ScienceDaily Environment Headlines
for Thursday, September 29, 2011
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Assessing California earthquake forecasts (September 29, 2011) -- Earthquake prediction remains an imperfect science, but the best forecasts are about 10 times more accurate than a random prediction, according to a new study. ... > full story
Control gene for developmental timing discovered (September 29, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a key regulator that controls the speed of development in the fruit fly. When the researchers blocked the function of this regulator, animals sped up their rate of development and reached maturity much faster than normal. ... > full story
Study uncovers a predictable sequence toward coral reef collapse (September 29, 2011) -- Coral reefs that have lots of corals and appear healthy may, in fact, be heading toward collapse, according to a new study. ... > full story
Hide-and-seek: Altered HIV can't evade immune system (September 28, 2011) -- Researchers have modified HIV in a way that makes it no longer able to suppress the immune system. Their work could remove a major hurdle in HIV vaccine development and lead to new treatments. ... > full story
Female mate searching evolves when mating gifts are important, katydid study finds (September 28, 2011) -- In the animal world, males typically search for their female partners. The mystery is that in some species, you get a reversal -- the females search for males. A new study of katydids supports a theory that females will search if males offer a lot more than just sperm. ... > full story
Millesecond memory: 'Teleportation' of rats sheds light on how the memory is organized (September 28, 2011) -- An experiment in which rats are "teleported" shows how memory is organized into discrete 125 millisecond-long packets, enabling a smooth transition between one memory and the next. ... > full story
Copper film could lower touch screen, LED and solar cell costs (September 28, 2011) -- Copper nanowires may be coming to a little screen near you. These new nanostructures have the potential to drive down the costs of displaying information on cell phones, e-readers and iPads, and they could also help engineers build foldable electronics and improved solar cells, according to new research. ... > full story
Managing future forests for water (September 28, 2011) -- Scientists recently used long-term data to examine the feasibility of managing forests for water supply under the changing weather conditions forecast for the future. ... > full story
Tendons absorb shocks muscles won't handle (September 28, 2011) -- Researchers have learned how muscles and tendons in the legs deal with sudden impacts. Experiments showed that tendons absorb the initial burst of energy from impact before the leg muscles react. The tendons act as shock absorbers, protecting the leg muscle from damage at the moment of impact. ... > full story
Additives meant to protect vitamin C actually cause more harm, study suggests (September 28, 2011) -- Anti-caking agents in powdered products may hasten degradation of vitamin C instead of doing what they are supposed to do: protect the nutrient from moisture. ... > full story
Loss of 'lake lawnmowers' leads to algae blooms (September 28, 2011) -- Unprecedented algae growth in some lakes could be linked to the decline of water calcium levels and the subsequent loss of an important algae-grazing organism that helps keep blooms at bay. ... > full story
Engineers simulate large earthquake on curved bridge (September 28, 2011) -- Six full-size pickup trucks took a wild ride on a 16-foot-high steel bridge when it shook violently in a series of never-before-conducted experiments to investigate the seismic behavior of a curved bridge with vehicles in place. The 145-foot-long, 162-ton steel and concrete bridge was built atop four large, 14-foot by 14-foot, hydraulic shake tables. ... > full story
Jumping gene enabled key step in corn domestication (September 28, 2011) -- In seeking to better understand how teosinte gave rise to corn, a scientific team has pinpointed one of the key genetic changes that paved the way for corn's domestication. ... > full story
New advanced biofuel identified as an alternative to diesel fuel (September 28, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a terpene called bisabolane as a potential biofuel for replacing diesel fuel. The researchers have also engineered two strains of microbes -- a bacteria and a yeast -- that can be used in the biosynthetic production of this clean, green, renewable and domestic alternative to diesel fuel. ... > full story
Successful rainwater harvesting systems should combine new technology with old social habits (September 28, 2011) -- A combination of modern engineering and ancient social principles makes large-scale rainwater harvesting feasible in a time of drought, and could reduce deadly flash flooding common to parts of Texas, a new article argues. ... > full story
Pigeon 'milk' contains antioxidants and immune-enhancing proteins (September 28, 2011) -- Production of crop milk, a secretion from the crops of parent birds, is rare among birds and, apart from pigeons, is only found in flamingos and male emperor penguins. Essential for the growth and development of the young pigeon squab, pigeon 'milk' is produced by both parents from fluid-filled cells lining the crop that are rich in fat and protein. Researchers have now used new technology to study the genes and proteins involved in pigeon 'milk' production and shows that pigeon 'milk' contains antioxidants and immune-enhancing proteins. ... > full story
Insight into the architecture of life: Researchers discover supporting pillars of the structure of cellular power plants (September 28, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a new mechanism that is of central significance for the architecture and functioning of mitochondria, known as the power plants of the cell. With the help of chemical reactions that take place on their inner membranes, these organelles convert food into energy for the metabolism and growth of the cell. The inner mitochondrial membrane features a characteristic architecture that is essential for its role as an energy transducer. Errors in the structure of the mitochondria can lead to serious illnesses in humans, particularly illnesses affecting the muscles and nerves. ... > full story
Research and innovation: New modelling results link natural resources and armed conflicts (September 28, 2011) -- The EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) has developed a statistical modelling tool which allows the risk of conflict occurrence in developing countries to be analyzed. Combining online news reports with geographical satellite data, the tool establishes a link between natural resources and the risk of conflict. A key advance is the very detailed scale of the data (most being gathered to the square kilometer) and the fact that the modelling is based on the seriousness of the conflicts. When tested, the model successfully identified the correlation between resource-rich areas of land and occurrence of conflict. This approach has potential use in the European Commission's development aid planning and crisis prevention. ... > full story
Earthquake risk: Two faults exposed in eastern Sierra Nevada (September 28, 2011) -- Excavated trenches reveal two faults that bound the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada in Antelope Valley, California and the Carson Range in Reno, Nevada; a new model changes predictions of amplified ground motion in Seattle basin. ... > full story
Cattle: Heifers don't have to be pigs at the feed bunk (September 28, 2011) -- Heifers can safely eat 20 percent less between weaning and breeding, according to a two-year study. ... > full story
Do long-lived crops differ from annual crops in their genetic response to human domestication? (September 27, 2011) -- Most of what we have come to think of as our daily fruits, vegetables, and grains were domesticated from wild ancestors. Over hundreds and thousands of years, humans have selected and bred plants for traits that benefit us -- traits such as bigger, juicier, and easier-to-harvest fruits, stems, tubers, or flowers. But how do long-lived species respond to short-term selection processes, and will this information be helpful in predicting responses to rapid climate changes? ... > full story
Researchers use carbon nanotubes to make solar cells affordable, flexible (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have found that metallic carbon nanotubes are 50 times more effective than semiconducting ones when used as transparent conductors in organic solar cells. ... > full story
Central Asia's hidden burden of neglected tropical diseases: High rates of parasitic infection nearly 20 years after Soviet collapse (September 27, 2011) -- Central Asia continues to suffer from a post-Soviet economic breakdown that may have contributed to a re-emergence of several neglected tropical diseases in the area, especially among its most economically disadvantaged groups, according to a new article. ... > full story
Increasing dosage of saw palmetto does not appear to reduce urinary symptoms from enlarged prostate (September 27, 2011) -- Men with urinary problems related to an enlarged prostate who received increasing doses of the fruit extract saw palmetto did not experience a reduction in these symptoms compared to men who received placebo, according to a new study. ... > full story
Biochemists identify new genetic code repair tool (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers recently reported finding a new class of DNA repair-makers. To ensure the integrity of the genetic material, cells are equipped with a "molecular toolkit" for repairing DNA damage. The toolkit is composed of a variety of different molecules -- called enzymes -- that have evolved to repair different types of DNA damage. Researchers have now discovered a new class of enzymes in that superfamily that lack the ability to repair uracil. ... > full story
Sneaking up on the glassy transition of water (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers claim to have settled a long-standing debate over the exact temperature at which water transforms into an exotic glass-like substance believed to be present in comets and other icy objects in the outer solar system, as well as in the coldest regions of the Earth's atmosphere. ... > full story
Tracing an elusive killer parasite in Peru (September 27, 2011) -- Despite what Hollywood would have you believe, not all epidemics involve people suffering from zombie-like symptoms -- some can only be uncovered through door-to-door epidemiology and advanced mathematics. Researchers are now in the trenches combining tried-and-true epidemiological approaches with new statistical methods to learn more about the course of a dangerous, contagious disease epidemic. ... > full story
Dust makes light work of vehicle emissions (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a silver lining in the cloud of red dust that enveloped much of eastern Australia two years ago. Data from what is believed to be the first air quality test undertaken during an Australian dust storm shows that large dust particles swept up the smaller, potentially fatal ultrafine particles caused by everyday vehicle emissions. ... > full story
Feathered friends help wild birds innovate (September 27, 2011) -- Larger groups of great and blue tits are better at solving problems than smaller ones, scientists have found. The researchers believe that this is probably because the larger the group, the more chance there is of it including a 'bright' or 'experienced' bird that can solve a particular new problem: in this case operating lever-pulling devices to receive a food reward. ... > full story
Musical weather shows climate influence (September 27, 2011) -- Scientists have cataloged and analyzed depictions of weather in classical music from the 17th Century to the present day to help understand how climate affects how people think. ... > full story
'Heat-proof' eggs help turtles cope with hot beaches (September 27, 2011) -- Research shows that some turtles are naturally heat-tolerant. The study focused on green turtles nesting on Ascension Island, a UK overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Scientists have found that eggs laid by turtles nesting on a naturally hot beach withstand high temperatures better than eggs from turtles nesting on a cooler beach just a few kilometers away. ... > full story
Climate change set to increase ozone-related deaths over next 60 years, scientists warn (September 27, 2011) -- Scientists are warning that death rates linked to climate change will increase in several European countries over the next 60 years. ... > full story
'Illusion of plenty' masking collapse of two key Southern California fisheries (September 27, 2011) -- A new study has found that overfishing of spawning areas and environmental conditions are behind the collapse of two bass species. ... > full story
New method cleans up textile industry’s most dangerous chemicals (September 27, 2011) -- Textile dying is one of the most environmentally hazardous aspects of the textile industry. During dying, harmful chemicals that are difficult to break down are released, all too often into rivers and agricultural land. However, a researcher in Sweden has developed a new, environmentally friendly purification process which leaves only clean water. ... > full story
Wind power: Long-term wind speed changes estimated (September 27, 2011) -- Scientists are taking the first steps to improve estimates of long-term wind speed changes for the fast-growing wind energy sector. The research is intended to identify the risks for generators in a changing climate. ... > full story
Fossil of an armored dinosaur hatchling: Youngest nodosaur ever discovered (September 27, 2011) -- Researchers with help from an amateur fossil hunter have described the fossil of an armored dinosaur hatchling. It is the youngest nodosaur ever discovered, and a founder of a new genus and species that lived approximately 110 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous Era. Nodosaurs have been found in diverse locations worldwide, but they've rarely been found in the United States. ... > full story
Plant 'body clock' observed in tropical rainforest; Research to aid ozone pollution predictions (September 27, 2011) -- Predictions of the ground-level pollutant ozone may be more accurate in the future, thanks to new research into plant circadian rhythms. Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when volatile organic compounds like isoprene -- which is emitted by some plants - react with nitrogen oxides from car engines or industry. Ozone at ground level is very harmful to human health, may decrease crop yields, and is a greenhouse gas. Researchers have now found that the rate at which plants emit isoprene is influenced by their body clock or circadian rhythm. ... > full story
Eating balanced meals, farm-fresh produce benefits families, communities, nutrition researchers say (September 27, 2011) -- Leaders at the recent United Nations meeting emphasized nutrition as critical to producing thriving children, families, and communities. Nutrition experts say getting back to basics by eating balanced meals and farm-fresh produce benefits families and communities in many ways. ... > full story
Rethinking animal and plant disease for the 21st century and beyond (September 27, 2011) -- The UK Research Councils’ Rural Economy and Land Use Programme calls for a radical rethink of our approach to animal and plant disease, in the light of groundbreaking interdisciplinary research. ... > full story
European experts follow satellite reentry (September 27, 2011) -- The European Space Agency closely monitored the Sept. 24, 2011 reentry of the UARS observation satellite. The Agency’s Space Debris Office worked with NASA and international partners in a coordinated prediction and risk-assessment exercise. ... > full story
Bimetallic nanoantenna separates colors of light (September 26, 2011) -- Researchers have built a very simple nanoantenna that directs red and blue colors in opposite directions, even though the antenna is smaller than the wavelength of light. The findings can lead to optical nanosensors being able to detect very low concentrations of gases or biomolecules. ... > full story
Salty water and gas sucked into Earth's interior helps unravel planetary evolution (September 26, 2011) -- An international team of scientists has provided new insights into the processes behind the evolution of the planet by demonstrating how salty water and gases transfer from the atmosphere into the Earth's interior. ... > full story
Glow-in-the-dark millipede says 'stay away' (September 26, 2011) -- Entomologists have unraveled the mystery of the world's only millipedes that glow in the dark. Using a clever field study approach, the research team was able to show that emitting a greenish glow helps the multi-legged, nocturnal arthropods fend off natural enemies. ... > full story
Poisonous effect of intestinal bacteria explained: Researchers identify site of action of cytotoxin produced by 'hypervirulent' intestinal flora (September 26, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered the cell receptor for the toxin CDT of the bacterium Clostridium difficile. These germs often cause an inflammation of the colon in patients who have recently received a treatment with antibiotics. ... > full story
Cheap and efficient solar cell made possible by linked nanoparticles (September 26, 2011) -- Researchers have demonstrated that electrons can move freely in layers of linked semiconductor nanoparticles under the influence of light. This new knowledge will be very useful for the development of cheap and efficient quantum dot solar cells. ... > full story
Climatic fluctuations drove key events in human evolution, researchers find (September 26, 2011) -- Researchers have found that periods of rapid fluctuation in temperature coincided with the emergence of the first distant relatives of human beings and the appearance and spread of stone tools. ... > full story
Structure of a molecular copy machine: How mitochondrial genes are transcribed (September 26, 2011) -- Mitochondria are compartments within cells and have their own DNA. The key protein required for the expression of the genetic information in this DNA is the mitochondrial RNA polymerase enzyme. Its three-dimensional structure has now been determined in atomic detail. ... > full story
Feathered friends are far from bird-brained when building nests (September 26, 2011) -- Nest-building is not just instinctive but is a skill that birds learn from experience, research suggests. Scientists filmed male Southern Masked Weaver birds in Botswana as they built multiple nests out of grass during a breeding season. Their findings contrast with the commonly-held assumption among scientists that nest-building is an innate ability. ... > full story
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