Science News – Newsletter for December 1, 2010

Babies’ sense of smell physically shaped by mums’ diets during pregnancy

LONDON – Scientists at Colorado University have found that a baby’s smelling system is physically shaped by what his or her mother eats and drinks during pregnancy.

It is well known that what an expectant mother consumes will affect what her child will like, reports the Telegraph.

But now a study on mice has found why this … Read : Babies’ sense of smell physically shaped by mums’ diets during pregnancy.

Being bossy is the key to leadership, shows geese study

LONDON – Ever wondered why bossy people get to become leaders? Well, a new study of North Atlantic barnacle geese has suggested that it happens because bossiness is the key to leadership.

The study, led by Ralf Kurvers from the Resource Ecology Group at Wageningen University in The Netherlands, found that when a “bold” goose was …. Source  : Being bossy is the key to leadership, shows geese study.

‘Shared interests’ form friendships

LONDON – A new study has suggested we choose our friends mainly because we have shared interests and not necessarily because we like them the most.

Scientists from the University of Southampton, Royal Holloway, University of London, and the Institute of Zoology at London Zoo found that having enthusiasms and hobbies formed a strong bond but … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Shared interests’ form friendships.

A spoonful of sugar may be enough to cool a hot temper

WASHINGTON – The next time you feel angry, have a glass of lemonade sweetened with sugar. Or eat a chocolate bar. It may just stop that desire to lash out.

Researchers in the US have found that consuming a spoonful of sugar can curb aggression, at least for a short time.

Their research showed that people who … Read more >>>.

How do snakes climb a vertical surface without slipping?

WASHINGTON – A new study by University of Cincinnati researchers has shed light on the climbing abilities of boa constrictors.

In the study, the researchers put snakes to work on varying diameters and flexibility of vertical rope to examine how they might move around on branches and vines to gather food and escape enemies in their …. Original article  : How do snakes climb a vertical surface without slipping?.

Cancer drugs offer new hope for Crohn’s disease and sarcoidosis

WASHINGTON – A new study offers insight into a new treatment avenue for two painful inflammatory diseases: Crohn’s sisease and sarcoidosis.

While the loss of NOD2 increases the risk of developing Crohn’s disease, increased activity of this gene is also thought to exacerbate symptoms.

Additionally, activating NOD2 mutations can cause genetic sarcoidosis – an inflammatory …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cancer drugs offer new hope for Crohn’s disease and sarcoidosis.

Anti-microbials ‘a common cause of drug-induced liver injury and failure’

WASHINGTON – A ten-year prospective study has revealed that anti-microbial medications are a common cause of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) leading to acute liver failure (ALF), with women and minorities disproportionately affected.

While ALF evolves slowly, once it does occur a spontaneous recovery is unlikely; however liver transplantation offers an excellent survival rate.

Patients with liver failure … Original source on Gaea Times at : Anti-microbials ‘a common cause of drug-induced liver injury and failure’.

Celebrex shows potential in preventing some skin cancers

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that the NSAID Celebrex may help prevent some non-melanoma skin cancers from developing in patients who have pre-cancerous actinic keratoses lesions and are at high risk for having the disease.

The research team, led by University of Alabama at Birmingham senior scientist Craig Elmets, evaluated the efficacy and safety … Read more : Celebrex shows potential in preventing some skin cancers.

Earliest brain changes linked to genetic risk of Alzheimer’s identified

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered the earliest brain changes associated with the genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

A scientific report has found reduced activity of an energy-generating enzyme in deceased young adult brain donors who carry a common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease-before the protein changes or microscopic abnormalities commonly associated with the disease …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Earliest brain changes linked to genetic risk of Alzheimer’s identified.

Bhopal’s toxic reality – 26 years and still hurting

BHOPAL – Another year, another anniversary, another round of protests. But the thousands of survivors of the world’s worst industrial disaster are unwilling to give up the fight for justice, 26 years after lethal gas leaked out of the Union Carbide plant here killing 3,000 instantly and an estimated 25,000 since.

On that night …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bhopal’s toxic reality – 26 years and still hurting.

Patient’s own blood may treat hamstring injury

WASHINGTON – Scientists in UK have found an effective two-part treatment for microtears in the hamstring: injections of the patient’s own blood and a steroid along with “dry-needling,” in which repeated needle punctures cause controlled internal bleeding in the injured area.

“By injecting the patient’s own blood where it is needed at the site of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Patient’s own blood may treat hamstring injury.

Narcissistic students ‘more likely to cheat’

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that college students who exhibit narcissistic tendencies are more likely than fellow students to cheat on exams and assignments.

The results suggested that narcissists were motivated to cheat because their academic performance functions as an opportunity to show off to others, and they didn’t feel particularly guilty about their …. Read the original article  : Narcissistic students ‘more likely to cheat’.

Venus could hold warning for Earth

WASHINGTON – Scientists have revealed that a mysterious, high-altitude layer of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere of Venus has been explained, with possible earthly connections.

Venus is blanketed in sulphuric acid clouds that block our view of the surface. The clouds form at altitudes of 50-70 km (30-45 miles) when sulphur dioxide from volcanoes combines with … Original article on : Venus could hold warning for Earth.

Eating more fish ‘can ensure better bone health for astronauts’

WASHINGTON – Astronauts, when in space, are vulnerable to bone loss, which can cause fractures or breaks. However, a simple change in diet could mitigate that risk – eat more fish and while you’re at it, skip the salt.ASA nutritionist Scott Smith, with the Johnson Space Center in Houston, says that studies show strong ties …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Eating more fish ‘can ensure better bone health for astronauts’.

Exposure to mercury pollution causes homosexuality in birds

LONDON – A new study by US scientists has revealed that exposure to mercury pollution could be hitting some wild birds’ reproductive prospects hard by causing males to pair with other males.

The researchers discovered that American white ibises (Eudocimus albus) from south Florida that consumed methylmercury (MeHg), the most toxic and easily absorbed form … Read more >>.

Autistic kids ‘have more trouble fueling energy demands of their cells’

WASHINGTON – A new study has discovered that children suffering from autism face more trouble fueling the energy demands of their cells due to dysfunctional mitochondria.

The new findings from UC Davis reveal several different types of mitochondrial dysfunction and suggest a novel way of screening for these deficits using blood samples.

Mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of cells, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Surgeon-physician marriages ‘are a recipe for disaster’

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that surgeons married to physicians face more challenges in balancing their personal and professional lives than do surgeons whose partners work in a non-physician field or stay at home.

The research focuses specifically on how surgeons fare in being partnered with other surgeons, with other (non-surgical) physicians, with non-physicians …. Original article  : Surgeon-physician marriages ‘are a recipe for disaster’.

Study exhibits the ‘couch potato effect’ in mice

WASHINGTON – Scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have used a couch potato mouse model to study muscle function.

Daniel Kelly and his colleagues found that these mice maintain normal activity and body weight but do not have the energy to exercise.

They report what happens when muscle tissue lacks PGC-1, a protein coactivator that muscles need …. Source article  : Study exhibits the ‘couch potato effect’ in mice.

A 50-year-old diabetic lives 8.5 yrs lesser than non-diabetic counterpart

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that a 50-year-old diabetic can expect to live 8.5 years fewer years, on average, than a 50-year-old without the disease.

A new report commissioned by The National Academy on an Aging Society found that older adults with diabetes have a lower life expectancy at every age than those … Original source on Gaea Times at : A 50-year-old diabetic lives 8.5 yrs lesser than non-diabetic counterpart.

Who’s an expert nutcracker? Monkeys!

WASHINGTON – Wild bearded capuchin monkeys are the real nut-cracking kings, revealed a new study.

The research found that these animals put together their own nut-cracking devices and are experts at using them.

Qing Liu of the University of Georgia and an international team studied how the diminutive primates crack nuts with a hammer and anvil nut-cracking …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Who’s an expert nutcracker? Monkeys!.