ScienceDaily: Top News

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• X marks the spot: TBL1X gene involved in autism spectrum disorder
• Climate shift could leave some marine species homeless
• City lights could reveal E.T. civilization
• Decline in dead zones: Efforts to heal Chesapeake Bay are working
• It takes two: Brains come wired for cooperation, neuroscientist asserts
• Conjoined twin toddlers successfully separated
• Millisecond pulsar in spin mode: Gamma radiation of rapidly rotating neutron star casts doubt on origin models
• NASA's Fermi finds youngest millisecond pulsar, 100 pulsars to-date
• Depression: a combination of environmental, psychological and genetic factors
• Fertilized oocytes digest paternal mitochondria
• Nine new gamma pulsars brings known gamma-ray pulsars to over 100
• Discovery of new gene could improve efficiency of molecular factories
• Brain cells responsible for keeping us awake identified
• Study identifies an expanded role for PKM2 in helping cancer cells survive
• Chromosome centromeres are inherited epigenetically
• Exercise provides clue to deadly ataxia
• Evolution during human colonizations: Selective advantage of being there first
• Chromosomal 'breakpoints' linked to canine cancer
• Nano-technoloogy makes medicine greener
• When our neurons remain silent so that our performances may improve
• Trillions served: Massive, complex projects for DOE JGI 2012 Community Sequencing Program
• Scientists identify gene critical for cell responses to oxygen deprivation
• Skin 'sees' UV light, starts producing pigment
• Alternate ending: Living on without telomerase
• Pulsating response to stress in bacteria discovered
• Erasing the signs of aging in human cells is now a reality
• Duck's boon might be a turtle's bane: Overturned duck nest boxes can be death traps for turtles
• High blood pressure may lead to missed emotional cues
• New ways to image and therapeutically target melanoma using nanomedicine?
• Adolescent amphetamine use linked to permanent changes in brain function and behavior
• Mechanism in brain cancer responsible for neuron death discovered
• Brain probe that softens after insertion causes less scarring
• Research team unravels tomato pathogen's tricks of the trade
• The human cause of climate change: Where does the burden of proof lie?
• Impulsive versus controlled men: Disinhibited brains and disinhibited behavior
• Gene therapy shows promise as hemophilia treatment in animal studies
• Climate change causing massive movement of tree species across the West
• Reprogramming stem cells to a more basic form results in more effective transplant, study shows
• Scientists study 'galaxy zoo' using Google Maps and thousands of volunteers
• Get lost easily? The cerebellum is your navigation assistant
• The perfect clone: Researchers hack RFID smartcards
• Cerebral palsy-like brain damage prevented in mice

X marks the spot: TBL1X gene involved in autism spectrum disorder Posted: 03 Nov 2011 06:26 PM PDT Autism spectrum disorder affects about one in 100 children resulting in a range of problems in language, communication and understanding other people's emotional cues, all of which can lead to difficulties in social situations. New research used genome wide association study data to find a variation in the gene for transducin beta-like 1X-linked (TBL1X) which is associated with increased risk of ASD in boys.

Climate shift could leave some marine species homeless Posted: 03 Nov 2011 04:53 PM PDT Rising temperatures will force many species of animals and plants to move to other regions and could leave some marine species with nowhere to go, according to new research.

City lights could reveal E.T. civilization Posted: 03 Nov 2011 04:03 PM PDT In the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, astronomers have hunted for radio signals and ultra-short laser pulses. Astronomers suggest a new technique for finding aliens: Look for their city lights.

Decline in dead zones: Efforts to heal Chesapeake Bay are working Posted: 03 Nov 2011 04:03 PM PDT Efforts to reduce the flow of fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants into the Chesapeake Bay appear to be giving a boost to the bay's health.

It takes two: Brains come wired for cooperation, neuroscientist asserts Posted: 03 Nov 2011 04:03 PM PDT The brain was built for cooperative activity, whether it be dancing on a TV reality show, building a skyscraper or working in an office.

Conjoined twin toddlers successfully separated Posted: 03 Nov 2011 01:31 PM PDT Angelica and Angelina Sabuco, twins who were born conjoined at the chest and abdomen, are now separate little girls. The 2-year-olds were separated Nov. 1 in a 10-hour surgery. The operation was the culmination of several months of complex planning involving specialists from nearly every part of the hospital.

Millisecond pulsar in spin mode: Gamma radiation of rapidly rotating neutron star casts doubt on origin models Posted: 03 Nov 2011 01:18 PM PDT Astronomers have tracked down the first gamma-ray pulsar in a globular cluster of stars. It is around 27,000 light years away and thus also holds the distance record in this class of objects. Moreover, its high luminosity indicates that J1823-3021A is the youngest millisecond pulsar found to date, and that its magnetic field is much stronger than theoretically predicted. This therefore suggests the existence of a new population of such extreme objects.

NASA's Fermi finds youngest millisecond pulsar, 100 pulsars to-date Posted: 03 Nov 2011 12:46 PM PDT An international team of scientists using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has discovered a surprisingly powerful millisecond pulsar that challenges existing theories about how these objects form.

Depression: a combination of environmental, psychological and genetic factors Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:35 AM PDT Problems like anxiety and depression are caused by psychological and environmental factors, and are known to be influenced by genetic proclivities. However, it is still not clear how each factor affects the brain's functions to induce anxious and depressive symptoms. To shed light on these interactions, scientists have investigated the amygdala, a part of the brain that is hyperactive in individuals suffering from anxiety and depression. The researchers have shown that its activity can be modulated depending on the subject's genetic makeup, personal history and cognition. These results suggest that the effects of psychotherapies on the cerebral activity of patients could vary according to their genetic traits.

Fertilized oocytes digest paternal mitochondria Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:35 AM PDT During fertilization, the entire spermatozoon enters the oocyte. However, most of its organelles, including mitochondria, are not transmitted to the offspring. A new study demonstrates for the first time how the spermatozoon organelles are digested by the oocyte shortly after fertilization. These findings could improve cloning and medically-assisted reproductive technology and help to better understand the evolutionary origin of the elimination of paternal mitochondria.

Nine new gamma pulsars brings known gamma-ray pulsars to over 100 Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:34 AM PDT Pulsars are the lighthouses of the universe. These compact and fast-rotating neutron stars flash many times per second in the radio or gamma-ray band. Pure gamma-ray pulsars are extremely difficult to find despite their high energy because they radiate very few photons per unit of time. Using an improved analysis algorithm, scientists have now discovered a number of previously unknown gamma-ray pulsars with low luminosity in data from the Fermi satellite. These pulsars had been missed using conventional methods. The number of known gamma-ray pulsars has thus grown to over 100.

Discovery of new gene could improve efficiency of molecular factories Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:34 AM PDT The discovery of a new gene is helping researchers envision more-efficient molecular factories of the future.

Brain cells responsible for keeping us awake identified Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:34 AM PDT Researchers have identified the group of neurons that mediates whether light arouses us and keeps us awake, or not. They report that the cells necessary for a light induced arousal response are located in the hypothalamus, an area at the base of the brain responsible for, among other things, control of the autonomic nervous system, body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue -- and sleep.

Study identifies an expanded role for PKM2 in helping cancer cells survive Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:32 AM PDT In recent years, the field of cancer metabolism has found that cancer cells can manipulate the PKM2 enzyme to grow and thrive. Now a new study finds that cancers also use PKM2 to withstand oxidative stress.

Chromosome centromeres are inherited epigenetically Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:32 AM PDT The histone protein CenH3 is both necessary and sufficient to trigger the formation of centromeres and pass them on from one generation to the next.

Exercise provides clue to deadly ataxia Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:32 AM PDT When researchers prescribed mild exercise for mice with a neurodegenerative disorder called spinocerebellar ataxia 1, they did not know what to expect. What they found was the mice that exercised lived longer than those that had not.

Evolution during human colonizations: Selective advantage of being there first Posted: 03 Nov 2011 11:32 AM PDT The first individuals settling on new land are more successful at passing on their genes than those who did not migrate, according to new research.

Chromosomal 'breakpoints' linked to canine cancer Posted: 03 Nov 2011 10:23 AM PDT Researchers have uncovered evidence that evolutionary "breakpoints" on canine chromosomes are also associated with canine cancer. Mapping these "fragile" regions in dogs may also have implications for the discovery and treatment of human cancers.

Nano-technoloogy makes medicine greener Posted: 03 Nov 2011 10:23 AM PDT Researchers are working on a new method that will make it possible to develop drugs faster and greener. This will lead to cheaper medicine for consumers.

When our neurons remain silent so that our performances may improve Posted: 03 Nov 2011 10:23 AM PDT Why do we "turn off" our neurons at times when we need them most? Scientists have just demonstrated that a network of specific neurons, referred to as "the default-mode network" works on a permanent basis even when we are doing nothing.

Trillions served: Massive, complex projects for DOE JGI 2012 Community Sequencing Program Posted: 03 Nov 2011 10:22 AM PDT Taking advantage of massive-scale sequencing and data analysis capabilities, the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute will serve up trillions of nucleotides of information from newly-selected projects geared to feed the data-hungry worldwide research community. The total allocation for the 2012 Community Sequencing Program portfolio will exceed 30 trillion bases (terabases), a 100-fold increase compared with just two years ago, when just a third of a terabase was allocated to more than 70 projects.

Scientists identify gene critical for cell responses to oxygen deprivation Posted: 03 Nov 2011 10:22 AM PDT Scientists have identified a protein that kick-starts the response to low levels of oxygen, suggesting new lines of research relevant to a variety of potentially fatal disorders associated with diminished oxygen supply, including cancer, heart disease, stroke and other neurological conditions that affect millions of people worldwide.

Skin 'sees' UV light, starts producing pigment Posted: 03 Nov 2011 10:22 AM PDT Biologists report that melanocyte skin cells detect ultraviolet light using a photosensitive receptor previously thought to exist only in the eye. This eye-like ability of skin to sense light triggers the production of melanin within hours, more quickly than previously thought, in an apparent rush to protect against damage to DNA.

Alternate ending: Living on without telomerase Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:24 AM PDT Scientists have discovered an alternative mechanism for the extension of the telomere repeat sequence by DNA repair enzymes.

Pulsating response to stress in bacteria discovered Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:06 AM PDT Turning on the heater is a reasonable response to a cold environment: switch to a toastier state until it warms up outside. Biologists have long thought cells would respond to their environment in a similar way. But now researchers are finding that cells can respond using a pulsating mechanism. The principles behind this process are surprisingly simple and could drive other cellular processes, revealing more about how the cells -- and ultimately life -- work.

Erasing the signs of aging in human cells is now a reality Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:06 AM PDT Scientists have recently succeeded in rejuvenating cells from elderly donors (aged over 100). These old cells were reprogrammed in vitro to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and to rejuvenated and human embryonic stem cells (hESC): cells of all types can again be differentiated after this genuine "rejuvenation" therapy.

Duck's boon might be a turtle's bane: Overturned duck nest boxes can be death traps for turtles Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:04 AM PDT Biologists have discovered that overturned duck nest boxes can be death traps for wetland turtles. Ordinarily a good thing, duck nest boxes -- a nesting box attached to a pole in the wetland ground -- are often erected in wetlands to provide nest sites for cavity-nesting ducks such as wood ducks and hooded mergansers. However, improper care of these boxes can have devastating effects on wetland turtles.

High blood pressure may lead to missed emotional cues Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:04 AM PDT Your ability to recognize emotional content in faces and texts is linked to your blood pressure, according to new research.

New ways to image and therapeutically target melanoma using nanomedicine? Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:04 AM PDT Because the incidence of malignant melanoma is rising faster than any other cancer in the US, medical researchers are working overtime to develop new technologies to aid in both malignant melanoma diagnosis and therapy. A tool of great promise comes from the world of nanomedicine.

Adolescent amphetamine use linked to permanent changes in brain function and behavior Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:04 AM PDT Amphetamine use in adolescence can cause neurobiological imbalances and increase risk-taking behavior, and these effects can persist into adulthood, even when subjects are drug free. These are the conclusions of a new study using animal models. The study is one of the first to shed light on how long-term amphetamine use in adolescence affects brain chemistry and behavior.

Mechanism in brain cancer responsible for neuron death discovered Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:03 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which glioblastoma multiforme, the most common form of brain cancer, promotes the loss of function or death of neurons, a process known as neurodegeneration.

Brain probe that softens after insertion causes less scarring Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:03 AM PDT A hard probe inserted in the cerebral cortex of a rat model turns nearly as pliable as the surrounding gray matter in minutes, and induces less of the tough scarring that walls off hard probes that do not change, researchers have found.

Research team unravels tomato pathogen's tricks of the trade Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:02 AM PDT The genome of several Pseudomonas syrinage pv. tomato isolates have been sequenced in order to track the bacterial pathogen's ability to overcome plant defenses and to develop methods to prevent further spread.

The human cause of climate change: Where does the burden of proof lie? Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:02 AM PDT The debate may largely be drawn along political lines, but the human role in climate change remains one of the most controversial questions in 21st century science. Experts argue that the evidence for anthropogenic climate change is now so clear that the burden of proof should lie with research which seeks to disprove the human role.

Impulsive versus controlled men: Disinhibited brains and disinhibited behavior Posted: 03 Nov 2011 09:02 AM PDT Impulsive individuals tend to display aggressive behavior and have challenges ranging from drug and alcohol abuse, to problem gambling and difficult relationships. They are less able to adapt to different social situations. Impulsivity is also a common feature of psychiatric disorders. New research shows that people may react this way, in part, because they have lower levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter, in a specific part of their brain involved in regulating self-control.

Gene therapy shows promise as hemophilia treatment in animal studies Posted: 03 Nov 2011 05:14 AM PDT For the first time, researchers have combined gene therapy and stem cell transplantation to successfully reverse the severe, crippling bleeding disorder hemophilia A in large animals, opening the door to the development of new therapies for human patients.

Climate change causing massive movement of tree species across the West Posted: 03 Nov 2011 05:14 AM PDT A huge "migration" of trees has begun across much of the West due to global warming, insect attack, diseases and fire, and many tree species are projected to decline or die out in regions where they have been present for centuries, while others move in and replace them. In an enormous display of survival of the fittest, the forests of the future are taking a new shape.

Reprogramming stem cells to a more basic form results in more effective transplant, study shows Posted: 03 Nov 2011 05:14 AM PDT Chinese stem cell scientists have published new research that improves the survival and effectiveness of transplanted stem cells.

Scientists study 'galaxy zoo' using Google Maps and thousands of volunteers Posted: 03 Nov 2011 05:14 AM PDT The reddest galaxies with the largest central bulb show the largest bars -- gigantic central columns of stars and dark matter -- according to a scientific study that used Google Maps to observe the sky. A group of volunteers of more than 200,000 participants of the galaxy classification project Galaxy Zoo contributed to this research.

Get lost easily? The cerebellum is your navigation assistant Posted: 03 Nov 2011 05:14 AM PDT The cerebellum is far more intensively involved in helping us navigate than previously thought. To move and learn effectively in spatial environments our brain, and particularly our hippocampus, creates a "cognitive" map of the environment. The cerebellum contributes to the creation of this map through altering the chemical communication between its neurons. If this ability is inactivated, the brain is no longer able to to create an effective spatial representation and thus navigation in an environment becomes impaired, new research shows.

The perfect clone: Researchers hack RFID smartcards Posted: 03 Nov 2011 05:13 AM PDT Professional safecrackers use a stethoscope to find the correct combination by listening to the clicks of the lock. Researchers have now demonstrated how to bypass the security mechanisms of a widely used contactless smartcard in a similar way. Employing so-called "Side-Channel Analysis" the researchers can break the cryptography of millions of cards that are used all around the world.

Cerebral palsy-like brain damage prevented in mice Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:04 PM PDT Scientists have shown that a protein may help prevent the kind of brain damage that occurs in babies with cerebral palsy.

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