ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

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• Computer models solve geologic riddle millions of years in the making
• No longer junk: Role of long noncoding RNAs in autism risk
• Light-activated antimicrobial surface that also works in the dark: World's first
• Fast and reliable: New mechanism for speedy transmission in basket cells discovered
• Guarding grapes and other tales from papyri
• From mouse ears to human's? Gene therapy to address progressive hearing loss
• Gene implicated in progression, relapse of deadly breast cancer finding points to potential Achilles' heel in triple negative breast cancer
• Population of neutrophils in body found by researchers
• New insight into improved wave energy testing
• Lots of carbon dioxide equivalents from aquatic environments
• Mice give ticks a free lunch
• A towel less: How psychologists harness sociability to cut waste
• Tumor suppressor p53 cuts off invading cancer cells
• Recovering valuable substances from wastewater
• Tackling multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant TB: New consensus reached
• Biased sex ratios predict more promiscuity, polygamy and 'divorce' in birds
• Climate change will improve survival rates of British bird -- the long-tailed tit
• Unfolded proteins collapse when exposed to heat, crowded environments
• Mother-of-pearl inspires super-strong material
• DNA from fossils reveal origin of Norwegian lemmings
• Simulations to reduce emissions from road transport
• Genetic cause of rare type of ovarian cancer discovered
• Drugs fail to reawaken dormant HIV infection
• Cold short-cut to carbon dioxide storage
• Secret of multiple insecticide resistance in mosquitoes
• Cells do not repair damage to DNA during mitosis because telomeres could fuse together
• 3-D model links facial features and DNA
• Scientists, parents join forces to identify new genetic disease in children

Computer models solve geologic riddle millions of years in the making Posted: 24 Mar 2014 10:33 AM PDT An international team of scientists has used computer modeling to reveal, for the first time, how giant swirls form during the collision of tectonic plates -- with subduction zones stuttering and recovering after continental fragments slam into them.

No longer junk: Role of long noncoding RNAs in autism risk Posted: 24 Mar 2014 10:31 AM PDT RNA acts as the intermediary between genes and proteins, but the function of pieces of RNA that do not code for protein has, historically, been less clear. Researchers have ignored these noncoding RNAs until recently for not complying with the central dogma of biology -- that a straight line runs from gene to RNA (transcription) to protein (translation). However, noncoding RNAs are emerging as important regulators of diverse cellular processes with implications for numerous human disorders.

Light-activated antimicrobial surface that also works in the dark: World's first Posted: 24 Mar 2014 09:14 AM PDT A new antibacterial material that has potential for cutting hospital acquired infections has been developed by scientists. The combination of two simple dyes with nanoscopic particles of gold is deadly to bacteria when activated by light -- even under modest indoor lighting. And in a first for this type of substance, it also shows impressive antibacterial properties in total darkness.

Fast and reliable: New mechanism for speedy transmission in basket cells discovered Posted: 24 Mar 2014 08:19 AM PDT A new subcellular mechanism for reliable, fast transmission in the so-called basket cells of the brain has been discovered by researchers. Basket cells play a key role in information processing in neuronal networks in the hippocampus. To fulfill their function, signal transmission has to be both fast and reliable: basket cells convert an incoming excitatory signal into an outgoing inhibitory signal within up to a millisecond, and this output signal needs to be distributed to a large number of target cells.

Guarding grapes and other tales from papyri Posted: 24 Mar 2014 08:19 AM PDT A new article throws light on the perils of produce patrol and more stories from ancient times. The researcher details what he deciphered from a roughly 3-by-5 inch shred of dark brown papyrus dating back to the fourth century. In large, cursive script, the hired guard outlines his labor contract, as well as details from a vineyard guard who was beaten by "violent and rapacious" criminals while attempting to chase them from the vineyard.

From mouse ears to human's? Gene therapy to address progressive hearing loss Posted: 24 Mar 2014 08:19 AM PDT Using DNA as a drug -- commonly called gene therapy -- in laboratory mice may protect the inner ear nerve cells of humans suffering from certain types of progressive hearing loss, researchers have discovered. While the research is in its early stages, it has the potential to lead to a cure for some varieties of deafness.

Gene implicated in progression, relapse of deadly breast cancer finding points to potential Achilles' heel in triple negative breast cancer Posted: 24 Mar 2014 08:19 AM PDT A gene previously unassociated with breast cancer plays a pivotal role in the growth and progression of the triple negative form of the disease, a particularly deadly strain that often has few treatment options, scientists have found. Their research suggests that targeting the gene may be a new approach to treating the disease.

Population of neutrophils in body found by researchers Posted: 24 Mar 2014 08:19 AM PDT A novel population of neutrophils, which are the body's infection control workhorses, has been discovered by scientists. These cells have an enhanced microbial killing ability and are thereby better able to control infection. However, they may behave as a double-edged sword as they also have the potential to cause inflammation that results in tissue damage, and further studies are underway to regulate these activities.

New insight into improved wave energy testing Posted: 24 Mar 2014 08:15 AM PDT Pioneering research could provide a significant boost in the vital quest to harness wave power as a viable renewable energy source for the future. Researchers deployed wave measurement buoys and used wave modelling to show how variations in wave size and strength could be resolved.

Lots of carbon dioxide equivalents from aquatic environments Posted: 24 Mar 2014 08:13 AM PDT Large amounts of carbon dioxide equivalents taken up by plants on land are returned to the atmosphere from aquatic environments. The findings were that emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents (as methane and carbon dioxide) from lakes, running water, dams, ponds, and wells correspond to on an average 42% of the expected natural carbon sink in India. This carbon sink may therefore be smaller than expected, illustrating that we do not have full knowledge on the natural greenhouse gas balance.

Mice give ticks a free lunch Posted: 24 Mar 2014 07:45 AM PDT Mice are effective at transferring disease-causing pathogens to feeding ticks. And, according to a new paper, these 'super hosts' appear indifferent to larval tick infestations. Drawing on 16 years of field research performed at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, New York, the paper found that white-footed mice with hundreds of larval ticks survived just as long as those with only a few ticks. Even more surprising, male mice with large tick loads were more likely to survive during a given season.

A towel less: How psychologists harness sociability to cut waste Posted: 24 Mar 2014 07:44 AM PDT Hotel guests can be gently persuaded to reduce the number of towels they use each day, psychology researchers have found. With fewer towels to wash, this reduces the waste of water, energy and detergent. This is good news for the environment and it cuts costs, so enabling hotels to reduce prices.

Tumor suppressor p53 cuts off invading cancer cells Posted: 24 Mar 2014 07:43 AM PDT The tumor suppressor p53 does all it can to prevent oncogenes from transforming normal cells into tumor cells. Sometimes oncogenes manage to initiate tumor development in the presence of p53, which focuses its efforts instead on limiting the tumor's ability to invade and metastasize. Researchers uncover one way that p53 acts to prevent cancer cell invasion.

Recovering valuable substances from wastewater Posted: 24 Mar 2014 06:04 AM PDT Phosphorus can be found in fertilizers, drinks and detergents. It accumulates in waterways and pollutes them. For this reason the German Phosphorus Platform has the goal to recover this valuable, but at the same time, harmful element from water. How this can be done will be shown by researchers at the Hannover Trade Fair.

Tackling multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant TB: New consensus reached Posted: 24 Mar 2014 06:03 AM PDT New consensus statements have been developed to help tackle the growing threat of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). The statements mark the first time that physicians who treat patients with multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant TB have reached a consensus on important areas of patient management where scientific evidence is inconclusive.

Biased sex ratios predict more promiscuity, polygamy and 'divorce' in birds Posted: 24 Mar 2014 06:03 AM PDT More birds break pair bonds or 'divorce' in populations where there are more females, according to new research. Researchers also found that short-term infidelity increases in male-dominated environments. The research has some striking parallels in human societies.

Climate change will improve survival rates of British bird -- the long-tailed tit Posted: 24 Mar 2014 06:03 AM PDT Climate change may be bad news for billions, but scientists have discovered one unlikely winner -- a tiny British bird, the long-tailed tit. Like other small animals that live for only two or three years, these birds had until now been thought to die in large numbers during cold winters. But new research suggests that warm weather during spring instead holds the key to their survival.

Unfolded proteins collapse when exposed to heat, crowded environments Posted: 24 Mar 2014 06:02 AM PDT Not only folded proteins fulfill important functions in the human body; unfolded or intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) likewise assume major tasks. Researchers have observed how molecular forces influence protein structure. The unfolded proteins become smaller when exposed to elevated temperatures and density stress.

Mother-of-pearl inspires super-strong material Posted: 24 Mar 2014 06:02 AM PDT Whether traditional or derived from high technology, ceramics all have the same flaw: they are fragile. Yet this characteristic may soon be a thing of the past: a team of researchers has recently presented a new ceramic material inspired by mother-of-pearl from the small single-shelled marine mollusk abalone.

DNA from fossils reveal origin of Norwegian lemmings Posted: 24 Mar 2014 06:02 AM PDT A new ancient DNA study shows that the Norwegian lemming has a unique history. In contrast to other mammals in Fennoscandia, the Norwegian lemming may have survived the last Ice Age in the far north, sealed off from the rest of the world by gigantic ice sheets.

Simulations to reduce emissions from road transport Posted: 24 Mar 2014 06:02 AM PDT Researchers are developing a methodology to estimate atmospheric emissions from road transport that will help guide environmental decisions.

Genetic cause of rare type of ovarian cancer discovered Posted: 23 Mar 2014 12:21 PM PDT The cause of a rare type of ovarian cancer that most often strikes girls and young women has been uncovered by an international research team, according to a study. The findings revealed a 'genetic superhighway' mutation in a gene found in the overwhelming majority of patients with small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type, or SCCOHT.

Drugs fail to reawaken dormant HIV infection Posted: 23 Mar 2014 12:17 PM PDT Scientists report that compounds they hoped would "wake up" dormant reservoirs of HIV inside immune system T cells -- a strategy designed to reverse latency and make the cells vulnerable to destruction -- have failed to do so in laboratory tests of such white blood cells taken directly from patients infected with HIV.

Cold short-cut to carbon dioxide storage Posted: 21 Mar 2014 08:21 AM PDT Could refrigeration technology -- against all the odds -- kick-start carbon dioxide storage in the North Sea? All over the world, scientists are on the hunt for solutions that will allow carbon dioxide to be captured from large power stations and industrial plants. Many of the methods in use today employ chemicals or advanced materials to extract carbon dioxide from flue gases. But now, a chilly alternative is showing signs of heating up. When carbon dioxide-rich gases are compressed and refrigerated, the carbon dioxide turns into a liquid -- like steam on a cold bathroom mirror -- and can be drawn off.

Secret of multiple insecticide resistance in mosquitoes Posted: 21 Mar 2014 06:48 AM PDT Unprecedented multiple and extreme-level resistance is generated in mosquitoes found in the rice fields of Tiassalé in southern Côte d'Ivoire. A new study highlights the combination of stringently-replicated whole genome transcription profiling, in vivo transgenic gene expression and in vitro metabolism assays to identify and validate genes from the P450 detoxification enzyme superfamily which are highly expressed in the adult females from the area.

Cells do not repair damage to DNA during mitosis because telomeres could fuse together Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:35 PM PDT Throughout a cell's life, corrective mechanisms act to repair DNA strand breaks. The exception is during the critical moment of cell division, when chromosomes are most vulnerable. Researchers found out why DNA repair shuts down during mitosis. This study has solved a long-standing mystery in cell division and cellular biology.

3-D model links facial features and DNA Posted: 20 Mar 2014 02:33 PM PDT DNA can already tell us the sex and ancestry of unknown individuals, but now an international team of researchers is beginning to connect genetics with facial features, degrees of femininity and racial admixture. The researchers looked at both actual physical face shape and genetic markers of face shape.

Scientists, parents join forces to identify new genetic disease in children Posted: 20 Mar 2014 10:14 AM PDT Scientists and parents have worked together to identify a new genetic disease that causes neurologic, muscle, eye and liver problems in children. The discovery was unusually fast thanks to a combination of modern gene-sequencing techniques, social media and old-fashioned detective work. One important clue was that affected children cry without making tears.

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