Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for April 22, 2011:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- New carbon allotrope could have a variety of applications- Bionic leg undergoing clinical trials
- Optical microscope without lenses produces high-resolution 3-D images on a chip
- Large Hadron Collider sets world record beam intensity
- Wireless carriers grapple with shortage of wireless spectrum
- Over range of ADHD behavior, genes major force on reading achievement, environment on math
- Botnets move P2P as centrally controlled zombie networks come under fire
- Frog embryo research leads to new understanding of cardiac development
- Americans turn to generic medications in 2010: report
- Facebook looks to cash in on user data
- NY MoMath museum aims to add to math appreciation
- New Fujitsu Lifebooks: no optical drive but a projector instead
- Effect of cloud-scattered sunlight on Earth's energy balance depends on wavelength of light
- Distinguishing yourself from others
- How fish swim: Imaging device shows contribution of fins
Space & Earth news
Malaysia reviews safety of rare earth plant
(AP) -- Malaysia said Friday it is appointing international experts to investigate whether a refinery being built by Australian miner Lynas Corp. Ltd. to process rare earth minerals presents any threat of radioactive pollution.
Science and policy can catalyze each other, EPA head says
Technological innovations have the ability to change environmental policies just as much as those policies can affect innovation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said during a visit to MIT on Friday, Apr. 15. In delivering the annual Henry W. Kendall Memorial Lecture, Jackson urged students and faculty at the Institute to look for sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
Pope to call space station in papal first
(AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI will be in satellite contact with two Italian astronauts aboard the International Space Station in what would be the first papal call to space.
Taiwan slams brake on $20 bn petrochemical project
A controversial giant petrochemical project in Taiwan is expected to be abandoned after the island's leader voiced his opposition on environmental grounds, officials said Friday.
Amazon forest and the price of gold
Ellen Silbergeld keeps the price of gold posted on the door to her office at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. The price is now at a record high (better than $1,500 an ounce) and Silbergeld, professor at Hopkins and editor-in-chief of the journal Environmental Research knows that is really bad news for the Amazon.
US gas well contained, but concerns rise on 'fracking'
Crews in Pennsylvania gained control Friday of a natural gas well that blew out and spilled thousands of gallons of chemical-laden drilling fluid into the environment over two days.
Russians 'never, ever had sex in space': official
Russian or Soviet cosmonauts never had sex in space in the 50 years of human exploration of the cosmos. And that's official, according to a Russian expert. As for Americans, well, you'd better ask them.
Lifelong pursuit of the secrets of the cosmos
In a small room at Caltech, space physicist Ed Stone and four of his colleagues puzzle over a trove of data that has just arrived from the bulbous edge of the solar system.
Image: Alaska's Susitna Glacier
(PhysOrg.com) -- Like rivers of liquid water, glaciers flow downhill, with tributaries joining to form larger rivers. But where water rushes, ice crawls. As a result, glaciers gather dust and dirt, and bear long-lasting evidence of past movements.
Chernobyl nuke cleanup to be costly for decades
(AP) -- A quarter-century after the Chernobyl nuclear reactor explosion, a week of meetings on the world's worst nuclear accident pressed home the message that the Chernobyl cleanup will remain expensive and anxiety-provoking for decades to come.
Britain issues first smog warning of the summer
The British government has urged people to avoid taking outdoor exercise in the afternoon over the Easter weekend because of the first "summer smog" of the year.
Hungary's toxic mud disaster leaves deep scars
When Piroska Nyoma surveys what was left of her street in the village of Devecser in the west of Hungary, her eyes fill with tears.
Europe prays for Easter rain in worst drought for a century
The Dutch have banned barbecues, camp fires and outdoor smoking this Easter, while the Swiss are forecasting potentially the worst drought in Europe for more than a century.
Geoscientists improve modeling of San Andreas fault
(PhysOrg.com) -- In the aftermath of recent earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, people who follow world news have been learning just how little scientists know about even the major fault systems and tectonic plate interactions that underlay the earth’s earthquake-prone zones.
Ultraviolet spotlight on plump stars in tiny galaxies
(PhysOrg.com) -- Astronomers using NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer may be closer to knowing why some of the most massive stellar explosions ever observed occur in the tiniest of galaxies.
Google Earth maps show populations at risk near nuclear plants
(PhysOrg.com) -- In a novel use of existing technology and data, Nature News in conjunction with Columbia University, has created a Google Earth map that shows the different population sizes surrounding nuclear power plants; ostensibly, to demonstrate the danger threshold of other plants worldwide, compared to the ongoing nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan.
NASA prepares satellite for a new era of Earth observation
On Christmas Eve in 1968, Apollo 8 astronauts orbiting the moon snapped an ethereal photo of our cloud-speckled blue planet rising over the lunar horizon with a hand-held camera.
Effect of cloud-scattered sunlight on Earth's energy balance depends on wavelength of light
Atmospheric scientists trying to pin down how clouds curb the amount of sunlight available to warm the earth have found that it depends on the wavelength of sunlight being measured. This unexpected result will help researchers improve how they portray clouds in climate models.
Technology news
Social media open up Singapore political debate
When the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) introduced a fresh-faced 27-year-old woman as one of its candidates for next month's elections, it was hoping to generate buzz among young voters.
Just because it's green doesn't make it mean
Unlike the spinach smoothie my boot camp instructor tries to get me to drink, just because something is green doesn’t necessarily make it a bad thing. Case in point - Algae.
University academic lifts lid on iPhone tracking
A University of Exeter researcher has revealed how he discovered Apple iPhones and iPads are tracking every movement of their owners and storing it in a file on the device.
SDSC to venture capitalists: Data-intensive supercomputing is here
The exponentially increasing amount of digital information, along with new challenges in storing valuable data and massive datasets, are changing the architecture of today's newest supercomputers as well as how researchers will use them to accelerate scientific discovery, said Michael Norman, director of the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC) at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
Groupon gives itself time to draft, deliver best IPO plan
Timing is everything when it comes to the daily-deal model popularized by Groupon Inc.: Grab the online discount before it expires. When it comes to an initial public offering, however, the rapidly growing Chicago-based startup may find it has the time to craft a strategy.
Samsung files lawsuits against Apple
(AP) -- South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. says it sued Apple Inc. for patent rights violations, only days after Apple sued Samsung for the same reason.
'Smart' power grid needed for electric vehicles
(PhysOrg.com) -- While an upcoming Electric Vehicle Grand Prix may reflect a growing popularity of electric vehicles, their widespread adoption will require innovations to the power grid, say researchers at Purdue University.
Groupon bargain service taps ex-Google exec
Online bargain hunter Groupon announced the appointment of former Google executive Margo Georgiadis on Thursday, saying she would oversee global sales, marketing and operations.
Roomba-maker iRobot clears path for robotics
Top scientists around the world are trying to improve upon robots, which can already detect bombs, perform surgery and even go into battle.
With friends like these...
(PhysOrg.com) -- Cambridge researchers have created a website that combines the Facebook profiles of fans of companies and public figures with personality testing to create what they are describing as a “revolutionary” new marketing tool.
Batteries for the future
One of the most important decisions facing designers of plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles is related to battery choice. Now, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have used a life cycle analysis to examine three vehicle battery types to determine which does the best job of powering the vehicle while causing the least amount of environmental impact during its production.
The rise of the Internet electorate
Four years ago, Barack Obama kicked off his presidential campaign on the steps of Illinois' Old State Capitol, speaking in front of thousands of supporters and a throng of media. Earlier this month, when he formally announced his re-election campaign, he did so without public appearance, in an online video.
Sony scrambles to revive PlayStation Network
Sony on Friday was working to revive its online network that connects PlayStation 3 (PS3) consoles to games, films, and other digital offerings.
GPS satellites get a serious upgrade
(PhysOrg.com) -- GPS has become such an integral part of the new technology in our lives that we really do not give it much of a thought. It gets us to our destination without getting lost. It helps the ambulance to find us when we dial 911 on our cell phones. It lets you become the mayor of your gym for all those check in's.
Wireless carriers grapple with shortage of wireless spectrum
Almost every wireless gadget on the planet, from the lock button on your car keys to the iPhone in your pocket to the Wi-Fi in your favorite coffee shop, runs over the electromagnetic spectrum.
Concrete recycling may cut highway construction cost, landfill use
(PhysOrg.com) -- Purdue University civil engineers are working with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to perfect the use of recycled concrete for highway construction, a strategy that could reduce material costs by as much as 20 percent.
Botnets move P2P as centrally controlled zombie networks come under fire
(PhysOrg.com) -- Botnets, those networks of computers infected with bots (little pieces of code that allow a computer to be manipulated from an outside source) have increasingly of late come under attack by law enforcement agencies as it’s become apparent that criminals are using them to steal personal information such as credit card numbers and pins. But, as the centrally based botnets go down, new peer to peer (P2P) botnets are cropping up to replace them.
Facebook looks to cash in on user data
Julee Morrison has been obsessed with Bon Jovi since she was a teenager. So when paid ads for fan sites started popping up on the 41-year-old Salt Lake City blogger's Facebook page, she was thrilled. She described herself as a "clicking fool," perusing videos and photos of the New Jersey rockers.
Medicine & Health news
Ultrasound tool, dubbed the 'new stethoscope,' to monitor critically ill patients
(PhysOrg.com) -- Vanderbilt cardiothoracic anesthesiologists and surgeons are pioneering the use of a tool that many in the cardiac field are calling the “new stethoscope” when it comes to monitoring critically ill patients.
Disease claims young victims in Ivory Coast crisis
(AP) -- Kneeling family members bent in prayer over two little bodies wrapped in sheets on the grass in the hospital grounds. Then two women among them released heart-rending wails.
Journal of Dental Research releases studies on oral health inequalities in older people
The International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) have published two studies about oral health inequalities in older people and low income individuals. These articles, titled "Income-related Inequalities in Dental Service Utilization by Europeans Aged 50+" by Stefan Listl, and "Income Inequality and Tooth Loss in the United States" by Eduardo Bernabe and Wagner Marcenes, are published in the Journal of Dental Research, the official publication of the IADR/AADR.
Holy $#!! Swearing can actually help you, study says
You know how you yell and curse and say bad things when you drop a hammer on your foot or burn your hand on a stove?
Studies show increased risk of blood clots when taking oral contraception with drospirenone
(PhysOrg.com) -- Two new drug safety studies conducted by researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) provide strong evidence that women taking oral contraception with drospirenone have an increased risk of nonfatal venous thromboembolism, or blood clots, compared to women taking oral contraception with levonorgestrel.
New approach to defeating flu shows promise
New research on mice has shown that pulmonary administration of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly reduces flu symptoms and prevents death after a lethal dose influenza virus. While GM-SCF therapy for humans as a flu prophylaxis or treatment may be years away, the study results were striking: All of the mice treated with GM-SCF survived after being infected with the influenza virus, whereas untreated mice all died from the same infection.
New gene found with potential role in female alcohol drinking
(Medical Xpress) -- Researchers at King's College London Institute of Psychiatry (IoP) have identified a new gene which may have a critical role in the molecular pathways contributing to alcohol drinking and the development of alcohol dependence in women.
Research brings new hope of renal recovery for cancer patients
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified a 21 day treatment threshold to facilitate renal recovery and significantly improve survival rates of myeloma or Kahler's disease; a cancer of the bone marrow.
Signaling pathway reveals mechanism for B cell differentiation in immune response
The finding establishes a role for the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in B cell differentiation, a key step toward the development of B cell-targeted drugs for treatment of autoimmune diseases and allergies.
Researchers say helmet laws effective
(Medical Xpress) -- University of Alberta researchers have confirmed that helmet bylaws increase wearing rates among adults.
Liver-cell transplants show promise in reversing genetic disease affecting liver, lungs
Transplanting cells from healthy adult livers may work in treating a genetic liver-lung disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, according to an animal study in the April 18 online edition of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Jayanta Roy-Chowdhury, M.D., professor of medicine and of genetics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, is the study’s senior author.
New radioisotope will improve cancer therapy
The high neutron flux at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) has produced samples of 161Tb, an isotope of terbium with better properties for cancer therapy than existing radiopharmaceutical treatments. Researchers led by Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and collaborating with ILL and Technical University of Munich, confirmed that 161Tb could be produced in sufficient quantity and quality for therapeutic use.
Study suggests way to bring stroke treatment in from the cold
(Medical Xpress) -- Investigating the mechanism behind a common emergency medical procedure known as therapeutic hypothermia, a team of researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) has found a potential new target for drugs that would help protect patients against brain damage after heart attacks or stroke.
Study revisits first clinical trial to treat multiple sclerosis decades later
(Medical Xpress) -- Tracking down nearly all 372 multiple sclerosis patients involved in a pivotal clinical trial of a drug decades ago has allowed a group of researchers from several institutions, led by professors at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Chicago, to a surprising discovery.
Vaccine effort targets 41 million in Americas
The Pan-American Health Organization said Friday it is aiming to vaccinate 41 million people in 45 Western Hemisphere nations against a variety of diseases in its ninth annual vaccination week.
Pfizer says patient died in oral RA drug study
(AP) -- Pfizer Inc. confirmed that one patient who was taking its drug candidate tofacitinib, a pill designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, died during a recent clinical trial and said the death was connected to the drug.
Distinguishing yourself from others
(Medical Xpress) -- Researchers in Japan have identified the specific nerve cells responsible for the ability to distinguish between the actions of self and others. The discovery lays the foundations for studying social learning at the level of nerve cells using a new experimental technique. The work, led by Masaki Isoda from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology and Atsushi Iriki from the RIKEN Brain Science Institute, may lead to a better understanding of mental conditions where distinctions between self and others become confused.
Over range of ADHD behavior, genes major force on reading achievement, environment on math
Humans are not born as blank slates for nature to write on. Neither are they behaving on genes alone.
Frog embryo research leads to new understanding of cardiac development
During embryonic development, cells migrate to their eventual location in the adult body plan and begin to differentiate into specific cell types. Thanks to new research at the University of Pennsylvania, there is new insight into how these processes regulate tissues formation in the heart.
Americans turn to generic medications in 2010: report
(Medical Xpress) -- In a new report released by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, the results show that over 78% of the almost four billion prescriptions written in the U.S. in 2010 were for generic drugs. The top 10 prescribed drugs for the year were all generic medications, and there were only three brand name drugs which made the top 25 list. This information is good for consumers as it means medication costs are lowering, however not as good for the pockets of the pharmaceutical companies.
Becoming a vampire without being bitten: A new study shows that reading expands our self-concepts
"We read to know we are not alone," wrote C.S. Lewis. But how do books make us feel we are not alone?
Bionic leg undergoing clinical trials
(Medical Xpress) -- A "bionic" leg designed for people who have lost a lower leg is undergoing clinical trials sponsored by the US Army. The researchers hope the leg will be able to learn the patient's nerve signal patterns and be able to move in response to the patient’s own muscles and nerves.
Biology news
Scotland's first marine reserve already producing benefits
Scotland's first fully protected marine reserve, and only the second in the UK, is already providing commercial and conservation benefits, according to new research.
Australian birds with cocky attitude
It's not yet the Bodega Bay of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds", but winged creatures are increasingly becoming a concern for inhabitants of Australia's biggest city.
The ultimate camo: Team to mimic camouflage skill of marine animals in high-tech materials
(PhysOrg.com) -- Camouflage expert Roger Hanlon of the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is co-recipient of a $6 million grant from the Office of Naval Research to study and ultimately emulate the exquisite ability of some marine animals to instantly change their skin color and pattern to blend into their environment.
Seafloor recovery from fishing gear impacts in Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary slow, unstable
The University of Connecticut and California State University researchers found that seafloor communities in a restricted fishing area in NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary showed indications of recovery from chronic fishing gear impacts but is not fully stable. The finding is significant because bottom trawlers, dredges and certain gillnets, for example, can alter the ocean floor and benthic ecosystems that provide food and shelter for fish and other marine species.
Earth Day? In Texas, it's for the birds
Team Sapsucker sped away in a minivan moments after midnight on Earth Day, ears perked and binoculars in hand, in a race to identify a US record number of bird species in a 24-hour period.
Bighead carp snagged in St. Croix River
It's an ugly brute with a gaping mouth and eyes that hang low on the bottom of its face. Someday soon, with two of its equally odious cousins, it could take over Minnesota's rivers and lakes, squeezing out native species. Unless somebody stops them.
Humpback whale migration as straight as an arrow
(PhysOrg.com) -- Over the last eight years, researchers from the University of Canterbury have been tracking 16 radio-tagged humpback whales through their migratory paths and learned that these whales follow a straight line for thousands of kilometers.
Nature and nurture help ant societies run smoothly
Picture an ant colony: up to a million ants, all looking identical, harmoniously going about their busy ant lives. But with so many ants around, how on Earth do they know who's friend and who's foe?
How fish swim: Imaging device shows contribution of fins
There are fish tales and then there are fish tails. And a report from Harvard researchers in the current issue of the journal Biology Letters seems to demonstrate that previous theories about how bony fish move through the water were, well, just fish tales.
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