Volume 7, Number 43 October 27, 2008

Physical sciences and technology Superconductivity Quantum dots Higgs physics Extrasolar planets Gamma-ray bursts Dark matter Early galaxies Star-forming regions Exobiology The "conicidence problem" Bose-Einstein condensates Quasars Dark energy Carbon nanotubes Clouds and climate modeling Graphene qubits Methane on Mars Astroseismology Plasmonic nanolithography Quantum computing Spintronics Brain cell logic circuits Galaxy classification Nanotechnology Photovoltaics Ocean acidification Solar core Nanostructured storage domains Greenhouse gases Pulsars and dark matter Life sciences DNA polymerases Sexual cannibalism in spiders Gamma waves and cognitive skills Olfaction and behavior Neuromuscular communication Memory erasure Photosynthesis Brain-imaging studies Stickleback evolution Flaviviruses Interferons and viral infection Observing effects of experience on neural connections Metal binding by proteins Lymphocytes and DNA damage Associative learning and generalization Sugar-based protein modification Learning and recall Vestibular-ocular reflex BDNF and inflammatory signaling The hippocampus and memory Noradrenaline, the amygdala, emotion, and memory Synaesthesia C. elegans lifespan extension Functional genomics Evolutionary psychology Evolutionary developmental biology Morphogenic proteins and immune systems Modeling brain control of movement Alu retrotransposons Health and medicine Avian flu Cardiovascular disease Alzheimer's disease Cancer Obesity and diabetes Hepatitis B Tuberculosis AIDS Low-carbohydrate diets and hepatic energy metabolism Tissue engineering Obesity Inflammatory bowel disease Drug delivery Stem cells Apoptosis-control drugs Multiple sclerosis Cancer biology Resveratrol Cancer and the immune system Vaccines Schizophrenia Hydrogen sulfide and blood pressure Anxiety disorder genes Alcohol tolerance Rhinovirus infection Rheumatoid arthritis Antibiotics Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Cancer stem cells Diabetes

Physical sciences and technology

Superconductivity

1. October 20, 2008 - Race for better superconductors heats up

Quantum dots

1. October 20, 2008 - Relationships Between Quantum Dots - Stability and Reproduction

Higgs physics

1. October 20, 2008 - In search of a light Higgs boson

Extrasolar planets

1. October 20, 2008 - Strange Weather on Alien Planets Explained

Gamma-ray bursts

1. October 21, 2008 - Experts probe mystery of gamma ray bursts
2. October 21, 2008 - A Brief Mystery: What are Short Gamma-ray Bursts?
3. October 22, 2008 - The Oddball Hosts of Gamma-ray Bursts
4. October 23, 2008 - The Case of the Missing Gamma-ray Bursts

Dark matter

1. October 21, 2008 - 'Filament' Of Dark Matter Supports 'Bubbly' Universe Theory - also here

Early galaxies

1. October 21, 2008 - Cosmic Lens Reveals Distant Galactic Violence - also here, here

Star-forming regions

1. October 21, 2008 - Vast Stellar Nursery: Claret-colored Cloud With A Massive Heart

Exobiology

1. October 21, 2008 - Planets Thought Dead Might Be Habitable
2. October 23, 2008 - Hurry! Life Must Form Quickly on Some Planets

The "conicidence problem"

1. October 22, 2008 - Simple answer to dark mystery

Bose-Einstein condensates

1. October 22, 2008 - Microscopic Structure Of Quantum Gases Made Visible - also here

Quasars

1. October 22, 2008 - Serendipitous Observations Reveal Rare Event In Life Of Distant Quasar - also here, here

Dark energy

1. October 22, 2008 - Throwing Light On The Dark Side Of The Universe - also here, here

Carbon nanotubes

1. October 22, 2008 - 3D nanotube assembly technique for nanoscale electronics

Clouds and climate modeling

1. October 22, 2008 - Study probes clouds' climate role

Graphene qubits

1. October 22, 2008 - Graphene ring hits qubit target
2. October 24, 2008 - Z-shaped result for quantum computing

Methane on Mars

1. October 23, 2008 - Plumes of methane identified on Mars

Astroseismology

1. October 23, 2008 - Sunlike Star Vibrations Seen for First Time
2. October 23, 2008 - Starquakes Seen Inside Faraway Stars
3. October 23, 2008 - Team records 'music' from stars
4. October 24, 2008 - Stellar Stethoscope Pushes the Envelope
5. October 24, 2008 - Distant stars send good vibes
6. October 24, 2008 - Good Vibrations Of Nearby Stars: Satellite Data Sheds New Light On The Sun - also here
7. October 24, 2008 - Stars' flickers reveal their inner selves

Plasmonic nanolithography

1. October 23, 2008 - Denser, More Powerful Computer Chips Possible With Plasmonic Lenses That 'Fly' - also here, here

Quantum computing

1. October 23, 2008 - Memoirs Of A Qubit: Hybrid Memory Solves Key Problem For Quantum Computing - also here
2. October 26, 2008 - Deterministic entanglement swapping: First successful implementation of a technique for quantum computers
3. October 27, 2008 - News Bits About Qubits: Scientists Store and Retrieve Data Inside an Atom

Spintronics

1. October 23, 2008 - Spin segregation puzzles physicists

Brain cell logic circuits

1. October 23, 2008 - Computer circuit built from brain cells

Galaxy classification

1. October 24, 2008 - A Cosmic Formula?
2. October 24, 2008 - Galaxy survey casts doubt on cold dark matter

Nanotechnology

1. October 24, 2008 - Engineering Nanoparticles For Maximum Strength - also here, here
2. October 24, 2008 - New molecules with many branches will help unleash potential of nanotechnology - also here, here

Photovoltaics

1. October 24, 2008 - Highest Silicon Solar Cell Efficiency Ever Reached - also here
2. October 24, 2008 - Using sunlight more efficiently

Ocean acidification

1. October 24, 2008 - Climate Change Seeps into the Sea - also here

Solar core

1. October 24, 2008 - The slow-spin zone at the core of the sun

Nanostructured storage domains

1. October 24, 2008 - Progress Toward New Storage Media: Switchable Nanostripes - also here

Greenhouse gases

1. October 24, 2008 - 2 greenhouse gases on the rise worry scientists
2. October 24, 2008 - Potent Greenhouse Gas From Computer Display And TV Manufacture Prevalent In Atmosphere - also here, here
3. October 26, 2008 - Rise in 2 greenhouse gases worries scientists
4. October 29, 2008 - Rare greenhouse gas adds to climate concerns
5. October 30, 2008 - Another potent greenhouse gas on the rise
6. October 30, 2008 - Methane Gas Levels Begin To Increase Again - also here, here
7. October 30, 2008 - Global-warming methane spiked in 2007
8. November 3, 2008 - Electronics Industry Changes the Climate with New Greenhouse Gas

Pulsars and dark matter

1. October 25, 2008 - Pulsars put new spin on evidence for dark matter

Life sciences

DNA polymerases

1. October 20, 2008 - Molecule stops DNA replication in its tracks

Sexual cannibalism in spiders

1. October 21, 2008 - Why eating males pays off, for spiders
2. October 21, 2008 - Spider Males Good for Mating, Food

Gamma waves and cognitive skills

1. October 21, 2008 - Effect Of Gamma Waves On Cognitive And Language Skills In Children - also here

Olfaction and behavior

1. October 21, 2008 - Beyond recognizing odors, a single neuron controls reactions - also here

Neuromuscular communication

1. October 22, 2008 - Mediator in communication between neurons and muscle cells found - also here

Memory erasure

1. October 22, 2008 - Altering a protein in the brain of mice can wipe out specific memories as they are recalled
2. October 22, 2008 - Making mice forget
3. October 22, 2008 - Inducible and selective erasure of memories in mice
4. October 23, 2008 - Scientists find way to erase memories in mice
5. October 23, 2008 - Thanks for Erasing the Memories
6. October 23, 2008 - Memories Selectively, Safely Erased In Mice
7. October 23, 2008 - US scientists 'erase mice memory'
8. October 23, 2008 - 'Eternal Sunshine' drug selectively erases memories

Photosynthesis

1. October 22, 2008 - When Did the Planet Get Planted?
2. October 22, 2008 - Row brews over when photosynthesis emerged
3. October 23, 2008 - Pilbara rocks stir photosynthesis debate
4. October 23, 2008 - When did the Earth turn green?

Brain-imaging studies

1. October 22, 2008 - Could Brain Abnormality Predict Drug Addiction? - also here
2. October 22, 2008 - Marshmallow temptations, brain scans could yield vital lessons in self-control

Stickleback evolution

1. October 22, 2008 - Fitness In A Changing World: Genetics And Adaptations Of Alaskan Stickleback Fish

Flaviviruses

1. October 22, 2008 - Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus Reveals Its Access Code - also here

Interferons and viral infection

1. October 22, 2008 - Evolution Of Genes That Trigger The Body's Immune Response To Viral Infection - also here, here

Observing effects of experience on neural connections

1. October 22, 2008 - Seeing a brain as it learns to see

Metal binding by proteins

1. October 22, 2008 - Scientists unwrap the elements of life - also here

Lymphocytes and DNA damage

1. October 23, 2008 - Seemingly Suicidal Stunt Is Normal Rite Of Passage For Immune Cells - also here, here

Associative learning and generalization

1. October 23, 2008 - Been There, Done That: Brain Mechanism Predicts Ability To Generalize - also here

Sugar-based protein modification

1. October 23, 2008 - Sugar Plays Key Role In How Cells Work - also here

Learning and recall

1. October 23, 2008 - 'Dry Cleaning Effect' Explained By Forgetful Researcher

Vestibular-ocular reflex

1. October 23, 2008 - Streamlining brain signals for speed and efficacy - also here

BDNF and inflammatory signaling

1. October 23, 2008 - A new relationship between brain derived neurotrophic factor and inflammatory signaling - also here, here

The hippocampus and memory

1. October 23, 2008 - Memory function varies after damage to key area of the brain - also here, here

Noradrenaline, the amygdala, emotion, and memory

1. October 23, 2008 - New understanding of how we remember traumatic events - also here

Synaesthesia

1. October 23, 2008 - Researchers find that hypnosis can induce synesthesia
2. October 24, 2008 - Seeing Red -- In The Number 7 - also here, here

C. elegans lifespan extension

1. October 24, 2008 - Deprived Of A Sense Of Smell, Worms Live Longer - also here

Functional genomics

1. October 24, 2008 - Getting To Grips With The Complexity Of Disease Proteins - also here, here

Evolutionary psychology

1. October 25, 2008 - Physical Strength, Fighting Ability Revealed In Human Faces

Evolutionary developmental biology

1. October 25, 2008 - Development Puts An End To Evolution Of Endless Forms - also here

Morphogenic proteins and immune systems

1. October 26, 2008 - Making Flies Sick Reveals New Role For Growth Factors In Immunity - also here, here

Modeling brain control of movement

1. October 26, 2008 - Human Brain Minimizes Energy Expenditure And Integrates Gravity Into The Action Plan - also here

Alu retrotransposons

1. October 26, 2008 - Mapping A Clan Of Mobile Selfish Genes - also here, here

Health and medicine

Avian flu

1. October 20, 2008 - Hong Kong finds bird flu virus in crow
2. October 20, 2008 - Bird Flu Vaccine Protects People And Pets - also here
3. October 21, 2008 - Bird flu pushed back, pandemic threat remains: UN

Cardiovascular disease

1. October 20, 2008 - Junk food causes a third of heart attacks
2. October 20, 2008 - Men With Erectile Dysfunction At More Risk Of Heart Attack
3. October 21, 2008 - Depression, Health Care Services And Heart Attacks: What's The Connection?
4. October 21, 2008 - Hypertension Disparity Linked To Environment - also here, here
5. October 21, 2008 - Beta-blocker Use Linked To Risks Of Death And Heart Attack After Surgery, Study Suggests - also here
6. October 21, 2008 - Study Shines Light on How Red Blood Cells Control Blood Pressure
7. October 21, 2008 - Western diet 'raises heart risk'
8. October 22, 2008 - Can Exercise Prevent A Severe Stroke? - also here
9. October 22, 2008 - 'Western' Diet Increases Heart Attack Risk Globally - also here, here
10. October 22, 2008 - Erectile Dysfunction Gives Early Warning Of A Heart Attack, Warns Expert - also here
11. October 23, 2008 - Exercise Gives Longer Life For People With Heart Disease
12. October 23, 2008 - Research identifies new link between tart cherries and risk factors for heart disease - also here
13. October 24, 2008 - Beta-blockers not best for high blood pressure
14. October 24, 2008 - Even mild sleep apnea increases cardiovascular risk - also here, here

Alzheimer's disease

1. October 20, 2008 - Education protects against Alzheimer's impact
2. October 21, 2008 - Job choice 'affects Alzheimer's'
3. October 22, 2008 - How Neuronal Activity Leads To Alzheimer's Protein Cleavage - also here
4. October 22, 2008 - Education Protects Against Pre-Alzheimer's Memory Loss - also here
5. October 22, 2008 - Researchers developing new drug class to combat Alzheimer's
6. October 23, 2008 - Novel treatments and current clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease therapies show promise
7. October 25, 2008 - Potential Strategy To Eliminate Poisonous Protein From Alzheimer Brains Identified - also here

Cancer

1. October 20, 2008 - Lumpectomy not advised if breast cancer returns
2. October 21, 2008 - Potential New Way To Make A Good Anti-leukemia Drug Even Better - also here
3. October 21, 2008 - Cancer images may save fertility
4. October 22, 2008 - Cancer drug Avastin may work as imaging tool too
5. October 22, 2008 - Bevacizumab Better Than Gold Standard Imaging At Detecting Tumors - also here
6. October 22, 2008 - On The Trail Of A Targeted Therapy For Blood Cancers
7. October 22, 2008 - T Cell Response To New Melanoma Antigen Linked To Relapse-free Survival - also here
8. October 22, 2008 - Mechanical Pressure Accelerates Early Stages Of Colon Cancer
9. October 22, 2008 - New MRI Technique May Identify Cervical Cancer Early - also here, here
10. October 22, 2008 - Freezing kills off kidney tumours
11. October 23, 2008 - New gene mutation linked to cancer drugs' success
12. October 23, 2008 - Chest Scans May Help Monitor Spread Of Head And Neck Cancer In High-risk Patients
13. October 23, 2008 - Chronic Inflammation Can Help Nurture Skin Cancer, Study Shows - also here, here
14. October 23, 2008 - Why Past Oral Contraceptive Use Dramatically Lowers Risk Of Ovarian And Uterine Cancers - also here
15. October 23, 2008 - Study finds BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer cause resistance to anti-EGFR therapy - also here
16. October 23, 2008 - Sensitive ultrasound to spot early-stage cancer - also here
17. October 24, 2008 - Fiber may protect against small bowel cancer
18. October 24, 2008 - Oxford says cancer drug may increase patient survival
19. October 24, 2008 - New Way Of Inhibiting The Cell Cycle Shows Promise In Cancer Patients In A Phase I Clinical Trial - also here
20. October 24, 2008 - 3-D Doppler Ultrasound Helps Identify Breast Cancer - also here, here
21. October 24, 2008 - Gene Expression Pattern Predicts Response In Advanced Bowel Cancer
22. October 24, 2008 - How Eating Fruit And Vegetables Can Improve Cancer Patients' Response To Chemotherapy - also here
23. October 24, 2008 - Novel marker of colon cancer - also here, here
24. October 24, 2008 - 2 drugs are better than 1 at targeting tumors with B-RAF mutations
25. October 25, 2008 - Arthritis drugs do not appear to raise cancer risk
26. October 26, 2008 - Scientists develop cancer fighting tomato
27. October 26, 2008 - Purple tomatoes: The richness of antioxidants against tumors - also here
28. October 26, 2008 - Purple tomato 'may boost health'
29. October 26, 2008 - Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise In Patients With Bowel, Kidney And Prostate Cancer
30. October 26, 2008 - MicroRNAs make for safer cancer treatments - also here, here
31. October 26, 2008 - Cancer cure in a sponge? Institute tests synthetic version of substance
32. October 27, 2008 - Not Your Garden-Variety Tomato
33. October 27, 2008 - Purple Tomatoes, Rich In Health-Protecting Anthocyanins, Developed With Help Of Snapdragons
34. October 27, 2008 - Purple tomatoes could ward off cancer

Obesity and diabetes

1. October 20, 2008 - Gene Mutation Protects Against Obesity And Diabetes
2. October 20, 2008 - Potential Treatment To Prevent Diabetes And Obesity Using Interleukin-6

Hepatitis B

1. October 20, 2008 - Varying Combinations Of Antiviral Drugs May Effectively Treat Chronic Hepatitis Virus Infection In Woodchucks
2. October 23, 2008 - Hepatitis B vaccine protection may wane in teens
3. October 23, 2008 - Panel Advocates Improved Understanding Of Hepatitis B And Screening Of High-risk Populations

Tuberculosis

1. October 21, 2008 - New TB blood test seen more accurate - also here
2. October 21, 2008 - Blood test better than skin at detecting TB
3. October 21, 2008 - Vaccine Type That Holds Promise In Protecting Against TB Identified - also here
4. October 22, 2008 - Out Of Mesopotamia: Evolutionary History Of Tuberculosis
5. October 23, 2008 - New TB Test Reveals Patients At Risk, Says Study - also here, here
6. October 24, 2008 - Safer, More Effective TB Vaccine For HIV-positive People Developed - also here, here

AIDS

1. October 21, 2008 - Non-AIDS Deaths In People With HIV Linked To Inflammation And Coagulation, Study Suggests - also here
2. October 22, 2008 - Markers of inflammation and blood-clotting tied to hazards of intermittent HIV treatment - also here
3. October 23, 2008 - Study Examines Repeated Exposure To HIV In Treatment-suppressed HIV Patients - also here
4. October 26, 2008 - Earlier HIV treatment may be better, study finds
5. October 26, 2008 - New Merck HIV drug works in untreated patients
6. October 27, 2008 - Earlier HIV treatment can save more lives
7. October 27, 2008 - AIDS treatment should start sooner, study finds
8. October 30, 2008 - HIV-infected Patients Should Start HAART Sooner, Study Suggests

Low-carbohydrate diets and hepatic energy metabolism

1. October 21, 2008 - Low-carb Diets Alter Glucose Formation By The Liver - also here

Tissue engineering

1. October 21, 2008 - Scientist turns to ink-jet printer for a new heart
2. October 22, 2008 - Ink-jet printer for a new heart?

Obesity

1. October 21, 2008 - Researchers Study How Mother's High-fat Diet Contributes to Obesity in Children
2. October 22, 2008 - Obesity pill shows promise: study
3. October 22, 2008 - Diet drug 'doubles weight loss'
4. October 23, 2008 - Overweight Mums Have Chubby Babies, Study Suggests - also here
5. October 24, 2008 - Promising New Obesity Drug May Have Huge Potential - also here, here

Inflammatory bowel disease

1. October 21, 2008 - Bacterium 'to blame for Crohn's'

Drug delivery

1. October 22, 2008 - Self-assembling Nano-fiber Gel Delivers High Concentrations Of Clinically Approved Drugs - also here, here
2. October 22, 2008 - Crossing Blood-Brain Barrier: Scientists Develop Drug Delivery System For Brain Cancers, Other Diseases
3. October 22, 2008 - Drug grenades explode right on target

Stem cells

1. October 22, 2008 - Genentech team grows mice prostate from stem cells
2. October 22, 2008 - Building a New Prostate
3. October 22, 2008 - Scientists grow mouse prostate from a single cell
4. October 22, 2008 - Growing Prostates from Adult Stem Cells
5. October 23, 2008 - Novo taps stem cells in hunt for diabetes cure
6. October 24, 2008 - Stem Cell Research To Benefit Horse Owners And Trainers - also here, here
7. October 24, 2008 - 'New prostate' grown inside mouse

Apoptosis-control drugs

1. October 22, 2008 - Researchers find trigger for killer protein
2. October 24, 2008 - Secret Of Death Protein's Activation Unlocked - also here

Multiple sclerosis

1. October 22, 2008 - Leukemia drug appears to stop early stage MS
2. October 22, 2008 - Drug May Offer MS Turnaround
3. October 22, 2008 - The Right B Cells at the Right Time Fight Nerve Disease
4. October 22, 2008 - Drug may reverse MS brain damage
5. October 22, 2008 - Study finds leukaemia drug can halt, reverse effects of MS - also here, here
6. October 22, 2008 - Cancer drug shows promise against MS, but with some risks
7. October 23, 2008 - Drug reboots immune system to reverse MS
8. October 24, 2008 - New Hope For Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers - also here, here
9. October 24, 2008 - Phase IIb data show that BG-12 significantly reduced brain lesions in multiple sclerosis

Cancer biology

1. October 22, 2008 - Gene study turns up 26 lung cancer genes
2. October 22, 2008 - Closest Look Yet at Lung Cancer Genes
3. October 22, 2008 - Scientists find new genes linked to lung cancer
4. October 22, 2008 - Gene 'roadmap' for lung cancers
5. October 22, 2008 - Myriad of mutations linked to lung cancer
6. October 22, 2008 - Scientists find 26 genes promoting lung cancer
7. October 23, 2008 - New Genes Linked To Lung Cancer In Large-scale Genetic Study
8. October 23, 2008 - Individual's Gene Variations Linked To Likelihood Of Surviving Cancer - also here
9. October 24, 2008 - Mutant gene found in 70 percent of prostate cancer
10. October 24, 2008 - Knocking The 'Sox' Off Cancer And Lymphatic Disorders - also here

Resveratrol

1. October 22, 2008 - Resveratrol may treat alcoholic liver disease

Cancer and the immune system

1. October 22, 2008 - Scientists Enhance Immune System Attacks On Cancer - also here, here
2. October 23, 2008 - Silencing A Protein Could Kill T-Cells, Reverse Leukemia - also here, here

Vaccines

1. October 23, 2008 - Cross-protective Vaccine May Treat Broad Spectrum Of Bacterial Diseases - also here, here

Schizophrenia

1. October 23, 2008 - New Candidate Genes For Schizophrenia Identified - also here, here

Hydrogen sulfide and blood pressure

1. October 23, 2008 - Hydrogen Sulfide May Treat High Blood Pressure
2. October 23, 2008 - The Stink in Farts Controls Blood Pressure
3. October 23, 2008 - Hydrogen Sulfide Discovered to Be a Major Player in the Regulation of Blood Pressure
4. October 24, 2008 - Naturally Produced 'Rotten Egg' Gas Helps Control Blood Pressure In Body, Researchers Find - also here
5. October 24, 2008 - Hydrogen Sulfide Key Player in Blood Pressure Regulation - also here, here
6. October 24, 2008 - 'Fart gas' link to blood pressure
7. October 25, 2008 - Hydrogen Sulfide May Regulate Blood Pressure
8. October 27, 2008 - Hydrogen Sulfide Deficiency Linked To Hypertension
9. October 29, 2008 - Hydrogen sulfide aids blood pressure

Anxiety disorder genes

1. October 24, 2008 - Mouse Genes Guide Search For Human Anxiety Disorder Genes - also here, here

Alcohol tolerance

1. October 24, 2008 - Gene Mutation In Worms Key To Alcohol Tolerance - also here

Rhinovirus infection

1. October 24, 2008 - Cold viruses activate killer genes, study finds
2. October 24, 2008 - Cold virus found to manipulate genes - also here, here
3. October 24, 2008 - First comprehensive genomic study of common cold reveals new treatment targets - also here
4. October 30, 2008 - Common Cold Symptoms Caused By Immune System -- Not The Cold Virus

Rheumatoid arthritis

1. October 25, 2008 - More U.S. women getting rheumatoid arthritis: study - also here, here
2. October 25, 2008 - Rheumatoid arthritis nearly doubles heart risks
3. October 25, 2008 - Pfizer rheumatoid arthritis drug effective in study
4. October 25, 2008 - Roche arthritis drug effective in late-stage trial
5. October 26, 2008 - Rheumatoid arthritis rising among women - also here, here
6. October 30, 2008 - Rheumatoid arthritis on the rise in women: study

Antibiotics

1. October 25, 2008 - Study Shows How Antibiotic Sets Up Road Block To Kill Bacteria - also here, here

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

1. October 26, 2008 - Trial antibiotics help against "superbug"

Cancer stem cells

1. October 26, 2008 - Mechanism In Cells That Generate Malignant Brain Tumors May Offer Target For Gene Therapy - also here, here

Diabetes

1. October 26, 2008 - Green Tea May Delay Onset Of Type 1 Diabetes - also here, here

Copyright © 2008 by Charles Daney, All Rights Reserved