The EDGE: ScienceDaily Environment Headlines -- for Tuesday, February 14, 2012

ScienceDaily Environment Headlines

for Tuesday, February 14, 2012

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Explosive evolution need not follow mass extinctions, study of ancient zooplankton finds (February 13, 2012) -- Fossil record of graptoloids challenges the theory that immediately after a mass extinction, species develop new physical traits at a rapid pace. ... > full story

Fish of Antarctica threatened by climate change (February 13, 2012) -- A study of the evolutionary history of Antarctic fish and their "anti-freeze" proteins illustrates how tens of millions of years ago a lineage of fish adapted to newly formed polar conditions -- and how today they are endangered by a rapid rise in ocean temperatures. ... > full story

Love, chocolate good for the heart, says cardiologist (February 13, 2012) -- Being involved in a healthy, loving relationship is good for the heart, says a cardiologist. People who are married or who are in close, healthy relationships tend to be less likely to smoke, are more physically active and are more likely to have a well-developed social structure, she said. They are also more likely to have lower levels of stress and anxiety in their day-to-day lives. ... > full story

Where big fish take shelter has big impact on their ability to cope with climate change (February 13, 2012) -- The choices big fish make on where to shelter could have a major influence on their ability to cope with climate change, say scientists. In research aimed at understanding the process of fish population decline when coral reefs sustain major damage, scientists have found that big fish show a marked preference for sheltering under large, flat table corals. ... > full story

Scientist works to detach protein that HIV uses as protective shield (February 13, 2012) -- One of the frustrations for scientists working on HIV/AIDS treatments has been the human immunodeficiency virus' ability to evade the body's immune system. Now a researcher has discovered a compound that could help put the immune system back in the hunt. ... > full story

Starve a virus, feed a cure? (February 12, 2012) -- A protein that protects some of our immune cells from the most common and virulent form of HIV works by starving the virus of the molecular building blocks that it needs to replicate. While researchers hope the work will one day lead to a way to make anti-HIV drugs more effective by increasing their potency against the virus, they're also excited about its implications for our knowledge of other pathogens, such as herpes viruses. ... > full story

Molecular secrets of ancient Chinese herbal remedy discovered (February 12, 2012) -- For roughly two thousand years, Chinese herbalists have treated Malaria using a root extract, commonly known as Chang Shan, from a type of hydrangea that grows in Tibet and Nepal. More recent studies suggest that halofuginone, a compound derived from this extract's bioactive ingredient, could be used to treat many autoimmune disorders as well. Now, researchers have discovered the molecular secrets behind this herbal extract's power. ... > full story

How a protein protects cells from HIV infection (February 12, 2012) -- A novel discovery reveals a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt the spread of HIV. Harnessing this mechanism may open up new paths for therapeutic research aimed at slowing the virus’ progression to AIDS. ... > full story

A mitosis mystery solved: How chromosomes align perfectly in a dividing cell (February 12, 2012) -- Although the process of mitotic cell division has been studied intensely for more than 50 years, researchers have only now solved the mystery of how cells correctly align their chromosomes during symmetric mitosis. ... > full story

Human cognitive performance suffers following natural disasters (February 11, 2012) -- Not surprisingly, victims of a natural disaster can experience stress and anxiety, but a new study indicates that it might also cause them to make more errors - some serious - in their daily lives. Researchers have explored how cognitive performance can decline after earthquakes and other natural disasters. ... > full story

Environment's effects on evolution of survival traits (February 11, 2012) -- Advances in studying genes mean that scientists in evolutionary developmental biology or “evo-devo” can now explain more clearly than ever before how bats got wings, the turtle got its shell and blind cave fish lost their eyes, says an evolutionary biologist. ... > full story

Dramatic improvements and persistent challenges for women in science (February 11, 2012) -- The underrepresentation of women in science has received significant attention. However, there have been few studies in which longitudinal data were used to assess changes over time. Now researchers find that women in the field of ecological studies have experienced dramatic improvements, but persistent challenges remain. ... > full story

New method for creating tissue engineering scaffolds (February 10, 2012) -- Researchers have developed a new method for creating scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, providing an alternative that is more flexible and less time-intensive than current technology. ... > full story

Protein libraries in a snap (February 10, 2012) -- One undergraduate student will depart university with not only a degree but also a possible patent for his invention of an efficient way to create protein libraries, an important component of biomolecular research. ... > full story

Grass to gas: Genome map speeds biofuel development (February 10, 2012) -- Researchers have taken a major step in the ongoing effort to find sources of cleaner, renewable energy by mapping the genomes of two originator cells of Miscanthus x giganteus, a large perennial grass with promise as a source of ethanol and bioenergy. ... > full story

Seven sweet facts about how chocolate is made (February 10, 2012) -- Most people are unaware of how chocolate gets from trees to your table find out with these seven fun facts. ... > full story

The power of estrogen: Male snakes attract other males (February 10, 2012) -- A new study has shown that boosting the estrogen levels of male garter snakes causes them to secrete the same pheromones that females use to attract suitors, and turned the males into just about the sexiest snake in the neighborhood -- attracting dozens of other males eager to mate. ... > full story

Fighting crimes against biodiversity: How to catch a killer weed (February 10, 2012) -- Invasive species which have the potential to destroy biodiversity and influence global change could be tracked and controlled in the same way as wanted criminals, according to new research. ... > full story

Cannabis use doubles chances of vehicle crash, review finds (February 10, 2012) -- Drivers who consume cannabis within three hours of driving are nearly twice as likely to cause a vehicle collision as those who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to a new review. ... > full story

Domestic consumption main contributor to Africa's growing E-waste problem (February 10, 2012) -- A new report sheds light on current recycling practices and on socio-economic characteristics of the E-waste sector in West Africa. In the five countries studied, between 650,000 and 1,000,000 tons of domestic E-waste are generated each year, which need to be managed to protect human health and the environment in the region. ... > full story

Four natural extracts with anti-obesity effects tested on rats (February 10, 2012) -- Researchers have identified four plant extracts that might help in preventing and fighting obesity. The researchers identified the most effective plant extracts through in vitro assays; subsequently, extracts were tested on rats. While the results obtained are promising, further studies on animals are required to evaluate and confirm the anti-obesity effects of these extracts. Once their anti-obesity effects are confirmed on animals, the extracts will be tested on humans. ... > full story

Curry spice component may help slow prostate tumor growth (February 10, 2012) -- Curcumin, an active component of the Indian curry spice turmeric, may help slow down tumor growth in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy, a new study suggests. ... > full story

What lies beneath: Mapping hidden nanostructures within materials, and perhaps cells (February 10, 2012) -- A new method to map nanostructures within materials may lead to biological imaging of the internal organization of cells. ... > full story

Undoing HIV's 'invisibility cloak': Revelation of how certain compounds adhere so strongly to HIV’s coat points to a fresh therapeutic approach (February 10, 2012) -- Drug researchers hunting for alternative ways to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections may soon have a novel target -- its camouflage coat. HIV hides inside a cloak unusually rich in a sugar called mannose, which it uses to slip past the immune system before infecting its host's cells. Recently, however, biochemists discovered a family of chemical compounds that stick strongly to mannose. Understanding how this mechanism works could reveal a way to make drugs adhere to and kill HIV. ... > full story

New method makes culture of complex tissue possible in any lab (February 9, 2012) -- Scientists have developed a new method for making scaffolds for culturing tissue in three-dimensional arrangements that mimic those in the body. This advance allows the production of tissue culture scaffolds containing multiple structurally and chemically distinct layers using common laboratory reagents and materials. ... > full story

New integrated building model may improve fish farming operations (February 9, 2012) -- Those who have ventured to turn a vacant barn or garage into an aquaculture business have too often been defeated by high energy and feed costs, building-related woes and serious environmental problems. Now researchers are melding building design, fish ecology and aquaculture engineering techniques into a first-of-its-kind "building-integrated aquaculture" (BIAq) model to offer an affordable, more holistic and sustainable approach to indoor fish production located close to markets and able to succeed even in cold climates. ... > full story

An economic analysis of emerald ash borer management options (February 9, 2012) -- A new study examines several options for managing the emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that is destroying US ash trees. ... > full story

New avenue for treating colon cancer (February 9, 2012) -- Cell biologists have uncovered a new insight into colon cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The team analyzed human colon cancer specimens and found that in nearly 80 percent of them the variants of a gene (HNF4A) are out of balance. This imbalance appears to be the result of a complex, multi-step process by an enzyme (Src kinase). ... > full story

Ultraviolet protection molecule in plants yields its secrets (February 9, 2012) -- Lying around in the sun all day is hazardous not just for humans but also for plants. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage proteins and DNA inside cells, leading to poor growth and even death. But plants have evolved some powerful adaptive defenses, including a complex array of protective responses orchestrated by a UV-sensing protein molecule known as UVR8. Now, scientists have put together a detailed picture of UVR8's structure and inner workings. ... > full story

Decoding the molecular machine behind E. coli and cholera (February 9, 2012) -- Scientists have discovered the workings behind some of the bacteria that kill hundreds of thousands every year, possibly paving the way for new antibiotics that could treat infections more effectively. ... > full story

Substance P causes seizures in patients infected by pork tapeworm (February 9, 2012) -- A neuropeptide called Substance P is the cause of seizures in patients with brains infected by the pork tapeworm. ... > full story

Why fishermen keep fishing despite dwindling catches (February 9, 2012) -- Half of fishermen would not give up their livelihood in the face of drastically declining catches, according to new research. A new report challenges previously held notions about poverty and adaptation by investigating why fishermen in developing countries stick with their trade. ... > full story

Ultrasound study provides first direct evidence of effect of malaria on fetal growth (February 9, 2012) -- A study of almost 3,800 pregnancies has provided the most accurate and direct evidence to date that malaria infection reduces early fetal growth. Low birth weight is the most important risk factor for neonatal mortality in developing countries. The research, carried out on the border of Thailand and Myanmar, highlights the importance of preventing malaria in pregnancy. ... > full story

Potential for incorrect relationship identification in new forensic familial searching techniques (February 9, 2012) -- New research suggests that unrelated individuals may be mistakenly identified as genetic family members due to inaccurate genetic assumptions. This is particularly relevant when considering familial searching: a new technique which extends forensic identification to family members of individuals with profiles in offender/arrestee DNA databases. In a new study, researchers show that false familial identification may be more likely for individuals with particular genetic backgrounds; for example, in the USA, those of Asian or Native American descent. ... > full story

Deconstructing a mystery: What caused Snowmaggedon? (February 9, 2012) -- Scientists are using computer models to help unravel the mystery of a record-setting snowfall in the Washington, DC area in early 2010. ... > full story

Most lethal known species of prion protein identified (February 9, 2012) -- Scientists have identified a single prion protein that causes neuronal death similar to that seen in "mad cow" disease, but is at least 10 times more lethal than larger prion species. ... > full story

Hydrogen from acidic water: Potential low cost alternative to platinum for splitting water (February 9, 2012) -- A technique for creating a new molecule that structurally and chemically replicates the active part of the molybdenite catalyst paves the way for developing catalytic materials that can serve as effective low-cost alternatives to platinum for generating hydrogen gas from water. ... > full story

3-D laser map shows earthquake before and after (February 9, 2012) -- Geologists have a new tool to study how earthquakes change the landscape down to a few inches, and it's giving them insight into how earthquake faults behave. ... > full story

Drug quickly reverses Alzheimer's symptoms in mice (February 9, 2012) -- Neuroscientists have made a dramatic breakthrough in their efforts to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. The use of a drug appears to quickly reverse the pathological, cognitive and memory deficits caused by the onset of Alzheimer's in mice. ... > full story

Ocean microbe communities changing, but long-term environmental impact is unclear (February 9, 2012) -- As oceans warm due to climate change, water layers will mix less and affect the microbes and plankton that pump carbon out of the atmosphere – but researchers say it's still unclear whether these processes will further increase global warming or decrease it. It could be either, they say. ... > full story

Chemists harvest light to create 'green' tool for pharmaceuticals (February 9, 2012) -- Researchers have created a new, “green” method for developing medicines. The researchers used energy from a light bulb to create an organic molecule that may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. ... > full story

Ocean warming causes elephant seals to dive deeper (February 9, 2012) -- Global warming is having an effect on the dive behavior and search for food of southern elephant seals. Researchers have discovered that the seals dive deeper for food when in warmer water. The scientists attribute this behavior to the migration of prey to greater depths and now wish to check this theory using a new sensor which registers the feeding of the animals below water. ... > full story

Seismic resistance: Model analyzes shape-memory alloys for use in earthquake-resistant structures (February 9, 2012) -- Recent earthquake damage has exposed the vulnerability of existing structures to strong ground movement. Researchers are now analyzing shape-memory alloys for their potential use in constructing seismic-resistant structures. ... > full story

Baby knows best: Baby-led weaning promotes healthy food preferences (February 9, 2012) -- A new study has shown that babies who are weaned using solid finger food are more likely to develop healthier food preferences and are less likely to become overweight as children than those who are spoon-fed pureed food. ... > full story

Integrated weed management best response to herbicide resistance (February 9, 2012) -- Over-reliance on glyphosate-type herbicides for weed control on US farms has created a dramatic increase in the number of genetically-resistant weeds, according to agricultural researchers, who say the solution lies in an integrated weed management program. ... > full story

New battery could lead to cheaper, more efficient solar energy (February 9, 2012) -- Scientists have found that a new type of battery has the potential to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of solar power. ... > full story

Fuel from market waste (February 9, 2012) -- Mushy tomatoes, brown bananas and overripe cherries -- to date, waste from wholesale markets has ended up on the compost heap at best. In future it will be put to better use: Researchers have developed a new facility that ferments this waste to make methane, which can be used to power vehicles. ... > full story

Piranha vs. Arapaima: Engineers find inspiration for new materials in piranha-proof armor (February 9, 2012) -- It's a matchup worthy of a late-night cable movie: put a school of starving piranha and a 300-pound fish together, and who comes out the winner? The surprising answer -- given the notorious guillotine-like bite of the piranha -- is Brazil's massive Arapaima fish. The secret to Arapaima's success lie in its intricately detailed scales, which could provide "bioinspiration" for engineers looking to develop flexible ceramics. ... > full story