ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Monday, July 26, 2010
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Giant pandas: Landscape has big effect on movement of genes within population (July 26, 2010) -- Genetic analysis of giant pandas has shown that features of their landscape have a profound effect on the movement of genes within their population. Researchers found that physical barriers, such as areas lacking bamboo plants and other forest foliage, can separate giant pandas into isolated genetic groups. ... > full story
Hijacked supplies for pathogens: Legionnaire’s disease bacteria tap into the material transport in immune cells (July 26, 2010) -- When it infects the lungs, the Legionnaire’s bacterium Legionella pneumophila causes acute pneumonia. The pathogen’s modus operandi is particularly ingenious: it infiltrates deliberately into cells of the human immune system and injects a host of proteins which then interfere in the normal cellular processes. Scientists have now discovered how Legionella reprogrammes the cells to ensure its own survival and to propagate. They examined a protein used by the pathogen to divert the material transport within the cells for its own purposes. ... > full story
Concealed patterns beneath life's variety: Synthesis of studies of how biodiversity changes reveals trends over space and time (July 26, 2010) -- Although it is well known that there are more species in the tropics than in higher latitudes, it is hard to study how the species in a sampling change in time and across large distances. A synthesis based on multiple studies reveals some surprising trends that suggest ways to more effectively explore how ecosystems develop. ... > full story
Amount of dust, pollen matters for cloud precipitation, climate change (July 26, 2010) -- Atmospheric scientists have discovered that an abundance of aerosol particles are needed to help form ice crystals in clouds, which can influence precipitation and climate change. ... > full story
How cells keep their guards in check (July 26, 2010) -- When cells are attacked by bacteria they use all means at their disposal to defend themselves. But cellular defense systems can damage the cells themselves and so need to be kept tightly in check. Recent results help us to understand how this is done and give pointers to new ways of combating disease. ... > full story
Straw residue helps keep nitrogen on the farm (July 26, 2010) -- A research study evaluated the potential for straw residue to retain legume-derived nitrogen in a corn cropping system. ... > full story
Researchers calculate the cost of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, call for carbon tax (July 25, 2010) -- Researchers are calling on policymakers to encourage the transition from coal-based electricity production to a system based on natural gas through a carbon tax. ... > full story
Sea lamprey research sheds light on how stress hormones evolved (July 25, 2010) -- Researchers are have identified a stress hormone in the sea lamprey, using the 500 million-year-old species as a model to understand the evolution of the endocrine system. ... > full story
Graphene oxide gets green: Environmentally friendly ways to make it in bulk, break it down (July 25, 2010) -- Scientists have found a way to synthesize graphene oxide in bulk in an environmentally friendly way, eliminating toxic and explosive chemicals from the process. They have also found a class of common bacteria breaks down graphene oxide into environmentally benign graphene. ... > full story
Disease genes that followed the Silk Road identified (July 25, 2010) -- Researchers have found susceptibility to Behcet's disease, a painful, inflammatory condition, to be associated with genes involved in the body's immune response. ... > full story
Nanoparticles in English ivy may hold the key to making sunscreen safer and more effective (July 25, 2010) -- Researchers have found that nanoparticles in ivy may protect skin from UV radiation at least four times better than the metal-based sunblocks found on store shelves today. ... > full story
'Super socks' help stem pollution runoff (July 25, 2010) -- Agricultural scientists have improved on an existing method for removing contaminants from storm water runoff. These findings could provide surface waters additional protection against runoff containing pollutants from point sources such as construction sites, storm waters and other urban landscapes. ... > full story
Microbicide containing engineered bacteria may inhibit HIV-1 (July 24, 2010) -- Researchers from the U.S. and abroad used bacteria inherent to the human vaginal tract to develop a live, topical microbicide that may induce production of HIV-1 protein inhibitors and ultimately prevent transmission of the virus. ... > full story
Virtual reality gives insight on protein structures (July 24, 2010) -- To understand a protein, it helps to get inside of it, and a professor has now figured out a way to do so. A new computer software program and projection system lets a person look at larger-than-life, 3-D structures of proteins in virtual reality. This allows scientists to walk inside, through or around the protein of interest for investigating its structure and function. ... > full story
Chokeberry extract found to regulate weight gain, blood glucose, and inflammation in rats (July 24, 2010) -- A new study finds that chokeberry extract inhibits weight gain in insulin-resistant animals and modulates multiple genes associated with adipose tissue growth, blood glucose regulation, and inflammatory pathways. ... > full story
Asia's most devastating droughts reconstructed (July 24, 2010) -- Asia's monsoon rains feed nearly half the world's population. A new study of tree rings provides a detailed record of at least four epic failures of the monsoon that have shaken Asia over the last thousand years. The study is expected not only to help historians understand how environment has affected the past, but to aid scientists trying to understand the potential for large-scale disruptions in the face of changing climate. ... > full story
Cold-blooded mothers: Magpie parents seem to induce mortality of 'unwanted' chicks (July 24, 2010) -- A new pattern of nestling mortality was found in magpies' nests. Sons died more in the nests with more daughters and daughters died more in the nests with more sons. Researchers think that this pattern, that reinforces the original bias in brood sex composition, implies parental strategies being set as a "package," where specific initial sex composition of a brood is correlated with a specific parental "attitude" towards sons and daughters. ... > full story
Diabetes monitoring device benefits not just people but dogs and other animals, too (July 24, 2010) -- A researcher is using a continuous glucose monitoring device -- commonly used in humans with diabetes -- to help treat dogs and other animals. The device, which provides a detailed glucose picture of an animal over several days, will help pet owners manage their pets' diabetes. ... > full story
Hops helps reduce ammonia produced by cattle (July 24, 2010) -- An agricultural scientist may have found a way to cut the amount of ammonia produced by cattle, using a key ingredient of the brewer's art: hops. ... > full story
Cancer-metabolism link runs deep in humans, novel network algorithm suggests (July 23, 2010) -- Eighty years ago, the medical establishment believed cancer was caused by a dysfunction of metabolism, but the idea went out of vogue. Now, scientists are again looking at metabolism and its role in cancer and other common diseases. ... > full story
Supercomputer reproduces a cyclone's birth, may boost forecasting (July 23, 2010) -- Scientists have employed NASA's Pleiades supercomputer and atmospheric data to simulate tropical cyclone Nargis -- with the first model to replicate the formation of the tropical cyclone five days in advance. ... > full story
Medicine from moss: Bioreactor technique may offer hope to people with age-related blindness (July 23, 2010) -- Biologists in Germany have used a moss bioreactor to produce a human protein, the absence of which leads to age-related blindness in 50 million people. ... > full story
White eyes, foot-wide flowers, maroon plants: Researcher creating unique winter-hardy hibiscuses (July 23, 2010) -- With a little cross-breeding and some determination, plant physiologist and forage agronomist Dr. Dariusz Malinowski is trying to add more colors to the world of hibiscuses. Malinowski is working on breeding winter-hardy hibiscus in what started as a hobby about four years ago, but in the last year has been added to the strategic plan of the Vernon research program. ... > full story
How do cells die? Biophotonic tools reveal real-time dynamics in living color (July 23, 2010) -- Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is essential to normal development, healthy immune system function, and cancer prevention. The process dramatically transforms cellular structures but the limitations of conventional microscopy methods have kept much about this structural reorganization a mystery. ... > full story
High-resolution imaging expands vision research of live birds of prey (July 23, 2010) -- Bird observatories all over the world may benefit from a newly designed high-resolution imaging system used to study the retinal structure of live birds of prey. Researchers now reveal unprecedented 3-D information about the retina of four species of raptors -- two hawks and two owls -- using the noninvasive, powerful imaging tool. ... > full story
Identification of a gene essential to newborn babies' first breath (July 23, 2010) -- How do mammals prepare themselves in utero for a radical modification to their respiration at the time of birth, when they move abruptly from an aquatic medium to air? Researchers have identified a gene in the mouse that is essential to respiration and consequently to survival at birth. This work opens the way to better understanding respiratory disorders in humans, which can range from sleep apnea to sudden infant death syndrome. ... > full story
European Space Agency develops radar to watch for space hazards (July 23, 2010) -- As part of the European Space Agency's Space Situational Awareness activities, a new radar system will be developed to help safeguard space missions. The radar will detect hazardous objects in Earth orbit and trigger warnings that enable satellite operators to avoid collisions, making spaceflight safer for all. ... > full story
Scientists discover how deadly fungal microbes enter host cells (July 23, 2010) -- A research team has discovered a fundamental entry mechanism that allows dangerous fungal microbes to infect plants and cause disease. The discovery paves the way for the development of new intervention strategies to protect plant, and even some animal cells, from deadly fungal infections. ... > full story
Misuse of anesthesia could cause hepatitis virus transmission (July 23, 2010) -- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be transmitted during intravenous (IV) administration of anesthesia, according to a new study. ... > full story
Not enough hours in the day for endangered apes: Warming climate may change ape behaviour, resulting in loss of habitat (July 23, 2010) -- A study on the effect of global warming on African ape survival suggests that a warming climate may cause apes to run ‘out of time’. The research reveals that rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns have strong effects on ape behavior, distribution and survival, pushing them even further to the brink of extinction. ... > full story
Scientists confirm role for mysterious cell component -- the nucleolinus (July 23, 2010) -- Scientists have confirmed the role in cell division of a long-neglected cellular component, the nucleolinus. The nucleolinus is a structure observed in the nucleus of many cells, including invertebrate egg cells and some mammalian cells. While it was discovered more than 150 years ago, and other scientists have proposed that is involved in cell division, difficulties in visualizing the nucleolinus inside most cells have kept that hypothesis dormant. ... > full story
Salmonella contaminated pork may pose health risk for humans (July 23, 2010) -- German researchers have isolated a strain of Salmonella in pork that is closely related to the bacteria commonly found in chickens and linked to human food-borne illness. ... > full story
Biologists help save endangered pallid sturgeon (July 23, 2010) -- Fisheries researchers found one piece of a scientific puzzle that just may help save an endangered species from extinction. ... > full story
Better control of reproduction in trout and salmon may be in aquaculture's future (July 23, 2010) -- Fast-growing farm-raised salmon and trout that are sterile can now be produced using a method developed by agricultural scientists. Blocking reproduction can enhance growth, and is important for fish being reared in situations where reproduction is undesirable. ... > full story
Warmer climate could increase release of carbon dioxide by inland lakes (July 23, 2010) -- Much organically bound carbon is deposited on inland lake bottoms. A portion remains in the sediment, sometimes for thousands of years, while the rest is largely broken down to carbon dioxide and methane, which are released into the atmosphere. Swedish researchers have shown that carbon retention by sediment is highly temperature-sensitive and that a warmer climate would result in increased carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. ... > full story
Bio-based compound provides substitute for important raw material in plastic products (July 23, 2010) -- Soft drink bottles and fleece blankets are set to become more environmentally friendly. A Dutch researcher has made a bio-based compound that can act as a substitute for one of the most important raw materials for plastic products. The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the new material a place in the top 12 of the most promising biological materials for the chemical industry. ... > full story
Oilseed rape and sunflower oils investigated as new way to produce fuel and feed for herds (July 23, 2010) -- The oil extracted from oleaginous plants can be used as a fuel for agricultural vehicles without any reduction in their performance -- thus enabling farmers to have greater energy self-sufficiency. Besides this, a sub-product known as oilseedcake is extracted, and which is optimum fodder for animal herds, given its significant protein and fatty acids content. ... > full story
Report calls for coordinated information on climate change (July 23, 2010) -- A comprehensive national response to climate change should be informed by reliable data coordinated through climate services and a greenhouse gas monitoring and management system to provide timely information tailored to decision makers at all levels, says a report by the National Research Council. ... > full story
Bioenergy production can expand across Africa without displacing food, report finds (July 23, 2010) -- Crops can be produced for bioenergy on a significant scale in west, eastern and southern Africa without doing damage to food production or natural habitats, according to a report produced by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, Imperial College London and CAMCO International. ... > full story
Could diabetes be in your bones? Link between metabolic disease, bone mass; Breakdown of bone keeps blood sugar in check (July 22, 2010) -- Our bones have much greater influence on the rest of our bodies than they are often given credit for, according to two new studies. Both studies offer new insights into the interplay between bone and blood sugar, based on signals sent via insulin and a bone-derived hormone known as osteocalcin. ... > full story
Smog might trigger cell death in the heart, study finds (July 22, 2010) -- An early study in rats provides the first direct indication that a major component of smog might trigger cell death in the heart, researchers report. ... > full story
Key compound of ozone destruction detected; Scientists disprove doubts in ozone hole chemistry (July 22, 2010) -- For the first time, scientists in Germany have successfully measured in the ozone layer the chlorine compound ClOOCl, which plays an important role in stratospheric ozone depletion. Doubts in the established models of polar ozone chemistry expressed by American researchers based on laboratory measurements are disproved by these new atmospheric observations. ... > full story
Cutting fat and calories can lower cancer risk in dogs and people (July 22, 2010) -- As many as 1 out of 3 cancer deaths in both humans and dogs could be prevented by reducing Omega-6 fatty acids and cutting calories, according to new research. ... > full story
Extreme archaeology: Divers plumb the mysteries of sacred Maya pools (July 22, 2010) -- Steering clear of crocodiles and navigating around massive submerged trees, a team of divers began mapping some of the 25 freshwater pools of Cara Blanca, Belize, which were important to the ancient Maya. In three weeks this May, the divers found fossilized animal remains, bits of pottery and -- in the largest pool explored -- an enormous underwater cave. The dives will continue later this summer. ... > full story
Climate uncertainties tied to economies of US states: California, Pacific Northwest and Colorado achieve positive net impacts; other states languish (July 22, 2010) -- A climate-change study that models the near-term effects of declining rainfall in each of the 48 US continental states makes clear the economic toll that could occur unless an appropriate amount of initial investment -- a kind of upfront insurance payment -- is made to forestall much larger economic problems down the road. ... > full story
Caterpillars crawl like none other: Unique means of animal locomotion has implications for robotics, human biomechanics (July 22, 2010) -- Biologists studying caterpillars have reported a unique "two-body" system of locomotion that has not previously been reported in any animal. The gut of the crawling caterpillar moves forward independently and in advance of the surrounding body wall and legs, not with them. This novel system may contribute to the caterpillars' extraordinary freedom of movement and provide insight for the design of soft-bodied robots. ... > full story
Wacky weather could squeeze Florida's citrus season (July 22, 2010) -- Citrus growers, beware. Florida winters are getting more extreme, causing plants to flower later and potentially shrinking the growing seasons for some of the state's most vital crops. ... > full story
Oil devastation found at major Gulf breeding site (July 22, 2010) -- Scientists working in the Gulf have documented what may be the worst oil spill devastation of a major bird colony so far. ... > full story
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