ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Evolution of birds is result of a drastic change in how dinosaurs developed
• New properties of carbon material graphene discovered
• The special scent of age: Body odor gives away age
• Female choice key to evolutionary shift to modern family
• Potentially civilization-ending super-eruptions may have surprisingly short fuses
• Could sarcastic computers be in our future? New math model can help computers understand inference
• Marriage may make people happier
• Eat healthy -- your kids are watching
• Potential new HIV vaccine/therapy target
• Nanodevice manufacturing strategy using DNA 'Building blocks'
• Tiny genetic variations led to big changes in the evolving human brain
• Tomato genome gets fully sequenced -- paves way to healthier fruits, veggies
• Stellar archeology traces Milky Way's history
• Landslides linked to plate tectonics create the steepest mountain terrain
• Why Earth is not an ice ball: Possible explanation for faint young sun paradox
• First epigenome in Europe completed
• Despite less play, children's use of imagination increases over two decades
• New materials could slash energy costs for carbon dioxide capture
• Light-induced delivery of nitric oxide eradicates drug-resistant bacteria
• A trained palate: Understanding complexities of taste, smell could lead to improved diet
• To spread, nervous system viruses sabotage cell, hijack transportation
• Genetic variant increases risk of heart rhythm dysfunction, sudden death
• First prehistoric twins discovered in Iberian Peninsula
• Tomato genomes sequenced: Both domesticated type and wild ancestor
• More atomic hydrogen gas lurks in universe: There's more star-stuff out there, but it's not dark matter
• Genes predict if medication can help you quit smoking
• People know when to move from task to task
• BioChip may make diagnosis of leukemia and HIV faster, cheaper
• Got nectar? To hawkmoths, humidity is a cue
• Speeding up drug discovery with rapid 3-D mapping of proteins
• Freecycling has viral effect on community spirit and generosity
• Exercise and a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables extends life expectancy in women in their 70s
• Misuse of over-the-counter pain medication is potential health threat
• Arctic bacteria help in the search to find life on Jupiter's moon Europa
• Pollution deadening contruction: Nanoparticle coating interacts with sunlight to eliminate contaminants
• The environment and pharmaceuticals and personal care products: What are the big questions?
• Microreactors to produce explosive materials
• Ketamine improved bipolar depression within minutes, study suggests
• Cheaper catalysts with the finest gold dust in the world
• Hear to see: New method for the treatment of visual field defects
• Cellular computers? Scientists train cells to perform boolean functions
• New findings on astronaut vision loss
• NASA lunar spacecraft complete prime mission ahead of schedule
• Short movies stored in an atomic vapor

Evolution of birds is result of a drastic change in how dinosaurs developed Posted: 30 May 2012 06:21 PM PDT Researchers have found evidence that the evolution of birds is the result of a drastic change in how dinosaurs developed. Scientists have long understood that modern birds descended from dinosaurs. Rather than take years to reach sexual maturity, as many dinosaurs did, birds sped up the clock -- some species take as little as 12 weeks to mature -- allowing them to retain the physical characteristics of baby dinosaurs.

New properties of carbon material graphene discovered Posted: 30 May 2012 02:24 PM PDT Scientists have shown that graphene has two properties that could have applications in high-speed telecommunications devices and laser technology -- population inversion of electrons and broadband optical gain.

The special scent of age: Body odor gives away age Posted: 30 May 2012 02:24 PM PDT Humans can identify the age of other humans based on differences in body odor. Much of this ability is based on the capacity to identify odors of elderly individuals, and contrary to popular supposition, the so-called "old-person smell" is rated as less intense and less unpleasant than body odors of middle-aged and young individuals.

Female choice key to evolutionary shift to modern family Posted: 30 May 2012 02:20 PM PDT How females chose their mates played a critical role in human evolution by leading to monogamous relationships, which laid the foundation for the institution of the modern family.

Potentially civilization-ending super-eruptions may have surprisingly short fuses Posted: 30 May 2012 02:20 PM PDT Super-eruptions are potentially civilization-ending events and new research suggests that they may have surprisingly short fuses.

Could sarcastic computers be in our future? New math model can help computers understand inference Posted: 30 May 2012 12:23 PM PDT Researchers have created a mathematical model that helps predict pragmatic reasoning and may eventually lead to the manufacture of machines that can better understand inference, context and social rules.

Marriage may make people happier Posted: 30 May 2012 12:23 PM PDT Married people may be happier in the long run than those who aren't married, according to new research.

Eat healthy -- your kids are watching Posted: 30 May 2012 12:23 PM PDT If lower-income mothers want kids with healthy diets, it's best to adopt healthy eating habits themselves and encourage their children to eat good foods rather than use force, rewards or punishments, says a new study.

Potential new HIV vaccine/therapy target Posted: 30 May 2012 12:22 PM PDT A new discovery may shed light on the mystery of why some people infected with HIV are better able to control the virus, live longer and have fewer associated health problems than others who have been infected as long. It also provides a potential new target for developing therapies or vaccines.

Nanodevice manufacturing strategy using DNA 'Building blocks' Posted: 30 May 2012 12:22 PM PDT Researchers have developed a method for building complex nanostructures out of interlocking DNA "building blocks" that can be programmed to assemble themselves into precisely designed shapes. With further development, the technology could one day enable the creation of new nanoscale devices that deliver drugs directly to disease sites.

Tiny genetic variations led to big changes in the evolving human brain Posted: 30 May 2012 12:22 PM PDT Changes to just three genetic letters among billions led to evolution and development of the mammalian motor sensory network, and laid the groundwork for the defining characteristics of the human brain, researchers report.

Tomato genome gets fully sequenced -- paves way to healthier fruits, veggies Posted: 30 May 2012 12:21 PM PDT For the first time, the genome of the tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, has been decoded, and it becomes an important step toward improving yield, nutrition, disease resistance, taste and color of the tomato and other crops. The full genome sequence, as well as the sequence of a wild relative, is has just been completed.

Stellar archeology traces Milky Way's history Posted: 30 May 2012 12:20 PM PDT Unfortunately, stars don't have birth certificates. So, astronomers have a tough time figuring out their ages. Knowing a star's age is critical for understanding how our Milky Way galaxy built itself up over billions of years from smaller galaxies. But an astronomer has now found the next best thing to a star's birth certificate.

Landslides linked to plate tectonics create the steepest mountain terrain Posted: 30 May 2012 12:20 PM PDT New research shows some of the steepest mountain slopes in the world got that way because of the interplay between terrain uplift associated with plate tectonics and powerful streams cutting into hillsides, leading to large landslides.

Why Earth is not an ice ball: Possible explanation for faint young sun paradox Posted: 30 May 2012 12:20 PM PDT More than 2 billion years ago, a much fainter sun should have left the Earth as an orbiting ice ball. Why we avoided the deep freeze is a question that has puzzled scientists, but one astronomer might have an answer.

First epigenome in Europe completed Posted: 30 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT Scientists have now completed the first epigenome in Europe.

Despite less play, children's use of imagination increases over two decades Posted: 30 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT Children today may be busier than ever, but psychologists have found that their imagination hasn't suffered -- in fact, it appears to have increased.

New materials could slash energy costs for carbon dioxide capture Posted: 30 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT A detailed analysis of more than four million absorbent minerals has determined that new materials could help electricity producers slash as much as 30 percent of the "parasitic energy" costs associated with removing carbon dioxide from power plant emissions.

Light-induced delivery of nitric oxide eradicates drug-resistant bacteria Posted: 30 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT Researchers have developed a novel approach for eradicating drug-resistant bacteria from wounds and skin infections, using light to trigger the controlled release of nitric oxide. Medical researchers developed a photoactive compound that releases nitric oxide when exposed to light, and loaded it into a porous, biocompatible material that could be applied as a sprayable powder.

A trained palate: Understanding complexities of taste, smell could lead to improved diet Posted: 30 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT Researchers have made some fundamental discoveries about how people taste, smell and detect flavor, and why they love some foods much more than others. The findings could lead to the Holy Grail of nutrition -- helping people learn to really like vegetables.

To spread, nervous system viruses sabotage cell, hijack transportation Posted: 30 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT Researchers have found that herpes and other viruses that attack the nervous system may thrive by disrupting cell function in order to hijack a neuron's internal transportation network and spread to other cells.

Genetic variant increases risk of heart rhythm dysfunction, sudden death Posted: 30 May 2012 10:37 AM PDT Cardiovascular researchers have identified a genetic variant in a cardiac protein that can be linked to heart rhythm dysfunction.

First prehistoric twins discovered in Iberian Peninsula Posted: 30 May 2012 10:36 AM PDT Researchers in Spain have discovered the remains of newborn twin girls in the archaeological site of Olèrdola in Barcelona. They date back to between the middle of the 4th century B.C. to the beginning of the 2nd century B.C. The findings are the first bone remains of twins to be recorded in the Iberian Peninsula.

Tomato genomes sequenced: Both domesticated type and wild ancestor Posted: 30 May 2012 10:36 AM PDT The tomato genome sequence -- both the domesticated type and its wild ancestor, Solanum pimpinellifolium -- has been sequenced for the first time by a large international team of scientists. The sequences provide the most detailed look yet at the tomato genome, revealing the order, orientation, types and relative positions of its 35,000 genes. The sequences will help researchers uncover the relationships between tomato genes and traits and broaden their understanding of how genetics and environmental factors interact to determine a field crop's health and viability.

More atomic hydrogen gas lurks in universe: There's more star-stuff out there, but it's not dark matter Posted: 30 May 2012 08:58 AM PDT More atomic hydrogen gas -- the ultimate fuel for stars -- is lurking in today's universe than we thought, astronomers have found. This is the first accurate measurement of this gas in galaxies close to our own.

Genes predict if medication can help you quit smoking Posted: 30 May 2012 08:58 AM PDT A new study shows the same gene variations that make it difficult to stop smoking also increase the likelihood that heavy smokers will respond to nicotine-replacement therapy and drugs that thwart cravings. The finding suggests it may one day be possible to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from drug treatments for nicotine addiction.

People know when to move from task to task Posted: 30 May 2012 07:40 AM PDT People make decisions all the time and previous studies suggest that while we are good at making low-level perceptual choices, we're not so good when it comes decisions that require higher-level analysis. A new study provides evidence that people are better at decision-making than previously thought, showing that people are good at balancing the time they spend on various tasks, regardless of whether they are high-level or low-level tasks.

BioChip may make diagnosis of leukemia and HIV faster, cheaper Posted: 30 May 2012 07:40 AM PDT Inexpensive, portable devices that can rapidly screen cells for leukemia or HIV may soon be possible thanks to a chip that can produce three-dimensional focusing of a stream of cells, according to researchers.

Got nectar? To hawkmoths, humidity is a cue Posted: 30 May 2012 07:07 AM PDT Humidity emanating from a flower's nectar stores tells moths if the flower is worth a visit, entomologists have discovered. The study sheds light onto a previously unknown mechanism used by pollinating insects to assess nectar rewards in blooming plants.

Speeding up drug discovery with rapid 3-D mapping of proteins Posted: 30 May 2012 07:07 AM PDT A new method for rapidly solving the three-dimensional structures of a special group of proteins, known as integral membrane proteins, may speed drug discovery by providing scientists with precise targets for new therapies.

Freecycling has viral effect on community spirit and generosity Posted: 30 May 2012 07:07 AM PDT Reinforcing that the best things in life are free, a new study shows that online freebie-exchange communities such as "Freecycle" and "Couchsurfing" foster greater team spirit among their members than do cash-for-goods websites.

Exercise and a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables extends life expectancy in women in their 70s Posted: 30 May 2012 07:05 AM PDT Women in their seventies who exercise and eat healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables have a longer life expectancy, according to new research.

Misuse of over-the-counter pain medication is potential health threat Posted: 30 May 2012 07:04 AM PDT A significant number of adults are at risk of unintentionally overdosing on over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, according to a new study.

Arctic bacteria help in the search to find life on Jupiter's moon Europa Posted: 30 May 2012 07:04 AM PDT In a fjord in Canada, scientists have found a landscape similar to one of Jupiter's icy moons: Europa. It consists of a frozen and sulfurous environment, where sulfur associated with Arctic bacteria offer clues for the upcoming missions in the search for traces of life on Europa.

Pollution deadening contruction: Nanoparticle coating interacts with sunlight to eliminate contaminants Posted: 30 May 2012 07:04 AM PDT Researchers have developed a type of coating for construction materials. It is based on nanoparticles that interact with sunlight and trigger a chemical reaction that eliminates certain air pollutants. It is reckoned that the reduction in atmospheric pollution could be 90% of nitrogen oxides, 80% of hydrocarbons, and 75% of carbon monoxides emitted.

The environment and pharmaceuticals and personal care products: What are the big questions? Posted: 30 May 2012 07:02 AM PDT Researchers are developing a better understand the impacts of chemicals used in pharmaceuticals and in personal care products, such as cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, deodorants and toothpastes (PPCPs), on the natural environment.

Microreactors to produce explosive materials Posted: 30 May 2012 07:02 AM PDT The larger the reaction vessel, the quicker products can be made – or so you might think. Microreactors show just how wrong that assumption is: in fact, they can be used to produce explosive materials – nitroglycerine, for instance – around ten times faster than in conventional vessels, and much more safely as well.

Ketamine improved bipolar depression within minutes, study suggests Posted: 30 May 2012 07:02 AM PDT Bipolar disorder is a serious and debilitating condition where individuals experience severe swings in mood between mania and depression. The episodes of low or elevated mood can last days or months, and the risk of suicide is high.

Cheaper catalysts with the finest gold dust in the world Posted: 30 May 2012 07:02 AM PDT Scientists have found a method to locate single gold atoms on a surface. This should pave the way to better and cheaper catalysts.

Hear to see: New method for the treatment of visual field defects Posted: 30 May 2012 07:02 AM PDT Patients who are blind in one side of their visual field benefit from presentation of sounds on the affected side. After passively hearing sounds for an hour, their visual detection of light stimuli in the blind half of their visual field improved significantly. Neural pathways that simultaneously process information from different senses are responsible for this effect.

Cellular computers? Scientists train cells to perform boolean functions Posted: 30 May 2012 07:00 AM PDT Scientists have engineered cells that behave like AND and OR Boolean logic gates, producing an output based on one or more unique inputs. This feat could eventually help researchers create computers that use cells as tiny circuits.

New findings on astronaut vision loss Posted: 30 May 2012 06:31 AM PDT Could vision changes experienced by astronauts be linked to a vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency? While investigating the vision changes recently identified in astronauts, nutritional assessment data showed similarities to symptoms that occur with vitamin deficiencies, according to a new study.

NASA lunar spacecraft complete prime mission ahead of schedule Posted: 30 May 2012 06:28 AM PDT A NASA mission to study the moon from crust to core has completed its prime mission earlier than expected. The team of NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission, with twin probes named Ebb and Flow, is now preparing for extended science operations starting Aug. 30 and continuing through Dec. 3, 2012.

Short movies stored in an atomic vapor Posted: 29 May 2012 11:44 AM PDT A two-frame "movie" has been stored for the first time in a vapor of room-temperature rubidium atoms.

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