ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Wednesday, December 2, 2009
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CSI Sharks: New forensic technique gives clues about sharks from bite damage (December 2, 2009) -- Hit-and-run attacks by sharks can be solved with a new technique that identifies the culprits by the unique chomp they put on their victims, according to a University of Florida researcher and shark expert. ... > full story
Scientists reveal malaria parasites' tactics for outwitting our immune systems (December 2, 2009) -- Malaria parasites are able to disguise themselves to avoid the host's immune system, according to new research. ... > full story
Artificial refuges created to save the reptiles of Doñana, Spain (December 2, 2009) -- The Aznalcóllar mining accident more than 11 years ago, which contaminated part of the Doñana National Park, also damaged reptile habitat there. Now a team of Spanish researchers, who have been studying the reptile community since 2000, have shown, by setting up artificial refuges, that the disappearance of natural refuges had a serious impact on lizard and snake numbers. ... > full story
ERK's got rhythm: Protein that controls cell growth found to cycle in and out of cell nucleus (December 2, 2009) -- Time-lapsed video of individual breast tissue cells reveals a never-before-seen event in the life of a cell: a protein that cycles between two major compartments: the nucleus, where genes are turned on and off, and the cell proper, where proteins work together to keep the cell functioning. The results give researchers a more complete view of the internal signals that cause breast tissue cells to grow, events that go awry in cancer. ... > full story
GOES-14 (O) moving into on-orbit storage around Earth (December 2, 2009) -- The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite named GOES-14 is being placed in on-orbit storage this month to await its call to duty. ... > full story
Resonating feathers produce courtship song in rare bird (December 1, 2009) -- Four years ago, a researcher reported a bizarre example of sexual selection in a rare South American bird: The male attracts the female by rubbing specialized wing feathers -- more than 100 cycles per second -- to create a high hum, similar to a sustained violin note. While the researchers speculated how the sound was created, they have since proven that the club-winged manakin's feathers resonate at a particular frequency to create the tone. ... > full story
First comprehensive review of the state of Antarctica's climate (December 1, 2009) -- The first comprehensive review of the state of Antarctica's climate and its relationship to the global climate system has just been published. The review -- Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment -- presents the latest research from the icy continent, identifies areas for future scientific research, and addresses the urgent questions that policy makers have about Antarctic melting, sea-level rise and biodiversity. ... > full story
How did flowering plants evolve to dominate Earth? (December 1, 2009) -- Scientists have discovered the evolutionary step which allowed flowering plants to become the most abundant and ecologically successful group of plants on Earth. ... > full story
Western diets turn on fat genes: Energy-dense foods may activate genes that ultimately make us obese (December 1, 2009) -- Those extra helpings of gravy and dessert at the holiday table are even less of a help to your waistline than previously thought. These foods hit you with a double-whammy as the already difficult task of converting high-fat and high-sugar foods to energy is made even harder because these foods also turn our bodies into "supersized fat-storing" machines. ... > full story
Scientists create mouse with key features of HIV infection without being infected with HIV (December 1, 2009) -- A major obstacle to HIV research is the virus's exquisite specialization for its human host -- meaning that scientists' traditional tools, like the humble lab mouse, can deliver only limited information. Now, a team of researchers has made an ingenious assault on this problem by creating a mouse that has key features of HIV infection without being infected with HIV. ... > full story
Bacteria 'invest' wisely to survive uncertain times, scientists report (December 1, 2009) -- Like savvy Wall Street money managers, bacteria hedge their bets to increase their chances of survival in uncertain times, strategically investing their biological resources to weather unpredictable environments. In a new study, researchers describe how bacteria play the market so well. ... > full story
Probiotic found to be effective treatment for colitis in mice (December 1, 2009) -- The probiotic, Bacillus polyfermenticus, can help mice recover from colitis. Mice treated with B.P. during the non-inflammatory period of the disease had reduced rectal bleeding, their tissues were less inflamed and they gained more weight than mice that did not receive the treatment. ... > full story
Evolutionary arms race between bacteria and their viruses in soil (December 1, 2009) -- Viruses of soil bacteria (phages) evolve to improve their ability to infect the bacterial hosts that surround them. This is shown in a new study. Phages appear to be better able to infect bacteria from the same small soil sample than bacteria from just a few centimeters away. Evolution can therefore restructure ecosystems on a very small scale. ... > full story
Naked mole rats may hold clues to surviving stroke (December 1, 2009) -- Naked mole-rats can withstand brain oxygen deprivation for more than 30 minutes -- more than any other mammal. The finding may provide clues for developing new brain injury treatments following stroke or heart attack. ... > full story
It takes two to infect: Structural biologists shed light on mechanism of invasion protein (December 1, 2009) -- Bacteria are quite creative when infecting the human organism. They invade cells, migrate through the body, avoid an immune response and misuse processes of the host cell for their own purposes. Structural biologists have now elucidated one mechanism of Listeria bacteria. ... > full story
Glimpse at Earth's crust deep below Atlantic Ocean (December 1, 2009) -- Long-term variations in volcanism help explain the birth, evolution and death of striking geological features called oceanic core complexes on the ocean floor, says a geologist. ... > full story
Traditional indigenous fire management techniques deployed against climate change (December 1, 2009) -- A landmark Australian project that mitigates the extent and severity of natural savannah blazes by deploying traditional Indigenous fire management techniques is being hailed as a model with vast global potential in the fights against climate change and biodiversity loss, and for protecting indigenous lands and culture. Proponents heading to climate change talks in Copenhagen say similar projects can be adopted in the savannas of Africa, where the potential for reductions is very high. ... > full story
Amphibians as environmental omen disputed (November 30, 2009) -- Amphibians, for years considered a leading indicator of environmental degradation, are not uniquely susceptible to pollution, according to a new meta-analysis. ... > full story
Two-pronged protein attack could be source of SARS virulence (November 30, 2009) -- Researchers have uncovered what they believe could be the major factor contributing to the SARS virus' virulence: the pathogen's use of a single viral protein to weaken host cell defenses by launching a "two-pronged" attack on cellular protein-synthesis machinery. ... > full story
Molecular architecture of Treponema pallidum, bacterium that causes syphilis (November 30, 2009) -- A team of scientists has used state-of-the-art technology to elucidate the molecular architecture of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium which causes syphilis. The previously unknown detailed structure of the bacteria can now be shown in three dimensions. This provides the first real image of the pathogen and reveals previously unknown features, which may help fight the spread of syphilis. ... > full story
Climate change in Kuwait Bay: Higher temperatures having profound effects (November 30, 2009) -- Since 1985, seawater temperature in Kuwait Bay, northern Persian Gulf, has increased on average 0.6 degrees Celsius per decade. This is about three times faster than the global average rate reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Differences are due to regional and local effects. Increased temperatures are having profound effects on key habitats and on power generation the Persian Gulf. ... > full story
Climate studies to benefit from 12 years of satellite aerosol data (November 30, 2009) -- Aerosols, very small particles suspended in the air, play an important role in the global climate balance and in regulating climate change. They are one of the greatest sources of uncertainty in climate change models. ESA's GlobAerosol project has been making the most of European satellite capabilities to monitor them. ... > full story
Vibrations key to efficiency of green fluorescent protein (November 30, 2009) -- Green fluorescent protein has invaded thousands of research labs around the world, thanks to its versatility in labeling cells and organisms. Now, chemists have discovered why GFP is such an efficient emitter of green light. A new technique, femtosecond stimulated Ramon spectroscopy, could provide snapshots of reactions in other light-capturing molecules and allow redesign for improved photon absorption in solar cells. ... > full story
Big freeze plunged Europe into ice age in months (November 30, 2009) -- In the film "The Day After Tomorrow," the world enters the icy grip of a new glacial period within the space of just a few weeks. New research shows this scenario may not be so far from the truth after all. ... > full story
Therapeutic benefits of the human-animal bond (November 30, 2009) -- A pet owner knows the enormous joy and comfort that an animal can provide, especially in troubled times. Most pets are considered important members of the family and irreplaceable companions. A growing body of research now documents the value of the human-animal bond in child development, elderly care, mental illness, physical impairment, dementia, abuse and trauma recovery, and the rehabilitation of incarcerated youth and adults. ... > full story
Plasma produces KO cocktail for MRSA (November 30, 2009) -- Two prototype devices have been developed: one for efficient disinfection of healthy skin (e.g. hands and feet) in hospitals and public spaces where bacteria can pose a lethal threat; and another to shoot bacteria-killing agents into infested chronic wounds and enable a quicker healing process. ... > full story
New culprit for viral infections among elderly -- an overactive immune response (November 30, 2009) -- Researchers have found that exaggerated responses of the immune system explain why the elderly succumb to viral infections more readily than younger people. The study bucks the general belief that declining immune responses are to blame for susceptibility to viral infections. ... > full story
Over-the-counter eye drops raise concern over antibiotic resistance (November 30, 2009) -- The use of antibiotic eye drops for conjunctivitis has increased by almost half since they became available over the counter at U.K. pharmacies in 2005. ... > full story
Past regional cold and warm periods linked to natural climate drivers (November 30, 2009) -- Intervals of regional warmth and cold in the past are linked to the El Niño phenomenon and the so-called "North Atlantic Oscillation" in the Northern hemisphere's jet stream, according to a team of climate scientists. These linkages may be important in assessing the regional effects of future climate change. ... > full story
New fossil plant discovery links Patagonia to New Guinea in a warmer past (November 30, 2009) -- Fossil plants provide clues as to what our planet looked like millions of years ago. Identifying fossil plants can be tricky, however, when plant organs fail to be preserved. Researchers recently discovered abundant fossilized specimens of a conifer (previously known as "Libocedrus" prechilensis) found in Argentinean Patagonia. Characteristics of these fossils match those currently found only in tropical, montane New Guinea and the Moluccas. This discovery helps to explain the remarkable plant and insect diversity found in Eocene Patagonia. ... > full story
Greening of Sahara desert triggered early human migrations out of Africa (November 30, 2009) -- Scientists have determined that a major change in the climate of the Sahara and Sahel region of North Africa facilitated early human migrations from the African continent. Among the key findings are that the Sahara desert and the Sahel were considerably wetter around 9,000, 50,000 and 120,000 years ago then at present, allowing for the growth of trees instead of grasses. ... > full story
Global study of salmon shows: 'Sustainable' food isn't so sustainable (November 30, 2009) -- Popular thinking about how to improve food systems often misses the point, according to the results of a three-year global study of salmon production systems. Rather than pushing for organic or land-based production, or worrying about simple metrics such as "food miles," the study finds that the world can achieve greater environmental benefits by focusing on improvements production and distribution. ... > full story
World’s largest working hydro-electric wave energy device launched (November 30, 2009) -- The global wave energy industry has taken a major stride forward with the launch of the world's largest working hydro-electric wave energy device by Aquamarine Power. ... > full story
New therapy may be effective against bacterial infections and sepsis (November 29, 2009) -- A new study found that certain immune cells primarily associated with asthma and allergies may enhance innate immunity and improve clearance of bacterial infections and may be an effective new therapy against bacterial infections and sepsis in humans. ... > full story
Tough yet stiff, deer antler is materials scientist's dream (November 29, 2009) -- It is almost impossible to make materials that are tough yet stiff: stiff materials tend to break easily and cannot absorb impacts. But not so dry deer antlers. Surviving impacts that are six times greater than crashes that shatter wet femur, deer antler is stiff enough to endure the dueling animals' pushing contests and could teach us how to make stiff, yet tough, materials. ... > full story
Peat fires drive temperatures up: Burning rainforests release huge amounts of greenhouse gases (November 29, 2009) -- The forested peatlands of the tropics store vast amounts of carbon. Forest fires convert this into the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. Scientists have now quantified these emissions and shown that peatland fires contribute significantly to global warming. ... > full story
Solar power from your windows, awnings, even clothing? (November 29, 2009) -- New research could one day lead to photovoltaic materials thin enough, flexible enough and inexpensive enough to go not only on rooftops but in windows, outdoor awnings and even clothing. ... > full story
Rare woodland plant uses 'cryptic coloration' to hide from predators (November 29, 2009) -- It is well known that some animal species use camouflage to hide from predators. Individuals that are able to blend in to their surroundings and avoid being eaten are able to survive longer, reproduce, and thus increase their fitness (pass along their genes to the next generation) compared to those who stand out more. This may seem like a good strategy, and fairly common in the animal kingdom, but who ever heard of a plant doing the same thing? ... > full story
Academic questions 'green' initiatives on cutting carbon footprint (November 29, 2009) -- Global carbon markets may well have been hailed as the savior of the planet by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but in many ways they are doing more harm than good, according to new evidence. ... > full story
Oceanic crust formation is dynamic after all (November 29, 2009) -- Earth scientists have found strong evidence that the geological processes that lead to the formation of oceanic crust are not as uniformly passive as believed. They found centers of dynamic upwelling in the shallow mantle beneath spreading centers on the seafloor. ... > full story
Biological basis of 'bacterial immune system' discovered (November 28, 2009) -- Scientists have discovered how the bacterial immune system works, and the finding could lead to new classes of targeted antibiotics, new tools to study gene function in microorganisms and more stable bacterial cultures used by food and biotechnology industries to make products such as yogurt and cheese. ... > full story
Female fruit flies do chores after sex (November 28, 2009) -- The sperm of male fruit flies are coated with a chemical 'sex peptide' which inhibits the female's usual afternoon siesta and compels her into an intense period of foraging activity. ... > full story
RNA network seen in live bacterial cells for first time (November 28, 2009) -- New technology has given scientists the first look ever at RNA in a live bacteria cell -- a sight that could offer new information about how the molecule moves and works. ... > full story
Ecologists sound out new solution for monitoring cryptic species (November 28, 2009) -- Ecologists have worked out a way of using recordings of birdsong to accurately measure the size of bird populations. This is the first time sound recordings from a microphone array have been translated into accurate estimates of bird species' populations. The new technique will also work with whale song and could lead to a major advance in our ability to monitor whale and dolphin numbers. ... > full story
Common herbicides and fibrates block nutrient-sensing receptor found in gut and pancreas (November 28, 2009) -- Certain common herbicides and lipid-lowering fibrate drugs act in humans to block T1R3, a nutrient-sensing taste receptor also present in intestine and pancreas. These compounds were not previously known to act on the receptor, which influences glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism. The effect is specific to humans and not revealed during animal testing. ... > full story
Control of mosquito vectors of malaria may be enhanced by a new method of biocontrol (November 28, 2009) -- Biopesticides containing a fungus that is pathogenic to mosquitoes may be an effective means of reducing malaria transmission, particularly if used in combination with insecticide-treated bednets, according to a modeling study. Results of the study show that incorporating this novel vector control technique into existing vector management programs may substantially reduce malaria transmission rates and help manage insecticide resistance. ... > full story
Study pits man versus machine in piecing together 425-million-year-old jigsaw (November 27, 2009) -- Reconstructing ancient fossils from hundreds of thousands of jumbled up pieces can prove challenging. A new study tested the reliability of expert identification versus computer analysis in reconstructing fossils. The investigation, based on fossil teeth from extinct vertebrates, found that the most specialized experts provided the most reliable identifications. ... > full story
Mass extinction: Why did half of N. America's large mammals disappear 40,000 to 10,000 years ago? (November 27, 2009) -- Years of scientific debate over the extinction of ancient species in North America have yielded many theories. However, new findings reveal that a mass extinction occurred in a geological instant. ... > full story
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