ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Saturday, October 30, 2010
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Newly discovered gene enables fish to 'disappear' (October 29, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a new member of a gene family that has powerful influences on pigmentation and the regulation of body weight. The new gene, an agouti family gene called agrp2, has been found exclusively in bony fish, including zebrafish, trout and salmon. The protein it encodes enables fish to change color dramatically to match their surroundings, the researchers report. ... > full story
Researchers use math, maps to plot malaria elimination plan (October 29, 2010) -- An international team of researchers has used mathematical models and maps to estimate the feasibility of eliminating malaria from countries that have the deadliest form of the disease. ... > full story
Troubled islands: Hurricanes, oil spill and sea level rise (October 29, 2010) -- The islands flanking the outlet of the Mississippi River are not only facing losses due to sea level rise and local subsidence, according to one study, but new unknown impacts from oil recovery operations, say researchers working on another project. Some islands could disappear entirely in coming decades, exposing huge swaths of marshland to the waves of the open sea. ... > full story
Is the shape of a genome as important as its content? (October 29, 2010) -- The complex associations between genes may be defined in part by the three-dimensional structure of the all of the chromosomes form together: the shape of the genome, according to researchers. By mapping out the structure of the fission yeast genome, they demonstrate how this non-random arrangement positions groups of genes together. This structure is not merely the shape of the genome, but also a key to how it works. ... > full story
Is South Pole ice melting? Gravity field satellites observe Antarctic ice mass fluctuations due to El Niño (October 29, 2010) -- The change in the ice mass covering Antarctica is a critical factor in global climate events. Scientists in Germany have now found that the year by year mass variations in the western Antarctic are mainly attributable to fluctuations in precipitation, which are controlled significantly by the climate phenomenon El Niño. ... > full story
Scientists uncover evolution of new virus, closely related to poliovirus (October 29, 2010) -- Scientists have completed the first major review of diagnostic methods and treatments for a rapidly evolving virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease in children. The virus, called enterovirus 71, is closely related to poliovirus, and was first detected in California in the 1960s. Since then the virus has spread across Asia, affecting mostly children and some adults. Serious cases of the disease can include neurological disorders such as meningitis, paralysis and encephalitis. ... > full story
Organic solvent system may improve catalyst recycling and create new nanomedicine uses (October 29, 2010) -- Noble metals such as platinum and palladium are becoming increasingly important because of growth in environmentally friendly applications such as fuel cells. A new solvent system could improve the recycling of these metals. ... > full story
Olive oil protects liver from oxidative stress, rat study finds (October 29, 2010) -- Extra-virgin olive oil can protect the liver from oxidative stress. Researchers exposed rats to a moderately toxic herbicide known to deplete antioxidants and cause oxidative stress, finding that those rats fed on a diet containing the olive oil were partially protected from the resulting liver damage. ... > full story
New system for monitoring electricity use heralds greener homes and cheaper bills (October 29, 2010) -- During the winter months the days grow colder and the nights longer causing households to use more electricity, often resulting in higher bills. Most households have no way of monitoring how much electricity is being consumed; however, researchers believe a new monitoring system may soon be available for residential use. ... > full story
Tracking evidence of 'The Great Dying' (October 29, 2010) -- More than 251 million years ago, at the end of the Permian period, Earth almost became a lifeless planet. Around 90 percent of all living species disappeared then, in what scientists have called "The Great Dying." A geologist who has spent much of the past decade investigating the chemical evidence buried in rocks formed during this major extinction is presenting his latest findings concerning the ancient catastrophe. ... > full story
Certain cancer therapies' success depends on presence of immune cell, mouse study shows (October 29, 2010) -- The immune system may play a critical role in ensuring the success of certain types of cancer therapies, according to a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine. The research showed treatments that disable cancer-promoting genes called oncogenes are much more successful in eradicating tumors in the presence of a signaling molecule secreted by kind of immune cell called a T helper cell. ... > full story
Cone of poison: The secret behind the cone snail's venom pump (October 29, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered the secret of how an amazing sea snail injects its venom after shooting a harpoon-like tooth into its prey -- or some unlucky swimmer -- at jetliner speeds. The creatures, called cone snails, use a highly specialized structure that instantly pumps the paralyzing venom through the tooth and into its target. ... > full story
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