ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Thursday, September 9, 2010
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Cloud computing method greatly increases gene analysis (September 9, 2010) -- Researchers have developed new software that greatly improves the speed at which scientists can analyze RNA sequencing data. The software, known as Myrna, uses "cloud computing," an Internet-based method of sharing computer resources. Faster, cost-effective analysis of gene expression could be a valuable tool in understanding the genetic causes of disease. ... > full story
Woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros and reindeer lived on Iberian Peninsula 150,000 years ago, findings show (September 9, 2010) -- Researchers in Spain have gathered together all findings of the woolly mammoth, the woolly rhinoceros and the reindeer in the Iberian Peninsula to show that, although in small numbers, these big mammals -- prehistoric indicators of cold climates -- already lived in this territory some 150,000 years ago. ... > full story
New class of peptides may protect against septic shock (September 9, 2010) -- A new class of peptides may neutralize the endotoxin that causes sepsis, offering a new therapeutic strategy against an often lethal systemic bacterial infection. ... > full story
Satellite data reveal seasonal pollution changes over India (September 9, 2010) -- Armed with a decade's worth of satellite data, atmospheric scientists have documented some surprising trends in aerosol pollution concentration, distribution and composition over the Indian subcontinent. ... > full story
Experts question claim that Alexander the Great's half-brother is buried at Vergina (September 9, 2010) -- Claims that a tomb at Vergina, Greece, the ancient burial place of the Macedonian royal family in the fourth century B.C., contains the body of King Philip III Arrhidaios, half-brother of Alexander the Great, and not Philip II, Alexander's father, are called into question by researchers in the UK. ... > full story
Previously known as animal-only pigment, bilirubin now confirmed in Bird of Paradise flower (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have identified bilirubin in the popular Bird of Paradise plant. The breakthrough study provides new insights into color production in this iconic tropical plant. ... > full story
Insulin may reduce several inflammatory factors induced by bacterial infection (September 8, 2010) -- Treating intensive care patients who develop life-threatening bacterial infections, or septicemia, with insulin potentially could reduce their chances of succumbing to the infection, if results of a new preliminary study can be replicated in a larger study. ... > full story
Structure for three intrinsically disordered proteins determined (September 8, 2010) -- A research team has determined the structure for three proteins in a class known as intrinsically disordered proteins. The findings are important because they show how these proteins fold with the regulator protein phosphatase-1, which must happen for biological instructions to be passed along. ... > full story
Novel sensing mechanism discovered in dendritic cells to increase immune response to HIV (September 8, 2010) -- Dendritic cells are the grand sentinels of the immune system, standing guard 24/7 to detect foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, and bring news of the invasion to other immune cells to marshal an attack. These sentinels, however, nearly always fail to respond adequately to HIV, the virus causing AIDS. Now scientists have discovered a sensor in dendritic cells that recognizes HIV, spurring a more potent immune response by the sentinels to the virus. ... > full story
New clue to how last ice age ended (September 8, 2010) -- In addition to Antarctica, New Zealand was warming at the end of the last ice age, indicating that the deep freeze up north, called the Younger Dryas for the white flower that grows near glaciers, bypassed much of the southern hemisphere, according to new research. ... > full story
New gene for memory identified in fruit fly; May shed light on human neurological disorders (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a new gene that is required for memory formation in Drosophila, the common fruit fly. The gene may have similar functions in humans, shedding light on neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or human learning disabilities. ... > full story
Twins are intriguing research subjects for biometircs researchers (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers are examining how iris discrimination performs in twins to confirm prior claims that biometrics is capable of differentiating between twins. ... > full story
Why chromosomes never tie their shoelaces (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers shed light on a paradox that has puzzled biologists since the discovery of telomeres, the protective tips of chromosomes: while broken chromosome ends generated by DNA damage (such as radiation or cigarette smoke) are quickly joined together, telomeres are never tied to each other, thus allowing for the correct segregation of the genetic material. ... > full story
Eastern North Pacific basking shark a 'species of concern' (September 8, 2010) -- NOAA's Fisheries Service has designated the eastern North Pacific basking shark, a "species of concern" because it has suffered a dramatic decline in population despite decreasing fishing pressure. The label "species of concern" may be given to a species when there are concerns regarding the population status. ... > full story
Questioning the safety of certain 'healthful' plant-based antioxidants (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists are calling for more research on the possibility that some supposedly healthful plant-based antioxidants -- including those renowned for their apparent ability to prevent cancer -- may actually aggravate or even cause cancer in some individuals. Their recommendation follows a study in which two such antioxidants -- quercetin and ferulic acid -- appeared to aggravate kidney cancer in severely diabetic laboratory rats. ... > full story
Unusual feed supplement could ease gassy cows, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (September 8, 2010) -- Cow belches, a major source of greenhouse gases, could be decreased by an unusual feed supplement developed by a dairy scientist. ... > full story
A new role for insulin in cell survival, cell metabolism and stress response (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a novel way in which insulin affects cell metabolism and cell survival. Surprisingly the insulin signaling pathway, which is involved in aging, diabetes and stress response, is active at a deeper level of cell activity than scientists expected. ... > full story
Scientists create new process to 'program' cancer cell death (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have engineered a fundamentally new approach to killing cancer cells. The process uses small RNA molecules that can be programmed to attack only specific cancer cells; then, by changing shape, those molecules cause the cancer cells to self-destruct. ... > full story
Termites foretell climate change in Africa's savannas (September 8, 2010) -- Using sophisticated airborne imaging and structural analysis, scientists mapped more than 40,000 termite mounds over 192 square miles in the African savanna. They found that their size and distribution is linked to vegetation and landscape patterns associated with annual rainfall. The results reveal how the savanna terrain has evolved and show how termite mounds can be used to predict ecological shifts from climate change. ... > full story
Fungal threat to archived film (September 8, 2010) -- Microbes could be threatening our cultural heritage by degrading historic cinematographic film and even preventing some valuable footage to be archived at all. New research shows how fungal growth on cinema film can not only lead to deterioration of the film but may also pose a risk to the archivist. ... > full story
Turkey genome sequenced more than 90 percent, including sex chromosomes 'Z' and 'W' (September 8, 2010) -- More than 90 percent of the domesticated turkey genome has been sequenced and assembled. Thousands of genes previously unknown to avian scientists have been described. Also of interest are the sequences of the sex chromosomes "Z" and "W," which were poorly covered in the past. ... > full story
Is hand washing enough to stop the spread of disease? (September 8, 2010) -- Not drying your hands thoroughly after washing them, could increase the spread of bacteria and rubbing your hands whilst using a conventional electric hand dryer could be a contributing factor. Frequently people give up drying their hands and wipe them on their clothes instead, but hand-hygiene is a key part of infection control and drying hands after washing is a very important part of the process. A new study looks at different methods of hand drying, and their effect on transfer of bacteria from the hands to other surfaces. ... > full story
GOCE gravity mission back in action (September 8, 2010) -- ESA’s GOCE gravity mission has recovered from a glitch that prevented the satellite from sending its flow of scientific data to the ground. News of the recovery comes earlier than expected, thanks to the fervent efforts of a team of experts. ... > full story
Irrigation's cooling effects may mask warming in some regions -- for now (September 8, 2010) -- Expanded irrigation has made it possible to feed the world's growing billions -- and it may also temporarily be counteracting the effects of climate change in some regions, say scientists. But some sources of irrigation water are projected to dry up in coming decades and when they do, people may face the double whammy of food shortages and higher temperatures. A new study pinpoints where the trouble spots may be. ... > full story
Satellite navigation steers unmanned micro-planes (September 8, 2010) -- An unmanned aircraft system guided by satnav has been developed within ESA's Business Incubation Centre to provide rapid monitoring of land areas and disaster zones. The planes have already helped Spanish farmers in Andalusia to fight land erosion. ... > full story
Potomac River: 10-fold increase in native submerged vegetation reflects improved water quality (September 8, 2010) -- The Potomac River is showing multiple benefits from restoration efforts. Reduced nutrients and improved water clarity have increased the abundance and diversity of submerged aquatic vegetation, according to an 18-year field study. ... > full story
What can a New Zealand reptile tell us about false teeth? (September 7, 2010) -- Using a moving 3-D computer model based on the skull and teeth of a New Zealand reptile called tuatara, researchers have revealed how damage to dental implants and jaw joints may be prevented by sophisticated interplay between our jaws, muscles and brain. ... > full story
Imaging reveals key metabolic factors of cannibalistic bacteria (September 7, 2010) -- Researchers have revealed new details about how cannibalistic bacteria identify peers suitable for consumption. The work, which employed imaging mass spectrometry, is a first step toward a broader effort to map all signaling molecules between organisms. ... > full story
Critically endangered whales may be fleeing Russian oil and gas boom, observers fear (September 7, 2010) -- Russian oil and gas company Rosneft is conducting oil and gas exploration work that may have caused the critically endangered western gray whale to flee its main feeding ground. Tests and offshore installment of equipment by Rosneft for a major seismic survey began in late August, despite repeated calls from 12 governments, NGOs, scientists and the public to postpone the survey because of potential risks to the whales. ... > full story
Insect brains are rich stores of new antibiotics (September 7, 2010) -- Cockroaches could be more of a health benefit than a health hazard, according to scientists who have discovered powerful antibiotic properties in the brains of cockroaches and locusts. ... > full story
Discovery of mixer cells: Mixer cells relax tissue tension during embryogenesis (September 7, 2010) -- Researchers have recently identified cells that surprisingly change identity during embryogenesis in the Drosophila. By studying these "mixer cells" in a healing model, the scientists demonstrated that they helped to relax tissue tension, allowing perfect intercalation of the epidermis. ... > full story
Six times more insect species in tropical mountains than predicted (September 7, 2010) -- How many species of insects exist? Researchers found that in tropical mountains there are six times more insects than shown in global calculations. The insects in these areas are also highly specialized in their choice of food. ... > full story
Extreme survival: 'Conan the Bacterium' reveals its recipe for success (September 7, 2010) -- The discovery of long-sought chemical antioxidants in the world's toughest microbe is reported in a breakthrough study. First studied nearly 50 years ago, this bacterium can survive massive exposures to gamma-radiation, ultraviolet radiation, desiccation, and other agents which kill cells by generating reactive oxygen species. ... > full story
Melting rate of icecaps in Greenland and Western Antarctica lower than expected (September 7, 2010) -- The Greenland and West Antarctic ice caps are melting at half the speed previously predicted, according to analysis of recent satellite data. ... > full story
Cells can eat parts of themselves, with help from one protein (September 7, 2010) -- Like some people, cells eat when they are under pressure -- but they consume parts of themselves. A multi-function protein helps control this form of cannibalism, according to a new article. ... > full story
Fears of a decline in bee pollination confirmed (September 7, 2010) -- Widespread reports of a decline in the population of bees and other flower-visiting animals have aroused fear and speculation that pollination is also likely on the decline. A recent study provides the first long-term evidence of a downward trend in pollination, while also pointing to climate change as a possible contributor. ... > full story
Blue breed: Rare hibiscus color is achieved thanks to flower breeding project (September 7, 2010) -- Scientists working on a winter-hardy hibiscus breeding project have achieved a rare color for the plant: blue. ... > full story
Chronic Lyme disease: How often is it diagnosed and treated? (September 7, 2010) -- The existence of chronic Lyme disease is an issue of sharp debate within the medical community. Many doctors are concerned with the potential dangers associated with the prolonged and intensive use of oral and intravenous antibiotics (the recommended treatment for chronic Lyme disease), such as blood clots and life threatening infections. A new study attempts to determine how often chronic Lyme disease is actually being diagnosed and treated. ... > full story
Fashion student designs edible clothes (September 7, 2010) -- Emily Crane's research into growing edible materials has enabled her to bring a touch of haute cuisine to her haute couture. ... > full story
Role of key genetic catalyst for human diversity discovered (September 6, 2010) -- One of the key drivers of human evolution and diversity, accounting for changes that occur between different generations of people, is explained by new research. ... > full story
Talented bacteria make food poisoning unpredictable (September 6, 2010) -- While we are often exposed to bacteria in our food which could cause food poisoning, we don't always become ill -- why should this be so? New research sheds light on how bacteria use different tricks to aid their survival inside the body, helping to explain why food poisoning can be so unpredictable. ... > full story
Increase in Cambodia's vultures gives hope to imperiled scavengers (September 6, 2010) -- While vultures across Asia teeter on the brink of extinction, the vultures of Cambodia are increasing in number, providing a beacon of hope for these threatened scavengers, according wildlife conservation experts. ... > full story
Satellite data reveals why migrating birds have a small window to spread bird flu (September 6, 2010) -- In 2005 an outbreak of the H5N1 'bird flu' virus in South East Asia led to widespread fear with predictions that the intercontinental migration of wild birds could lead to global pandemic. Such fears were never realised, and now new research reveals why the global spread of bird flu by direct migration of wildfowl is unlikely, while also providing a new framework for quantifying the risk of avian-borne diseases. ... > full story
New self-assembling photovoltaic technology repairs itself (September 6, 2010) -- Scientists have created a novel set of self-assembling molecules that can turn sunlight into electricity; the molecules can be repeatedly broken down and then reassembled quickly, just by adding or removing an additional solution. ... > full story
Backstabbing bacteria: A new treatment for infection? (September 6, 2010) -- Selfish bacterial cells that act in their own interests and do not cooperate with their infection-causing colleagues can actually reduce the severity of infection. The selfish behaviour of these uncooperative bacteria could be exploited to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, according to new research. ... > full story
Lake Michigan ecosystem may crash: 'Doughnut' of phytoplankton disappearing (September 6, 2010) -- In 1998, Charlie Kerfoot discovered a "doughnut" of phytoplankton circulating in Lake Michigan, helping to feed the lake's famous fishery. Just 12 later, the doughnut is disappearing, and Kerfoot fears that the lake's ecosystem will crash, taking with it much of the fish biomass. ... > full story
Induced pluripotent stem cell retain an inactivated X chromosome, study finds (September 6, 2010) -- Female induced pluripotent stem cells, reprogrammed from human skin cells into cells that have the embryonic-like potential to become any cell in the body, retain an inactive X chromosome, stem cell researchers have found. ... > full story
Listening to ancient colors: New technique may help restorers identify decades-old pigments (September 6, 2010) -- A team of chemists has discovered that a technique known as photoacoustic infrared spectroscopy could be used to identify the composition of pigments used in art work that is decades or even centuries old. Pigments give artist's materials color, and they emit sounds when light is shone on them. ... > full story
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