ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Brief exposure to performance-enhancing drugs may be permanently 'remembered' by muscles

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 05:56 PM PDT

Brief exposure to anabolic steroids may have long lasting, possibly permanent, performance-enhancing effects, shows a new study.

Eleven new genetic susceptibility factors for Alzheimer's disease discovered through the largest study

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 03:53 PM PDT

The largest international study ever conducted on Alzheimer's disease (AD), the I-GAP (International Genomics Alzheimer's Project) consortium has identified 11 new regions of the genome involved in the onset of this neurodegenerative disease. This study gives an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, opening up to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of AD.

New material for quantum computing discovered out of the blue

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 03:52 PM PDT

A common blue pigment used in the £5 note could have an important role to play in the development of a quantum computer, according to a new article.

What do we know -- and not know -- about fracking?

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 03:52 PM PDT

Fracking is in the headlines a lot these days, and everyone has an opinion about it. But how much do we really know for certain about the oil and gas extraction technique and its health effects? And how do we find out the truth among all the shouted opinions?

Neuroscientists discover new 'mini-neural computer' in the brain

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 03:50 PM PDT

Dendrites, parts of neurons, were once thought to be passive wiring in the brain. But now researchers have shown that dendrites actively process information, multiplying the brain's computing power.

Cell nucleus protein in brown fat cells governs daily control of body temperature

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 03:50 PM PDT

Body temperature follows a 24-hour rhythm, peaking during the day, low at night. The benefit might be the conservation of energy while sleeping. It is also critical to be able to adapt to changes in ambient temperature regardless of the time of day. A new mouse study shows how body temperature rhythms are synchronized while maintaining the ability to adapt to changes in environmental temperature day or night.

Scientists eye longer-term forecasts of U. S. heat waves

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 03:50 PM PDT

Scientists have fingerprinted a distinctive atmospheric wave pattern high above the Northern Hemisphere that can foreshadow the emergence of summertime heat waves in the United States more than two weeks in advance. The new research could potentially enable forecasts of the likelihood of U.S. heat waves 15-20 days out, giving society more time to prepare for these often-deadly events.

Smart neurons: Single neuronal dendrites can perform computations

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 11:06 AM PDT

When you look at the hands of a clock or the streets on a map, your brain is effortlessly performing computations that tell you about the orientation of these objects. New research has shown that these computations can be carried out by the microscopic branches of neurons known as dendrites, which are the receiving elements of neurons.

Novel mutations define two types of bone tumor: Two related genes underlie the development of two rare bone tumors in nearly 100 per cent of patients

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 11:06 AM PDT

Scientists have made a rare discovery that allows them to attribute two types of tumour almost entirely to specific mutations that lie in two related genes.

Radioactive waste: Where to put it?

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 11:06 AM PDT

As the U.S. makes new plans for disposing of spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste deep underground, geologists are key to identifying safe burial sites and techniques. Scientists are describing the potential of shale formations; challenges of deep borehole disposal; and their progress in building a computer model to help improve understanding of the geologic processes that are important for safe disposal of high-level waste. In the United States, about 70,000 metric tons of spent commercial nuclear fuel are located at more than 70 sites in 35 states.

Hurricane Sandy's lessons include: Put parks, not houses, on the beach

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:35 AM PDT

Just days before Hurricane Sandy hit the New York and New Jersey coastline on Oct. 29, 2012, scientists had produced the most detailed model to date of the region's potential for damage from big storms.

Flash floods and debris flows: How to manage nature's runaway freight trains

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:35 AM PDT

Last month's torrential rains and flooding in Colorado made headlines, but there's another, far more common and growing weather-related threat western states are facing in the wake of longer and worsening fire seasons: flash floods and debris flows. These runaway freight trains made of rock, mud, and water can barrel down mountain channels with little or no warning and take out roads, homes, and anything else in their path.

After a concussion, students may need gradual transition back to academics

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:35 AM PDT

A concussion should not only take a student athlete off the playing field -- it may also require a break from the classroom, according to a new clinical report.

Next generation K-12 U.S. science standards and drive toward climate literacy generate synchronicity of ideas

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:34 AM PDT

Teaching and learning science in U.S. K-12 schools just got more interesting. A new framework for science education offers students and teachers the means to engage with science through more hands-on experiences and includes a section on developing climate literacy, which has not previously been included.

New oral treatment shows significant promise in the treatment of mouth and genital ulcers in people with Behcet's syndrome

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:31 AM PDT

Apremilast, an orally available small molecule modulating several inflammatory pathways, which is pending approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration, is showing promise in the treatment of mouth and genital ulcers in people with Behcet's syndrome, according to new research.

Recent advances in medicine lead to better health for children with juvenile arthritis

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:31 AM PDT

There has been a progressive decline in the levels of disease activity and disability among children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis over the past 25 years, according to new research. This research confirms the notion that recent advances in the management of the disease have led to a substantial improvement in health outcomes for children living with it.

New tools in juvenile arthritis treatment help children, their families and their rheumatologists share in important health care decision making

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:31 AM PDT

Learning that your child has arthritis can lead to a number of questions and concerns about treatment options and prognosis. But, partnering with your child and his or her rheumatologist in shared decision making about their health care can lead to better outcomes overall, according to new research.

Common rheumatoid arthritis treatment may be effective in treating immunoglobulin G4-related disease

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:31 AM PDT

Rituximab (Rituxan®) — a drug commonly used rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener's), and certain types of cancers — may be a safe and effective treatment for immunoglobulin G4-related disease (commonly called IgG4-RD), according to new research.

Children whose mothers have lupus might be at increased risk of autism spectrum disorders

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:31 AM PDT

Children born to mothers with lupus may be at twice the risk of autism spectrum disorders than those born to mothers without the disease.

Few children and young adults with autoimmune diseases are receiving the HPV vaccination

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:29 AM PDT

The number of children and young adults with autoimmune diseases receiving the HPV vaccination is profoundly low despite studies showing the vaccine to be safe and effective, according to new research. Given the increased incidence of HPV in people with autoimmune diseases, this research suggests that increased public health efforts are needed.

Smoking can increase x-ray damage in people with ankylosing spondylitis by as much as five times

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:29 AM PDT

Smoking can increase the effect of inflammation on X-ray damage in people with ankylosing spondylitis by as much as five times. And, the increase is as much as 13 times higher in men with the disease who smoke than women who don't smoke, according to new research.

Medication used to control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes may also reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases

Posted: 27 Oct 2013 09:29 AM PDT

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors commonly used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes may also reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases in these patients, according to new research.

Stroke prevention surgery less effective than meds, lifestyle change

Posted: 26 Oct 2013 01:49 PM PDT

The final results of a stroke prevention study in patients with narrowed brain arteries confirm earlier findings: Medication plus lifestyle changes are safer and more effective at preventing stroke than a surgical technique called stenting.

Only 11 percent of children involved in bike accidents wear a helmet

Posted: 26 Oct 2013 06:11 AM PDT

Despite a California bike helmet mandate, only 11 percent of Los Angeles County children treated for bike-related injuries were wearing a helmet, according to new research.

Pediatric musculoskeletal MRSA infections on the rise

Posted: 26 Oct 2013 06:11 AM PDT

Pediatric musculoskeletal Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infections have been evolving over the past decade, with more children diagnosed with the more virulent, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) today than 10 years ago. The result is longer hospitals stays, more surgeries and other related complications, according to new research.

How bacteria with a sweet tooth may keep us healthy

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 03:57 PM PDT

Some gut bacterial strains are specifically adapted to use sugars in our gut lining to aid colonisation, potentially giving them a major influence over our gut health.

Enzyme restores function with diabetic kidney disease

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 03:56 PM PDT

Researchers say that, while a prevailing theory suggests elevated cellular levels of glucose ultimately result in diabetic kidney disease, the truth may, in fact, be quite the opposite. The findings could fundamentally change understanding of how diabetes-related diseases develop – and how they might be better treated.

Surprises discovered in decoded kiwifruit genome

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 12:52 PM PDT

A new study that decoded the DNA sequence of the kiwifruit has concluded that the fruit has many genetic similarities between its 39,040 genes and other plant species, including potatoes and tomatoes. The study also has unveiled two major evolutionary events that occurred millions of years ago in the kiwifruit genome.

Positive personal growth following breast cancer diagnosis

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 12:52 PM PDT

Although being diagnosed with breast cancer is usually an extremely stressful experience for most women, a new study by researchers has found that there also can be unexpected benefits.

Multiple, distinct Y chromosomes associated with significant excess risk of prostate cancer

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 11:32 AM PDT

Multiple, distinct Y chromosomes are associated with significant excess prostate cancer risk, according to analysis of multi-generational families. Researchers intend to study these Y chromosomes for genetic mutations that predispose a man to develop the cancer.

Researchers identify molecule that could aid lung cancer detection, treatment

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 10:53 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered a molecule that could help lead to the non-invasive detection of lung cancer as well as its treatment.

Supplement cuts muscle loss in knee replacements

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 10:53 AM PDT

Twenty grams of essential amino acids taken twice daily for a week before and for two weeks after knee-replacement surgeries helped 16 patients, mean age 69, recover faster and with much less muscle atrophy than a control group ingesting a placebo.

New ALS drug headed for phase II trial

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 10:52 AM PDT

Researchers will soon begin phase IIa clinical trials of TDI-132, a drug that in animal models has shown promise in reducing the inflammation associated with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Measuring blood sugar with light

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 09:30 AM PDT

One key to healthful living with diabetes is monitoring sugar levels to ensure they remain stable. People can easily do this at home using devices that read sugar levels in a drop of blood. Now a team of researchers has devised a non-invasive way to make monitoring easier. Using infrared laser light applied on top of the skin, they measure sugar levels in the fluid in and under skin cells to read blood sugar levels.

Next-gen sequencing identifies genes associated with speech disorder

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 08:39 AM PDT

A collaborative team of researchers has used next generation sequencing to identify clinically relevant genetic variants associated with a rare pediatric speech disorder.

Study reveals first effective medicine to treat cocaine dependence

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 08:37 AM PDT

New research reveals that topiramate, a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches also could be the first reliable medication to help treat cocaine dependence.

Salvianolate for treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injuries

Posted: 25 Oct 2013 07:24 AM PDT

Salvianolic acid B, also called salvia magnesium acetate, exerts strong resistance to oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction, and improves energy metabolism against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Researchers have found that administration of salvianolate during reperfusion after ischemia appears to attenuate brain tissue damage and inhibit neuronal apoptosis by increasing heat shock protein 22 and phosphorylated protein kinase B expression.