SPAM

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

New findings on women, pregnancy, epilepsy

New research pertaining to the latest findings on the effects of epilepsy on both the mother and child explore folic acid use, the effect of surgery with intractable focal epilepsy, and antiepileptic drug exposure during breastfeeding.

Mapping the demise of the dinosaurs

About 65 million years ago, an asteroid or comet crashed into a shallow sea near what is now the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, resulting in the extinction of many land plants and large animals, including most of the dinosaurs. The remnants from this devastating impact are exposed along the Campeche Escarpment -- an immense underwater cliff in the southern Gulf of Mexico, according to new research.

Survey of supposed deep-sea chemical munitions dump off Southern California

Researchers have described a preliminary seafloor survey of an area off the Southern California coast marked on charts as a chemical munitions site. The preliminary survey turned up trash and 55-gallon drums, but no chemical munitions.

Hard rock life: Earth's surface collecting census data on microbial denizens of hardened rocks

Scientists are digging deep into the Earth's surface collecting census data on the microbial denizens of the hardened rocks. What they're finding is that, even miles deep and halfway across the globe, many of these communities are somehow quite similar.

Morphing material has mighty potential

The shape of a new composite material changes with the temperature in highly controllable ways. The material may be useful for biological, optical and pharmaceutical applications.

World's highest quantum efficiency UV photodetectors created

New technology could aid in the detection of missiles and chemical and biological threats.

Surviving ovarian cancer: Scientists attack drug resistant cancer cells

Scientists believe a targeted drug delivery system could make ovarian cancer more treatable for the most deadly gynecological cancer in the United States. In animal research, the cancer is attacked at the genetic level by using small, inhibiting RNA molecules that directly target and decrease the excess CD44 protein in cancer cells while simultaneously treating patients with the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel. This allows cells within the cancerous tumors to be successfully treated even at an advanced stage.

Scientists scale terahertz peaks in nanotubes

Scientists find plasmons at the root of a terahertz peak seen in carbon nanotubes, but only in certain types. The discovery opens up the possibility of using nanotubes in terahertz-based optoelectronics.

Rivers and streams release more greenhouse gas than all lakes

Rivers and streams release carbon dioxide at a rate five times greater than the world's lakes and reservoirs combined, contrary to common belief.

System developed for assessing how effective species are at pollinating crops

From tomatoes to pumpkins, most fruit and vegetable crops rely on pollination by bees and other insect species -- and the future of many of those species is uncertain. Now researchers are proposing a set of guidelines for assessing the performance of pollinator species in order to determine which species are most important and should be prioritized for protection.

Seizures and Epilepsy: A Significant Burden on Veterans

Three new studies expose the high prevalence of epilepsy and other neurological disorders in US Veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. The research conducted from these studies indicate that veterans are at a particularly high risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and epileptic seizure diagnoses.

New insights into immune system of gastrointestinal tract

Lymphotoxin is a cytokine, or intercellular messenger, and plays an important role in the immunological balance of the gastrointestinal tract. It regulates the immune system of the digestive tract, which is made up of immune cells, immunoglobulins (antibodies) as well as intestinal bacteria. An international team of scientists has now discovered how this complex interaction functions and how lymphotoxin controls the production of immunoglobulins in the gut.

Genetic mutations, molecular alterations may explain racial differences in head, neck cancers

A team of scientists has identified a handful of genetic mutations in black Americans, in addition to some chemical alterations affecting gene activity, which may help explain why the death rate among African-Americans from the most common form of head and neck cancer continues to hover some 18 percent higher above the death rate of whites with the same cancer.

Taking probiotics in pregnancy, giving to infants, doesn't prevent asthma

Taking probiotics has health benefits, but preventing childhood asthma isn't one of them, shows newly published research.

Hidden details revealed in nearby starburst galaxy

Astronomers have captured never-before-seen details of the nearby starburst galaxy M82. These new data highlight streamers of material fleeing the disk of the galaxy as well as concentrations of dense molecular gas surrounding pockets of intense star formation.

Archaeologists find oldest evidence of Late Stone Age settlement on Cyprus

Artifacts found at an archaeological site in Cyprus support a new theory that humans occupied the tiny Mediterranean island about 1,000 years earlier than previously believed -- a discovery that fills an important gap in Cypriot history.

New long-lived greenhouse gas discovered: Highest global-warming impact of any compound to date

Scientists have discovered a novel chemical lurking in the atmosphere that appears to be a long-lived greenhouse gas. The chemical -- perfluorotributylamine -- is the most radiatively efficient chemical found to date, breaking all other chemical records for its potential to impact climate.

Economic factors may affect getting guideline-recommended breast cancer treatment

Women with interruptions in health insurance coverage or with low income levels had a significantly increased likelihood of failing to receive breast cancer care that is in concordance with recommended treatment guidelines, according to researchers.

Potential biological factor contributing to racial disparities in prostate cancer

Researchers have uncovered a potential biological factor that may contribute to disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality between African-American and non-Hispanic white men in the United States, according to researchers.

Biomarker linked to aggressive breast cancers, poor outcomes in African-Americans

Among African-American women with breast cancer, increased levels of the protein HSET were associated with worse breast cancer outcomes, according to results of new research.

Diabetes identified as risk factor for liver cancer across ethnic groups

Diabetes was associated with an increased risk for developing a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma, and this association was highest for Latinos, followed by Hawaiians, African-Americans, and Japanese-Americans, according to scientists.

T cell immunotherapy shows promising results in children, adults with leukemia

Nearly 90 percent of children and adults with a highly aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) showed no evidence of cancer after receiving a novel, personalized cell therapy that reprograms a patient's immune system.

Knowledge lacking about HPV vaccine effectiveness

Knowledge about the efficacy of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in preventing cervical cancer was lacking in the majority of survey respondents for whom the information would be relevant, according to researchers.

Problem-child behavior could result from early puberty in girls

A study shows early maturing in adolescent girls can increase aggressive and delinquent behavior.

Strong nutrition education can lead to healthier food choices among low-income families

Well-designed nutrition education programs can lead to healthier food choices among low-income families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to a study.

Harvesting electricity: Triboelectric generators capture wasted power

Researchers are developing a family of generators that provide power for portable electronic devices and sensors by harnessing the triboelectric effect to capture mechanical energy that would otherwise be wasted.

Seizure unconsciousness similar to slow wave sleep

Epilepsy patients with complex partial seizures have impaired consciousness during seizure episodes and typically have no memory of the event. However, the mechanisms of seizure unconsciousness are unclear. Research report that the mechanism underlying loss of awareness during complex partial seizures is likely the same as that involved in slow wave or deep sleep.

Peer-review science is taking off on Twitter, but who is Tweeting what and why?

The most tweeted peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2012, and the trends associated with their social media success, have now been identified.

Bed bugs can survive freezing temperatures, but cold can still kill them

A new study has found that bed bugs may be less susceptible to freezing temperatures than previously reported, but given adequate time and cold enough temperatures, freezing can still be an effective means of control.

Measuring life's tugs and nudges: Tiny oil droplets help measure mechanical forces produced by living cells that shape tissues and organs

As embryonic tissue develops, cells push and pull on each other, and they must do so correctly for the tissue to develop properly. Now scientists have devised the first method to measure these tiny forces in three-dimensional tissues and living embryos.

How light affects individual atoms

Scientists are unraveling how atoms vibrate and change when hit with intense bursts of light.

Engineering researchers report on nanoscale energy-efficient switching devices

Researchers have built nanoscale electromechanical switches and logic gates that operate more energy-efficiently than those now used by the billions in computers, tablets and smart phones. The switches are fast and light and have proved durable and heat tolerant, with no current leakage.

Ancient crater could hold clues about moon's mantle

Researchers have found evidence of diverse mineralogy in the moon's South Pole Aitken basin, a giant crater left by an impact 4 billion years ago. The findings could mean that some minerals dug up during that ancient impact remain intact within the basin. If that's true, then the basin could hold vital clues about the makeup of the moon's mantle.

Scientists offer new insights on controlling nanoparticle stability

Chemists studying the structure of ligand-stabilized gold nanoparticles have captured fundamental new insights about their stability.

First radiation measurements from the surface of Mars

In the first 300 days of the Mars Science Laboratory's surface mission, the Curiosity rover cruised around the planet's Gale Crater, collecting soil samples and investigating rock structures while the onboard Radiation Assessment Detector made detailed measurements of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars. The radiation on Mars is much harsher than on Earth for two reasons: Mars lacks a global magnetic field and the Martian atmosphere is much thinner than Earth's, providing little shielding to the surface.

New drug approach could lead to cures for wide range of diseases

Scientists have demonstrated in mice what could be a revolutionary new technique to cure a wide range of human diseases -- from cystic fibrosis to cataracts to Alzheimer's disease -- that are caused by "misfolded" protein molecules.

Neural prosthesis restores behavior after brain injury

Scientists have used a neural prosthesis to restore motor function in a rat model of brain injury. The technology is promising for TBI and stroke patients.

In surprise finding, blood clots absorb bacterial toxin

Blood clots play an unexpected role in protecting the body from the deadly effects of bacteria by absorbing bacterial toxins, researchers have found. The discovery may shed light on the pathology of septic shock.

Gene sequencing project finds drugs with promise for treating childhood tumor

Drugs that enhance a process called oxidative stress were found to kill rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells growing in the laboratory and possibly bolstered the effectiveness of chemotherapy against this aggressive tumor of muscle and other soft tissue.

Brief therapy eases symptoms of combat-related psychological trauma

A new brief therapy eases symptoms of combat-related psychological trauma, a nursing study shows. The research suggests Accelerated Resolution Therapy may be an option for veterans who do not respond optimally to conventional therapies endorsed by the Department of Defense and VA.

Awkward Facebook encounters

A friend posts a picture on Facebook that shows you picking food out of your teeth. Awkward! Such Facebook faux pas are common. But depending on who you are and to whom you allow access to your Facebook page, such embarrassments can cause greater anguish, according to a new study.

Home teams hold the advantage

The home team holds the advantage over visitors – at least in the plant world. However, a mere handful of genetic adaptations could even the playing field. Researchers and their collaborators found that plant adaptation to different environments involves tradeoffs in performance.

How concussion can lead to depression years later

A head injury can lead immune-system brain cells to go on "high alert" and overreact to later immune challenges by becoming excessively inflammatory – a condition linked with depressive complications, a new animal study suggests.

Call for action on cutting sugar

A study by researchers into the effects of sugars on our oral health recommends cutting down on the sweet additive as part of a global initiative to reduce tooth decay.Since 1990 the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that intake of "free sugars" should be less than 10% of total energy (calorie) intake. Free sugars are sugars that are added to foods by the manufacturer, cook, or consumer; plus those naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit concentrates.

35 year study finds exercise reduces risk of dementia

A study that monitored the health habits of 2,235 men over a 35-year period has confirmed exercise significantly reduces the risk of dementia. Published today, the study is the longest of its kind to probe the influence of environmental factors in chronic disease.

Ultrasound microscopy: Aid for surgeons to make the invisible, visible

Instead of waiting an hour or more, tissue can be tested almost immediately with a new ultrasound microscope, and because the reflected sound varies depending on the type of cancer, a doctor can interpret the type of disease from the image by comparing it to a reference material.

Penicillin equally effective as 'big gun' antibiotics for treating childhood pneumonia

Children hospitalized for pneumonia have similar outcomes, including length of stay and costs, regardless of whether they are treated with "big gun" antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime or more narrowly focused antibiotics such as ampicillin or penicillin, according to a study.

Genetic studies of breast cancer in dogs

Mammary tumours (breast cancer) are the most common form of cancer in female dogs. Now a PhD project has led to the identification of genetic changes associated with these types of tumor. These findings can help to improve our understanding of the development of breast cancer in both dogs and humans.

Astronomers solve temperature mystery of planetary atmospheres

An atmospheric peculiarity the Earth shares with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune is likely common to billions of planets, astronomers have found, and knowing that may help in the search for potentially habitable worlds.

Europe's rarest orchid rediscovered on 'lost world' volcano in the Azores

Researchers studying speciation of butterfly orchids on the Azores have been startled to discover that the answer to a long-debated question "Do the islands support one species or two species?" is actually "three species". Hochstetter's Butterfly-orchid, newly recognized following application of a battery of scientific techniques and reveling in a complex taxonomic history worthy of Sherlock Holmes, is arguably Europe's rarest orchid species. Under threat in its mountain-top retreat, the orchid urgently requires conservation recognition.

Music brings memories back to the injured brain

In the first study of its kind, two researchers have used popular music to help severely brain-injured patients recall personal memories.

Recipe for a Universe: Apply heat and stir

Apply heat and stir; an expanding universe can emerge in a remarkably simple way, say scientists.

Landsat 8 helps unveil the coldest place on Earth

Scientists recently recorded the lowest temperatures on Earth at a desolate and remote ice plateau in East Antarctica, trumping a record set in 1983 and uncovering a new puzzle about the ice-covered continent.

Increased attention needed for cancer risk from silica

A new review highlights new developments in understanding the health effects of silica, and calls for action to reduce illness and death from silica exposure at work.

You are what your father eats

Mothers get all the attention. But a study suggests that the father's diet before conception may play an equally important role in the health of their offspring. It also raises concerns about the long-term effects of current Western diets and of food insecurity.

Breakthrough in treating leukemia, lymphoma patients with umbilical cord blood stem cells

Donated umbilical cord blood contains stem cells that can save the lives of leukemia and lymphoma patients. A multi-center study has found that growing cord blood stem cells in a laboratory before transplantation significantly improves survival.

Exercise alleviates sexual side-effects of antidepressants in women

Exercise can benefit health and improve mood, and now new research shows that it has the potential to restore sexual desire and function in women adversely affected by sexual side effects related to antidepressant use.

Right amount of fat, protein, key to babies

The early childhood diet and that of the mother during pregnancy determines the health of a child later life. One researcher hopes to drastically improve the health of future generations by giving nutritional advice to pregnant women and young mothers.

Study shows exercise improves depression in Parkinson's patients

A new study by a movement disorder neurologist found that depression improved among patients with Parkinson's disease who participated in a long-term group exercise program.

(Sponsor this newsletter)

Delievered to you by Feedamail.
Unsubscribe

SPAM

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Most Popular News