ScienceDaily Environment Headlines -- for Friday, August 19, 2011 ~ techdeck

ScienceDaily Environment Headlines

for Friday, August 19, 2011

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Further, faster, higher: Wildlife responds increasingly rapidly to climate change (August 19, 2011) -- New research shows that species have responded to climate change up to three times faster than previously appreciated. ... > full story

DNA construction software saves time, resources and money (August 19, 2011) -- Scientists have developed the first software package for automating DNA construction that not only makes the process faster and more efficient but -- with an eye on the economics of scientific discovery -- also identifies which construction strategy would be the most cost-effective. ... > full story

Researchers chart long-shrouded glacial reaches of Antarctica: Huge rivers of ice are found flowing seaward from continent's deep interior (August 19, 2011) -- A vast network of previously unmapped glaciers on the move from thousands of miles inland to the Antarctic coast has been charted for the first time by scientists. The findings will be critical to tracking future sea rise from climate change. ... > full story

A faster, cheaper way to diagnose tuberculosis (August 19, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a faster, cheaper method for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). A major barrier in TB prevention, especially in developing countries, is that diagnosis is slow and costly. Researchers have developed a method which could potentially decrease the time taken to make a diagnosis. Their method is also cheaper than the current fastest methods. ... > full story

How sticky egg captures sperm: Discovery could help explain infertility causes and provide new contraceptive targets (August 18, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered exactly how a human egg captures an incoming sperm to begin the fertilization process. The research identifies the sugar molecule that makes the outer coat of the egg 'sticky', which is vital for enabling the sperm and egg to bind together. The scientists behind this study believe their work could help address some of the previously unexplained causes of human infertility and sub-fertility and be very useful for diagnosing this problem in couples who are unable to have children. It could also provide a new target for the development of natural contraceptive agents. ... > full story

Bacteria from dog feces present in outdoor air in urban areas (August 18, 2011) -- Bacteria from fecal material -- in particular, dog fecal material -- may constitute the dominant source of airborne bacteria in Cleveland's and Detroit's wintertime air. ... > full story

Physicists uncover new data on adenine, a crucial building block of life (August 18, 2011) -- Physicists have shown that one of the building blocks of DNA and RNA, adenine, has an unexpectedly variable range of ionization energies along its reaction pathways. ... > full story

Calcifying microalgae are witnesses of increasing ocean acidification (August 18, 2011) -- For the first time researchers have examined on a global scale how calcified algae in their natural habitat react to increasing acidification due to higher marine uptake of carbon dioxide. ... > full story

Biologists' discovery may force revision of biology textbooks: Novel chromatin particle halfway between DNA and a nucleosome (August 18, 2011) -- Basic biology textbooks may need a bit of revising now that biologists have discovered a never-before-noticed component of our basic genetic material. ... > full story

Greenland glacier melting faster than expected (August 18, 2011) -- A key glacier in Greenland is melting faster than previously expected, according to new findings. Researchers found that Greenland's longest-observed glacier, Mittivakkat Glacier, made two consecutive record losses in mass observations for 2010 and 2011. ... > full story

Moon younger than previously thought, analysis of lunar rock reveals (August 18, 2011) -- Analysis of a piece of lunar rock brought back to Earth by the Apollo 16 mission in 1972 has shown that the Moon may be much younger than previously believed. This is concluded in new research conducted by an international team of scientists that includes James Connelly from the Centre for Star and Planet Formation, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen. Their work has just been published in Nature. ... > full story

Virus uses 'Swiss Army knife' protein to cause infection (August 18, 2011) -- In an advance in understanding Mother Nature's copy machines, motors, assembly lines and other biological nano-machines, scientists are describing how a multipurpose protein on the tail of a virus bores into bacteria like a drill bit, clears the shavings out of the hole and enlarges the hole. They report on the "Swiss Army knife" protein, which enables the virus to pump its genetic material into and thus infect bacteria. ... > full story

Polar ice caps can recover from warmer climate-induced melting, study shows (August 18, 2011) -- New research indicates that even if Earth warmed enough to melt all polar sea ice, the ice could recover if the planet cooled again. ... > full story

Improved method for capturing proteins holds promise for biomedical research (August 18, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a new way of producing antibody-like binding agents and rapidly optimizing their affinity for their target proteins. Such capture reagents are vital for revealing the subtleties of protein function, and may pave the way for improved methods of detecting and treating a broad range of diseases. ... > full story

How microbes travel around Earth: Models show bacteria sized microbes carried between Mexico and Australia (August 18, 2011) -- Scientists from the UK and Switzerland have investigated the remarkable distance that microorganisms may be able to blow between continents, raising questions about their potential to colonize new lands and also potentially to spread diseases. ... > full story

Sniffer dogs can be used to detect lung cancer, research suggests (August 18, 2011) -- Sniffer dogs could be used for the early detection of lung cancer, according to new research. The study, carried out by researchers in Germany, is the first to find that sniffer dogs can reliably detect lung cancer. ... > full story

Nature reaches for the high-hanging fruit: Tools of paleontology shed new light on diversity of natural plant chemicals (August 18, 2011) -- In the first study of its kind, researchers have used tools of paleontology to gain new insights into the diversity of natural plant chemicals. They have shown that during the evolution of these compounds nature doesn't settle for the "low-hanging fruit" but favors rarer, harder to synthesize forms, giving pointers that will help in the search for potent new drugs. ... > full story

Human pathogen killing corals in the Florida Keys (August 18, 2011) -- A research team has identified human sewage as the source of the coral-killing pathogen that causes white pox disease of Caribbean elkhorn coral. Once the most common coral in the Caribbean, elkhorn coral was listed for protection under the United States Endangered Species Act in 2006, largely due to white pox disease. ... > full story

Cellular laser microsurgery illuminates research in vertebrate biology (August 18, 2011) -- Using an ultrafast femtosecond laser, researchers were able to label, draw patterns on, and remove individual melanocytes cells from a species of frog tadpole (Xenopus) without damaging surrounding cells and tissues. Melanocytes are the cells responsible for skin pigment; they also are descendants of a specific type of stem cell that has regenerative potential and other characteristics similar to some cancer cells. ... > full story

First major survey of amphibian fungus in Asia completed (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers have completed the first major survey in Asia of the deadly chytridiomycosis fungus that has wiped out more than 200 species of amphibians worldwide. The massive survey could help scientists zero in on why the fungus has been unusually devastating in many parts of the globe -- and why Asian amphibians have so far been spared the same dramatic declines. ... > full story

Getting inside the mind (and up the nose) of our ancient ancestors (August 17, 2011) -- Reorganization of the brain and sense organs could be the key to the evolutionary success of vertebrates, one of the great puzzles in evolutionary biology, according to a new article. ... > full story

Fish oil's impact on cognition and brain structure identified in new study (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers have found positive associations between fish oil supplements and cognitive functioning as well as differences in brain structure between users and non-users of fish oil supplements. The findings suggest possible benefits of fish oil supplements on brain health and aging. ... > full story

Greenhouse gases: The measurement challenge (August 17, 2011) -- A new report focuses on one of the key challenges to developing an effective strategy for managing Earth's greenhouse gases: Defining and developing the measurement technology needed to quantify greenhouse gas emissions. ... > full story

Most primitive living eel discovered: Creating a new species, genus and family of animal (August 17, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a remarkably primitive eel in a fringing reef off the coast of the Republic of Palau. This fish exhibits many primitive anatomical features unknown in the other 19 families and more than 800 species of living eels, resulting in its classification as a new species belonging to a new genus and family. ... > full story

Wind-turbine placement produces tenfold power increase, researchers say (August 17, 2011) -- The power output of wind farms can be increased at least tenfold simply by optimizing the placement of turbines on a given plot of land, say researchers conducting a unique field study at an experimental two-acre wind farm in northern Los Angeles County, California. ... > full story

It's a small world, after all: Earth is not expanding, NASA research confirms (August 17, 2011) -- A NASA-led research team has confirmed what Walt Disney told us all along: Earth really is a small world, after all. Since Charles Darwin's time, scientists have speculated that the solid Earth might be expanding or contracting. That was the prevailing belief, until scientists developed the theory of plate tectonics, which explained the large-scale motions of Earth's lithosphere, or outermost shell. Even with the acceptance of plate tectonics half a century ago, some Earth and space scientists have continued to speculate on Earth's possible expansion or contraction on various scientific grounds. Now a new study has essentially laid those speculations to rest. Using a cadre of space measurement tools and a new data calculation technique, the team detected no statistically significant expansion of the solid Earth. ... > full story

Gator in your tank: Alligator fat as a new source of biodiesel fuel (August 17, 2011) -- Amid growing concern that using soybeans and other food crops to produce biodiesel fuel will raise the price of food, scientists have identified a new and unlikely raw material for the fuel: Alligator fat. A new article documents alligator fat's suitability for biofuel production. ... > full story

Popular herbal supplements may adversely affect chemotherapy treatment (August 17, 2011) -- Acai berry, cumin, herbal tea, turmeric and long-term use of garlic -- all herbal supplements commonly believed to be beneficial to your health -- may negatively impact chemotherapy treatment according to a new report. ... > full story

Researchers improving GPS accuracy in the third dimension (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers who are working to fix global positioning system (GPS) errors have devised software to take a more accurate measurement of altitude -- particularly in mountainous areas. The software is still under development, but in initial tests it enabled centimeter-scale GPS positioning -- including altitude -- as often as 97 percent of the time. ... > full story

Oldest evidence of nails in modern primates (August 17, 2011) -- From hot pink to traditional French and Lady Gaga's sophisticated designs, manicured nails have become the grammar of fashion. Scientists have now recovered and analyzed the oldest fossil evidence of fingernails in modern primates, confirming the idea nails developed with small body size and disproving previous theories nails evolved with an increase in primate body size. ... > full story

Mimicking biological complexity, in a tiny particle (August 17, 2011) -- Tiny particles made of polymers hold great promise for targeted delivery of drugs and as structural scaffolds for building artificial tissues. However, current production methods for such microparticles yield a limited array of shapes and can only be made with certain materials, restricting their usefulness. New technology could lead to better drug delivery and artificial tissues that imitate natural tissue. ... > full story

Gemini-Scout robot likely to reach trapped miners ahead of rescuers (August 17, 2011) -- Robotics engineers have designed the Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue Robot, which finds dangers and can provide relief to trapped miners. ... > full story

Nut-allergy sufferers face prejudice: Life-threatening nut allergies viewed as 'frivolous' by many (August 17, 2011) -- Parents of nut-allergy sufferers face hostility and skepticism in trying to find safe environments for their children, a new study has found. ... > full story

Breathing new life into Earth: Evidence of early oxygen in the oceans of our planet (August 17, 2011) -- New research suggests oxygen may have been made on Earth hundreds of millions of years before its debut in the atmosphere, keeping a low profile in "oxygen oases" in the oceans. Researchers found evidence that tiny aerobic organisms may have evolved to survive on extremely low levels of the gas in these undersea oases. ... > full story

Major breakthrough on how viruses infect plants (August 17, 2011) -- Plant scientists have shed light on a problem that has puzzled researchers since the first virus was discovered in 1892 -- how exactly do they cause disease? ... > full story

Rediscovery of disappeared species: Truly back from the brink? (August 17, 2011) -- Extinction is a focal issue among scientists, policy makers and the general public. Each year, numerous species which are thought to have disappeared are rediscovered. Yet, these rediscoveries remain on the brink of extinction. ... > full story

Dark beer has more iron than pale beer or non-alcoholic beer (August 17, 2011) -- Researchers have analyzed 40 brands of beer, discovering that dark beer has more free iron than pale and non-alcoholic beers. Iron is essential to the human diet, but also helps oxidize the organic compounds that give these beverages stability and flavor. ... > full story

Moon and Earth may be younger than originally thought (August 17, 2011) -- New research using a technique that measures the isotopes of lead and neodymium in lunar crustal rocks shows that the moon and Earth may be millions of years younger than originally thought. ... > full story

Man in the moon looking younger (August 17, 2011) -- Earth's Moon could be younger than previously thought. The prevailing theory of our Moon's origin is that it was created by a giant impact between a large planet-like object and the proto-Earth. The Moon formed from melted material that was ejected into space. Analysis of lunar rock samples thought to have been derived from the original magma has given scientists a new estimate of the Moon's age. ... > full story

Key mechanism that regulates shape and growth of plants discovered (August 16, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a key mechanism that -- much like a construction site foreperson -- controls the direction of plant growth as well as the physical properties of the biopolymers that plants produce. ... > full story

Tsunami observed by radar, may lead to better early warning systems (August 16, 2011) -- The tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11 was picked up by high-frequency radar in California and Japan as it swept toward their coasts, according to US and Japanese scientists. This is the first time that a tsunami has been observed by radar, raising the possibility of new early warning systems. ... > full story

A tool to measure stress hormone in birds: Feathers (August 16, 2011) -- Traditionally, researchers have analyzed blood samples to detect corticosterone levels in wild birds. But recently, scientists have shown that corticosterone spikes can also be detected by analyzing bird feathers. ... > full story

Climate change could drive native fish out of Wisconsin waters (August 16, 2011) -- The cisco, a key forage fish found in Wisconsin's deepest and coldest bodies of water, could become a climate change casualty and disappear from most of the Wisconsin lakes it now inhabits by the year 2100, according to a new study. ... > full story

Scientists expand knowledge of cell process involved in many diseases (August 16, 2011) -- Scientists have for the first time defined the structure of one of the cell's most basic engines, which is required for cell growth, as it assembles from its components. ... > full story

Soft coral builds strong reefs (August 16, 2011) -- Marine scientists have shown that soft corals are one of the central building blocks of reefs. An in-depth analysis of reefs in the South China Sea challenges conventional thinking about soft corals and makes their preservation a priority, researchers say. ... > full story

Researchers unravel the magic of flocks of starlings (August 16, 2011) -- Do fish swimming in schools or birds flying in flocks have a collective spirit that enables them to move as one? Are they animals with highly developed cognition, a complex instinct or a telepathic gift? A recent study conducted researchers in the Netherlands points in another direction. Mathematical models of self-organization show that complicated collective behavior can be the consequence of a few simple behavioral rules. ... > full story

Influence of breast milk vs. formula and genetics on gut microbiota composition could help prevent celiac disease (August 16, 2011) -- The autoimmune condition, Celiac disease, afflicts roughly one in 133 Americans. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Now a team of investigators from Spain shows that the level of genetic risk of celiac disease influences the composition of infants' gut microbiota, and confirms earlier studies showing that the type of milk feeding -- breast vs. formula -- also influences the species distribution. Their hypothesis is that these changes in the intestinal microbiota may directly influence the risk of celiac disease, and that if this is so, changes in diet -- particularly breast feeding -- could reduce that risk. ... > full story

Garlic doesn't just repel vampires (August 16, 2011) -- The folk wisdom that eating garlic fights illness is ancient. In these more modern times, fruit and vegetable extracts that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms are actually being evaluated as food preservatives, in part because consumers are demanding fewer synthetic chemical food preservatives. Now, researchers have found, contrary to expectations, that a group of garlic-derived organosulfur compounds has greater antimicrobial activity than garlic-derived phenolic compounds. ... > full story

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