development of synthetic equivalents of antifreeze proteins, different from those currently produced. ... > full story

A World Series to remember? (October 25, 2011) -- It's a moment burned into the minds of Red Sox and Yankee fans alike -- sitting inches away from the television, fists clenched, tightness in the chest and the unbearable urge to look away... It might have been that very moment in 2003 when the Yankee's Aaron Boone hit a game ending home run. Or it might have been that very moment in 2004, when Boston's Pokey Reese threw to first base for the last Yankee out, and the devastation of 2003 began to fade from the memories of so many Red Sox fans. Either way, a new study says it is the games our teams win that we remember, not the games our teams lose. ... > full story

Geothermal mapping report confirms vast coast-to-coast clean energy source in U.S. (October 25, 2011) -- New research documents significant geothermal resources across the United States capable of producing more than three million megawatts of green power -- 10 times the installed capacity of coal power plants today. ... > full story

'Junk DNA' defines differences between humans and chimps (October 25, 2011) -- DNA sequences for human and chimpanzees are nearly identical, despite vast phenotypical differences between the two species. Researchers have determined that the insertion and deletion of large pieces of DNA near genes are highly variable between humans and chimpanzees and may account for these major differences. ... > full story

Increased tanning bed use increases risk for deadly skin cancers (October 25, 2011) -- Researchers confirmed an association between tanning bed use and an increased risk for three common skin cancers -- basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, according to new research. ... > full story

Electron accelerator scientists report breakthroughs (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists have surpassed two major milestones toward a novel, exceedingly powerful X-ray source: A record-breaking electron gun emittance and a successfully tested prototype of a superconducting linac cavity. ... > full story

Innovative transdermal patch for delivery of HIV medicine (October 25, 2011) -- An innovative delivery method for human immunodeficiency virus medications has been developed through use of a transdermal patch, the first of its kind to treat HIV. ... > full story

Forest fires in Mediterranean basin are becoming larger and more frequent, study finds (October 25, 2011) -- New research analyzes the causes and characteristics of fires that have occurred in the Mediterranean basin in recent decades, and determines that rural exodus and changes in land use have increased the number and size of these fires. ... > full story

Peer pressure in preschool children: Children as young as 4 years of age conform their public opinion to the majority (October 25, 2011) -- Adults and adolescents often adjust their behavior and opinions to peer groups, even when they themselves know better. Researchers in Germany and the Netherlands studied this phenomenon in 4-year-olds and found that preschool children are already subject to peer pressure. In the current study, the researchers found that children conformed their public judgment of a situation to the judgment of a majority of peers in spite better knowledge. ... > full story

Researchers build transparent, super-stretchy skin-like sensor (October 25, 2011) -- Using carbon nanotubes bent to act as springs, researchers have developed a stretchable, transparent skin-like sensor. The sensor can be stretched to more than twice its original length and bounce back perfectly to its original shape. It can sense pressure from a firm pinch to thousands of pounds. The sensor could have applications in prosthetic limbs, robotics and touch-sensitive computer displays. ... > full story

High fizzy soft drink consumption linked to violence among teens (October 25, 2011) -- Teens who drink more than five cans of non-diet, fizzy soft drinks every week are significantly more likely to behave aggressively, new research suggests. This includes carrying a weapon and perpetrating violence against peers and siblings. ... > full story

Blame backbone fractures on evolution, not osteoporosis: Adaptation to upright walking leaves humans susceptible (October 25, 2011) -- Osteoporosis is blamed for backbone fractures. The real culprit could well be our own vertebrae, which evolved to absorb the pounding of upright walking, researchers say. ... > full story

New instrument helps researchers see how diseases start and develop in minute detail (October 25, 2011) -- Researchers can now study molecules which are normally only found in very small concentrations, directly in organs and tissue. Researchers have now managed to construct an instrument that 'hyperpolarises' the molecules and thus makes it possible to track them using MRI. The technology opens up new possibilities to study what really happens on molecular level in organs such as the brain. ... > full story

Public support for geoengineering research, survey finds (October 25, 2011) -- Research on geoengineering appears to have broad public support, as a new, internationally representative survey revealed that 72 percent of respondents approved research into the climate-manipulating technique. ... > full story

Math disability linked to problem relating quantities to numerals (October 25, 2011) -- Children who start elementary school with difficulty associating small exact quantities of items with the printed numerals that represent those quantities are more likely to develop a math-related learning disability than are their peers, according to a new study. ... > full story

Researchers identify mysterious life forms in the extreme deep sea (October 25, 2011) -- A research expedition has led to the identification of gigantic amoebas at one of the deepest locations on Earth. During a voyage to the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench, the deepest region on the planet, researchers deployed untethered free-falling/ascending landers equipped with digital video and lights to search the largely unexplored region. The team documented the deepest known existence of xenophyophores, single-celled animals exclusively found in deep-sea environments. ... > full story

Coffee consumption associated with decreased risk for basal cell carcinoma (October 25, 2011) -- Caffeine could be related to an inverse association between basal cell carcinoma risk and consumption of coffee, a study found. ... > full story

Wearable depth-sensing projection system makes any surface capable of multitouch interaction (October 25, 2011) -- OmniTouch, a wearable projection system developed by researchers, enables users to turn pads of paper, walls or even their own hands, arms and legs into graphical, interactive surfaces. OmniTouch employs a depth-sensing camera to track the user's fingers on everyday surfaces. This allows users to control interactive applications by tapping or dragging their fingers, much as they would with touchscreens found on smartphones or tablet computers. ... > full story

Novel oral treatment for leishmaniasis has potential to save thousands of lives (October 25, 2011) -- A tropically stable liquid therapy for leishmaniasis, a disease known as the Baghdad boil, shows a significant decrease in infection after less than a week of treatment. ... > full story

Chemists find new dimension to rules for reactions (October 25, 2011) -- Theoretical chemists have solved an important mystery about the rates of chemical reactions and the so-called Polanyi rules. The findings reveal why a reaction involving methane does not conform to the known rules, a problem that has baffled physical chemists in recent years. Long-range, their findings could play a role in the development of cleaner, more efficient fuels. ... > full story