ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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Can you ask a pig if his glass is half full? (July 28, 2010) -- Experts in the UK have shown for the first time that a pig's mood mirrors how content he is, highlighting that pigs are capable of complex emotions which are directly influenced by their living conditions. ... > full story
Protein identified that can result in fragile bones (July 28, 2010) -- Too little of a protein called neogenin results in a smaller skeleton during development and sets the stage for a more fragile bone framework lifelong, researchers report. ... > full story
Researchers' 'Posseidon' adventure could save shipping industry millions (July 28, 2010) -- Researchers could save the world’s shipping industry millions of pounds in repairs to broken down vessels after developing a computerized warning system which keeps the ‘lifeblood’ of a ship flowing. The Posseidon system, a new sensor-based processing unit, can continuously monitor the ship’s lubricated system, allowing crews on board to predict any deterioration or contamination in the oil, anticipate problems, allowing them to take action before damage and failure occurs. ... > full story
Multifunctional nanoparticle enables new type of biological imaging (July 28, 2010) -- By combining a nanoparticle's magnetic and thermal properties, researchers have created a new technique that virtually eliminates the background noise from non-radioactive medical imaging. ... > full story
Researchers investigate effects of lightning strikes on aircraft (July 28, 2010) -- Scientists in the UK are researching the potential for damage posed by lightning for carbon fibre composites (CFCs), which are increasingly being used in aircraft manufacture, with a view to reducing damage and minimizing repair costs. ... > full story
Key milestone towards the development of a new clinically useful antibiotic (July 27, 2010) -- Scientists have identified the genes necessary for making a highly potent and clinically unexploited antibiotic in the fight against multi-resistant pathogens. ... > full story
Calcium connections: Basic pathway for maintaining cell's fuel stores (July 27, 2010) -- Investigators have described a previously unknown biological mechanism in cells that prevents them from cannibalizing themselves for fuel. The mechanism involves the fuel used by cells under normal conditions and relies on an ongoing transfer of calcium between two cell components via an ion channel. Without this transfer, cells start consuming themselves as a way of to get enough energy. ... > full story
Native-like spider silk produced in metabolically engineered bacteria (July 27, 2010) -- Biomolecular engineers have developed technology to artificially create spider dragline silk proteins that can be used to make ultra-strong synthetic fibers and bulletproof vests. ... > full story
Engineered coral pigment helps scientists to observe protein movement (July 27, 2010) -- Scientists have shown that a variant form of a fluorescent protein originally isolated from a reef coral has excellent properties as a marker protein for super-resolution microscopy in live cells. ... > full story
Ötzi’s secrets about to be revealed (July 27, 2010) -- Using the latest technologies, scientists in Europe have reached a new milestone in their study of the iceman known as Ötzi. For the first time since his discovery almost 20 years ago, scientists now have access to the complete genetic profile of this world-famous mummy. ... > full story
Potentially hazardous asteroid might collide with the Earth in 2182 (July 27, 2010) -- The potentially hazardous asteroid ‘(101955) 1999 RQ36’ has a one-in-a-thousand chance of impacting the Earth, and more than half of this probability indicates that this could happen in the year 2182, according to a new study. Knowing this fact may help design in advance mechanisms aimed at deviating the asteroid’s path. ... > full story
Shade-coffee farms support native bees that maintain genetic diversity in tropical forests (July 27, 2010) -- Shade-grown coffee farms support native bees that help maintain the health of some of the world's most biodiverse tropical regions, according to a new study. ... > full story
Carbon emissions threaten fish populations (July 27, 2010) -- Humanity's rising carbon dioxide emissions could have a significant impact on the world's fish populations, according to groundbreaking new research. Baby fish may become easy meat for predators as the world's oceans become more acidic due to CO2 fallout from human activity, researchers have discovered. ... > full story
Segmentation is the secret behind the extraordinary diversification of animals (July 27, 2010) -- Segmentation, the repetition of identical anatomical units, seems to be the secret behind the diversity and longevity of the largest and most common animal groups on Earth. Researchers have shown that this characteristic was inherited from a common segmented ancestor thought to have lived 600 million years ago and whose presence "changed the face of the world." ... > full story
Bird flu: Preening spreads viruses in nature (July 27, 2010) -- Scientists discovered that the preen oil gland secretions, by which all aquatic birds make their feathers waterproof, support a natural mechanism that concentrates AIVs from water onto birds' bodies. Since waterbirds use to spread preen oil over their own (self-preening) or other birds' (allo-preening) plumage, it is easily understandable how these preening activities could facilitate the diffusion of the viruses in nature. ... > full story
Oceanographic linkages indicate an alternative route for eel larval drift to Europe (July 27, 2010) -- European eel larvae are generally believed to initially follow a westerly drift route into the Gulf Stream, but new research results on bio-physical linkages in the Sargasso Sea point to a shorter route towards Europe. ... > full story
NASA satellite improves pollution monitoring (July 27, 2010) -- NASA scientists use satellite precipitation data to improve water pollution monitoring models. ... > full story
Indonesia's puzzling Banda arc: New findings explain mystery behind geological development (July 27, 2010) -- The Banda arc -- a gigantic 1,000km long, 180-degree curve in eastern Indonesia -- has puzzled geologists for many years, with much debate and controversy surrounding its complex origin and evolution. A solution to this enigma, resolving many of the previous problems, has finally been found. ... > full story
Keeping trains on track: Early-warning hazard system for the world's railways (July 27, 2010) -- Researchers are collecting high-tech sensing data from satellites, airplanes, magnetic and soil sensors, and unmanned aircraft to devise a solution that will provide a reliable early-warning system for train operators. ... > full story
Converging weather patterns caused last winter's huge snows in U.S. (July 26, 2010) -- The memory of last winter's blizzards may be fading in this summer's searing heat, but scientists studying them have detected a perfect storm of converging weather patterns that had little relation to climate change. The extraordinarily cold, snowy weather that hit parts of the US East Coast and Europe was the result of a collision of two periodic weather patterns in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, a new study finds. ... > full story
Arctic voyage illuminating ocean optics (July 26, 2010) -- During NASA's ICESCAPE voyage to the Arctic, scientists have been looking at the phytoplankton in the Arctic's Chukchi Sea -- how many, how big and at what depths they are found. But there are other ways of looking at these small life forms. ... > full story
How monarch butterflies fly away home (July 26, 2010) -- Some North American monarchs born in the Midwest and Great Lakes fly directly west over the Appalachians and settle along the eastern seaboard. This finding is the first proof of longitudinal migration and solves the long-standing mystery of why monarchs always show up later on the east coast compared to the interior. The study also suggests conservation efforts must target the Great Lakes region. ... > full story
Archaeologists discover biggest rat that ever lived: Weight of about 6 kilograms (over 13 lb) (July 26, 2010) -- Archaeological research in East Timor has unearthed the bones of the biggest rat that ever lived, with a body weight around six kilograms. Today's biggest rats weigh around two kilograms and live in rainforests in the Philippines and New Guinea. ... > full story
Missing link in cell mitosis discovered: The role of protein in controlling cell division unveiled (July 26, 2010) -- A major discovery promises to revolutionize the way scientists think about key aspects of cellular lifecycle and offers a new avenue for cancer researchers to explore in their quest to one day slow down the progression of cancer. ... > full story
Meals as medicine: Anti-obesity effects of soy in rat model of menopause (July 26, 2010) -- A diet rich in soy prevents weight gain in post-menopausal female rats, according to new research. ... > full story
An alchemist’s dream: Lead-free electronics (July 26, 2010) -- It’s been said that the typical mobile phone contains roughly half of all elements found on the Periodic Table. One of the most problematic substances used in phones and other electronics is lead. But making lead-free electronics has proved problematic – until now. Researchers have now developed a method that enables the industrial production of a substance that can be used to replace lead in many electronic applications. ... > full story
Non-human sugar in biotech drugs causes inflammation, study finds (July 26, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered that a kind of sugar molecule common to chimpanzees, gorillas and other mammals but not found in humans provokes a strong immune response in some people, likely worsening conditions in which chronic inflammation is a major issue. ... > full story
Storm elves and sprites recorded on video (July 26, 2010) -- A team of Spanish researchers has made a high-speed recording of elves and sprites in storms, fleeting and luminous electric phenomena produced in the upper layers of the atmosphere. ... > full story
New antibacterial material for bandages, food packaging, shoes (July 26, 2010) -- A new form of paper with the built-in ability to fight disease-causing bacteria could have applications that range from antibacterial bandages to food packaging that keeps food fresher longer to shoes that ward off foot odor. The new material consists of the thinnest possible sheets of carbon. ... > full story
The healing effects of forests (July 26, 2010) -- Forests -- and other natural, green settings -- can reduce stress, improve moods, reduce anger and aggressiveness and increase overall happiness. Forest visits may also strengthen our immune system by increasing the activity and number of natural killer cells that destroy cancer cells. ... > full story
Unaccounted feedbacks from climate-induced ecosystem changes may increase future climate warming (July 26, 2010) -- In addition to the carbon cycle-climate interactions that have been a major focus of modeling work in recent years, other biogeochemistry feedbacks could be at least equally important for future climate change. Experts argue that it is important to include these feedbacks in the next generation of Earth system models. ... > full story
How key enzyme repairs sun-damaged DNA (July 26, 2010) -- Researchers have long known that humans lack a key enzyme -- one possessed by most of the animal kingdom and even plants -- that reverses severe sun damage. For the first time, researchers have witnessed how this enzyme works at the atomic level to repair sun-damaged DNA. The discovery holds promise for future sunburn remedies and skin cancer prevention. ... > full story
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
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