Teachers can close gender gap in classroom leadership during medical school, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- A new study shows that female medical students volunteer for leadership roles in the classroom significantly less than their male peers. Subtle pep talks from teachers can even out the playing field.

Birth of a hurricane

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Summer storms are a regular feature in the North Atlantic, and while most pose little threat to our shores, a choice few become devastating hurricanes. To decipher which storms could bring danger, and which will not, atmospheric scientists are heading to the tropics to observe these systems as they form and dissipate--or develop into hurricanes.

Can't place that face?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Researchers are trying to understand the mechanisms at work in the face area of the brain called the "fusiform gyrus" by combining cognitive psychology with techniques like brain imaging and electrophysiology. This research may help business executives better match names with faces, and can lead to better facial recognition software to identify terrorists or criminals.

Sleep disorder may signal dementia, Parkinson's disease up to 50 years early

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- A new study shows that a sleep disorder may be a sign of dementia or Parkinson's disease up to 50 years before the disorders are diagnosed.

Mystery of healthy fat people: Why some obese people go on to become diabetic while others do not

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- It is common to find obese people – even morbidly obese people – who are healthier than their condition would normally allow. Working with subjects with a body mass index of about 56, a team of researchers investigated the inflammatory and insulin signaling pathways in the patients’ visceral adipose tissue.

Swimmers at sub-tropical beaches show increased risk of illness, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Swimmers at sub-tropical beaches face an increased risk of illness, according to new research. Scientists examined the risk of illness that beachgoers face when exposed to recreational marine water at sub-tropical beaches with no known source of pollution or contamination.

Western diet link to ADHD, Australian study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- A new study from Australia shows an association between ADHD and a "Western-style" diet in adolescents. The study examined the dietary patterns of 1800 adolescents from the long-term Raine Study and classified diets into 'Healthy' or 'Western' patterns.

More frequent, more intense heat waves in store for New York, climate scientists predict

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Heat waves like those that baked the Northeast in July are likely to be more frequent and more intense in the future, with their effects amplified in densely built urban environments like Manhattan, according to climate scientists.

No safe level: First study to show teenage binge drinkers harm abilities in later life

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Researchers in the UK have demonstrated a link between teenage binge drinking and damage to prospective memory.

Super-rare 'elkhorn' coral found in Pacific

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- An Australian scientist has discovered what could be the world's rarest coral in the remote North Pacific Ocean. The unique Pacific elkhorn coral was found while conducting underwater surveys of Arno atoll in the Marshall Islands.

Good and bad in the hands of politicians

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Politicians' gestures can reveal their thoughts, according to a new study. In laboratory tests, right- and left-handers associate positive ideas like honesty and intelligence with their dominant side of space and negative ideas with their non-dominant side. To find out whether people link 'good' with 'dominant' beyond the laboratory, researchers examined spontaneous gestures during positive and negative speech in the final debates of the most recent US presidential elections.

To make one happy, make one busy

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- A new study found that people who have something to do, even something pointless, are happier than people who sit idly.

Sensing wind speed with kites

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Researchers have developed a way to use a kite itself to measure wind speed. The instrument consists of a 2-meter-long and 1-meter-wide Rokkaku-type kite.

Adolescent vision screenings may miss farsightedness and astigmatism

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Among adolescents, visual acuity tests appear to reliably detect vision problems caused by nearsightedness but not farsightedness or astigmatism, according to a new study.

Polarstern expedition: Autonomous underwater vehicle dives under the Arctic ice

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- During the spring and fall migratory seasons, sparrows become significantly less capable of resisting temptation. Researchers investigated impulse control and sleep in white-crowned sparrows during migratory and non-migratory seasons. During migratory periods, the birds slept very little and became more impulsive, but sleep loss itself was not entirely to blame for their impulsivity.

Migrating birds can’t control themselves

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- During the spring and fall migratory seasons, sparrows become significantly less capable of resisting temptation. Researchers investigated impulse control and sleep in white-crowned sparrows during migratory and non-migratory seasons. During migratory periods, the birds slept very little and became more impulsive, but sleep loss itself was not entirely to blame for their impulsivity.

Kidney injury prevention may be possible: Watch for the warning signs

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Reduced kidney function and protein in the urine place a person at risk for kidney injury, according to a new study. The results suggest that improved recognition of these warning signs could help reduce preventable forms of acute kidney injury.

Best hope for saving Arctic sea ice is cutting soot emissions, say researchers

ScienceDaily (2010-07-30) -- Soot from the burning of fossil fuels and solid biofuels contributes far more to global warming than has been thought, according to a new study. But, unlike carbon dioxide, soot lingers only a few weeks in the atmosphere, so cutting emissions could have a significant and rapid impact on the climate. Controlling it may be the only option for saving the Arctic sea ice before it all melts.

Key enzyme in DNA repair pathway identified

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Some trees growing in nutrient-poor forest soil may get what they need by cultivating specific root microbes to create compounds they require. These microbes are exceptionally efficient at turning inorganic minerals into nutrients that the trees can use.

Some trees 'farm' bacteria to help supply nutrients

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Some trees growing in nutrient-poor forest soil may get what they need by cultivating specific root microbes to create compounds they require. These microbes are exceptionally efficient at turning inorganic minerals into nutrients that the trees can use.

Delirium in older patients associated with greater risk of death, dementia and institutionalization

ScienceDaily (2010-07-28) -- A review and analysis of previous research indicates that delirium in elderly patients is associated with an increased risk of death, dementia, and institutionalization, independent of age, co-existing illnesses or illness severity, according to a new study.

Latest 'green' packing material? Mushrooms; Packing foam engineered from mushrooms and agricultural waste

ScienceDaily (2010-07-28) -- A new packing material that grows itself is now appearing in shipped products across the country. The composite of inedible agricultural waste and mushroom roots is called Mycobond, and its manufacture requires just one eighth the energy and one tenth the carbon dioxide of traditional foam packing material.

Relationships improve your odds of survival by 50 percent, research finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-28) -- In a new study, researchers report that social connections -- friends, family, neighbors or colleagues -- improve our odds of survival by 50 percent.

Alcohol reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-28) -- Drinking alcohol may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research. It is the first time that this effect has been shown in humans. The study also finds that alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing the disease, confirming the results of previous studies.

Scientists tap into Antarctic octopus venom

ScienceDaily (2010-07-28) -- Researchers have collected venom from octopuses in Antarctica for the first time, significantly advancing our understanding of the properties of venom as a potential resource for drug development. They also revealed the existence of four new species of octopus.

Marine phytoplankton declining: Striking global changes at the base of the marine food web linked to rising ocean temperatures

ScienceDaily (2010-07-28) -- A new article reveals for the first time that microscopic marine algae known as phytoplankton have been declining globally over the 20th century. Phytoplankton forms the basis of the marine food chain and sustains diverse assemblages of species ranging from tiny zooplankton to large marine mammals, seabirds, and fish.

Penalty points system driver's license reduces accidents on a temporary basis, Spanish study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Researchers have determined that after the implementation in 2006 of the penalty points system driver's license in Spain, there has been a reduction of 12.6 percent in the number of deaths in highway accidents. However, the effect on fatal accidents lasted only two years.

Talking touchscreens aid patients

ScienceDaily (2010-07-09) -- Multimedia talking touchscreens, housed in computer kiosks at clinics and hospitals, are helping researchers and clinicians at local health care centers enhance patient-centered care for patients with diverse language, literacy and computer skills.

Weight issues move up need for walkers, canes, other devices

ScienceDaily (2010-07-28) -- Obese older adults are more likely to use walkers, canes and other mobility devices at a younger age, and may run the risk of using them incorrectly, according to new research.

A future with or without trees: Greenhouse gas emissions from Brazilian Amazon state

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Researchers have estimated future emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane in the Brazilian Amazon state of Mato Grosso. The estimates were made by combining 105 years of historical data on land-use changes with possible scenarios for future deforestation and land use in the region.

Marine biodiversity strongly linked to ocean temperature

ScienceDaily (2010-07-29) -- Scientists have mapped and analyzed global biodiversity patterns for over 11,000 marine species ranging from tiny zooplankton to sharks and whales.

Giant pandas: Landscape has big effect on movement of genes within population

ScienceDaily (2010-07-26) -- Genetic analysis of giant pandas has shown that features of their landscape have a profound effect on the movement of genes within their population. Researchers found that physical barriers, such as areas lacking bamboo plants and other forest foliage, can separate giant pandas into isolated genetic groups.

Negative stereotypes shown to affect learning, not just performance, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- While the effect of negative performance stereotypes on test-taking and in other domains is well documented, a new study shows that the effects might also be seen further upstream than once thought, when the skills are learned, not just performed.

Oceanographic linkages indicate an alternative route for eel larval drift to Europe

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- European eel larvae are generally believed to initially follow a westerly drift route into the Gulf Stream, but new research results on bio-physical linkages in the Sargasso Sea point to a shorter route towards Europe.

Children with brain injuries have problems with story-telling, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- Children with brain injuries have difficulty developing story-telling skills even though other language abilities, such as vocabulary, tend to catch up with other children as they mature, new research shows.

Carbon emissions threaten fish populations

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- Humanity's rising carbon dioxide emissions could have a significant impact on the world's fish populations, according to groundbreaking new research. Baby fish may become easy meat for predators as the world's oceans become more acidic due to CO2 fallout from human activity, researchers have discovered.

Segmentation is the secret behind the extraordinary diversification of animals

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- Segmentation, the repetition of identical anatomical units, seems to be the secret behind the diversity and longevity of the largest and most common animal groups on Earth. Researchers have shown that this characteristic was inherited from a common segmented ancestor thought to have lived 600 million years ago and whose presence "changed the face of the world."

Even in good communities, roaming teens a recipe for violence

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- Even in better neighborhoods, parents should be wary about letting teens gather with nothing to do and with no adult supervision, a new study suggests. In a long-term study of Chicago neighborhoods, researchers found that informal teen gatherings significantly increased the likelihood of violent behavior by the adolescents.

New proteins that regulate blood pressure, flow discovered

ScienceDaily (2010-07-27) -- Researchers have identified key players in a little-known biochemical pathway that appears to regulate blood pressure. The findings could lead to a better understanding of who will get high blood pressure and why, as well as allow us to develop better drugs to treat these patients.

Giant pandas: Landscape has big effect on movement of genes within population

ScienceDaily (2010-07-26) -- Genetic analysis of giant pandas has shown that features of their landscape have a profound effect on the movement of genes within their population. Researchers found that physical barriers, such as areas lacking bamboo plants and other forest foliage, can separate giant pandas into isolated genetic groups.

What does your avatar say about you?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-26) -- Old or young, beautiful or sinister - the choices are endless when designing an avatar or a virtual alter ego. In the end, do people choose one that is really different from themselves? Usually not, according to new research that shows in most cases, avatars reflect the personality of their creators. The study has implications for real-life companies who would like to reach both the virtual and real-world markets.

Amount of dust, pollen matters for cloud precipitation, climate change

ScienceDaily (2010-07-26) -- Atmospheric scientists have discovered that an abundance of aerosol particles are needed to help form ice crystals in clouds, which can influence precipitation and climate change.

Academic language impedes students' ability to learn science, expert argues

ScienceDaily (2010-07-24) -- Middle and high school students who read fluently in English class and on the Web may find that they cannot understand their science texts. And their science teachers may be ill-prepared to guide them in reading the academic language in which science information is presented. A professor of education and expert on language and literacy development makes the case that students need to be taught academic language to learn science and other subjects.

Can I buy you a drink? Genetics may determine sensitivity to other people's drinking behavior

ScienceDaily (2010-07-23) -- Your friend walks into a bar to meet you for happy hour. He sidles up to the bar and orders a drink -- does that make you more likely to get a drink yourself? According to new findings, genetics may determine the extent to which you are influenced by social drinking cues -- signals such as advertisements, drinks placed on a bar, and seeing other people around you drinking.

White eyes, foot-wide flowers, maroon plants: Researcher creating unique winter-hardy hibiscuses

ScienceDaily (2010-07-23) -- With a little cross-breeding and some determination, plant physiologist and forage agronomist Dr. Dariusz Malinowski is trying to add more colors to the world of hibiscuses. Malinowski is working on breeding winter-hardy hibiscus in what started as a hobby about four years ago, but in the last year has been added to the strategic plan of the Vernon research program.

Supercomputer reproduces a cyclone's birth, may boost forecasting

ScienceDaily (2010-07-23) -- Scientists have employed NASA's Pleiades supercomputer and atmospheric data to simulate tropical cyclone Nargis -- with the first model to replicate the formation of the tropical cyclone five days in advance.

Out of the gait: Robot ranger sets untethered 'walking' record at 14.3 miles

ScienceDaily (2010-07-23) -- The loneliness of the long-distance robot: A robot named Ranger walked 14.3 miles in about 11 hours, setting an unofficial world record. A human -- armed with nothing more than a standard remote control for toys -- steered the untethered robot.

Now you see it, now you don't: An infrared invisibility cloak made of glass

ScienceDaily (2010-07-22) -- From Star Trek's Romulans, who could cloak their spaceships, to Harry Potter's magical garment, the power to turn someone or something invisible has intrigued mankind. Now one researcher is doing it for real. She has found ways to use magnetic resonance to capture rays of visible light and route them around objects, rendering those objects invisible to the human eye.

Caterpillars crawl like none other: Unique means of animal locomotion has implications for robotics, human biomechanics

ScienceDaily (2010-07-22) -- Biologists studying caterpillars have reported a unique "two-body" system of locomotion that has not previously been reported in any animal. The gut of the crawling caterpillar moves forward independently and in advance of the surrounding body wall and legs, not with them. This novel system may contribute to the caterpillars' extraordinary freedom of movement and provide insight for the design of soft-bodied robots.

Customers less tolerant of employee rudeness than incompetence

ScienceDaily (2010-07-22) -- Rude behavior among employees can negatively affect consumer perceptions -- even when the incivility isn't directed at the customer.

Climate uncertainties tied to economies of US states: California, Pacific Northwest and Colorado achieve positive net impacts; other states languish

ScienceDaily (2010-07-22) -- A climate-change study that models the near-term effects of declining rainfall in each of the 48 US continental states makes clear the economic toll that could occur unless an appropriate amount of initial investment -- a kind of upfront insurance payment -- is made to forestall much larger economic problems down the road.

Cutting fat and calories can lower cancer risk in dogs and people

ScienceDaily (2010-07-22) -- As many as 1 out of 3 cancer deaths in both humans and dogs could be prevented by reducing Omega-6 fatty acids and cutting calories, according to new research.

Once a delinquent, always a delinquent? Not necessarily

ScienceDaily (2010-07-22) -- Children who come in conflict with the law early on in life do not necessarily become long-term criminals thereafter, according to a child delinquency study by researchers in Germany.

Data mining made faster: New method eases analysis of 'multidimensional' information

ScienceDaily (2010-07-22) -- To many big companies, you aren't just a customer, but are described by multiple "dimensions" of information within a computer database. Now, a computer scientist has devised a new method for simpler, faster "data mining," or extracting and analyzing massive amounts of such data.

Warmer climate could increase release of carbon dioxide by inland lakes

ScienceDaily (2010-07-21) -- Much organically bound carbon is deposited on inland lake bottoms. A portion remains in the sediment, sometimes for thousands of years, while the rest is largely broken down to carbon dioxide and methane, which are released into the atmosphere. Swedish researchers have shown that carbon retention by sediment is highly temperature-sensitive and that a warmer climate would result in increased carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere.

Better control of reproduction in trout and salmon may be in aquaculture's future

ScienceDaily (2010-07-21) -- Fast-growing farm-raised salmon and trout that are sterile can now be produced using a method developed by agricultural scientists. Blocking reproduction can enhance growth, and is important for fish being reared in situations where reproduction is undesirable.

Do cleaning products cause breast cancer?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-21) -- Women who report greater use of cleaning products may be at higher breast cancer risk than those who say they use them sparingly. Researchers asked more than 1500 women about their cleaning product usage and found that women who reported using more air fresheners and products for mold and mildew control had a higher incidence of breast cancer.

Afraid of a broken heart? Feeling insecure in relationships may predispose people to later cardiovascular problems, says research

ScienceDaily (2010-07-21) -- People who feel insecure about their attachments to others might be at higher risk for cardiovascular problems than those who feel secure in their relationships, according to a new study.

International law failing to protect coral reefs and tropical fish, experts argue

ScienceDaily (2010-07-21) -- International law has failed to protect coral reefs and tropical fish from being decimated by a growing collectors market, but US reforms can lead the way towards making the trade more responsible, ecologically sustainable and humane, according to a group of 18 experts.

Climate change causes larger, more plentiful marmots, study shows; Implications for many creatures that hibernate

ScienceDaily (2010-07-22) -- Researchers have discovered that changes in seasonal timing can increase body weight and population size simultaneously in a species -- findings likely to have implications for a host of other creatures, especially those that hibernate.

Greater obesity in offspring of nursing mothers consuming a high-fat diet

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- The future health of offspring is more negatively impacted when their mothers consume a high fat diet while nursing compared with high-fat diet consumption during pregnancy, according to animal research.

Obesity is associated with reduced sensitivity to fat

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- New research found marked differences between obese and lean men in how they respond to the taste of fat. Fat also is less effective in obese men in stimulating certain gut hormones that are released into the bloodstream and normally suppress appetite.

First concrete evidence that women are better multitaskers than men

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- Researchers have now shown that women can multitask more effectively than men.

Flower power makes tropics cooler, wetter

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- The world is a cooler, wetter place because of flowering plants, according to new climate simulation. The effect is especially pronounced in the Amazon basin, where replacing flowering plants with non-flowering varieties would result in an 80 percent decrease in the area covered by ever-wet rainforest.

Mermaid opens prospect of cleaner seas with pollution early warning system

ScienceDaily (2010-07-20) -- Alarm at the massive oil plume in the Gulf of Mexico emphasizes the problem of marine pollution and how difficult it is to evaluate. Thanks to a EUREKA project, another heavily polluted maritime ecosystem, the European North Sea, has been for more than 20 years a test-bed for a highly advanced early-warning system for all types of pollution. This development is now aiding marine authorities around the world to keep seas clean.

When climate change becomes a health issue, are people more likely to listen?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-20) -- Framing climate change as a public health problem seems to make the issue more relevant, significant and understandable to members of the public -- even some who don't generally believe climate change is happening, according to new research.

New potential biocontrol for skunk vine identified

ScienceDaily (2010-07-18) -- A new beetle that could be used to control the invasive weed skunk vine has been identified.

Universal flu vaccine moving closer

ScienceDaily (2010-07-18) -- A universal influenza vaccine -- so-called because it could potentially provide protection from all flu strains for decades -- may become a reality.

Are teen binge drinkers risking future osteoporosis?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-18) -- Binge-drinking teenagers may be putting themselves at risk for future osteoporosis and bone fractures, according to new research.

Anti-cancer effects of broccoli ingredient explained

ScienceDaily (2010-07-18) -- Light has been cast on the interaction between broccoli consumption and reduced prostate cancer risk. Researchers have found that sulforaphane, a chemical found in broccoli, interacts with cells lacking a gene called PTEN to reduce the chances of prostate cancer developing.

Gene responsible for population disparity in kidney failure, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- Chronic kidney disease affects millions in North America, with persons of African heritage being at a four-fold higher risk and those of Hispanic heritage having a two-fold higher risk compared to the rest of the population. An international study points to the APOL1 gene as involved in the increased risk of kidney disease in this high-risk population.

More than half the world's population gets insufficient vitamin D, says biochemist

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- Vitamin D surfaces as a news topic every few months. How much daily vitamin D should a person get? According to an international expert on vitamin D, half the people in North America and Western Europe get insufficient amounts of the vitamin. Elsewhere, the situation is worse.

Bright stars of the brain regulate breathing

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- Astrocytes -- brain cells named after their characteristic star-shape and previously thought to act only as the 'glue' between neurons -- have a central role in the regulation of breathing, according to scientists. The finding provides a new dimension for research into fundamental principles of brain organization and function and may be relevant for understanding causes of devastating conditions associated with respiratory failure such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

A high-fat diet alters crucial aspects of brain dopamine signaling

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- Prolonged exposure to a high fat diet is correlated with changes in the brain chemical dopamine within the striatum, a critical component of the brain's reward system according to new research.

Part of the brain that tracks limbs in space discovered

ScienceDaily (2010-07-19) -- Scientists have discovered the part of the brain that tracks the position of our limbs as we move through space. When a mosquito lands on your hand, you can rapidly and effortlessly make a movement of the other hand to brush it away, even in darkness. But performing this seemingly simple action involves a surprisingly complex coordination of different types of sensory information in order for your brain to construct a constantly updated 'map' of the body in space.

Sound creates light: Researchers transfer ultra-stable frequency across 480-km optical fiber link

ScienceDaily (2010-07-17) -- Researchers in Germany have found an elegant solution to transmit an optical frequency with extreme precision: they employ fiber Brillouin amplification. The new method simplifies the comparison of newly developed optical clocks and it is likely to have applications in other areas where precise synchronization is needed, for example in radio astronomy. Experts in geodesy have already approached the researchers with suggestions for joint projects.

Sound creates light: Researchers transfer ultra-stable frequency across 480-km optical fiber link

ScienceDaily (2010-07-17) -- Researchers in Germany have found an elegant solution to transmit an optical frequency with extreme precision: they employ fiber Brillouin amplification. The new method simplifies the comparison of newly developed optical clocks and it is likely to have applications in other areas where precise synchronization is needed, for example in radio astronomy. Experts in geodesy have already approached the researchers with suggestions for joint projects.

Nature's insect repellents discovered

ScienceDaily (2010-07-17) -- Two compounds emitted by mosquito predators that make the mosquitoes less inclined to lay eggs in pools of water may provide new environmentally friendly tactics for repelling and controlling disease-carrying insects.

Model predicts individual's vitamin D needs

ScienceDaily (2010-07-17) -- Your skin tone and the amount of sunshine you receive -- in addition to what foods you eat -- all can influence the amount of vitamin D that your body has on hand for optimum health. Scientists have now developed a preliminary model that predicts an individual's vitamin D requirements.

Breakthrough achieved in explaining why tectonic plates move the way they do

ScienceDaily (2010-07-17) -- Geophysicists have developed a new theory to explain the global motions of tectonic plates on the earth's surface. The new theory extends the theory of plate tectonics -- a kinematic description of plate motion without reference to the forces behind it -- with a dynamical theory that provides a physical explanation for both the motions of tectonic plates as well as motion of plate boundaries.

Redundant genetic instructions in 'junk DNA' support healthy development

ScienceDaily (2010-07-17) -- Seemingly redundant portions of the fruit fly genome may not be so redundant after all. Repeated instructional regions in the flies' DNA may contribute to normal development under less-than-ideal growth conditions by making sure that genes are turned on and off at the appropriate times, according to new research. If similar regions are found in humans, they may hold important clues to understanding developmental disorders.

Mayan king's tomb discovered in Guatemala

ScienceDaily (2010-07-17) -- A well-preserved tomb of an ancient Mayan king has been discovered in Guatemala. The tomb is packed with carvings, ceramics, textiles, and the bones of six children, who may have been sacrificed at the time of the king's death.

Apathy and depression predict progression from mild cognitive impairment

ScienceDaily (2010-07-16) -- A new study found that apathy and depression significantly predict an individual's progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a disorder of the brain that affects nerve cells involved in thinking abilities, to dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Less salt for everybody

ScienceDaily (2010-07-16) -- Restricting the amount of sodium chloride in food can lower the risk of cardiovascular morbidities, according to a new study.

Old theory of phytoplankton growth overturned, raise concerns for ocean productivity

ScienceDaily (2010-07-16) -- A new study concludes that an old, fundamental and widely accepted theory of how and why phytoplankton bloom in the oceans is incorrect. The findings challenge more than 50 years of conventional wisdom about the growth of phytoplankton, which are the ultimate basis for almost all ocean life and major fisheries. And they also raise concerns that global warming, rather than stimulating ocean productivity, may actually curtail it in some places.

Brain size associated with longevity in mammals

ScienceDaily (2010-07-15) -- Mammals with larger brains in relation to body size tend to live longer according to researchers who analyzed almost 500 mammal species and obtaining new data on the relation between brain size and lifespan.

Tiny marine microbes exert influence on global climate: Microorganisms display a behavior characteristic of larger animals

ScienceDaily (2010-07-15) -- New research indicates that the interactions of microscopic organisms around a particular organic material may alter the chemical properties of the ocean and ultimately influence global climate by affecting cloud formation in the atmosphere.

Wood smoke exposure multiplies damage from smoking, increases risk of COPD

ScienceDaily (2010-07-15) -- Smokers who are exposed to wood smoke, either through home heating and cooking or through ambient neighborhood pollution, are not only at increased risk of COPD, but are also more likely to have epigenetic changes in the DNA that further increase their risk of COPD and related pulmonary problems.

Insight into why low calorie diet can extend lifespan -- even if adopted later in life

ScienceDaily (2010-07-15) -- Research is providing new insight into why a restricted diet can lead to a longer lifespan and reduced incidence of age-related diseases for a wide variety of animals. Scientists have known for some time that a restricted diet can extend the lifespan of certain animals but this work shows how it affects aging mechanisms - and significantly has also shown that the effects occur even if the restricted diet is adopted later in life.

Keep your fingers crossed: How superstition improves performance

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- Don't scoff at those lucky rabbit feet. New research shows that having some kind of lucky token can actually improve your performance -- by increasing your self-confidence.

NASA and Microsoft provide Mars 3-D close encounter

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- NASA and Microsoft Research are bringing Mars to life with new features in the WorldWide Telescope software that provide viewers with a high-resolution 3-D map of the Red Planet.

Prolonged training at altitude could decrease athletes’ performance

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- New research suggests that athletes and footballers may want to limit the time they spend training at altitude to improve their performance. A new study has found that people with a rare condition that mimics being at high altitude for long periods show metabolic differences that actually reduce their endurance and physical performance.

New research on rapidly-disappearing ancient plant offers hope for species recovery

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- "Living fossil" cycads now number about 300 species, and many of these species are endangered, especially those on islands like Guam. New molecular research on a threatened species, Cycas micronesica, shows these plants are not relics and that there is hope in careful management of the remaining plants.

Great apes 'play' tag to keep competitive advantage

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- Gorillas hit-and-run in 'games' of tag in the same way humans do and for the same reason -- to keep their competitive advantage, a new study has found. It is the first study to show apes, like humans, will hit a playmate then run in order to try to get away with the upper hand.

Lie detection: You can't hide your lyin' eyes

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- Shifty eyes long have been thought to signify a person's problem telling the truth. Now a group of researchers are taking that old adage to a new level. Educational psychologists are using eye-tracking technology to pioneer a promising alternative to the polygraph for lie detection.

Lifelong doubling in death risk for men who are obese at age 20, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- A study tracking more than 5,000 military conscripts from the age of 20 until up to the age of 80 found the chance of dying early increased by 10 percent for each BMI point above the threshold for a healthy weight and that this persisted throughout life, with the obese dying about eight years earlier than the non-obese.

'Cool' imagery lowers hot flashes through hypnotherapy

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- With an estimated 85 percent of women experiencing hot flashes as they approach menopause, researchers are concentrating on finding effective treatments that do not include hormonal or other pharmaceutical therapies. Now, a new study has shown that women who specifically pictured images associated with coolness during hypnotherapy had a dramatic decrease in hot flashes.

Consumers under-predict learning curve following initial experience with product

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- A new study found that consumers often quit using products that would be beneficial for them in the long run because they experience a short period of pessimism during their initial encounter with skill-based products as varied as knitting needles and mobile devices.

Medications found to cause long term cognitive impairment of aging brain, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- Drugs commonly taken for a variety of common medical conditions including insomnia, allergies, or incontinence negatively affect the brain causing long term cognitive impairment in older African-Americans, according to a new study which reported that taking one anticholinergic significantly increased an individual's risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and taking two of these drugs doubled this risk.

Tea may contain more fluoride than once thought, research shows

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- Black tea, a Southern staple and the world's most consumed beverage, may contain higher concentrations of fluoride than previously thought, which could pose problems for the heaviest tea drinkers, researchers say.

Water's unexpected role in blood pressure control

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- Researchers have shown that ordinary water -- without any additives -- does more than just quench thirst. It has some other unexpected, physiological effects. It increases the activity of the sympathetic -- fight or flight -- nervous system, which raises alertness, blood pressure and energy expenditure.

Tornado safety: What is the safest room in the house?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-14) -- For 18 horrific hours on April 3, 1974, a cataclysmic group of tornados spun through and sacked 13 states and one Canadian province, ravaging some 900 square miles and killing 148 people. An iconic photo snapped afterwards speaks a thousand words: amid devastation, one thing remained intact: an interior bathroom of a single house, whose walls had not been connected to the rest of the house.

For speediest athletes, it's all in the center of gravity

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- In the record books, the swiftest sprinters tend to be of West-African ancestry and the faster swimmers tend to be white. A study of the winning times by elite athletes over the past 100 years reveals two distinct trends: not only are these athletes getting faster over time, but there is a clear divide between racers in terms of body type and race. Researchers now argue that the answer lies in athletes' centers of gravity. That center tends to be located higher on the body of blacks than whites. The researchers believe that these differences are not racial, but rather biological.

Salsa and guacamole increasingly important causes of foodborne disease

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- Nearly one out of every 25 restaurant-associated food-borne outbreaks with identified food sources between 1998 and 2008 can be traced back to contaminated salsa or guacamole, more than double the rate during the previous decade, according to new research.

Avatars as lifelike representations and effective marketing tools

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- It is predicted that 80 percent of active Internet consumers and Fortune 500 companies will have an avatar or presence in a virtual community, including social networks, by the end of 2011. A new article investigates the role avatars play in the virtual and consumer environment, how well avatars reflect the personality of their creators, the psychology behind self-representation, and how these virtually made identities are perceived by other members of the virtual community.

Why (smart) practice makes perfect

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- A new study demonstrates neural basis for observation that practicing several skills in single session works better than narrow drills on one skill. Study also helps define time window for brain's learning of new skills.

NASA releases GOES-13 satellite movie of the life and times of Hurricane Alex

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- NASA's GOES Project has just released a "movie" of satellite imagery showing the life and times of 2010's only June hurricane. From birth to death, the GOES-13 satellite kept an eye on the life and times of Hurricane Alex for two weeks in June 2010.

What secrets are stored in the roots of corn plants?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- With corn being a critical US crop expected to help feed livestock and people around the world and also be a source for the production of clean energy, plant breeders are continually seeking ways to make the plants more productive. To better understand the role corn roots play in this regard, an agricultural engineer and a crop scientist have teamed up to examine corn root complexity and how it impacts corn development.

NASA's 3-D animation of Typhoon Conson's heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- Imagine seeing a typhoon from space, and seeing it in three dimensions. That's what the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite can do with any typhoon, and just did with Typhoon Conson. TRMM's 3-D look at tropical cyclones provide scientists with information on the height of towering thunderstorms and the rate of rainfall in them, and Conson has high thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

Could our minds be tricked into satisfying our stomachs?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-13) -- New research suggests that the key to losing weight could lie in manipulating our beliefs about how filling we think food will be before we eat it, suggesting that portion control is all a matter of perception.

Breakthrough in terahertz remote sensing: Unique THz 'fingerprints' will identify hidden explosives from a distance

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- A major breakthrough in remote wave sensing by a team of researchers opens the way for detecting hidden explosives, chemical, biological agents and illegal drugs from a distance of 20 meters.

First preliminary profile of proteins in bed bugs' saliva

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- With bed bugs reemerging as a nuisance in some parts of the country, scientists are reporting the first preliminary description of the bug's sialome -- the saliva proteins that are the secret to Cimex lectularius' ability to suck blood from its human victims and escape to bite again with risking a lethal slap. The findings could have medical applications in diagnosing bed bug bites and preventing the itch.

Mexican salamander helps uncover mysteries of stem cells and evolution

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- Scientists have been using a Mexican aquatic salamander called an axolotl to study the evolution and genetics of stem cells -- research that supports the development of regenerative medicine to treat the consequences of disease and injury using stem cell therapies.

Making the invisible visible: Verbal cues enhance visual detection

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- Cognitive psychologists have shown that an image displayed too quickly to be seen by an observer can be detected if the participant first hears the name of the object.

North Pacific: Global backup generator for past climate change

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- Toward the end of the last ice age, a major reorganization took place in the current system of the North Pacific with far-reaching implications for climate. About that time, the North Pacific branch of the conveyor belt changed drastically. The reconstructed changes in the North Pacific current system may have buffered the global impacts of the collapsed circulation in the Atlantic and possibly prevented further cooling of the Northern hemisphere.

Dogs may help collar Chagas disease: Researchers propose new ways to combat prevalent public health challenge

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- Chagas disease affects 10 to 12 million people in Latin America, killing more than 15,000 a year. It is caused by a parasite that roams with only limited control among the rural poor in Latin America. Researchers have found that dogs are important vectors in both the spread of the disease and the potential to help control it, and can make good sentinels for health officials monitoring T. cruzi transmission.

Oldest written document ever found in Jerusalem discovered

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- A tiny clay fragment -- dating from the 14th century B.C.E. -- that was found in excavations outside Jerusalem's Old City walls contains the oldest written document ever found in Jerusalem, say researchers in Israel. The find, believed to be part of a tablet from a royal archives, further testifies to the importance of Jerusalem as a major city in the Late Bronze Age, long before its conquest by King David, they say.

Researchers witness overnight breakup, retreat of Greenland glacier

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- NASA-funded researchers monitoring Greenland's Jakobshavn Isbrae glacier report that a 7 square kilometer (2.7 square mile) section of the glacier broke up on July 6 and 7, as shown in a new image.

Eating foods rich in vitamin E associated with lower dementia risk

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- Consuming more vitamin E through the diet appears to be associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.

Plant 'breathing' mechanism discovered

ScienceDaily (2010-07-12) -- A tiny, little-understood plant pore has enormous implications for weather forecasting, climate change, agriculture, hydrology, and more. Scientists have now overturned the conventional belief about how these important structures called stomata regulate water vapor loss from the leaf -- a process called transpiration. They found that radiation is the driving force of physical processes deep within the leaf.

Chemical quality of rivers revealed by small freshwater shrimp

ScienceDaily (2010-07-11) -- Biological markers detect the presence of toxic substances in the environment. In implementing the European water framework directive, scientists use Gammarus, a small freshwater shrimp present in all rivers, as a marker. They observe the impact of contamination on the main vital functions of the animal, which thus serves as a sentinel for rivers.

Simple massage relieves chronic tension headache, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-11) -- Researchers in Spain have shown that the psychological and physiological state of patients with tension headache improves within 24 hours after receiving a 30-minute massage.

Researchers use robot to determine how human strangers develop trust

ScienceDaily (2010-07-10) -- What can a wide-eyed, talking robot teach us about trust? A lot, according to psychology professors who are conducting innovative research to determine how humans decide to trust strangers -- and if those decisions are accurate.

Moms' favoritism tied to depression in adulthood

ScienceDaily (2010-07-10) -- Whether mom's golden child or her black sheep, siblings who sense that their mother consistently favors or rejects one child over others are more likely to show depressive symptoms as middle-aged adults, finds a new study.

Wild cat found mimicking monkey calls; Predatory trickery documented for the first time in wild felids in Americas

ScienceDaily (2010-07-09) -- In a fascinating example of vocal mimicry, researchers have documented a wild cat species imitating the call of its intended victim: a small, squirrel-sized monkey known as a pied tamarin. This is the first recorded instance of a wild cat species in the Americas mimicking the calls of its prey.

Predicting relationship breakups with a word-association task

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- Here's a way to tell a romantic relationship is going to fall apart: find out what people really think about their partners. The researchers in a new study used a so-called implicit task, which shows how people automatically respond to words -- in this case, whether they find it easier to link words referring to their partner to words with pleasant or unpleasant meanings.

Fouls go left: Soccer referees may be biased based on play's direction of motion

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- Soccer referees may have an unconscious bias towards calling fouls based on a play's direction of motion, according to a new study. Researchers found that soccer experts made more foul calls when action moved right-to-left, or leftward, compared to left-to-right or rightward action, suggesting that two referees watching the same play from different vantage points may be inclined to make a different call.

Delayed school start time associated with improvements in adolescent behaviors

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- A short delay in school start time appears to be associated with significant improvements in adolescent alertness, mood and health, according to a new study.

No substantial quality difference between organically and conventionally produced eggs, study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- There's no substantial quality difference between organically and conventionally produced eggs. That's one of a number of findings in a new agricultural study examining various aspects of egg quality.

A healthy mind makes a healthy body in teens

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- Happier youths are also healthier youths, according to new research. Adolescents' positive emotions and moods, as well as their satisfaction with life, could be more important than their anxiety or depression levels for predicting their physical health, they argue.

Musical skill reflects working memory capacity in addition to practice time

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- Practice will help you play piano better -- but it's not going to turn you into Liberace. A new study looks at the role that working memory capacity plays in piano players' ability to sight read a new piece of music, an important and complex skill for musicians.

Fish oil may reduce risk of breast cancer

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- A recent report adds to the growing evidence that fish oil supplements may play a role in preventing chronic disease.

'Magical thinking' about islands an illusion? Biologist refutes conventional thinking on evolution

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- Exotic island fauna is a product of evolution, but nothing more than one would expect to see by "chance," according to research that shows there's nothing extraordinary about evolutionary processes on islands. A biologist in Israel and colleagues have conducted a number of scientific studies comparing evolutionary patterns of island and mainland ecosystems, and the results refute the idea that islands operate under different, "magical" rules.

Mojoceratops: New dinosaur species named for flamboyant frill

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- When Nicholas Longrich discovered a new dinosaur species with a heart-shaped frill on its head, he wanted to come up with a name just as flamboyant as the dinosaur's appearance. Over a few beers with fellow paleontologists one night, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind: Mojoceratops. With the publication of Longrich's paper describing his find in the Journal of Paleontology, the name is now official.

Why some communities embrace environmental conservation and others don't

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- Continued support for off-shore oil drilling by Gulf Coast residents who are dealing with one of the most devastating environmental disasters in US history might seem surprising, but new research shows that local factors such as unemployment and population growth influence views about the value of environmental conservation and regulation.

Changing climate could alter meadows' ecosystems, says researcher

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- A researcher who has been studying the meadows in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of the Rocky Mountains since 1992 believes changing climate could affect the diversity of plants and animals in the region.

Heart beat may provide clues to kidney health

ScienceDaily (2010-07-08) -- Individuals with a high resting heart rate and a low beat-to-beat heart rate variability have an increased risk of developing kidney disease, according to a new study. The findings suggest that the behavior of the autonomic nervous system may be a sentinel marker for late development of certain cases of kidney disease.

RFIDs: Smart little gizmos get even smarter

ScienceDaily (2010-07-09) -- With the help of smart RFID technology, things, animals, and people can be identified remotely, and the information can be sent and stored in databases. Now the method will be even smarter, thanks to a researcher in Sweden who is presenting solutions that make this technology more effective and more energy efficient. In fact, as much as 60 percent more efficient.

First research trip across western Amazon yields surprising results

ScienceDaily (2010-07-07) -- During his unprecedented expedition into the heart of the Amazon, Michigan State University geographer Bob Walker discovered surprising evidence that many of the Brazilian government's efforts to protect the environment are working.

Lone whales shout to overcome noise

ScienceDaily (2010-07-07) -- Just like people in a bar or other noisy location, North American right whales increase the volume of their calls as environmental noise increases; and just like humans, at a certain point, it may become too costly to continue to shout, according to marine and acoustic scientists.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100706204713.htm

Rudeness at work causes mistakes

ScienceDaily (2010-07-07) -- If someone is rude to you at work or if you witness rudeness you are more likely to make mistakes, according to one expert.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100706204709.htm

How active immune tolerance makes pregnancy possible

ScienceDaily (2010-07-07) -- How a pregnant body tolerates a fetus that is biologically distinct from its mother has long been a mystery. Now, a pair of scientists have shown that females actively produce a particular type of immune cell in response to specific fetal antigens -- immune-stimulating proteins -- and that this response allows pregnancy to continue without the fetus being rejected by the mother's body.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100701103437.htm

People with depression eat more chocolate, a mood food

ScienceDaily (2010-07-03) -- Researchers have found that women and men eat more chocolate as depressive symptoms increase, suggesting an association between mood and chocolate.

Childhood malnutrition could weaken brain function in elderly

ScienceDaily (2010-07-03) -- Malnutrition early in life appears to diminish brain function in older adulthood, according to a new study that has implications for many poor, developing nations.

How rules of physics in quantum world change when applied to classical world

ScienceDaily (2010-07-03) -- Researchers have discovered a potentially important piece of the quantum/classical puzzle -- learning how the rules of physics in the quantum world (think smaller than microscopic) change when applied to the classical world (think every day items, like cars and trees).

Bicycling, brisk walking help women control weight; Researchers call for more bike-friendly environments to combat obesity

ScienceDaily (2010-07-04) -- Premenopausal women who make even small increases in the amount of time they spend bicycling or walking briskly every day decrease their risk of gaining weight, according to a new study.

Nutrition's potential to save sight

ScienceDaily (2010-07-04) -- Scientists are finding that healthy eating can reduce not only health care costs, but also the decline of quality of life due to these diseases.

Reprogrammed human blood cells show promise for disease research

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- Cells from frozen human blood samples can be reprogrammed to an embryonic stem-cell-like state, according to new research. These cells can be multiplied and used to study the genetic and molecular mechanisms of blood disorders and other diseases. The breakthrough described here allows for study of cells from frozen blood samples already stored at blood banks -- even from deceased patients.

Oil spills raise arsenic levels in the ocean, says new research

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- Oil spills can increase levels of toxic arsenic in the ocean, creating an additional long-term threat to the marine ecosystem, according to new research.

High BMI linked to proximity to convenience stores

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- Researchers conducting a neighborhood-scaled exploratory study that tested the association between the food environment, the built environment and women's body mass index have found that women with homes closer to a supermarket, relative to a convenience store, had lower BMIs, and that the greater the number of restaurants within a five minute walk of a woman's home, the higher her BMI.

Graphene 2.0: A new approach to making a unique material

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- Since its discovery, graphene -- an unusual and versatile substance composed of a single-layer crystal lattice of carbon atoms -- has caused much excitement in the scientific community. Now, researchers have hit on a new way of making graphene, maximizing the material's enormous potential, particularly for use in high-speed electronic devices.

Cancer stem cells are not 'one size fits all,' lung cancer models show

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- Cancer stem cells have enticed scientists because of the potential to provide more durable and widespread cancer cures by identifying and targeting the tumor's most voracious cells. Now, researchers have identified cancer stem cells in a model of the most common form of human lung cancer and, more significantly, have found that the cancer stem cells may vary from tumor to tumor, depending upon the tumor's genetic signature.

Mountain mice show adaptation to altitude

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- Mice at altitude have adapted to use oxygen more efficiently during exercise than their low-altitude counterparts by showing a fuel preference for carbohydrates over fats, Canadian and Peruvian scientists reveal. It is very likely that a similar strategy has also evolved in other mammals, including high-altitude native humans.

Super-high pressures used to create super battery: 'Most condensed form of energy storage outside of nuclear energy'

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- Using super-high pressures similar to those found deep in the Earth or on a giant planet, researchers have created a compact, never-before-seen material capable of storing vast amounts of energy.

More than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to surgical services

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- More than two billion people worldwide do not have adequate access to surgical treatment, according to a new study.

Treating tongue tie could help more babies breastfeed

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- When the connective tissue under a newborn's tongue is too tight, it prevents the baby from being able to breastfeed properly. A simple surgical snip can fix the problem, but many doctors do not perform the procedure.

Worm bites off enough to chew: Ingenious evolutionary trick

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- Dramatic scenes are played out under Ralf Sommer’s microscope: his research object, the roundworm Pristionchus pacificus bites another worm, tears open a hole in its side and devours the oozing contents. The squirming victim does not stand a chance in this duel: Caenorhabditis elegans may be a close relative of Pristionchus; unfortunately, however, it does not have the same strong "teeth". Pristionchus’ impressive hunting technique though is not the focus of interest for the biologists. Their concern is the development of its mouthparts.

Our brains are more like birds' than we thought

ScienceDaily (2010-07-05) -- For more than a century, neuroscientists believed that the brains of humans and other mammals differed from the brains of other animals, such as birds (and so were presumably better). Researchers have now found that a comparable region in the brains of chickens concerned with analyzing auditory inputs is constructed similarly to that of mammals.

Simulation-based matchmaking for shape memory alloys

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- A new shape memory alloy with up to now unprecedented functional stability was developed by researchers in Germany, the U.S., and Japan. Based on a theoretical prediction, they used combinatorial materials science methods -- so-called materials libraries -- for a targeted search of optimized alloy compositions. The result consists of four components: titanium, nickel, copper and palladium. From the new material, the researchers expect a stable shape memory effect and improved lifetime -- for example, in for applications in medical devices such as stents.

Heart patients with anxiety disorder experience more cardiovascular events, deaths

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Among patients with heart disease, anxiety disorders appear to be associated with a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and death, according to a new study.

Planck unveils the Universe -- now and then

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- The European Space Agency's Planck mission has delivered its first all-sky image. It not only provides new insight into the way stars and galaxies form but also tells us how the Universe itself came to life after the Big Bang.

Kids now see fewer television ads for sweets and beverages, but more for fast food

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Children saw fewer television advertisements for certain foods, including those for sweets and beverages, in 2007 compared with 2003, according to a new study. However, children now see more fast-food ads, and racial gaps in exposure to all food advertising have increased.

Virgin olive oil and a Mediterranean diet fight heart disease by changing how our genes function

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Everyone knows olive oil and a Mediterranean diet are associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, but a new research report offers a surprising reason why: these foods change how genes associated with atherosclerosis function.

Abused children appear likely to have mental disorders as young adults

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Abuse and neglect during childhood appear to be associated with increased rates of mood, anxiety and substance use disorders among young adults, according to a new study.

Low vitamin D linked to the metabolic syndrome in elderly people

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- A new study adds to the mounting evidence that older adults commonly have low vitamin D levels and that vitamin D inadequacy may be a risk factor for the metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects one in four adults.

For female baboons, too, it's good to have friends

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Female baboons that maintain closer ties with other members of their troop live substantially longer than do those whose social bonds are less stable, a recent study has found. The researchers say that the findings add to evidence in animals from mice to humans that social bonds have real adaptive value.

Adolescent cyberbullies and their victims may have physical, mental health problems

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Adolescent victims and perpetrators of electronic bullying appear more likely to report having psychiatric and physical symptoms and problems, according to a new study.

Breath of the Earth: Cycling carbon through terrestrial ecosystems

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Two recent international studies are poised to change the way scientists view the crucial relationship between Earth's climate and the carbon cycle. These reports explore the global photosynthesis and respiration rates -- the planet's deep "breaths" of carbon dioxide, in and out -- and researchers say that the new findings will be used to update and improve upon traditional models that couple together climate and carbon.

New key to corneal transplant success

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Although already one of medicine's most successful transplant procedures, doctors continue to seek ways to improve corneal transplants. Now, for the first time, a team of German and British researchers have confirmed that failure and rejection of transplanted corneas are more likely in patients whose eyes exhibit abnormal vessel growth, called corneal neovascularization, prior to surgery. The findings also suggest a new treatment approach that could improve transplant success rates.

Environmental toxins affect the body's hormone systems

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Individual variants of the environmental pollutants PCB and PFC can affect several of the body's hormone systems in a more complex way than previously supposed. Humans and animals are constantly exposed to these toxins through the food they eat and the air they breathe.

Antioxidants do help arteries stay healthy

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Long-term supplementation with dietary antioxidants has beneficial effects on sugar and fat metabolism, blood pressure and arterial flexibility in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers report these positive results in a randomized controlled trial of combined vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10 and selenium capsules.

Long-term fate of Gulf oil spill: Computer simulations show oil reaching up the Atlantic coastline and toward Europe

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- The possible spread of the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon rig over the course of one year was studied in a series of computer simulations by a team of researchers. The simulations suggest that the coastlines near northern Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas could see the effects of the oil spill as early as October 2010, while the main branch of the subtropical gyre is likely to transport the oil film towards Europe, although strongly diluted.

Memory links to 40 winks

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- When it comes to executing items on tomorrow's to-do list, it's best to think it over, then "sleep on it," say psychologists. The researchers have shown that sleep enhances our ability to remember to do something in the future, a skill known as prospective memory.

More fish than thought may thrive in the ocean's depths, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- A study of the occurrence of fishes in the ocean's deepest reaches -- the hadal zone, below 6000 meters -- has provided evidence that some species of fishes are more numerous at such depths than experts had thought.

Doctors to treat septic patients with hypothermia

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Mild hypothermia can reduce the effects of sepsis on oxygen transport around the body and may be a valuable tool in the treatment of human sepsis patients. Sepsis is an inflammatory response to infection and will often result in septic shock, which is the biggest cause of death in intensive care units.

Revolutionary therapy slows tumor growth in advanced breast cancer, research reports

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- A novel therapy designed to attack tumors in patients with a genetic mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2, slowed tumor growth in 85 percent of advanced breast cancer patients treated in a small study, researchers report.

Many English speakers cannot understand basic grammar

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Research into grammar suggests that a significant proportion of native English speakers are unable to understand some basic sentences. The findings - which undermine the assumption that all speakers have a core ability to use grammatical cues - could have significant implications for education, communication and linguistic theory.

Infrared camera may provide a better view for night driving

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Infrared cameras see more than the naked eye and can make road traffic safer. Cameras for the long-wave infrared range, however, have the disadvantage that the sensor requires constant cooling, which adds to the cost and complexity of the device. Now a new type of detector has been developed which functions at room temperature.

Maternal diet and genes interact to affect heart development

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- A pregnant mother's diet may be able to interact with the genes her unborn child inherits and influence the type or severity of birth defect, according to new research. The study suggests that mothers who eat a high fat diet before and through pregnancy could be inadvertently putting the health of their offspring at risk.

Romantic rejection stimulates areas of brain involved in motivation, reward and addiction

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- The pain and anguish of rejection by a romantic partner may be the result of activity in parts of the brain associated with motivation, reward and addiction cravings, according to a new study.

Multi-layered images projected onto water droplets with new technology

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- AquaLux 3-D, a new projection technology, can target light onto and between individual water droplets, enabling text, video and other moving or still images to be displayed on multiple layers of falling water.

Bacterial communication encourages chronic, resistant ear infections

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Ear infections caused by more than one species of bacteria could be more persistent and antibiotic-resistant because one pathogen may be communicating with the other, encouraging it to bolster its defenses. Interrupting or removing that communication could be key to curing these infections.

Rare creatures from the deep: Findings may revolutionize thinking about deep-sea life in Atlantic Ocean

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Scientists have just returned from a voyage with samples of rare animals and more than 10 possible new species in a trip which they say has revolutionized their thinking about deep-sea life in the Atlantic Ocean. One group of creatures they observed -- and captured -- during their six weeks in the Atlantic aboard the RRS James Cook is believed to be close to the missing evolutionary link between vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

Anxiety may be at root of religious extremism, researchers find

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- New findings show that anxiety and uncertainty can cause us to become more idealistic and more radical in our religious beliefs.

Team devises technique to predict dust storms with infrared satellite

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Researchers have developed a method for predicting dust and sandstorms that uses infrared satellite images to determine when conditions are ripe for the destructive phenomena, a technique that could be implemented globally and that the research team used to forecast a 2008 New Mexico dust storm -- the area's largest in decades -- two days beforehand.

Hips don't lie: Researchers find more accurate technique to determine sex of skeletal remains

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Researchers are offering a new means of determining the sex of skeletal human remains -- an advance that may have significant impacts in the wake of disasters, the studying of ancient remains and the criminal justice system.

Cocoa flavanols improve vascular and blood pressure measures for coronary artery disease patients

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- A new study finds that high concentrations of cocoa flavanols decrease blood pressure, improve the health of blood vessels and increase the number of circulating blood-vessel-forming cells in patients with heart disease. The findings indicate that foods rich in flavanols -- such as cocoa products, tea, wine and various fruits and vegetables -- have a cardio-protective benefit for heart disease patients.

Why are blacks more likely to die from cancer diagnosis? Patient, doctor, hospital factors all contribute to worse survival, review finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-01) -- While disparities exist for nearly every common cancer type, the largest differences occur among cancers that benefit most from treatment -- suggesting that black patients are not getting needed lifesaving treatments, according to a review.

Cleaner water mitigates climate change effects on Florida Keys coral reefs, study shows

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Improving the quality of local water increases the resistance of coral reefs to global climate change, according to a new study.

NASA satellite adds carbon dioxide to its repertoire

ScienceDaily (2010-07-07) -- A NASA-led research team has expanded the growing global armada of remote sensing satellites capable of studying carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas driving changes in Earth's climate.

Secrets of nutritious corn breed that withstands rigors of handling

ScienceDaily (2010-07-06) -- Researchers have discovered the basis for what makes corn kernels hard, a quality that allows corn to be easily harvested, stored and transported. The findings could lead to better hybrids and increase the supply for people in developing countries who rely on it as a nutritional staple. The study examines "quality protein maize," or QPM, which has key protein ingredients and a hard-shelled kernel.

Scientists reveal the mystery of sudden cardiac death

ScienceDaily (2010-07-07) -- Scientists in the UK have solved a mystery connected with why people die from sudden cardiac arrest during sleep -- potentially saving thousands of lives.

Wallabies and bats harbor 'fossil' genes from the most deadly family of human viruses

ScienceDaily (2010-07-02) -- Most educational websites in the US are using Flash applications that fail to adequately secure these pages. This is a growing problem for the Internet as vulnerable sites can be hijacked for malicious and criminal activity, according to a new paper by an expert in digital forensics.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100702152411.htm

Is your flashy school website safe?

ScienceDaily (2010-07-02) -- Most educational websites in the US are using Flash applications that fail to adequately secure these pages. This is a growing problem for the Internet as vulnerable sites can be hijacked for malicious and criminal activity, according to a new paper by an expert in digital forensics.
 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100702100142.htm

Genetic signatures of human exceptional longevity discovered

ScienceDaily (2010-07-02) -- Scientists have identified a group of genetic variants that can predict exceptional longevity in humans with 77 percent accuracy -- a breakthrough in understanding the role of genes in determining human lifespan.

 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100701145521.htm

Killer whales and the mystery of human menopause

ScienceDaily (2010-07-02) -- The evolutionary mystery of menopause is a step closer to being solved thanks to research on killer whales. A new study has found a link between killer whales, pilot whales and humans -- the only three known species where females stop breeding relatively early in their lifespan.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100701103405.htm

Top 10 cities with the worst commute, global edition

http://www.smartplanet.com/business/blog/smart-takes/top-10-cities-with-the-worst-commute-global-edition/8501/

Reading the look of love

ScienceDaily (2010-06-28) -- How fast you can judge whether a person of the opposite sex is looking at you depends on how masculine or feminine they look, according to a new study. The researchers speculate that there may be an evolutionary advantage to quickly noticing when a 'hottie' is looking at you.

Acupuncture improves exercise tolerance in heart patients, German study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-07-01) -- Acupuncture can improve exercise tolerance in patients suffering from chronic heart failure, according to a clinical pilot study by a team in Germany.

Extinction of woolly mammoth, saber-toothed cat may have been caused by human predators

ScienceDaily (2010-07-01) -- A new analysis of the extinction of woolly mammoths and other large mammals more than 10,000 years ago suggests that they may have fallen victim to the same type of "trophic cascade" of ecosystem disruption that scientists say is being caused today by the global decline of predators such as wolves, cougars and sharks.

Killer whales and the mystery of human menopause

ScienceDaily (2010-07-02) -- The evolutionary mystery of menopause is a step closer to being solved thanks to research on killer whales. A new study has found a link between killer whales, pilot whales and humans -- the only three known species where females stop breeding relatively early in their lifespan.

Smarter lunchrooms lead kids to eat more salad

ScienceDaily (2010-06-30) -- In a year-long study in an upstate New York middle school, researchers examined the effect of moving the salad bar to a more prominent location in the cafeteria. Results show that sales of certain salad bar items increased by 250-300 percent.

Stability and utility of floating wind turbines shown in new study

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- While offshore wind turbines have already have been constructed as a renewable energy solution, they've traditionally been situated in shallow waters, where the tower extends directly into the seabed. Now a group of researchers in California has studied the feasibility of placing wind turbines on floating platforms.

System that controls sleep may be same for most mammals

ScienceDaily (2010-06-24) -- In a novel mathematical model that reproduces sleep patterns for multiple species, an international team of researchers has demonstrated that the neural circuitry that controls the sleep/wake cycle in humans may also control the sleep patterns of 17 different mammalian species.

Science historian cracks the 'Plato code'

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- A science historian in the UK has cracked the "Plato Code" -- the long disputed secret messages hidden in the great philosopher's writings. The findings may revolutionize the history of the origins of Western thought.

Memories are made of this: Uncovering the key to how we learn and remember

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- Researchers in the UK have revealed new information on the mechanism by which memories are formed. Their study found one of the key proteins involved in the process of memory and learning -- a breakthrough that has potential to impact drug design to treat Alzheimer's disease.

Older adults watch more TV than younger people, enjoy it less

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- We usually scold our children and teenagers for watching too much TV. It turns out that their grandmas and grandpas spend even more of their time watching TV, and it is not good for them either, according to researchers.

New possibility to determine the severity of appendicitis

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- The symptoms of appendicitis are often diffuse and it can be difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis early in the course of the disease. It may be possible to predict the severity from a blood sample, and in this way determine the treatment on an individual basis, according to new research from Sweden.

Introducing Robofish: Leading the crowd in studying group dynamics

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- Scientists have created the first convincing robotic fish that shoals will accept as one of their own. The innovation opens up new possibilities for studying fish behavior and group dynamics, which provides useful information to support freshwater and marine environmental management, to predict fish migration routes and assess the likely impact of human intervention on fish populations.

Studies of women's attitudes to 'social egg freezing' find reasons differ with age

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- Women of different ages differ in their reasons for wishing to undergo egg freezing, two studies show.

Even the midnight sun won't convince bees to work nights

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- Bees observe a strict working day, even in conditions of 24-hour sunlight. Researchers tagged worker bumblebees with a radio identifier, similar to an Oyster Card, which was used to monitor their movements during the constant light of the Arctic summer.

Relying on origami techniques, researchers show programmable matter folding into a boat- or plane-shape

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- Researchers have reshaped the landscape of programmable matter by devising self-folding sheets that rely on the ancient art of origami. Called programmable matter by folding, the team demonstrated how a single thin sheet composed of interconnected triangular sections could transform itself into a boat- or plane-shape -- all without the help of skilled fingers.

Is this the perfect prawn?

ScienceDaily (2010-06-29) -- After 10 years of careful breeding and research, scientists have developed what could be the world's most perfect prawn.