ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Sunday, November 13, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Sunday, November 13, 2011

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Using light, researchers convert 2-D patterns into 3-D objects (November 12, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a simple way to convert two-dimensional patterns into three-dimensional objects using only light. ... > full story

New evidence for spinal membrane as a source of stem cells may advance treatment of spinal cord injuries (November 12, 2011) -- Italian and Spanish scientists studying the use of stem cells for treating spinal cord injuries have provided the first evidence to show that meninges, the membrane which envelops the central nervous system, is a potential source of self-renewing stem cells. The research develops the understanding of cell activation in central nervous system injuries; advancing research into new treatments for spinal injuries and degenerative brain disorders. ... > full story

Tales from the crypt: Study on gut cell regeneration reconciles long-standing research controversy (November 12, 2011) -- The cells that help to absorb food and liquid that humans consume are constantly being produced. The various cell types that do this come from stem cells that reside deep in the inner recesses of the accordion-like folds of the intestines, called villi and crypts. But exactly where the most important stem cell type is located -- and how to identify it -- has been something of a mystery, until now. ... > full story

Study suggests new benefits of eating nuts for patients with metabolic syndrome (November 12, 2011) -- A recent scientific study has revealed the relationship between nut consumption and a high level of serotonin metabolites (an important neurotransmitter) in patients with metabolic syndrome, who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. ... > full story

Data transmission for the Internet of tomorrow: Scientists develop new concept for ultrafast lasers (November 12, 2011) -- Electrical engineers in Germany have succeeded in developing a new concept for ultrafast semiconductor lasers. The researchers make clever use of the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons, called spin, to successfully break the previous speed barriers. The new spin lasers have the potential to achieve modulation frequencies of well above 100 GHz in future. This is a decisive step towards high-speed data transmission, e.g. for the Internet of tomorrow. ... > full story

Understanding emotions without language (November 12, 2011) -- Does understanding emotions depend on the language we speak, or is our perception the same regardless of language and culture? ... > full story

'Fishy lawnmowers' help save Pacific corals (November 11, 2011) -- Can fish save coral reefs from dying? Researchers have found one case where fish have helped coral reefs to recover from cyclones and predators. ... > full story

Birth weight predicts physical functioning at age 60 (November 11, 2011) -- Low birth weight and slow growth progressing to greater body mass in pre-adolescence significantly increased the risk of poor physical functioning at the age of 60 years, a new Finnish study found. ... > full story

2012: Killer solar flares are a physical impossibility, experts say (November 11, 2011) -- Given a legitimate need to protect Earth from the most intense forms of space weather – great bursts of electromagnetic energy and particles that can sometimes stream from the sun – some people worry that a gigantic "killer solar flare" could hurl enough energy to destroy Earth. Citing the accurate fact that solar activity is currently ramping up in its standard 11-year cycle, there are those who believe that 2012 could be coincident with such a flare. But this same solar cycle has occurred over millennia. Anyone over the age of 11 has already lived through such a solar maximum with no harm. In addition, the next solar maximum is predicted to occur in late 2013 or early 2014, not 2012. ... > full story

Researchers closer to the super bug puzzle (November 11, 2011) -- The treatment of serious infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (Golden Staph) is complicated by the development of antibiotic resistance. Seriously ill patients, vulnerable to infections can be at additional risk if antimicrobial agents become less effective in fighting infections. ... > full story

Americans using more fossil fuels (November 11, 2011) -- American energy use went back up in 2010 compared to 2009, when consumption was at a 12-year low. The United States used more fossil fuels in 2010 than in 2009, while renewable electricity remained approximately constant, with an increase in wind power offset by a modest decline in hydroelectricity. There also was a significant increase in biomass consumption, according to the most recent energy flow charts. ... > full story

Acupuncture can prevent radiation-induced chronic dry mouth, study finds (November 11, 2011) -- When given alongside radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, acupuncture has shown for the first time to reduce the debilitating side effect of xerostomia, according to new research. ... > full story