Dear Reader ,
Here is your customized PHYSorg.com Newsletter for July 27, 2011:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Large scale qubit generation for quantum computing- Japanese researchers develop EV motor not reliant on rare earth metals
- Blainville's beaked whales go silent at the surface
- Astrophysicists apply new logic to downplay the probability of extraterrestrial life
- Reservoirs of ancient lava shaped Earth
- Researchers show how memory is lost -- and found
- Largest recorded tundra fire yields scientific surprises
- Wave power can drive Sun's intense heat
- Fatty foods really are mood enhancers
- Social networking elephants never forget
- Social deficits associated with autism, schizophrenia induced in mice with new technology
- Material created at Purdue lets electrons 'dance' and form new state
- ISS to be sunk after 2020: Russian space agency
- Study: Earth shares its orbit with tiny asteroid
- Famed fossil isn't a bird after all, analysis says
Space & Earth news
Happy 40th anniversary, Apollo 15!
This month is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 15 launch. This mission was the eighth manned mission in the Apollo program and the fourth to the Moon. The Apollo 15 mission is important because it was another step in manned exploration bringing more advanced scientific tools for exploration of the Moon. The mission demonstrates the importance that advanced technology has in further manned space exploration. This is perhaps an important thing to remember with the recent conclusion of the U.S Space Shuttle program.
NASA sees Tropical Storm Nock-ten knocking the Philippines
Tropical Storm Nock-ten, formerly tropical depression 10W continues raining on the Philippines, and a NASA satellite image shows the extent of the storm's clouds.
NASA sees dramatic temperatures around Tropical Depression 11W
Tropical Depression 11W appears as a huge and very cold area of clouds on infrared imagery from NASA. Infrared imagery basically provides temperature data of factors such as clouds and sea surface and there's quite a contrast between the two around Tropical Depression 11W.
Farmers more likely to be green if they talk to their neighbors
Besides helping each other plant and harvest, rural Chinese neighbors also influence each other's environmental behavior – farmers are more likely to reenroll their land in a conservation program if they talk to their neighbors about it.
The first true view of global erosion
Every mountain and hill shall be made low, declared the ancient prophet Isaiah. In other words: erosion happens. But for the modern geologist a vexing question remains: how fast does this erosion happen?
China launches navigation satellite: Xinhua
China launched its ninth navigation satellite on Wednesday, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing sources at the launch centre.
SpaceX pushes for mission to space station on next flight
NASA and SpaceX have “technically” agreed to allow the Dragon capsule to dock with the International Space Station this fall, according to SpaceX’s Twitter feed. The Dragon capsule is currently – and tentatively — scheduled to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on November 30, and berth with the ISS 9 days later. Originally, the Dragon was scheduled to just rendezvous and station-keep with the space station on this second flight for Dragon and then dock on a subsequent flight. But after the successful test flight for the first Dragon capsule in Dec. 2010, SpaceX asked NASA to combine the two missions.
VST looks at the Leo Triplet -- and beyond
(PhysOrg.com) -- A huge image, from the new VLT Survey Telescope (VST) and its camera OmegaCAM at ESO's Paranal Observatory, shows a triplet of bright galaxies in the constellation of Leo (The Lion). But the faint objects in the background, rather than the foreground galaxies, are what may capture an astronomer’s attention. The VST’s sharp view of these dim objects hints at the power of the telescope and OmegaCAM for mapping the distant Universe.
Efficacy of cool roofs varies from city to city
(PhysOrg.com) -- While cool roofs and pavements have been found to cool the planet by preventing energy from being radiated back into the atmosphere, previous studies have not accounted for atmospheric feedbacks that may result from changing the surface reflectivity of urban areas. A new study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) breaks new ground by using a high-resolution model of the continental United States that incorporates land-surface feedback to probe the effects of deploying light-colored roads and rooftops.
Connecting the dots on aerosol details
Predicting future climate change hangs on understanding aerosols, considered the fine details in the atmosphere. Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the National Center for Atmospheric Research used a new modeling tool to bring the picture of aerosols and their actions on clouds into sharper focus.
Martian water vs. the volcanoes
For decades NASA has been "following the water" on Mars with hopes of finding signs of alien life there; or at least signs that future colonists won't die of thirst. Now a Texas geologist has dared to revive an old, almost heretical idea -- backed up with all the latest data -- that the Red Planet has been bone dry for billions of years.
Largest recorded tundra fire yields scientific surprises
In 2007 the largest recorded tundra fire in the circumpolar arctic released approximately as much carbon into the atmosphere as the tundra has stored in the previous 50 years, say scientists in the July 28 issue of the journal Nature. The study of the Anaktuvuk River fire on Alaska's North Slope revealed how rapidly a single tundra fire can offset or reverse a half-century worth of soil-stored carbon.
Wave power can drive Sun's intense heat
A new study sheds light on why the Sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, is more than 20 times hotter than its surface. The research, led by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), may bring scientists a step closer to understanding the solar cycle and the Sun's impacts on Earth.
Reservoirs of ancient lava shaped Earth
Geological history has periodically featured giant lava eruptions that coat large swaths of land or ocean floor with basaltic lava, which hardens into rock formations called flood basalt. New research from Matthew Jackson and Richard Carlson proposes that the remnants of six of the largest volcanic events of the past 250 million years contain traces of the ancient Earth's primitive mantle—which existed before the largely differentiated mantle of today—offering clues to the geochemical history of the planet. Their work is published online July 27 by Nature.
ISS to be sunk after 2020: Russian space agency
Russia and its partners plan to plunge the International Space Station (ISS) into the ocean at the end of its life cycle after 2020 so as not to leave space junk, its space agency said Wednesday.
Study: Earth shares its orbit with tiny asteroid
(AP) -- Like a poodle on a leash, a tiny asteroid runs ahead of Earth on the planet's yearlong strolls around the sun, scientists report.
Astrophysicists apply new logic to downplay the probability of extraterrestrial life
David Spiegel of Princeton University and Edwin Turner from the University of Tokyo have published a paper on arXiv that turns the Drake equation on its head. Instead of assuming that life would naturally evolve if conditions were similar to that found here on Earth, the two use Bayesian reasoning to show that just because we evolved in such conditions, doesn’t mean that the same occurrence would necessarily happen elsewhere; using evidence of our own existence doesn’t show anything they argue, other than that we are here.
Technology news
India's HCL profit soars, outlook upbeat
India's fourth-largest software firm HCL on Wednesday posted a leap of 52 percent in quarterly net profit, beating expectations and giving an upbeat outlook despite global economic uncertainty.
NASA's iPad app beams science straight to users
NASA satellites beam data from space; now the Agency is beaming it straight to your iPad.
Protecting networks is just a game
How can an organization detect the onset of an attack on its computer network giving it time to respond quickly and block any intrusion or compromise of its data? Modern firewalls and other technology are already in place, but these have not prevented major attacks on prominent networks in recent months. Now, information technologist Heechang Shin of Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, has used game theory to develop a defense mechanism for networks that is more effective than previous approaches.
From detonation to diapers: Los Alamos computer codes at core of advanced manufacturing tools
Computational tools developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory to help ensure the reliability of the nation's nuclear weapons deterrent in the absence of testing are helping industry giants ensure the reliability of their manufacturing processes.
LG Electronics 2Q net profit plunges, sales fall
(AP) -- LG Electronics, a top global manufacturer of mobile phones and flat-screen TVs, said second-quarter net profit plunged as sales declined and its mobile phone business remained in the red.
California dreaming: LA imagines life without cars
Los Angeles is famous for its addiction to cars -- whether cruising in their convertibles, or (more often) sitting in monster traffic jams on the freeway, the car is definitely king for Angelenos.
US Congress embracing social media: report
Democrats and Republicans in Congress may be split over how to deal with the US debt and a host of other issues but they are united when it comes to social media.
Handset makers get Windows Phone update 'Mango'
Microsoft on Tuesday made the latest version of its mobile phone software available to handset partners as it seeks to claw back market share from Apple and Google.
'Evil' Australian hacker faces 49 charges
A man who used the online nickname "Evil" has been charged with hacking attacks that police Wednesday alleged could have caused considerable damage to Australias national infrastructure.
Samsung says 5 mn new-model Galaxy handsets sold
South Korea's Samsung Electronics, the world's second-largest mobile phone maker, said Wednesday it had sold five million Galaxy S II smartphones worldwide since the device debuted in April.
Microscopes borrow tricks from astronomy to see deep into living tissues
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, are developing new microscope technologies to enable biologists to see deep within living tissues and observe critical processes involved in basic biology and disease.
30-Year-Old 3-D movie made from viking data gets new life
Back in 1979, scientists at Stanford University created a 3-D movie from images sent back by the Viking landers on Mars. It was rather novel in that, while 3-D movies had been around since the 1950′s — mostly for low-budget B movies in theaters — this stereographic film was more scientific in nature, but was created for the public to learn more about the Viking mission and Mars, providing a “you are there” experience.
Carnegie Mellon develops iPhone app that predicts when bus will arrive
Everybody who waits at a bus stop wants to know one thing: Where's the bus? Thanks to Tiramisu, a new iPhone application developed at Carnegie Mellon University, transit riders in Pittsburgh will soon be able to get the answer by using crowdsourcing to share arrival times with each other.
Japanese researchers develop EV motor not reliant on rare earth metals
Japanese researchers working out of Tokyo University of Science, have built what they describe as a motor for electric cars that does not require so-called rare earth metals; a move that could drive down the costs for such vehicles.
Medicine & Health news
Concern over intensive treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes
Doctors should be cautious about prescribing intensive glucose lowering treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes as a way of reducing heart complications, concludes a new study published in the British Medical Journal today.
Families shifting from private to public health insurance for children: study
Families are increasingly relying on public health insurance plans to provide coverage for their children, a growing trend that researchers say is tied to job losses, coverage changes to private health insurance plans, and expanded access to public plans, according to new research from the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire.
Evidence shows NTD control can help in the fight against HIV/AIDS
There is a growing body of evidence revealing the connection between neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and HIV/AIDS, prompting experts to call for greater integration of national NTD treatment programs with HIV/AIDS initiatives.
Bowel cancer risk doubles for men
Men’s chances of getting bowel cancer in Great Britain have doubled since the mid 70s - according to new figures released today by Cancer Research UK.
Out-of-the-blue panic attacks aren't without warning - body sends signals for hour before
Panic attacks that seem to strike sufferers out-of-the-blue are not without warning after all, according to new research.
How the brain keeps track of what we're doing
“Working memory” is what we have to keep track of things moment to moment: driving on a highway and focusing on the vehicles around us, then forgetting them as we move on; remembering all the names at the dinner party while conversing with one person about her job.
Researchers identify mechanism underlying COPD disease persistence after smoking cessation
Cigarette smoke exposure fundamentally alters airway tissue from people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the cellular level, laying the groundwork for airway thickening and even precipitating precancerous changes in cell proliferation that may be self-perpetuating long after cigarette smoke exposure ends, according to Australian researchers.
Refocusing the boom in biomarker research
An article in the current edition of Chemical & Engineering News, ACS's weekly newsmagazine, describes the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of one of the hottest pursuits in modern biomedical science — the search for "biomarkers" that could greatly improve the diagnosis of disease and efforts to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Review of 700,000 women reveals factors affecting vaginal birth after previous cesarean
A wide range of clinical and non-clinical factors can affect whether women go on to have a vaginal delivery after having a caesarean, according to two major reviews published in the August issue of the Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Non-cocaine, topical anaesthetics can kill pain when repairing skin wounds
While some pain killers need to be injected into the damaged tissue in order to work, topical anaesthetics only need to be spread on the surface. The earliest examples of "topical" anaesthetics contained cocaine, but now a new systematic review has shown that newer agents that don't contain cocaine can effectively treat pain caused by torn skin. This makes these pain killers an attractive choice for doctors who need to sew-up a patient's skin wound.
Joint replacement surgery increases risk of blood clot formation in certain patients
When tennis star Serena Williams underwent emergency treatment for a pulmonary embolism earlier this year, the world's attention was drawn to this often fatal medical condition which, although surprisingly not uncommon, is unfamiliar to most men and women. A common risk factor associated with clot development is surgery; particularly hip and knee replacement surgery.
Researchers discover how some breast cancers alter their sensitivity to estrogen
Using human breast cancer cells and the protein that causes fireflies to glow, a Johns Hopkins team has shed light on why some breast cancer cells become resistant to the anticancer effects of the drug tamoxifen. The key is a discovery of two genetic "dimmer switches" that apparently control how a breast cancer gene responds to the female hormone estrogen.
Social acumen equals spatial skill, psychologist finds
who are adept at metaphorically putting themselves in someone else's shoes – are also more proficient when it comes to spatial skills, according to a new study led by a Johns Hopkins University psychologist.
Gastric bypass surgery changes food preferences
Gastric bypass surgery alters people's food preferences so that they eat less high fat food, according to a new study led by scientists at Imperial College London. The findings, published in the American Journal of Physiology—Regulatory, Integrative, and Comparative Physiology, suggest a new mechanism by which some types of bariatric surgery lead to long-term weight loss.
For some, hypnosis eases pain, recovery of surgery
(AP) -- As the surgeons cut into her neck, Marianne Marquis was thinking of the beach.
Could patients' own kidney cells cure kidney disease?
Approximately 60 million people across the globe have chronic kidney disease, and many will need dialysis or a transplant. Breakthrough research published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN) indicates that patients' own kidney cells can be gathered and reprogrammed. Reprogramming patients' kidney cells could mean that in the future, fewer patients with kidney disease would require complicated, expensive procedures that affect their quality of life.
Signal explains why site of origin affects fate of postnatal neural stem cells
New research may help to explain why the location of postnatal neural stem cells in the brain determines the type of new neurons that are generated. The research, published by Cell Press in the July 28 issue of the journal Neuron, demonstrates that a signaling pathway which plays a key role in development also actively regulates the fate of neural stem cells in the adult brain. Manipulation of this signaling pathway redirected the fate of adult stem cells, a finding that may impact the design of future strategies for creating stem cell therapies.
Yoga boosts stress-busting hormone, reduces pain
A new study by York University researchers finds that practicing yoga reduces the physical and psychological symptoms of chronic pain in women with fibromyalgia.
Сomputed tomography shows changes in lungs associated with COPD flare-ups
Using computed tomography (CT), researchers have identified two types of structural changes in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that are associated with frequent exacerbations, or episodes when symptoms suddenly worsen. Their findings are published online in the journal Radiology.
Big gap exists on health care spending between Latinos and whites, study finds
New research out of UCLA has found that Latinos living in the United States — particularly those who were born outside the country — are far less likely to spend for health care and are more likely to pay out-of-pocket when they do spend than the white population.
Popular mammography tool not effective for finding invasive breast cancer
Computer-aided detection (CAD) technology is ineffective in finding breast tumors, and appears to increase a woman's risk of being called back needlessly for additional testing following mammography, a large UC Davis study has found.
One in six fast-food customers cut calories after US food labeling system introduction
Around a sixth of fast food customers used calorie information and, on average, bought food with lower calories since the introduction of a labelling system in the US, says a new study published in the British Medical Journal today.
Children born after unplanned pregnancy are slower to develop
Children born after unplanned pregnancies tend to have a more limited vocabulary and poorer non-verbal and spatial abilities; however this is almost entirely explained by their disadvantaged circumstances, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal today. The same study reported no adverse effects of infertility treatment on the children.
Study looks at NYC fast-food menu calorie counts
Like any fitness program, it works only if you pay attention to it. A new study on New York City's effort to encourage healthy eating by posting calorie counts on menus shows that it worked for about one in six customers - or those who paid heed to them. Those who ignored the numbers or didn't see them ordered whatever they wanted, regardless of how fattening it was.
New report examines the use of animals containing human material in biomedical research
(Medical Xpress) -- A new report looking at the use of animals containing human material (ACHM) in biomedical research has identified areas of sensitivity - including cognition, reproduction and creating visual characteristics perceived as uniquely human - and calls for additional oversight to ensure innovative science can flourish within clearly defined ethical boundaries with public support.
New imaging technique captures brain activity in patients with chronic low back pain
Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) uses a new imaging technique, arterial spin labeling, to show the areas of the brain that are activated when patients with low back pain have a worsening of their usual, chronic pain. This research is published in the August issue of the journal Anesthesiology.
Sexually victimized girls with PTSD not more likely to binge drink later
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common outcome of sexual assault among many teenage girls, but they do not necessarily cope by binge drinking, a new study finds. When they occur in these girls, PTSD symptoms, such as unwanted recollections of the assault, decrease over time.
Researchers aim for 'direct brain control' of prosthetic arms (w/ Video)
Engineering researchers at four U.S. universities are embarking on a four-year project to design a prosthetic arm that amputees can control directly with their brains and that will allow them to feel what they touch. While it may sound like science fiction, the researchers say much of the technology has already been proven in small-scale demonstrations.
Short-term use of amphetamines can improve ADHD symptoms in adults
Giving amphetamines to adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can help them control their symptoms, but the side effects mean that some people do not manage to take them for very long. These conclusions were drawn by a team of five researchers working at Girona and Barcelona Universities in Spain, and published in a new Cochrane Systematic Review.
Researchers work to take the pressure off newborns' lungs
Children born with heart defects that pummel their lungs with up to three times the normal blood volume quickly find their lungs in jeopardy as well.
First measurements of HAAs in urine of swimmers and pool workers
The first scientific measurements in humans show that potentially harmful haloacetic acids (HAAs) appear in the urine of swimmers within 30 minutes after exposure to chlorinated water where HAAs form as a byproduct of that water disinfection method. Reported in the ACS journal Environmental Science & Technology, the study found that HAAs also appeared in the urine of swimming pool workers.
Unexpected discovery on hormone secretion
A team of geneticists at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), directed by Dr. Jacques Drouin, made an unexpected discovery on hormone secretion. Contrary to common belief, the researchers found that pituitary cells are organized in structured networks. The scientific breakthrough was published yesterday by the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Fair play -- a question of self-image?
Why do people behave selfishly and accept that their behaviour may have negative consequences for others? Astrid Matthey and Tobias Regner from the Max Planck Institute of Economics in Jena investigated this question in a laboratory experiment. They found that such behaviour often depends on whether information about the consequences for others can be ignored. Based on their findings, the researchers believe that conclusions can be drawn on, for instance, how the marketing of fair trade products could be improved.
As unhealthy food outlets multiply, teens eat more junk
Got lots of fast food restaurants and other outlets that sell junk food in your neighborhood? Then your teen is more likely to nosh regularly on burgers and fries and wash them down with a soda.
Home is where the healthy meal is
Can a cozy dining table and nice music prompt people to reach for the greens and go light on dessert?
Think healthy, eat healthy: Scientists show link between attention, self-control
(Medical Xpress) -- You're trying to decide what to eat for dinner. Should it be the chicken and broccoli? The super-sized fast-food burger? Skip it entirely and just get some Rocky Road?
Brain cap technology turns thought into motion
"Brain cap" technology being developed at the University of Maryland allows users to turn their thoughts into motion. Associate Professor of Kinesiology José 'Pepe' L. Contreras-Vidal and his team have created a non-invasive, sensor-lined cap with neural interface software that soon could be used to control computers, robotic prosthetic limbs, motorized wheelchairs and even digital avatars.
Researchers show how memory is lost -- and found
Yale University researchers can't tell you where you left your car keys- but they can tell you why you can't find them.
Fatty foods really are mood enhancers
A new study published in the August issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation shows just why it is that people tend to turn to fatty foods in order to boost their emotional state and reduce feelings of sadness. Be it chocolate chip cookies, French fries and a chocolate shake or whatever your favorite fatty food may be, researchers say these fatty foods create a biological change in your body to reduce the feelings of sadness.
Social deficits associated with autism, schizophrenia induced in mice with new technology
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have been able to switch on, and then switch off, social-behavior deficits in mice that resemble those seen in people with autism and schizophrenia, thanks to a technology that allows scientists to precisely manipulate nerve activity in the brain. In synchrony with this experimentally induced socially aberrant behavior, the mice exhibited a brain-wave pattern called gamma oscillation that has been associated with autism and schizophrenia in humans, the researchers say.
Children and adolescent mobile phone users at no greater risk of brain cancer than non-users
Children and adolescents who use mobile phones are not at a statistically significant increased risk of brain cancer compared to their peers who do not use mobile phones, according to a study published July 27 in the Journal of The National Cancer Institute.
Biology news
Dozens of boars found dead on French beach
Dozens of wild boars have turned up dead this month around a beach in western France, officials say, as they suspect poisonous blue-green algae for the deaths.
Calves clock-in for monitored mealtimes
Electronic ear tags are being used to provide an early warning system that will help farmers identify sick animals within a herd.
Use of mist nets for bird capture safe, effective
A Kansas State University graduate student has contributed to research showing the use of mist nets to capture birds for scientific studies isn't ruffling many feathers.
Electronic publishing 'goes live': News from the International Botanical Congress in Melbourne
The Nomenclature Section of the 18th International Botanical Congress in Melbourne, in July 2011, proposed and approved sweeping changes to the way scientists name new plants, algae, and fungi. To demonstrate the efficiency of electronic publishing, the first open access plant taxonomy journal PhytoKeys published a correspondence note by a team of botanists from various USA institutions (Smithsonian Institution, The Missouri Botanical Garden, The Chicago Botanical Garden, and The Field Museum of Chicago), led by Dr James Miller from the New York Botanical Garden. The correspondence was written, submitted, edited, proofread, and published by PhytoKeys during the congress in just four days.
Killer whale sounds fail to urge gray whale to sea
(AP) -- A female gray whale remains stuck in a Northern California river despite scientists' efforts to nudge the 40-ton mammal seaward with unpleasant underwater sounds.
Seeing the wood for the trees: New study shows sheep in tree-ring records
Nibbling by herbivores can have a greater impact on the width of tree rings than climate, new research has found. The study, published this week in the British Ecological Society's journal Functional Ecology, could help increase the accuracy of the tree ring record as a way of estimating past climatic conditions.
Gopher tortoises are in trouble but won't get federal protection
The long-awaited message from federal authorities Tuesday to a shrinking population of gopher tortoises: Sorry, but we don't have the time and money to protect you.
Orangutans adapt their movements to swamp forest
Orangutans living in thin forest growing in peat swamps in Borneo have different ways of getting about to their cousins in drier rainforest on the neighbouring Indonesian island of Sumatra - but not as different as scientists expected.
Whales show the 'right' stuff for recovery
As record numbers of whales pass New South Wales during the annual northern migration, scientists and conservationists are watching for southern right whales particularly carefully, following new research released this month.
The end is in sight for amphibian fungal disease
Over the past 30 years, around 200 species of amphibians have disappeared due to chytridiomycosis, a fungal infection. The scientific community has attempted to fight the pathogen, without success. Now, an international research group has reviewed every technique in order to prevent the effects of this disease and local extinctions.
Organized crime is wiping out wildlife
A paper by noted WCS conservationist Elizabeth Bennett says that an immense, increasingly sophisticated illegal trade in wildlife parts conducted by organized crime, coupled with antiquated enforcement methods, are decimating the world's most beloved species including rhinos, tigers, and elephants on a scale never before seen.
Pearl-flowered legume a surprise new find in the Cape Snowy Mountains, South Africa
A pearl-flowered legume collected in 2005 by Ralph Clark & Nigel Barker (Rhodes University) in the Sneeuberg, South Africa, was determined by taxonomists Charles Stirton & Muthama Muasya (University of Cape Town) to be a distinct new species. Psoralea margaretiflora is the latest endemic species from the Sneeuberg Centre of Floristic Endemism. The discovery highlights the importance of the poorly explored Great Escarpment in South Africa. The study was published in the open access journal PhytoKeys.
DNA solves identities of Australian melons and loofah
Molecular data have shown that three Australian Cucurbitaceae species initially collected in 1856 but never accepted as separate species are distinct from each other and that one of them is the closest relative of the honeymelon, Cucumis melo. The names for these species are sorted out in a study published in the open access journal PhytoKeys.
Suit against federal stem cell research dismissed
(AP) -- A lawsuit that had threatened to end the Obama administration's funding of embryonic stem cell research was thrown out Wednesday, allowing the U.S. to continue supporting a search for cures to deadly diseases over protests that the work relies on destroyed human embryos.
Cod resurgence in Canadian waters
Cod and other groundfish populations off the east coast of Canada are showing signs of recovery more than 20 years after the fisheries collapsed in the early 1990s, according to research published today in Nature.
Social networking elephants never forget
Asian elephants typically live in small, flexible, social groups centered around females and calves while adult males roam independently. However, new research published in BioMed Central's open access journal BMC Ecology shows that while Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Sri Lanka may change their day to day associations they maintain a larger, stable, network of friends from which they pick their companions.
Parrots learn their 'names' from their parents
(PhysOrg.com) -- Parrots, which have long amused us for their ability to imitate our vocal patterns, actually learn to caw their "names" from their parents, says a new Cornell study. The research offers the first evidence that parrots learn their unique signature calls from their parents and shows that vocal signaling in wild parrots is a socially acquired rather than a genetically wired trait.
A closer look at cells
Many substances and nutrients are exchanged across the cell membrane. EPFL scientists have developed a method to observe these exchanges, by taking a highly accurate count of the number of proteins found there. Their research has just been published in the Journal Plos One.
Could we grow drugs using sunflowers?
Queensland researchers believe future cancer drugs could be grown in sunflowers and ultimately delivered as a seed ‘pill’.
It's dim up north
The farther that human populations live from the equator, the bigger their brains, according to a new study by Oxford University. But it turns out that this is not because they are smarter, but because they need bigger vision areas in the brain to cope with the low light levels experienced at high latitudes.
Blainville's beaked whales go silent at the surface
A new study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science revealed how Blainville’s beaked whales go completely silent in an apparent stealth mode when they near the surface in an effort to avoid predators.
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