ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Tuesday, September 28, 2010
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Rain or shine, researchers find new ways to forecast large photovoltaic power plant output (September 28, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a new system to monitor how clouds affect large-scale solar photovoltaic power plants. By observing cloud shape, size and movement, the system provides a way for utility companies to predict and prepare for fluctuations in power output due to changes in weather. The resulting models will provide utility companies with valuable data to assess potential power plant locations, ramp rates and power output. ... > full story
Electric cars hold greater promise for reducing emissions and lowering US oil imports, study finds (September 28, 2010) -- Electric cars hold greater promise for reducing emissions and lowering US oil imports than a national renewable portfolio standard, according to new research. ... > full story
Complexity not so costly after all: Moderately complex plants and animals can be better equipped to adapt (September 28, 2010) -- The more complex a plant or animal, the more difficulty it should have adapting to changes in the environment. But if that tenet is true, how do you explain all the well-adapted, complex organisms in the world? This "cost of complexity" conundrum puzzles biologists and offers ammunition to proponents of intelligent design. A new analysis reveals flaws in the models from which the cost of complexity idea arose and shows that complexity can, indeed, develop through evolutionary processes. ... > full story
Winter drought stress can delay flowering, prevent fruit loss in orange crops (September 27, 2010) -- Successful mechanical harvesting of perennial fruit crops requires efficient, economical harvesting systems that do not reduce trees' production life or diminish fruit quality. Researchers have published a new study that determined if winter drought stress could successfully delay flowering and fruit development of immature 'Valencia' sweet oranges to avoid young fruit loss during late-season mechanical harvesting. ... > full story
Novel mechanism discovered for communication between proteins that cause ‘cell suicide’ (September 27, 2010) -- A recent study provides new clues for the understanding of the 'cell suicide' process. Research reveals that three essential components of the apoptotic process, the BAX and DRP-1 proteins and cardiolipin, act in a joint manner to produce a large hole in the external membrane of the mitochondria, proving to be lethal for the cell. ... > full story
Cause of dead zone in Gulf: Tile drainage directly related to nitrate loss (September 27, 2010) -- A recent study shows that the most heavily tile-drained areas of North America are also the largest contributing source of nitrate to the Gulf of Mexico, leading to seasonal hypoxia. In the summer of 2010 this dead zone in the Gulf spanned over 7,000 square miles. ... > full story
Elevated nitrogen and phosphorus still widespread in U.S. streams and groundwater (September 27, 2010) -- Elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, nutrients that can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems and human health, have remained the same or increased in many streams and aquifers across the United States since the early 1990s, according to a new national study. ... > full story
Genetic clues to evolution of jaws in vertebrates unearthed (September 27, 2010) -- A half-billion years ago, vertebrates lacked the ability to chew their food. They did not have jaws. Instead, their heads consisted of a flexible, fused basket of cartilage. ... > full story
U.S. vulnerable to multidrug-resistant TB epidemic, computer model shows (September 27, 2010) -- While the United States has made great progress in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis, the nation has become more susceptible to potential epidemics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, or MDR-TB, according a new study. Computer simulations show that as TB prevalence falls, the risk for more extensive MDR-TB increases. In addition, the simulation also showed that higher detection of TB cases without proper treatment of cases also increased risk. ... > full story
Early reproduction retains fertility in cheetah females (September 27, 2010) -- Reproduction in free-ranging female cheetah in Namibia is far better than expected. Their reproductive organs are healthy and approximately 80 percent of their young reach adulthood. With these findings, scientists in Germany have overturned the established dogma that cheetahs generally reproduce badly due to their low genetic diversity. The scientists demonstrated that female fertility critically depended on the age at which they conceived their first litter. ... > full story
Greener pastures and better breeds could reduce carbon 'hoofprint' (September 27, 2010) -- Greenhouse gas emissions caused by livestock operations in tropical countries -- a major contributor to climate change -- could be cut significantly by changing diets and breeds and improving degraded lands, according to a new study. And as an added bonus, scientists found the small changes in production practices could provide a big payoff by providing poor farmers with up to .3 billion annually in payments for carbon offsets. ... > full story
Light workout: Scientists use optogenetics to effectively stimulate muscle movement in mice (September 27, 2010) -- Researchers were able to use light to induce normal patterns of muscle contraction, in a study involving bioengineered mice whose nerve-cell surfaces are coated with special light-sensitive proteins. ... > full story
Egyptian desert expedition confirms spectacular meteorite impact (September 27, 2010) -- A 2008 Google Earth search led to the discovery of Kamil crater, one of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites ever found. Earlier this year, a gritty, sand-blown expedition reached the site deep in the Egyptian desert to collect iron debris and determine the crater's age and origins. ... > full story
Pinpointing where volcanic eruptions could strike (September 27, 2010) -- A better way to pinpoint where volcanic eruptions are likely to occur has been produced by an international team of geophysicists. ... > full story
Why are there no hyenas in Europe? (September 27, 2010) -- Researchers have analyzed the impact of climate change on spotted hyena survival in Europe over 10,000 years ago. These changes played an important role, but the scientists say studies are still needed to look at the influence of human expansion and changes in herbivorous fauna on the definitive extinction of this species across the continent. ... > full story
Cellular structural molecule can be toxic: Makes pneumonia worse (September 27, 2010) -- A structural molecule called cardiolipin and the cellular pump that regulates its levels influence the severity of pneumonia and could provide new ways of treating the lung infection, which is a leading cause of hospitalization and death, according to scientists. ... > full story
Lead-free piezoelectric materials of the future (September 27, 2010) -- Over the past 60 years, lead zirconate titanate, or PZT, has been the material of choice for piezoelectric applications from ink jet printers to gas grill igniters. Despite this success, many scientists would like to find a more environmentally-friendly, lead-free material. The theoretical potential of another class of materials has now been shown. ... > full story
Malaria's newest pathway into human cells identified (September 27, 2010) -- Development of an effective vaccine for malaria is a step closer following identification of a key pathway used by the malaria parasite to infect human cells. The discovery provides a new vaccine target through which infection with the deadly disease could be prevented. ... > full story
Genetic switch underlies noisy cell division: 'Bimodal' signal determines a cell's get-up and go (September 27, 2010) -- While scientists have spent the past 40 years describing the intricate series of events that occur when one mammalian cell divides into two, they still haven't agreed on how the process begins. Two seemingly contradictory theories may now be reconciled by a third theory. ... > full story
More predators doesn't equal more danger for urban bird nest, study finds (September 27, 2010) -- While birds living in urban areas face more predators than do those in rural areas, that doesn't mean urban birds face more danger from nest robbers. A six-year study conducted in 19 central Ohio forests from 2004 to 2009 found that, as expected, rural areas that had higher numbers of nest predators such as raccoons, domestic cats and crows, also showed lower rates of nest survival. ... > full story
How molecules escape from cell's nucleus: Key advance in using microscopy to reveal secrets of living cells (September 27, 2010) -- By constructing a microscope apparatus that achieves resolution never before possible in living cells, researchers have illuminated the molecular interactions that occur during one of the most important "trips" in all of biology: the journey of individual messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules from the nucleus into the cytoplasm (the area between the nucleus and cell membrane) so that proteins can be made. ... > full story
Savvy consumers put a high price on food safety (September 27, 2010) -- New research demonstrates how food safety announcements cause consumers as well as food industry professionals to make purchasing decisions. ... > full story
World Cowpea Research Conference: Crop experts embrace legume prized for protein and resilience to hot, dry climates (September 27, 2010) -- A long neglected crop with the potential to halt hunger for millions in Africa, sustain the livestock revolution underway in developing countries, rejuvenate nutrient-sapped soils, and even feed astronauts on extended space missions, is attracting scientists from around the world to Senegal this week for the 5th World Cowpea Research Conference. ... > full story
Structure that allows bacteria to resist drugs identified (September 26, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered the crystal structures of pumps that allow bacteria to resist heavy metal toxins and antibiotics. ... > full story
The joy of sets: For ants and trees, multiple partners are a boon (September 26, 2010) -- In the complex world of ant-plant partnerships, serial monogamy can help trees maximize their evolutionary fitness, a new study shows. ... > full story
Protein found to control the early migration of neurons (September 26, 2010) -- Long before a baby can flash her first smile, sprout a first tooth or speak a first word, the neurons that will form her central nervous system must take their first, crucial steps. And these steps must be careful to take the right neurons to the right places and avert developmental disasters that could thwart those other baby firsts from ever coming to pass. Now new research promises a deeper understanding of how this essential form of cell migration occurs, finding a gene that works behind the scenes to control a closely related adhesion gene that helps keep young neurons on the right track. ... > full story
UK's shipping emissions six times higher than expected, says new report (September 26, 2010) -- Carbon dioxide emissions produced by UK shipping could be up to six times higher than currently calculated, according to new research. ... > full story
Key molecule for keeping other oral microorganisms in check uncovered (September 26, 2010) -- A research team has uncovered a key to arresting the growth of thrush -- a type of oral yeast infection that sickens patients with compromised immune systems, diabetes and newborns as well as healthy individuals, who may contract the disease following antibiotic treatment of an illness. ... > full story
Withering well can improve fertility (September 26, 2010) -- Contrary to a thousand face cream ads, the secret of fertility might not be eternal youth. Research from Spain has shown that the withering action of flowers may have evolved to protect their seeds. ... > full story
Training the trainers: how to minimize stress when horses are first ridden (September 26, 2010) -- Man has profited enormously from his ability to domesticate animals. Animals need training to perform particular tasks but until recently the effects of training on the animals concerned had hardly been considered. Researchers now presents a study of the stress caused to horses by being ridden for the first time. ... > full story
Making bees less busy: Social environment changes internal clocks (September 25, 2010) -- Honey bees removed from their usual roles in the hive quickly and drastically changed their biological rhythms, according to a new study. The changes were evident in both the bees' behavior and in their internal clocks. These findings indicate that social environment has a significant effect on the physiology and behavior of animals. ... > full story
Irish lizards threatened by agriculture (September 25, 2010) -- A new ecological network is urgently needed in Northern Ireland to ensure the continued survival of its precious lizard population, according to researchers. Lizards are found in coastal areas, heath and boglands around Northern Ireland, but a new study has found their natural habitats may have been replaced through agricultural intensification. ... > full story
Taking a new look at old digs: Trampling animals may alter Stone Age sites (September 25, 2010) -- Stone Age tools discovered embedded in the ground could mislead archaeologists about a Prehistoric site's age. A new study on animal trampling found that water buffalo and goats significantly disturbed stone tools scattered on watery ground, says archaeologists. The animals pushed the tools as much as 21 centimeters deeper than originally positioned -- potentially altering a site's interpretation thousands of years, and suggesting archaeologists should reanalyze some previous discoveries. ... > full story
How do you make the perfect sled dog? (September 25, 2010) -- Over the last few hundred years, Alaskan sled dogs have been bred to haul cargo over Arctic terrain and, more recently, for racing. Now, researchers have identified the contributions different breeds have made to the speed, endurance and work ethic of Alaskan sled dogs. ... > full story
Taking the pulse of coral reefs (September 25, 2010) -- Healthy reefs with more corals and fish generate predictably greater levels of noise, according to researchers working in Panama. This has important implications for understanding the behavior of young fish, and provides an exciting new approach for monitoring environmental health by listening to reefs. ... > full story
Sensor important to understanding root, seedling development (September 25, 2010) -- A biosensor utilizing black platinum and carbon nanotubes will help give scientists a better understanding of how the plant hormone auxin regulates root growth and seedling establishment. ... > full story
Aboard Ballard's expedition exploring Mediterranean seafloor (September 25, 2010) -- Underwater landslides, deep-sea corals, ancient archaeological sites -- these are just a few of the cool phenomena that graduate students may get to see firsthand in the Mediterranean Sea aboard an expedition led by famed explorer Robert Ballard. ... > full story
Genetically engineered salmon safe to eat, but a threat to wild stocks, expert says (September 25, 2010) -- An expert comments on potential FDA approval of the first genetically engineered animal for use as food. ... > full story
Ancient Egypt's pyramids: Norwegian researcher unlocks construction secrets (September 24, 2010) -- Scientists from around the world have tried to understand how the Egyptians erected their giant pyramids. Now, an architect and researcher from Norway says he has the answer to this ancient, unsolved puzzle. ... > full story
New map offers a global view of health-sapping air pollution (September 24, 2010) -- In many developing countries, the absence of surface-based air pollution sensors makes it difficult, and in some cases impossible, to get even a rough estimate of the abundance of a subcategory of airborne particles that epidemiologists suspect contributes to millions of premature deaths each year. ... > full story
A biological solution to animal pandemics (September 24, 2010) -- Using all-natural materials -- flax, hemp, jute and natural resin -- researchers in Poland have developed a new absorbent matting ideal for providing a disinfectant barrier for use in animal housing and other food production sites, both at times of outbreak of contagious disease and for routine hygiene. The matting is cheaper than the synthetic alternatives, both initially and because it is fully biodegradable so does not need special disposal. ... > full story
Mimicking nature, water-based 'artificial leaf' produces electricity (September 24, 2010) -- Scientists have shown that water-gel-based solar devices -- "artificial leaves" -- can act like solar cells to produce electricity. The findings prove the concept for making solar cells that more closely mimic nature. They also have the potential to be less expensive and more environmentally friendly than the current standard-bearer: silicon-based solar cells. ... > full story
Botulinum toxin may offer temporary drooling relief in children with neurological disorders (September 24, 2010) -- Botulinum toxin treatment appears to offer a temporary, short-term solution to relieve drooling in children diagnosed with certain neurological disorders, according to a new study. ... > full story
Stress can control our genes, researchers find (September 24, 2010) -- Researchers in Denmark have shown that stress-factors can control our genes. Exposing human cells to a stress-activating compound turned on genes that are normally silenced. Protective complexes that prevents our genes from being read and translated into protein, where lost when the cells experienced stress. The consequence is that genes that should be turned off are now active and this may disturb cellular development, identity and growth. ... > full story
Biometric ID technologies 'inherently fallible,' new report finds (September 24, 2010) -- Biometric systems -- designed to automatically recognize individuals based on biological and behavioral traits such as fingerprints, palm prints, or voice or face recognition -- are "inherently fallible," says a new report, and no single trait has been identified that is stable and distinctive across all groups. ... > full story
Arctic soil study turns up surprising results (September 24, 2010) -- Across the globe, the diversity of plant and animal species generally increases from the North and South Poles towards the Equator but surprisingly that rule isn't true for soil bacteria, according to a new study. ... > full story
How heating our homes could help reduce climate change (September 24, 2010) -- A radical new heating system where homes would be heated by district centers rather than in individual households could dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions. ... > full story
Microbiologists find source of fungus’s damaging growth (September 24, 2010) -- Candida albicans, a fungus that kills more than 10,000 people with weakened immune systems each year, grows more dangerous as it forms and extends long strands of cells called hyphal filaments. In a new study, microbiologists describe a key factor involved in this damaging growth. ... > full story
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