ScienceDaily Environment Headlines -- for Friday, September 9, 2011

ScienceDaily Environment Headlines

for Friday, September 9, 2011

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Powered by seaweed: Polymer from algae may improve battery performance (September 9, 2011) -- By looking to Mother Nature for solutions, researchers have identified a promising new binder material for lithium-ion battery electrodes that could not only boost energy storage, but also eliminate the use of toxic compounds now used in manufacturing the components. Known as alginate, the material is extracted from common, fast-growing brown algae. ... > full story

Genomic analysis of superbug provides clues to antibiotic resistance (September 9, 2011) -- An analysis of the genome of a superbug has yielded crucial, novel information that could aid efforts to counteract the bacterium's resistance to an antibiotic of last resort. ... > full story

Handier than Homo habilis? Versatile hand of Australopithecus sediba makes a better candidate for an early tool-making hominin (September 9, 2011) -- Hand bones from a single individual with a clear taxonomic affiliation are scarce in the hominin fossil record, which has hampered understanding of the evolution of manipulative abilities in hominins. An international team of researchers has now published a study that describes the earliest, most complete fossil hominin hand post-dating the appearance of stone tools in the archaeological record, the hand of a 1.98-million-year-old Australopithecus sediba from Malapa, South Africa. ... > full story

New method to grow synthetic collagen unveiled: New material may find use in reconstructive surgery, cosmetics, tissue engineering (September 9, 2011) -- In a significant advance for cosmetic and reconstructive medicine, scientists have unveiled a new method for making synthetic collagen. The new material, which forms from a liquid in as little as an hour, has many of the properties of natural collagen and may prove useful as a scaffold for regenerating new tissues and organs from stem cells. ... > full story

Human brain evolution, new insight through X-rays: Experiment reveals brain shape of an early human ancestor (September 9, 2011) -- A new paper preveals an accurate, high-resolution X-ray scan of the brain case of Australopithecus sediba, an early human ancestor. The overall shape of the endocast resembles humans more than chimpanzees which, combined with the brain's small volume, is consistent with a model of gradual neural (brain) reorganization in the front part of the brain. ... > full story

800,000 years of abrupt climate variability: Earth's climate is capable of very rapid transitions (September 8, 2011) -- An international team of scientists has produced a prediction of what climate records from Greenland might look like over the last 800,000 years. The team's reconstruction is based on the much longer ice core temperature record retrieved from Antarctica and uses a mathematical formulation to extend the Greenland record beyond its current limit. ... > full story

Combination therapy rids common infection from implanted medical devices, researchers report (September 8, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a therapy for a potentially deadly type of infection common in catheters, artificial joints and other 'in-dwelling' medical devices. The therapy targets fungal infections, which are hard to treat in such devices because they are composed of biofilms—complex groupings of cells that attach to surfaces. Biofilms, in turn, are coated in a gooey matrix that resists drugs. ... > full story

Tree rings reveal forest fires from hundreds of years ago (September 8, 2011) -- Like clues from an Agatha Christie mystery novel, trees can provide secrets about past events, and their rings are especially good at providing information about fires, some of which happened hundreds of years ago, according to studies from a Texas researcher. ... > full story

Weakened malaria parasites form basis of new vaccine strategy (September 8, 2011) -- Using live but weakened malaria parasites as the basis of a vaccine represents a potentially encouraging anti-malaria strategy, according to results of follow-up animal studies performed after the conclusion of a recent clinical trial in humans. ... > full story

Scientists overcome major obstacle for stem cell therapies and research (September 8, 2011) -- Stem cells show great potential to enable treatments for conditions such as spinal injuries or Lou Gehrig's disease, and also as research tools. Scientists in the United States and Japan have developed a clever solution to the research obstacle of cell mixture purification that should prove more reliable than other methods, safer, and perhaps 100 times cheaper. ... > full story

Switching from coal to natural gas would do little for global climate, study indicates (September 8, 2011) -- Although the burning of natural gas emits far less carbon dioxide than coal, a new study concludes that a greater reliance on natural gas would fail to significantly slow down climate change. Coal releases more carbon dioxide, but it also releases particles that cool the planet. ... > full story

Australopithecus sediba paved the way for Homo species, new studies suggest (September 8, 2011) -- Researchers have revealed new details about the brain, pelvis, hands and feet of Australopithecus sediba, a primitive hominin that existed around the same time early Homo species first began to appear on Earth. Due to the "mosaic" nature of the hominin's features, researchers are now suggesting that Au. sediba is the best candidate for an ancestor to the Homo genus. ... > full story

New substances accelerate drug transport into cells (September 8, 2011) -- Biologists have discovered means for speeding the transport of the active ingredients of drugs into live cells that might allow drastically reducing drug dosages in the future. ... > full story

King crabs threaten seafloor life near Antarctica (September 8, 2011) -- King crabs and other crushing predators are thought to have been absent from cold Antarctic shelf waters for millions of years. Scientists speculate that the long absence of crushing predators has allowed the evolution of a unique Antarctic seafloor fauna with little resistance to predatory crabs. A recent study indicates that one species of king crab has moved 120 km across the continental shelf in West Antarctica and established a large, reproductive population in the Palmer Deep along the west Antarctic Peninsula. ... > full story

Neutron scattering confirms DNA is as stretchy as nylon (September 8, 2011) -- Neutron scientists have measured how fast sound travels along DNA to determine its ‘stiffness’. These findings help to explain how DNA folds, coils and denatures. ... > full story

Space instrument observes new characteristics of solar flares; Findings may lead to improved space weather forecasting (September 8, 2011) -- NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which is carrying a suite of instruments, has provided scientists with new information that energy from some solar flares is stronger and lasts longer than previously thought. ... > full story

New drugs hope for dangerous yeast infections (September 8, 2011) -- Researchers are a step closer towards creating a new class of medicines and vaccines to combat drug-resistant and deadly strains of fungal infections, following a new study. ... > full story

Potatoes reduce blood pressure in people with obesity and high blood pressure (September 8, 2011) -- The potato's stereotype as a fattening food for health-conscious folks to avoid is getting another revision as scientists report that just a couple servings of spuds a day reduces blood pressure almost as much as oatmeal without causing weight gain. The research was done on a group of overweight people with high blood pressure. ... > full story

'Dirty' wild mice may be more relevant immunology model (September 8, 2011) -- Like humans, mice that live in their natural habitat encounter bacteria and other pathogens that exercise their immune system, yet lab mice typically used in immunology studies are raised in isolation from most diseases. A study on natural killer cells in wild mice examines the hypothesis that the unsterile living conditions faced by humans and wild mice may improve the readiness of the immune system to fight new infections. ... > full story

New material shows promise for trapping pollutants (September 8, 2011) -- Water softening techniques are very effective for removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which occur as positively-charged ions in "hard" water. But many heavy metals and other inorganic pollutants form negatively-charged ions in water, and existing water treatment processes to remove them are inefficient and expensive. Chemists have now developed a new type of material that can soak up negatively-charged pollutants from water. ... > full story

Researchers eye newer, safer birth control method (September 8, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered a new contraceptive that is more focused, safer and, therefore, available for use among a larger population of women. This research in monkeys has demonstrated that targeting these enzymes can prevent the release of an egg from the ovary. ... > full story

Biological agents for rheumatoid arthritis associated with increased skin cancer risk, review finds (September 8, 2011) -- Biological agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis seem to be associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, indicates a systematic review of published research. ... > full story

Jumping gene's preferred targets may influence genome evolution (September 8, 2011) -- Our genetic blueprint contains numerous entities known as transposons, which have the ability to move from place to place on the chromosomes within a cell. An astounding 50 percent of human DNA comprises both active transposon elements and the decaying remains of former transposons. Every time a plant or animal cell prepares to divide, the chromosome regions richest in transposon-derived sequences are among the last to duplicate. New research provides potential insight into both these enigmas. ... > full story

Flaxseed no help for hot flashes during breast cancer or menopause, study finds (September 8, 2011) -- A new study has found that flaxseed provided no benefit in easing hot flashes among breast cancer patients and postmenopausal women. ... > full story

Clouds don't cause climate change, study shows (September 8, 2011) -- Clouds only amplify climate change, says a professor in a study that rebuts recent claims that clouds are actually the root cause of climate change. ... > full story

Smartphones as helpers during disasters: Software for autonomous smartphone network developed (September 8, 2011) -- Scientists have developed software, with which smartphones can automatically and autonomously organize an energy-efficient, ad-hoc network. Rapid organization of such a communications network can be vital in the event of disasters where normal communications infrastructures have been destroyed, since smartphones could then exchange, e.g., environmental-sensor data. ... > full story

Evolving role of clinical microbiology laboratories (September 8, 2011) -- With the increasing availability of sophisticated technologies to rapidly diagnose and treat infectious diseases, the duties and the role of clinical laboratory microbiologists, who traditionally perform these tests, could see significant changes in the next few years, according to new research. ... > full story

Scientists identify viral gene driving sick gypsy moth caterpillars to climb high and die (September 8, 2011) -- For a century, scientists have watched European gypsy moth caterpillars infected with a virus use their last strength to do something that a healthy gypsy moth caterpillar would never do in daylight hours -- climb high into a tree and onto a leaf. For scientists, the question has been how does a virus change its host's behavior? ... > full story

Sediba hominid skull hints at later brain evolution (September 8, 2011) -- An analysis of a skull from the most complete early hominid fossils ever found suggests the large, complex human brain may have evolved more rapidly and at a later time than some other human characteristics. If Australopithecus sediba is a human ancestor, as some suggest, then its fossils could help resolve long-standing debates about human brain evolution, say researchers. ... > full story

Fossil discovery could be our oldest human ancestor (September 8, 2011) -- Researchers have confirmed the age of possibly our oldest direct human ancestor at 1.98 million years old. ... > full story

Fossil discovery supports evolutionary link between Australopiths and Homo (September 8, 2011) -- Skeletal remains found in a South African cave may yield new clues to human development and answer key questions of the evolution of the human lineage, according to a new series of papers. ... > full story

New evidence suggests that Au. sediba is the best candidate for the genus Homo (September 8, 2011) -- A series of papers based on new evidence pertaining to various aspects of the anatomy of the species Australopithecus sediba reveals new, important elements attributed to Au. Sediba, the two type skeletons -- an analysis of the most complete hand ever described in an early hominin, the most complete undistorted pelvis ever discovered, the most accurate scan of an early human ancestors brain, new pieces of the foot and ankle, and one of the most accurate dates ever achieved for an early hominin site in Africa. ... > full story

Mathematics will increase aluminium recycling (September 8, 2011) -- Using mathematical models, Norwegian research scientists and Scandinavian industry are working on tailoring alloys which will increase the usefulness of recycled aluminium. ... > full story

New cellular surprise may help scientists better understand human mitochondrial diseases (September 7, 2011) -- A surprising new discovery regarding the division of tiny "power plants" within cells known as mitochondria has implications for better understanding a wide variety of human diseases and conditions due to mitochondrial defects. ... > full story

How the mole got its twelve fingers (September 7, 2011) -- Polydactyly is a hereditary anomaly that is relatively common in both humans and animals. Moles also have additional fingers. In their case, however, the irregularity compared to the five-finger formula of land vertebrates is the norm. An international team of researchers has now uncovered the background to the development of the mole's extra "thumb": A bone develops in the wrist that stretches along the real thumb, giving the paw a bigger surface area for digging. ... > full story

The geophysicist's guide to striking it rich (September 7, 2011) -- Combining a number of surveying techniques for the first time, experts say their integrated surveying techniques can be applied to any region in the world to more accurately identify riches beneath the earth's surface -- before expensive drilling and mining are necessary. ... > full story

First global portrait of greenhouse gases emerges from pole-to-pole flights (September 7, 2011) -- A three-year series of research flights from the Arctic to the Antarctic has produced an unprecedented portrait of greenhouse gases. The HIPPO project is enabling researchers to generate the first detailed mapping of the global distribution of gases and particles that affect Earth's climate. ... > full story

Evidence for a persistently iron-rich ocean changes views on Earth's early history (September 7, 2011) -- Researchers report that the ancient deep ocean was not only devoid of oxygen but also rich in iron, a key biological nutrient, for nearly a billion years longer than previously thought -- right through a key evolutionary interval that culminated in the first rise of animals. "We will need to rethink all of our models for how life-essential nutrients were distributed in the ocean through time and space," the authors say. ... > full story

Baker’s yeast substance can aid healing, Norwegian researchers show (September 7, 2011) -- Can wounds be helped to heal faster? Yes, says a Norwegian company whose product’s active ingredient, beta-glucans, comes from common baker’s yeast. Beta-glucans have been called nature's super-medicine. Norwegian researchers have been pioneers in producing these substances from the cell walls of everyday baker's yeast. Beta-glucans are now widely used in the aquaculture industry and veterinary medicine, as well as in dietary supplements and cosmetics. ... > full story

New type of solar cell retains high efficiency for long periods (September 7, 2011) -- Scientists are reporting development of a new genre of an electrolyte system for solar cells that breaks the double-digit barrier in the efficiency with which the devices convert sunlight into electricity. ... > full story

Scientists create mammalian cells with single chromosome set (September 7, 2011) -- Researchers have created mammalian cells containing a single set of chromosomes for the first time. The technique should allow scientists to better establish the relationships between genes and their function. ... > full story

Evidence suggests La Niña will return this winter (September 7, 2011) -- A return of La Nina, which historically delivers dry conditions, is increasingly likely, according to scientists. ... > full story

Expert calls for change in trans fat labelling (September 7, 2011) -- Not all trans fats are created equal and it's time for nutritional labels to reflect that reality, says a Canadian nutrition expert. According to a recent scientific review, natural trans fats produced by ruminant animals such as dairy and beef cattle are not detrimental to health. In fact, they show significant positive health effects and some evidence even links these natural trans fats to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. ... > full story

Growing meat in the lab: Scientists initiate action plan to advance cultured meat (September 7, 2011) -- An international group of scientists recently took a step closer to their goal to produce cultured meat, during a workshop in Sweden. Many technology components are now coming into place in order to realize the concept of cultured meat. This includes a cell source that is possible to use, several alternative processes to turn these cells into muscle cells for meat, and nutrients free of animal components which can be produced from sunlight and carbon dioxide. ... > full story

Prenatal exposure to phthalates linked to decreased mental and motor development (September 7, 2011) -- A new study heightens concerns over the potential health effects on children of a group of ubiquitous chemicals known as phthalates, a class of chemicals that are known to disrupt the endocrine system, and are widely used in consumer products. This is the first study to examine prenatal phthalate exposure and the prevalence of mental, motor and behavioral problems in children who are in the preschool years. ... > full story

Scientists pinpoint shape-shifting mechanism critical to protein signaling (September 7, 2011) -- Scientists have shown that changes in a protein's structure can change its signaling function and they have pinpointed the precise regions where those changes take place. The new findings could help provide a much clearer picture of potential drugs that would be both effective and highly specific in their biological actions. ... > full story

Scientists develop new technologies for understanding bacterial infections (September 7, 2011) -- Understanding how bacteria infect cells is crucial to preventing countless human diseases. In a recent breakthrough, scientists have discovered a new approach for studying molecules within their natural environment, opening the door to understanding the complexity of how bacteria infect people. ... > full story

Hospitalized children who carry MRSA at risk for full-blown infections (September 7, 2011) -- A study of more than 3,000 hospitalized children shows that those colonized but not sick with the antibiotic-resistant bacterium MRSA are at considerable risk for developing full-blown infections. ... > full story