Back to the Dead Sea: Climate change study digs into half a million years of history

ScienceDaily (2010-12-30) -- A new study is digging underneath the Dead Sea to reveal the historical health of the planet through the last 500,000 years -- and to learn more about what climate change may hold in store for our planet.

Wake up, Mom: Gender differences in accepting sleep interruptions

ScienceDaily (2010-12-30) -- Working mothers are two-and-a-half times as likely as working fathers to interrupt their sleep to take care of others.

Indoor plant intervention: New answers for health care design?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-30) -- Could a plant "intervention" improve the well-being of patients in a difficult rehab process? Scientists have found that patients' overall physical and mental health improved during the program, but the presence of new plants did not increase the degree of improvement. However, pulmonary patients in the "plant intervention group" reported a larger increase in well-being during their rehabilitation program more often than lung patients from the "no-plant" control group.

Evolutionary arms race between smut fungi and maize plants

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- Fungi are a major cause of plant diseases and are responsible for large-scale harvest failure in crops like maize and other cereals all over the world. Scientists have now analyzed the genetic make-up of Sporisorium reilianum, an important maize parasite.

Your genome in minutes: New technology could slash sequencing time

ScienceDaily (2010-12-31) -- Scientists are developing technology that could ultimately sequence a person's genome in mere minutes, at a fraction of the cost of current commercial techniques.

George Clooney Effect? High-earning women want older, more attractive partners, research finds

ScienceDaily (2010-12-10) -- Psychologists have found that George Clooney may be even luckier than previously thought. New research has discovered that as women become more financially independent, they want an older, more attractive male partner.

Risk for alcoholism linked to risk for obesity

ScienceDaily (2010-12-30) -- Addiction researchers have found that a risk for alcoholism also may put individuals at risk for obesity, and the association between a family history of alcoholism and obesity risk has become more pronounced in recent years.

What makes a face look alive? Study says it's in the eyes

ScienceDaily (2010-12-31) -- The face of a doll is clearly not human; the face of a human clearly is. Telling the difference allows us to pay attention to living things, which are capable of interacting with us. But where is the line at which a face appears to be alive? A new study finds that a face has to be quite similar to a human face to appear alive, and that the cues are mainly in the eyes.

Mortality rates are an unreliable metric for assessing hospital quality, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-12-30) -- A comparative analysis found wide disparities in the results of four common measures of hospital-wide mortality rates, with competing methods yielding both higher- and lower-than-expected rates for the same Massachusetts hospitals during the same year.

Catching video pirates: Invisible DNA-like fingerprint on video assist law enforcement

ScienceDaily (2010-12-30) -- Scientists are applying an invisible DNA-like fingerprint to film, turning the footage into a series of numbers. When the film is then bootlegged onto the Internet, the invisible fingerprint goes with it, so that it can be traced over the Web -- back to the original video pirate, who can then be tracked and arrested.

Coma and general anesthesia demonstrate important similarities

ScienceDaily (2010-12-30) -- The brain under general anesthesia isn't "asleep" as surgery patients are often told -- it is placed into a state that is a reversible coma, according to three neuroscientists who have recently published an extensive review of general anesthesia, sleep and coma. This insight and others reported in their review article could eventually lead to new approaches to general anesthesia and improved diagnosis and treatment for sleep abnormalities and emergence from coma.

98.6 degrees Fahrenheit ideal temperature for keeping fungi away and food at bay

ScienceDaily (2010-12-30) -- Two researchers have found that our 98.6 F (37 C) body temperature strikes a perfect balance: warm enough to ward off fungal infection but not so hot that we need to eat nonstop to maintain our metabolism.

Sardine Run: Headlong race for survival of the species

ScienceDaily (2010-12-28) -- Every year between May and July, enormous shoals of the sardine Sardinops sagax give a splendid show as they migrate off the coasts of South Africa, performing their Sardine Run. They are subjected to relentless attack by predators of all kinds -- sharks, dolphins, sea lions, whales, birds, fishermen. Although well known to the general public, this wholesale migration is still not well understood scientifically. Researchers have now examined the different hypotheses put forward to explain the event.

Finest chocolate may get better: Cacao tree genome sequenced

ScienceDaily (2010-12-28) -- The production of high quality chocolate, and the farmers who grow it, will benefit from the recent sequencing and assembly of the chocolate tree genome.

Shouldering family demands and worries bumps up angina risk

ScienceDaily (2010-12-23) -- Shouldering family demands and worries seems to increase the risk of angina, the precursor to coronary artery disease, reveals new research.

Site in brain where leptin may trigger puberty identified

ScienceDaily (2010-12-24) -- Researchers have pinpointed a tiny site in the brain where the hormone leptin may help trigger the onset of puberty.

How to delay Christmas tree needle loss

ScienceDaily (2010-12-24) -- Researchers have discovered what causes Christmas tree needles to drop off, and how to double the lifespan of Christmas trees in homes.

Six years after the 2004 tsunami disaster, technical setup of the early warning sysem completed

ScienceDaily (2010-12-24) -- Six years after the tsunami disaster of Dec. 26, 2004, the set-up of the German-Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System for the Indian Ocean (GITEWS) has been completed.

Preplay: How past experiences subconsciously influence behavior

ScienceDaily (2010-12-24) -- Researchers report for the first time how animals' knowledge obtained through past experiences can subconsciously influence their behavior in new situations.

Researchers train software to help monitor climate change

ScienceDaily (2010-12-23) -- A computer program that automatically analyzes mounds of satellite images and other data could help climate scientists keep track of complex, constantly changing environmental conditions.

'Un-growth hormone' increases longevity, researchers find

ScienceDaily (2010-12-23) -- A compound which acts in the opposite way as growth hormone can reverse some of the signs of aging, a research team has shown. The finding may be counter-intuitive to some older adults who take growth hormone, thinking it will help revitalize them.

You are what your father ate, too: Paternal diet affects lipid metabolizing genes in offspring, research suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-12-24) -- We aren't just what we eat; we are what our parents ate, too. That's an emerging idea that is bolstered by a new study showing that mice sired by fathers fed on a low-protein diet show distinct and reproducible changes in the activity of key metabolic genes in their livers. Those changes occurred despite the fact that the fathers never saw their offspring.

Sea-level study brings good and bad news to Chesapeake Bay

ScienceDaily (2010-12-22) -- A study of sea-level trends brings both good and bad news to localities concerned with coastal inundation and flooding along the shores of Chesapeake Bay. Dr. John Boon, the study's lead author, says the good news is that "absolute sea level in Chesapeake Bay is rising only about half as fast as the global average rise rate." The bad news, says Boon, is that "local subsidence more than makes up for it."

Singing fish: Choir of electric fish makes debut in interactive 'scale' exhibit at Netherlands festival

ScienceDaily (2010-12-22) -- A neurobiologist, an artist, and a composer recently presented their collaborative "singing electric fish" installation to thousands of people attending the STRP Festival, one of the largest art and technology festival venues in Europe. Many visitors had the chance to grab a baton and direct the unusual choir.

Obesity increases risk of death in severe vehicle crashes, study shows

ScienceDaily (2010-12-22) -- Moderately and morbidly obese persons face many health issues -- heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, gallbladder disease and others. Now, increased chances of dying while driving during a severe auto accident can be added to the list.

Eating healthier means living longer

ScienceDaily (2010-12-22) -- The leading causes of death have shifted from infectious diseases to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. In a new study, researchers investigated empirical data regarding the associations of dietary patterns with mortality through analysis of the eating patterns of over 2500 adults between the ages of 70 and 79 over a ten-year period. They found that diets favoring certain foods were associated with reduced mortality.

Climbing Mount Everest: Noble adventure or selfish pursuit?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-22) -- Adventure seekers are plunking down more than $50,000 to climb Mount Everest, but a new study finds that people who pay for transformative experiences often lack the communitarian spirit that usually defines such activities.

New single-pixel photo camera developed

ScienceDaily (2010-12-22) -- Researchers have developed a new tool for the field of scientific imaging. A sensor of just one pixel can record high-quality images and distribute them securely, that is, without allowing unauthorized people access to information.

Psychologists show how accent shapes our perception of a person

ScienceDaily (2010-12-20) -- The accent someone talks in plays a crucial role in the way we judge this person, according to psychologists in Germany. "The accent is much more important than the way a person looks," Dr. Tamara Rakic sums up one of the key findings of the study.

Raindrops reveal how a wave of mountains moved south across the country

ScienceDaily (2010-12-21) -- Analyzing the isotope ratios of ancient raindrops preserved in soils and lake sediments, researchers have shown that a wave of mountain building began in British Columbia, Canada about 49 million years ago and rolled south to Mexico. The finding helps put to rest the idea that there was once a Tibet-like plateau across the western US that collapsed and eroded into the mountains we see today.

Mexico quake studies uncover surprises for California

ScienceDaily (2010-12-21) -- New technologies developed by NASA and other agencies are revealing surprising insights into a major earthquake that rocked parts of the American Southwest and Mexico in April, including increased potential for more large earthquakes in Southern California.

Beautiful people convey personality traits better during first impressions

ScienceDaily (2010-12-21) -- A new study has found that people identify the personality traits of people who are physically attractive more accurately than others during short encounters.

Satellites give an eagle eye on thunderstorms

ScienceDaily (2010-12-20) -- It's one of the more frustrating parts of summer. You check the weather forecast, see nothing dramatic, and go hiking or biking. Then, four hours later, a thunderstorm appears out of nowhere and ruins your afternoon. Additional data, taken from a satellite, could greatly improve the accuracy of thunderstorm prediction a few hours out.

Water pathways from the deep sea to volcanoes

ScienceDaily (2010-12-20) -- Oceanic plates take up a lot of water when submerged into the Earths' interior at continental margins. This water plays a central role in plate boundary volcanism. Scientists have, for the first time, tracked the pathway of the water up to 120 kilometers in depth. This is an important piece in the puzzle to understand the highly active volcanoes in Pacific "ring of fire".

Urban planning: Better spaces for older people

ScienceDaily (2010-12-21) -- Urban planning needs to consider how older people use walking routes as well as public areas, concludes a new study. Planning should include a smooth transition between walking, driving and using public transport and should take account of how older people navigate between these.

Nasal congestion can mean severe asthma

ScienceDaily (2010-12-21) -- Nasal congestion can be a sign of severe asthma, which means that healthcare professionals should be extra vigilant when it comes to nasal complaints. Furthermore, more severe asthma appears to be more common than previously thought, reveals a new study.

Ocean acidification changes nitrogen cycling in world seas

ScienceDaily (2010-12-21) -- Increasing acidity in the sea's waters may fundamentally change how nitrogen is cycled in them, say marine scientists. Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients in the oceans. All organisms, from tiny microbes to blue whales, use nitrogen to make proteins and other important compounds.

Globalization burdens future generations with biological invasions, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-12-21) -- The consequences of the current high levels of socio-economic activity on the extent of biological invasions will probably not be completely realized until decades into the future, according to new research.

How plants counteract against the shade of larger neighbours

ScienceDaily (2010-12-19) -- Plants that "lose the battle" during competitiveness for light because they are shaded by larger neighbours, counteract. They adapt by rapid shoot elongation and stretch their leaves towards the sun. The molecular basis of this so-called shade avoidance syndrome had been unclarified to date. Research scientists from the Utrecht University in the Netherlands and the Ruhr University in Bochum have now been able to unravel a regulation pathway. A specific transport protein (PIN3) enables the accumulation of the plant hormone auxin, which plays an important role during this adaptation process, in the outer cell layers of the plants, thus enhancing the growth process. The international group of researchers, which includes the plant hormone specialist Prof. Stephan Pollmann from the RUB, has published its observations in the current edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science PNAS.

Virus-based gene therapy for metastatic kidney cancer developed

ScienceDaily (2010-12-19) -- Researchers have developed a novel virus-based gene therapy for renal cell carcinoma that has been shown to kill cancer cells not only at the primary tumor site but also in distant tumors not directly infected by the virus.

Overindulgence is not the green option

ScienceDaily (2010-12-20) -- At this time of year, indulgence is the buzzword. Luxury goods to buy, roaring fires to relax by, jetting off to sunnier climes, visiting distant friends and family. But, how does this festive spirit align with environmental obligations and our attitudes to going green? Researchers in Norway suggest we are deluding ourselves that overindulgence is the environmentally friendly option.

Sleep experts warn Santa Claus of health risks of flying all night

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- Is red seaweed a viable future biofuel? Now that a metabolic engineer has developed a strain of yeast that can make short work of fermenting galactose, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Researchers have recently identified three genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the microbe most often used to ferment the sugars, whose overexpression increased galactose fermentation by 250 percent when compared to a control strain.

Seaweed as biofuel? Metabolic engineering makes it a viable option

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- Is red seaweed a viable future biofuel? Now that a metabolic engineer has developed a strain of yeast that can make short work of fermenting galactose, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Researchers have recently identified three genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the microbe most often used to ferment the sugars, whose overexpression increased galactose fermentation by 250 percent when compared to a control strain.

Ancient forest emerges mummified from the Arctic: Clues to future warming impact

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- The northernmost mummified forest ever found in Canada is revealing how plants struggled to endure a long-ago global cooling. Researchers believe the trees -- buried by a landslide and exquisitely preserved 2 to 8 million years ago -- will help them predict how today's Arctic will respond to global warming.

The key to being attractive (and looking healthy)? A good night's sleep

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- If you want to look attractive and healthy, the best thing you can do is get a good night's sleep, finds new research.

Rapid diagnostic test for common type of pneumonia developed

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- Researchers have developed a technique that can diagnose a common type of pneumonia within minutes, potentially replacing existing tests that can take several days for results. The researchers detected Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes atypical or "walking pneumonia," in true clinical samples with over 97 percent accuracy using a recently-developed nanotechnology-based platform.

Garlic could protect against hip osteoarthritis

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- Researchers have discovered that women who consume a diet high in allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions and leeks, have lower levels of hip osteoarthritis.

Loss of Arctic ice may promote hybrid marine mammals

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- Scientists have expected for some time that the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free in summer by the end of this century. Researchers now say the seasonal loss of this ice sheet, a continent-sized natural barrier between species such as bears, whales and seals, could mean extinction of some rare marine mammals and the loss of many adaptive gene combinations.

Computer memory takes a spin: Physicists read data after storing them in atomic nuclei for 112 seconds

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- Physicists have stored information for 112 seconds in what may become the world's tiniest computer memory: magnetic "spins" in the centers or nuclei of atoms. Then the physicists retrieved and read the data electronically -- a big step toward using the new kind of memory for both faster conventional and superfast "quantum" computers.

Exploring how partners perceive each other’s emotion during a relationship fight

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- Some of the most intense emotions people feel occur during a conflict in a romantic relationship. Now, psychologists show that how each person perceives the other partner's emotion during a conflict greatly influences different types of thoughts, feelings and reactions in themselves.

Mothers' diets have biggest influence on children eating healthy, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- As health professionals search for ways to combat the rise in obesity and promote healthy eating, new research reveals a mother's own eating habits -- and whether she views her child as a "picky eater" -- has a huge impact on whether her child consumes enough fruits and vegetables.

Microchip harvests its own energy

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- Microchips that ‘harvest’ the energy they need from their own surroundings, without depending on batteries or mains electricity. That will be possible now that researchers have for the first time succeeded in manufacturing a microchip with an efficient solar cell placed on top of the microelectronics.

Champion hydrogen-producing microbe

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- The cyanobacteria are famous for releasing the oxygen that made the Earth a hospitable planet but some strains also have a hidden talent for producing hydrogen gas, a potential biofuel. With the help of a few metabolic tricks, a lab has coaxed one such strain to produce champion levels of the gas.

Is Internet backbone vulnerable to cyber attack?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- While cyber attacks on the internet involving malware, hacking and distributed denial of service are featured in the headlines most often, researchers in Switzerland suggest that physical attack on internet backbones, servers and internet data hubs could be just as important a problem in sustaining network functions.

'Aha' effect: New hypothesis seeks to explain the pleasures of insight

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- The sudden appearance of a solution through insight -- the famous 'aha' effect -- is a peculiar phenomenal experience that people have when they solve a problem. Researchers have now put forward a new hypothesis that integrates the known features of insight experiences into a unitary framework.

Fabric softener sheets repel gnats: Scientists prove Bounce sheets fend off insect pests

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- Gardeners often claim that putting Bounce fabric softener sheets in their pockets is an effective way to repel pests like mosquitoes and gnats. In a new study, researchers discussed a series experiments they conducted to ascertain whether Bounce dryer sheets (Outdoor Fresh Scent, Procter and Gamble) repel fungus gnat adults under laboratory conditions. The research team also analyzed the volatile compounds in the dryer sheets using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Compound derived from curry spice is neuroprotective against stroke and traumatic brain injury

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- A synthetic derivative of the curry spice turmeric dramatically improves the behavioral and molecular deficits seen in animal models of ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury. Two new studies suggest that the novel compound may have clinical promise for these conditions, which currently lack good therapies.

Compound derived from curry spice is neuroprotective against stroke and traumatic brain injury

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- A synthetic derivative of the curry spice turmeric dramatically improves the behavioral and molecular deficits seen in animal models of ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury. Two new studies suggest that the novel compound may have clinical promise for these conditions, which currently lack good therapies.

How hard are we pushing the land? Plant consumption rising significantly as population grows and economies develop

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- Humans are consuming an increasing amount of Earth's total annual land plant production, new NASA research has found. As the human population continues to grow and more societies develop modern economies, this rate of consumption is increasing both as a whole and on a per capita basis globally.

Submerging your feet in alcohol will not get you drunk

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- New research explodes the Danish myth that it is possible to get drunk by submerging your feet in alcohol.

Dolphin by-catch includes genetic relatives

ScienceDaily (2010-12-16) -- A new study provides insight for the conservation of small cetaceans by demonstrating that Franciscana dolphins accidentally entangled in fishing nets include genetic relatives, or mother-offspring pairs.

Acupuncture may help some older children with lazy eye

ScienceDaily (2010-12-14) -- Acupuncture could potentially become an alternative to patching for treating amblyopia (lazy eye) in some older children, according to a new report.

Blooming jellyfish in northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean: Over-fishing, warming waters to blame

ScienceDaily (2010-12-14) -- A study examining over 50 years of jellyfish data confirmed an increase in the size and intensity of proliferations of the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca. There are several complex reasons for this -- over-fishing and the current increase in sea water temperatures.

Power and corruption may be good for society

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- Much of the agriculture in the American West depends on underground water systems that need to be carefully monitored to avoid overuse. Traditional data about aquifers are sparse and expensive to obtain. Until now, crops growing above the aquifer prevented satellite-based radar from "seeing" under the surface. But researchers have found a way around the plant problem.

Satellite data provide a new way to monitor groundwater in agricultural regions

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- Much of the agriculture in the American West depends on underground water systems that need to be carefully monitored to avoid overuse. Traditional data about aquifers are sparse and expensive to obtain. Until now, crops growing above the aquifer prevented satellite-based radar from "seeing" under the surface. But researchers have found a way around the plant problem.

High levels of 'good' cholesterol may be associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's disease

ScienceDaily (2010-12-15) -- High levels of high-density lipoprotein, also known as "good" cholesterol, appear to be associated with a reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease in older adults, according to a new report.

Emotional intelligence peaks as we enter our 60s, research suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-12-18) -- Older people have a hard time keeping a lid on their feelings, especially when viewing heartbreaking or disgusting scenes in movies and reality shows, psychologists have found. But they're better than their younger counterparts at seeing the positive side of a stressful situation and empathizing with the less fortunate, according to new research.

Drinking alcohol during a rich meal slows down digestion, but doesn't increase indigestion, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-12-18) -- People can be reassured that while alcohol may slow down digestion after a rich calorific meal, enjoyed by many during the Christmas season, it will not cause indigestion symptoms such as heartburn, belching and bloating, finds new research.

Using digitized books as 'cultural genome,' researchers unveil quantitative approach to humanities

ScienceDaily (2010-12-18) -- Researchers have created a powerful new approach to scholarship, using approximately 4 percent of all books ever published as a digital "fossil record" of human culture. By tracking the frequency with which words appear in books over time, scholars can now precisely quantify a wide variety of cultural and historical trends.

Wind turbines help crops by channelling beneficial breezes over nearby plants

ScienceDaily (2010-12-18) -- Researchers have found that wind turbines benefit nearby crops, keeping them cooler and drier and boosting the uptake of carbon dioxide.

More than 100 new species described by California Academy of Sciences in 2010

ScienceDaily (2010-12-17) -- In an effort to address the critical need for data about the diversity of life on Earth, scientists from the California Academy of Sciences have spent the past year exploring some of the planet's most diverse habitats, searching for new species and creating comprehensive biodiversity maps. In 2010, they have added 113 new relatives to our family tree: 83 arthropods, 20 fishes, four corals, two sea slugs, two plants, one reptile, and one fossil mammal.

Online access with a fingerprint

ScienceDaily (2010-12-17) -- A new service makes it possible for users to maintain multiple online accounts using a scan of their fingerprint as a password.

Mom's voice plays special role in activating newborn's brain

ScienceDaily (2010-12-17) -- A mother's voice will preferentially activate the parts of the brain responsible for language learning, say researchers. The research team made the discovery after performing electrical recordings on the infants within the 24 hours following their birth.

Small islands in the Pacific: Duel between freshwater and sea water

ScienceDaily (2010-12-17) -- It is said that the first refugees of climate change will come from the Pacific. In the midst of this ocean’s tropical regions are scattered 50,000 small islands, 8,000 of them inhabited. They are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming. These effects include rising sea-water levels, drought and diminishing stocks of freshwater.

Pomegranate juice components could stop cancer from spreading, research suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-12-13) -- Researchers have identified components in pomegranate juice that both inhibit the movement of cancer cells and weaken their attraction to a chemical signal that promotes the metastasis of prostate cancer to the bone. The research could lead to new therapies for preventing cancer metastasis.

Right or left handling at birth: What impact does it have on development?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-13) -- Certain events experienced at the moment of birth have consequences on the emotional reactions of animals at an adult age. Researchers have tested the effects of unilateral tactile stimulation on newborn foals. Their results show that animals handled on their right side at birth avoid contact with humans more often than those stimulated on their left side or not at all. This work raises questions on the organization of neonatal care in animals and humans.

When it comes to selecting a mate, the eyes have it

ScienceDaily (2010-12-13) -- For the first time ever, scientists have found a difference in the way males and females of the same species of vertebrate see things -- and that sexes likely use that difference to select their mates. The research team also discovered that the fish have five different photoreceptor cones in their eyes, the most ever found in a vertebrate.

35,000 new species ‘sitting in cupboards’

ScienceDaily (2010-12-10) -- Of the estimated 70,000 species of flowering plants yet to be described by scientists, more than half may already have been collected but are lying unknown and unrecognized in collections around the world, a new study suggests.

'White-noise' therapy alone not enough to curb tinnitus

ScienceDaily (2010-12-12) -- Tinnitus -- what many think of as "ringing in the ears" -- is the perception of sound without any real acoustic stimulation. Sound masking therapy, a common component of tinnitus treatment, is of uncertain benefit when used on its own, a new evidence review finds.

Improving children's diets using behavior change video games shows promise

ScienceDaily (2010-12-13) -- Obesity in youngsters has risen dramatically in recent decades. Fruit and vegetable consumption and increased water intake can lower the risk of obesity, as can increased physical activity, but it is not always easy to convince children to eat better and exercise more. In a new study, researchers found that video games designed to encourage these behaviors were effective.

Shoo, fly! Catnip oil repels bloodsucking flies

ScienceDaily (2010-12-13) -- Catnip, the plant that attracts domestic cats like an irresistible force, has proven 99 percent effective in repelling the blood-sucking flies that attack horses and cows, causing $2 billion in annual loses to the cattle industry.

Thought for food: Imagining food consumption reduces actual consumption

ScienceDaily (2010-12-11) -- A new study shows that when you imagine eating a certain food, it reduces your actual consumption of that food. This landmark discovery changes the decades-old assumption that thinking about something desirable increases cravings for it and its consumption.

Teens who perpetrate dating violence also likely to perpetrate violence involving siblings or peers

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- Dating violence among adolescents is common and those who physically assault dating partners are also likely to have perpetrated violence involving siblings and peers, according to a new study.

Fewer synapses, more efficient learning: Molecular glue wires the brain

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- Researchers have found that a single molecule not only connects brain cells but also changes how we learn. The findings may help researchers discover ways to improve memory and could lead to new therapies to correct neurological disorders.

'Secret ingredient' in religion makes people happier

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- While the positive correlation between religiosity and life satisfaction has long been known, a new study reveals religion's "secret ingredient" that makes people happier.

Redrawing the map of Great Britain based on human interaction

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- A group of researchers have used one of the world's largest databases of telecommunications records to redraw the map of Great Britain. The research is based on the analysis of 12 billion anonymized records representing more than 95% of Great Britain's residential and business landlines.

Astronomers discover, image new planet in planetary system very similar to our own

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- An international team of astronomers has discovered and imaged a fourth giant planet outside our solar system, whose discovery strengthens some remarkable resemblances between this planetary system and our own. The astronomers say the planetary system resembles a super-sized version of our solar system.

Politics and eye movement: Liberals focus their attention on 'gaze cues' much differently than conservatives do

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- It goes without saying that conservatives and liberals don't see the world in the same way. Now, research suggests that is exactly -- and quite literally -- the case. In a new study, researchers measured both liberals' and conservatives' reaction to "gaze cues" -- a person's tendency to shift attention in a direction consistent with another person's eye movements. Liberals responded strongly to the prompts, consistently moving their attention in the direction suggested to them by a face on a computer screen. Conservatives, on the other hand, did not.

Our brains are wired so we can better hear ourselves speak

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- Like the mute button on the TV remote control, our brains filter out unwanted noise so we can focus on what we're listening to. But when it comes to following our own speech, a new brain study shows that instead of one homogeneous mute button, we have a network of volume settings that can selectively silence and amplify the sounds we make and hear.

Teleworkers more satisfied than office-based employees

ScienceDaily (2010-12-10) -- Employees who telecommute the majority of the work week are more satisfied with their jobs compared to those working mostly in the office because working remotely alleviates more stress than it creates, according to a new study.

Nighttime sleep found beneficial to infants' skills

ScienceDaily (2010-12-10) -- Young children who get most of their sleep at night perform better in executive functioning than children who don't sleep as much at night, a new study finds. The study of 60 Canadian children aged 1, 1-1/2 and 2, examined the children's sleep habits and executive functioning skills, including impulse control and mental flexibility. The researchers found that children who sleep mostly at night did better on executive function tasks, especially those involving impulse control.

Seeing the invisible: New 'CSI tool' visualizes bloodstains and other substances

ScienceDaily (2010-12-10) -- Snap an image of friends in front of a window curtain and the camera captures the people -- and invisible blood stains splattered on the curtain during a murder. Sound unlikely? Chemists are reporting development of a camera with that ability to see the invisible, and more. Called multimode imaging in the thermal infrared, the new technology could find uses in crime scene investigations and elsewhere, they say.

Feeling chills in response to music

ScienceDaily (2010-12-08) -- Most people feel chills and shivers in response to music that thrills them, but some people feel these chills often and others feel them hardly at all. People who are particularly open to new experiences are most likely to have chills in response to music, according to a study.

Feeling chills in response to music

ScienceDaily (2010-12-08) -- Most people feel chills and shivers in response to music that thrills them, but some people feel these chills often and others feel them hardly at all. People who are particularly open to new experiences are most likely to have chills in response to music, according to a study.

Good grades in high school lead to better health, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-12-08) -- The "A" grades that high schoolers earn aren't just good for making the honor roll -- they also make them healthier as adults, too, researcher suggests.

Are depressed people too clean?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-08) -- Researchers say there is mounting evidence that disruptions in ancient relationships with microorganisms in soil, food and the gut may contribute to increasing rates of depression. According to a review article, the modern world has become so clean, we are deprived of the bacteria our immune systems came to rely on over long ages to keep inflammation at bay.

Lost civilization under Persian Gulf?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-08) -- A once fertile landmass now submerged beneath the Persian Gulf may have been home to some of the earliest human populations outside Africa, according to a new article.

Eutrophication makes toxic cyanobacteria more toxic

ScienceDaily (2010-12-09) -- Continued eutrophication of the Baltic Sea, combined with an ever thinner ozone layer, is favouing the toxic cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena, reveals new research.

Imagine your future self: Will it help you save money?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-26) -- Why do people choose present consumption over their long-term financial interests? A new study finds that consumers have trouble feeling connected to their future selves.

Drifting fish larvae allow marine reserves to rebuild fisheries

ScienceDaily (2010-12-26) -- Marine ecologists have shown for the first time that tiny fish larvae can drift with ocean currents and "re-seed" fish stocks significant distances away -- more than 100 miles in a new study from Hawaii.

Ever-sharp urchin teeth may yield tools that never need honing

ScienceDaily (2010-12-26) -- To survive in a tumultuous environment, sea urchins literally eat through stone, using their teeth to carve out nooks where the spiny creatures hide from predators and protect themselves from the crashing surf on the rocky shores and tide pools where they live. The rock-boring behavior is astonishing, scientists agree, but what is truly remarkable is that, despite constant grinding and scraping on stone, urchin teeth never, ever get dull. The secret of their ever-sharp qualities has puzzled scientists for decades, but now a new report by scientists has peeled back the toothy mystery.

New rule predicts risk of stroke, death from surgery that prevents it

ScienceDaily (2010-12-27) -- It's a medical Catch-22: carotid artery surgery can itself cause stroke, but so can asymptomatic carotid disease if left untreated. Researchers have now developed a clinical risk prediction rule using factors such as sex, race and health history to assess the danger the surgery poses, while a modified version will help patients make a more fully informed choice about whether to have the procedure.

Global rivers emit three times IPCC estimates of greenhouse gas nitrous oxide

ScienceDaily (2010-12-27) -- Biologists have demonstrated that streams and rivers receiving nitrogen from urban and agricultural land uses are a significant source of nitrous oxide to the atmosphere.

Adapting agriculture to climate change: New global search to save endangered crop wild relatives

ScienceDaily (2010-12-27) -- The Global Crop Diversity Trust has announced a major global search to systematically find, gather, catalog, use and save the wild relatives of wheat, rice, beans, potato, barley, lentils, chickpea and other essential food crops, in order to help protect global food supplies against the imminent threat of climate change, and strengthen future food security.

Decline of West Coast fog brought higher coastal temperatures last 60 years

ScienceDaily (2010-12-27) -- Summertime fog, a common feature along the West Coast, has decline since 1950 while coastal temperatures have increased slightly, new research shows.

Bonding with newborn baby: Once upon a time in the Intensive Care Unit ...

ScienceDaily (2010-12-28) -- The first few days after birth is an important time when babies learn to recognize the sound of their parents' voice and the parents in turn bond with their children. However, the separation between parents and newborns admitted to the NICU can disrupt the early development of this relationship. Innovative research suggests reading to newborns in the NICU allows parents to feel closer to their babies during this difficult period.

Choose a movie's plot -- while you watch it

ScienceDaily (2010-12-28) -- Turbulence, a new film, uses complicated video coding procedures that allow the viewer to change the course of a movie in mid-plot. In theory, that means each new theater audience can see its very own version of a film.

Why married men tend to behave better

ScienceDaily (2010-12-07) -- Researchers found that less antisocial men were more likely to get married. Once they were wed, however, the marriage itself appeared to further inhibit antisocial behavior.

Daily aspirin at low doses reduces cancer deaths, study finds -- but caution urged

ScienceDaily (2010-12-07) -- A daily low dose of aspirin significantly reduces the number of deaths from a whole range of common cancers, a new study has found. The 20 percent drop in all cancer deaths seen in the study adds new evidence to the debate about whether otherwise healthy people in their 40s and 50s should consider taking a low dose of aspirin each day.

Stroke damage reversed by jumpstarting nerve fibers

ScienceDaily (2010-12-07) -- A new technique that jumpstarts the growth of nerve fibers could reverse much of the damage caused by strokes, researchers report.

Pacific sperm whales exposed to PAHs, pesticides, other pollutants

ScienceDaily (2010-12-07) -- Whale researchers found evidence of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and persistent organic pollutants, including the pesticide DDT, in Pacific Ocean-dwelling sperm whales.

Doctor Who's trusty invention is anything but sci-fi: Sonic screwdriver to solve future DIY woes

ScienceDaily (2010-12-07) -- Ultrasonic engineers have uncovered how a real life version of the fictional screwdriver -- which uses sonic technology to open locks and undo screws -- could be created.

Creating 'Living' Buildings

ScienceDaily (2010-12-08) -- Researchers are poised to use ethical synthetic biology to create 'living' materials that could be used to clad buildings and help combat the effects of climate change.

Brain's architecture makes our view of the world unique

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- Scientists have shown for the first time that exactly how we see our environment depends on the size of the visual part of our brain.

Medieval England twice as well off as today’s poorest nations

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- Medieval England was not only far more prosperous than previously believed, it also actually boasted an average income that would be more than double the average per capita income of the world’s poorest nations today.

Imitating someone's accent makes it easier to understand them

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- In conversation, we often imitate each other's speech style and may even change our accent to fit that of the person we're talking to. A recent study suggests that imitating someone who speaks with a regional or foreign accent may actually help you understand them better.

Heart attack risk increases rapidly after rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- The risk of having a heart attack is 60% higher just a year after a patient has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and it is very important that they are monitored for heart issues. Swedish researchers followed 7,469 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), together with 37,024 matched controls without RA to determine the risk of ischaemic heart disease, with particular reference to myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Adolescents at risk for alcohol abuse show decreased brain activation

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- Adolescence is a time of immense change in the brain, but unfortunately, it is also the time where many youths begin drinking. New research shows that individuals with a positive family history for alcohol abuse are at significantly higher risk to develop alcoholism in the future.

Oh deer: Protecting this year’s Christmas tree crop

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- Hair clippings, cayenne pepper and raw eggs -- these are just a few of the odd ingredients recommended to keep those pesky deer away from your backyard garden. But what about farmers who have hundreds of acres of Christmas trees to protect? Specialists have now found an effective, inexpensive alternative to available commercial products to keep the deer at bay.

Pregnant mother's diet impacts infant's sense of smell, alters brain development

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- New study shows a pregnant mother's diet directly impacts an infant's food choices in the future.

A team with a shared lousy temper is better at mental tasks

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- Managers who want their team to perform better should let employees express negative emotions. Teams who share bad feelings solve complicated problems better, share more information with each other and have a greater solidarity, concludes new research.

LouseBuster: Head lice shrivel with chemical-free warm-air device

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- Four years after the LouseBuster prototype made headlines when research showed the chemical-free, warm-air device wiped out head lice on children, a new study reveals that a revamped, government-cleared model is highly effective.

Threshold sea surface temperature for hurricanes and tropical thunderstorms is rising

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- Scientists have long known that atmospheric convection in the form of hurricanes and tropical ocean thunderstorms occurs when sea surface temperature (SST) rises above a threshold. So how do rising ocean temperatures with global warming affect this threshold? If the threshold does not rise, it could mean more frequent hurricanes. A new study shows this threshold SST for convection is rising under global warming at the same rate as that of the tropical oceans.

Vitamins identified as key nutrient which may promote harmful algal blooms in coastal waters

ScienceDaily (2010-12-04) -- Harmful algal blooms, which negatively affect coastal ecosystems, public health, economies and fisheries around the world, may be promoted by vitamins B-1 and B-12 according to new research.

Tooth decay to be a thing of the past? Enzyme responsible for dental plaque sticking to teeth deciphered

ScienceDaily (2010-12-04) -- Scientists have deciphered the structure and functional mechanism of the glucansucrase enzyme that is responsible for dental plaque sticking to teeth. This knowledge will stimulate the identification of substances that inhibit the enzyme. Just add that substance to toothpaste, or even sweets, and caries could be a thing of the past.

Method developed to simultaneously desalinate water, produce hydrogen and treat wastewater

ScienceDaily (2010-12-05) -- Fresh water and reusable energy. Humans are on a constant hunt for a sustainable supply of both. Water purification requires a lot of energy, while utility companies need large amounts of water for energy production. The goal is to find a low-energy-required treatment technology. Researchers may have discovered an answer.

Low-status leaders are ignored, researchers find; How a leader is picked impacts whether others will follow

ScienceDaily (2010-12-05) -- People who are deemed social misfits or "losers" aren't effective leaders, even if they are crusading for a cause that would benefit a larger group, according to new research.

Link between folic acid supplementation in pregnancy, DNA methylation and birth weight in newborn babies

ScienceDaily (2010-12-06) -- Groundbreaking work by a team of UK scientists has identified, for the first time, a link between changes in the DNA of newborn babies, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy, and birth weight.

Electrocution of birds and collision with power lines: Solutions to a global problem

ScienceDaily (2010-12-04) -- Electrocution on power lines is a major threat to many bird species across the world, in particular endangered species such birds of prey, which show the greatest incidence of electrocution. A new study focuses on preventing bird electrocution through the identification and correction of high-risk pylons.

Novel metal catalysts may be able to turn greenhouse gases into liquid fuels

ScienceDaily (2010-12-04) -- It sounds a bit like spinning straw into gold, but novel metal catalysts may be able to turn greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide into liquid fuels without producing more carbon waste in the process.

Blame the environment: Why vaccines may be ineffective for some people

ScienceDaily (2010-12-04) -- A new discovery may explain why a tuberculosis vaccine is not as effective for some people as anticipated, and potentially explains why other vaccines do not work as well for some as they do for others.

Global sea-level rise at the end of the last Ice Age interrupted by rapid 'jumps'

ScienceDaily (2010-12-04) -- Researchers have estimated that sea-level rose by an average of about 1 meter per century at the end of the last Ice Age, interrupted by rapid "jumps" during which it rose by up to 2.5 meters per century. The findings will help unravel the responses of ocean circulation and climate to large inputs of ice-sheet meltwater to the world ocean.

Many coastal wetlands likely to disappear this century, scientists say

ScienceDaily (2010-12-03) -- Many coastal wetlands worldwide -- including several on the US Atlantic coast -- may be more sensitive than previously thought to climate change and sea-level rise projections for the 21st century, according to U.S. Geological Survey scientists.

Fear of being envied makes people behave well toward others

ScienceDaily (2010-12-03) -- It's nice to have success -- but it can also make you worry that the jealous people will try to bring you down. New research has found that the fear of being the target of malicious envy makes people act more helpfully toward people who they think might be jealous of them.

Africa can feed itself in a generation, experts say

ScienceDaily (2010-12-03) -- Experts prepare a blueprint for sub-Saharan Africa's transition from food importer to exporter, starting with expansion of mobile communications, transportation, energy, technical education and regional markets.

Do our bodies' bacteria play matchmaker?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-03) -- Could the bacteria that we carry in our bodies decide who we marry? According to a new study, the answer lies in the gut of a small fruit fly. Scientists recently demonstrated that the symbiotic bacteria inside a fruit fly greatly influence its choice of mates.

Water resources played important role in patterns of human settlement

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- Once lost in the mists of time, the colonial hydrology of the northeastern United States has been reconstructed by a team of geoscientists, biological scientists and social scientists.

New psychology theory enables computers to mimic human creativity

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- A mathematical model based on psychology theory allows computers to mimic human creative problem-solving, and provides a new roadmap to architects of artificial intelligence.

GPS not working? A shoe radar may help you find your way

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- The prevalence of global positioning system (GPS) devices in everything from cars to cell phones has almost made getting lost a thing of the past. But what do you do when your GPS isn't working? Researchers have developed a shoe-embedded radar system that may help you find your way.

Long-term exposure to pesticides may be linked to dementia

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- Long-term exposure to pesticides may be linked to the development of dementia, new research suggests.

Ideal body mass index identified in new study; Overweight and obesity associated with increased risk of death

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- A study looking at deaths from any cause found that a body mass index between 20.0 and 24.9 is associated with the lowest risk of death in healthy non-smoking adults. Investigators also provided precise estimates of the increased risk of death among people who are overweight and obese. Previous studies that examined the risks from being overweight were inconclusive, with some reporting only modestly increased risks of death and others showing a reduced risk.

Longevity breakthrough: Scientists 'activate' life extension in worm, discover mitochondria's metabolic state controls life span

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- If you think life's too short, then you're not alone. Scientists set out to find what it would take to live a very long life and they made important discoveries that bring longer life spans much closer to reality. A new study describes how scientists "activated" life extension in the roundworm C. elegans, and in the process, discovered a new metabolic state correlating with long life.

Propensity for one-night stands, uncommitted sex could be genetic, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- So, he or she has cheated on you for the umpteenth time and their only excuse is: "I just can't help it." According to researchers, they may be right. The propensity for infidelity could very well be in their DNA.

Governments worldwide censor web content: New study analyzes where, why and how access to the web is controlled

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- Where you live in the world largely determines how freely you can access the internet. The level of cyber censorship in different countries around the world is directly related to how authoritarian the governing regime is, according to a new comprehensive analysis of the geographical nature of Internet censorship.

Discovery could shrink dengue-spreading mosquito population

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- A team of entomologists has identified a microRNA in female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that when deactivated disrupts the mosquito's blood digestion and egg development -- a discovery that could help control the spread of not only dengue and yellow fever but potentially all vector-borne diseases.

Online game drives genetic research

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- Playing online can mean more than killing time, thanks to a new game developed by a team of bioinformaticians. Now, players can contribute in a fun way to genetic research.

Breakthrough chip technology lights path to exascale computing: Optical signals connect chips together faster and with lower power

ScienceDaily (2010-12-03) -- IBM scientists have unveiled a new chip technology that integrates electrical and optical devices on the same piece of silicon, enabling computer chips to communicate using pulses of light (instead of electrical signals), resulting in smaller, faster and more power-efficient chips than is possible with conventional technologies.

Researchers find mathematical patterns to forecast earthquakes

ScienceDaily (2010-12-03) -- Researchers in Spain have found patterns of behavior that occur before an earthquake on the Iberian peninsula. The team used clustering techniques to forecast medium-large seismic movements when certain circumstances coincide.

'No fish left behind' approach leaves Earth with nowhere left to fish, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-12-03) -- Earth has run out of room to expand fisheries, according to a new study that charts the systematic expansion of industrialized fisheries.

How earthquakes can be predicted: Researchers reveal new means

ScienceDaily (2010-12-01) -- Researchers in Israel who have been examining what happens in a "model earthquake" in their laboratory have discovered that basic assumptions about friction that have been accepted for hundreds of years are just wrong. Their findings provide a new means for replicating how earth ruptures develop and possibly enabling prediction of coming severe earthquakes.

Trust hormone associated with happiness: Human study suggests new role for oxytocin

ScienceDaily (2010-12-01) -- The hormone oxytocin, which is known to be important in trust, may also be involved in a sense of well-being. According to new research, women who show large increases in oxytocin when they are trusted also report being more satisfied with life and less depressed.

Couch potato effect: Missing protein leaves mice unable to exercise

ScienceDaily (2010-12-01) -- Researchers have unveiled a surprising new model for studying muscle function: the couch potato mouse. While these mice maintain normal activity and body weight, they do not have the energy to exercise.

Loss of species large and small threatens human health, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-12-01) -- The loss of biodiversity -- from beneficial bacteria to charismatic mammals -- threatens human health. That's the conclusion of a new study by scientists who study biodiversity and infectious diseases.

Primates are more resilient than other animals to environmental ups and downs

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- What sets mankind's closest relatives -- monkeys, apes, and other primates -- apart from other animals? According to a new study, one answer is that primates are less susceptible to the seasonal ups and downs -- particularly rainfall -- that take their toll on other animals. The findings may also help explain the evolutionary success of early humans, scientists say.

Fountain of youth in your muscles? Researchers uncover muscle-stem cell mechanism in aging

ScienceDaily (2010-12-02) -- Researchers have discovered how endurance exercise, like jogging or spinning classes, increases the number of muscle stem cells, enhancing their ability to rejuvenate old muscles. The finding could lead to a new drug to heal muscles faster.

Clarity in short-term memory shows no link with IQ

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- One person correctly remembers four of eight items just seen but is fuzzy on details. Another person recalls only two of the items but with amazingly precise clarity. So what ability translates to higher IQ? According to a new study the answer is very clear.

California's controlled fires boost biodiversity

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- In certain ecosystems, such as the mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada region of the western United States, fires are a natural and essential occurrence for maintaining forest health. However, for many decades, resource managers in California and other western states prevented or suppressed natural fires to limit the potential for catastrophic spread.

Moderate alcohol consumption lowers the risk of metabolic diseases, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- Young people who are overexposed to antibacterial soaps containing triclosan may suffer more allergies, and exposure to higher levels of Bisphenol A among adults may negatively influence the immune system, a new study suggests.

Antibacterial soaps: Being too clean can make people sick, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- Young people who are overexposed to antibacterial soaps containing triclosan may suffer more allergies, and exposure to higher levels of Bisphenol A among adults may negatively influence the immune system, a new study suggests.

Marsupial embryo jumps ahead in development

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- Long a staple of nature documentaries, the somewhat bizarre development of a grub-like pink marsupial embryo outside the mother's womb is curious in another way. Researchers have found that the developmental program executed by the marsupial embryo runs in a different order than the program executed by virtually every other vertebrate animal.

Caffeinated alcoholic beverages: A growing public health problem?

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- In the wake of multiple state bans on caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs) and an FDA warning to four companies to remove their products from the marketplace, a new article delineates the scope of the public health problem and suggests areas of research that might help address it.

Ecological effects of biodiversity loss underestimated

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- More than half of all species are believed to change their dietary preferences -- sometimes several times -- between birth and adulthood. A new study finds that this pattern has major implications for the stability of natural ecosystems and survival of threatened species. The findings suggest that previous studies have systematically underestimated the negative consequences of biodiversity loss.

Snakes on a rope: Researchers take a unique look at the climbing abilities of boa constrictors

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- In the wild, how does a snake climb a vertical surface without slipping? To find out, researchers sent snakes climbing up varying widths and tensions of ropes as they explored snake movement in relation to their musculoskeletal design and variation in their environment.

Acupuncture changes brain's perception and processing of pain, researchers find

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers have captured pictures of the brain while patients experienced a pain stimulus with and without acupuncture to determine acupuncture's effect on how the brain processes pain.

Worst case scenario: Can we adapt to a world 2 to 4 degrees warmer?

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- Potentially dangerous rates of global warming could outpace the ability of ecosystems and artificial infrastructure to adapt, experts warn.

Belly fat puts women at risk for osteoporosis, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- For years, it was believed that obese women were at lower risk for developing osteoporosis, and that excess body fat actually protected against bone loss. However, a new study found that having too much internal abdominal fat may, in fact, have a damaging effect on bone health.

Neuroscience of instinct: How animals overcome fear to obtain food

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- When crossing a street, we look to the left and right for cars and stay put on the sidewalk if we see a car close enough and traveling fast enough to hit us before we're able to reach the other side. It's an almost automatic decision, as though we instinctively know how to keep ourselves safe. Now neuroscientists have found that other animals are capable of making similar instinctive safety decisions.

Narcissistic students don't mind cheating their way to the top, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- College students who exhibit narcissistic tendencies are more likely than fellow students to cheat on exams and assignments, a new study shows. The results suggested that narcissists were motivated to cheat because their academic performance functions as an opportunity to show off to others, and they didn't feel particularly guilty about their actions.

Are good-looking people more employable? Findings vary depending on whether it's a male or female applicant and who's doing the screening

ScienceDaily (2010-12-01) -- In a new study by researchers in Israel, the resumes of "attractive" males received a 19.9 percent response rate, nearly 50 percent higher than the 13.7 percent response rate for "plain" males and more than twice the 9.2 percent response rate of no-picture males. Among women, the study indicates that, contrary to popular belief, "attractive" women are called back for a position LESS often than "plain women" (unattractive), as well as women who had no picture on their resume.

Could 135,000 laptops help solve the energy challenge?

ScienceDaily (2010-12-01) -- Fifty-seven innovative research projects have been awarded time on supercomputers -- using computer simulations to perform virtual experiments that in most cases would be impossible or impractical in the natural world.

Internal body clock controls fat metabolism

ScienceDaily (2010-12-01) -- Researchers have discovered that circadian rhythms -- the internal body clock -- regulate fat metabolism. This helps explain why people burn fat more efficiently at certain times of day and could lead to new pharmaceuticals for obesity, diabetes and energy-related illnesses.

Sugary lemonade may cool a hot temper

ScienceDaily (2010-12-01) -- A spoonful of sugar may be enough to cool a hot temper, at least for a short time, according to new research. A study found that people who drank a glass of lemonade sweetened with sugar acted less aggressively toward a stranger a few minutes later than did people who consumed lemonade with a sugar substitute.

Sensory stimulation protects against brain damage caused by stroke

ScienceDaily (2010-11-28) -- Mild sensory stimulation given soon after the first symptoms of a stroke can prevent a large area of the brain from becoming damaged, a new animal study shows. If applicable to humans, these findings could potentially help protect vulnerable brain tissue in patients with stroke.

Sensory stimulation protects against brain damage caused by stroke

ScienceDaily (2010-11-28) -- Mild sensory stimulation given soon after the first symptoms of a stroke can prevent a large area of the brain from becoming damaged, a new animal study shows. If applicable to humans, these findings could potentially help protect vulnerable brain tissue in patients with stroke.

Why are we getting fatter? Seeking a mysterious culprit

ScienceDaily (2010-11-28) -- Researchers suggest there are multiple, still undiscovered causes for obesity, based observations of weight gain in controlled groups of animals that has no single explanation, such as diet or activity level.

Scientists manage to adapt juvenile blue fin tuna to captivity in land installations

ScienceDaily (2010-11-29) -- Researchers have taken a new step towards achieving the domestication of bluefin tuna. A dozen juveniles have been adapted to captivity in land based facilities, something that had already been successfully achieved in Japan, Australia and the USA in other species of tuna.

Methane-powered laptops? Materials scientists unveil tiny, low-temperature methane fuel cells

ScienceDaily (2010-11-29) -- With advances in nanostructured devices, lower operating temperatures, and the use of an abundant fuel source and cheaper materials, researchers are increasingly optimistic about the commercial viability of methane-powered laptops.

New oyster farming technique increases productivity, offers entrepreneurial opportunities

ScienceDaily (2010-11-30) -- A new oyster farming initiative has launched in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The goal of this effort is industry adoption of off-bottom oyster culture to supplement the traditional harvest. Historically, oysters are grown on and harvested from reefs on the water bottom. In this new process, oysters are grown suspended in the water column.