ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Sunday, October 30, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Sunday, October 30, 2011

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Scientists measure dream content for the first time: Dreams activate the brain in a similar way to real actions (October 28, 2011) -- The ability to dream is a fascinating aspect of the human mind. However, how the images and emotions that we experience so intensively when we dream form in our heads remains a mystery. Up to now it has not been possible to measure dream content. Scientists in Germany have now succeeded, for the first time, in analyzing the activity of the brain during dreaming. ... > full story

Scientists chart gene expression in the brain across lifespan (October 28, 2011) -- The "switching on" of specific genes in the human genome is what makes each human tissue and each human being unique. A new study found that many gene expression changes that occur during fetal development are reversed immediately after birth. Reversals of fetal expression changes are also seen again much later in life during normal aging of the brain. Additionally, the team observed the reversal of fetal expression changes in Alzheimer's disease findings reported in other studies. ... > full story

Printed protection: Low-cost paper-based wireless sensor could help detect explosive devices (October 28, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a prototype wireless sensor capable of detecting trace amounts of a key ingredient found in many explosives. The device, which employs carbon nanotubes, is printed on paper or paper-like material. ... > full story

Specific gene linked to cold sore susceptibility, study finds (October 28, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis, the common cold sore. The study looks at how several genes may affect the severity of symptoms and frequency of this common infection. The findings, if confirmed, could have implications for the development of new drugs to treat outbreaks. ... > full story

Simple nerve cells regulate swimming depth of marine plankton (October 28, 2011) -- As planktonic organisms the larvae of the marine annelid Platynereis swim freely in the open water. They move by activity of their cilia, thousands of tiny hair-like structures forming a band along the larval body and beating coordinately. With changing environmental conditions the larvae swim upward and downward to their appropriate water depth. Scientists have now identified some signalling substances in the larval nervous system regulating swimming depth of the larvae. These substances influence the ciliary beating and thus hold the larvae in the preferred water depth. The scientists discovered a very simple circuitry of nerve cells underlying this regulation, reflecting an early evolutionary state of the nervous system. ... > full story

Curiosity is critical to academic performance (October 28, 2011) -- Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it's good for the student. Personality traits like curiosity seem to be as important as intelligence in determining how well students do in school, according to new research. ... > full story

Astronomers pin down galaxy collision rate with Hubble data (October 28, 2011) -- A new analysis of Hubble surveys, combined with simulations of galaxy interactions, reveals that the merger rate of galaxies over the last 8 billion to 9 billion years falls between the previous estimates. ... > full story

Programming cells to home in on specific tissues may enable more effective cell-based therapies (October 28, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a platform approach to chemically incorporate homing receptors onto the surface of cells. ... > full story

Shaken, not stirred: Scientists spy molecular maneuvers (October 28, 2011) -- By shaking not stirring their solutions, researchers have been able to engineer two-dimensional, biomimetic nanosheets with atomic precision for a wide range of applications, including the creation of platforms for sensing molecules or membranes for filtration. To enable this self-assembly of 2D nanosheets they have developed a programmable vial rocking device they call a "SheetRocker." ... > full story

Through-the-nipple breast cancer therapy shows promise in early tests (October 28, 2011) -- Delivering anticancer drugs into breast ducts via the nipple is highly effective in animal models of early breast cancer, and has no major side effects in human patients, according to a new study. The results of the study are expected to lead to more advanced clinical trials of so-called intraductal treatment for early breast cancer. ... > full story

Celestial compass obscured by urban light pollution for some nocturnal animals (October 28, 2011) -- Urban light pollution has been shown to reduce the visibility of not only the stars, but also of an important navigational signal for some nocturnal animals. During clear moonlit nights, a compass-like pattern of polarized light that is invisible to the human eye stretches across the sky. The nighttime skyglow over major cities renders this celestial compass unobservable over large areas, according to a new study. ... > full story

How cannabis causes 'cognitive chaos' in the brain (October 28, 2011) -- Cannabis use is associated with disturbances in concentration and memory. New research by neuroscientists in the UK has found that brain activity becomes uncoordinated and inaccurate during these altered states of mind, leading to neurophysiological and behavioral impairments reminiscent of those seen in schizophrenia. ... > full story