الجمعة، 20 يوليو 2012

ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News

Colorful science sheds light on solar heating

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 06:27 PM PDT

Using a new technique a solar scientist has created images of the sun reminiscent of Van Gogh, with broad strokes of bright color splashed across a yellow background. But it's science, not art.

Better management of traumatic brain injury

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 06:27 PM PDT

New treatments to lessen the severity of the more than 21,000 traumatic brain injury cases that occur in Australia each year are on the horizon.

Triangles guide the way for live neural circuits in a dish

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 06:26 PM PDT

Scientists have used tiny stars, squares and triangles as a toolkit to create live neural circuits in a dish. They hope the shapes can be used to create a reproducible neural circuit model that could be used for learning and memory studies as well as drug screening applications; the shapes could also be integrated into the latest neural tissue scaffolds to aid the regeneration of neurons at injured sites in the body, such as the spinal cord.

Being in awe can expand time and enhance well-being

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 01:19 PM PDT

It doesn't matter what we've experienced -- whether it's the breathtaking scope of the Grand Canyon, the ethereal beauty of the Aurora Borealis, or the exhilarating view from the top of the Eiffel Tower -- at some point in our lives we've all had the feeling of being in a complete and overwhelming sense of awe.

Novel anti-malarial drug target identified

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 01:18 PM PDT

Scientists have identified the first reported inhibitors of a key enzyme involved in survival of the parasite responsible for malaria. Their findings may provide the basis for anti-malarial drug development.

Disorderly conduct: Probing the role of disorder in quantum coherence

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 12:33 PM PDT

New work looks at the curious relation between disorder (usually a disruptive thing) and quantum coherence.

Red hair is a sign of oxidative stress in wild boars, but gray is A-OK

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 12:33 PM PDT

A coat of a certain color could be costly for wild boars, according to new research. The research found that boars with more reddish hair tend to have higher levels of oxidative stress -- damage that occurs as toxins from cell respiration build up. The reason for this, the researchers suggest, is that the process of producing reddish pigment eats up a valuable antioxidant that would otherwise be fighting the free radicals that lead to oxidative stress.

Farmers tough on artificial limbs

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 12:33 PM PDT

When a farmer or rancher is injured on the job, there's an 11 percent chance that an amputation will occur. That's two and a half times more likely than in any other industry. Most of these amputations involve fingers or toes. But the artificial hands, arms, legs, feet and other prostheses used by agricultural workers with a major limb amputation don't seem to be durable, affordable or adaptable enough for their lifestyles, according to a new study.

An earthquake in a maze: Highest-resolution observations yet of the complex 2012 Sumatra earthquake

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 11:18 AM PDT

The powerful magnitude-8.6 earthquake that shook Sumatra on April 11, 2012, was the largest strike-slip quake ever recorded. Now, as researchers report on their findings from the first high-resolution observations of the underwater temblor, they point out that the earthquake was also unusually complex -- rupturing along multiple faults that lie at nearly right angles to one another, as though racing through a maze.

What 10,000 fruit flies have to tell us about differences between the sexes

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 11:18 AM PDT

What do you get when you dissect 10,000 fruit fly larvae? Scientists have discovered a way in which cells can adjust the activity of many different genes at once. Their findings overturn commonly held views and reveal an important mechanism behind sex differences.

Scientists read monkeys' inner thoughts: Brain activity decoded while monkeys avoid obstacle to touch target

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 11:18 AM PDT

Scientists who were decoding the activity of populations of neurons in the motor cortex discovered that they could tell how a monkey was planning to approach a reaching task. By chance the two monkeys chosen for the study had completely different cognitive styles. One was a hyperactive type, who kept jumping the gun, and the other was a smooth operator, who waited for the entire setup to be revealed before planning his next move.

Scientists connect seawater chemistry with ancient climate change and evolution

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 11:18 AM PDT

Humans get most of the blame for climate change with little attention paid to the contribution of other natural forces. Now, scientists are shedding light on one potential cause of the cooling trend of the past 45 million years that has everything to do with the chemistry of the world's oceans.

Understanding hot nuclear matter that permeated the early universe

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 11:17 AM PDT

A review article describes groundbreaking discoveries that have emerged from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, synergies with the heavy-ion program at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Europe, and the compelling questions that will drive this research forward on both sides of the Atlantic. The research helps enlighten our understanding of the hot nuclear matter that permeated the early universe.

Rapid diagnostic test for pathogens, contaminants

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:29 AM PDT

Using nanoscale materials, researchers have developed a single-step method to rapidly and accurately detect viruses, bacteria and chemical contaminants. The scientists were able to detect compounds such as lactic acid and albumin in highly diluted samples and in mixtures that included dyes and other chemicals. Their results suggest the same system could be used to detect pathogens and contaminants in biological mixtures such as food, blood, saliva and urine.

A wrinkle in space-time: Math shows how shockwaves could crinkle space

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:29 AM PDT

Mathematicians have come up with a new way to crinkle up the fabric of space-time -- at least in theory.

Virus discovered in Cultus Lake sport fish

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:29 AM PDT

A fish-population statistician has uncovered evidence of a potentially deadly virus in a freshwater sport fish in B.C.

In utero exposure to diesel exhaust a possible risk factor for obesity

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:29 AM PDT

Pregnant mice exposed to high levels of air pollution gave birth to offspring with a significantly higher rate of obesity and insulin resistance in adulthood than those that were not exposed to air pollution. This effect seemed especially prevalent in male mice, which were heavier regardless of diet. These findings suggests a link between diesel exhaust exposure in utero and bulging waistlines in adulthood.

Viruses' copying mechanism demystified, opening the door to new vaccine strategies

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:28 AM PDT

Certain kinds of viruses such as those that cause the common cold and hepatitis, copy themselves using a unique mechanism, according to scientists. The discovery sheds light on a never-before-understood region of an enzyme associated with the process of replicating genetic material. The research is an important step toward designing vaccines against viruses that have eluded vaccination strategies in the past, and improving existing vaccines.

Entire genetic sequence of individual human sperm determined

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:28 AM PDT

The entire genomes of 91 human sperm from one man have been sequenced. The results provide a fascinating glimpse into naturally occurring genetic variation in one individual, and are the first to report the whole-genome sequence of a human gamete -- the only cells that become a child and through which parents pass on physical traits.

New technique reveals cross-talk between two essential cellular processes

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:28 AM PDT

Scientists have simultaneously mapped two of the most important types of protein-modification in cells, revealing their extensive cooperation during an essential cellular process.

Locating muscle proteins

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:27 AM PDT

Scientists are bringing the basis of muscle movement into sharper focus. Muscle contraction and many other movement processes are controlled by the interplay between myosin and actin filaments. Two further proteins, tropomyosin and troponin, regulate how myosin binds to actin. While theoretical models have in fact described exactly how these muscle proteins interact, this interaction has never previously been observed in detail.

One step closer to growing a tooth

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:27 AM PDT

To build a tooth, a detailed recipe to instruct cells to differentiate towards proper lineages and form dental cells is needed. Researchers have now found a marker for dental stem cells. They showed that the transcription factor Sox2 is specifically expressed in stem cells of the mouse front tooth.

Potent new compound virtually eliminates HIV in cell culture

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:27 AM PDT

A new study shows, in cell culture, a natural compound can virtually eliminate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in infected cells. The compound defines a novel class of HIV anti-viral drugs endowed with the capacity to repress viral replication in acutely and chronically infected cells.

Scientists discover melanoma-driving genetic changes caused by sun damage

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:26 AM PDT

It's been a burning question in melanoma research: Tumor cells are full of ultraviolet (UV)-induced genetic damage caused by sunlight exposure, but which mutations drive this cancer?

Hundreds of random mutations in leukemia linked to aging, not cancer

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:26 AM PDT

Hundreds of mutations exist in leukemia cells at the time of diagnosis, but nearly all occur randomly as a part of normal aging and are not related to cancer, new research shows.

Inflammatory pathway spurs cancer stem cells to resist HER2-targeted breast cancer treatment

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:26 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered one reason why the cancer cells become resistant to Herceptin: They turn on a completely different pathway, one that is involved in inflammation, fueling the cancer independently of HER2.

Does presence of oxidants early in life help determine life span?

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:25 AM PDT

Why do we age, and what makes some of us live longer than others? For decades, researchers have been trying to answer these questions by elucidating the molecular causes of aging. The ability to deal with and recover from early oxidative stress might be a harbinger of lifespan, an animal study suggests.

Like a transformer? Protein unfolds and refolds for new function

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:25 AM PDT

New research has shown that a protein does something that scientists once thought impossible: It unfolds itself and refolds into a completely new shape. When it refolds, it acquires a new function – another finding researchers would not have predicted.

Cell division: Puzzling findings relating to centromere structure reconciled

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:25 AM PDT

Scientists have developed an innovative method to count the number of fluorescent molecules in a cluster and then applied the novel approach to settle a debate rampant among cell biologists —- namely, how DNA twists into a unique chromosomal structure called the centromere. Knowing this helps explain how cells navigate the hazards of division and avoid the disastrous consequences of ending up with the wrong number of chromosomes.

The yin and yang of stem cell quiescence and proliferation

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 10:25 AM PDT

Non-canonical Wnt-signaling maintains a quiescent pool of blood-forming stem cells in mouse bone marrow.

Anti-tau drug improves cognition, decreases tau tangles in Alzheimer's disease models

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 08:52 AM PDT

An anti-tau treatment called epithilone D (EpoD) was effective in preventing and intervening the progress of Alzheimer's disease in animal models, improving neuron function and cognition, as well as decreasing tau pathology.

Global CO<sub>2</sub> emissions continued to increase in 2011, with per capita emissions in China reaching European levels

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 08:51 AM PDT

Global emissions of carbon dioxide increased by 3% last year, reaching an all-time high of 34 billion tonnes in 2011. In China, the world's most populous country, average emissions of CO2 increased by 9% to 7.2 tonnes per capita. China is now within the range of 6 to 19 tonnes per capita emissions of the major industrialized countries. In the European Union, CO2 emissions dropped by 3% to 7.5 tonnes per capita. The United States remains one of the largest emitters of CO2, with 17.3 tones per capita, despite a decline due to the recession in 2008-2009, high oil prices and an increased share of natural gas.

Reorganizing brain could lead to new stroke, tinnitus treatments

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 08:13 AM PDT

Researchers recently demonstrated how nerve stimulation paired with specific experiences, such as movements or sounds, can reorganize the brain. This technology could lead to new treatments for stroke, tinnitus, autism and other disorders.

Innovation promises to cut massive power use at big data companies in a flash

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 08:13 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a technique to allow flash memory to substitute for RAM in many applications, allowing for savings in equipment costs and power consumption.

A good night's sleep could keep you out of a nursing home

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 08:09 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered another possible benefit of a night of restful and uninterrupted sleep. According to researchers, fragmented or interrupted sleep could predict future placement in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Leopard in dramatic photo traced to 2004 camera trap

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 08:09 AM PDT

A dramatic photo of a male leopard dragging a massive gaur (or Indian bison) calf in Karnataka's Bandipur Tiger Reserve turned out to be the same animal photographed by a WCS camera trap nearly eight years ago.

'Caffeinated' coastal waters: Possible sources include sewer overflows, septic tanks

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:53 AM PDT

A new study finds elevated levels of caffeine at several sites in Pacific Ocean waters off the coast of Oregon -- though not necessarily where researchers expected. This study is the first to look at caffeine pollution off the Oregon coast.

Could volcanic eruptions in the south-west Pacific save the Great Barrier Reef?

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:52 AM PDT

Could the pumice that surges into the ocean once a volcano erupts in Tonga or elsewhere in the south-west Pacific save the Great Barrier Reef? New research conducted by Queensland University of Technology geologist Dr Scott Bryan indicates that yes, this is not only possible, but could be how the Great Barrier Reef formed in the first place.

High dolphin deaths in Gulf of Mexico due to oil spill and other environmental factors, study finds

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:52 AM PDT

The largest oil spill on open water to date and other environmental factors led to the historically high number of dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico, concludes a two-year scientific study.

How does fat influence flavor perception?

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:50 AM PDT

Fat in food can reduce activity in several areas of the brain which are responsible for processing taste, aroma and reward.

How to build a middleweight black hole: New model for intermediate black hole formation parallels growth of giant planets

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:50 AM PDT

A new model shows how an elusive type of black hole can be formed in the gas surrounding their supermassive counterparts. In new research, scientists propose that intermediate-mass black holes -- light-swallowing celestial objects with masses ranging from hundreds to many thousands of times the mass of the sun -- can grow in the gas disks around supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies.

Progress in search for neutrino-less double-beta decay of Xenon-136

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:50 AM PDT

Physicists recently reported results of an experiment conducted in a salt mine one-half mile under Carlsbad, N.M., part of a decades-long search for evidence of the elusive neutrino-less double-beta decay of Xenon-136. They succeeded in setting a new lower limit for the half-life of this ephemeral nuclear decay. Though no one has yet seen it, important progress was made.

Success of pink bacteria in oceans of the world

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:50 AM PDT

Researchers have now discovered that, through plasmids, representatives of the Roseobacter group may exchange such important genetic characteristics as the capability to perform photosynthesis. This type of horizontal gene transfer across the species boundary might make it possible for bacteria of the Roseobacter clade to quickly and effectively conquer new ecological niches.

Skin has an internal clock

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:36 AM PDT

Human skin has an internal clock responsible for the time-based steering of its repair and regeneration, among other things. Our skin is one of the body's essential organs and perhaps the most versatile: Besides representative, communicative and sensory functions, it serves as our body's boundary to the environment, forms an active and passive barrier against germs and helps keeping conditions constant for other important systems of the body, even though environmental conditions can change drastically. Frost, heat, sunlight and moisture — a variety of challenges for our skin — have different effects depending on the time of day.

Mild HIV type slows development of AIDS and makes new preventive treatments possible

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:36 AM PDT

A new study has opened the way for new approaches to slowing the development of AIDS in HIV-1-infected patients. It is hoped that this could lead to better treatment methods and preventive measures to combat HIV and AIDS.

New agents join the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:35 AM PDT

The World Health Organization (WHO) has named antimicrobial resistance one of the most important threats to human health. Scientists have now demonstrated that a new class of chemically produced antimicrobial agents could become a future infection treatment alternative. These findings are another advance for researchers in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Scientists have developed a way to detect superparasites

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:35 AM PDT

Scientists have made a breakthrough in bridging high tech molecular biology research on microbial pathogens and the needs of the poorest of the poor. After sequencing the complete genome of Leishmania donovani (a parasite causing one of the most important tropical diseases after malaria) in hundreds of clinical isolates, they identified a series of mutations specific of 'superparasites' and developed a simple assay that should allow tracking them anywhere.

You may never need to clean your car again, thanks to new coating technology

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:35 AM PDT

A new coating with self-repairing surface functionality has been developed. Researchers in the Netherlands have developed a coating with a surface that repairs itself after damage. This new coating has numerous potential applications -- for example mobile phones that will remain clean from fingerprints, cars that never need to be washed, and aircraft that need less frequent repainting.

Spatial knowledge vs. spatial choice: The hippocampus as conflict detector?

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:35 AM PDT

Hippocampal NMDA receptors in the brain help to make the right decision when faced with complex orientation problems

Short-term intestinal parasite infection triggers specific cytokines that can prevent the development of type 1 diabetes

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:32 AM PDT

Short-term infection with intestinal worms may provide long-term protection against type I diabetes (TID), suggests a new study. The incidence of TID is relatively low in developing countries. One explanation for this phenomenon is the prevalence of chronic intestinal worm infections, which dampen the self-aggressive T cells that cause diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.

New ultracapacitor delivers a jolt of energy at a constant voltage

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 07:32 AM PDT

Scientists have designed an ultracapacitor that maintains a near steady voltage. The novel constant-voltage design may one day help ultracapacitors find new uses in low-voltage electric vehicle circuits and handheld electronics.

Cassini spots daytime lightning on Saturn

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 05:31 AM PDT

Saturn was playing the lightning storm blues. NASA's Cassini spacecraft has captured images of last year's storm on Saturn, the largest storm seen up-close at the planet, with bluish spots in the middle of swirling clouds. Those bluish spots indicate flashes of lightning and mark the first time scientists have detected lightning in visible wavelengths on the side of Saturn illuminated by the sun.

Generation X is surprisingly unconcerned about climate change

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 05:26 AM PDT

Generation X is lukewarm about climate change -- uninformed about the causes and unconcerned about the dangers, according to a new report.

What did we learn from the 2010 California whooping cough epidemic?

Posted: 19 Jul 2012 05:25 AM PDT

Because whooping cough (pertussis) is almost as contagious as measles (affecting ~12-17 individuals with each case), clinicians are required to report cases of this bacterial respiratory tract infection to the state's department of public health. In 2010, California had the highest number of cases of whooping cough in 60 years. A new study describes the 2010 whooping cough epidemic and details strategies to decrease the incidence of this infection.

Child's behavior linked to father-infant interactions, study shows

Posted: 18 Jul 2012 04:26 PM PDT

Children whose fathers are more positively engaged with them at age three months have fewer behavioral problems at age twelve months, according to new research. The study suggests that interventions aimed at improving parent-child interaction in the early post-natal period may be beneficial to the child's behavior later on in life.
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