ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ~ pulaskitech

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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Primary component in curry spice kicks off cancer-killing mechanisms in human saliva (September 14, 2011) -- Curcumin, the main component in the spice turmeric used in curry, suppresses a cell signaling pathway that drives the growth of head and neck cancer, according to a pilot study using human saliva. ... > full story

Even low-dose aspirin may increase risk of GI bleeding, study suggests (September 14, 2011) -- The use of low-dose aspirin increases the risk for GI bleeding, with the risk being increased further with accompanying use of cardiovascular disease-preventing therapies, such as clopidogrel and anticoagulants. In patients who took proton pump inhibitors, bleeding risk decreased. ... > full story

In immune cells, super-resolution imaging reveals natural killers' M.O. (September 14, 2011) -- Making use of a new "super resolution" microscope that provides sharp images at extremely small scales, scientists have achieved unprecedented views of the immune system in action. The new tool, a stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope, shows how granules from natural killer cells pass through openings in dynamic cell structures to destroy their targets: tumor cells and cells infected by viruses. ... > full story

Study examines risk of aortic complications among patients with common congenital heart valve defect (September 14, 2011) -- While the incidence of the life-threatening condition of aortic dissection is significantly higher than in the general population, it remains low among patients with the congenital heart defect, bicuspid aortic valve; however, the incidence of aortic aneurysms is significantly high, according to a new study. ... > full story

Team finds stable RNA nano-scaffold within virus core (September 14, 2011) -- With the discovery of a RNA nano-scaffold that remains unusually stable in the body, researchers have overcome another barrier to the development of therapeutic RNA nanotechnology. The nanoparticle, constructed from a three-way junction (3WJ) motif of packaging RNA (pRNA) molecules, can serve as a platform for building larger, multifunctional nanoparticles -- which can then be injected into the body to deliver therapeutics to targeted cells. ... > full story

Flu vaccines for nursing home workers effective in reducing outbreaks, study finds (September 14, 2011) -- Higher flu vaccination rates for health care personnel can dramatically reduce the threat of flu outbreak among nursing home residents, according to a new study. ... > full story

Intense magnetic fields probably formed shortly after Big Bang, researchers say (September 14, 2011) -- Intense magnetic fields were probably generated in the universe shortly after the Big Bang, according to an international team of researchers. ... > full story

IUD reduces the risk of cervical cancer, study suggests (September 14, 2011) -- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) may protect against cervical cancer. This is the conclusion of the broadest epidemiological study to date on the topic. ... > full story

Key protein reveals secret of stem cell pluripotency (September 14, 2011) -- A protein that helps maintain mouse stem cell pluripotency has been identified by researchers in Japan. The finding points the way to advances in regenerative medicine and more effective culturing techniques for human pluripotent stem cells. ... > full story

Large increase seen in number of lymph nodes evaluated for colon cancer, but no corresponding rise in node-positive cancers (September 14, 2011) -- During the past two decades there has been a significant increase in the percentage of patients who have a high number of lymph nodes evaluated during colon cancer operations, but this improvement is not associated with an increase in the overall proportion of colon cancers that are node positive, according to a new study. ... > full story

Cyber security report identifies key research priorities (September 14, 2011) -- Developing self-learning, self aware cyber security technologies, protecting smart utility grids and enhancing the security of mobile networks are among the top research priorities needed to safeguard the internet of tomorrow, according to a new report. ... > full story

Allowing part-time surgeons may help address workforce shortage (September 14, 2011) -- More part-time employment for surgeons, particularly retiring older male or young female surgeons taking time off for their families, may considerably reduce the surgeon shortage in the United States by 2030, according to a new study. ... > full story

In the early life of an embryo, a monster lurks: Newly fertilized cells only narrowly avoid degenerating into fatal chaos (September 13, 2011) -- Research has revealed that newly fertilized cells only narrowly avoid degenerating into fatal chaos. At the same time, scientists have discovered that embryos have acquired a mechanism to contain this dangerous instability, a finding that could help biologists unravel other mysteries about the first hours of life. ... > full story

Research team discovers path to blocking fatal toxins (September 13, 2011) -- A team of researchers says it has found a way to block a group of fatal bacterial toxins that have to date resisted all attempts to arrest them through the use of conventional drugs. ... > full story

More evidence that spicing up broccoli boosts its cancer-fighting power (September 13, 2011) -- Teaming fresh broccoli with a spicy food that contains the enzyme myrosinase significantly enhances each food's individual cancer-fighting power and ensures that absorption takes place in the upper part of the digestive system where you'll get the maximum health benefit, suggests a new study. ... > full story

Plant compound reduces breast cancer mortality, study suggests (September 13, 2011) -- Many studies suggest that hormone-like plant compounds called phytoestrogens have a cancer protective effect. Scientists have now provided evidence that in postmenopausal breast cancer patients these substances also lower the risk of developing metastasis or secondary tumors and dying by up to 40 percent. ... > full story

Terahertz radiation's impact on cellular function and gene expression (September 13, 2011) -- Relatively little is known about the effect of terahertz radiation on biological systems. A team of researchers have now evaluated the cellular response of mouse stem cells exposed to THz radiation. They reported that temperature increases were minimal, and that heat shock protein expression was unaffected, while the expression of certain other genes showed clear effects of the THz irradiation. ... > full story

Pressure for positive results puts science under threat, study shows (September 13, 2011) -- Scientific research may be in decline across the globe because of growing pressures to report only positive results, new analysis suggests. ... > full story

Bats adjust their 'field-of-view': Use of biosonar is more advanced than thought (September 13, 2011) -- A new study reveals that the way bats use biosonar to "see" their surroundings is significantly more advanced than first thought. The study examines Egyptian fruit bats, whose high-frequency clicks form a sonar beam that spreads across a fan-shaped area; the returning echoes allowing them to locate objects in that region. As these bats were considered to have little control over their vocalizations, scientists had puzzled over how they're able to navigate through complex environments. ... > full story

Protein found in heart may be target for colon cancer therapies (September 13, 2011) -- A protein critical in heart development may also play a part in colon cancer progression -- and may represent a therapeutic target for halting colon cancer metastasis. ... > full story

Using lasers to vaporize tissue at multiple points simultaneously (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a new technique that uses a single UV laser pulse to zap away biological tissue at multiple points simultaneously. The new method could help scientists study the mechanical forces at work as organisms grow and change shape. ... > full story

Twenty-three microRNAs linked to laryngeal cancer (September 13, 2011) -- A new study has identified 23 microRNAs for laryngeal cancer, 15 of which had yet to be reported in head and neck cancer. The researchers say the discovery could yield new insight into what causes certain cells to grow and become cancerous tumors in the voice box. ... > full story

Observations of climate change from indigenous Alaskans (September 13, 2011) -- Personal interviews with Alaska Natives in the Yukon River Basin provide unique insights on climate change and its impacts, helping develop adaptation strategies for these local communities. ... > full story

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has health, financial and social benefits (September 13, 2011) -- The World Alzheimer's Report 2011 shows that there are interventions that are effective in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, some of which may be more effective when started earlier, and that there is a strong economic argument in favor of earlier diagnosis and timely intervention. ... > full story

Fathers wired to provide offspring care; Study confirms that testosterone drops steeply after baby arrives (September 13, 2011) -- A new study provides compelling evidence that human males are biologically wired to care for their offspring, conclusively showing for the first time that fatherhood lowers a man's testosterone levels. The effect is consistent with what is observed in many other species in which males help take care of dependent offspring. ... > full story

Healthy lifestyle habits lower heart failure risk (September 13, 2011) -- Adults who don't smoke, maintain a healthy weight, get regular physical activity and eat vegetables lowered their heart failure risk, according to new research. Each additional healthy behavior helped to decrease heart failure risk. Health-care workers should discuss and encourage healthy lifestyle habits with patients. ... > full story

Major threats foreseen due to Europe's changing marine environments (September 13, 2011) -- Europeans face greater risk of illness, property damage and job losses because of the impacts of climate change on the seas around them, a new report suggests. ... > full story

Pituitary hormone TSH found to directly influence bone growth (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have found that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland that regulates endocrine function in the thyroid gland, can promote bone growth independent of its usual thyroid functions. The research suggests that TSH, or drugs that mimic its affect on bone, may be key to possible future treatments for osteoporosis and other conditions involving bone loss, such as cancer. ... > full story

Civil engineering professor develops 'superlaminate' industrial pipe repair system (September 13, 2011) -- Even when structural problems with the aging US infrastructure can be detected early, currently available methods of repair are often technologically outdated, logistically complex, prohibitively expensive, or all of the above. A professor of civil engineering may have developed a feasible solution to a rapidly growing domestic infrastructure problem. ... > full story

Primary schoolchildren that sleep less than 9 hours do not perform as well academically, study suggests (September 13, 2011) -- A new study explored the relationship between the sleeping habits, hours slept, and academic performance of children aged between six and seven years of age. Experts have found that sleeping less than nine hours, going to bed late and no bedtime routine generally affects children's academic skills. ... > full story

Star blasts planet with X-rays (September 13, 2011) -- A nearby star is pummeling a companion planet with a barrage of X-rays a hundred thousand times more intense than the Earth receives from the Sun. New data suggest that high-energy radiation is evaporating about 5 million tons of matter from the planet every second. This result gives insight into the difficult survival path for some planets. ... > full story

Enzyme might be target for treating smoking, alcoholism at same time (September 13, 2011) -- An enzyme that appears to play a role in controlling the brain's response to nicotine and alcohol in mice might be a promising target for a drug that simultaneously would treat nicotine addiction and alcohol abuse in people, according to a new study. ... > full story

Sea level rise may take economic toll on California coast, study predicts (September 13, 2011) -- California beach towns could face hefty economic losses caused by sea level rise in the next century, according to a new state-commissioned study conducted by economists. The study forecasts the economic impact of sea level rise on five communities: Ocean Beach in San Francisco; Venice Beach and Malibu in Los Angeles; Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County; and Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego County. ... > full story

Gene linked with death after coronary bypass surgery (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have found a genetic variant that seems to be associated with lower five-year survival after a coronary artery bypass. The scientists found the same gene was associated with mortality in two different sets of patients, with about 1,000 patients in each group (1,018 and 930 patients, respectively). ... > full story

Graphene may open the gate to future terahertz technologies (September 13, 2011) -- Nestled between radio waves and infrared light is the terahertz (THz) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. By adding a nanoscale bit of graphene, researchers have found a better way to tune radiation for a THz transmitter. ... > full story

Deep male voice helps women remember, study finds (September 13, 2011) -- Men take note: If you want women to remember, speak to them in a low pitch voice. Then, they may rate you as a potential mate. That's according to a new study. The work shows for the first time that a low masculine voice is important for both mate choice and the accuracy of women's memory. ... > full story

Astronomers find extreme weather on an alien world: Cosmic oddball may harbor a gigantic storm (September 13, 2011) -- A University of Toronto-led team of astronomers has observed extreme brightness changes on a nearby brown dwarf that may indicate a storm grander than any seen yet on a planet. Because old brown dwarfs and giant planets have similar atmospheres, this finding could shed new light on weather phenomena of extra-solar planets. ... > full story

First proof in patients of an improved 'magic bullet' for cancer detection and radio-therapy (September 13, 2011) -- Oncologists have long sought a powerful "magic bullet" that can find tumors wherever they hide in the body so that they can be imaged and then destroyed. ... > full story

Can scientists look at next year's climate? (September 13, 2011) -- Is it possible to make valid climate predictions that go beyond weeks, months, even a year? Atmospheric scientists report among the best long-term climate forecasts that have ever been made -- up to 16 months in advance -- about twice the length of time that other climate scientists have achieved. ... > full story

Cardiovascular drug may offer new treatment for some difficult types of leukemia (September 13, 2011) -- A drug now prescribed for cardiovascular problems could become a new tool in physicians' arsenals to attack certain types of leukemia that so far have evaded effective treatments, researchers say. ... > full story

Nuclear detector: New materials hold promise for better detection of nuclear weapons (September 13, 2011) -- Scientists have developed new materials that can detect hard radiation, a very difficult thing to do. The method could lead to a handheld device for detecting nuclear weapons and materials, such as a "nuclear bomb in a suitcase" scenario. The materials perform as well as materials that have emerged from five decades of research and development. ... > full story

Is smartphone technology the future of US elections? (September 13, 2011) -- With more and more Americans upgrading to smartphones, and as smartphone capabilities continue to improve, even the US government is considering innovative ways to harness this advancing technology. Human factors/ergonomics researchers have evaluated the potential benefits of using smartphones to enable online voting in future US elections and will present their findings at an upcoming meeting. ... > full story

Ferroelectrics could pave way for ultra-low power computing (September 13, 2011) -- Engineers have shown that it is possible to reduce the minimum voltage necessary to store charge in a capacitor, an achievement that could reduce the power draw and heat generation of today's electronics. They used ferroelectric materials to amplify the charge accumulated at the capacitor for a given voltage, a phenomenon called negative capacitance. ... > full story

Freeze and desist: Disabling cardiac cells that can cause arrhythmia (September 13, 2011) -- Many patients are responding to a new, minimally invasive way of treating irregular heartbeats by freezing out the bad cells. Atrial fibrillation is one such heart rhythm disorder, and it's the most common arrhythmia affecting Americans. ... > full story

'White-coat effect' elevates greyhounds' blood pressure (September 13, 2011) -- The "white-coat effect" is not reserved for only the human patients who see their blood pressure rise in response to the stress of a doctor visit. In a new study, researchers have determined that anxiety associated with being in a veterinary hospital elevates the blood pressure in retired racing greyhounds -- a breed known for having higher-than-average blood pressure in the first place. ... > full story

Infections related to cardiovascular implantable electronic devices associated with increased risk of death and increased health care costs (September 13, 2011) -- An association has been found between infection associated with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and increases in mortality and hospital care costs, according to a new study. ... > full story

Parabolic mirrors concentrate sunlight to power lasers (September 13, 2011) -- Borrowing from modern telescope design, researchers have proposed a way to concentrate sunlight to ramp up laser efficiency. ... > full story

Quitting smoking enhances personality change (September 13, 2011) -- Researchers have found evidence that shows those who quit smoking show improvements in their overall personality. ... > full story

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