ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Sunday, June 5, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Sunday, June 5, 2011

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DNA can discern between two quantum states, research shows (June 4, 2011) -- Do the principles of quantum mechanics apply to biological systems? Until now, both biologists and physicists have considered quantum systems and biological molecules to be like apples and oranges. But new research shows that a biological molecule -- DNA -- can discern between quantum states known as spin. ... > full story

Eating dirt can be good for the belly, researchers find (June 4, 2011) -- Most of us never considered eating the mud pies we made as kids, but for many people all over the world, dining on dirt is nothing out of the ordinary. Now an extensive meta-analysis helps explain why. ... > full story

Again, but faster! The spectacular courtship dance of a tiny bird (June 4, 2011) -- A small male bird called a golden-collared manakin performs a difficult, elaborate, physically demanding courtship dance. In new research, scientists report that female golden-collared manakins select mates based on subtle differences in motor performance during these courtship dances. ... > full story

New drug target for squamous cell carcinoma (June 4, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered a new drug target for squamous cell carcinoma -- the second most common form of skin cancer. Scientists have found that a protein called alpha-catenin acts as a tumor suppressor and they also have unlocked the mechanism by which this protein controls cell proliferation. ... > full story

Coping with climate change: Can we predict which species will be able to move far or fast enough to adapt? (June 4, 2011) -- As global temperatures rise, suitable sites for many plants and animals are shifting to cooler and higher ground. Can we predict which species will be able to move far or fast enough to keep up? A new study says the secrets to success in the face of a warming world are still elusive. ... > full story

When stressed, men charge ahead, women more careful, study finds (June 4, 2011) -- Stress causes men and women to respond differently to risky decision making, with men charging ahead for small rewards and women taking their time, according to a new study. Under stress, men and women also have different brain activation patterns during decision making. ... > full story

Ocean acidification leaves clownfish deaf to predators (June 4, 2011) -- Baby clownfish use hearing to detect and avoid predator-rich coral reefs during the daytime, but new research demonstrates that ocean acidification could threaten this crucial behavior within the next few decades. ... > full story

Scientists reactivate immune cells exhausted by chronic HIV (June 4, 2011) -- Scientists have demonstrated why certain immune cells chronically exposed to HIV shut down, and how they can be reactivated. ... > full story

From pre-gut cells to glory: Researchers discover a genomic control system that regulates gut formation in sea-urchin embryos (June 4, 2011) -- For all animals, development begins with the embryo. It is here that uniform cells divide and diversify, and blueprints are laid for structures, like skeletal and digestive systems. Although biologists have known for some time that signaling processes exist, there has not been a clear framework explanation of how it all comes together. Now, a research team has outlined exactly how specific sets of cells in sea-urchin embryos differentiate to become the endoderm. ... > full story

Miniature ventilator may help COPD patients improve mobility (June 4, 2011) -- A miniature, easy-to-carry ventilation system with a simple nasal mask may help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) become more active, according to research conducted at medical centers in California and Utah. The compact design offers an attractive alternative to currently available larger, less comfortable ventilators and masks. ... > full story

Similarities cause protein misfolding (June 4, 2011) -- A large number of illnesses stem from misfolded proteins, molecules composed of amino acids. Researchers have now studied protein misfolding using a special spectroscopic technique. Misfolding is more frequent if the sequence of the amino acids in the neighboring protein domains is very similar. ... > full story

Helping the aged during natural disasters (June 4, 2011) -- When earthquake, tsunami, tornado or flood strike, among the most vulnerable group are the elderly. Researchers in New Zealand suggest that emergency response plans must take into account the age-related needs of adults with regards to the personal and social resources they have available. ... > full story