ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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Plants engineered to produce new drugs (December 7, 2010) -- Humans have long taken advantage of the huge variety of medicinal compounds produced by plants. Now chemists have found a new way to expand plants' pharmaceutical repertoire by genetically engineering them to produce unnatural variants of their usual products. ... > full story
Mechanism responsible for spreading biofilm infections identified (December 7, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered how catheter-related bacterial infection develops and disseminates to become a potentially life-threatening condition. The study, which included research on Staphylococcus epidermidis in mice implanted with catheters, could have important implications for understanding many types of bacterial biofilm infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. ... > full story
Ravenous foreign pests threaten U.S. national forests (December 7, 2010) -- Foreign pests are eating their way through U.S. national forests, destroying majestic scenery and costing taxpayers millions of dollars. ... > full story
Small-molecule inhibitors effectively targeted active colon cancer enzyme (December 7, 2010) -- Researchers have identified two small-molecule inhibitors that effectively targeted the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), an enzyme present in certain cancers that helps tumors thrive and survive. ... > full story
Life-saving in the bacterial world: How Campylobacter rely on Pseudomonas to infect humans (December 7, 2010) -- The bacterium Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of food poisoning in humans. It is normally transmitted from contaminated chicken meat, as it is frequently found in the intestines of chickens, where it apparently does not result in any symptoms. Campylobacter jejuni is well adapted to life in the intestines of animals -- and humans -- so it is surprising that it is able to survive on the surface of meat, which is generally stored in a much more oxygen-rich atmosphere. Researchers have now solved the puzzle, showing that Campylobacter can survive ambient oxygen levels thanks to the presence of other bacteria, species of Pseudomonas. ... > full story
K-12 computer science education declining (December 7, 2010) -- Computer-related technology is increasingly driving the US economy, yet computer science education is scant in most American elementary and secondary school classrooms and the number of introductory and Advanced Placement courses in computer science has actually declined in the last five years, according to a new report. ... > full story
Nanosatellite successfully ejected from free-flying microsatellite in space (December 7, 2010) -- On Dec. 6, 2010, NASA for the first time successfully ejected a nanosatellite from a free-flying microsatellite. NanoSail-D ejected from the Fast, Affordable, Science and Technology Satellite, FASTSAT, demonstrating the capability to deploy a small cubesat payload from an autonomous microsatellite in space. ... > full story
Spontaneous mutations important cause of mental retardation, research finds (December 7, 2010) -- New research by Dutch geneticists demonstrates that spontaneous mutations are an important cause of mental retardation. The majority of mental retardation is caused by spontaneous mutations in paternal sperm or maternal egg cells, the scientists say. ... > full story
Measuring air-sea exchange of carbon dioxide in the open ocean (December 7, 2010) -- Scientists have measured the air-sea exchange of carbon dioxide in the open ocean at higher wind speed then anyone else has ever managed. Their findings are important for understanding how interactions between the oceans and the atmosphere influence climate. ... > full story
High-dose, short-course radiation for prostate cancer does not increase side effects, study finds (December 7, 2010) -- When treating prostate cancer with radiation therapy, side effects such as urinary problems and rectal pain and bleeding are a concern, as is impact on the patient's overall quality of life. So when new, more efficient treatment methods are developed, one important question is whether better treatment comes at the cost of increased side effects and decreased quality of life. ... > full story
Slurry sanitation using heat, a new, simple, low-energy method (December 7, 2010) -- Livestock effluents have always been spread as fertiliser on fields. But they can also transmit diseases to humans and animals, for example, over 100 pathogenic micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites) have been identified in pig slurry. To destroy the main causes of illness and avoid epidemics, scientists use heat exchangers for thermal treatment of the slurry, a well known technique that they are trying to make more energy efficient. ... > full story
For elderly, even short falls can be deadly; Adults 70-plus three times as likely to die following low-level falls (December 7, 2010) -- While simple falls, such as slipping while walking off a curb, may seem harmless, they can lead to severe injury and death in elderly individuals, according to a new study. As the population continues to age, it's important for physicians and caregivers to be aware of and prepared to deal with this issue, which could significantly impact the health and well-being of older adults. ... > full story
Threshold sea surface temperature for hurricanes and tropical thunderstorms is rising (December 6, 2010) -- Scientists have long known that atmospheric convection in the form of hurricanes and tropical ocean thunderstorms occurs when sea surface temperature (SST) rises above a threshold. So how do rising ocean temperatures with global warming affect this threshold? If the threshold does not rise, it could mean more frequent hurricanes. A new study shows this threshold SST for convection is rising under global warming at the same rate as that of the tropical oceans. ... > full story
Secondhand smoke exposure increases risk of hearing loss (December 6, 2010) -- Non-smokers who regularly breathe in others' tobacco smoke are at increased risk of some degree of hearing loss, reveals new research. ... > full story
LouseBuster: Head lice shrivel with chemical-free warm-air device (December 6, 2010) -- Four years after the LouseBuster prototype made headlines when research showed the chemical-free, warm-air device wiped out head lice on children, a new study reveals that a revamped, government-cleared model is highly effective. ... > full story
Some kids with spinal cord injury may be overlooked for walking rehabilitation (December 6, 2010) -- The traditional way to predict whether children can regain movement after spinal cord injuries may exclude a small subset of patients who could benefit from therapy, according to two new studies. ... > full story
Carbon dioxide-free energy can meet the world’s energy needs in 2050, Danish report finds (December 6, 2010) -- Taken as a whole, energy sources with low or no carbon emissions could easily cover the global energy supply in 2050, according to a new Danish report. The challenge for a sustainable global energy system with low carbon emissions will be to use this potential in the energy system the best way possible seen from an economic point of view. ... > full story
A team with a shared lousy temper is better at mental tasks (December 6, 2010) -- Managers who want their team to perform better should let employees express negative emotions. Teams who share bad feelings solve complicated problems better, share more information with each other and have a greater solidarity, concludes new research. ... > full story
Pregnant mother's diet impacts infant's sense of smell, alters brain development (December 6, 2010) -- New study shows a pregnant mother's diet directly impacts an infant's food choices in the future. ... > full story
Cultured kidney cell layer is a step towards improved dialysis (December 6, 2010) -- Researchers in the Netherlands have succeeded in culturing a layer of kidney cells in the lab. These cells maintained their functional properties, and are able to purify blood. The key to this success is a new kind of bioactive synthetic membrane with a structure resembling that of human basement membrane in the kidney. This is a step towards improved kidney dialysis. The ultimate aim of the scientists is to be able to grow whole biological artificial kidneys using autologous cells. ... > full story
Oh deer: Protecting this year’s Christmas tree crop (December 6, 2010) -- Hair clippings, cayenne pepper and raw eggs -- these are just a few of the odd ingredients recommended to keep those pesky deer away from your backyard garden. But what about farmers who have hundreds of acres of Christmas trees to protect? Specialists have now found an effective, inexpensive alternative to available commercial products to keep the deer at bay. ... > full story
Overactive FTO gene does cause overeating and obesity (December 6, 2010) -- Scientists have gained strong confirmation of the direct connection between the FTO gene and obesity, obtaining the first direct evidence that overactivity of the gene leads to overeating and obesity in mice. ... > full story
Change in temperature uncovers genetic cross talk in plant immunity; Discovery sheds light on how plants fight off bacterial infections (December 6, 2010) -- Researchers recently "tapped" into two proteins' communications with the nucleus and discovered a previously unknown level of cross talk. The discovery adds important new information about how plant proteins mediate resistance to bacteria that cause disease and may ultimately lead to novel strategies for boosting a plant's immune system. ... > full story
Adolescents at risk for alcohol abuse show decreased brain activation (December 6, 2010) -- Adolescence is a time of immense change in the brain, but unfortunately, it is also the time where many youths begin drinking. New research shows that individuals with a positive family history for alcohol abuse are at significantly higher risk to develop alcoholism in the future. ... > full story
First horned dinosaur from South Korea discovered (December 6, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered a new horned dinosaur. The newly identified genus, Koreaceratops hwaseongensis, lived about 103 million years ago during the late Early Cretaceous period. The specimen is the first ceratopsian dinosaur from the Korean peninsula. ... > full story
A flu vaccine that lasts? (December 6, 2010) -- The costly, time-consuming process of making, distributing and administering millions of seasonal flu vaccines would become obsolete if researchers could design a vaccine that confers decades-long protection from any flu virus strain. ... > full story
Mystery of repetitive DNA segments unraveled (December 6, 2010) -- With new tools that can grab individual strands of DNA and stretch them like rubber bands, scientists are working to unravel a mystery of modern genomics. New findings offer new clues about the physical makeup of odd segments of DNA that are composed of long strings of adenine. These mysterious "poly(dA) repeats" are sprinkled throughout the genomes of humans and other species. ... > full story
Heart attack risk increases rapidly after rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed (December 6, 2010) -- The risk of having a heart attack is 60% higher just a year after a patient has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and it is very important that they are monitored for heart issues. Swedish researchers followed 7,469 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), together with 37,024 matched controls without RA to determine the risk of ischaemic heart disease, with particular reference to myocardial infarction (heart attack). ... > full story
Your Web surfing history is accessible (without your permission) via JavaScript (December 6, 2010) -- The Web surfing history saved in your Web browser can be accessed without your permission. JavaScript code deployed by real websites and online advertising providers use browser vulnerabilities to determine which sites you have and have not visited, according to new research from computer scientists. ... > full story
Imitating someone's accent makes it easier to understand them (December 6, 2010) -- In conversation, we often imitate each other's speech style and may even change our accent to fit that of the person we're talking to. A recent study suggests that imitating someone who speaks with a regional or foreign accent may actually help you understand them better. ... > full story
Chemists design molecule that responds to stimuli (December 6, 2010) -- The venus flytrap plant captures its prey when it senses the presence of an insect on the tips of its leaves. An amphiphilic molecule acts in a similar manner by changing its structure when heated slightly and, then, reverting to its original form when cooled. ... > full story
Faster-growing E. coli strain suitable for gene therapy or vaccine use (December 6, 2010) -- A metabolic engineer has improved a strain of E. coli, making it grow faster. "This strain is suitable for mass production of high-quality DNA that could be used in vaccines or gene therapy," he says. ... > full story
Killing salmonella and E. coli on fresh produce with half the normal food-irradiation levels (December 6, 2010) -- Engineers have developed a way to cut by as much as half the amount of irradiation needed to kill 99.999 percent of salmonella, E. coli and other pathogens on fresh produce. ... > full story
Season, time of day appear to predict higher UV levels, need for sun safety measures among skiers (December 6, 2010) -- Ultraviolet radiation levels may remain high during winter months, and conditions can change rapidly, suggesting that adults participating in outdoor sports should rely on the season and time of day when judging the need for protective clothing and sunscreen, according to a new report. ... > full story
Using earthworms to process hazardous materials containing heavy metals (December 6, 2010) -- Researchers in South America have studied the viability of using earthworms to process hazardous material containing high concentrations of heavy metal for the bioremediation of old industrial sites, landfill and other potentially hazardous areas. ... > full story
Medieval England twice as well off as today’s poorest nations (December 6, 2010) -- Medieval England was not only far more prosperous than previously believed, it also actually boasted an average income that would be more than double the average per capita income of the world’s poorest nations today. ... > full story
Season of birth may have long-term effects on personality, study suggests (December 6, 2010) -- The season in which babies are born can have a dramatic and persistent effect on how their biological clocks function. The imprinting effect, which was found in baby mice, may help explain the fact that people born in winter months have a higher risk of a number of neurological disorders including seasonal affective disorder (winter depression), bipolar depression and schizophrenia. ... > full story
New possibility of reversing damage caused by multiple sclerosis (December 6, 2010) -- Damage caused by multiple sclerosis could be reversed by activating stem cells that can repair injury in the central nervous system, a study has shown. ... > full story
Carbon monoxide trapped in ice cores reveals unexpected trends regarding burning biomass (December 6, 2010) -- Scientists studying a column of Antarctic ice spanning 650 years have found evidence for fluctuations in biomass burning -- the consumption of wood, peat and other materials in wildfires, cooking fires and communal fires -- in the Southern Hemisphere. ... > full story
'Shotgun' method allows scientists to dissect cells' sugar coatings (December 6, 2010) -- Sugar molecules coat every cell in our bodies and play critical roles in development and disease, yet the components of these "glycans" have been difficult for scientists to study, because of their complexity. Researchers now have adapted gene chip microarray technology to the study of glycans, with an approach they call "shotgun glycomics," a new chemical method for attaching a fluorescent dye to glycans purified from cells. The individual glycans are separated into tiny spots fixed to glass slides. ... > full story
Energy use in the media cloud: 1,175 gigawatts by 2030, experts predict (December 6, 2010) -- A new study has analyzed the potential future demand for downloaded data worldwide, such as social networking sites and on-demand TV programs, and the resulting energy requirements. Researchers estimate the overall demand to be 3,200 megabyte (MB) a day per person, totaling 2,570 exabytes per year by the world population in 2030. They conclude that the average power required to support this activity would be 1,175 gigawatts at current levels of efficiency. ... > full story
It’s not the size of the salamander, it’s the size of the fight in the salamander (December 6, 2010) -- Don't get between a salamander and her eggs. The concept usually applies to a mother bear and her cubs, but it rings true for this small amphibian as well -- particularly as the eggs get closer to hatching. A study has found that female salamanders grow more aggressive in defending their nests as their eggs mature. Other factors, including the size of the mother, were insignificant. ... > full story
Brain's architecture makes our view of the world unique (December 6, 2010) -- Scientists have shown for the first time that exactly how we see our environment depends on the size of the visual part of our brain. ... > full story
Over-reactive immune system kills young adults during pandemic flu (December 6, 2010) -- A hallmark of pandemic flu throughout history, including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, has been its ability to make healthy young and middle-aged adults seriously ill and even kill this population in disproportionate numbers. Researchers now provide a possible explanation for this alarming phenomenon of pandemic flu. The study's findings suggest people are made critically ill, or even killed, by their own immune response. ... > full story
Stripes are back in season on Jupiter (December 6, 2010) -- New NASA images support findings that one of Jupiter's stripes that "disappeared" last spring is now showing signs of a comeback. These new observations will help scientists better understand the interaction between Jupiter's winds and cloud chemistry. ... > full story
Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer may offer better quality-of-life, study suggests (December 6, 2010) -- In a study that compared initial treatment strategies for low-risk prostate cancer among men 65 years old, active surveillance showed higher measures on quality of life compared to an initial treatment such as radical prostatectomy, although the optimal strategy was highly dependent on individual patient preferences for surveillance or treatment, according to a new study. ... > full story
Light touch brightens nanotubes: Scientists find a little ozone goes a long way for fluorescence (December 6, 2010) -- Researchers have found that adding tiny amounts of ozone to batches of single-walled carbon nanotubes and exposing them to light decorates all the nanotubes with oxygen atoms and systematically changes their near-infrared fluorescence. ... > full story
Racing against age: Health impairment primarily due to bad lifestye habits -- not aging, researchers argue (December 6, 2010) -- Impairments to health and physical performance are not primarily a result of aging but of unfavorable lifestyle habits and lack of exercise, argue researchers in a new article. ... > full story
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