ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Above-normal weight alone does not necessarily increase short-term risk of death, U.S. data suggest
• Unsuccessful fertility drug users have reduced breast cancer risk, study suggests
• Keeping the flu away: Synthetic protein activates immune system within two hours
• Close-up of active galactic nucleus: First interferometric signals between Effelsberg telescope and orbital radio telescope Spektr-R
• Algae extract increases good cholesterol levels, research finds
• Patients trust doctors but consult the Internet
• An economical, effective and biocompatible gene therapy strategy promotes cardiac repair
• Zebrafish reveal promising process for healing spinal cord injury
• A surprise win or loss impacts taking future risks
• Zebrafish provide insights into causes and treatment of human diseases
• Physical education mandates not enough in most U.S. states, study finds
• Heat, rainfall affect pathogenic mosquito abundance in catch basins
• Microscope probe-sharpening technique improves resolution, durability
• Finding right meditation technique key to user satisfaction
• Loss of protein SPDEF allows prostate cancer cells to gain foothold at possible sites of metastasis
• World's fastest camera used to detect rogue cancer cells
• Possible treatment to reduce scarring discovered
• Epigenetic cause of osteoarthritis identified
• Can you hear me now? New strategy discovered to prevent hearing loss
• Scientists find molecule to starve lung cancer and improve ventilator recovery
• Aqueous iron interacts as strong as solid iron
• Arctic warming linked to combination of reduced sea ice and global atmospheric warming
• Why women watch the Olympics
• E-waste: Annual gold, silver 'deposits' in new high-tech goods worth $21B; less than 15% recovered
• Lung transplant recipient defies all odds: New approach to oxygenation helps patient live long enough for surgery
• Breakthrough malaria drug approved in India will take bite out of malaria, experts say
• Spaceflight may extend the lifespan of microscopic worm
• Increased growth responsible for color changes in coral reefs
• When anxiety won't go away
• What makes us musical animals
• How bacteria sense salt stress
• Stop and go: ‘Traffic officer’ protein directs crucial step in cell division
• First 'bottom-up' estimates of China's CO2 emissions
• Scientists discover new trigger for immense North Atlantic Ocean spring plankton bloom

Above-normal weight alone does not necessarily increase short-term risk of death, U.S. data suggest Posted: 06 Jul 2012 08:47 PM PDT An evaluation of national U.S. data has found that extra weight is not necessarily linked with a higher risk of death. When compared to those with normal weight, people who were overweight or obese had no increased risk of death during a follow-up period of six years. People who were severely obese did have a higher risk, but only if they also had diabetes or hypertension.

Unsuccessful fertility drug users have reduced breast cancer risk, study suggests Posted: 06 Jul 2012 08:47 PM PDT Women using fertility drugs who did not conceive a 10-plus week pregnancy were at a statistically significant reduced risk of breast cancer compared to nonusers; however, women using the drugs who conceived a 10-plus week pregnancy had a statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer compared to unsuccessfully treated women, but a comparable risk to nonusers, according to a new study.

Keeping the flu away: Synthetic protein activates immune system within two hours Posted: 06 Jul 2012 08:47 PM PDT Researchers may have found the secret to helping the immune system fight off the flu before it gets you sick. A new study finds that EP67, a powerful synthetic protein, is able to activate the innate immune system within just two hours of being administered.

Close-up of active galactic nucleus: First interferometric signals between Effelsberg telescope and orbital radio telescope Spektr-R Posted: 06 Jul 2012 05:12 PM PDT Researchers in Germany and Russia have obtained the first detection of interferometric signals between the Effelsberg 100-m telescope and the space-bound radio telescope satellite Spektr-R. The distance between the two radio telescopes is up to 350,000 kilometres -- which corresponds to a virtual telescope of this aperture and an angular resolution of about 40 micro arc seconds. Both telescopes were targeted at BL Lacertae, an Active Galactic Nucleus at a distance of approximately 900 million light years.

Algae extract increases good cholesterol levels, research finds Posted: 06 Jul 2012 04:49 PM PDT Researchers have found that an extract from algae could become a key to regulating cardiovascular disease. Scientists have found that dietary intake of ProAlgaZyme increased the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in an animal model.

Patients trust doctors but consult the Internet Posted: 06 Jul 2012 03:44 PM PDT Patients look up their illnesses online to become better informed and prepared to play an active role in their care -- not because they mistrust their doctors, a new study suggests. The study surveyed more than 500 people who were members of online support groups and had scheduled appointments with a physician.

An economical, effective and biocompatible gene therapy strategy promotes cardiac repair Posted: 06 Jul 2012 03:44 PM PDT Medical researchers have established a novel hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) nanoparticle based hypoxia regulated vascular endothelial growth factor gene therapy strategy which is an excellent substitute for the current expensive and uncontrollable VEGF gene delivery system. This discovery provides an economical, feasible and biocompatible gene therapy strategy for cardiac repair.

Zebrafish reveal promising process for healing spinal cord injury Posted: 06 Jul 2012 03:43 PM PDT Scientists are studying the mechanisms of spinal cord repair in zebrafish, which unlike humans and other mammals can regenerate their spinal cord following injury. Their findings suggest a family of molecules called fibroblast growth factors could be a therapeutic target for encouraging nerve regeneration.

A surprise win or loss impacts taking future risks Posted: 06 Jul 2012 03:43 PM PDT People appear to decrease their risk-taking levels after experiencing any surprising outcome – even positive ones.

Zebrafish provide insights into causes and treatment of human diseases Posted: 06 Jul 2012 03:43 PM PDT Zebrafish, popular as an aquarium fish, have an important place in research labs as a model organism for studying human diseases. They enable scientists to examine the basic biological mechanisms underlying human disorders and identify potential treatment approaches for an array of organ and systemic diseases.

Physical education mandates not enough in most U.S. states, study finds Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:55 PM PDT Children need quality physical education to combat obesity and lead healthy lives. Georgia elementary schools make the grade when it comes to providing that education, but middle and high schools in the state don't even come close, according to a new study.

Heat, rainfall affect pathogenic mosquito abundance in catch basins Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:55 PM PDT Rainfall and temperature affect the abundance of two mosquito species linked to West Nile Virus in storm catch basins in suburban Chicago, researchers report.

Microscope probe-sharpening technique improves resolution, durability Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:55 PM PDT A simple new improvement to an essential microscope component could greatly improve imaging for researchers who study the very small, from cells to computer chips. Researchers developed a technique to sharpen microscope probes, giving images much higher resolution, and a coating to make the probes durable.

Finding right meditation technique key to user satisfaction Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:55 PM PDT A new study highlights the importance of ensuring those new to meditation select the most comfortable, rather than the most popular, method. The results show the value of providing new practitioners simpler, more accessible methods while also emphasizing no one technique is best for everyone.

Loss of protein SPDEF allows prostate cancer cells to gain foothold at possible sites of metastasis Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:44 PM PDT Prostate cancer kills only by metastasis to other tissues. A new study shows likely mechanism required for this metastasis: cells' loss of protein SPDEF. The presence of SPDEF could be used to recognize prostate cancers that can't kill and so don't require treatment. Adding SPDEF back to cancer cells that have lost it may remove cells' ability to metastasize.

World's fastest camera used to detect rogue cancer cells Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:44 PM PDT Researchers report integrating the world's fastest camera with advanced microfluidics and real-time image processing to classify cells in blood samples. The new blood screening technology boasts a throughput of 100,000 cells per second which is approximately 100 times higher than conventional imaging-based blood analyzers. The technology performs real-time detection of extremely rare cells in a large sample of normal cells with high sensitivity and statistical accuracy in a short period of time.

Possible treatment to reduce scarring discovered Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:44 PM PDT Ugly scars can affect body and mind, and new research offers a new strategy to reduce or eliminate scars on the skin. Scientists describe how agents that block receptors for adenosine (a molecule generated from ATP which is used by the body to provide energy to muscles) can be applied topically to healing wounds to reduce scar size, yielding skin that feels more like the original, unscarred skin.

Epigenetic cause of osteoarthritis identified Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:43 PM PDT In breakthrough research, scientists discovered that osteoarthritis sufferers have a signature epigenetic change responsible for switching on and off a gene that produces a destructive enzyme. MMP13 contributes to the destruction of joint cartilage, making it and the epigenetic changes causing its increased levels, targets for drug development. This research also shows how epigenetic changes play a role in diseases outside of cancer.

Can you hear me now? New strategy discovered to prevent hearing loss Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:43 PM PDT Concerned about hearing loss because of noise exposure? New research may help. Scientists show that AMPK activates a channel protein in the cell membrane allowing potassium to leave the cell. This protects inner ear sensory cells from permanent damage following acoustic noise exposure. This may result in therapies to treat trauma resulting from extreme noise, especially in people with AMPK gene variants that may make them more vulnerable.

Scientists find molecule to starve lung cancer and improve ventilator recovery Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:43 PM PDT New research reveals a connection between sugar, cancer, and dependence on breathing machines -- microRNA-320a. Scientists show microRNA-320a as responsible for aiding glycolysis. Glycolysis, the process of converting sugar into energy, fuels some cancers and contributes to the wasting of unused muscles when people are using ventilators. Identifying ways to use microRNA-320a to starve tumors and keep unused muscles strong represents a therapeutic leap for numerous health conditions.

Aqueous iron interacts as strong as solid iron Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:42 PM PDT Scientists have applied a new method -- "inverse Partial Fluorescence Yield" (iPFY) on micro-jets -- which will enable them to probe the electronic structure of liquids free of sample damages. The experiments are performed in vacuum conditions at the LiXEdrom experimental chamber, where a fluid stream of micrometer diameter is moving freely through vacuum and is continuously irradiated with X-ray radiation.

Arctic warming linked to combination of reduced sea ice and global atmospheric warming Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:42 PM PDT The combination of melting sea ice and global atmospheric warming are contributing to the high rate of warming in the Arctic, where temperatures are increasing up to four times faster than the global average, a new study has shown.

Why women watch the Olympics Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:42 PM PDT Women prefer condensed sporting events like the Olympics to sports with longer seasons, and that in selecting which particular Olympic sport to watch, women often select events that are seen as traditionally "feminine," like gymnastics and figure skating, new research shows.

E-waste: Annual gold, silver 'deposits' in new high-tech goods worth $21B; less than 15% recovered Posted: 06 Jul 2012 01:41 PM PDT A staggering 320 tons of gold and more than 7,500 tons of silver are now used annually to make PCs, cell phones, tablet computers and other new electronic and electrical products worldwide, adding more than $21 billion in value each year to the rich fortunes in metals eventually available through "urban mining" of e-waste, experts say.

Lung transplant recipient defies all odds: New approach to oxygenation helps patient live long enough for surgery Posted: 06 Jul 2012 12:19 PM PDT Meara Schmidt, 28, almost died a few weeks ago. But a double lung transplant, a new approach to oxygenation, and her strong will to live pulled her through.

Breakthrough malaria drug approved in India will take bite out of malaria, experts say Posted: 06 Jul 2012 12:19 PM PDT The new drug, SynriamTM, is considered a breakthrough, as traditional drugs are proving increasingly ineffective against the deadly malarial parasite because of acquired resistance to available drugs. Taken as a tablet once a day for three days, it's more effective, cheaper, has fewer side effects and does not have to be taken with food.

Spaceflight may extend the lifespan of microscopic worm Posted: 06 Jul 2012 07:55 AM PDT The effect of spaceflight on a microscopic worm -- Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) -- could help it live longer. The discovery was made by scientists studying the loss of bone and muscle mass experienced by astronauts after extended flights in space.

Increased growth responsible for color changes in coral reefs Posted: 06 Jul 2012 07:54 AM PDT New insight has been provided into the basic immune response and repair mechanisms of corals to disease and changing environmental conditions. The study found that increased growth is the underlying physiological process associated with disease, wounding and stress-related color changes in reef-building corals.

When anxiety won't go away Posted: 06 Jul 2012 07:54 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a mechanism which stops the process of forgetting anxiety after a stress event. In experiments they showed that feelings of anxiety don't subside if too little dynorphin is released into the brain. The results can help open up new paths in the treatment of trauma patients.

What makes us musical animals Posted: 06 Jul 2012 07:54 AM PDT Researchers argue that at least two, seemingly trivial musical skills can be considered fundamental to the evolution of music: relative pitch – the skill to recognize a melody independent of its pitch level – and beat induction – the skill to pick up regularity (the beat) from a varying rhythm. Both are considered cognitive mechanisms that are essential to perceive, make and appreciate music, and, as such, could be argued to be conditional to the origin of music.

How bacteria sense salt stress Posted: 06 Jul 2012 07:54 AM PDT Scientists' finding is a major breakthrough in understanding a decades-old problem of how bacteria detect environmental changes.

Stop and go: ‘Traffic officer’ protein directs crucial step in cell division Posted: 06 Jul 2012 07:54 AM PDT A traffic officer standing at a busy intersection directing the flow of vehicles may be a rare sight these days, but a similar scene appears to still frequently play out in our cells. A protein called Lem4 directs a crucial step of cell division by preventing the progress of one molecule while waving another through, scientists have found.

First 'bottom-up' estimates of China's CO2 emissions Posted: 06 Jul 2012 07:54 AM PDT Atmospheric scientists have produced the first "bottom-up" estimates of China's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, for 2005 to 2009, and the first statistically rigorous estimates of the uncertainties surrounding China's CO2 emissions.

Scientists discover new trigger for immense North Atlantic Ocean spring plankton bloom Posted: 05 Jul 2012 04:41 PM PDT The blooming of countless microscopic plants, or phytoplankton begins every spring in the Atlantic Ocean.

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