ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Friday, October 22, 2010
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Key difference in how TB bacteria degrade doomed proteins (October 22, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered a key difference in the way human cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause TB, deliver unwanted proteins to their respective cellular recycling factories. This critical difference may help scientists design new anti TB drugs. ... > full story
Taking a closer look at plaque (October 22, 2010) -- Scientists are using the technique of Raman spectroscopy to study two common dental plaque bacteria, Streptococcus sanguis and mutans. The relative balance of the two may be an indicator of a patient's oral health and risk for tooth decay -- Streptococcus sanguis is associated with "healthy" plaque, while mutans is associated with tooth decay. ... > full story
Old logging practices linked to high erosion rates (October 22, 2010) -- Clear-cut logging and related road-building in the 1950s and 1960s in southern Oregon's Siskiyou Mountains disrupted soil stability and led to unprecedented soil erosion made worse during heavy rainstorms, researchers report. ... > full story
Real-time imaging of stroke models (October 22, 2010) -- One of the major impediments to understanding how brain cells die during a stroke and identifying new ways to protect them has been the long-standing inability to image strokes, or "ischemic events" in living tissue. Now researchers have developed methods to induce strokes in animal models and image the events as they unfold. ... > full story
Using PEAT to capture, share and analyze protein experimental data (October 22, 2010) -- Researchers in Ireland have created a novel application that not only facilitates the analysis of experimental data generated in the course of a research project but also ensures that this valuable data is available for future use. ... > full story
Scientists promote soy by currying favor with Indian taste buds (October 22, 2010) -- Scientists think they have solved an interesting problem: how to get protein-deficient Indian schoolchildren to consume soy, an inexpensive and complete vegetable protein. What's more, they've joined forces with an Indian foundation that can get the high-protein soy snack they've developed into the hands of 1.2 million hungry kids who need it. ... > full story
Poor start in life need not spell doom in adulthood (October 21, 2010) -- A biology graduate student reports that how individuals fare as adults is not simply a passive consequence of the limits that early conditions may impose on them. Studying how adult Trinidadian guppies responded to their early food conditions, researchers found that the guppies had compensated for a poor start to life in unexpected, and potentially adaptive, ways by being flexible in their growth and reproductive strategies. ... > full story
Molecular structure of major cell signaling pathway detailed (October 21, 2010) -- Scientists have reported the exact molecular structure and mechanisms of a major cell signaling pathway that serves a broad range of functions in humans. ... > full story
Malarial mosquitoes are evolving into new species, say researchers (October 21, 2010) -- Two strains of the type of mosquito responsible for the majority of malaria transmission in Africa have evolved such substantial genetic differences that they are becoming different species, according to researchers behind two new studies published today in the journal Science. This means that efforts to control mosquito populations may be effective against one strain of mosquito but not the other. ... > full story
Promising new 'antigene' therapy uses light energy to silence gene activity (October 21, 2010) -- Antigene therapy is a promising new treatment strategy that uses a DNA-based drug to pinpoint light energy to a target gene shutting down its activity. ... > full story
Proton mechanism used by flu virus to infect cells discovered (October 21, 2010) -- Chemists have discovered the shuttle mechanism that relays protons from a healthy cell into a flu virus. The proton movement is an important part of the flu virus life cycle. ... > full story
Energy revolution key to complex life: Depends on mitochondria, cells' tiny power stations (October 21, 2010) -- The evolution of complex life is strictly dependent on mitochondria, the tiny power stations found in all complex cells, according to a new study. ... > full story
Sea levels rising around South Atlantic's Falkland Islands, 19th-century benchmarks reveal (October 21, 2010) -- Sea levels around the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic have risen since the mid-nineteenth century and the rate of sea-level rise has accelerated over recent decades, according to newly published research. The findings are as expected under global warming and consistent with observations elsewhere around the globe. ... > full story
Space weather mystery solved: Link found between electrons trapped in space and upper atmosphere's diffuse aurora (October 21, 2010) -- New research has settled decades of scientific debate about a puzzling aspect of space weather. Researchers have found the final link between electrons trapped in space and the glow of light from the upper atmosphere known as the diffuse aurora. The research promises to further understanding of space weather, with benefits for the satellite, power grid and aviation industries. ... > full story
The world is not flat: Exploring cells and tissues in three dimensions (October 21, 2010) -- Researchers have developed an innovative approach for studying cells in 3-D. They are examining the potential of such research to greatly expand science's understanding of disease onset and progression, particularly the responses of host cells to infectious pathogens. Such work provides fresh insight into the mechanisms of infectious disease and holds the potential for the design of novel or improved therapeutics, more accurate drug screening and improved evaluation of potential vaccine candidates. ... > full story
Microbes may consume far more oil-spill waste than earlier thought (October 21, 2010) -- Microbes living at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico may consume far more of the gaseous waste from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill than previously thought, according to research carried out within 100 miles of the spill site. ... > full story
How parasites react to the mouse immune system may help to shape their control (October 21, 2010) -- How parasites use different life-history strategies to beat our immune systems may also provide insight into the control of diseases, such as elephantiasis and river blindness, which afflict some of the world's poorest communities in tropical Southeast Asia, Africa and Central America. ... > full story
Black rice bran may help fight disease-related inflammation (October 21, 2010) -- Scientists are reporting evidence that black rice -- a little-known variety of the grain that is the staple food for one-third of the world population -- may help soothe the inflammation involved in allergies, asthma, and other diseases. ... > full story
Philippines may have more unique bird species than thought, biologist says (October 21, 2010) -- Recent research suggests that the Philippines, considered by biologists to be a "biodiversity hotspot," could have more unique species of birds than previously thought. If that proves to be the case, it could have important ramifications for conservation practices there. ... > full story
Worst coral death strikes at Southeast Asia (October 21, 2010) -- International marine scientists say that a huge coral death which has struck Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean reefs over recent months has highlighted the urgency of controlling global carbon emissions. Many reefs are dead or dying across the Indian Ocean and into the Coral Triangle following a bleaching event that extends from the Seychelles in the west to Sulawesi and the Philippines in the east. ... > full story
Climate change tipping points for populations, not just species: Survival, reproduction of thousands of arctic and alpine plants measured (October 21, 2010) -- As Earth's climate warms, species are expected to shift their geographical ranges away from the equator or to higher elevations. While scientists have documented such shifts for many plants and animals, the ranges of others seem stable. When species respond in different ways to the same amount of warming, it becomes more difficult for ecologists to predict future biological effects of climate change -- and to plan for these effects. ... > full story
Eating mostly whole grains, few refined grains linked to lower body fat (October 20, 2010) -- People who consume several servings of whole grains per day while limiting daily intake of refined grains appear to have less of a type of fat tissue thought to play a key role in triggering cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests. ... > full story
Disease in rural China linked to polluted coal (October 20, 2010) -- In remote, rural areas of southwestern China, villagers cook and dry their clothes by burning pieces of coal they pick up off the ground. This fuel releases a toxin that may be poisoning millions of people, according to an ongoing investigation by researchers in New York and China. ... > full story
Measuring changes in rock: Research looks at effect of captured and stored carbon dioxide on minerals (October 20, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a way to study the effects of super-critical carbon dioxide on minerals commonly found in potential underground storage sites, helping to evaluate one strategy for minimizing the impacts of greenhouse gases on global warming. ... > full story
New sensor derived from frogs may help fight bacteria and save wildlife; Sensor uses frog peptides to test for drug and medical device contamination (October 20, 2010) -- Engineers have developed a sensor that may revolutionize how drugs and medical devices are tested for contamination, and in the process also help ensure the survival of two species of threatened animals. ... > full story
Progress toward treating infections by silencing microbes' 'smart phones' (October 20, 2010) -- So disease-causing bacteria in the body finally have multiplied to the point where their numbers are large enough to cause illness. What's next? They get out their "smart phones" and whisper "Let's roll!" That's how a new review describes the substances -- "smart phones of the microbial world" -- that bacteria use to transmit chemical signals that launch infections and monitor their environment. The authors describe progress toward understanding and blocking this biochemical chitchat. ... > full story
Desperate female spiders fight by different rules (October 20, 2010) -- In most animals the bigger, better fighter usually wins. But a new study of the jumping spider Phidippus clarus suggests that size and skill aren't everything -- what matters for Phidippus females is how badly they want to win. ... > full story
Small is beautiful in hydroelectric power plant design: Invention could enable renewable power generation at thousands of unused sites (October 20, 2010) -- Imagine a hydroelectric power plant barely visible above water that eases the passage of fish in both directions; so simple and cost-efficient that it makes economic sense in sites with a one- or two-meter drop in water height; that could therefore subsidize ecologically motivated dam modifications with local, renewable energy; and which could bring economical, ecological hydroelectric power to developing regions. Researchers at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen did, and developed it: the shaft power plant. ... > full story
Biodegradable foam plastic substitute made from milk protein and clay (October 20, 2010) -- Amid ongoing concern about plastic waste accumulating in municipal landfills, and reliance on imported oil to make plastics, scientists are reporting development of a new ultra-light biodegradable foam plastic material made from two unlikely ingredients: The protein in milk and ordinary clay. The new substance could be used in furniture cushions, insulation, packaging, and other products, they report. ... > full story
Children's best friend: Dogs help autistic children adapt, study shows (October 20, 2010) -- Dogs may not only be man's best friend, they may also have a special role in the lives of children with special needs. According to a new study, specifically trained service dogs can help reduce the anxiety and enhance the socialization skills of children with autism syndrome disorders. The findings may be a relatively simple solution to help affected children and their families cope with these challenging disorders. ... > full story
Mounting research shows increased health risks from volcanic air pollution (October 20, 2010) -- Hawaii's Kilauea Volcano has been erupting since 1983. But, in March 2008, an additional eruption vent opened at the volcano's summit, resulting in triple the amount of sulfur dioxide gas emissions drifting to the local community of Ka'u, raising health concerns over the risks associated with exposure to "vog," volcanic air pollution. ... > full story
Why the leopard got its spots (October 20, 2010) -- Why do leopards have rosette-shaped markings but tigers have stripes? Rudyard Kipling suggested that it was because the leopard moved to an environment "full of trees and bushes and stripy, speckly, patchy-blatchy shadows," but is there any truth in this just-so story? ... > full story
Early pregnancy in spring linked to child's susceptibility to food allergies, Finnish study suggests (October 20, 2010) -- A child's likelihood of developing food allergies can be traced back to the season during which he or she completes their first three months of life in the womb, new research from Finland suggests. ... > full story
Improved antibiotic coatings: Research aims to make medical devices safer by preventing biofilms (October 20, 2010) -- A research group in Australia is working on techniques to permanently bind antibacterial coatings to medical devices by binding them to a polymer layer. ... > full story
Old bees' memory fades; Mirrors recall of humans and other mammals (October 20, 2010) -- Humans aren't the only ones whose memory fades with age. Scientists examined how aging impacts the ability of honey bees to find their way home. While bees are typically impressive navigators, able to wend their way home through complex landscapes after visits to flowers far removed from their nests, aging impairs the bees' ability to extinguish the memory of an unsuitable nest site even after the colony has settled in a new home. ... > full story
More than 200 new snails of the same genus described in a single study (October 20, 2010) -- Two world experts in micro mollusks have made an unprecedented description in a scientific publication of a combined total of 209 snail species. Commissioned by the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, the study was unveiled in September in the French capital, and it covers the most new species from a single genus of any study to date. ... > full story
Protein highways keep tissues organized (October 20, 2010) -- Precise regulation of tissue architecture is critical for organ function. Single cells build up a tissue by communicating with their environment and with other cells, thereby receiving instructions on whether to divide, change shape or migrate. Researchers have now identified a mechanism by which skin cells organize their interior architecture as a response to signals from their surroundings. ... > full story
Don't blame dairy cows for (greenhouse) gas emissions, new study shows (October 19, 2010) -- Forget all the tacky jokes about cow flatulence causing climate change. A new study reports that the dairy industry is responsible for only about 2.0 percent of all US greenhouse gas emissions. ... > full story
Bioelectrical signals turn stem cells' progeny cancerous; Newly discovered 'instructor cells' can deliver deadly directions (October 19, 2010) -- Biologists have found that a change in membrane voltage in newly identified "instructor cells" can cause stem cells' descendants to trigger melanoma-like growth in pigment cells a considerable distance away. This metastatic transformation is due to changes in serotonin transport. Discovery of this novel bioelectric signal and cell type could help prevent and treat diseases like cancer and vitiligo as well as birth defects. ... > full story
Rotten experiments help to create picture of our early ancestors (October 19, 2010) -- An innovative experiment that involved studying rotting fish has helped to create a clearer picture of what our early ancestors would have looked like. The scientists wanted to examine the decaying process in order to understand the decomposition of soft-body parts in fish. This in turn will help them reconstruct an image of creatures that existed 500 million years ago. ... > full story
Drought may threaten much of globe within decades, analysis predicts (October 19, 2010) -- The United States and many other heavily populated countries face a growing threat of severe and prolonged drought. The analysis concludes that warming temperatures associated with climate change will likely create increasingly dry conditions across much of the globe in the next 30 years, possibly reaching a scale in some regions by the end of the century that has rarely, if ever, been observed in modern times. ... > full story
New biological sensor detects and analyses DNA sequences (October 19, 2010) -- Researchers in Spain have created a new DNA-based biological sensor that has potential applications in the field of genetic diagnostics. The sensors are able to use logical rules to autonomously run logical inference processes on genetic input signals and reach accurate diagnoses. ... > full story
Genomic comparison of ocean microbes reveals East-West divide in populations (October 19, 2010) -- Much as an anthropologist can study populations of people to learn about their physical attributes, their environs and social structures, some marine microbiologists read the genome of microbes to glean information about the microbes themselves, their environments and lifestyles. ... > full story
Mutation over 100 million years ago led flowers to make male and female parts differently (October 19, 2010) -- Research by plant scientists has uncovered a snapshot of evolution in progress, by tracing how a gene mutation over 100 million years ago led flowers to make male and female parts in different ways. ... > full story
Earth's deep water cycle needs revision, geophysicists claim (October 19, 2010) -- A popular view among geophysicists is that large amounts of water are carried from the oceans to the deep mantle in subduction zones -- boundaries where the Earth's crustal plates converge, with one plate riding over the other. But now a group of geophysicists present results that contradict this view. They compare seismic and experimental evidence to argue that subducting slabs do not carry water deeper than about 400 kilometers. ... > full story
Study of Haiti quake yields surprising results (October 19, 2010) -- The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that caused more than 200,000 casualties and devastated Haiti's economy in January resulted not from the Enriquillo fault, as previously believed, but from slip on multiple faults -- primarily a previously unknown, subsurface fault -- according to a new study. ... > full story
When vertebrae cross dress: How sloths got their long neck (October 19, 2010) -- By examining the development of bones in the vertebral column, limbs and ribcage, scientists have discovered how sloths evolved their unique neck skeleton. ... > full story
Western diet exacerbates sepsis, mouse study suggests (October 19, 2010) -- High-fat diets cause a dramatic immune system overreaction to sepsis, a condition of systemic bacterial infection. An experimental study in mice has shown that a diet high in saturated fat, sugars and cholesterol greatly exaggerates the inflammatory response to sepsis. ... > full story
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