In the wake of divorce, illness, violence and other problems that can unsettle homes, countless young children are liable to experience temporary separations from one or both parents before packing their knapsacks for kindergarten. Researchers warn that such kids are at increased risk for learning difficulties. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
How do we know what other people are thinking? How do we judge them, and what happens in our brains when we do? MIT neuroscientist Rebecca Saxe is tackling those tough questions and many others. Her goal is no less than understanding how the brain gives rise to the abilities that make us uniquely human--making moral judgments, developing belief systems and understanding language. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
The problem of excessive reactive nitrogen in the environment is little-known beyond a growing circle of environmental scientists who study how the element cycles through the environment and negatively alters local and global ecosystems and potentially harms human health. Two new papers by leading environmental scientists bring the problem to the forefront in the journal Science. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
A new prostate cancer vaccine may give hope to men with metastatic prostate cancer by enabling their immune systems to fight the disease. In recent years, the concept of vaccine immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer has become increasingly high profile as research has expanded. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
For the first time, a study combines measurements of abnormalities in the eye with models for assessing how well an individual can see, meaning it may be possible to program a machine to automatically produce prescriptions for corrective lenses. The model for predicting visual clarity -- based on measurements taken by today's highly accurate aberrometers -- could also enable surgeons to more accurately assess and correct the vision of patients undergoing lasik or refractive surgery. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
Contrary to long-held assumptions, high-salt diets may not increase the risk of death. Researchers reached their conclusion after examining dietary intake among a nationally representative sample of adults in the U.S. They actually observed a significantly increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease associated with lower sodium diets. They report their findings in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
Managing your cholesterol may also help you manage your prostate- specific antigen level. New data explores the relationship between low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and PSA prior to beginning statin therapy. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 12:00 pm
Thanks to nanostructures that scatter and channel light, electrical engineers are working toward thin-film "single junction" solar cells with the potential for nearly 45 percent sunlight-to-electricity conversion efficiencies. This new effort aims to break the theoretical limit of 31 percent efficiency for conventional single junction cells. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 12:00 pm
Chemotherapy given in conjunction with cancer vaccines may boost the immune system's response, potentially improving the effectiveness of this promising type of cancer therapy. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 12:00 pm
Researchers have sequenced the entire genetic code of 23 strains of Flavivirus, the virus that causes St. Louis encephalitis, to understand its evolutionary history. This study, published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, found that a single mutation made the virus pathogenic to humans and that the North and South American strains divided about 116 years ago. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 18 May 2008 | 12:00 pm
Mary Warnock: It's a great pity that we see attempts to restrict abortion in the new Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 17 May 2008 | 11:05 pm
Leader: It is to be hoped that MPs will vote for well-regulated science dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 17 May 2008 | 11:02 pm
PM says scientific research is an 'inherently moral endeavour' that could save millions of lives Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 17 May 2008 | 11:02 pm
Group of MPs seek to cut the number of weeks which pregnant women are allowed to seek abortions Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 17 May 2008 | 11:02 pm
Doctors should offer genetic screening to immigrant communities that encourage marriage between cousins, experts say Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 17 May 2008 | 2:50 pm
