ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• 'Molecular motors' involved in chromosome transport observed
• Leukemia cells exploit 'enhancer' DNA elements to cause lethal disease
• A whirling dervish puts physicists in a spin
• New therapeutic target identified for Huntington's disease
• Iron preserves, hides ancient tissues in fossilized remains
• Inexpensive 'nano-camera' can operate at the speed of light
• Finding hidden circles may improve social network privacy settings
• Alcohol use disorders linked to death and disability
• Gratitude or guilt? People spend more when they 'pay it forward'
• Genetics contribute to increased risk for renal disease for African Americans
• Better combustion through plasma
• Flexible, stretchable fire-ant rafts
• Polymer gel, heal thyself: Engineering team proposes new composites that can regenerate when damaged
• Delaying resistance to Bt corn in western corn rootworm
• Google Earth reveals untold fish catches
• Mmechanism behind blood stem cells' longevity discovered
• High-fat diet during puberty speeds up breast cancer development
• Gene mutation for excessive alcohol drinking found
• Supporting others brings healing to cancer survivors
• The lingering clouds: Why pollution results in larger storm clouds, colder days, warmer nights
• Bonobo: 'Forgotten' ape threatened by human activity and forest loss
• Brain reward gene influences food choices in the first years of life
• Guard dogs reduce killing of threatened species
• Red squirrels showing resistance to squirrelpox
• Unhappy meals? Majority of very young children in California eat fast food at least once per week
• Electronic cigarettes: New route to smoking addiction for adolescents
• Lowering stand density reduces mortality of ponderosa pine stands
• ADHD linked to social, economic disadvantage
• Large study shows pollution impact on coral reefs, and offers solution
• No qualms about quantum theory
• Incidental by-catch of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Sea
• New agent against cancer cells
• A robot turtle will help underwater archaeologists to inspect shipwrecks
• Flower Power – Researchers breed new varieties of chamomile
• Vitamins: Potential damage to body's defences
• Reconceptualizing JFK’s chronic low back pain
• Risk of HIV treatment failure present even in those with low viral load
• Government grants reduce HIV risks for teenage girls in South Africa
• Hands off, please: Friendly information signs reduce vandalism on scientific equipment
• C-section rate for private patients double that of publicly funded patients
• Regular physical activity in later life boosts likelihood of 'healthy aging' up to sevenfold
• Increasing number of insured patients not tied to higher ICU usage in Massachusetts
• Contented males fare better with the 'ladies'
• Childhood exercise may stave off bad effects of maternal obesity, animal study suggests
• Cancer patients at increased risk for severe flu complications
• Biomedical scientist discovers method to increase survival in sepsis
• Study examines potential evolutionary role of 'sexual regret' in human survival, reproduction
• How scavenging fungi became a plant's best friend
• ADHD study: Expensive training programs don't help grades, behavior

'Molecular motors' involved in chromosome transport observed Posted: 26 Nov 2013 05:29 PM PST Researchers have for the first time directly observed the "molecular motor", called Xkid, that plays a critical role in facilitating the proper alignment of chromosomes during cell division. The study provides invaluable knowledge on the mechanisms of materials transport in biological systems.

Leukemia cells exploit 'enhancer' DNA elements to cause lethal disease Posted: 26 Nov 2013 04:16 PM PST A team of researchers has identified a leukemia-specific stretch of DNA called an enhancer element that enables cancerous blood cells to proliferate in acute myeloid leukemia, a devastating cancer that is incurable in 70 percent of patients. Just as important, the findings offer a mechanistic insight into how a new class of promising drugs -- one version of which is already in human clinical trials -- appears to halt the growth of cancer cells so effectively.

A whirling dervish puts physicists in a spin Posted: 26 Nov 2013 04:16 PM PST A force that intricately links the rotation of the Earth with the direction of weather patterns in the atmosphere has been shown to play a crucial role in the creation of the hypnotic patterns created by the skirts of the Whirling Dervishes.

New therapeutic target identified for Huntington's disease Posted: 26 Nov 2013 04:15 PM PST A new study published identifies a new target in the search for therapeutic interventions for Huntington's disease -- a devastating late-onset neurodegenerative disorder.

Iron preserves, hides ancient tissues in fossilized remains Posted: 26 Nov 2013 04:14 PM PST Iron may play a role in preserving ancient tissues within dinosaur fossils, but also may hide them from detection. This finding could open the door to the recovery of more ancient tissues from within fossils.

Inexpensive 'nano-camera' can operate at the speed of light Posted: 26 Nov 2013 12:59 PM PST A newly developed device could be used in medical imaging, collision-avoidance detectors for cars, and interactive gaming.

Finding hidden circles may improve social network privacy settings Posted: 26 Nov 2013 12:59 PM PST Creating a computer program to find relationships in networks, such as Google Plus and Facebook, may help users more easily set up and maintain privacy settings, according to researchers.

Alcohol use disorders linked to death and disability Posted: 26 Nov 2013 12:58 PM PST Disorders related to the abuse of alcohol contribute significantly to the burden of disease in the U.S., finds a new study.

Gratitude or guilt? People spend more when they 'pay it forward' Posted: 26 Nov 2013 10:47 AM PST As shoppers across the nation prepare to pounce on Black Friday sales, researchers are looking at what happens to commerce when there's no set price tag. In an exhaustive study of consumer behavior, they found that shoppers spend more money when engaged in a chain of goodwill known as "pay-it-forward" than when they can name their own price.

Genetics contribute to increased risk for renal disease for African Americans Posted: 26 Nov 2013 10:46 AM PST A large study identifies factors that mediate differences in the progression of chronic kidney disease in order to reduce the excess burden of end-stage renal disease and its complications in black patients.

Better combustion through plasma Posted: 26 Nov 2013 10:46 AM PST Scientists know that by introducing plasma to combustion, new chemical species are produced that catalyze the reaction. But no one knows precisely what species are involved, what the reactions are, and what their rates are. To better understand plasma-assisted combustion and to develop future technology, researchers are conducting experiments and creating computer models to determine which chemical processes are involved.

Flexible, stretchable fire-ant rafts Posted: 26 Nov 2013 10:46 AM PST Fire-ant rafts aren't just unusual in that they're "viscoelastic," like Jell-O and toothpaste, according to a new study. Researchers found the rafts actively reorganize their structure, a feat that allows them to more effectively cushion themselves against applied forces, such as the battering of raindrops or the surges of waves.

Polymer gel, heal thyself: Engineering team proposes new composites that can regenerate when damaged Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:41 AM PST Researchers have developed models to design a new polymer gel that would enable complex materials to regenerate themselves.

Delaying resistance to Bt corn in western corn rootworm Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:41 AM PST While Bt corn has been highly effective against the European corn borer, it has been less so against the western corn rootworm. A new article explains why and recommends an integrated pest management approach to address it.

Google Earth reveals untold fish catches Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:39 AM PST Large fish traps in the Persian Gulf could be catching up to six times more fish than what's being officially reported, according to the first investigation of fish catches from space.

Mmechanism behind blood stem cells' longevity discovered Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:39 AM PST Researchers have long wondered what allows blood stem cells to persist for decades, when their progeny last for days, weeks or months before they need to be replaced. Now, a study has uncovered one of the mechanisms that allow these stem cells to keep dividing in perpetuity.

High-fat diet during puberty speeds up breast cancer development Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:39 AM PST New findings show that eating a high-fat diet beginning at puberty speeds up the development of breast cancer and may actually increase the risk of cancer similar to a type often found in younger adult women.

Gene mutation for excessive alcohol drinking found Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:39 AM PST Researchers have discovered a gene that regulates alcohol consumption and when faulty can cause excessive drinking. They have also identified the mechanism underlying this phenomenon.

Supporting others brings healing to cancer survivors Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:37 AM PST A new study finds that survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplant, an aggressive treatment for blood cancers, benefited from a two-part peer support process the authors call expressive helping.

The lingering clouds: Why pollution results in larger storm clouds, colder days, warmer nights Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:36 AM PST A new study reveals how pollution causes thunderstorms to leave behind larger, deeper, longer lasting clouds. The results solve a long-standing debate and reveal how pollution plays into climate warming. The work can also provide a gauge for the accuracy of weather and climate models.

Bonobo: 'Forgotten' ape threatened by human activity and forest loss Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:36 AM PST The most detailed range-wide assessment of the bonobo (formerly known as the pygmy chimpanzee) ever conducted has revealed that this poorly known and endangered great ape is quickly losing space in a world with growing human populations. The loss of usable habitat is attributed to both forest fragmentation and poaching, according to a new study.

Brain reward gene influences food choices in the first years of life Posted: 26 Nov 2013 09:36 AM PST Research has suggested that a particular gene in the brain's reward system contributes to overeating and obesity in adults. This same variant has now been linked to childhood obesity and tasty food choices, particularly for girls, according to a new study.

Guard dogs reduce killing of threatened species Posted: 26 Nov 2013 07:23 AM PST Research has revealed that guarding dogs can significantly reduce conflict between livestock and large carnivores, such as cheetahs or leopards, helping to reduce unwarranted killing of endangered species in South Africa.

Red squirrels showing resistance to squirrelpox Posted: 26 Nov 2013 07:23 AM PST A study has found that the red squirrel population along the Sefton coastline appears to be recovering from a serious outbreak of squirrelpox in 2008.

Unhappy meals? Majority of very young children in California eat fast food at least once per week Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST A surprisingly large percentage of very young children in California, including 70 percent of Latino children, eat fast food regularly, according to a new policy brief.

Electronic cigarettes: New route to smoking addiction for adolescents Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST E-cigarettes have been widely promoted as a way for people to quit smoking conventional cigarettes. Now, in the first study of its kind, researchers are reporting that, at the point in time they studied, youth using e-cigarettes were more likely to be trying to quit, but also were less likely to have stopped smoking and were smoking more, not less.

Lowering stand density reduces mortality of ponderosa pine stands Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST As trees grow larger in even-aged stands, competition develops among them. Competition weakens trees, as they contend for soil moisture, nutrients, and sunlight. Competition also increases trees' risk to bark beetles and diseases, and subsequently leads to a buildup of dead fuels. A recent study considered if the onset of this risk could be determined.

ADHD linked to social, economic disadvantage Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST A team of researchers has analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a database of more than 19,500 UK children born between 2000 and 2002, and has resolved that ADHD is linked to social and economic disadvantage.

Large study shows pollution impact on coral reefs, and offers solution Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST One of the largest and longest experiments ever done to test the impact of nutrient loading on coral reefs today confirmed what scientists have long suspected -- that this type of pollution from sewage, agricultural practices or other sources can lead to coral disease and bleaching. But there was unexpectedly good news - when you cleaned up the water, the corals recovered.

No qualms about quantum theory Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST A study sets out to demystify a selected set of objections targeted against quantum theory in the literature. The article looks into the alleged issues associated with quantum theory. In particular, researchers discuss cases when mathematical tools are confused with the actual observed sub-atomic scale phenomena they are describing.

Incidental by-catch of marine turtles in the Mediterranean Sea Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:25 AM PST When a marine turtle is incidentally by-caught by a longliner, fishermen try to cut the line — without hauling it on board — and release the turtle into the sea. However, research published determines that about 40% of post-released turtles die some months later due to the impact of longline fishing.

New agent against cancer cells Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:24 AM PST Scientists have discovered a new active substance that inhibits cell division in leukemia cells and could play an important role in the fight against cancer.

A robot turtle will help underwater archaeologists to inspect shipwrecks Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:24 AM PST A new highly maneuverable robot turtle has been designed to penetrate shipwrecks.

Flower Power – Researchers breed new varieties of chamomile Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:24 AM PST Plants can reproduce in a multitude of different ways, unlike humans and animals. Scientists have been working on developing new varieties of chamomile that can be cultivated as a medicinal plant. The researchers have been trying to identify varieties that will bloom longer and make its cultivation easier.

Vitamins: Potential damage to body's defences Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:24 AM PST Vitamin supplements are a billion-dollar industry. We want to stay healthy and fit and help our bodies with this. But perhaps we are achieving precisely the opposite?

Reconceptualizing JFK’s chronic low back pain Posted: 26 Nov 2013 06:22 AM PST JFK exuded strength and vitality, but less apparent was the daily battle he waged with chronic back pain. He often used crutches while walking to minimize pain and back pain may have been a contributing factor in his November 1963 assassination.

Risk of HIV treatment failure present even in those with low viral load Posted: 25 Nov 2013 09:05 PM PST People with human immunodeficiency virus run a higher risk of virologic failure than previously thought, even when their number of RNA copies of the retrovirus per milliliter of blood is slightly above the detection threshold, according to a study.

Government grants reduce HIV risks for teenage girls in South Africa Posted: 25 Nov 2013 05:12 PM PST A study finds that English government grants in Southern Africa reduce HIV risks for teenage girls. The study involved 3,515 young people between 2009-12 in urban and rural parts of two South African provinces. They found teenage girls from households receiving grants were two-thirds less likely to take much older boyfriends, and half as likely to have sex in exchange for money, food, school fees or shelter.

Hands off, please: Friendly information signs reduce vandalism on scientific equipment Posted: 25 Nov 2013 03:56 PM PST Behavioral biologists conducting research in the field often depend on state-of-the-art techniques. Damage to or theft of technical equipment represents a dramatic financial and scientific loss. Researchers decided to find out whether the information content and tone of labels attached to the equipment could reduce the incidence of vandalism. They found that a friendly label reduced interference with the equipment in comparison with neutral or threatening labels.

C-section rate for private patients double that of publicly funded patients Posted: 25 Nov 2013 03:56 PM PST The rate of scheduled caesarean sections among private patients is around double that of publicly funded patients, indicates a study of more than 30,000 women in Ireland.

Regular physical activity in later life boosts likelihood of 'healthy aging' up to sevenfold Posted: 25 Nov 2013 03:56 PM PST It's never too late to get physically active, with even those starting relatively late in life reaping significant health benefits, finds research.

Increasing number of insured patients not tied to higher ICU usage in Massachusetts Posted: 25 Nov 2013 03:13 PM PST A multi-institution study has found that increasing the number of insured patients is not associated with higher intensive care unit usage in Massachusetts.

Contented males fare better with the 'ladies' Posted: 25 Nov 2013 02:21 PM PST A first-ever study reveals that relaxed, content male mink raised in enriched environments -- cages complete with pools, toys and swings -- are more successful in the mating season. The findings may help improve mating among captive animals, especially those with breeding problems such as giant pandas and Canada's rare black-footed ferrets.

Childhood exercise may stave off bad effects of maternal obesity, animal study suggests Posted: 25 Nov 2013 02:20 PM PST Rats whose mothers were fed a high-fat diet during pregnancy and nursing were able to stave off some of the detrimental health effects of obesity by exercising during their adolescence.

Cancer patients at increased risk for severe flu complications Posted: 25 Nov 2013 02:20 PM PST Weakened immune systems due to diseases like cancer cause increased risk of severe complications from the flu virus — experts advise vaccine shot, not mist.

Biomedical scientist discovers method to increase survival in sepsis Posted: 25 Nov 2013 01:48 PM PST Sepsis, the body's response to severe infections, kills more people than breast cancer, prostate cancer and HIV/AIDS combined. On average, 30 percent of those diagnosed with sepsis die.

Study examines potential evolutionary role of 'sexual regret' in human survival, reproduction Posted: 25 Nov 2013 01:47 PM PST A study finds men regret missing opportunities to have sex, while women feel remorse for having casual, meaningless sex.

How scavenging fungi became a plant's best friend Posted: 25 Nov 2013 01:47 PM PST More than two thirds of the world's plants depend on Glomeromycota soil-dwelling symbiotic fungus to survive, including critical agricultural crops such as wheat, cassava, and rice. The analysis of the Rhizophagus irregularis genome has revealed that it doesn't shuffle genes the way researchers expected. Moreover it has expanded its range of cell-to-cell communication genes and phosphorus-capturing genes.

ADHD study: Expensive training programs don't help grades, behavior Posted: 25 Nov 2013 01:47 PM PST A two-year study found that computer-based training programs that claim to help children with ADHD succeed in the classroom and in peer relationships while reducing hyperactivity and inattentiveness do not produce significant or meaningful long-term improvements. Parents are better off saving their money, the lead researcher says.

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