ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Monday, November 1, 2010
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Human immune system assassin's tricks visualized for the first time (November 1, 2010) -- Scientists have seen the human immune system's assassin -- a protein called perforin -- in action for the first time. The researchers used powerful electron microscopes to study the mechanism that perforin uses to punch holes in rogue cells. ... > full story
Faster CARS, less damage: Chemical microscopy shows potential for cell diagnostics (November 1, 2010) -- Recent research may breathe new life into the use of a powerful -- but tricky -- diagnostic technique for cell biology. A new paper demonstrates that with improved hardware and better signal processing, a powerful form of molecular vibration spectroscopy can quickly deliver detailed molecular maps of the contents of cells without damaging them. ... > full story
Scientists 'watch' formation of cells' protein factories, ribosomes, for first time (November 1, 2010) -- Scientists have revealed the first-ever pictures of the formation of cells' "protein factories." In addition to being a major technical feat on its own, the work could open new pathways for development of antibiotics and treatments for diseases tied to errors in ribosome formation. In addition, the techniques developed in the study can now be applied to other complex challenges in the understanding of cellular processes. ... > full story
Helping fish get rid of the 'Ich' (November 1, 2010) -- Copper sulfate has emerged as an effective treatment for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, also known as "Ich," a protozoan parasite that appears as white spots on infected fish, according to a scientist. ... > full story
Shifting forms: How variations of same protein affect immune response (November 1, 2010) -- How a T cell decides to make protein X, Y or Z can have profound effects for fighting foreign invaders or staving off dire autoimmune reactions. Researchers have identified the steps that control how different forms of an immune cell protein called CD45, which is critical for activating the immune system when faced with pathogens, are controlled in the arc of a body's immune response. ... > full story
Atlantic sea turtle population threatened by egg infection (October 31, 2010) -- Mycologists and ecologists studying Atlantic sea turtles at Cape Verde have discovered that the species is under threat from a fungal infection which targets eggs. The research reveals how the fungus Fusarium solani may have played a key role in the 30-year decline in turtle numbers. ... > full story
The 'Rodney Dangerfield' of Halloween Icons (October 31, 2010) -- While many people will be pursuing the latest pop culture icons as Halloween costumes this year, one of the annual icons of Halloween might be viewed as the Rodney Dangerfield of Halloween symbols. The legendary comedian based his career on the line "I get no respect," which might also apply to the misunderstood flying mammal known as bats. The animals often carry a negative connotation that doesn't reflect the respective role bats play in biological ecosystems. ... > full story
World's largest, most complex marine virus is major player in ocean ecosystems (October 31, 2010) -- Researchers have identified the world's largest marine virus -- an unusually complex "mimi-like virus" that infects an ecologically important and widespread planktonic predator. ... > full story
Dracula orchids and goblin spiders (October 31, 2010) -- Observation of fruit flies pollinating Dracula orchids and discovery of over two dozen new goblin spiders: two recent publications from invertebrate zoologists provide a timely bit of natural history. ... > full story
'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly discovered (October 31, 2010) -- Researchers have found a way to optimize the development of DNA self-assembling materials, which hold promise for technologies ranging from drug delivery to molecular sensors. The key to the advance is the discovery of the "Goldilocks" length for DNA strands used in self-assembly -- not too long, not too short, but just right. ... > full story
Avoiding CO<sub>2</sub> capture health risks is possible, Norwegian experts say (October 31, 2010) -- Experts in Norway believe it is possible to develop efficient CO2 capture technologies without generating harmful emissions. ... > full story
Tagged narwhals track warming near Greenland (October 30, 2010) -- Scientists reported the southern Baffin Bay off West Greenland has continued warming since wintertime ocean temperatures were last effectively measured there in the early 2000s. Temperatures in the study were collected by narwhals, medium-sized toothed Arctic whales. ... > full story
New software eases analysis of insect in motion (October 30, 2010) -- Researchers are using two high-speed cameras and a computer program they developed to quickly and accurately analyze the simultaneous movement of all 26 leg joints in a walking cockroach. They have made the program free and open-source for other insect researchers to use. ... > full story
Raising giant insects to unravel ancient oxygen (October 30, 2010) -- The giant dragonflies of ancient Earth with wingspans of up to 70 centimeters (28 inches) are generally attributed to higher oxygen atmospheric levels in the atmosphere in the past. New experiments in raising modern insects in various oxygen-enriched atmospheres have confirmed that dragonflies grow bigger with more oxygen, or hyperoxia. ... > full story
Shuttle mice to boost disease research: Experiment on last flight of Discovery will probe spaceflight-induced immune-system impairment (October 30, 2010) -- When the space shuttle Discovery lifts off on its final flight Nov. 2, its six astronauts will be joined by 16 mice -- part of a long-term NASA effort aimed at understanding why spaceflight makes humans more vulnerable to infection by viruses and bacteria. ... > full story
Low elevations hold climate surprises for mountain plants (October 30, 2010) -- Contrary to expectations, climate change has had a significant effect on mountain plants at low elevations, says a new study. ... > full story
Paradise lost -- and found: Researchers unearth ancient water secrets at royal garden dig (October 30, 2010) -- Researchers in Israel have uncovered an ancient royal garden at the site of Ramat Rachel near Jerusalem, and are leading the first full-scale excavation of this type of archaeological site anywhere in the pre-Hellenistic Levant. The dig is an unparalleled look into the structure and function of ancient gardens. ... > full story
Spice in curry could prevent liver damage (October 30, 2010) -- The chemical in curry could prevent or treat liver fibrosis, according to new research. ... > full story
Seagrass faring better than world's vertebrate species (October 30, 2010) -- A major new study that sounds a conservation alarm for the world's vertebrate species notes that the world's seagrass species are faring somewhat better, say researchers. ... > full story
Papyrus research provides insights into 'modern concerns' of ancient world (October 30, 2010) -- New research on papyri sheds light on an ancient world with surprisingly modern concerns: including hoped-for medical cures, religious confusion and the need for financial safeguards. ... > full story
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
Origin of skillful stone-tool-sharpening method pushed back more than 50,000 years (October 29, 2010) -- A highly skillful and delicate method of sharpening and retouching stone artifacts by prehistoric people appears to have been developed at least 75,000 years ago, more than 50,000 years earlier than previously thought, according to a new study. ... > full story
Getting a grip on CO<sub>2</sub>: Researchers 'see' how to capture carbon dioxide (October 29, 2010) -- Researchers have provided deeper insights to carbon dioxide capture by "seeing" the exact sites where CO2 is held in a capture material. Their discovery will allow scientists to design better materials to capture more carbon dioxide. ... > full story
Green tea of no use in breast cancer prevention, large study finds (October 29, 2010) -- Green tea does not protect against breast cancer, according to new research. A study of data from approximately 54,000 women found no association between drinking green tea and breast cancer risk. ... > full story
Better detection for diagnostics and biochemical defense (October 29, 2010) -- Current detection methods for chemical and biological molecules involve using tiny, molecular "labels," typically fluorescent or radioactive entities, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. A research team recently developed a system for detecting chemical and biological molecules without labels, and they expect the technology to have broad applications ranging from clinical diagnostics to drug development, as well as homeland security and environmental monitoring for biological and chemical weapons. ... > full story
Dramatic climate change is unpredictable (October 29, 2010) -- The fear that global temperature can change very quickly and cause dramatic climate changes is great around the world. But what causes climate change and is it possible to predict future climate change? New research shows that it may be due to an accumulation of different chaotic influences and as a result would be difficult to predict. ... > full story
New strategy to kill bugs -- even those in hiding (October 29, 2010) -- New strategies to apply antibiotics more effectively to hibernating bugs have been developed by researchers in the UK. ... > full story
Making better biosensors with electron density waves (October 29, 2010) -- An emerging field with the tongue-twisting name of "optofluidic plasmonics" promises a new way to detect and analyze biological molecules for drug discovery, medical diagnostics, and the detection of biochemical weapons. Researchers have succeeded in merging a microfluidics system with plasmonics -- sometimes called "light on a wire" -- onto a single platform. Plasmonics is based on electron waves on a metal surface excited by incoming light waves. ... > full story
North Sea oil recovery using carbon dioxide is possible, but time is running out, expert says (October 29, 2010) -- Oil recovery using carbon dioxide could lead to a North Sea oil bonanza worth £150 billion (0 billion) -- but only if the current infrastructure is enhanced now, according to a new study by a world-leading energy expert. ... > full story
Potential new treatment for deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses; May also lead to new treatments for measles, mumps and influenza (October 28, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a potential new treatment for the Nipah and Hendra viruses, two lethal and emerging viruses for which there is currently no treatment or vaccine available. The approach could also lead to new therapies for measles, mumps and the flu. ... > full story
Early sauropod dinosaur: First complete skeleton found (October 28, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered in China the first complete skeleton of a pivotal ancestor of Earth's largest land animals -- the sauropod dinosaurs. The new species, tentatively dubbed Yizhousaurus sunae, lived on the flood plains around Lufeng in the Yunnan Province of South China about 200 million years ago. The species helps explain how the iconic four-footed, long-necked sauropod dinosaurs evolved. ... > full story
Root of the matter: A new map shows life-saving forests' scarcity defies past estimates (October 28, 2010) -- Countless people clung to life in the branches of trees hemming the shorelines during the deadly 2004 tsunami that killed more than 230,000 coastal residents in Indonesia, India, Thailand and Sri Lanka. In the aftermath of the disaster, land change scientist Chandra Giri from the US Geological Survey decided to explore to what degree those unique trees -- which make up valuable forest ecosystems called mangroves -- safeguard lives, property and beaches during hurricanes, tsunamis and floods. ... > full story
Predicting smoggiest days: Experiments improve accuracy of ozone predictions in air-quality models (October 28, 2010) -- A research team has fully characterized a key chemical reaction that affects the formation of pollutants in smoggy air in the world's urban areas. When applied to Los Angeles, the laboratory results suggest that, on the most polluted days and in the most polluted parts of L.A., current models are underestimating ozone levels by 5 to 10 percent. ... > full story
Scientists 'cage' genetic off switches so they can be activated by UV light (October 28, 2010) -- Researchers have found a way to "cage" genetic off switches in such a way that they can be activated when exposed to UV light. Their technology gives scientists a more precise way to control and study gene function in localized areas of developing organisms. ... > full story
Modern humans emerged far earlier than previously thought, fossils from China suggest (October 28, 2010) -- An international team of researchers has discovered well-dated human fossils in southern China that markedly change anthropologists perceptions of the emergence of modern humans in the eastern Old World. ... > full story
Speed gun for Earth's insides to help measure mantle motion (October 28, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a seismological "speed gun" for the inside of Earth. Using this technique they will be able to measure the way the Earth's deep interior slowly moves around. This mantle motion is what controls the location of our continents and oceans, and where the tectonic plates collide to shake the surface we live on. ... > full story
Archaeological sites threatened by rising seas: Scientists issue call to action (October 28, 2010) -- Should global warming cause sea levels to rise as predicted in coming decades, thousands of archaeological sites in coastal areas around the world will be lost to erosion. With no hope of saving all of these sites, archaeologists have issued a call to action for scientists to assess the sites most at risk. ... > full story
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