ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Sunday, June 12, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Sunday, June 12, 2011

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Physicists apply Einstein's general theory of relativity to superconducting circuits (June 11, 2011) -- Using Einstein's general theory of relativity, scientists have demonstrated that the Josephson junction could be reproduced. The Josephson junction, a device that was first discovered by Brian David Josephson in the early 1960's, is a main ingredient in applications of superconductivity. ... > full story

Circulating levels of a lung protein found to be 'strongly predictive' of cardiovascular disease (June 11, 2011) -- A blood protein known as surfactant protein-D (SP-D), which is mainly synthesized in the lungs, has been described as "a good predictor" of cardiovascular disease following a large study in North America. ... > full story

Hormone test helps predict success in IVF (June 11, 2011) -- In a new study, women with high levels of the hormone AMH produced more eggs for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, and pregnancies were more likely to occur than in women with low levels. The finding could aid counseling and give doctors a new tool to adjust treatment. ... > full story

Strength training for grandma and grandpa (June 11, 2011) -- People lose 30 percent of their muscle strength between the ages of 50 and 70 years. However, maintaining muscle strength in old age is enormously important in order to maintain mobility and to be able to lead an independent life and manage everyday tasks independently. Scientists conclude that progressive strength (resistance) training counteracts muscular atrophy in old age. ... > full story

Photosynthesis mechanics: Tapping into plants is the key to combat climate change, says scientist (June 11, 2011) -- The mechanics behind photosynthesis in plants could be used in the fight against climate change, according to one scientist. ... > full story

Will psych majors make the big bucks? (June 11, 2011) -- A new crop of college graduates have just landed on the job market. Right now they're probably just hoping to get any job, if at all. However, for psychology majors, the salary outlook in both the short and long term is particularly poor, according to a new study. ... > full story

Nearby galaxy boasts two monster black holes, both active (June 11, 2011) -- A study using NASA's Swift satellite and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory has found a second supersized black hole at the heart of an unusual nearby galaxy already known to be sporting one. The galaxy, which is known as Markarian 739 or NGC 3758, lies 425 million light-years away toward the constellation Leo. Only about 11,000 light-years separate the two cores, each of which contains a black hole gorging on infalling gas. ... > full story

Molecular imaging for Alzheimer's disease may be available in hospitals within a year, studies suggest (June 11, 2011) -- Researchers the world over are advancing positron emission tomography as an effective method of early detection for Alzheimer's disease, a currently incurable and deadly neurological disorder. Three studies are providing new insights into the development of Alzheimer's disease while opening the door to future clinical screening and treatments. ... > full story

Ultrathin copper-oxide layers behave like quantum spin liquid (June 11, 2011) -- Magnetic studies of ultrathin slabs of copper-oxide materials reveal that at very low temperatures, the thinnest, isolated layers lose their long-range magnetic order and instead behave like a "quantum spin liquid" -- a state of matter where the orientations of electron spins fluctuate wildly. This unexpected discovery may offer support for the idea that this novel condensed state of matter is a precursor to the emergence of high-temperature superconductivity -- the ability to carry current with no resistance. ... > full story

Key function of enzyme involved in RNA processing described (June 11, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that is critical in maintaining normal cell function. They examined the function of TRAMP, a protein complex involved in the processing of RNA or ribonucleic acid within the cell. They identified a key function for the protein Mtr4p in a process that initiates the degradation of select RNAs, a necessary step in preserving normal cell function. ... > full story

'Super varieties' of wheat expected to boost yields and block deadly threat to food security (June 11, 2011) -- Five years after the launch of a global effort to protect the world's most important food crop from variants of Ug99, a new and deadly form of wheat rust, scientists say they are close to producing super varieties of wheat that will resist the potent pathogen, while boosting yields by as much as 15 percent. ... > full story

Communicating in a crisis: Researchers devise new technique to help rescuers communicate after terrorist attacks (June 11, 2011) -- In the aftermath of the London bombings mobile phones and radios stopped working making the already tricky rescue operation even more difficult. Now experts have developed a solution to ensure breakdowns in communication are a thing of the past for emergency workers responding to disasters. ... > full story