ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Tuesday, December 27, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Tuesday, December 27, 2011

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Link between earthquakes and tropical cyclones: New study may help scientists identify regions at high risk for earthquakes (December 26, 2011) -- A groundbreaking study shows that earthquakes, including the recent 2010 temblors in Haiti and Taiwan, may be triggered by tropical cyclones. ... > full story

'Rare' brain disorder may be more common than thought, scientists say (December 26, 2011) -- A global team of neuroscientists has found the gene responsible for a brain disorder that may be much more common than once believed. ... > full story

'Nanoantennas' show promise in optical innovations (December 26, 2011) -- Researchers have shown how arrays of tiny "plasmonic nanoantennas" are able to precisely manipulate light in new ways that could make possible a range of optical innovations such as more powerful microscopes, telecommunications and computers. ... > full story

Self-regulation of the immune system suppresses defense against cancer (December 26, 2011) -- Regulatory T cells, which are part of the body's immune system, downregulate the activity of other immune cells, thus preventing the development of autoimmune diseases or allergies. Scientists have now found the activation steps that are blocked by Tregs in immune cells. Since Tregs can also suppress the body's immune defense against cancer, the findings obtained by the DKFZ researchers are important for developing more efficient cancer treatments. ... > full story

New way to assess risk from chemicals (December 26, 2011) -- Approximately 80,000 industrial chemicals are in use and about 700 new chemicals are introduced to commerce each year in the United States, according to the US Government Accountability Office. To assess human health risks from exposure to harmful substances, an expert is proposing a new technique that is more efficient than current methods. ... > full story

Does team training save lives? A new science gives it a rigorous evaluation (December 26, 2011) -- Whether the task is flying a plane, fighting a battle, or caring for a patient, good teamwork is crucial to getting it done right. That's why team-building and training courses are big business in the US, and have been for decades. ... > full story

How bacteria build homes inside healthy cells (December 25, 2011) -- Bacteria are able to build camouflaged homes for themselves inside healthy cells. A team that revealed how a pair of proteins from the bacteria Legionella pneumophila, which causes Legionnaires disease, alters a host protein in order to divert raw materials within the cell for use in building and disguising a large structure that houses the bacteria as it replicates. ... > full story

HIV study named '2011 breakthrough of the year' by Science (December 25, 2011) -- The journal Science has chosen the HPTN 052 clinical trial, an international HIV prevention trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, as the 2011 Breakthrough of the Year. The study found that if HIV-infected heterosexual individuals begin taking antiretroviral medicines when their immune systems are relatively healthy as opposed to delaying therapy until the disease has advanced, they are 96 percent less likely to transmit the virus to their uninfected partners. ... > full story

Christmas comet Lovejoy captured at Paranal Observatory in Chile (December 25, 2011) -- The recently discovered Comet Lovejoy has been captured in stunning photos and time-lapse video taken from the European Southern Observatory's Paranal Observatory in Chile. The comet graced the southern sky after it had unexpectedly survived a close encounter with the Sun. ... > full story

Turn 'signals' for neuron growth identified (December 25, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered how spinning microparticles can direct the growth of nerve fiber, a discovery that could allow for directed growth of neuronal networks on a chip and improve methods for treating spinal or brain injuries. ... > full story

More accurate than Santa Claus: First Galileo satellite orbit determination with high precision (December 25, 2011) -- Every year for Christmas, the North American Air Defense Command NORAD posts an animation on their website, in which the exact flight path of Santa Claus' sled led by reindeer Rudolf is precisely located. By analyzing observational data, the GFZ scientists were able to determine the orbit of satellites, which are flying at an altitude of 23222 km, for the first time to a few decimeters. ... > full story

Social media in protests: Study finds 'recruiters' and 'spreaders' (December 25, 2011) -- A study has explored the dynamics behind social network sites in recruiting and spreading calls for action that contribute to mass mobilizations in riots, revolutions and protests. ... > full story

Computer assisted design (CAD) for RNA: Researchers develop CAD-type tools for engineering RNA control systems (December 24, 2011) -- Researchers have developed computer assisted design-type tools for engineering RNA components to control genetic expression in microbes. This holds enormous potential for microbial-based production of advanced biofuels, biodegradable plastics, therapeutic drugs and a host of other goods now derived from petrochemicals. ... > full story

High intestinal microbial diversity safeguards against allergies, study suggests (December 24, 2011) -- High diversity and a variety of bacteria in the gut protect children against allergies as opposed to some individual bacterial genera. These are the findings of a comprehensive study of intestinal microflora (gut flora) in allergic and healthy children. ... > full story

How the brain cell works: A dive into its inner network (December 24, 2011) -- Scientists are developing the first systematic survey of protein interactions within brain cells. The team is aiming to reconstruct genome-wide in situ protein-protein interaction networks within the neurons of a multicellular organism. ... > full story

Detailed molecular 'signature' for Tankyrase determined (December 24, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered the detailed architecture of a crucial component of Tankyrase, a protein linked to the bone development disorder cherubism and involved in a myriad of cellular processes. The discovery is the first structural insight into precisely how the enzyme correctly identifies its targets, or substrates. The work provides researchers with a greater understanding of Tankyrase's cellular control processes, and may also lead to the development of new designer drugs to treat cancer. ... > full story

NASA's Cassini delivers holiday treats from Saturn (December 24, 2011) -- No team of reindeer, but radio signals flying clear across the solar system from NASA's Cassini spacecraft have delivered a holiday package of glorious images. The pictures, from Cassini's imaging team, show Saturn's largest, most colorful ornament, Titan, and other icy baubles in orbit around this splendid planet. ... > full story

Increased arm swing asymmetry is early sign of Parkinson's disease (December 24, 2011) -- People with Parkinson's disease swing their arms asymmetrically -- one arm swings less than the other -- when walking. This unusual movement is easily detected early when drugs and other interventions may help slow the disease, according to researchers who used inexpensive accelerometers on the arms of Parkinson's disease patients to measure arm swing. ... > full story

New sensor to detect lung cancer from exhaled breath (December 24, 2011) -- Scientists are developing biosensors capable of detecting the presence of tumor markers of lung cancer in exhaled breath. This is possible because of the changes produced within the organism of an ill person, changes reflected in the exhaled breath of the patient and which enable determining the presence of this type of marker during the initial stages of the disease. ... > full story

Crucial advances in 'brain reading' demonstrated (December 23, 2011) -- A new study demonstrates several crucial advances in "brain reading" or "brain decoding" using computerized machine learning methods. Researchers classified data taken from people being scanned while watching videos meant to induce nicotine cravings and detected whether people were watching and resisting cravings, indulging in them, or watching videos that were unrelated to smoking or cravings. ... > full story

Multiple sclerosis linked to different area of brain (December 23, 2011) -- Radiology researchers have found evidence that multiple sclerosis affects an area of the brain that controls cognitive, sensory and motor functioning apart from the disabling damage caused by the disease's visible lesions. ... > full story

WISE presents a cosmic wreath (December 23, 2011) -- Just in time for the holidays, astronomers have come across a new image from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, that some say resembles a wreath. You might even think of the red dust cloud as a cheery red bow, and the bluish-white stars as silver bells. This star-forming nebula is named Barnard 3. Baby stars are being born throughout the dusty region, while the "silver bell" stars are located both in front of, and behind, the nebula. ... > full story

Researchers use light to measure cancer cells' response to treatment (December 23, 2011) -- Many cancer therapies target specific proteins that proliferate on the outside of some cancer cells, but the therapies are imperfect and the cancer does not always respond. Researchers have now demonstrated a new way to optically test cultured cancer cells' response to a particular cancer drug. ... > full story

New method for watching proteins fold (December 23, 2011) -- A protein's function depends on both the chains of molecules it is made of and the way those chains are folded. And while figuring out the former is relatively easy, the latter represents a huge challenge with serious implications because many diseases are the result of misfolded proteins. Now, a team of chemists has devised a way to watch proteins fold in "real-time," which could lead to a better understanding of protein folding and misfolding in general. ... > full story

Myths and truths of obesity and pregnancy (December 23, 2011) -- Ironically, despite excessive caloric intake, many obese women are deficient in vitamins vital to a healthy pregnancy. This and other startling statistics abound when obesity and pregnancy collide. Together, they present a unique set of challenges that women and their doctors must tackle in order to achieve the best possible outcome for mom and baby. ... > full story

More powerful supercomputers? New device could bring optical information processing (December 23, 2011) -- Researchers have created a new type of optical device small enough to fit millions on a computer chip that could lead to faster, more powerful information processing and supercomputers. ... > full story

What makes anesthetics work (December 23, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered what cells respond to anesthesia in an organism known as the C. elegans, according to a new study. ... > full story

How bacteria fight fluoride in toothpaste and in nature (December 23, 2011) -- Researchers have uncovered the molecular tricks used by bacteria to fight the effects of fluoride, which is commonly used in toothpaste and mouthwash to combat tooth decay. ... > full story

Balancing the womb: New research may explain premature births (December 23, 2011) -- New research may explain premature births and failed inductions of labor. The study suggests a new mechanism by which the level of myosin phosphorylation is regulated in the pregnant uterus. ... > full story

New material cools under pressure (December 23, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a new material that exhibits an inverse barocaloric effect at room temperature, which means that it cools when pressure is applied, unlike most other materials. ... > full story

Sleep disorders common among police officers (December 23, 2011) -- A survey of police officers indicated that about 40 percent have a sleep disorder, which was associated with an increased risk of adverse health, safety and performance outcomes, according to a new study. ... > full story

Chinese fossils shed light on evolutionary origin of animals from single-cell ancestors (December 23, 2011) -- Evidence of the single-celled ancestors of animals, dating from the interval in the Earth's history just before multicellular animals appeared, has been discovered in 570 million-year-old rocks from South China. ... > full story

Starch intake may influence risk for breast cancer recurrence, study suggests (December 23, 2011) -- Researchers have linked increased starch intake to a greater risk for breast cancer recurrence, according to new results. ... > full story

Possible cure for leukemia found in fish oil (December 23, 2011) -- A compound produced from fish oil that appears to target leukemia stem cells could lead to a cure for the disease, according to researchers. ... > full story

When nerve cells stop speaking: Neuroscientists decode important mechanism of nerve cell communication (December 23, 2011) -- By researching fruit flies, neuroscientists were able to gain a better understanding of a meaningful mechanism of neuronal communication. They demonstrated the importance of a specific protein for signal transmission between nerve cells. This is of high significance as certain people with autism - a functional development disturbances of the brain - suffer from genetic defects in this protein. Therefore the findings could improve the possibility of treating this disease more effectively. ... > full story

New technique makes it easier to etch semiconductors (December 23, 2011) -- Creating semiconductor structures for high-end optoelectronic devices just got easier, thanks to new research. Scientists developed a method to chemically etch patterned arrays in the semiconductor gallium arsenide, used in solar cells, lasers and other optoelectronic devices. Unlike other wet methods, metal-assisted chemical etching works in one direction, from the top down, without damaging the surface like dry etching does. ... > full story

Self-affirmation may break down resistance to medical screening (December 23, 2011) -- People resist medical screening, or don't call back for the results, because they don't want to know they're sick or at risk for a disease. But many illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, have a far a better prognosis if they're caught early. How can health care providers break down that resistance? ... > full story

Chemists solve an 84-year-old theory on how molecules move energy after light absorption (December 22, 2011) -- The same principle that causes figure skaters to spin faster as they draw their arms into their bodies has now been used by researchers to understand how molecules move energy around following the absorption of light. Scientists now demonstrate for the first time the effect is real and also suggests how scientists could use it to control and predict chemical reaction pathways in general. ... > full story

New model to design better flu shots proposed (December 22, 2011) -- The flu shot, typically the first line of defense against seasonal influenza, could better treat the US population, thanks to new research. ... > full story

Built-in 'self-destruct timer' causes ultimate death of messenger RNA in cells (December 22, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered the first known mechanism by which cells control the survival of messenger RNA (mRNA) -- arguably biology's most important molecule. The findings pertain to mRNAs that help regulate cell division and could therefore have implications for reversing cancer's out-of-control cell division. ... > full story

Long intervening non-coding RNAs play pivotal roles in brain development (December 22, 2011) -- Scientists have identified conserved, long intervening non-coding RNAs that play key roles during brain development in zebrafish, and went on to show that the human versions of these RNAs can substitute for the zebrafish lincRNAs. Until now, lincRNAs have been studied primarily in cell lines rather than at the organismal level, which has precluded research into how lincRNAs affect growth and development. ... > full story

Reclaiming land after a forest fire (December 22, 2011) -- Researchers treated burnt soil with an organic polymer used in agriculture. Applying granules of the non-toxic polymer cut soil erosion by half in both laboratory and field experiments. ... > full story

Computer vision research: Do you see what I see? (December 22, 2011) -- A question confronting neuroscientists and computer vision researchers alike is how objects can be identified by simply "looking" at an image. But teaching a computer to "know" what it's looking at is far harder. Scientists have now modeled human brain structure to develop better programming approaches for computer object identification. ... > full story

Starlings help explain irrational preferences (December 22, 2011) -- Research into decision-making by European starlings may help explain why many animals, including humans, sometimes exhibit irrational preferences. ... > full story

Brain size may predict risk for early Alzheimer's disease (December 22, 2011) -- New research suggests that, in people who don't currently have memory problems, those with smaller regions of the brain's cortex may be more likely to develop symptoms consistent with very early Alzheimer's disease. ... > full story

First ever direct measurement of Earth's rotation (December 22, 2011) -- Scientists have just plotted changes in Earth's axis through laboratory measurements. To do this, they constructed the world's most stable ring laser. Previously, scientists were only able to track shifts in the axis indirectly by monitoring fixed objects in space. Capturing these shifts is crucial for navigation systems. ... > full story

Personalized treatment for Crohn's Disease a step closer following gene mapping (December 22, 2011) -- Three new locations for Crohn's Disease genes have been uncovered using a novel gene mapping approach. ... > full story

High genetic diversity in an ancient Hawaiian clone (December 22, 2011) -- The entire Hawaiian population of the peat moss Sphagnum palustre appears to be a clone that has been in existence for some 50,000 years, researchers have discovered. ... > full story