ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.
Potentially Serious Security Flaws Found In Most Bank Websites, Including Large Bank Sites, Study Shows (July 23, 2008) -- More than 75 percent of the bank Web sites surveyed had at least one design flaw that could make customers vulnerable to cyber thieves after their money or even their identity. These design flaws aren't bugs that can be fixed with a patch. They stem from the flow and the layout of these Web sites, according to the study. The flaws include placing log-in boxes and contact information on insecure web pages as well as failing to keep users on the site they initially visited. ... > full story
Tuberculosis Presents Major Challenges To HIV Treatment In Developing Countries (July 23, 2008) -- Human immunodeficiency virus care and treatment programs in resource-limited settings must aggressively address tuberculosis and the emerging multidrug-resistant TB epidemic to save patient lives and to curb the global TB burden, a major cause of death for persons with HIV, according to a new article. ... > full story
Raptors Survival Can Be Threatened By Ingesting Lead And Cadmium (July 23, 2008) -- Environmental pollutants accumulate in birds of prey, and in some cases, these can cause death. A comparative study of raptors in Galicia and Extremadura undertaken by Spanish researchers has confirmed their exposure to two potentially toxic agents, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). The data obtained can be used to detect the toxicological effects in terrestrial ecosystems. ... > full story
Predicting Acute GVHD By Gene Expression Could Improve Liver Stem Cell Transplant Outcomes (July 23, 2008) -- Acute graft-versus-host disease occurs when an immune response is elicited by the grafted cells against a recipient, resulting in tissue damage for the treated individual. There are no definitive markers for predicting the development or progression of GVHD following the transplant of allogenic stem cells as therapy for liver cancer. This study offers a preliminary "molecular signature" for the development of acute GVHD based on altered gene expression. ... > full story
Pollination Habits Of Endangered Texas Rice Revealed To Help Preservation (July 23, 2008) -- A type of wild rice that only grows in a small stretch of the San Marcos River is likely so rare because it plays the sexual reproduction game poorly. ... > full story
Transit Systems Are Not Well-integrated Into Local Emergency Plans (July 23, 2008) -- Millions of people each day rely on transit, yet few urban area emergency plans have focused on its role in an emergency evacuation. Transit systems could play a significant role in transporting car-less and special needs populations in times of emergency, but these groups are inadequately addressed in most local emergency plans and evacuating them could easily exceed limited transit resources. ... > full story
New Population Of Highly Threatened Greater Bamboo Lemur Found In Madagascar (July 23, 2008) -- Researchers in Madagascar have confirmed the existence of a population of greater bamboo lemurs more than 400 km from the only other place where the critically endangered species is known to live, raising hopes for its survival. ... > full story
Combating Age-related Immune-response Decline: Protein Found To Stimulate Production Of T-cells (July 23, 2008) -- Scientists have identified a protein that stimulates the production of T-cells, the white blood cells involved in the recognition and the elimination of infectious agents. The discovery could help to combat age-related declines in immune response. ... > full story
Predicting Coral Health By Identifying Nearby Microscopic Algae (July 23, 2008) -- A new indicator of coral health has been discovered in a community of microscopic single-celled algae called dinoflagellates. The study reveals that a particular type of these algae renders corals more susceptible to disease. ... > full story
Prenatal Drinking, Environmental Enrichment: Effects On Neurotrophins Are Independent Of Each Other (July 23, 2008) -- Prenatal alcohol exposure may be particularly destructive for neurotrophins, a family of peptides that influence the growth, development and functional plasticity of the fetal brain. A new rodent study of alcohol's effects on three key neurotrophins has found that, even though environmental enrichment may be able to improve some fetal-alcohol effects, those benefits do not appear to be mediated by neurotrophins. ... > full story
Management Practices Key To Watershed Condition (July 23, 2008) -- Animals thrive on the banks of waterways. And those same tree-covered, green grassy areas are keys to maintaining healthy watersheds for creeks and rivers. Landowners must learn how to manage these properties to strike an ecological balance that benefits wildlife and livestock and still protects watersheds, scientists say. ... > full story
Reflecting On Values Promotes Love, Acceptance (July 23, 2008) -- No one enjoys being told that their behavior is harmful to themselves or others. In fact, most people respond defensively when confronted with evidence that their behavior is irrational, irresponsible, or unhealthy. Fortunately, research has shown that just a few minutes of writing about an important value can reduce defensiveness. ... > full story
Air Pollution Causing Widespread And Serious Impacts To Ecosystems In Eastern United States (July 22, 2008) -- If you are living in the eastern United States, the environment around you is being harmed by air pollution. From Adirondack forests and Shenandoah streams to Appalachian wetlands and the Chesapeake Bay, a new report has found that air pollution is degrading every major ecosystem type in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. ... > full story
How The Immune System And Brain Communicate To Control Disease (July 22, 2008) -- In a major step in understanding how the nervous system and the immune system interact, scientists have identified a new anatomical path through which the brain and the spleen communicate. The spleen, once thought to be an unnecessary bit of tissue, is now regarded as an organ where important information from the nervous reaches the immune system. Understanding this process could ultimately lead to treatments that target the spleen to send the right message when fighting human disease. ... > full story
People Only Eat One, When The Chips Are Brown (July 22, 2008) -- Dr. Don Henne isn't wasting his degree when he's standing by the deep fryer waiting for potato slices to turn brown. He's conducting research that will help the potato industry and consumers. Henne, an assistant research scientist in the Texas AgriLife Research plant pathology program in Amarillo, is one of many who are trying to find answers about zebra chip. Zebra chip is the latest disease to plague the potato industry, especially those in the chipping business. ... > full story
Still Puzzling: Best Care For The Frail And Elderly With Coronary Artery Disease (July 22, 2008) -- Patients treated solely with medications after suffering from chest pain, heart attack or coronary artery disease are more likely to die during the first year following their initial hospitalization. Researchers found that with all else being equal, the risk of death was highest for the medically managed group and lowest for patients who underwent stenting. ... > full story
Outbreak Of Plague In South Dakota Leads To Vaccines For Black-footed Ferrets (July 22, 2008) -- Endangered black-footed ferrets aren't exactly lining up to be stuck with a vaccine, but in an effort to help control an extensive outbreak of plague in South Dakota, some of the ferrets are getting dosed with a vaccine given by biologists. Black-footed ferrets are one of the rarest mammals in North America. The plague is transmitted from animals to humans by bites of infected fleas, but it can be cured with antibiotics if treatment is prompt. ... > full story
Mangroves Key To Saving Lives (July 22, 2008) -- The replanting of mangroves on the coasts of the Philippines could help save many of the lives lost in the 20-30 typhoons that hit the islands annually. The mangrove forests along the Philippines’ 36,300 km of coastline play an important role in fisheries, forestry and wildlife as well as providing protection from typhoons and storm surges, erosion and floods. In the last century, they have declined from 450,000 ha to 120,000 ha, mostly due to their development into culture ponds. ... > full story
Ultrasonic Frogs Can Tune Their Ears To Different Frequencies (July 22, 2008) -- Researchers have discovered that a frog that lives near noisy springs in central China can tune its ears to different sound frequencies, much like the tuner on a radio can shift from one frequency to another. ... > full story
Minimally Invasive Treatment Improves Male Fertility (July 22, 2008) -- A minimally invasive treatment for a common cause of male infertility can significantly improve a couple's chances for pregnancy, according to a new study. The study also found that the level of sperm motility prior to treatment is a key predictor of success. ... > full story
Did A Significant Climate Change Event, Known As Younger Dryas, Impact Climate Around The Globe? (July 22, 2008) -- New research evaluates whether the significant climate change event about 12,900 years ago known as Younger Dryas impacted the climate all around the globe. The Younger Dryas event refers to an unexpected rapid cooling of the earth that is known to have lasted about 1,300 years. It coincided with widespread extinctions of species, but, although the event itself is well-documented, scientists are still unclear of whether its impact was felt equally all across the globe. ... > full story
Stenting To Prop Open Blocked Arteries: Will That Be Through An Arm Or A Leg? (July 22, 2008) -- When it comes to stenting -- using metal tubes to prop open blocked arteries -- physicians are continuing to choose to gain entry to the circulatory system through an opening in the leg instead of the arm, even though the latter option appears to be safer, with fewer side effects. ... > full story
First Full 3-D View Of Cracks Growing In Steel (July 22, 2008) -- Researchers have revealed how a growing crack interacts with the 3-D structure of stainless steel. By using a new technique, they could determine the internal 3-D structure of the sample without destroying it. Afterwards, they initiated a crack and studied how it grew between the grains. The results could be useful to make more performing materials for, for example, safer power plants. ... > full story
Nano-modified Food: How Much Are Consumers Willing To Accept The Associated Risks? (July 22, 2008) -- Consumers have largely grown to accept nanotechnology in nutrition for packaging and, to a lesser extent, even the food itself, according to a new study. In recent years, nanotechnology has joined gene and information technology in becoming a pinnacle of hope for research and industry. The latest uses for nanotechnology include food products and their packaging. ... > full story
Spinal Cord Stem Cells Could Be Basis Of Nonsurgical Treatment For Spinal-cord Injuries (July 22, 2008) -- A researcher at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory has pinpointed stem cells within the spinal cord that, if persuaded to differentiate into more healing cells and fewer scarring cells following an injury, may lead to a new, nonsurgical treatment for debilitating spinal-cord injuries. ... > full story
Blood-related Genetic Mechanisms Found Important In Parkinson's Disease (July 22, 2008) -- What does the genetics of blood cells have to do with brain cells related to Parkinson's disease? From an unusual collaboration of neurologists and a pharmacologist comes the surprising answer: genetic mechanisms at play in blood cells also control a gene and protein that cause Parkinson's disease. ... > full story
Wild Orchids In Borneo: Is There Time To Save Thousands Of Species From Extinction? (July 22, 2008) -- Borneo (Kalimantan) is the third largest island in the world. Borneo's rain forests are also home to some extremely rare species of orchids, all highly valued for their exotic aromas and aesthetic beauty. Borneo's orchids are also endangered, a result of the loss of natural habitat from fire, forest damage, and illegal logging. Increased exploitation of the forests of West Borneo, including gold mining and illegal burning, has led to the certain extinction of hundreds of orchid species. ... > full story
Water-diffusion Technology Identifies Brain Regions Damaged By Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (July 22, 2008) -- Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder often have structural brain damage. Recent findings show that several specific white matter regions, as well as deep gray matter areas, of the brain are particularly sensitive to prenatal alcohol exposure. These abnormalities likely underlie the cognitive, motor, behavioral and emotional difficulties that are associated with FASD. ... > full story
Healthy Olives Can Now Be Grown In Salty Water (July 22, 2008) -- News that olives are sources of "good fat" has increased demand for the luscious fruits. To keep the world's olive lovers satisfied, an intensive wave of olive planting has occurred. Traditionally, olives have been cultivated in the Mediterranean region. But fresh water is becoming increasingly hard to come by in semiarid areas, and irrigation of most new olive plantations is often accomplished with low-quality sources of water that contain relatively high levels of salt. ... > full story
New Findings On Mother Earth's Earthy Scent (July 22, 2008) -- That evocative "earthy" scent of the soil returning to life in spring -- and nasty earthy tastes and odors in fish and drinking water -- actually results from two substances released by soil bacteria. Researchers now report identifying how one of these substances forms, an understanding that could lead to improvements in the quality of water and food products. ... > full story
Adding Lime To Seawater May Cut Carbon Dioxide Levels Back To Pre-industrial Levels (July 22, 2008) -- A workable way of reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere by adding lime, found in limestone, to seawater has the potential to dramatically reverse CO2 accumulation. Adding lime to seawater increases alkalinity, boosting seawater's ability to absorb CO2 from air and reducing the tendency to release it back again. ... > full story
Beijing Pollution May Trigger Heart Attacks, Strokes (July 22, 2008) -- The heavily polluted air in Beijing may trigger serious cardiovascular problems for some spectators. Researchers warn that for people in certain risk groups, breathing high levels of pollution can cause heart attacks and strokes within 24 hours of exposure and increase the possibility of having blood clots in their legs on the plane home. Research shows that high pollution levels can cause hyperclotting of the blood, spurring stokes and heart attacks. ... > full story
Female Monkeys More Dominant In Groups With Relatively More Males (July 22, 2008) -- Female monkeys are more dominant when they live in groups with a higher percentage of males. This is caused by self-organization. What makes the study particularly interesting is that the researchers used a computer model which can simulate interaction between monkeys. ... > full story
Increased Risk For Disabilities After Preterm Birth (July 22, 2008) -- Premature birth is associated with various life-long problems. Still, many premature children seem to function very well as adults according to a new large and comprehensive study from Norway. ... > full story
For Your Eyes Only: Custom Interfaces Make Computer Clicking Faster, Easier (July 22, 2008) -- Personalized computer interfaces that adapt to each user's vision and motor abilities significantly speeds up computer tasks, especially in disabled users. A mathematical approach to design offers the first instantly customizable computer interface. ... > full story
Pregnant Mice Block Odor Of Strange Male's Urine To Protect Their Pups (July 22, 2008) -- Mouse mothers-to-be have a remarkable way to protect their unborn pups. Because the smell of a strange male's urine can cause miscarriage and reactivate the ovulatory cycle, pregnant mice prevent the action of such olfactory stimuli by blocking their smell. Researchers have now revealed the nature of this ability. ... > full story
90 Billion Tons Of Microbial Organisms Live In Deep Marine Subsurface: More Archaea Than Bacteria (July 22, 2008) -- Biogeoscientists show evidence of 90 billion tons of microbial organisms -- expressed in terms of carbon mass -- living in the deep biosphere. This tonnage corresponds to about one-tenth of the amount of carbon stored globally in tropical rainforests. Archaea were found to make up at least 87 percent of organisms that colonize the deep biosphere. This finding is in stark contrast to previous reports, which suggest that Bacteria dominate the subseafloor ecosystem. ... > full story
Plants Make Vaccine For Treating Type Of Cancer In Phase-1 Study (July 22, 2008) -- Plants could act as safe, speedy factories for growing antibodies for personalized treatments against a common form of cancer, according to new findings from the Stanford University School of Medicine. The findings came in the first human tests of an injectable vaccine grown in genetically engineered plants. The treatments, which would vaccinate cancer patients against their malignant cells, could lead to earlier personalized therapy to tackle follicular B-cell lymphoma, an immune-system malignancy diagnosed in about 16,000 people each year. ... > full story
Spitzer Reveals 'No Organics' Zone Around Pinwheel Galaxy (July 22, 2008) -- The Pinwheel galaxy is gussied up in infrared light in a new picture from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. The fluffy-looking galaxy, officially named Messier 101, is dominated by a mishmash of spiral arms. In Spitzer's new view, in which infrared light is color coded, the galaxy sports a swirling blue center and a unique, coral-red outer ring. ... > full story
Class Of Antibiotics Can Enhance Gene-silencing Tool (July 22, 2008) -- The selective gene-silencing technique called RNA interference holds promise for medicine if it can be adapted to work in humans. Certain antibiotic compounds called fluoroquinolones enhance the effectiveness of RNA interference in cells and could reduce potential side effects. ... > full story
Microbes Beneath Sea Floor Genetically Distinct (July 22, 2008) -- Tiny microbes beneath the sea floor, distinct from life on the Earth's surface, may account for one-tenth of the Earth's living biomass, according to an interdisciplinary team of researchers, but many of these minute creatures are living on a geologic timescale. ... > full story
Nanotechnology: Learning From Past Mistakes (July 22, 2008) -- A new expert analysis in Nature Nanotechnology questions whether industry, government and scientists are successfully applying lessons learned from past technologies to ensure the safe and responsible development of emerging nanotechnologies. ... > full story
Amazon River Powers Tropical Ocean's Carbon Sink (July 22, 2008) -- Nutrients from the Amazon River spread well beyond the continental shelf and drive carbon capture in the deep ocean. This new finding does not change estimates of the oceans' total carbon uptake, but it reveals the surprisingly large role of tropical oceans and major rivers. ... > full story
Regular Walking Nearly Halves Elderly Disability Risk (July 22, 2008) -- Older adults can decrease their risk of disability and increase their likelihood of maintaining independence by 41 percent by participating in a walking exercise program, according to a new study. ... > full story
Suckling Infants Trigger Surges Of Trust Hormone In Mothers' Brains (July 22, 2008) -- Researchers have for the first time been able to show exactly how, when a baby suckles at a mother's breast, it starts a chain of events that leads to surges of the "trust" hormone oxytocin being released in their mothers brains. ... > full story
Primary Sensor That Detects Stomach Viruses Discovered (July 22, 2008) -- Scientists have identified the primary immune sensor that detects the presence of stomach viruses in the body. They show that the sensor -- a protein called MDA-5 -- triggers an immune response that revs up the body's defenses to fight off the infection. This knowledge may help develop a treatment that prevents or reduces infection. ... > full story
Exotic Materials Using Neptunium, Plutonium Provide Insight Into Superconductivity (July 22, 2008) -- Physicists have gained new insight into the origins of superconductivity -- a property of metals where electrical resistance vanishes -- by studying exotic chemical compounds that contain neptunium and plutonium. While superconductivity holds promise for massive energy savings in power transmission, and for novel uses such as levitating trains, today it occurs only at extremely cold temperatures. Still, physicists believe room temperature superconductivity may be possible. This work sheds light on the connection between magnetism and superconductivity. ... > full story
Common Wisdom About Troubled Youth Falls Apart When Race Considered (July 22, 2008) -- One of the most widely accepted beliefs about the differences between troubled boys and girls may need to be revised, according to new research. Experts have long believed that girls tend to internalize their problems, becoming depressed or anxious, while boys externalize, turning to violence against people or property. ... > full story
Copyright 1995-2008 © ScienceDaily LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of use.
|
 To update/change your account click here  |
No comments:
Post a Comment