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Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for March 18, 2011:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Physicists investigate lower dimensions of the universe- Simulating tomorrow's accelerators at near the speed of light
- Scientists find a key to maintaining our DNA
- Slower evolving bacteria win in the end
- NASA spacecraft now circling Mercury -- a first
- Enhancing the magnetism
- Scientists find candidate for new TB vaccine
- New process cleanly extracts oil from tar sands and fouled beaches
- New study finds apex fossils aren't life
- Scientists study record-breaking 2010 heatwave
- New clues for asthma treatment
- Kinect to help the blind 'see' in augmented reality
- Can an MP3 hack your car?
- NASA proposes laser use to move space junk
- 3D, 360-degree fog display shown off (w/ video)
Space & Earth news
Can biochar help suppress greenhouse gases?
Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas and a precursor to compounds that contribute to the destruction of the ozone. Intensively managed, grazed pastures are responsible for an increase in nitrous oxide emissions from grazing animals' excrement. Biochar is potentially a mitigation option for reducing the world's elevated carbon dioxide emissions, since the embodied carbon can be sequestered in the soil. Biochar also has the potential to beneficially alter soil nitrogen transformations.
When a bus becomes a satellite
Alphabus has met Alphasat. Europe's largest telecom satellite is taking shape with final assembly and testing ready to begin in Toulouse, France.
Nuclear specialists share Japan radioactivity data
A UN agency that monitors for clandestine nuclear tests said Friday it was sharing its data about radioactivity levels in Japan with the world body's atomic watchdog and health organisation.
Experts: Radiation not a concern for West Coast
(AP) -- Government experts are keeping a close eye on any radioactive particles that could travel from Japan to the West Coast, but insist there's no threat to public health.
Diplomat says minuscule fallout reaches Calif.
(AP) -- The first radioactive fallout from Japan's crippled nuclear plant reached Southern California early Friday, but the readings indicate levels far below a level that could endanger people, according to a diplomat.
Ozone levels pose health risk even below current U.S. air safety standard: expert
Exposure to ozone even at levels below the current U.S. standard for safe and clean air poses a breathing risk for healthy people.
Landsat 7 satellite shows tsunami effects in Sendai, Japan
Before and after images from the Landsat 7 satellite show the after effects of the tsunami that followed the 9.0 earthquake off of Japan's east coast last weekend. A side-by-side comparison reveals inland areas inundated by water from the tsunami, smoke from burning fires and clouds of debris in the water.
Russia says delayed space flight on for April 5
Russia said Friday it had solved the problem that caused it to delay the launch of three astronauts to the International Space Station and would proceed with the mission on April 5.
Indonesia issues red alert as volcano erupts
Indonesia issued a red alert Friday after Mount Karangetang on the island of Sulawesi erupted, sending lava and searing gas clouds down its slopes, a volcanologist said.
Astronomers detect echoes from the depth of a red giant star
(PhysOrg.com) -- Today an international team of astronomers reports the discovery of waves inside a star that travel so deep that they reach the core. The discovery was published in the renowned journal Science, and was possible thanks to precise measurements with the Kepler space telescope.
New process cleanly extracts oil from tar sands and fouled beaches
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new, more environmentally friendly method of separating oil from tar sands has been developed by a team of researchers at Penn State. This method, which utilizes ionic liquids to separate the heavy viscous oil from sand, also is capable of cleaning oil spills from beaches and separating oil from drill cuttings, the solid particles that must be removed from drilling fluids in oil and gas wells.
New study finds apex fossils aren't life
Structures thought of as the oldest known fossils of microbes might actually be microscopic mineral formations not associated with life, suggesting that astrobiologists have to be careful calling alien objects “life” when scientists have trouble telling what is or was alive on Earth.
Scientists study record-breaking 2010 heatwave
An international research team has compared the hot summers of 2003 and 2010 in detail for the first time. Last year’s heatwave across Eastern Europe and Russia was unprecedented in every respect: Europe has never experienced so large summer temperature anomalies in the last 500 years.
NASA proposes laser use to move space junk
(PhysOrg.com) -- A team of scientists led by NASA space scientist James Mason have proposed the idea of using a mid-powered laser and telescope to nudge pieces of space junk out of the way and slow it down to avoid collisions.
NASA spacecraft now circling Mercury -- a first
For the first time, Earth has a regular orbiting eye-in-the-sky spying on the solar system's smallest and strangest planet, Mercury.
Technology news
Google '20-percent time' going to help Japan
Legions of Google workers are devoting a fifth of their work time or more to building technology to help to deal with the disaster in Japan.
US politicians seek to connect with voters online
American voters are going online more than ever to engage in politics, and their elected representatives are seeking to meet them there -- with mixed results.
Plutonium in troubled reactors, spent fuel pools
(AP) --The fuel rods at all six reactors at the stricken Fukushima Dai-ichi complex contain plutonium - better known as fuel for nuclear weapons. While plutonium is more toxic than uranium, other radioactive elements leaking out are likely to be of greater danger to the general public.
How to help heal an injured joint
Knee patients need patience: injuries to these joints take weeks to heal. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed a system that documents the healing process in detail. This motivates patients and at the same time helps doctors to fine-tune the course of treatment.
GE defends nuclear plant design
General Electric defended its 40 year old Mark 1 reactors at the center of Japan's nuclear crisis Friday, saying that early questions about reactor's safety had long been addressed.
The inhumanness of technology
Ever get the feeling that a thumbs-up on Facebook just isn't the same as seeing a friend? Ever feel like you want more than 140 characters from someone?
Facebook can help in disasters: academic
An Australian academic Friday praised the increasing use of social media during disasters, saying there had been a "beautiful display of humanity" on Facebook during recent catastrophes.
Microsoft takes down major fake drug spam network
Microsoft on Thursday announced the dismantling of a "notorious and complex" network of virus-infected computers used to send billions of email messages daily hawking fake drugs.
PS3 videogames put players into the action
Sony is certain that console videogame lovers want to be more immersed than ever in big, bold on-screen adventures.
Researchers pursue re-engineering of US power grid for efficiency, renewable energy
Imagine a modern nation that works, communicates, and entertains itself via an ever-expanding lattice of fast and efficient high-tech devices but powers this network with an electric system that dates to before many parts of the country even had electricity and leaks nearly as much energy as it transports.
YouTube helping with search for missing in Japan
Google offered up YouTube on Friday to help victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami find missing loved ones.
IBM to pay $10 million to settle Asian bribe case
IBM has agreed to pay $10 million to settle charges it gave cash and gifts to Chinese and South Korean government officials, according to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
EMC's anti-hacking division hacked
The world's biggest maker of data storage computers on Thursday said that its security division has been hacked, and that the intruders compromised a widely used technology for preventing computer break-ins.
Dueling algorithms
There's an old joke about two hikers on a trail, one wearing hiking boots and the other running shoes. "Why the running shoes?” the first hiker asks. "In case of bears,” the second answers. The first hiker laughs and says, "Running shoes won’t help you outrun a bear." "I don’t need to beat the bear," the second hiker says. "I just need to beat you."
Kinect to help the blind 'see' in augmented reality
(PhysOrg.com) -- It seems like there are no shortage of uses for the Kinect system. The device, which was initially created by Microsoft as an add-on to its popular Xbox 360 video game console, to allow users to ditch the controller, has been getting around. Now, it has been integrated into a system designed to help the blind.
Can an MP3 hack your car?
(PhysOrg.com) -- The idea that someone can get into your car without your permission isn't a new one. It's about as old as the coat hanger, but that was back in the days when you locks had a pull up button. We tend to think that digital car locks are safer, because it takes a higher level of sophistication to get into them, when Physorg reported on it in January, it was security professionals who were stealing the cars, but now it may be easier to boost you car, with the most innocuous of devices.
3D, 360-degree fog display shown off (w/ video)
(PhysOrg.com) -- Any fan of Star Trek knows about the joys of the holodeck. The idea of a 3D, 360-degree immersive digital environment, projected on demand, is an enticing one that has thus far been confined to the silver screen, but technologies are emerging that just may make this possible. In 2008 Physorg reported on a 3D fog display on a room-sized scale, but it could not give a 360 degree experience. New developments in this area may make this possible at some point in the future.
Scotland surges ahead with new 10MW tidal farm
(PhysOrg.com) -- Taking advantage of the steady sea currents that flow through the underwater canyon walls in the sound of Islay, off the southwest coast of Scotland, between the islands of Islay and Jura, the Scottish energy company ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) has been given the go-ahead by the Scottish government to begin installing 10 underwater HS100 tidal turbines (made by Hammerfest Strom, a Norwegian company) on the ocean floor.
Android vs. iPhone: Which has the faster web browser? Two studies disagree
Android phones vs. iPhones - it's the smart phone equivalent of the Boston Red Sox vs. the New York Yankees.
Medicine & Health news
Colorectal cancer: 'Don't be embarrassed to death'
(PhysOrg.com) -- UC Irvine Healthcare reminds people not to ignore the health of their digestive tract during Colorectal Cancer Awareness month.
The past, present and future of cancer
Leading cancer researchers reflected on past achievements and prospects for the future of cancer treatment during a special MIT symposium on Wednesday titled “Conquering Cancer through the Convergence of Science and Engineering.”
Scientists create test to track global spread of antibiotic resistance
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a molecular test that has tracked the global spread of a carrier of antibiotic resistance, according to a paper published online today by a leading medical journal.
Doctors should evaluate liver disease patients for cognitive impairment, address driving safety
There are potential legal ramifications for physicians of patients who drive with cognitive impairment, according to a study in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.
Important role for the cerebellum
Hereditary diseases such as epilepsy or various coordination disorders may be caused by changes in nerve cells of the cerebellum, which do not set in until after birth. This is reported by Bochum's neuroscientists in the Journal of Neuroscience.
North African migrants' health and quality of life
The Centre for Primary Health Care Research aims to improve the conditions for immigrants to the EU through research and by providing recommendations for health policy measures. The CPF will coordinate the Swedish contribution to a major EU project that has received EUR 2 million to study the health of migrants from North Africa.
Look to overweight for source of U.S. health problems
U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin came to Berkeley’s Alumni House Thursday to deliver her “vision of a healthy and fit nation.” But the day’s most burning health question, at least in the minds of the news media gathered at her subsequent press conference, was this: Should people be worried about radiation from Japan’s ongoing nuclear crisis?
Can medical malpractice reform really hold down health care spending?
Maxwell Mehlman, professor of law and medicine, says there's no evidence that reducing a victim's compensation will save money.
Spring allergies have arrived
It may look like the dead of winter outside, but the allergy season is already underway. Trees begin spreading pollen before leaves appear on their branches. Grass and weeds will begin pollinating later in the year.
Few studies delve into hospice care in nursing homes
A new evidence review finds that there’s scant high-quality research on the best comprehensive strategies for nursing homes hoping to ease the suffering of older patients through hospice care.
Researcher develops medical technology to detect and treat disease
Cancer, heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death among Canadians. These are also the deadly diseases that Victor Yang's research team aims to alleviate.
Terminolgy matters in parents' willingness to enroll their children in research
When presented with different terms to describe a clinical trial, parents were far more likely to consent to enroll their child if it was called a "research study" than if it was called a "medical experiment" or a "research project," in large part because they perceived the former as safer, even though that was not necessarily the case, according to a report in IRB: Ethics & Human Research.
Japanese tsunami underscores need for elder disaster preparedness
The oldest segment of Japan's population will likely be the hardest hit as a result of the recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami, based on data from previous catastrophic events. Approximately 23 percent of Japanese citizens currently are age 65 and above.
Life expectancy rising in UK and Europe despite obesity epidemic
Life expectancy in Europe keeps increasing despite the obesity epidemic, with people in Britain reaching an older age than those living in the US, according to an analysis of trends over the last 40 years.
Migraines could be caused by double-jointedness
By most people, double-jointedness is seen as a common, harmless condition.
New insights for a therapeutic approach in glioblastoma
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists from the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research have identified a new and important molecular player in glioblastoma. The amount of the MNK1 kinase is not only dramatically increased in this devastating brain tumor, but its inhibition reduces cell proliferation and substantially sensitizes glioma cells to rapamycin. MNK1 controls the production of cancer related proteins, in particular those highly activated in malignant tumors. Their results are published today in Cancer Research.
Electronic medical records improve quality of care in resource-limited countries
A new study, conducted by researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and the schools of medicine at Indiana University and Moi University, is one of the first to explore and demonstrate the impact of electronic record systems on quality of medical care in a developing country.
Taking diabetes medication helps lower medical costs, slightly
A new study in the journal Health Services Research shows that diabetes patients who do a better job of taking their medication have slightly lower health care costs.
Economics and evolution help scientists identify new strategy to control antibiotic resistance
A team of scientists from the University of Oxford, U.K. have taken lessons from Adam Smith and Charles Darwin to devise a new strategy that could one day slow, possibly even prevent, the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. In a new research report published in the March 2011 issue of GENETICS, the scientists show that bacterial gene mutations that lead to drug resistance come at a biological cost not borne by nonresistant strains. They speculate that by altering the bacterial environment in such a way to make these costs too great to bear, drug-resistant strains would eventually be unable to compete with their nonresistant neighbors and die off.
Kidney cancer patients who have partial organ removal are healthier
(Edmonton) Patients with kidney cancer who had their entire organ removed were more likely to have more renal complications and poorer health after surgery, compared to those who had only part of their kidney removed, a study has shown.
New study adds weight to diabetes drug link to heart problems
A new study published in the British Medical Journal today adds to mounting evidence that rosiglitazone - a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes - is associated with an increased risk of major heart problems.
'Bilingual' neurons may reveal the secrets of brain disease
(PhysOrg.com) -- A team of researchers from the University of Montreal and McGill University have discovered a type of "cellular bilingualism" – a phenomenon that allows a single neuron to use two different methods of communication to exchange information. "Our work could facilitate the identification of mechanisms that disrupt the function of dopaminergic, serotonergic and cholinergic neurons in diseases such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's and depression," wrote Dr. Louis-Eric Trudeau of the University of Montreal's Department of Pharmacology and Dr. Salah El Mestikawy, a researcher at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and professor at McGill's Department of Psychiatry. An overview of this discovery was published in the Nature Reviews Neuroscience journal.
Researchers gain new insight into the brain's ability to reorganize itself
When Geoffrey Murphy, Ph.D., talks about plastic structures, he's not talking about the same thing as Mr. McGuire in The Graduate. To Murphy, an associate professor of molecular and integrative physiology at the University of Michigan Medical School, plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change as we learn.
Scientists find candidate for new TB vaccine
Scientists have discovered a protein secreted by tuberculosis (TB) bacteria that could be a promising new vaccine candidate, they report today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The protein could also be used to improve diagnosis of TB.
Biology news
Researchers to study positive genetic contributions of viruses
The positive genetic contributions of viruses to life on Earth will be explored by researchers at the University of Delaware and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute through a grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation Marine Microbiology Initiative.
In wake of Japan tragedy, pet owners cautioned against giving potassium iodide to animals
(PhysOrg.com) -- Pet owners anticipating the possible movement to the West Coast of radioactive material from Japan’s damaged nuclear power plants should not give their dogs, cats or other pets potassium iodide tablets, cautions a UC Davis veterinary cancer researcher.
New insights into cell death
A Cardiff team has contributed to a study of a novel model of cell death which helps to explain how cells in the breast die through an archaic mechanism that is relevant to breast cancer.
Ecologists use 70-year-old pressed plants to chart city's vanishing native flora
More than half of the world's population now lives in cities, yet we know little about how urbanization affects biodiversity. In one the first studies of its kind, ecologists in Indianapolis, USA have used 70 year-old dried plant specimens to track the impact of increasing urbanization on plants. The results are published this week in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Ecology.
21 whales die, 11 saved in Australian beaching
Twenty-one long-finned pilot whales have died but 11 were saved after beaching themselves at Bruny Island, south of the Tasmanian state capital Hobart, conservation officials said on Friday.
Human gender roles influence research on animals
In a recent study published in Animal Behavior, biology researchers Kristina Karlsson Green and Josefin Madjidian at Lund University in Sweden have shown that animals' and plants' traits and behavior in sexual conflicts are colored by a human viewpoint. They want to raise awareness of the issue and provoke discussion among their colleagues in order to promote objectivity and broaden the research field.
Pollen also appears outside flowering season
"There is of course a very close relationship between the moment at which pollen is released by plants and the data gathered by the traps used to measure these grains, but this is not always the case", Rafael Tormo, a botanist from the University of Extremadura and co-author of the paper, tells SINC.
Overweight? Get someone else's gut bacteria
People who are overweight may have different gut bacteria from those in their slender fellow human beings. This is the contention of Willem de Vos, professor of Microbiology at Wageningen University, The Netherlands, in his dies lecture on 9 March.
Fairy wrens: Accountants of the animal kingdom
A puzzling example of altruism in nature has been debunked with researchers showing that purple-crowned fairy wrens are in reality cunningly planning for their own future when they assist in raising other birds' young by balancing the amount of assistance they give with the benefits they expect to receive in the future.
Enzyme can steer cells or possibly stop them in their tracks
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have discovered that members of an enzyme family found in humans and throughout the plant and animal kingdoms play a crucial role in regulating cell motility. Their findings suggest an entirely new strategy for treating conditions ranging from diabetic ulcers to metastatic cancer.
Slower evolving bacteria win in the end
(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists in the US have found bacteria that evolve slowly are more likely to survive in the long term than those evolving more quickly.
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