ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Tuesday, February 14, 2012

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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Cut your Valentine some slack: Partner's efforts at improving your relationship should not be ignored (February 13, 2012) -- If the one you love usually forgets Valentine's Day, but this year makes a romantic effort, you should give him credit for trying. A new study shows that the more you believe your partner is capable of change and perceive that he or she is trying to improve, the more secure and happy you will feel in your relationship. ... > full story

First prospective analysis links breast and pancreatic cancer risk with Lynch syndrome (February 13, 2012) -- Summary of the first prospective study to provide strong evidence of increased breast and pancreatic cancer risk in individuals with Lynch syndrome, who carry certain inherited genetic mutations in DNA repair genes. The study is also the first to show that relatives of people with Lynch syndrome who do not carry these mutations have no increased risk of cancer. ... > full story

Large Hadron Collider to run at 4 TeV per beam in 2012 (February 13, 2012) -- CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, has announced that the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will run with a beam energy of 4 TeV this year, 0.5 TeV higher than in 2010 and 2011. ... > full story

Neuron memory key to taming chronic pain, new research suggests (February 13, 2012) -- Researchers have found the key to understanding how memories of pain are stored in the brain. More importantly, the researchers are also able to suggest how these memories can be erased, making it possible to ease chronic pain. ... > full story

Compound may help in fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs (February 13, 2012) -- Chemists have created a compound that makes existing antibiotics 16 times more effective against recently discovered antibiotic-resistant "superbugs." ... > full story

Six to nine-month-olds understand the meaning of many spoken words (February 13, 2012) -- At an age when "ba-ba" and "da-da" may be their only utterances, infants nevertheless comprehend words for many common objects, according to a new study. ... > full story

Explosive evolution need not follow mass extinctions, study of ancient zooplankton finds (February 13, 2012) -- Fossil record of graptoloids challenges the theory that immediately after a mass extinction, species develop new physical traits at a rapid pace. ... > full story

Fish of Antarctica threatened by climate change (February 13, 2012) -- A study of the evolutionary history of Antarctic fish and their "anti-freeze" proteins illustrates how tens of millions of years ago a lineage of fish adapted to newly formed polar conditions -- and how today they are endangered by a rapid rise in ocean temperatures. ... > full story

Love, chocolate good for the heart, says cardiologist (February 13, 2012) -- Being involved in a healthy, loving relationship is good for the heart, says a cardiologist. People who are married or who are in close, healthy relationships tend to be less likely to smoke, are more physically active and are more likely to have a well-developed social structure, she said. They are also more likely to have lower levels of stress and anxiety in their day-to-day lives. ... > full story

Unique testbed soon will be in space (February 13, 2012) -- New and improved ways for future space travelers to communicate will be tested on the International Space Station after a launch later this year from Japan. The SCaN Testbed, or Space Communications and Navigation Testbed, was designed and built at NASA's Glenn Research Center over the last three years. ... > full story

Planck all-sky images show cold gas and strange haze in Milky Way galaxy (February 13, 2012) -- New images from the Planck mission show previously undiscovered islands of star formation and a mysterious haze of microwave emissions in our Milky Way galaxy. The views give scientists new treasures to mine and take them closer to understanding the secrets of our galaxy. ... > full story

Where big fish take shelter has big impact on their ability to cope with climate change (February 13, 2012) -- The choices big fish make on where to shelter could have a major influence on their ability to cope with climate change, say scientists. In research aimed at understanding the process of fish population decline when coral reefs sustain major damage, scientists have found that big fish show a marked preference for sheltering under large, flat table corals. ... > full story

New HIV-vaccine tested on people shows limited success (February 13, 2012) -- Scientists have tested a new 'therapeutic vaccine' against HIV on volunteers. The participants were 'so to say' vaccinated with their own cells. The immune system of the testees was better than before in attacking and suppressing the virus, the scientists have reported. ... > full story

Children at risk for ingestion of PAHs from pavement sealant, study finds (February 13, 2012) -- Children living near coal-tar-sealed pavement are likely to receive a far higher dose of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from incidental ingestion of house dust than do children living near unsealed pavement, and that dose is more than two times higher than the PAH dose children are estimated to receive from food. ... > full story

In older adults, fluctuating sense of control linked to cognitive ability (February 13, 2012) -- Everyone has moments when they feel more in control of their lives than at other times. New research shows that this sense of control fluctuates more often, and more quickly, than previously thought – and that this sense of control may actively affect cognitive abilities. ... > full story

Motivation to exercise affects behavior (February 13, 2012) -- For many people, the motivation to exercise fluctuates from week to week, and these fluctuations predict whether they will be physically active, according to researchers. In an effort to understand how the motivation to exercise is linked to behavior, the researchers examined college students' intentions to be physically active as well as their actual activity levels. ... > full story

New cases of rare genetic disorder identified (February 13, 2012) -- Scientists have shown a rare genetic disease, that causes crippling osteoarthritis in the spine and major joints, is far more prevalent worldwide than previously thought. ... > full story

Prognosis for heart failure patients improving (February 13, 2012) -- More than six million American adults suffer from heart failure. But, while the prevalence of this disease has increased over time, there are signs that deaths from it have not and hospitalization rates may be stabilizing as well. Healthcare professionals say this is good news and the future looks even more promising. ... > full story

Engineers create tandem polymer solar cells that set record for energy-conversion (February 13, 2012) -- Researchers in California report that they have significantly enhanced polymer solar cells' performance by building a device with a new "tandem" structure that combines multiple cells with different absorption bands. The device had a certified power-conversion efficiency of 8.62 percent and set a world record in July 2011. After the researchers incorporated a new infrared-absorbing polymer material into the device, the device's architecture proved to be widely applicable and the power-conversion efficiency jumped to 10.6 percent -- a new record -- as certified by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory. ... > full story

Blood from periodontal disease can be used to screen for diabetes (February 13, 2012) -- Oral blood samples drawn from deep pockets of periodontal inflammation can be used to measure hemoglobin A1c, an important gauge of a patient's diabetes status, a nursing-dental research team has found. ... > full story

Scientist works to detach protein that HIV uses as protective shield (February 13, 2012) -- One of the frustrations for scientists working on HIV/AIDS treatments has been the human immunodeficiency virus' ability to evade the body's immune system. Now a researcher has discovered a compound that could help put the immune system back in the hunt. ... > full story

Molecular carpet: Startling results in synthetic chemistry (February 13, 2012) -- Swiss scientists have created a minor sensation in synthetic chemistry. The team of scientists succeeded for the first time in producing regularly ordered planar polymers that form a kind of 'molecular carpet' on a nanometer scale. ... > full story

Good aerobic capacity promotes learning (February 13, 2012) -- Aerobic fitness has a favorable effect on cognitive functions. For example, physically active elderly people are less prone to aging-related cognitive decline than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. An increase in physical activity raises both aerobic capacity and learning ability in both humans and animals. However, it is not known whether it is the aerobic capacity or the pleasure and enrichment of physical activity that promotes cognitive functions. ... > full story

Seniors show greater life satisfaction than young people, study suggests (February 13, 2012) -- Healthy older adults reported less negative thinking compared to other age groups, leading to greater life satisfaction in seniors. The study examined the complex relationship between aging and factors leading to depression. Research suggests differences in the way age groups think can influence the onset of depression. Sufferers of negative thinking, or brooding, tend to fixate on their problems and feelings without taking action, which can intensify depressive moods and lead to the onset of depression. ... > full story

Overeating may double risk of memory loss (February 13, 2012) -- New research suggests that consuming between 2,100 and 6,000 calories per day may double the risk of memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), among people age 70 and older. MCI is the stage between normal memory loss that comes with aging and early Alzheimer’s disease. ... > full story

Starve a virus, feed a cure? (February 12, 2012) -- A protein that protects some of our immune cells from the most common and virulent form of HIV works by starving the virus of the molecular building blocks that it needs to replicate. While researchers hope the work will one day lead to a way to make anti-HIV drugs more effective by increasing their potency against the virus, they're also excited about its implications for our knowledge of other pathogens, such as herpes viruses. ... > full story

Molecular secrets of ancient Chinese herbal remedy discovered (February 12, 2012) -- For roughly two thousand years, Chinese herbalists have treated Malaria using a root extract, commonly known as Chang Shan, from a type of hydrangea that grows in Tibet and Nepal. More recent studies suggest that halofuginone, a compound derived from this extract's bioactive ingredient, could be used to treat many autoimmune disorders as well. Now, researchers have discovered the molecular secrets behind this herbal extract's power. ... > full story

Researchers develop method to examine batteries -- from the inside (February 12, 2012) -- Researchers have developed methodology, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to examine batteries without destroying them. Their technique creates the possibility of improving battery performance and safety by serving as a diagnostic of its internal workings. ... > full story

How a protein protects cells from HIV infection (February 12, 2012) -- A novel discovery reveals a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt the spread of HIV. Harnessing this mechanism may open up new paths for therapeutic research aimed at slowing the virus’ progression to AIDS. ... > full story

A mitosis mystery solved: How chromosomes align perfectly in a dividing cell (February 12, 2012) -- Although the process of mitotic cell division has been studied intensely for more than 50 years, researchers have only now solved the mystery of how cells correctly align their chromosomes during symmetric mitosis. ... > full story

Complex wiring of the nervous system may rely on a just a handful of genes and proteins (February 11, 2012) -- Researchers have discovered a startling feature of early brain development that helps to explain how complex neuron wiring patterns are programmed using just a handful of critical genes. The findings may help scientists develop new therapies for neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and provide insight into certain cancers. ... > full story

Human cognitive performance suffers following natural disasters (February 11, 2012) -- Not surprisingly, victims of a natural disaster can experience stress and anxiety, but a new study indicates that it might also cause them to make more errors - some serious - in their daily lives. Researchers have explored how cognitive performance can decline after earthquakes and other natural disasters. ... > full story

Putting the squeeze on planets outside our solar system (February 11, 2012) -- Using high-powered lasers, scientists have discovered that molten magnesium silicate undergoes a phase change in the liquid state, abruptly transforming to a more dense liquid with increasing pressure. The research provides insight into planet formation. ... > full story

Pitchers: Elbow position not a predictor of injury (February 11, 2012) -- Elbow position alone appeared to not affect injury rates and performance in college-level, male pitchers say researchers. ... > full story

Finding love has no expiration date: People over 60 are fastest growing demographic in online dating (February 11, 2012) -- People may think that online dating is only for the young, but individuals over the age of 60 are the fastest growing demographic in online dating. However, they may be looking for different qualities in their relationships than their younger counterparts. ... > full story

Environment's effects on evolution of survival traits (February 11, 2012) -- Advances in studying genes mean that scientists in evolutionary developmental biology or “evo-devo” can now explain more clearly than ever before how bats got wings, the turtle got its shell and blind cave fish lost their eyes, says an evolutionary biologist. ... > full story

Dramatic improvements and persistent challenges for women in science (February 11, 2012) -- The underrepresentation of women in science has received significant attention. However, there have been few studies in which longitudinal data were used to assess changes over time. Now researchers find that women in the field of ecological studies have experienced dramatic improvements, but persistent challenges remain. ... > full story

C-sections linked to breathing problems in preterm infants, study suggests (February 10, 2012) -- A cesarean delivery, which was thought to be harmless, is associated with breathing problems in preterm babies who are small for gestational age, a new study suggests. ... > full story

Both maternal and paternal age linked to autism (February 10, 2012) -- Older maternal and paternal age are jointly associated with having a child with autism, according to a recent study. ... > full story

Drug halts organ damage in inflammatory genetic disorder, study suggests (February 10, 2012) -- A new study shows that Kineret (anakinra), a medication approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, is effective in stopping the progression of organ damage in people with neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease. This rare and debilitating genetic disorder causes persistent inflammation and ongoing tissue damage. ... > full story

EEG pattern reflects brain's shift into low-energy, protective mode (February 10, 2012) -- A distinctive pattern of brain activity associated with conditions including deep anesthesia, coma and congenital brain disorders appears to represent the brain's shift into a protective, low-activity state in response to reduced metabolic energy. ... > full story

Night, weekend delivery OK for babies with birth defects (February 10, 2012) -- Weekday delivery is no better than night/weekend delivery for infants with birth defects, according to a new study. Researchers found that infants with birth defects that were delivered at night or over the weekend fared just as well as those delivered on a weekday -- they stayed at the hospital for the same amount of time, were admitted to the NICU at the same rate, and were given antibiotics or got help breathing just as often. ... > full story

New method for creating tissue engineering scaffolds (February 10, 2012) -- Researchers have developed a new method for creating scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, providing an alternative that is more flexible and less time-intensive than current technology. ... > full story

Protein libraries in a snap (February 10, 2012) -- One undergraduate student will depart university with not only a degree but also a possible patent for his invention of an efficient way to create protein libraries, an important component of biomolecular research. ... > full story

Cochlear implants may be safe, effective for organ transplant patients (February 10, 2012) -- Cochlear implants may be a safe, effective option for some organ transplant patients who've lost their hearing as an unfortunate consequence of their transplant-related drug regime, researchers report. ... > full story

Grass to gas: Genome map speeds biofuel development (February 10, 2012) -- Researchers have taken a major step in the ongoing effort to find sources of cleaner, renewable energy by mapping the genomes of two originator cells of Miscanthus x giganteus, a large perennial grass with promise as a source of ethanol and bioenergy. ... > full story

Numeracy: The educational gift that keeps on giving? (February 10, 2012) -- Cancer risks. Investment alternatives. Calories. Numbers are everywhere in daily life, and they figure into all sorts of decisions. A new article examines how people who are numerate -- that's like literacy, but for numbers -- understand numbers better and process information differently so that they ultimately make more informed decisions. ... > full story

Over-expression of a protein responsible for neuronal damage in Down's syndrome sufferers (February 10, 2012) -- A new study reproduced the same morphological and functional patterns of neuronal connections in a transgenic mouse as seen in people with Down’s syndrome. Regulating the activity of this protein produced very similar neuronal growth to that in a healthy mouse. ... > full story