ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Computing the best high-resolution 3-D tissue images
• Common environmental contaminant, cadmium, linked to rapid breast cancer cell growth
• Small variations in magnetic fields can be environmental stresses
• Families that eat together may be the healthiest, new evidence confirms
• Diversity aided mammals’ survival over deep time
• Leeches are DNA bloodhounds in the jungle
• Mechanism that gives plants 'balance' discovered
• Preventing dementia: Trajectory of cognitive decline can be altered in seniors at risk for dementia
• Timing Is Everything When Using Oxygen to Regenerate Bone
• Acupuncture can improve skeletal muscle atrophy
• Why drinking alcohol is linked to breast cancer
• Gut organisms could be clue in controlling obesity risk
• Clinical decline in Alzheimer’s requires plaque and proteins
• That impulsive, moody preschooler may grow up to be a problem gambler
• Student engineers automate limb lengthening for kids
• Scientists see solution to critical barrier to fusion
• Can video games promote healthier aging?
• Astrobiologist proposes fleet of probes to seek life on Mars: Sensors would punch into soil, run range of tests
• Immunosignaturing: An accurate, affordable and stable diagnostic
• Smoking, but not nicotine, reduces risk for rare tumor, study suggests
• Vitamin E in diet protects against many cancers, study suggests
• Fish larvae find the reef by orienting: The earlier the better
• Genes that increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures discovered
• Robots fighting wars could be blamed for mistakes on the battlefield
• Medical 'lightsabers': Laser scalpels get ultrafast, ultra-accurate, and ultra-compact makeover
• Bartonella infection associated with rheumatoid illnesses in humans
• Unique research on inner life of Google
• Birds cultivate decorative plants to attract mates
• Obstructive sleep apnea's damage evident after one month
• Protein prevents DNA damage in the developing brain and might serve as a tumor suppressor
• Making human textiles: Research team ups the ante with development of blood vessels woven from donor cells
• New yeast prion helps cells survive
• Unusual protein helps regulate key cell communication pathway
• Shingles vaccine is safe, according to new study
• Olympic boxing may damage the brain
• Biometrics: Those tell-tale signs that say who you are
• Bioenergy production may reduce biological diversity, but ecological risks can be minimized
• Bacteria evolved way to safeguard crucial genetic material
• First fertile, then futile: Ammonites change in reproductive strategy helped them survive three mass extinctions
• Compressed sensing allows imaging of live cell structures
• Pain relief with PAP injections may last 100 times longer than a traditional acupuncture treatment
• New technique may help severely damaged nerves regrow and restore function
• Specific protein triggers changes in neurons in brain reward center linked to cocaine addiction
• Key protein responsible for controlling nerve cell protection discovered
• Climate change may create price volatility in the corn market
• Controlling heat flow with atomic-level precision
• Scientists link quickly spreading gene to Asian MRSA epidemic

Computing the best high-resolution 3-D tissue images Posted: 23 Apr 2012 03:42 PM PDT Real-time, 3-D microscopic tissue imaging could be a revolution for medical fields such as cancer diagnosis, minimally invasive surgery and ophthalmology. Researchers have developed a technique to computationally correct for aberrations in optical tomography, bringing the future of medical imaging into focus. The computational technique could provide faster, less expensive and higher-resolution tissue imaging to a broader population of users.

Common environmental contaminant, cadmium, linked to rapid breast cancer cell growth Posted: 23 Apr 2012 03:42 PM PDT Breast cancer cells become increasingly aggressive the longer they are exposed to small concentrations of cadmium, a heavy metal commonly found in cosmetics, food, water and air particles.

Small variations in magnetic fields can be environmental stresses Posted: 23 Apr 2012 03:42 PM PDT We are surrounded by a constantly changing magnetic field, be it Earth's or those emanating from devices, such as cell phones. Scientists are interested in understanding how these magnetic-field fluctuations change biochemical reactions inside us.

Families that eat together may be the healthiest, new evidence confirms Posted: 23 Apr 2012 03:41 PM PDT "Come and get it!" A phrase historically proclaiming that the communal meal is ready, is heard all too infrequently among contemporary American households, especially as children get older. Indeed, over 40% of the typical American food budget is spent on eating out, with family meals often being relegated to holidays and special occasions. Aside from negative effects on the family budget, eating out has been shown to be generally associated with poor food choices and bad health. Of particular interest to public health experts is growing scientific evidence that fewer family meals may translate to increased obesity risk and poor nutritional status, especially among children.

Diversity aided mammals’ survival over deep time Posted: 23 Apr 2012 03:41 PM PDT The first study of how mammals in North America adapted to climate change in "deep time" found that families with greater diversity were more stable and maintained larger ranges than less diverse families.

Leeches are DNA bloodhounds in the jungle Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:24 PM PDT A new and revolutionary, yet simple and cheap, method for tracking mammals in the rainforests of Southeast Asia has been developed. Biologists collect leeches from tropical jungles, which have been sucking blood from mammals, and subsequently analyze the blood for mammal DNA. By using this method, the researchers can get an overview of the biodiversity of the mammals without having to find them.

Mechanism that gives plants 'balance' discovered Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:24 PM PDT Researchers have figured out how plants are able to make the "decision" between growth and defense, a finding that could help them strike a balance -- keep safe from harm while continuing to grow.

Preventing dementia: Trajectory of cognitive decline can be altered in seniors at risk for dementia Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:24 PM PDT Cognitive decline is a pressing global health care issue. Worldwide, one case of dementia is detected every seven seconds. Mild cognitive impairment is a well recognized risk factor for dementia, and represents a critical window of opportunity for intervening and altering the trajectory of cognitive decline in seniors.

Timing Is Everything When Using Oxygen to Regenerate Bone Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:22 PM PDT The application of high levels of oxygen to a severed bone facilitates bone regrowth, a new study demonstrates. The results that may one day hold promise for injured soldiers, diabetics and other accident victims.

Acupuncture can improve skeletal muscle atrophy Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:22 PM PDT New research shows how acupuncture therapy mitigates skeletal muscle loss and holds promise for those seeking improved mobility through muscle rejuvenation.

Why drinking alcohol is linked to breast cancer Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:22 PM PDT Scientists say they have finally explained the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer.

Gut organisms could be clue in controlling obesity risk Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:22 PM PDT The international obesity epidemic is widespread, nondiscriminatory, and deadly. But do we really understand all of the factors underlying this alarming trend? Excessive calorie intake and plummeting levels of physical activity are largely to blame for our ever-expanding waistlines. But there are other factors. Intestinal microbiota, may play a far greater role in human health than previously imagined.

Clinical decline in Alzheimer’s requires plaque and proteins Posted: 23 Apr 2012 01:22 PM PDT The neuron-killing pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which begins before clinical symptoms appear, requires the presence of both amyloid-beta (a-beta) plaque deposits and elevated levels of an altered protein called p-tau.

That impulsive, moody preschooler may grow up to be a problem gambler Posted: 23 Apr 2012 12:31 PM PDT Give me the child at age three and I will give you the adult compulsive gambler. That is the striking finding of a new study published in Psychological Science. The study found that "people who were rated at age three as being more restless, inattentive, oppositional, and moody than other three-year-old children were twice as likely to grow up to have problems with gambling as adults three decades later."

Student engineers automate limb lengthening for kids Posted: 23 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT Students have invented a device they hope will make the process of correcting bone deformities safer and easier for children who currently have to manually turn a screw to lengthen their limb four times a day.

Scientists see solution to critical barrier to fusion Posted: 23 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT Physicists have discovered a possible solution to a mystery that has long baffled researchers working to harness fusion. If confirmed by experiment, the finding could help scientists eliminate a major impediment to the development of fusion as a clean and abundant source of energy for producing electric power.

Can video games promote healthier aging? Posted: 23 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT Video-game technology is proving to be a valuable tool for helping people of all ages improve lifestyle and health habits and manage disease. New research is showing that exergames have significant benefits for older adults by providing cognitive stimulation and a source of social interaction, exercise, and fun.

Astrobiologist proposes fleet of probes to seek life on Mars: Sensors would punch into soil, run range of tests Posted: 23 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT Astrobiologists are calling for a mission to Mars with "a strong and comprehensive life detection component." At the heart of their proposal is a small fleet of sensor packages that can punch into the Martian soil and run a range of tests for signs of ancient or existing life.

Immunosignaturing: An accurate, affordable and stable diagnostic Posted: 23 Apr 2012 11:30 AM PDT A new technique known as immunosignaturing harnesses the human immune system as an early warning sentry -- one acutely sensitive to changes in the body that may be harbingers of illness.

Smoking, but not nicotine, reduces risk for rare tumor, study suggests Posted: 23 Apr 2012 11:28 AM PDT New research confirms an association between smoking and a reduced risk for a rare benign tumor near the brain, but the addition of smokeless tobacco to the analysis suggests nicotine is not the protective substance.

Vitamin E in diet protects against many cancers, study suggests Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:20 AM PDT Scientists believe that two forms of vitamin E – gamma and delta-tocopherols – found in soybean, canola and corn oils as well as nuts do prevent colon, lung, breast and prostate cancers while the alpha tocopherols found in vitamin E supplements provide no such protection.

Fish larvae find the reef by orienting: The earlier the better Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:20 AM PDT For the first time, a numerical study incorporates horizontal larval fish navigation skills into realistic 3D flow fields, creating a powerful tool that spells out how larvae use environmental cues to find their way back to the reef after being out on the open ocean. This model can be used for a wide variety of marine species.

Genes that increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures discovered Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:20 AM PDT Researchers have identified the genetic variations that are believed to cause osteoporosis. The study shows among other interesting facts that women with a higher proportion of genetic variations associated with osteoporosis have a more than 50 percent increased fracture risk.

Robots fighting wars could be blamed for mistakes on the battlefield Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:18 AM PDT Humans apply a moderate amount of morality and other human characteristics to robots that are equipped with social capabilities and are capable of harming humans, new findings show.

Medical 'lightsabers': Laser scalpels get ultrafast, ultra-accurate, and ultra-compact makeover Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:18 AM PDT Researchers have developed a small, flexible endoscopic medical device fitted with a femtosecond laser "scalpel" that can remove diseased or damaged tissue while leaving healthy cells untouched.

Bartonella infection associated with rheumatoid illnesses in humans Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:18 AM PDT A bacterium historically associated with cat scratch fever and transmitted predominately by fleas may also play a role in human rheumatoid illnesses such as arthritis, according to new research.

Unique research on inner life of Google Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:18 AM PDT Google is one of the world's most innovative companies. A Swedish researcher has been seeking answers inside the company's headquarters Googleplex for nearly a year. No other researcher has ever had such access. The study is based on in-depth interviews with 28 employees. Among other things, they were asked to rank various possible explanations for Google's success in constantly developing new services that people want to use.

Birds cultivate decorative plants to attract mates Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:18 AM PDT Scientists have uncovered the first evidence of a non-human species cultivating plants for use other than as food. Instead, bowerbirds propagate fruits used as decorations in their sexual displays. The researchers discovered male bowerbirds had unusually high numbers of fruit-bearing plants growing around their bowers, and used these fruits in order to attract females.

Obstructive sleep apnea's damage evident after one month Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:17 AM PDT Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects some 1 in 5 US adults. A novel research model finds after just 30 days of OSA exposure, cerebral vessel function is altered, which could lead to stroke.

Protein prevents DNA damage in the developing brain and might serve as a tumor suppressor Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:15 AM PDT Scientists have rewritten the job description of the protein TopBP1 after demonstrating that it guards early brain cells from DNA damage. Such damage might foreshadow later problems, including cancer.

Making human textiles: Research team ups the ante with development of blood vessels woven from donor cells Posted: 23 Apr 2012 10:15 AM PDT A lot of people were skeptical when two young California-based researchers set out more than a decade ago to create a completely human-derived alternative to the synthetic blood vessels commonly used in dialysis patients. Since then, they've done that and more.

New yeast prion helps cells survive Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:50 AM PDT One of the greatest mysterious in cellular biology has been given a new twist. Researchers now show that prions, proteins that transmit heritable information without DNA or RNA, can contribute to drug resistance and cellular adaptation. Their discovery of a yeast prion with these properties demonstrates the active role of the prion conversion in cellular fitness adaptation, providing new insights into the potentially broader function of prions in living organisms.

Unusual protein helps regulate key cell communication pathway Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:49 AM PDT Charged atoms, or ions, move through tiny pores, or channels, embedded in cell membranes, generating the electrical signals that allow cells to communicate with one another. In new research, scientists have shown how an unusual protein plays a key role in temporarily blocking the movement of ions through these channels. Preventing ions from moving through the channel gives cells time to recharge so that they can continue firing.

Shingles vaccine is safe, according to new study Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:49 AM PDT The herpes zoster vaccine, also known as the shingles vaccine, is generally safe and well tolerated according to a Vaccine Safety Datalink study of 193,083 adults.

Olympic boxing may damage the brain Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:47 AM PDT Olympic boxers can exhibit changes in brain fluids after bouts, which indicates nerve cell damage. This is shown in a study of 30 top-level Swedish boxers.

Biometrics: Those tell-tale signs that say who you are Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:47 AM PDT Forget about fingerprints or iris recognition; the way you walk or move your hands, even your pulse, can be analyzed for unique characteristics. Researchers are now looking at ways this new technology could protect your security and make identity checking less obtrusive and more accurate.

Bioenergy production may reduce biological diversity, but ecological risks can be minimized Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:47 AM PDT For years experts have discussed the ecological impact of the extended cultivation of energy crops. Scientists have now developed a computer model that allows assessing the impacts and comparing the effectiveness of strategies for the reduction of risks for biological diversity. Conclusion: The extension of bioenergy leads to problems with biological diversity in agrarian regions.

Bacteria evolved way to safeguard crucial genetic material Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:45 AM PDT Just as banks store away only the most valuable possessions in the most secure safes, cells prioritize which genes they guard most closely, researchers have found. The study shows that bacteria have evolved a mechanism that protects important genes from random mutation, effectively reducing the risk of self-destruction. The findings answer a question that has been under debate for half a century and provide insights into how disease-causing mutations arise and pathogens evolve.

First fertile, then futile: Ammonites change in reproductive strategy helped them survive three mass extinctions Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:45 AM PDT Ammonites changed their reproductive strategy from initially few and large offspring to numerous and small hatchlings. Thanks to their many offspring, they survived three mass extinctions, a research team has discovered.

Compressed sensing allows imaging of live cell structures Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:40 AM PDT Researchers have advanced the ability to view a clear picture of a single cellular structure in motion. By identifying molecules using compressed sensing, this new method provides needed spatial resolution plus a faster temporal resolution.

Pain relief with PAP injections may last 100 times longer than a traditional acupuncture treatment Posted: 23 Apr 2012 07:37 AM PDT Researchers have exploited the molecular mechanism behind acupuncture resulted in six-day pain relief in animal models. They call this new therapeutic approach PAPupuncture.

New technique may help severely damaged nerves regrow and restore function Posted: 22 Apr 2012 08:24 PM PDT Engineers have developed a method of assisting nerves damaged by traumatic accidents to repair naturally, which could improve the chances of restoring sensation and movement in injured limbs.

Specific protein triggers changes in neurons in brain reward center linked to cocaine addiction Posted: 22 Apr 2012 10:50 AM PDT New research reveals that repeated exposure to cocaine decreases the activity of a protein necessary for normal functioning of the brain's reward system, thus enhancing the reward for cocaine use, which leads to addiction. Investigators were also able to block the ability of repeated cocaine exposure, to induce addiction.

Key protein responsible for controlling nerve cell protection discovered Posted: 22 Apr 2012 10:50 AM PDT A key protein, which may be activated to protect nerve cells from damage during heart failure or epileptic seizure, has been found to regulate the transfer of information between nerve cells in the brain. The discovery could lead to novel new therapies for stroke and epilepsy.

Climate change may create price volatility in the corn market Posted: 22 Apr 2012 10:49 AM PDT Corn, America's No. 1 crop, could see its prime growing region shift to the Canadian border or its price volatility increase sharply within 30 years. A new study points to climate change as the cause.

Controlling heat flow with atomic-level precision Posted: 22 Apr 2012 10:49 AM PDT Through a combination of atomic-scale materials design and ultrafast measurements, researchers have revealed new insights about how heat flows across an interface between two materials. The researchers demonstrated that a single layer of atoms can disrupt or enhance heat flow across an interface, a finding with implications for future technologies and for materials research.

Scientists link quickly spreading gene to Asian MRSA epidemic Posted: 22 Apr 2012 10:49 AM PDT Scientists have described a rapidly emerging Staphylococcus aureus gene, called sasX, which plays a pivotal role in establishing methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) epidemics in most of Asia. These findings illustrate at the molecular level how MRSA epidemics may emerge and spread. Moreover, their study identifies a potential target for novel therapeutics.

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