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Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for October 5, 2012:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Of enzymes and aging: Tryptophan metabolism plays key role in aging and age-related neurological diseases- When green turns toxic: Norwegians study Electric Vehicle life cycle
- Astronomers discover a new black hole in our galaxy
- Morphine and cocaine affect reward sensation differently
- New theoretical technique applied to properties of ultrathin solar cells
- Apple even stronger a year after Steve Jobs death (Update)
- New etching method helps to build 3-D structures from 2-D template
- The art and science of guessing a Nobel Prize
- Mosquito genetics may offer clues to malaria control
- Scratching the surface: Engineers examine UV effects on skin mechanics
- Mexico: Mayan ball court was celestial 'marker' (Update)
- Wave of cyber attacks to target US banks: researcher
- Producing more efficient all-organic catalysts for fuel cells
- Researchers build better earthquake simulator
- Breakthrough study identifies trauma switch
Space & Earth news
Farm-safety expert: Beware of toxic gases from manure storages
A narrowly averted farm tragedy in September has a farm safety expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences renewing his warning about the dangers of toxic gases emanating from manure-storage facilities.
NASA releases interactive space communications mobile game app
Just in time for World Space Week, NASA has released a new mobile application that challenges gamers to take on the role of a space communications network manager and puts them in charge of building a communications network to support scientific missions.
Dutch court rejects Shell bid to ban Greenpeace protests
A Dutch court on Friday rejected a bid by oil multinational Royal Dutch Shell to ban Greenpeace from protesting near its property on pain of a massive fine, saying such groups had a right to inform the public.
Climate sceptics more prominent in UK and US media
Climate sceptics are being given a more prominent, and sometimes uncontested, voice in UK and US newspapers in contrast to other countries around the world, new research suggests.
Lessons from Iraq: Urban marshes and city survival
Jennifer Pournelle is continuing to build the case that natural wetlands, rather than irrigated fields, are the fertile ground from which cities initially emerged in Mesopotamia. And her conclusions about the importance of wetlands to a sustainable urban environment – or, in fact, any environment – have particular resonance in southern Iraq. That area is both the site of her studies and the region where Saddam Hussein forcibly drained marshes to drive out the local populace after the first Gulf war.
The first evidence that a yellow supergiant became a supernova
A group of researchers led by Melina Bersten (Kavli IPMU) has presented evidence that the yellow supergiant (YSG) star found at the location of supernova SN 2011dh in the famous nearby galaxy M51 was indeed the SN progenitor, as well as produced a self-consistent model to explain how a star of such characteristics exploded. In their model, the exploding YSG star was a member of a close binary system. The authors further predict the detection of the companion star as a definitive test of their hypothesis. Their paper has been published in the September 20, 2012, issue of The Astrophysical Journal.
Webb Telescope's 'wormholes' in the clean room
(Phys.org)—This photo gives a "worms eye" view of a robot arm holding a surrogate or simulated mirror segment (black hexagonal shape) for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The arm is placing the surrogate into the test backplane structure in the clean room at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The holes in the test backplane aren't wormholes, but the openings in the structure that will support the Webb telescope's primary mirror segments.
Study shows that organic aerosols aging caused by OH radicals
Atmospheric aerosol particles have a significant effect on climate. An international team of researchers has now discovered that a chemical process in the atmosphere called aging determines to a major extent the concentration and the characteristics of aerosol particles. To date, this aspect has not been accounted for in regional and global climate models. In the Muchachas [Multiple Chamber Aerosol Chemical Aging Experiments] project, the team has not only managed to demonstrate the effects of aging but has also been able to measure these. Their findings have been published in the specialist journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
NASA notes Nadine now no more
Twenty-three days after Nadine was born, the tropical cyclone's life came to an end in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. NASA's TRMM satellite caught a look at the fading Nadine one final time on Oct. 3 before it dissipated.
NASA satellites indicate wind shear taking toll on Oscar
Satellite data is showing that northwesterly wind shear is taking a toll on Tropical Storm Oscar in the central Atlantic and it is expected to dissipate the storm late on Oct. 5, 2012.
Mass of dark matter revealed by precise measurements of Milky Way galaxy
A research team, led by Associate Professor Mareki Honma from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), has succeeded in precisely determining the astronomical yardstick for the Galaxy based upon the precise distance measurements with VERA from NAOJ and other advanced radio telescopes. The new findings are that the distance from the sun to the Galactic center is 26,100 light-years, and that the Galactic rotation velocity in the solar system is 240km/s.
Sun spits out a coronal mass ejection
At 11:24 p.m. EDT on Oct. 4, 2012, the sun unleashed a coronal mass ejection (CME).
Asteroid fragments collected by Hayabusa could hint at solar system origin
University of Manchester scientists are among the few in the world selected to analyze minute asteroid fragments which could shed light on the origin and evolution of the solar system.
Japan mini-satellite to flash code from space
A palm-sized Japanese satellite in orbit around Earth will flash a Morse code message that will be visible around the world from next month, the mission commander said Friday.
NASA engineers test rotor landing for capsules
(Phys.org)—A team of researchers brought a pair of scale model space capsules to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to try out a rotor system that could be used in place of parachutes on returning spacecraft.
Deep Impact spacecraft completes rocket burn
(Phys.org)—NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft completed a firing of its onboard rocket motors earlier today. The maneuver began at 1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT), lasted 71 seconds, and changed its velocity by 4.5 mph (2 meters per second). The rocket burn was performed to keep the venerable comet hunter's options open for yet another exploration of a solar system small body, this time a possible future visit to a small near-Earth asteroid called 2002 GT.
Weather-making high-pressure systems predicted to intensify as a result of increasing greenhouse-gas concentrations
(Phys.org)—High-pressure systems over oceans, which largely determine the tracks of tropical cyclones and hydrological extremes in much of the northern hemisphere, are likely to intensify this century, according to a Duke University-led study published online this week in Nature Geoscience.
Researchers build better earthquake simulator
(Phys.org)—Traditional earthquake simulators have generally functioned by pressing two pieces of rock material together at high pressure until they reach a breaking point, resulting in something similar to the sticking and sliding of real earthquakes. The problem with this approach, of course, is that because of the difference in scale, it's not clear if the model can be used to accurately represent real events. For this reason, researchers from the University of Oklahoma and the U.S. Geological Survey tried a new approach, pressing a piece of granite against a rotating flywheel. As described in a paper published in the journal Science, the researchers discovered that the resulting energy densities compared closely with results from measurements of real earthquakes.
Astronomers discover a new black hole in our galaxy
(Phys.org)—NASA's Swift satellite recently detected a rising tide of high-energy X-rays from a source toward the center of our Milky Way galaxy. The outburst, produced by a rare X-ray nova, announced the presence of a previously unknown stellar-mass black hole.
Technology news
Bail hearings to begin in alleged Russian spy case
(AP)—The man U.S. authorities claim led a plot to funnel cutting-edge military technology to Russia kept a low profile in his suburban Houston neighborhood and was unknown to leaders in the city's Russian community.
Tape laying gets closer to series production
Increasingly, metals in cars and airplanes are being replaced by fiber-reinforced plastics. Producing these materials using tape laying offers several advantages. Scientists are now working on readying this technology for use in series production.
Network research needs to focus on temporality and weightedness
The study of complex networks in statistical physics and computational science has become more and more focused on so-called dynamic networks. Where traditional approaches have treated the links in networks as static, contemporary research looks into their development in time and into the individual properties of the links.
Philippine president defends cybercrime law
Philippine President Benigno Aquino defended a new cybercrime law Friday amid a storm of protests from critics who say it will severely curb Internet freedoms and intimidate web users into self-censorship.
How will smart cars affect the future of driving?
California, Nevada, and Florida have already made driverless cars street-legal, and continuing advances in the technology have led many to predict that the commercialization of automated vehicles is a real possibility in the not-so-distant future. As driverless vehicles become more commonplace, it is important to understand how humans interact with this new technology. The Human Factors special issue on automation, featuring the latest articles on designing automated vehicles with the driver in mind, is now available online.
Samsung sees quarterly earnings at new high (Update)
Samsung Electronics Co. forecast another record quarterly operating profit, likely driven by strong sales of high-end smartphones that offset weak semiconductor orders.
Facebook lets people pay to give posts priority
Fresh from passing the billion-member mark, Facebook was letting members in the United States pay seven dollars each to have personal posts given priority in feeds seen by their friends.
The Bloodhound SSC: Faster than a speeding bullet
Twenty-nine years ago today, Richard Noble in Thrust2 broke the land speed record for Britain at 633.468 mph in October 1983. That day saw the start of my love affair with the land speed record. Again in September 1997 Richard Noble's ThrustSSC, driven by Andy Green, reached 714.144 mph and just a month later on October 15 Green became the first man to exceed the speed of sound at ground level, at 763.035 mph. Now Noble and Green have teamed up again to try to not just break that record but obliterate it.
New vehicle emissions show record improvement
Emissions from new vehicles are down a record 20 percent in the last five years, say researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
In-place: Interacting with large displays by combining pen and touch technology
Computing in the 21st century increasingly is embracing touch interaction. Whether it be on mobile handhelds, large electronic displays, or something in between, such user interfaces are becoming commonplace.
Wireless low-power active-electrode EEG headset presented
Imec, Holst Centre and Panasonic have developed a new prototype of a wireless EEG (electroencephalogram) headset. The system combines ease-of-use with ultra-low power electronics. Continuous impedance monitoring and the use of active electrodes increases the quality of EEG signal recording compared to former versions of the system. The data are transmitted in real-time to a receiver located up to 10m from the system. The realization of this prototype is a next step towards reliable high-quality wearable EEG monitoring systems.
GM to move fuel cell research from NY to Michigan
(AP)—General Motors says it will close its hydrogen fuel-cell research operation near Rochester, N.Y., and move it to Michigan.
Zynga stock sinks after lowered 2012 outlook
(AP)—Troubled Zynga's stock is trading near its lowest level ever Friday after the online game maker behind "FarmVille" forecast a third quarter loss amid weak demand for its Web-based games. It's also taking a hefty charge related to its March acquisition of mobile game company OMGPop.
Vest lets Facebook users hug from afar
A vest developed in Massachusetts Institute of Technology lets Facebook users hug one another no matter how far apart they are.
Turd-eating worms clear air around Canadian toilets
Anyone relying on their nose to guide them to a toilet at Quebec's La Providence golf course won't find one—that's because its outhouse is odorless.
Smoother dashboard typefaces might enhance driver safety: 'Humanist' lettering style is easier for driver, study says
Typeface aficionados perceive major differences among fonts that look broadly similar to the rest of us. Now an MIT study suggests that when it comes to the typefaces used on auto dashboards, such differences might not be just an aesthetic matter, but a vital safety matter.
Apple even stronger a year after Steve Jobs death (Update)
As Apple paid homage Friday to Steve Jobs a year after his death, the US technology giant appeared to be extending its leadership in the sector even without the visionary leader.
Wave of cyber attacks to target US banks: researcher
As many as 30 US banking firms are expected to be targeted in a wave of cyber attacks as part of "a large-scale orchestrated crimeware campaign," a security researcher says.
When green turns toxic: Norwegians study Electric Vehicle life cycle
(Phys.org)—Questioning thoughts arise from a bracing study from Norway. The electric car might be a trade-in of an old set of pollution problems for a new set. Thanks but no thanks to a misguided cadre selling on the green revolution. Electric cars will eventually be one more pollutant source to campaign over. The study, "Comparative Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Conventional and Electric Vehicles," appears in the Journal of Industrial Ecology. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology declared in the study that "EVs exhibit the potential for significant increases in human toxicity, freshwater eco-toxicity, freshwater eutrophication, and metal depletion impacts, largely emanating from the vehicle supply chain."
Medicine & Health news
Notch control of cell architecture: Potential implications for future cancer therapy
Dissecting the mechanisms implicated in cell architecture should provide new insights for understanding development and tissue morphogenesis in general. An European study focused on the role of the Notch signalling pathway in regulating cell architecture.
Keeping hunters out of the hospital: Expert offers tips for a safe hunting season
Errant gunshots are an obvious health risk during fall hunting season, but a range of other dangers also can send hunters to the hospital or worse: heart attacks, injured backs and broken bones are among the most common medical emergencies. Emergency medicine physician Eric Grube, D.O., of the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse offers several tips for a safe hunting season.
Ovarian cancer stem cells targeted in new research
Ovarian cancer takes the lives of nearly 900 Australian women each year. It's called the silent killer because by the time most cases are detected, the cancer has spread to other vital organs throughout the abdominal area.
Advanced imaging pinpoints prostate cancer faster, more accurately
It took Wayne Wentzel 14 years, multiple tissue biopsies and travel to four hospitals across multiple states to identify the underlying source of his rising prostate specific antigen (PSA) level. He finally found answers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute.
Vaccination against infectious disease low priority for Australian travellers
New research led by the University of Sydney's Family Medicine Research Centre reveals many Australians are inadequately protecting against potentially serious infectious diseases before travelling abroad.
Low incidence of needlestick injuries among staff at national pharmacy chain
Vaccinations for flu, tetanus and other common vaccines are increasingly taking place in non-medical settings such as supermarkets and drug stores. This added responsibility for pharmacists increases the risk of needlestick injuries (NSIs), puncture wounds often suffered while preparing or after use of a needle. NSIs can transmit bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis C and HIV, from an infected patient to the person administering the vaccine.
Canada high court lowers bar for HIV disclosure
Canada's Supreme Court on Friday decriminalized the non-disclosure of HIV status prior to sex where no realistic possibility of transmitting the potentially deadly virus exists.
Salmonella confirmed in peanut butter plant
(AP)—The Food and Drug Administration says it has found salmonella in a New Mexico plant that produces nut butters for national retailer Trader Joe's and several other grocery chains. The Trader Joe's peanut butter is now linked to 35 salmonella illnesses in 19 states.
Asian experts conclude meeting on rabies
(AP)—Rabies experts from 12 Asian countries on Friday concluded their annual meeting to exchange views and find practical solutions to the disease, which is still prevalent in the region.
Japanese firm buys US pharmaceutical company
(AP)—A Japanese pharmaceutical company is acquiring LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals in a $60 million deal to expand its vaccine division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. announced.
Survivor of aggressive breast cancer stresses need for quick action
(HealthDay)—Margaret Zuccotti was nursing her third child in August of 2006 when she noticed that her breast was red, swollen and tender to the touch. Because she'd had other children, she chalked up her symptoms to a simple breast infection, and her doctor agreed.
Britons are least likely to adopt protective behaviors against flu, survey finds
Researchers questioned nearly 5000 people in Argentina, Japan, Mexico, UK, and USA about the protective habits they adopted during the 2009 H1N1 'swine flu' pandemic, asking about non-pharmaceutical protective behaviours such as increased hand washing; social distancing behaviours such as avoiding hugging or kissing; and vaccination.
Warning labels might curb binge drinking in high-risk youth
Warning labels may help curb binge drinking of "alcopops" or pre-mixed alcoholic drinks by high-risk young Australians, according to new research at The University of Western Australia.
Mind-controlled robot arm research project receives 2012 breakthrough award
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC research project in which a quadriplegic man moved a robot arm just with his thoughts has been chosen to receive one of Popular Mechanics' Breakthrough Awards of 2012.
Sign language instruction for babies does not speed, enhance language development, research shows
Researchers from the University of Hertfordshire have found no evidence to support claims that using baby signing with babies helps to accelerate their language development. In a paper to be published in Child Development, researchers conducted a controlled study to evaluate the benefits of symbolic gesture or baby sign.
Walking with good posture can ease depression, study finds
(Medical Xpress)—Walking with a slouched or despondent body posture can lead to feelings of depression or decreased energy, but those feelings can be reversed by walking in a more upright position, according to new research.
Marathon runners may be at risk for incontinence
While many marathon runners may be preoccupied with shin splints, chafing and blisters come race day, one thing they may not consider is their bladder health.
Methadone reduces risk of HIV transmission in people who inject drugs, say experts
(Medical Xpress)—People who inject drugs (PWID) can significantly reduce their risk of HIV infection with the use of opiate substitution treatments such as methadone, as suggested by an international team of researchers in a paper published today on bmj.com.
Researchers establish link between dry eye disease and dehydration
Dry eye disease (DED) is a condition which can cause extreme discomfort and lead to eye damage. While difficult to establish the full costs of this condition to healthcare and society in the UK, it is estimated that current prescription treatments such as eye drops cost the NHS £32 million per year (in England alone). Because many individuals suffering from DED self-treat by buying over-the-counter medications (e.g. artificial tears) the true cost of DED is likely to be significantly higher. This new link suggests that ensuring DED sufferers are fully hydrated could alleviate DED symptoms.
Pacemaker could help more heart failure patients
(Medical Xpress)—A new study from Karolinska Institutet demonstrates that a change in the ECG wave called the QRS prolongation is associated with a higher rate of heart-failure mortality. According to the team that carried out the study, which is published in the scientific periodical The European Heart Journal, the discovery suggests that more heart-failure cases than the most serious could be helped by pacemakers.
Relationship with working dogs protects handlers from PTSD, research shows
(Medical Xpress)—Anyone who has had a pet instinctively knows what several physical and mental health studies have shown: people who have a companion animal have lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression than the general population. But with love comes the possibility of loss; when pets fall ill, are hurt or die, their owners bear the psychological burden of increased risk of depression and other ailments.
US clinics rush to warn of tainted steroid; 5 dead
(AP)—Health providers scrambled to notify patients in nearly two dozen U.S. states that the steroid injections they received for back pain may have been contaminated with a deadly fungal meningitis. Five people have died.
Genotyping helps identify source of clinic infection outbreak
Researchers from East Carolina University used a new technique of genotyping to identify the source of a hematology clinic outbreak of Mycobacterium mucogenicum, a gram-positive, acid-fast bacteria found in tap water. This is the first outbreak of M. mucogenicum in an ambulatory care setting; five other outbreaks have been reported in hospital settings since 1995. The study was published in the November issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
'Disgusted' rats teaching scientists about nausea, work may lead to new cancer treatments
Nausea is a common and distressing side effect of many drugs and treatments. Unlike vomiting, nausea is not well understood, but new research by University of Guelph scientists may soon change that.
Delayed auditory processing found in fetal alcohol syndrome
(HealthDay)—Preschool children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) display delays in auditory processing, which may serve as a useful neural marker of information processing difficulties, according to research published in the October issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.
Larger study confirms statins' role in preventing cardiac events
(HealthDay)—A large and unselected community-based study has confirmed the results of randomized controlled trials that have found persistent statin use to be beneficial for the primary prevention of acute cardiac events; the study was published online Sept. 27 in The American Journal of Cardiology.
Rare breast cancer poses new set of challenges
(HealthDay)—No doubt the ubiquitous pink ribbons, along with walks and races and the designation of October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, have focused the public eye on breast cancer and helped fund research for a cure.
Steroid-related meningitis cases rise to 47
(AP)—Health officials say the number of people sickened by a deadly meningitis outbreak has risen again. There are now 47 cases in seven states.
Study offers hope for sufferers of vertigo
We've known for a while that the vestibular system in the inner ear is responsible for helping us keep our balance. And while researchers have already developed a basic understanding of how the brain constructs our perceptions of ourselves in motion, until now no one has understood the crucial step by which the neurons in the brain select the information needed to do so.
Breakthrough study identifies trauma switch
Researchers from the University of Exeter Medical School have for the first time identified the mechanism that protects us from developing uncontrollable fear.
Scratching the surface: Engineers examine UV effects on skin mechanics
(Medical Xpress)—Researchers in Stanford's Department of Materials Science and Engineering are using models derived in mechanical labs to look closer at how ultraviolet radiation changes the protective functions of human skin.
Morphine and cocaine affect reward sensation differently
(Medical Xpress)—A new study by scientists in the US has found that the opiate morphine and the stimulant cocaine act on the reward centers in the brain in different ways, contradicting previous theories that these types of drugs acted in the same way.
Of enzymes and aging: Tryptophan metabolism plays key role in aging and age-related neurological diseases
(Medical Xpress)—In the battle against aging and age-related neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, a key factor has long appeared to be the toxicity of proteins which tend to aggregate. Recently, scientists at University of Groningen, The Netherlands identified the protein-coding gene TDO2 that encodes for tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase – the enzyme that degrades tryptophan and thereby reduces its levels – as a metabolic regulator of age-related protein toxicity and lifespan in the eukaryotic nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The researchers also showed that the regulation of lifespan occurred through evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways. The study demonstrated that TDO2 depletion increases tryptophan levels, while feeding C. elegans with extra L-tryptophan also suppresses toxicity. The researchers conclude that their findings suggest that TDO2 regulates proteotoxicity through tryptophan.
Biology news
The sad state of biodiversity
Factfile on biodiversity ahead of talks opening Monday under the UN's Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Hyderabad, India.
Regulating hematopoietic differentiation
Blood cells originate from a small pool of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) through a complex process of differentiation steps that are tightly regulated at the transcriptional level. Dissecting the mechanisms underlying this control will aid the understanding of how these particular cellular states are generated.
B-Raf and C-Raf proteins turn mouse white
Mice with black fur that turns white? Specialist cancer researchers from Inserm, CNRS, the Institut Curie and the Université Paris-Sud have taken steps to better understand the development of skin cells responsible for pigmentation (known as melanocytes). By genetically manipulating mice with black fur, the researchers identified two key players: B-Raf and C-Raf proteins.
Tree nut research may unexpectedly lead to medical advances
Prescription drugs that today help patients fight severe fungal infections might tomorrow be even more effective, thanks to unexpected findings from agriculture-based, food-safety-focused studies by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists and their colleagues.
Ivory trade ban up for vote at UN wildlife summit
The question of whether to extend a trade ban on African ivory is set for a vote at the next meeting of UN wildlife trade regulator CITES, the organisation said Friday.
High court to hear farmer, Monsanto seed dispute
(AP)—The Supreme Court is agreeing to hear a dispute between a soybean farmer and Monsanto Co. over the company's efforts to limit farmer's use of its patented, genetically engineered Roundup Ready seeds.
Vietnam returns endangered turtle to Cambodia
(AP)—A critically endangered turtle that somehow made it to Vietnam decades ago has been returned to its original home: Cambodia.
How to restore native grasslands in the interior Pacific Northwest
Weed scientists in Oregon have found that the timing of herbicide application along with reseeding of native grasses offers the best recipe for restoring native grasslands while controlling invasive weeds. Grasslands are a valuable resource for ecosystems, providing soil conservation, food and fiber production, and wildlife habitat. When threatened by invading exotic species, the quality and quantity of forage for wildlife can be reduced, fire frequencies can be altered, soil moisture and nutrients can be depleted, and the costs of land management can increase.
Cellular accumulation of misfolded protein clumps may be a survival advantage rather than a liability, researchers find
Most proteins have a single 'correct' way to fold; typically, improperly folded proteins are promptly eliminated by cells. However, certain misfolded proteins have a tendency to aggregate in dense fibrous clumps known as amyloid plaques. In humans, this accumulation is often a pathological feature, as observed in Alzheimer's or Huntington's disease.
Scientists advance cutting edge of immunology through study of macrophages
(Phys.org)—Macrophages are heavy hitters of the immune system. Their name literally means "to eat large objects." They are critical members of the body's defense team, such as in the lungs where they ingest invading microorganisms and at wound sites where they rush in and secrete coagulation factors that help form scabs. Macrophages also scavenge the body to find, digest, and recycle cell debris such as worn out red blood cells.
Bobcats more likely to get diseases from urban areas, scientists say
(Phys.org)—Bobcats are more likely to pick up parasites such as Giardia when they're closer to urban areas with a heavier human impact on the environment, according to a new study by Colorado State University wildlife and veterinary scientists.
Non-native plants show a greater response than native wildflowers to climate change
Warming temperatures in Ohio are a key driver behind changes in the state's landscape, and non-native plant species appear to be responding more strongly than native wildflowers to the changing climate, new research suggests.
Urban coyotes could be setting the stage for larger carnivores to move into cities
About five miles from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, scientists have located the smallest known coyote territory ever observed. For at least six years, a coyote community has maintained its existence within about a third of a square mile.
Mosquito genetics may offer clues to malaria control
An African mosquito species with a deadly capacity to transmit malaria has a perplexing evolutionary history, according to discovery by researchers at the Fralin Life Science Institute at Virginia Tech.
Trifunctional molecule decodes cellular communication
(Phys.org)—How does one define the factors on the surface of human cells to which a molecule of interest binds? This question is typically hard to answer. Researchers of ETH Zurich have developed a new technology that enables such investigations in the context of living cells. They successfully applied this technology to virus and cancer research.
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