ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.
Social relationships in animals have a genetic basis, new research reveals (December 8, 2010) -- The ability to tolerate aggression is partly genetic, life scientists report in the first study to demonstrate a genetic component to a social network trait in a non-human population. ... > full story
Creating 'Living' Buildings (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers are poised to use ethical synthetic biology to create 'living' materials that could be used to clad buildings and help combat the effects of climate change. ... > full story
Using chaos to model geophysical phenomena (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have developed the first direct approach for identifying packets of air or water, called "coherent sets," that are transported in the atmosphere and ocean and have far-reaching effects on weather and climate. The new methodology has tested significantly better than existing technologies. ... > full story
Ginseng just got better -- not as bitter (December 8, 2010) -- Scientists have learned to mask the bitterness of ginseng, a common ingredient of energy drinks. While experimenting with five possible solutions to ginseng's bitterness problem, they discovered that cyclodextrins -- hydrophobic compounds made of glucose molecules that occur in a ring form -- were able to capture the bitter flavor compounds and reduce bitterness by more than half. ... > full story
Soil needs decades to recover from a spill (December 8, 2010) -- Twelve years after the spillage at Aznalcóllar (Spain), scientists say that the soil affected has recovered "reasonably well". Their study of nematodes (microscopic soil worms that are indicators of the biological state of soil) confirmed the "enormous" impact of heavy metals and is useful for predicting the effect of the red mud spillage in Hungary. ... > full story
Plants 'remember' winter to bloom in spring with help of special molecule (December 7, 2010) -- The role a key molecule plays in a plant's ability to remember winter, and therefore bloom in the spring, has been identified. ... > full story
Scientists map changes in genetic networks caused by DNA damage (December 7, 2010) -- Using a new technology called "differential epistasis maps," scientists have documented for the first time how a cellular genetic network completely rewires itself in response to stress by DNA-damaging agents. ... > full story
Pacific sperm whales exposed to PAHs, pesticides, other pollutants (December 7, 2010) -- Whale researchers found evidence of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and persistent organic pollutants, including the pesticide DDT, in Pacific Ocean-dwelling sperm whales. ... > full story
Milestone in fight against deadly disease: 500 protein structures mapped and solved (December 7, 2010) -- Scientists have reached a major milestone in the effort to wipe out some of the most lethal diseases on the planet. They've experimentally determined 500 three-dimensional protein structures from a number of bacterial and protozoan pathogens, which could potentially lead to new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to combat deadly infectious diseases. ... > full story
Teens get more ear infections when someone smokes at home (December 7, 2010) -- Family members who smoke are more apt to feel it is OK to smoke indoors as their children get older. But in households with secondhand smoke, children between 12 and 17 are 1.67 times more prone to have recurrent ear infections compared to adolescents who live in a smoke-free environment, a large new study reveals. ... > full story
Life found thriving in porous rock deep beneath the seafloor (December 7, 2010) -- Researchers have found compelling evidence for an extensive biological community living in porous rock deep beneath the seafloor. The microbes in this hidden world appear to be an important source of dissolved organic matter in deep ocean water, a finding that could dramatically change ideas about the ocean carbon cycle. ... > full story
Butter contaminated by PBDE flame retardant (December 7, 2010) -- A new study reports what scientists believe is the worst documented U.S. case of food contamination with polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants. The incident also marks the first time food contamination has been thought to result from PBDEs in a food's packaging. ... > full story
Drugs can pass through human body almost intact: New concerns for antibiotic resistance, pollution identified (December 7, 2010) -- When an antibiotic is consumed, researchers have learned that up to 90 percent passes through a body without metabolizing. This means the drugs can leave the body almost intact through normal bodily functions. ... > full story
Flu vaccine grown in bacteria works like vaccine grown in chicken eggs (December 7, 2010) -- Only the fragile chicken egg stands between Americans and a flu pandemic that would claim tens of thousands more lives than are usually lost to the flu each year. Now scientists have taken an important step toward ending the dominance of the oval, showing that an experimental flu vaccine grown entirely in bacteria triggers in people an immune response that would protect them against the flu. ... > full story
Warring Greeks found peace in ancient Egypt: Researcher uncovers origins of Greek trade city in Egypt's Nile delta region (December 7, 2010) -- Naukrtis, a Greek trade city in Egypt's Nile Delta region, has long fascinated archaeologists and historians. Now, archaeologists have found that instead of settling in Naukrtis of their own free will as previously believed, the community consisted of a select group of Greeks commissioned by the empire of Lydia to set up a trade emporium. ... > full story
Shy trout size it up (December 7, 2010) -- Personality is not just a feature unique to humans and pets. Scientists have revealed that also brown trout have individual characters and show different personalities. ... > full story
Power grid of the future saves energy (December 7, 2010) -- Green energy too comes out of the electricity socket, but to get there it has to travel a long journey -- from wind turbines in the North Sea or regional solar, wind and biogas power plants. On the way to the consumer lots of energy is lost. New electronic components will change things in future. ... > full story
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
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
New microscopic life aboard the RMS Titanic (December 7, 2010) -- A brand-new bacterial species has been found aboard the RMS Titanic, which is contributing to its deterioration. The discovery reveals a potential new microbial threat to the exterior of ships and underwater metal structures such as oil rigs. ... > 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
Diners may be willing to pay more to eat at 'green' restaurants (December 7, 2010) -- Many US restaurants may be ignoring a desire by American consumers to dine at environmentally friendly restaurants, according to a small exploratory study. Researchers found that more than eight out of 10 restaurant patrons surveyed in Columbus said they would be willing to pay more to dine at "green" restaurants. More than seven out of 10 said it was good for restaurants to protect the environment. ... > 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Northern wildfires threaten runaway climate change, study reveals (December 6, 2010) -- A new study reveals that fires in the Alaskan interior have become more severe in the last decade, resulting in more carbon being released than is being stored. About half the world's soil carbon is locked in northern permafrost and peatland soils. The increased burning is shifting these ecosystems from a carbon sink to a carbon source. ... > full story
Satellite tracking campaign tests European abilities (December 6, 2010) -- An experimental tracking campaign using European facilities is helping determine how well existing telescopes and radars can work together to observe objects in Earth orbit. The results will be used to help design the European Space Agency's future Space Situational Awareness system. ... > full story
'Clueless' housekeeping genes are activated randomly, study finds (December 6, 2010) -- Scientists have made an unexpected finding about the method by which certain genes are activated. Contrary to what researchers have traditionally assumed, genes that work with other genes to build protein structures do not act in a coordinated way but instead are turned on randomly. The surprising discovery may fundamentally change the way scientists think about the way cellular processes are synchronized. ... > full story
El Nino: Better understanding of long-term changes in climate system (December 6, 2010) -- Scientists have been studying long-term climate variability associated with El Nino. The researchers' goal is to help climatologists better understand this global climate phenomenon that happens every two to eight years, impacting much of the world. ... > full story
Sows ears and silk purses: Packing more flavor into modern pork (December 6, 2010) -- Perhaps you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, but scientists are reporting progress in pulling off the same trick with the notoriously bland flavor of pork. They are reporting new insights into the biochemical differences in the meat of an Italian swine renowned for its good flavor since the ancient Roman Empire and the modern "Large White" or Yorkshire hog, whose roots date back barely 125 years. ... > full story
Heat helped hasten life's beginnings on Earth, research suggests (December 5, 2010) -- New research investigating the effect of temperature on extremely slow chemical reactions suggests that the time required for evolution on a warm earth is shorter than critics might expect. ... > full story
| This message was sent from ScienceDaily to jaruju03@gmail.com. It was sent from: ScienceDaily, 1 Research Court, Suite 450, Rockville, MD 20850. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. | Email Marketing by
 | |
To update/change your profile click here 
