Science News – Newsletter for February 25, 2011

Protein that could be new target to reduce damage after heart attack identified

WASHINGTON – Researchers have identified a protein that plays a key role in debilitating changes that occur in the heart after a heart attack.

These changes, or ‘remodelling’ of the heart, often lead to fatal heart failure.

Researchers found that mice genetically altered to lack fibronectin-EDA (FN-EDA) had less heart damage after a heart attack.

The findings … Read more »».

Transgenic fungi may help fight malaria: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that a genetically engineered fungus carrying genes for a human anti-malarial antibody or a scorpion anti-malarial toxin could be a highly effective, specific and environmentally friendly tool for combating malaria.

University of Maryland-led team of scientists said that this general approach could be used for controlling other devastating insect … Original source on Gaea Times at : Transgenic fungi may help fight malaria: Study.

Serotonin may play role in autism

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that serotonin plays a vital role in autism spectrum disorders.

In labs at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, scientists are studying strains of mice that inherently mimic the repetitive and socially impaired behaviors present in autism spectrum disorders.

Georgianna Gould, research assistant professor of physiology in the Graduate …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Serotonin may play role in autism.

Language use can go on a roller-coaster ride during childhood

WASHINGTON – A North Carolina State University study has found that language use can go on a roller-coaster ride during childhood as kids adopt and abandon vernacular language patterns.

“We found that there is a ‘roller-coaster effect,’ featuring an ebb and flow in a child’s use of vernacular English over the course of his or her …. Read the original article  : Language use can go on a roller-coaster ride during childhood.

Gene may explain how leopards got its spots

WASHINGTON – How did the leopard get its spots? How did the zebra get its stripes?

The answer may be a gene, which scientists have found governs colour patterns in deer mice, the most widespread mammal in North America.

This gene, called Agouti, is found in all vertebrates and may establish colour pattern in a wide … Read more : Gene may explain how leopards got its spots.

Shuttle Discovery heads to International Space Station on its final mission

WASHINGTON – US space shuttle Discovery has lifted off for its final flight from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to deliver a new module and critical supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).

The STS-133 mission is delivering the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), a facility created from the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module named Leonardo. The module …. Original source  : Shuttle Discovery heads to International Space Station on its final mission.

People who meditate have a stronger mind-body connection than dancers

WASHINGTON – A new study suggests that professional ballet and modern dancers are not as emotionally in sync with their bodies as are people who regularly practice meditation.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, tracked how closely the emotions of seasoned meditators and professional dancers followed bodily changes such as breathing and heart rates.

They found …. Source article  : People who meditate have a stronger mind-body connection than dancers.

Scalp cooling cap may help patients undergoing chemotherapy keep hair

WASHINGTON – Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center will conduct a feasibility study to test the use of a scalp cooling device that breast cancer patients will wear while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

This will be part of the first significant study of the medical device in the United States.

The FDA has given approval for an investigational …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Scalp cooling cap may help patients undergoing chemotherapy keep hair.

Strong link found between victimization experiences, substance abuse

WASHINGTON – Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have discovered a strong link between victimization experiences and substance abuse.

The correlation is especially prevalent among gays, lesbians and bisexuals-more so than in heterosexuals, said Tonda Hughes, professor and interim head of health systems science in the UIC College of Nursing. Hughes is lead author … Read more >>.

Looking at a pic of a loved one ‘cuts pain by 44pc’

LONDON – Scientists at Stanford University have discovered that pictures of loved ones have the power to dull pain.

Their study showed that an image of a romantic partner dulls activity in the pain-processing areas of the brain, to the same degree as paracetamol or narcotics such as cocaine.

As part of the research, the brains of …. Source  : Looking at a pic of a loved one ‘cuts pain by 44pc’.

Probiotic to treat ulcers identified

WASHINGTON – Spanish scientists have identified a strain of probiotic bacteria that may be useful in treating ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.

“H. pylori is considered one of the major risk factors underlying the development of gastritis and gastric and duodenal ulcers,” according to the researchers.

“Currently, antibiotic-based treatment for H. pylori infection is neither sufficient …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

12000-yr-old cremated remains of child shed new light on Ice-Age culture

WASHINGTON – The remains of a three-yr-old child in a newly excavated archaeological site in Alaska may provide rare insights into the burial practices of Ice Age peoples.

Archaeologists said the remains found at the site are the oldest human remains found in Northern North America, as well as the second youngest Ice Age child on …. Original article  : 12000-yr-old cremated remains of child shed new light on Ice-Age culture.

Home urine test measures insulin production in diabetics

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed a simple home urine test that can measure if patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are producing their own insulin.

The urine test, from Professor Andrew Hattersley’s Exeter-based team at the Peninsula Medical School, replaces multiple blood tests in hospital and can be sent by post as it is …. Read the original article  : Home urine test measures insulin production in diabetics.

Is sex addiction really a disease or just a convenient excuse?

WASHINGTON – As sex scandals become more rampant, experts struggle to understand – is the craving for sex really a disorder or simply a convenient excuse to wriggle out of trouble?

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is debating whether sex addiction should be added to its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Ever since Tiger Woods’ … Read : Is sex addiction really a disease or just a convenient excuse?.

Emotional distress does not stop fertility treatment from working: Study

LONDON – Stress and tension do not stop fertility treatment from working, according to a new study.

Many infertile women believe that emotional distress (for example stress and tension) is a factor in not getting pregnant naturally or lack of success with fertility treatment. This view is largely based on anecdotal evidence and fertility myths such … Original article on : Emotional distress does not stop fertility treatment from working: Study.

A dog may be man’s best friend but a cat is woman’s!

WASHINGTON – While dogs are considered ever-friendly ready to follow you all over the place, cats are thought of as haughty creatures – but that may not be true – according to a new study, which claims cats attach to humans, and particularly women, as social partners.

Researchers at Konrad Lorenz Research Station and the University …. Read the original article  : A dog may be man’s best friend but a cat is woman’s!.

Damaged hearts could one day repair themselves, suggests mice study

WASHINGTON – Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that the mammalian newborn heart can heal itself completely.

Researchers, working with mice, found that a portion of the heart removed during the first week after birth grew back wholly and correctly – as if nothing had happened.

“This is an important step in our search for …. Read the original article  : Damaged hearts could one day repair themselves, suggests mice study.

Low vitamin D levels associated with allergies in children

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased likelihood that children will develop allergies.

Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, which headed the study, reached the conclusion by studying more than 3,000 children.

They looked at the serum vitamin D levels in blood collected in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Low vitamin D levels associated with allergies in children.

Showers forecast in Delhi Friday evening

NEW DELHI – The Indian capital is likely to have some showers Friday night, the meteorological department has forecast.

The capital recorded a meagre 1.5 mm of rain Thursday night which interrupted the Cricket World Cup-2011 match between South Africa and West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla towards its fag end.
The weather office … Original article on : Showers forecast in Delhi Friday evening.

Now, an ‘illusion cloak’ that shows you what’s not there!

LONDON – There was the invisibility cloak and this time it’s an illusion cloak – a device that can change an object’s appearance.

The technology could ultimately be used to hide military aircraft.

Wei Xiang Jiang and Tie Jun Cui at Southeast University in Nanjing, China, have created a structure that alters the manner in which way … Read more »».