ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

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• Dogs sense small variations in Earth's magnetic field, new research suggests
• Genetically identical bacteria can behave in radically different ways
• Animal cells can communicate by reaching out, touching, study shows
• Molecule discovered that protects brain from cannabis intoxication
• Atlas Mountains in Morocco buoyed up by superhot rock, study finds
• Roses are red: Why some petunias are blue
• Longmanshen fault zone still hazardous, suggest new reports
• Earthquake lights linked to rift environments, subvertical faults
• Fishing; More protection for big ones
• North Atlantic atmospheric oscillation affects quality of cava
• International team completes systematic, genomic study of cervical cancer
• Slippery bark protects trees from pine beetle attack
• Research raises concerns about future global crop yields

Dogs sense small variations in Earth's magnetic field, new research suggests Posted: 03 Jan 2014 05:52 AM PST Researchers analyzed the body orientation of 70 dogs of different breeds, while the dogs relieved themselves in the open country and without being on the leash. The statistical analysis of the more than 7,000 observations was initially frustrating. But then the researchers made a striking discovery.

Genetically identical bacteria can behave in radically different ways Posted: 02 Jan 2014 11:20 AM PST When a bacterial cell divides into two daughter cells there can be an uneven distribution of certain survival mechanisms. The resulting cells can behave differently from each other, depending on which parts they received in the split. This is another way that cells within a population can diversify and enhance the odds that some members of a population of bacteria can avoid threats, such as antibiotics.

Animal cells can communicate by reaching out, touching, study shows Posted: 02 Jan 2014 11:20 AM PST In a finding that directly contradicts the standard biological model of animal cell communication, scientists have discovered that typical cells in animals have the ability to transmit and receive biological signals by making physical contact with each other, even at long distance.

Molecule discovered that protects brain from cannabis intoxication Posted: 02 Jan 2014 11:20 AM PST Two INSERM research teams recently discovered that pregnenolone, a molecule produced by the brain, acts as a natural defense mechanism against the harmful effects of cannabis in animals. Pregnenolone prevents THC, the main active principle in cannabis, from fully activating its brain receptor, the CB1 receptor, that when overstimulated by THC causes the intoxicating effects of cannabis. By identifying this mechanism, the INSERM teams are already developing new approaches for the treatment of cannabis addiction.

Atlas Mountains in Morocco buoyed up by superhot rock, study finds Posted: 02 Jan 2014 10:36 AM PST The Atlas Mountains defy the standard model for mountain structure in which high topography must have deep roots for support, according to a new study from Earth scientists.

Roses are red: Why some petunias are blue Posted: 02 Jan 2014 10:32 AM PST Researchers have uncovered the secret recipe to making some petunias such a rare shade of blue. The findings may help to explain and manipulate the color of other ornamental flowers, not to mention the taste of fruits and wine, say researchers. From the flowers' point of view, the findings also have important implications, since blue petals instead of red might spell disaster when it comes to attracting pollinators.

Longmanshen fault zone still hazardous, suggest new reports Posted: 02 Jan 2014 10:32 AM PST The 60-kilometer segment of the fault northeast of the 2013 Lushan rupture is the place in the region to watch for the next major earthquake, according to research. Recent research papers suggest the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake triggered the magnitude 6.6 Lushan quake.

Earthquake lights linked to rift environments, subvertical faults Posted: 02 Jan 2014 10:32 AM PST Rare earthquake lights are more likely to occur on or near rift environments, where subvertical faults allow stress-induced electrical currents to flow rapidly to the surface, according to a new study.

Fishing; More protection for big ones Posted: 02 Jan 2014 08:22 AM PST Many popular measures to combat overfishing help conserve mostly small juvenile fish. The results from a set of international studies may now revolutionize fishing regulations.

North Atlantic atmospheric oscillation affects quality of cava Posted: 30 Dec 2013 07:14 AM PST The quality of cava depends on technical factors such as fermentation, aging and bottling processes, which usually remain stable for years. Researchers have discovered that oscillations in the North Atlantic -- that affects European climate -- also have an effect on the attributes of this sparkling wine. The years in which there is presence of the Azores anticyclone, there is a drop in the quality of cava.

International team completes systematic, genomic study of cervical cancer Posted: 26 Dec 2013 08:53 AM PST Researchers from the Boston area, Mexico, and Norway have completed a comprehensive genomic analysis of cervical cancer in two patient populations. The study identified recurrent genetic mutations not previously found in cervical cancer, including at least one for which targeted treatments have been approved for other forms of cancer. The findings also shed light on the role human papillomavirus plays in the development of cervical cancer.

Slippery bark protects trees from pine beetle attack Posted: 23 Dec 2013 08:48 AM PST Trees with smoother bark are better at repelling attacks by mountain pine beetles, which have difficulty gripping the slippery surface, according to a new study.

Research raises concerns about future global crop yields Posted: 20 Dec 2013 11:30 AM PST Yields of rice, wheat and corn appear to have maxed out on 30 percent of the world's agricultural croplands, according to a study.

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