Humans have used symmetrical patterns for thousands of years in both functional and decorative ways. Now, a new book by three mathematicians offers both math experts and enthusiasts a new way to understand symmetry and a fresh way to see the world. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 25 May 2008 | 12:00 am
What common oral condition appears as shallow ulcers of different sizes, affects one in five Americans, can be caused by food allergies and hormonal changes, and also can cause severe mouth pain? Commonly referred to as "canker sores," recurrent aphthous ulcers now can be treated by an extract in licorice root herbal extract, according to a study in General Dentistry. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 25 May 2008 | 12:00 am
The results of several scientific studies conducted since 1993 have confirmed a 3.2 cm sea level rise. Although this variation might appear negligible, it has in fact turned out to be twice as high as that recorded over the whole of the previous century. This increase in sea level is a consequence of global warming. When sea temperature rises, the sea expands and therefore occupies a greater volume. This phenomenon is now well known to scientists, but other processes that have received less research attention, such as the tidal cycle, seem to contribute at global scale just as much to changes in sea level. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 25 May 2008 | 12:00 am
Up to now, the oceans have buffered climate change considerably by absorbing almost one third of the worldwide emitted carbon dioxide. The oceans represent a significant carbon sink, but the uptake of excess carbon dioxide stemming from man's burning of fossil fuels comes at a high cost: ocean acidification. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 25 May 2008 | 12:00 am
An experimental drug has blocked the progression of prostate cancer in an animal model with an aggressive form of the disease, new research shows. The agent, OSU-HDAC42, belongs to a new class of drugs called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, compounds designed to reactivate genes that normally protect against cancer but are turned off by the cancer process. The study showed that the agent kept mice with a precancerous condition from developing advanced prostate cancer. Human testing of the compound is expected to begin early next year. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 25 May 2008 | 12:00 am
DHEA supplements are widely-available and touted as a preventive agent for many chronic diseases. A new study however, finds no evidence of a beneficial effect of DHEA supplements on cognitive function in healthy older adults. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 25 May 2008 | 12:00 am
The conventional view of how stem cells differentiate assumes that cells are "instructed" to progress along prescribed signaling pathways. However, new research shows that the decision is made collectively by an entire network of genes and proteins. It reveals an elegant yet simple system that maintains cells in a stable state, yet enables them to differentiate under the right conditions. The work also suggests a much more efficient way of differentiating stem cells for therapeutic purposes. The new evidence supports a 'systems' view -- and gives a glimpse at how it works. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 24 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
A new technology with research and clinical application including the early detection of disease has just been invented. The new fluorescent "barcodes" called nanostrings, offers greater sensitivity and accuracy than current detection methods. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 24 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
New research has revealed the genetic determinants of fat storage in cells, which may lead to a new understanding of and potential treatments for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 24 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
Two new studies provide insights into lung disease and lung function in young adults. One links low levels of a protein called adiponectin in fat cells to an increase in asthma risk in young women. A second finds that high levels of a protein called ICAM-1 is associated with lower lung function. Source: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News | 24 May 2008 | 6:00 pm
Nasa's Phoenix Mars Lander is due to set down on the icy northern plains after a 423-million-mile journey from Earth. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 24 May 2008 | 3:08 pm
Ben Goldacre: How do you judge if an intervention is effective when you hear about it in the media? Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 23 May 2008 | 11:05 pm
Letters: Your article is a good example of the payback from international collaboration in the areas of emerging technology Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 23 May 2008 | 11:03 pm
Leading scientific expert on alternative therapies accuses chemist of misleading public over homeopathic remedies Source: guardian.co.uk Science | 23 May 2008 | 10:51 pm
A Canadian research expedition finds dramatic evidence of the break-up of the Arctic ice-cap. Source: BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition | 23 May 2008 | 6:29 pm
PASADENA, California (Reuters) - A new chapter in Mars exploration opens on Sunday when a small robotic probe jets down to the planet's arctic circle to learn if ice beneath its surface ever had the right chemistry to support life, mission managers said on Thursday.
