The EDGE: ScienceDaily Environment Headlines -- for Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ScienceDaily Environment Headlines

for Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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Culture in humans and apes has the same evolutionary roots, researchers show (October 26, 2011) -- Culture is not a trait that is unique to humans. By studying orangutan populations, researchers have demonstrated that great apes also have the ability to learn socially and pass them down through a great many generations. ... > full story

Literary detectives unravel famous Ben Jonson mystery (October 26, 2011) -- The amazing chance discovery of a manuscript hidden among papers in an ancient family archive is shedding new light on the legendary career of William Shakespeare’s biggest rival, the poet and playwright, Ben Jonson. ... > full story

Perinatal antidepressant stunts brain development in rats; Miswired brain circuitry traced to early exposure (October 25, 2011) -- Rats exposed to an antidepressant just before and after birth showed substantial brain abnormalities and behaviors, according to a new study. After receiving citalopram, a serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor, during this critical period, long-distance connections between the two hemispheres of the brain showed stunted growth and degeneration. The animals also became excessively fearful when faced with new situations and failed to play normally with peers. ... > full story

Mental time-travel in birds (October 25, 2011) -- Some tropical birds collect their prey at army ant raids, where massive swarms of ants sweep through the forest and drive out insects. The behavior of interest is called bivouac checking; it allows these birds to track the cyclical raid activity of army ant colonies. ... > full story

Computer scientist cracks mysterious 'Copiale Cipher' (October 25, 2011) -- More than three centuries after it was devised, the 75,000-character "Copiale Cipher" has finally been broken. The mysterious cryptogram, bound in gold and green brocade paper, reveals the rituals and political leanings of a 18th-century secret society in Germany. ... > full story

First-of-a-kind tension wood study broadens biofuels research (October 25, 2011) -- Taking a cue from Mother Nature, researchers have undertaken a first-of-its-kind study of a naturally occurring phenomenon in trees to spur the development of more efficient bioenergy crops. Tension wood, which forms naturally in hardwood trees in response to bending stress, is known to possess unique features that render it desirable as a bioenergy feedstock. Although individual elements of tension wood have been studied previously, the team is the first to use a comprehensive suite of techniques to systematically characterize tension wood and link the wood's properties to sugar release. Plant sugars, known as cellulose, are fermented into alcohol for use as biofuel. ... > full story

New genetic evidence confirms coyote migration route to Virginia and hybridization with wolves (October 25, 2011) -- Changes in North American ecosystems over the past 150 years have caused coyotes to move from their native habitats in the plains and southwestern deserts of North America to habitats throughout the United States. In a new study, researchers used DNA from coyote scat (feces) to trace the route that led some of the animals to colonize in Northern Virginia. The researchers also confirmed that, along the way, the coyotes interbred with the native Great Lakes wolves. ... > full story

Simple compound with surprising antifreeze properties (October 25, 2011) -- A chemical compound used to stabilize particles in suspension has proved capable of controlling the growth of ice crystals, according to researchers in France. Surprisingly, the compound in question is a simple molecule, not at all like the macromolecules previously known for their antifreeze properties. It offers many advantages, including low production costs, stability and ease of use, which should open the way to industrial applications. The discovery also provides new leads for the development of synthetic equivalents of antifreeze proteins, different from those currently produced. ... > full story

Geothermal mapping report confirms vast coast-to-coast clean energy source in U.S. (October 25, 2011) -- New research documents significant geothermal resources across the United States capable of producing more than three million megawatts of green power -- 10 times the installed capacity of coal power plants today. ... > full story

'Junk DNA' defines differences between humans and chimps (October 25, 2011) -- DNA sequences for human and chimpanzees are nearly identical, despite vast phenotypical differences between the two species. Researchers have determined that the insertion and deletion of large pieces of DNA near genes are highly variable between humans and chimpanzees and may account for these major differences. ... > full story

Forest fires in Mediterranean basin are becoming larger and more frequent, study finds (October 25, 2011) -- New research analyzes the causes and characteristics of fires that have occurred in the Mediterranean basin in recent decades, and determines that rural exodus and changes in land use have increased the number and size of these fires. ... > full story

Blame backbone fractures on evolution, not osteoporosis: Adaptation to upright walking leaves humans susceptible (October 25, 2011) -- Osteoporosis is blamed for backbone fractures. The real culprit could well be our own vertebrae, which evolved to absorb the pounding of upright walking, researchers say. ... > full story

Public support for geoengineering research, survey finds (October 25, 2011) -- Research on geoengineering appears to have broad public support, as a new, internationally representative survey revealed that 72 percent of respondents approved research into the climate-manipulating technique. ... > full story

Researchers identify mysterious life forms in the extreme deep sea (October 25, 2011) -- A research expedition has led to the identification of gigantic amoebas at one of the deepest locations on Earth. During a voyage to the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench, the deepest region on the planet, researchers deployed untethered free-falling/ascending landers equipped with digital video and lights to search the largely unexplored region. The team documented the deepest known existence of xenophyophores, single-celled animals exclusively found in deep-sea environments. ... > full story

Coffee consumption associated with decreased risk for basal cell carcinoma (October 25, 2011) -- Caffeine could be related to an inverse association between basal cell carcinoma risk and consumption of coffee, a study found. ... > full story

Novel oral treatment for leishmaniasis has potential to save thousands of lives (October 25, 2011) -- A tropically stable liquid therapy for leishmaniasis, a disease known as the Baghdad boil, shows a significant decrease in infection after less than a week of treatment. ... > full story

Design rules will enable scientists to use DNA to build nanomaterials with desired properties (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists have learned how to top nature by building crystalline materials from nanoparticles (the "atoms") and DNA (the "bonds"). The researchers have learned how to create crystals with the particles arranged in the same types of atomic lattice configurations as some found in nature, but they also have built completely new structures that have no naturally occurring mineral counterpart. Their design rules could help improve the efficiency of optics, electronics and energy storage technologies. ... > full story

Could additives in hot dogs affect incidence of colon cancer? (October 25, 2011) -- The addition of ascorbate (vitamin C) or its close relative, erythorbate, and the reduced amount of nitrite added in hot dogs, mandated in 1978, have been accompanied by a steep drop in the death rate from colon cancer, according to new research. ... > full story

Study confirms males and females have at least one thing in common: Upregulating X (October 25, 2011) -- In a new study, scientists present experiments supporting a longstanding hypothesis that explains how males can survive with only one copy of the X chromosome. The finding provides clarity to a hotly debated topic in science and provides biologists with more information to interpret experiments involving genetic measurements in males and females. ... > full story

Viking buried with axe, sword and spear found with fully intact Viking boat burial in UK (October 25, 2011) -- The UK mainland's first fully intact Viking boat burial site has been discovered by archaeologists working in the Scottish Highlands. The 5m-long grave contained the remains of a high status Viking, who was buried with an axe, a sword with a beautifully decorated hilt, a spear, shield boss and bronze ring-pin. ... > full story

Earthquakes generate big heat in super-small areas (October 25, 2011) -- In experiments mimicking the speed of earthquakes, geophysicists detail a phenomenon known as flash heating. They report that because fault surfaces touch only at microscopic, scattered spots, these contacts are subject to intense stress and extreme heating during earthquakes, lowering their friction and thus the friction of the fault. The localized, intense heating can occur even while the temperature of the rest of the fault remains largely unaffected. ... > full story

Unraveling the mysteries of the natural killer within us (October 25, 2011) -- Scientists in Australia have discovered more about the intricacies of the immune system in a breakthrough that may help combat viral infections such as HIV. The researchers have discovered more about the critical role Natural Killer cells play in the body's innate immune response. ... > full story

NASA satellite sees a more powerful Hurricane Rina, warnings up in Mexico (October 25, 2011) -- Hurricane warnings are in effect in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and visible and infrared satellite imagery from NASA continues to show Hurricane Rina getting stronger. Rina is now a category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale. ... > full story

Fallout of a giant meteorite strike revealed in new model (October 24, 2011) -- Seeking to better understand the level of death and destruction that would result from a large meteorite striking Earth, researchers have developed a new model that can not only more accurately simulate the seismic fallout of such an impact, but also help reveal new information about the surface and interior of planets based on past collisions. ... > full story

Water disinfection byproducts linked to adverse health effects (October 24, 2011) -- Scientists report the first identification of a cellular mechanism linked to the toxicity of a major class of drinking water disinfection byproducts. This study suggests a possible connection to adverse health effects, including neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's. ... > full story

Hold your forces: Mechanical stress can help or hinder wound healing depending on time of application (October 24, 2011) -- A new study demonstrates that mechanical forces affect the growth and remodeling of blood vessels during tissue regeneration and wound healing. The forces diminish or enhance the vascularization process and tissue regeneration depending on when they are applied during the healing process. ... > full story

Gallium nitride is non-toxic, biocompatible; holds promise for implants, research finds (October 24, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that the semiconductor material gallium nitride is non-toxic and is compatible with human cells -- opening the door to the material's use in a variety of biomedical implant technologies. ... > full story

Studying depression: Researchers demonstrate rare animal model (October 24, 2011) -- Scientists have taken a promising step toward creating an animal model for decoding the specific brain circuits involved in depression. By electrically stimulating a brain region central to an animal's primary emotions, the researchers saw rats exhibit a variety of behaviors associated with a depressed, negative mood, or affect. ... > full story

Fiery volcano offers geologic glimpse into land that time forgot (October 24, 2011) -- The first scientists to witness exploding rock and molten lava from a deep sea volcano, seen during a 2009 expedition, report that the eruption was near a tear in Earth's crust that is mimicking the birth of a subduction zone. ... > full story

Dietary patterns may be linked to increased colorectal cancer risk in women (October 24, 2011) -- Researchers may have found a specific dietary pattern linked to levels of C-peptide concentrations that increase a woman's risk for colorectal cancer. ... > full story

Propensity for longer life span inherited non-genetically over generations, study shows (October 24, 2011) -- We know that our environment -- what we eat, the toxic compounds we are exposed to -- can positively or negatively impact our life span. But could it also affect the longevity of our descendants, who may live under very different conditions? Recent research suggests this could be the case. ... > full story

Run-off, emissions deliver double whammy to coastal marine creatures, study finds (October 24, 2011) -- Increasing acidification in coastal waters could compromise the ability of oysters and other marine creatures to form and keep their shells, according to a new study. ... > full story

Nanoparticles and their size may not be big issues (October 24, 2011) -- If you've ever eaten from silverware or worn copper jewelry, you've been around nanoparticles dropped into the environment, say scientists. Using high-powered microscopes, researchers looked at common metal products, finding that we've been exposed for years and concluding that 'size' concerns may be overblown. ... > full story

Exposure to chemical BPA before birth linked to behavioral, emotional difficulties in girls (October 24, 2011) -- Exposure in the womb to bisphenol A (BPA) -- a chemical used to make plastic containers and other consumer goods -- is associated with behavior and emotional problems in young girls, according to a new study. ... > full story

Stranded dolphins exhibit bubbles, and ability to recover (October 24, 2011) -- Scientists know that the blood and tissues of some deceased beaked whales stranded near naval sonar exercises are riddled with bubbles. It is also well known that human divers can suffer from bubbles-induced decompression sickness, also known as the bends. What researchers know comparatively little about is how living marine mammals handle the compression of lung gas as they dive deep and then resurface. ... > full story

Liver parasite lacks key genes for fatty acid synthesis: Genome sequencing of Clonorchis sinensis (October 24, 2011) -- The human liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis affects more than 35 million people in South East Asia and 15 million in China. The complete genome sequence the genome of C. sinensis has provided insight into the biochemical pathways available to the fluke and shows that they are lacking enzymes required for fatty acid biosynthesis. ... > full story

New study shows no simultaneous warming of northern and southern hemispheres as a result of climate change for 20,000 years (October 24, 2011) -- A common argument against global warming is that the climate has always varied. Temperatures rise sometimes and this is perfectly natural is the usual line. However, a climate researcher has now shown that global warming, i.e. simultaneous warming events in the northern and southern hemispheres, have not occurred in the past 20 000 years, which is as far back as it is possible to analyze with sufficient precision to compare with modern developments. ... > full story

How close is too close? Hydrofracking to access natural gas reservoirs poses risks to surface water, researchers say (October 24, 2011) -- Natural gas mining has drawn fire recently after claims that hydraulic fracturing, an increasingly popular technique for tapping hard-to-reach reservoirs, contaminates groundwater. Surface lakes, rivers and streams may also be at risk. In a new paper, researchers estimate the average proximity of drill platforms to surface lakes and streams for two large shale basins underlying much of the eastern United States. ... > full story

Solving the mysteries of short-legged Neandertals (October 24, 2011) -- While most studies have concluded that a cold climate led to the short lower legs typical of Neandertals, researchers have found that lower leg lengths shorter than the typical modern human's let them move more efficiently over the mountainous terrain where they lived. The findings reveal a broader trend relating shorter lower leg length to mountainous environments that may help explain the limb proportions of many different animals. ... > full story

How hemp got high: Cannabis genome mapped (October 24, 2011) -- Researchers have sequenced the genome of Cannabis sativa, the plant that produces both industrial hemp and marijuana, and in the process revealed the genetic changes that led to the plant's drug-producing properties. ... > full story

NASA caught Tropical Storm Rina forming, strengthening (October 24, 2011) -- NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite called TRMM and NASA's Aqua satellite captured radar and temperature data that showed Tropical Storm Rina forming in the western Caribbean Sea yesterday. Today, Rina continues strengthening. ... > full story

Effects of deforestation and expansion of agriculture in Peruvian highland jungle (October 24, 2011) -- An environmental science researcher in Sweden has examined the geochemical status of the natural environment in the Amazonas Region, and to what extent it has been impacted by deforestation and altered land use. ... > full story

Complexities of DNA repair discovered (October 23, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered that DNA repair in cancer cells is not a one-way street as previously believed. ... > full story

Plate tectonics may control reversals in Earth's magnetic field (October 23, 2011) -- Earth's magnetic field has reversed many times at an irregular rate throughout its history. Long periods without reversal have been interspersed with eras of frequent reversals. What is the reason for these reversals and their irregularity? Researchers have shed new light on the issue by demonstrating that, over the last 300 million years, reversal frequency has depended on the distribution of tectonic plates on the surface of the globe. This result does not imply that terrestrial plates themselves trigger the switch over of the magnetic field. Instead, it establishes that although the reversal phenomenon takes place, in fine, within Earth's liquid core, it is nevertheless sensitive to what happens outside the core and more specifically in Earth's mantle. ... > full story

Decision-making: What you want vs. how you get it (October 23, 2011) -- New research reveals how we make decisions. Birds choosing between berry bushes and investors trading stocks are faced with the same fundamental challenge -- making optimal choices in an environment featuring varying costs and benefits. ... > full story

First Ebola-like virus native to Europe discovered (October 22, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a new Ebola-like virus -- Lloviu virus -- in bats from northern Spain. Lloviu virus is the first known filovirus native to Europe. Filoviruses, which include well-known viruses like Ebola and Marburg, are among the deadliest pathogens in humans and non-human primates, and are generally found in East Africa and the Philippines. The findings thus expand the natural geographical distribution of filoviruses. ... > full story

West Nile virus transmission linked to land use patterns and 'super-spreaders' (October 22, 2011) -- After its initial appearance in New York in 1999, West Nile virus spread across the United States in just a few years and is now well established throughout North and South America. Researchers have found that in most places only a few key species of bird "hosts" and mosquito "vectors" are important in transmission of the virus. ... > full story

Cooling the warming debate: Major new analysis confirms that global warming is real (October 21, 2011) -- Global warming is real, according to a major new study. Despite issues raised by climate change skeptics, the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperature study finds reliable evidence of a rise in the average world land temperature of approximately 1 degree Celsius since the mid-1950s. ... > full story