ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

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• Deep ocean current may slow due to climate change
• Permafrost thaw exacerbates climate change
• Characteristics of lung cancers arising in genetic mutation carriers
• Seal teeth offer glimpse into the environmental past of Russia's Lake Baikal
• Pathogens in cheese: Case study on Austrian curd cheese
• Forests crucial to green growth
• UV exposure found to lower folate levels in young women
• Genetic clue to irritable bowel syndrome found

Deep ocean current may slow due to climate change Posted: 21 Mar 2014 01:49 PM PDT Far beneath the surface of the ocean, deep currents act as conveyer belts, channeling heat, carbon, oxygen and nutrients around the globe. A new has found that recent climate change may be acting to slow down one of these conveyer belts, with potentially serious consequences for the future of the planet's climate.

Permafrost thaw exacerbates climate change Posted: 21 Mar 2014 01:48 PM PDT Growing season gains do not offset carbon emissions from permafrost thaw, new research shows. Permafrost contains three to seven times the amount of carbon sequestered in tropical forests. The warming climate threatens to thaw permafrost, which will result in the release of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere creating feedbacks to climate change -- more warming and greater permafrost thaw.

Characteristics of lung cancers arising in genetic mutation carriers Posted: 21 Mar 2014 01:48 PM PDT Two studies are providing new insight into germline epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutation in familial non-small cell lung cancer. The findings suggest the need for tailored approaches for early detection and treatment, as well as for genetic testing to identify carriers. "These studies now solidify the fact that routine clinical management of lung cancer now has to include the awareness of this inherited cancer syndrome," said one expert.

Seal teeth offer glimpse into the environmental past of Russia's Lake Baikal Posted: 21 Mar 2014 01:46 PM PDT Scientists have found that the teeth of the nerpa seal may hold the strongest evidence of the effects of decades of environmental pollution, nuclear testing, and climate change on Russia's Lake Baikal. The nerpa, also known as the Baikal seal, is the only seal that lives exclusively in fresh water.

Pathogens in cheese: Case study on Austrian curd cheese Posted: 21 Mar 2014 08:22 AM PDT In 2009 and 2010 two different strains of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes were found in traditional Austrian curd cheese known as 'Quargel'. 34 people were infected, and a total of 8 patients died. Experts analyzed the genomes, and concluded that the bacterial strains display distinct properties and entered the food chain independently. The results increase the understanding of outbreaks and their prevention.

Forests crucial to green growth Posted: 21 Mar 2014 07:17 AM PDT The value of forests and tree-based ecosystems extends far beyond carbon sequestration; they are the foundation of sustainable societies. A new report promotes REDD+ and the Green Economy as together providing a new pathway to sustainable development that can benefit all nations. It claims this approach can conserve and even boost the economic and social benefits forests provide to human society.

UV exposure found to lower folate levels in young women Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:52 AM PDT Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and taking a folic acid supplement may be at risk of reducing their folate benefit through sun exposure, a new study has warned. Folic acid is a B vitamin that is very important for pregnant women and those planning a baby. Folate is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables like spinach, citrus fruits, legumes, whole grains and vegemite. Folic acid is also added to many foods such as breads, flours and pastas. Folic acid can also be taken as a pill.

Genetic clue to irritable bowel syndrome found Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:31 PM PDT Is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) caused by genetics, diet, past trauma, anxiety? All are thought to play a role, but now, for the first time, researchers have reported a defined genetic defect that causes a subset of IBS. Researchers estimate that approximately 15 to 20 percent of the Western world has IBS. It is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Most patients with the disorder commonly experience symptoms of cramping, abdominal pain, bloating gas, diarrhea and constipation.

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