dieseltaylor Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I find this a very interesting aggregator of science stories, so to give you the flavour and to save me cherry-picking! : Dear dieseltaylor, Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for April 5, 2011: Spotlight Stories Headlines - Chameleon's ballistic tongue inspires robotic manipulators - Research shows adult brains capable of rapid new growth - Genetically modified cows producing human breast milk - Falcon Heavy Rocket gets unveiled by SpaceX (Update) - Frozen comet had a watery past, scientists find - Capturing the fugitive... in art - Drink-Making Unit 2.0: A.K.A. how science helps get you drunk - Economics, physics are roadblocks for mass-scale algae biodiesel production, study finds - Research on early fur trade sheds new light on how tuberculosis persists in populations - Researchers use zebrafish to identify new gene linked to melanoma - Utah rock art provides glimpse of Hawaiian life - University of Southern California researcher spoofs Googles prank (w/ video) - Atom and its quantum mirror image - Call of the riled: Stress signal in cancer cells triggers similar response in other cells, aiding tumor growth - The 'molecular octopus': A little brother of 'Schroedinger's cat' Electronics news Da Vinci surgical robot makes a tiny paper airplane (PhysOrg.com) -- The da Vinci surgical robot may be best known for performing prostate, gynecological, and heart valve surgeries. But in its spare moments, as Dr. James Porter of the Swedish Medical Center in Seattle has recently demonstrated, the da Vinci robot can also make and fly paper airplanes. Other Sciences news Penn State ag economist says rising food prices not the farmers' fault Wholesale food prices rose last month by the most in 36 years, and experts can't say how high they'll ultimately go. As the effects appear everywhere from the supermarket to fast food restaurants, an economist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences said farmers probably won't be reaping much of the increase. Generation gaps in attitudes towards social networking,cyber safety revealed in study A new report on young people's use of social networking and cyber safety reveals that young people may be more aware and better able to manage online risks than their parents commonly think. Teenagers who feel like they don't fit in less likely to attend college, sociologist finds (PhysOrg.com) -- High school students who feel they do not fit in are less likely to attend college -- particularly girls who are gay or obese -- according to new research from The University of Texas at Austin. Early 1800s painting of Huntsville's Monte Sano Mountain rediscovered (PhysOrg.com) -- A 19th-century painting depicting a scene of early settlers on Huntsville’s Monte Sano Mountain was recently rediscovered and restored to its original brilliance and depth by representatives of The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences. Who wants to deliberate with politicians? More than some expected, study finds (PhysOrg.com) -- Conventional wisdom suggests that average citizens hate politics, loathe hyper-partisan gridlock, balk at voting even in presidential election years and are, incidentally, woefully ill-informed. Scissors, paste, sign language: Study to show deaf children's enculturation (PhysOrg.com) -- Learning to be a member of a culture is a primary developmental task for all young children. For most, it happens at home. But for deaf children around the world – more than 90 percent of them live with hearing parents and siblings – their assimilation into deaf culture, the world of sign, and their national culture is likely to begin in early-childhood programs. Greased palm psychology: Collectivism and bribery (PhysOrg.com) -- Bribery is condemned in most cultures; but it is more common in some countries than in others. Is poverty, political instability, or lax regulation to blame? A new study published in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, suggests a surprising contributor: Collectivism—a culture that downplays individual self-determination and stresses interdependence and shared responsibility. Germans top table of happiest tweets (PhysOrg.com) -- The country rated highest on the map which rated words and icons used to describe happiness on social network site Twitter. 32,000 years of special effects (PhysOrg.com) -- Werner Herzog’s new film, Cave of Forgotten Dreams, tells the story of the ancient creation and modern discovery of the stunning rock-art of the Chauvet cave in the Ardèche Valley, south-east France. Shot in 3-D, the documentary takes the audience deep inside the huge caverns to marvel at the vivid, almost cinematic depictions of animals that date back some 32,000 years. The apparent freshness of these ancient images, and the technical ability they demonstrate, is staggering. How leaders explain unpopular decisions: study When bad news needs to be shared, management scholars have shown that the response is influenced by how bad the news is, what is said, and who says it. New research by Terry Cobb, management associate professor in the Pamplin College of Business, focuses on what makes such communications effective or successful. Living dinosaurs: The evolutionary history of modern birds "Even the wide interval between birds and reptiles has been shown by the naturalist to be partially bridged over in the most unexpected manner, on the one hand, by the ostrich and extinct Archeopteryx, and on the other hand, by the Compsognathus, one of the Dinosaurians". - Charles Darwin, Origin of the Species, 1872. Science 101: Different teaching fosters better comprehension Introductory science courses – in biology, chemistry, math and physics – can be challenging for first-year college, CEGEP and university students. Science 101 courses can make or break a student's decision to venture into a scientific field or even pursue higher education. Historian says history of nuclear power needs to be addressed The long-standing conflicts over nuclear power and the risks of radiation exposure are nothing new – in fact, the debate over the damaged Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant in Japan are similar to arguments happening between scientists, governmental agencies and the public since 1945, according to an Oregon State University expert on the history of science. Cabbage gelder, cut throat of pigs, or man trap? Faced with filling in the 2011 census form plenty of people will be tempted to put frivolous answers into the boxes asking for details about their lives. 200 years ago, a Norfolk vicar had similar ideas. Non-traditional learning environments need clearer definitions, researchers say What is the difference between e-learning, online learning and distance learning? University of Missouri researchers have found that even educators can't agree on what different forms of learning environments entail and, without some common definitions, it is difficult to study the best methods and provide students with accurate previews of courses. Migratory birds, domestic poultry and avian influenza The persistence and recurrence of H5N1 avian influenza in endemic regions can largely be blamed on movement and infection by migratory birds. Trade in poultry, poultry products and caged birds, and movement of wild birds also account for H5N1 prevalence in these areas. Several recent outbreaks of avian influenza have suggested strong evidence of migratory birds playing a role in transmitting the virus over long distances. Researchers say instructors can reduce cheating by being clear A new University of Missouri study says that the reasons students give for cheating are rational, and that stricter punishments won't solve the problem. Instead, teachers should communicate clear standards and provide consistent enforcement to reduce instances of cheating. High seas may be responsible for Taiwan settlement (PhysOrg.com) -- University of Hawaii archaeologists, led by Barry Rolett, have published a journal in Quaternary Science Reviews focusing on the early settlements of Taiwan. It is their belief that rising sea waters in China led to the movement of settlements. Utah rock art provides glimpse of Hawaiian life Halfway up Salt Mountain in Utah, petroglyphs on a limestone rock bear witness to an obscure twist of history: a Hawaiian Mormon settlement that flourished briefly more than a century ago. Oldest case of clogged arteries in Egypt mummy: study (PhysOrg.com) -- The first known case of clogged arteries, or atherosclerosis, has been found in the mummy of an Egyptian princess, said a study presented Sunday at a major US cardiology conference. Nanotechnology news New technology could stamp out bacteria in persistent wounds (PhysOrg.com) -- Using an advanced form of a rubber stamp, researchers have developed a way to adhere an ultra-thin antibacterial coating to a wound. Nanoparticles improve solar collection efficiency Using minute graphite particles 1000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, mechanical engineers at Arizona State University hope to boost the efficiency -- and profitability -- of solar power plants. Nanopolymer shows promise for helping reduce cancer side effects (PhysOrg.com) -- A Purdue University biochemist has demonstrated a process using nanotechnology to better assess whether cancer drugs hit their targets, which may help reduce drug side effects. Physics news It's not over when it's over: Storing sounds in the inner ear Research shows that vibrations in the inner ear continue even after a sound has ended, perhaps serving as a kind of mechanical memory of recent sounds. In addition to contributing to the understanding of the complex process of sound perception, the results may shed light on other fascinating aspects of the auditory system, such as why some gaps between sounds are too brief to be perceived by the human ear. The study is published by Cell Press in the April 5th issue of Biophysical Journal. Physicists rotate beams of light Controlling the rotation of light – this amazing feat was accomplished at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna), by means of a ultra thin semiconductor. This can be used to create a transistor that works with light instead of electrical current. Force of acoustical waves tapped for metamaterials A very simple bench-top technique that uses the force of acoustical waves to create a variety of 3D structures will benefit the rapidly expanding field of metamaterials and their myriad applications -- including "invisibility cloaks." Atom and its quantum mirror image A team of physicists experimentally produces quantum-superpositions, simply using a mirror. The 'molecular octopus': A little brother of 'Schroedinger's cat' For the first time – as presented in Nature Communications - the quantum behaviour of molecules consisting of more than 400 atoms was demonstrated by quantum physicists based at the University of Vienna in collaboration with chemists from Basel and Delaware. Space & Earth news Work begins on Australia's best yet climate projections Australian scientists have begun the process of delivering the most detailed national climate change projections yet. WHOI-led team locates Air France wreckage A search team led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has located the wreckage of Air France Flight 447 some 3,900 meters, or nearly 2.5 miles, below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil’s northeastern coast. Nothing fishy about sardine kill Algal bloom specialist David Caron knows exactly what caused the death of 2.5 million sardines at King Harbor and is producing a paper on his research. The city of Redondo Beach gave him and his team a coin medallion for their guidance on the recent die-off. Renewal of a life and physical sciences research at NASA could facilitate longer, farther human space missions By elevating its life and physical sciences research program, NASA could achieve the biological understanding and technical breakthroughs needed to allow humans to be sent deeper into space, including to Mars, says a new National Research Council report. In addition, access to the space environment -- for example, on the International Space Station -- will open up further opportunities for groundbreaking research in the physical and life sciences. The report, one of a series of decadal surveys that the Research Council has completed for NASA and the first on interdisciplinary life and physical sciences for exploration missions, lays out a research agenda for the next decade that could bring about developments with substantial payoffs for human exploration of space. British food activist wins Norwegian environmental prize British food waste activist Tristram Stuart won Norway's Sophie Prize for environment and sustainable development Tuesday, the foundation behind the award said. US to share BP oil spill lessons at international forum The United States has invited energy officials from a dozen countries to a forum next week to share lessons learned from last year's devastating Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a US official said Tuesday. Cost effective manure management Recycling manure is an important practice, especially for large livestock producers. Manure can be used as fertilizer to aid in crop production, aiding livestock producers that grow their own feed crops. While manure does provide a rich nutrient source for crops, it also can contribute to nutrient leaching and runoff. This can contaminate the surrounding ecosystem and lead to eutrophication of waterways. The desire for farmers to be able to recycle manure in an environmentally safe manner while providing a sufficient supply of nutrients to their crops without reducing profit, is an ongoing struggle. Greenland becomes new promised land for oil firms Large, untapped oil and gas reserves have been attracting oil firms to Greenland, which hopes the resources will help speed up its independence, but there is unwanted attention from environmentalists. Nation's quake-warning system needs work, scientists say Americans have been lulled into a false sense of security that they are prepared for a devastating earthquake, according to a report issued Wednesday by the National Research Council. The wetter the better for daddy longlegs - and birds (PhysOrg.com) -- Keeping moorland soils wet could prove vital in conserving some of Britain's important upland breeding bird species – by protecting the humble daddy longlegs, according to new research. Rare alpine insect may disappear with glaciers Loss of glaciers and snowpack due to climate warming in alpine regions is putting pressure on a rare aquatic insect, the meltwater stonefly, according to a study recently released in Climatic Change Letters. Ozone layer faces record 40 pct loss over Arctic (AP) -- The protective ozone layer in the Arctic that keeps out the sun's most damaging rays - ultraviolet radiation - has thinned about 40 percent this winter, a record drop, the U.N. weather agency said Tuesday. Lithium in drinking water in Andean villages That the thyroid can be affected and that the kidneys in rare cases can be damaged are known side-effects of medication with lithium. Female patients who become pregnant are also advised against taking medicine containing lithium, as the substance can affect the foetus. New fresh water in Arctic could shift Gulf Stream (AP) -- Scientists are monitoring a massive pool of fresh water in the Arctic Ocean that could spill into the Atlantic and potentially alter the key ocean currents that give Western Europe its moderate climate. SeaWiFS: The end of a remarkable mission Mary Cleave left the NASA astronaut corps in the early 1990s to make a rare jump from human spaceflight to Earth science. She was going to work on an upcoming mission to measure gradations in ocean color – something she had actually seen from low-Earth orbit with her own eyes. From space, differing densities of phytoplankton and algae and floating bits of plant life reveal themselves as so many blues and greens. For Cleave, a former environmental engineer, the attraction was simple. Record loss of ozone over Arctic ESA’s Envisat satellite has measured record low levels of ozone over the Euro-Atlantic sector of the northern hemisphere during March. Explaining the mystery of the missing sunspots Sunspots have been observed for about four centuries, since they were first reported by Galileo. Appearing in roughly eleven-year cycles of activity, sunspots are regions of strong and complex magnetic fields which are also home to large releases of energy and furious solar storms. These storms modulate winds of energetic charged particles that cause significant disruption to communications and power grids when they reach the Earth. NASA's Spitzer discovers time-delayed jets around young star (PhysOrg.com) -- Astronomers have discovered that two symmetrical jets shooting away from opposite sides of a blossoming star are experiencing a time delay: knots of gas and dust from one jet blast off four-and-a-half years later than identical knots from the other jet. Space junk safely passes space station; crew OK (Update 2) (AP) -- After monitoring a small piece of space junk for 11 hours, NASA determined it posed no danger Tuesday to the International Space Station and its three residents. World's reef fishes tussling with human overpopulation In an unprecedented collaborative analysis published in the journal PLoS Biology, scientists from 49 nations demonstrated that the ability of reef fish systems to produce goods and services to humanity increases rapidly with the number of species. However, growing human populations hamper the ability of reefs to function normally, and counterintuitively, the most diverse reef fish systems suffer the greatest impairments from stressors triggered by human populations. The study documented that the extent of this distress is widespread and likely to worsen because 75% of the world's reefs are near human settlements and because around 82% of the tropical countries with coral reefs could double their human populations within the next 50 to 100 years. Falcon Heavy Rocket gets unveiled by SpaceX (Update) (PhysOrg.com) -- Private spaceflight company, SpaceX, unveiled their massive 22 story big Falcon Heavy rocket capable of carrying a cargo capacity of 117,000 pounds. The 27-enginge Falcon Heavy is aimed to carry large commercial and government payloads into Earth orbit. Frozen comet had a watery past, scientists find For the first time, scientists have found convincing evidence for the presence of liquid water in a comet, shattering the current paradigm that comets never get warm enough to melt the ice that makes up the bulk of their material. Technology news Reading letters over the net before they arrive Siemens’ Trust-Ebox system automates electronic dispatching of letters to such a degree that postal service companies will be able to provide their customers with digital letters at competitive costs. In addition to returning from vacation to find their mailboxes often filled to overflowing, people also become annoyed by unwanted advertising in their mail. And mail carriers may have to cover long distances to deliver a single letter if the recipient lives at a remote location, which raises the cost of transporting the letter. These problems can be solved by turning the letters into electronic post that customers can access online. Sandia researchers merge gaming, simulation tools to create models for border security With funding from the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP), researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a high-fidelity simulation and analysis program that aids policy and decision-makers tasked with making key procurements and funding choices. Nasdaq OMX to rebalance index; Apple weighting cut (AP) -- Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. on Tuesday announced a rebalancing of the Nasdaq-100 Index next month that will significantly reduce Apple Inc.'s weighting in the index. Testing smart energy systems A smartphone is all it takes to turn the heating on or off at home. This might sound like science fiction to the average user, but it is not unusual for the scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg. Icahn, Dish, debtholders vie for Blockbuster (AP) -- Billionaire investor Carl Icahn, Dish Network and a group of debtholders are the three remaining bidders for movie-rental chain Blockbuster in an auction Tuesday at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. NXP technology aids 'no sponge left behind' in surgical procedures NXP Semiconductors, the RFID leader for multi-applications, announced that ClearCount Medical Solutions has selected NXP RFID solutions to enable its SmartSponge System. The SmartSponge System can easily and accurately detect and account for surgical sponges placed in a patient’s body when undergoing surgery, so that no items are “left behind,” thus improving patient safety. Fast charging station for electric vehicles Siemens has launched a new electric-vehicle charging station on the market that can fully recharge a battery within one hour. By doubling the output to 22 kilowatts, the charging station cuts charging times in half. The station is also protected against vandalism, thanks to a doubly secured charging cable and the option of connecting the device to a remote surveillance system so that it can be used as part of a smart grid. San Francisco vote set for Twitter tax break (AP) -- City lawmakers are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a tax break to keep Twitter from fleeing San Francisco as part of an incentive package to revive a blighted neighborhood. Spammers target Facebook Interested in a free iPad like the one your Facebook friend got by filling out a survey? Businesses fall prey to cyberthieves' cunning Among the growing ranks of consumers, business owners and others being lured by the convenience of online banking are legions of cybercrooks who have found the technology a convenient way to steal from unsuspecting victims. Google product chief leaves as Page takes helm Larry Page's first day as Google chief executive on Monday was marked with the resignation of the executive in charge of search, Android and other major products at the Internet powerhouse. Hollywood studios sue online film service Zediva Hollywood studios went to court to derail a startup that sidesteps paying film licensing fees by streaming movies online from "rented" DVD players. Anonymous vows payback for case against PS3 hacker Internet vigilante group Anonymous has vowed retribution against Sony for taking legal action against hackers that cracked PlayStation 3 (PS3) defenses to change console operating software. 'Skype school' brings knowledge to Indian village The electricity keeps cutting out, the Internet connection is crackly and the speakers don't always work, but Santosh Kumar knows that 20 pupils far away in eastern India are relying on him. US lawmakers eye plan to compete with Asia on robotics US senators unveiled an initiative Monday to try to narrow the US gap with Asian nations more advanced in robotics, proposing exposing American high school students to a curriculum heavier on technology and science. Startup serves up bargains to online shoppers As startups rush to offer smartphone users coupons for discounts at nearby shops, Dealpulp.com is out to woo the bargain hunter inside online shoppers across the United States. US lawmakers to push for online piracy bill Democratic and Republican members of the US Congress pledged Monday to pass legislation that would give US authorities more tools to crack down on websites engaged in piracy of movies, television shows and music and the sale of counterfeit goods. Social-media tools used to target corporate secrets Not long after airstrikes began in Libya earlier this month, certain attorneys at four U.S. law firms, known for having high-profile clients in the oil industry, each received a personally addressed e-mail message. Hackers hunt prey on smartphones, Facebook Hackers are following prey onto smartphones and social networking hotspots, according to reports released Tuesday by a pair of computer security firms. Google, Facebook take France to court over privacy Internet heavyweights including Google and Facebook are to file a complaint with France's highest judicial body against a decree obliging them to keep web users' personal data for a year. Defective plastics repair themselves Indestructible things are a figment of the imagination of advertising. Even plastic components that have to stand up to major mechanical loads can break. The reason for this are microcracks that may be found in any component part. Researchers have now come up with elastic polymers that heal themselves to put an end to the growth of cracks. Inexpensive new instruments test building sealants under real-world conditions Sealants, like weather stripping, are what separates the inside from the outside of a building, byproviding a barrier that prevents water from seeping in, for example, or heat from leaking out. The challenge, says research chemist Christopher White of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is predicting when they will fail. Satyam to pay $10 million to settle SEC charges Satyam Computer Services has agreed to pay $10 million to settle US charges that former top managers inflated the Indian company's revenue, the US Securities and Exchange Commission said Tuesday. US judge tosses $625 million award against Apple A US District Court judge in Texas has tossed out a $625.5 million damages award against Apple in a patent infringement case involving a document management and display system. Obama to answer questions at Facebook HQ US President Barack Obama will answer questions submitted via Facebook during an appearance at the social network's California headquarters later this month, the White House said Tuesday. Targeted nature of email breach worries experts Think twice next time you get an email from Chase or Citi asking you to log in to your credit card account. The bank may not have sent it. Drink-Making Unit 2.0: A.K.A. how science helps get you drunk (PhysOrg.com) -- When a company names itself Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories, you have to appreciate their sense of whimsy and humor. When they build you machines that make you a drink and entertain you at the same time, well then all you can do is raise a glass to their health. University of Southern California researcher spoofs Googles prank (w/ video) (PhysOrg.com) -- You may remember that just a few days ago, the folks over at Google decided to play a little prank on the world. For April Fools Day they created a spoof video about a supposed new feature, Gmail Motion. If you didn't get to see the prank first hand, you can take a look at Physorg's coverage of the joke. Chameleon's ballistic tongue inspires robotic manipulators (PhysOrg.com) -- Although the lungless salamander and some frog species have developed ballistic tongues, the chameleon's ballistic tongue is the fastest, the longest, and the one that can catch the heaviest prey. A chameleon’s tongue can elongate more than six times its rest length, zipping forward at speeds of 3.5-10.5 meters/second – faster than a human eye can follow. The tongue is called ballistic because, like all ballistic objects, it moves freely without any applied force during its forward motion. Once the chameleon's accordion-like tongue is ejected, it continues moving forward under its own inertia. Medicine & Health news Emergency department CT exams of children have increased substantially Computed tomography examinations of children in hospital emergency departments increased substantially from 1995 to 2008, according to a new study published online and in the June print edition of Radiology. Researchers said the findings underscore the need for collaboration among medical professionals to ensure that pediatric CT is appropriately ordered, performed and interpreted. Pedestrians injured by the windshield frame in car crashes Pedestrian disability and fatality as a consequence of car crashes is a large global health problem. A new doctoral thesis from Karolinska Institutet now shows that upper-body collision with the car's lower windscreen is a common cause of severe injuries and deaths in adults, especially in those accidents where the head is struck. Children injured by cars are mostly hit by the hood. Promising new depression treatment (PhysOrg.com) -- A new, non-invasive treatment for depression that delivers barely perceptible electric currents to the scalp has had promising results in a Sydney trial, and researchers are now looking for participants for a follow up study. Adding stem cells to common bypass surgery may reduce heart failure In a new research study under way at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, surgeons are adding a patient’s own stem cells to the heart during cardiac bypass surgery. The goal of this research study is to determine whether the stem cell infusion will generate new blood vessels and improve heart function more than what is seen through bypass surgery alone. Groundbreaking Braille survey a world first A Braille questionnaire developed by Monash PhD student Danielle Ramirez from the Tourism Research Unit and distributed at a conference for people with a visual impairment is a world first. Cutting-edge robotics to treat cardiac arrhythmias Cardiac experts who fix arrhythmias, which are electrical problems of the heart, must perform complex catheter procedures while the heart is still beating in order to pinpoint where an electrical malfunction is taking place. Now, electrophysiologists at Rush University Medical Center are using a new robotic system that allows them to treat abnormal heart rhythms with greater precision. Large weight gain raises risk for recurrence among breast cancer survivors Breast cancer survivors who experience large weight gain have an increased risk of death after diagnosis, according to research scientists at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. Heart surgery wait times down in Alberta and BC New data from the University of Calgary's Faculty of Medicine shows that wait times for a number of heart surgeries have gone down close to 50 per cent in Alberta and British Columbia. Study shows that modern surgery for scoliosis has good long-term outcomes Teenagers who undergo spine fusion for scoliosis using the newest surgical techniques can expect to be doing well 10 years after surgery, according to a Hospital for Special Surgery study published online ahead of print in the [TK issue] of the journal Spine. Researchers had thought that the surgery would cause damage to the spine just below the fused discs, but the study showed that this was not the case. Diabetes treatment may also provide protection against endometrial cancer Research led by Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick has found that Metformin, a drug treatment used to treat diabetes and also in women with Polycystic vary syndrome (PCOS), may potentially provide protection against endometrial cancer. British scouts vow to 'be prepared' with sex ed classes British scouts are giving their age-old motto "be prepared" a new twist with the launch Tuesday of sex education classes in a bid to tackle the country's high rates of sexually transmitted diseases. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation as good as traditional surgery for high risk, operable patients Just released data from a clinical trial shows continued promise for a new minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis. New research presented at the 2011 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions from the first arm, Cohort A, of the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) Trial shows that transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is as good as traditional open heart surgery for high-risk, but operable patients. The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) is a participating site for the trial. The heartfelt truth about sudden death in young athletes The sudden death of a young athlete always prompts full media attention, most recently spurring a call for preventative screening methods, including costly electrocardiogram (EKG) tests for all school-age athletes. But a new study by Dr. Sami Viskin of Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine found that these screening measures, which are now mandatory in Israel and other countries, does not reduce the incidence of sudden death syndrome. Study sheds light on end of life management of implanted defibrillators Each year, more than 100,000 patients in the U.S. undergo implantation of a new implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for heart rhythm abnormalities. This number constitutes a 20-fold increase over the last 15 years. Current medical guidelines advocate discussion of end of life care of these medical devices, including deactivation, but many patients may not understand their options. Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine say that discussions should also address post-mortem donation of ICDs for product improvement or reuse overseas as pacemakers, to help reduce global health disparities. Soy isoflavones not a risk for breast cancer survivors Soy food consumption did not increase the risk of cancer recurrence or death among survivors of breast cancer, according to the results of a study presented at the AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011, held April 2-6. New database to help track quality of medicines in global markets In the growing global battle against substandard and counterfeit medicines, the Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) program has launched a new, public database of medicines collected and analyzed in collaboration with stakeholders from countries in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. Free of charge and available to anyone with access to the internet, the Medicines Quality Database (MQDB) includes information on the quality of medicines collected from a variety of sources. To date, more than 8700 records of tested samples collected from Ghana, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, Peru, Guyana and Colombia have been entered into the database. EU to adopt Japan's tighter thresholds for radiation in food Europe will lower the levels of radioactivity allowed in food to match already stricter ceilings set by Japan, European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso said Tuesday. Conquering jet lag syndrome Jet lag poses a problem for athletes flying to international competitions. Sunao Uchida summarises the lessons learned in trying to reduce the negative impact of jet lag on athletes - lessons that are relevant to all air travellers. Risk of death from opioid overdose related to higher prescription dose In an analysis of opioid prescription patterns and deaths, receiving higher prescribed doses is associated with an increased risk of opioid overdose death, but receiving both as-needed and regularly scheduled doses is not associated with overdose risk, according to a study in the April 6 issue of JAMA. Death rates after hospitalization down for oldest heart failure patients Death rates after hospitalization for heart failure have dropped for veterans age 80 and older, but rehospitalizations remain frequent, according to a study in the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Heart Failure. Comprehensive approach can improve clinical care of Kenyan children A multifaceted approach that addressed deficiencies in clinical knowledge, skills, motivation, resources, and the organization of care was associated with improvements in practice for high mortality conditions in young children in rural Kenya compared with less comprehensive approaches. Effects of pneumococcal vaccination program on pneumococcal carriage and invasive disease Using a cross-sectional study, Stefan Flasche and colleagues investigated the effects of the UK pneumococcal vaccination program on serotype-specific carriage and invasive pneumococcal disease. Doctors debate merit of bypass in heart patients Doctors debated the merits of bypass surgery to solve heart problems during a major cardiology conference on Monday, as studies suggested angioplasty and medication could be safe alternatives. Pneumonia death rate lower among people who take statins Taking statins could help prevent people dying from pneumonia, according to a study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Denture adhesives can cause zinc overdose, study says The simple act of trying to keep dentures in place can trigger serious health problems, including neurological damage, a new study by University of Maryland researchers warns. Working long hours 'raises heart attack risk' (PhysOrg.com) -- Working more than 11 hours a day increases your risk of heart disease by 67 per cent, compared with those working a standard 7-8 hours a day, according to a new University College London study. New stem cell research (PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists from King's College London have uncovered the first genetic evidence that shows cells found on the surface of blood vessels can act as stem cells to assist in both organ growth and tissue repair. Rising rates of tubal pregnancies cause concern Ectopic – or tubal – pregnancies can be dangerous for mothers, leading to rupture of the fallopian tube and possible hemorrhage, and they appear to be on the rise, according to a new study. Scientists report interplay between cancer and aging in mice Cancer risk increases with age, and scientists have long perceived a possible evolutionary tradeoff between longer lifespan and greater risk of cancer. Now, researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center find direct evidence for that tradeoff in new data showing that expression of a key tumor suppressor protein induces premature aging in mice. Starting periods before the age of 10 increases risk of lung complaints in future Women who suffer from asthma or poor lung function as adults generally started their periods at the age of 10 or before. This is the conclusion of a European research study with Spanish participation, which shows that this trend is more common in southern Europe, and particularly affects women from large families. Researchers develop a screen for identifying new anticancer drug targets Tumor suppressor genes normally control the growth of cells, but cancer can spring up when these genes are silenced by certain chemical reactions that modify chromosomes. Among the most common culprits responsible for inactivating these genes are histone deacetylases, a class of enzymes that remove acetyl groups from DNA-scaffolding proteins, and DNA methyltransferases, a family of enzymes that add methyl groups to DNA. Genomic signature in post-menopausal women may explain why pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk Women who have children, particularly early in life, have a lower lifetime risk of breast cancer compared with women who do not. Now, Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers have identified a gene expression pattern in breast tissue that differs between post-menopausal women who had children and post-menopausal women who did not. The results will help scientists understand why pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk and may help them develop chemopreventive strategies that can provide similar protection for women who did not have children. Soldiers who avoid distressing images more at risk for PTSD (PhysOrg.com) -- When presented with images of faces depicting various emotional states, people who look briefly at fearful expressions are more vulnerable to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than those who look at the images longer, a finding of particular concern for U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, University of Texas at Austin researchers say. Scientists develop new technology for stroke rehabilitation Devices which could be used to rehabilitate the arms and hands of people who have experienced a stroke have been developed by researchers at the University of Southampton. Hookah use widespread among college students Despite a growing number of cities instituting smoking bans across the country, hookah bars are cropping up everywhere – from chic downtown cafes to locations near college campuses, where they've found a loyal customer base in young adults. Cellular feast or famine Not all cholesterol is bad. Every cell requires it for growth – they either have to get cholesterol somewhere or they die. In a new study published April 6 in the journal Cell Metabolism, researchers from Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) and their collaborators found that a protein sensor known to balance cholesterol sources can also access a previously underappreciated cellular fat storage depot. Fewer multiple births in states with insurance coverage for infertility Faced with the prospect of costly in vitro fertilization (IVF) but with no help from insurance coverage, some infertile couples feel pressure to transfer multiple embryos in an attempt to ensure that the IVF is a success. This can lead to higher rates of twin and triplet births and prematurity. But having insurance coverage could curtail the costs associated with these multiple births, according to a new study by researchers at Yale School of Medicine. Huntington's disease protein has broader effects on brain, study shows In Huntington's disease, the mutant protein known as huntingtin leads to the degeneration of a part of the brain known as the basal ganglia, causing the motor disturbances that represent one of the most defining features of the fatal disease. But a new study reported in the April issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press publication, shows that the mutant protein also is responsible for metabolic imbalances in the hypothalamus, a brain region that plays an important role in appetite control. Getting to the root of fatty liver disease Researchers have identified a molecular switch that appears to be a common feature in the development of fatty liver disease. The discovery made in mice is consistent with data from human patients, suggesting that it may provide an underlying explanation for the development of fatty liver in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Researchers identify the metabolic signaling pathway responsible for dyslipidemia Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), including Yu Li, PhD, and other colleagues, have demonstrated that a nutrient sensing pathway is involved in the disruption of cellular lipid homeostasis in obese and insulin resistant mice fed a diet high in fat and sucrose. This nutrient sensing pathway, which is described in the current on-line issue of Cell Metabolism, may also have implications for the health benefits of polyphenols containing foods against fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Researchers put potent staph killer to the test, hope for new drug treatment (PhysOrg.com) -- Standard antibiotics, and even those reserved for the most defiant infections, are fighting an uphill battle against the evolutionary ingenuity of bacterial defenses. Staphylococci, and especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a particular scourge in hospitals, and is increasingly infecting people outside of health care settings. But a promising new MRSA killer — a genetically engineered enzyme first created at Rockefeller — is now being tested in human skin cells and will soon advance to trials in a new animal model, the minipig. The enzyme has been recently been shown to target and kill MRSA in mice with greater efficiency than the only approved topical treatment for such infections, a drug called mupirocin. Researchers say the work is steadily advancing through stages that could lead to the development of a frontline drug to fight MRSA, which costs hospitals billions of dollars a year. Vitamin A derivative can inhibit early forms of breast cancer A nutrient found in carrots and sweet potatoes may prove key to fighting breast cancer at early stages, according to a new study by researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Sandra Fernandez, PhD, an assistant research professor at Fox Chase, will present the findings at the AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011 on Tuesday, April 5. Protein found to be the link missing between HPV infection and cervical cancer development Most women are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer - yet few develop the cancer. Now researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of Georgetown University Medical Center, believe they have found the missing link explaining why: activation of the beta-catenin oncogene. Modern targeted drug plus old malaria pill serve a 1-2 punch in advanced cancer patients Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine may have found a way to turn an adaptive cellular response into a liability for cancer cells. When normal cells are starved for food, they chew up existing proteins and membranes to stay alive. Cancer cells have corrupted that process, called autophagy, using it to survive when they run out of nutrients and to evade death after damage from chemotherapy and other sources. When the Penn investigators treated a group of patients with several different types of advanced cancers with temsirolimus, a molecularly targeted cancer drug that blocks nutrient uptake, plus hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug that inhibits autophagy, they saw that tumors stopped growing in two-thirds of the patients. How materialistic advertising messages negatively shape the female body image Psychological research has consistently shown that women feel unhappy with their body after looking at images of thin, idealized models, which are typically represented in the media. However, today's consumer culture and media promote not only the ideal of perfect beauty, but also that of the material affluent lifestyle, both of which are commonly depicted together, and highlight the benefits of beauty and of owning material goods to one's personal success and fame. A new study from the British Journal of Social Psychology is the first to examine the impact of materialistic messages and values - the desire for financial success and an affluent lifestyle on women's feelings about their own body. Pregnant women at risk of Vitamin D deficiency (PhysOrg.com) -- Pregnant women with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to develop gestational diabetes, and, their babies are more prone to bone weakness, according to a study and editorial published in the latest issue of the Medical Journal of Australia. Adipose cells and breast cancer -- a dangerous combination Apart from its direct effect on health (such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes), obesity is increasingly suspected of playing a role in the prognosis of breast cancer and, in particular, its propensity to spread. However, no direct cause and effect relationship had been demonstrated until now. This breakthrough has finally been made through the collaborative work of two teams of researchers from Inserm, CNRS and the Université Paul Sabatier (France). Their research has made it possible to highlight, both in vitro and in vivo, the presence of adipose cells (known as adipocytes) near breast tumors. These adipocytes have specific biological characteristics. When associated with tumors, they are capable of modifying the characteristics of cancerous cells, making them more aggressive. The results of this work are published in Cancer Research of 1st April 2011. Exercising to government standards could lower your death risk Following federal government recommendations on exercise might lead to a longer life for all adults, according to a new study nearly 250,000 Americans. Device drops blood pressure in patients with difficult-to-treat hypertension A device designed to treat people with resistant hypertension helped lower blood pressure by 33 points, a substantial drop that would otherwise require patients to take an additional three or four drugs, on top of this subgroup's usual regimen of up to five drugs, to control their difficult-to-treat condition. Happiness, comparatively speaking: How we think about life's rewards You win some, you lose some. You get the perfect job—the one your heart is set on. Or you get snubbed. You win the girl (or guy) of your dreams—or you strike out. Such are life's ups and downs. Study finds link between chronic depression and accelerated immune cell aging Certain cases of major depression are associated with premature aging of immune cells, which may make people more susceptible to other serious illness, according to findings from a new UCSF-led study. Opioids now most prescribed class of medications Two reports by addiction researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the National Institute on Drug Abuse show a drastic shift in prescribing patterns impacting the magnitude of opioid substance abuse in America. The reports, published in JAMA, recommend a comprehensive effort to reduce public health risks while improving patient care, including better training for prescribers, pain management treatment assessment, personal responsibility and public education. Caution for estrogen therapy after hysterectomy An editorial in the April 6 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association cautions against estrogen-only hormone therapy in women who have had a hysterectomy because of longstanding evidence that it raises the risk of breast cancer. HIV-1 drug resistance mutations associated with increased risk of antiretroviral treatment failure An analysis of data from 10 studies indicates that the presence of low frequency (also called "minority") human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug resistance mutations, particularly those involving nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance, are significantly associated with an increased risk of first-line antiretroviral treatment failure, according to an article in the April 6 issue of JAMA. Blood biomarker associated with prevalence, severity of Alzheimer's, but not risk of development Higher levels in blood of the protein clusterin, also known as apolipoprotein J, are significantly associated with the prevalence and severity of Alzheimer's disease, but not with the risk of onset of new disease, according to a study in the April 6 issue of JAMA. US teen births decline: study The US teen birth rate fell to the lowest level on record in 2009 but remains one of the highest in developed countries, a report released Tuesday said. Elevated levels of sodium blunt response to stress, study shows All those salty snacks available at the local tavern might be doing more than increasing your thirst: They could also play a role in suppressing social anxiety. Research discovers how marijuana affects the way the brain processes emotional information Drugs like marijuana act on naturally occurring receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. However, the mechanisms by which these drugs produce their sensory and mood altering effects within the brain are largely unknown. Research led by Steven Laviolette at The University of Western Ontario has now identified a critical brain pathway responsible for the effects of cannabinoid drugs on how the brain processes emotional information. The findings, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, also help to explain the possible link between marijuana use and schizophrenia. Off-label marketing of medicines in the US is rife but difficult to control Despite Federal Drug Administration regulation of the approval and use of pharmaceutical products, "off-label" marketing of drugs (for purposes other than those for which the drug was approved) has occurred in all aspects of the US health care system. In a study published in this week's PLoS Medicine, Aaron S. Kesselheim from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA and colleagues report that the most common alleged off-label marketing practices also appear to be the most difficult to control through external regulatory approaches. They identified three main goals of alleged off-label marketing programs: expansion of drug use to unapproved diseases, expansion to unapproved disease subtypes, and expansion to unapproved drug dosing strategies, typically higher doses. Call of the riled: Stress signal in cancer cells triggers similar response in other cells, aiding tumor growth Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine say a "stress response" mechanism used by normal cells to cope with harsh or demanding conditions is exploited by cancer cells, which transmit the same stress signal to surrounding cells, triggering an inflammatory response in them that can aid tumor growth. Scientists discover a way to kill off tumors in cancer treatment breakthrough Scientists from the School of Pharmacy at Queen's University Belfast and Almac Discovery Ltd have developed a new treatment for cancer which rather than attacking tumours directly, prevents the growth of new blood vessels in tumours, starving them of oxygen and nutrients, thereby preventing their growth. Scientists build Parkinson's disease in a dish to study cells' death Until now, there have been no witnesses to the death of brain cells in people with Parkinson's disease. And like any murder mystery, this has slowed the search for the killer. Study finds genetic clues to major cause of kidney disease worldwide (PhysOrg.com) -- For the first time, researchers have found five regions in the human genome that increase susceptibility to immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, a major cause of kidney failure worldwide — systematically identifying those that point to a tendency for IgA nephropathy, or a protection against it. Searching the brain for social networks (PhysOrg.com) -- Why do some people tend to make inappropriate comments in social situations? Why do some people misread cues about how others feel about them? Research on early fur trade sheds new light on how tuberculosis persists in populations (PhysOrg.com) -- Caitlin Pepperell and her colleagues at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California have been studying how tuberculosis (TB), the deadly lung disease, is able to persist, or hide, in sparse populations for years, only to become rampant once the right conditions emerge. Researchers use zebrafish to identify new gene linked to melanoma Thanks to the zebrafish, there is new hope for people with melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer that is responsible for approximately 8,700 deaths each year in the United States. Demystifying meditation -- brain imaging illustrates how meditation reduces pain Meditation produces powerful pain-relieving effects in the brain, according to new research published in the April 6 edition of the Journal of Neuroscience. Research shows adult brains capable of rapid new growth (PhysOrg.com) -- In a paper published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, Veronica Kwok, Li-Hai Tan, and their colleagues at the University of Hong Kong, conclude that the adult human brain is capable of new rapid growth when exposed to stimuli similar to what babies experience as they are learning from their environment. Biology news Omega acids could reduce bone breakage in laying hens (PhysOrg.com) -- A study has found that adding the right combination of fatty acids to the diets of laying hens can significantly reduce bone breakage during lay. The research could provide a potentially significant route to maintaining food production whilst promoting animal welfare. Food safety study of beef 'trim' leads to ongoing research collaboration Burgers, meat loaf and other lean ground beef favorites may be made from "trim," the meat that's left over after steaks and roasts have been carved from a side of beef. A study conducted several years ago to ensure that imported beef trim is safe to eat has led to an ongoing collaboration between U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists who conducted the research and colleagues from Uruguay, which exports this in-demand beef. US eagle webcam becomes internet sensation Cameras installed high in a tree in the US state of Iowa have made an internet sensation of a family of bald eagles, whose nest is streamed online live day and night. Drought-exposed leaves adversely affect soil nutrients, study shows Chemical changes in tree leaves subjected to warmer, drier conditions that could result from climate change may reduce the availability of soil nutrients, according to a Purdue University study. Plastic for bees? Research shows it works Technological advances are reaping good results for our world, and groups that are benefitting most from innovation are people and ... bees. Researchers in Germany have developed a better way of rearing bee larvae in the laboratory. Their method, presented in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution, will help scientists shed light on why the bee population is declining. In fireflies, flightless females lose out on gifts from males Every parent with young children knows that couples need to work together to accomplish the myriad tasks waiting both at work and at home. But it may come as a surprise that fireflies also juggle their commitments to find a comfortable work-family balance. According to new research led by biologists at Tufts University's School of Arts and Sciences, wingless "stay-at-home" female fireflies get less support from their mates than females who are able to fly. Chimp, bonobo study sheds light on the social brain It's been a puzzle why our two closest living primate relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos, have widely different social traits, despite belonging to the same genus. Now, a comparative analysis of their brains shows neuroanatomical differences that may be responsible for these behaviors, from the aggression more typical of chimpanzees to the social tolerance of bonobos. Repulsion more important than cohesion in embryonic tissue separation Until now, adherence was thought to be the principle force responsible for the separation of the ectoderm from the mesoderm in embryonic cells. But by using high resolution imaging, researchers have now discovered that, although embryonic cells of different types will temporarily adhere when they touch, they then invariably pull apart rather violently, suggesting that direct contact between two "foreign" cells triggers a "repulsive signal." Economics, physics are roadblocks for mass-scale algae biodiesel production, study finds Companies looking to engineer an eco-friendly diesel fuel have more red lights in their path. According to Kansas State University researchers, making petroleum diesel completely green would not only bend the laws of physics, it would cost too much green. Study maps hotspots of genetic rearrangement Researchers have zoomed in on mouse chromosomes to map hotspots of genetic recombination — sites where DNA breaks and reforms to shuffle genes. The findings of the scientists at the National Institutes of Health and Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU) have the potential to improve the detection of genes linked to disease and to help understand the root causes of genetic abnormalities. The research, published online April 3 in Nature, moves scientists one step closer to understanding how mammals evolve and respond to their environments. History of flies takes flight (PhysOrg.com) -- A Simon Fraser University biologist’s fly research fill out a global tree of life map of all living organisms, even though he retired from SFU three years ago. Rejuvenating electron microscopy: Scientists modify plant protein to provide way to see previously unseen Modifying a protein from a plant much favored by science, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and colleagues have created a new type of genetic tag visible under an electron microscope, illuminating life in never-before-seen detail. Genetically modified cows producing human breast milk (PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers in China led by Ning Li, the director of the State Key Laboratories for AgroBiotechnology at the China Agricultural University, have created cow milk similar to human breast milk which could one day replace the need for baby formula. Chemistry news Nature helps to solve a sticky problem The arrays of fine adhesive hairs or 'setae' on the foot pads of many insects, lizards and spiders give them the ability to climb almost any natural surface. Research by James Bullock and Walter Federle from the University of Cambridge in England found that the different forces required to peel away these adhesive hairs from surfaces are what allows beetles to adhere to diverse surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of detachment. Their study, published online in the Springer journal Naturwissenschaften – The Nature of Science, reports the first adhesive force measurements from single microscopic setae in a live animal. OSU chemist developing solution to nerve agent exposure Scientists are working to develop a new drug that will regenerate a critical enzyme in the human body that "ages" after a person is exposed to deadly chemical warfare agents. Understanding methods of assessing botulinum neurotoxin exposure Popular in cosmetic medicine for making tiny frown wrinkles go away, botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is, perhaps, more notorious for historic outbreaks of respiratory paralysis and death. Traditionally, medical responders have relied on the highly sensitive, but slow, mouse assay to confirm the presence of BoNT and determine its serotype. But today, research emphasis has turned to developing in vitro immunoassay techniques with high sensitivity and rapid sample results -- both important for potential exposure. New process turns waste chicken feathers into biodegradable plastic Nearly 3 billion pounds of chicken feathers are plucked each year in the United States -- and most end up in the trash. Now, a new method of processing those feathers could create better types of environmentally-friendly plastics. Exploring the possibilities for zeolites Some people collect stamps and coins, but when it comes to sheer utility, few collections rival the usefulness of Rice University researcher Michael Deem's collection of 2.6 million zeolite structures. Capturing the fugitive... in art (PhysOrg.com) -- What do Winslow Homer's For to Be a Farmer's Boy (1887) and Vincent van Gogh's The Bedroom (1889) have in common? This email is a free service of PhysOrg.com You received this email because you subscribed to our list. If you no longer want to receive this email use the link below to unsubscribe. http://www.physorg.com/profile/nwletter/ 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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