Researchers have found that even men with advanced prostate cancer can take a much-needed safe break, or holiday, from chemotherapy. Prior to this study, it wasn't known whether stopping chemotherapy would lead to treatment resistance.
Astronomers have discovered that the sun-like star tau Bootis flipped its magnetic field from north to south sometime during the last year. It has been known for many years that the Sun's magnetic field changes its direction every 11 years, but this is the first time that such a change has been observed in another star. Magnetic field reversals on the sun are closely linked to the varying number of sunspots seen on the sun's surface.
Digital logic, or bits, is the only paradigm for the IT world, and up to now researchers used it almost exclusively to study quantum information processing. But European scientists have proved that an analogue approach is far easier in the quantum world. Modern computing is digital, a series of 1s and 0s that, once combined, create powerful information processing systems. The system is so simple – on or off, yes or no – that it almost seems dumb. It is that very simplicity that gives digital computing its power. It works very well. But we have a problem. Silicon circuits are getting so small that they will soon be bumping up against a fundamental physical limit.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism controlling the choice in humans between two lines of defense in the event of attack. In the presence of viruses or bacteria, the immune system can trigger a response that is rapid but devoid of memory -- innate immunity -- or a response that takes longer to put in place but is more specifically targeted -- adaptive immunity. The body is often faced with attacks from outside (viral or bacterial infection) and sometimes from inside, because of the dysfunction of its own cells (cancer), and defends itself by activating its immune system.
Researchers have perfected a fiber-reinforced fishing lure that may prevent millions of pounds of toxic plastics from polluting waters nationwide. Earning raves in the sport-fishing world, a young entrepreneur plans to launch his strong, sustainable soft lure in sporting goods stores in late February. Each year, more than 12,000 tons of rubbery "soft baits" land at the bottom of lakes, streams and rivers.
Cases of esophageal cancer in the US have risen in recent decades from 300,000 cases in 1973 to 2.1 million in 2001 at age-adjusted rates. A new study shows that these rates in the US closely mirrored trends of increased carbohydrate intake and obesity from 1973-2001.
A tiny handful of genes appears to hold important clues to understanding why some patients with peripheral artery disease face high rates of amputation and early death while others are spared those consequences, say researchers. This is the first documented genetic mutation linked to PAD. Although the work was done in mice, researchers say it is likely to give them new insight into how PAD develops and progresses in humans.
Biochemists have answered an important question about the structure of microcompartments -- mysterious molecular machines that seem to be present in a wide variety of pathogens and other bacteria. In the journal Science, the biochemists report how the structure closes, forming a shell around enzymes that are encased inside.
Scientists have discovered Antarctic krill living and feeding down to depths of 3000 meters in the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. Until now this shrimp-like crustacean was thought to live only in the upper ocean. The discovery completely changes scientists' understanding of the major food source for fish, squid, penguins, seals and whales.
Researchers have isolated biomarkers in the blood that identify mood disorders, a breakthrough that may change the way bipolar illness is diagnosed and treated. The panel of markers is present in differing amounts in individuals suffering from high or low mood states. The concentration of the blood markers also varies depending on the severity of the depression or mania the individual experiences.
Anti-depressants have little clinical benefit for the majority of depressed patients, research shows. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 26 Feb 2008 | 11:36 am
LIMA (Reuters) - A ceremonial plaza built 5,500 years ago has been discovered in Peru, and archeologists involved in the dig said on Monday carbon dating shows it is one of the oldest structures ever found in the Americas.
Tiny sea creatures called pteropods may teach scientists about how climate change will affect the oceans. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 26 Feb 2008 | 10:33 am
The devastating sudden oak death disease is not to blame for the demise of about 200 trees, say scientists. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 26 Feb 2008 | 9:59 am
The first 30,000 pages are unveiled of a vast encyclopedia to catalogue each of Earth's 1.8 million species. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 26 Feb 2008 | 9:53 am
Brazilian troops go to an Amazon town after efforts to stop illegal logging provoke a local backlash. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 26 Feb 2008 | 9:42 am
LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists have identified the part of the brain that may hold the key to why some cocaine users become addicts while others just take the drug socially, researchers said on Tuesday.
Response: Campaigners who oppose GM food aren't vandals - they are acting in the public interest, says Peter Melchett Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 26 Feb 2008 | 12:05 am
People in Scotland and Northern Ireland at much higher risk of heart disease than those in England Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 26 Feb 2008 | 12:02 am
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Scientists can now tell where in the United States a person may have been by analyzing a single strand of hair, offering a new tool for crime investigators trying to identify a body or track criminals.
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Aggression in some teenage boys may be linked to overly large Amygdalas in their brains, a study by scientists in Australia and the United States has found.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Reuters) - Seven astronauts scheduled to deliver the first part of Japan's laboratory to the International Space Station climbed aboard their spaceship on Monday to rehearse for the launch in two weeks.
OSLO (Reuters) - Shrimp-like krill can thrive in icy waters 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) deep off Antarctica as well as near the surface, according to a study on Monday that shows krill stocks can survive far deeper than previously thought.
Guantánamo guards are the "overlooked victims" of conditions at the American detention camp, says a psychiatrist who has treated them Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 25 Feb 2008 | 5:08 pm
The US will accept "binding international obligations" on climate if other nations do the same, say officials. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 25 Feb 2008 | 4:13 pm
Cary Fowler, executive director of the Global Diversity Crop Trust, talking about the Global Seed Vault in Norway and the impact climate change is having on agricultural diversity. Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 25 Feb 2008 | 2:35 pm
Scientists test equipment on the scale model of a vehicle which it is hoped will drive over the surface of Mars. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 25 Feb 2008 | 1:35 pm
South Africa says it will reverse a ban on elephant culls because the population now needs controlling. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 25 Feb 2008 | 1:30 pm
The $15bn US food industry is being stung by a mysterious phenomenon - honeybees are flying away from their colonies and never coming back. By John Sterlicchi Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 25 Feb 2008 | 11:58 am
An ambitious project to safeguard the world’s future food supplies was inaugurated today. The £1.7m “Noah’s ark of seeds” near the town of Longyearbyen, in Norway's remote Svalbard islands, will protect the 2m seeds that represent the world’s agricultural biodiversity against threats such as nuclear war, asteroid impact, terrorist attack, climate change and rising sea levels Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 25 Feb 2008 | 11:28 am
