ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Friday, January 27, 2012

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Friday, January 27, 2012

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Following genetic footprints out of Africa: First modern humans settled in Arabia (January 27, 2012) -- A new study, using genetic analysis to look for clues about human migration over sixty thousand years ago, suggests that the first modern humans settled in Arabia on their way from the Horn of Africa to the rest of the world. ... > full story

How work tells muscles to grow (January 27, 2012) -- We take it for granted, but the fact that our muscles grow when we work them makes them rather unique. Now, researchers have identified a key ingredient needed for that bulking up to take place. A factor produced in working muscle fibers apparently tells surrounding muscle stem cell "higher ups" that it's time to multiply and join in, according to a new study. ... > full story

For the birds: Winged predators seek certain trees when foraging for caterpillars (January 27, 2012) -- Location matters for birds on the hunt for caterpillars, according to researchers. Findings suggest that chickadees and others zero in on the type of tree as much as the characteristics of their wriggly prey. ... > full story

No more free rides for 'piggy-backing' viruses (January 27, 2012) -- Scientists have determined the structure of the enzyme endomannosidase, significantly advancing our understanding of how a group of devastating human viruses including HIV and Hepatitis C hijack human enzymes to reproduce and cause disease. ... > full story

Cumulative impact of mountaintop mining documented (January 27, 2012) -- Increased salinity and concentrations of trace elements in one West Virginia watershed have been tied directly to multiple surface coal mines upstream by a detailed new survey of stream chemistry. Researchers who conducted the study said it provides new evidence of the cumulative effects multiple mountaintop mining permits can have in a river network. ... > full story

School obesity programs may promote worrisome eating behaviors and physical activity in kids (January 27, 2012) -- A new report examines the possible association between school-based childhood obesity prevention programs and an increase in eating disorders among young children and adolescents. In a new poll, 30% of parents report at least one worrisome behavior in their children that could be associated with the development of eating disorders. ... > full story

Graphene: Supermaterial goes superpermeable (January 27, 2012) -- Wonder material graphene has revealed another of its extraordinary properties Scientists have now found that it is superpermeable with respect to water. Graphene is one of the wonders of the science world, with the potential to create foldaway mobile phones, wallpaper-thin lighting panels and the next generation of aircraft. The new finding gives graphene’s potential a most surprising dimension – graphene can also be used for distilling alcohol. ... > full story

Obesity and pain linked, study of one million Americans shows (January 27, 2012) -- A clear association between obesity and pain -- with higher rates of pain identified in the heaviest individuals -- was found in a study of more than one million Americans. ... > full story

Durable NASA rover beginning ninth year of Mars work (January 27, 2012) -- Eight years after landing on Mars for what was planned as a three-month mission, NASA's enduring Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity is working on what essentially became a new mission five months ago. ... > full story

Transcriptional elongation control takes on new dimensions as researchers find gene class-specific elongation factors (January 27, 2012) -- Life is complicated enough, so you can forgive the pioneers of DNA biology for glossing over transcriptional elongation control by RNA polymerase II, the quick and seemingly bulletproof penultimate step in the process that copies the information encoded in our DNA into protein-making instructions carried by messenger RNA. Researchers now not only add a new layer, but a whole new dimension to transcriptional elongation control with evidence that for each class of genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II (Pol II), there exists a specific class of elongation factors. ... > full story

Sensor sensibility: Better protection for concrete coastal structures (January 27, 2012) -- Innovative sensors have been developed that will dramatically improve the ability to spot early warning signs of corrosion in concrete. More resilient and much longer lasting than traditional corrosion sensors they will make monitoring the safety of structures such as bridges and vital coastal defenses much more effective. ... > full story

Shoulder pain from using your iPad? Don't use it on your lap (January 27, 2012) -- The sudden popularity of tablet computers such as the Apple iPad has not allowed for the development of guidelines to optimize users' comfort and well-being. Researchers now report that head and neck posture during tablet computer use can be improved by placing the tablet higher to avoid low gaze angles, and through the use of a case that provides optimal viewing angles. ... > full story

Radical theory explains the origin, evolution, and nature of life, challenges conventional wisdom (January 26, 2012) -- Earth is alive, asserts a revolutionary scientific theory of life. The trans-disciplinary theory demonstrates that purportedly inanimate, non-living objects -- for example, planets, water, proteins, and DNA -- are animate, that is, alive. ... > full story

Appetite accomplice: Ghrelin receptor alters dopamine signaling (January 26, 2012) -- New research reveals a fascinating and unexpected molecular partnership within the brain neurons that regulate appetite. The study resolves a paradox regarding a receptor without its hormone and may lead to more specific therapeutic interventions for obesity and disorders of dopamine signaling. ... > full story

Scientists map one of life's molecular mysteries: Visualisation of the molecular gateway across and into cellular membranes (January 26, 2012) -- All living organisms are made up of cells, behind these intricate life forms lie complex cellular processes that allow our bodies to function. Researchers working on protein secretion -- a fundamental process in biology -- have revealed how protein channels in the membrane are activated by special signals contained in proteins destined for secretion. The results help explain the underlying mechanism responsible for the release of proteins such as hormones and antibodies into the blood stream. ... > full story

Brachytherapy reduced death rates in high-risk prostate cancer patients, analysis finds (January 26, 2012) -- A population-based analysis looking at almost 13,000 cases revealed that men who received brachytherapy alone or in combination with external beam radiation therapy had significantly reduced mortality rates. ... > full story

Grafted watermelon plants take in more pesticides (January 26, 2012) -- The widely used farm practice of grafting watermelon and other melon plants onto squash or pumpkin rootstocks results in larger amounts of certain pesticides in the melon fruit, scientists are reporting in a new study. Although only low amounts of pesticides appeared in the fruit in the study, the scientists advise that commercial farmers use "caution" when grafting watermelon plants to squash. ... > full story

Does the military make the man or does the man make the military? (January 26, 2012) -- "Be all you can be," the Army tells potential recruits. The military promises personal reinvention. But does it deliver? A new study finds that personality does change a little after military service -- German conscripts come out of the military less agreeable than their peers who chose civilian service. ... > full story

Ecologists capture first deep-sea fish noises (January 26, 2012) -- Fish biologists conducted one of the first studies of deep-sea fish sounds in more than 50 years, 2,237 feet under the Atlantic. With recording technology more affordable, fish sounds can be studied to test the idea that fish communicate with sound, especially those in the dark of the deep ocean. ... > full story

Mechanism sheds light on how the brain adapts to stress (January 26, 2012) -- Scientists now have a better understanding of the way that stress impacts the brain. New research reveals pioneering evidence for a new mechanism of stress adaptation and may eventually lead to a better understanding of why prolonged and repeated exposure to stress can lead to anxiety disorders and depression. ... > full story

Rotational motion of cells plays a critical role in their normal development, researchers find (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers have discovered a rotational motion that plays a critical role in the ability of breast cells to form the spherical structures in the mammary gland known as acini. This rotation, called "CAMo," for coherent angular motion, is necessary for the cells to form spheres. Otherwise, cells undergo random motion, leading to loss of structure and malignancy. ... > full story

Genetic screens bring new hope for tackling sleeping sickness (January 26, 2012) -- New genetic technique allows to look into the mechanism of action of the drugs used to treat sleeping sickness for the first time and to understand how resistance develops. ... > full story

Microbubbles provide new boost for biofuel production (January 26, 2012) -- A solution to the difficult issue of harvesting algae for use as a biofuel has been developed using microbubble technology. ... > full story

Spotting dyslexia before a child starts school (January 26, 2012) -- Children at risk for dyslexia show differences in brain activity on MRI scans even before they begin learning to read, finds a new study. Since developmental dyslexia responds to early intervention, diagnosing children at risk before or during kindergarten could head off difficulties and frustration in school, the researchers say. ... > full story

NASA's Kepler announces 11 new planetary systems hosting 26 planets (January 26, 2012) -- NASA's Kepler mission has discovered 11 new planetary systems hosting 26 confirmed planets. These discoveries nearly double the number of verified Kepler planets and triple the number of stars known to have more than one planet that transits, or passes in front of, the star. Such systems will help astronomers better understand how planets form. ... > full story

Will you have a heart attack or stroke? (January 26, 2012) -- Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke may be worse than you think. Currently, risk is assessed by projecting 10 years ahead. New research shows a young or middle-aged adult at low risk in the short term may be at high risk in the long term, if they have only one risk factor. This is the first study to examine the lifetime risk of heart disease in white and black men and women. ... > full story

Scorpions inspire scientists in making tougher surfaces for machinery (January 26, 2012) -- Taking inspiration from the yellow fattail scorpion, which uses a bionic shield to protect itself against scratches from desert sandstorms, scientists have developed a new way to protect the moving parts of machinery from wear and tear. ... > full story

Genetically modified food safe, animal study suggests (January 26, 2012) -- A three year feeding study has shown no adverse health effects in pigs fed genetically modified (GM) maize.  The maize, which is a Bt-maize bred for its insect resistant properties, was sourced from Spain. ... > full story

Underwater river of mud and sand tells tale of climate change and ocean gateways, new oil and gas exploration possibilities (January 26, 2012) -- Mediterranean bottom currents and the sediment deposits they leave behind offer new insights into global climate change, the opening and closing of ocean circulation gateways and locations where hydrocarbon deposits may lie buried under the sea. A team of 35 scientists from 14 countries recently returned from an expedition off the southwest coast of Iberia and the nearby Gulf of Cadiz. There the geologists collected core samples of sediments that contain a detailed record of the Mediterranean's history. The scientists retrieved the samples by drilling into the ocean floor during an eight-week scientific expedition onboard the ship JOIDES Resolution. ... > full story

Optimal basketball shooting rate proposed based on mathematical model (January 26, 2012) -- NBA players may be too conservative with their shots, according to a comparison with a theoretical model describing shot selection. ... > full story

Giant asteroid Vesta likely cold and dark enough for ice (January 26, 2012) -- Though generally thought to be quite dry, roughly half of the giant asteroid Vesta is expected to be so cold and to receive so little sunlight that water ice could have survived there for billions of years, according to the first published models of Vesta's average global temperatures and illumination by the sun. ... > full story

Scientists identify protein that contributes to symptoms of Parkinson's disease (January 26, 2012) -- Scientists have identified a protein that exacerbates symptoms of Parkinson's disease -- a discovery that could one day lead to new treatments for people who suffer from this devastating neurodegenerative illness. ... > full story

Classifying solar eruptions (January 26, 2012) -- Solar flares are giant explosions on the sun that send energy, light and high speed particles into space. These flares are often associated with solar magnetic storms known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). While these are the most common solar events, the sun can also emit streams of very fast protons -- known as solar energetic particle (SEP) events -- and disturbances in the solar wind known as corotating interaction regions (CIRs). All of these can produce a variety of "storms" on Earth that can -- if strong enough -- interfere with short wave radio communications, GPS signals, and Earth's power grid, among other things. ... > full story

Avastin, Sutent increase breast cancer stem cells, study suggests (January 26, 2012) -- Cancer treatments designed to block the growth of blood vessels were found to increase the number of cancer stem cells in breast tumors in mice, suggesting a possible explanation for why these drugs don’t lead to longer survival, according to a new study. ... > full story

In tackling lead pollution, fungi may be our friends (January 26, 2012) -- Fungi may be unexpected allies in our efforts to keep hazardous lead under control. That's based on the unexpected discovery that fungi can transform lead into its most stable mineral form. The findings suggest that this interaction between fungi and lead may be occurring in nature anywhere the two are found together. It also suggests that the introduction or encouragement of fungi may be a useful treatment strategy for lead-polluted sites. ... > full story

Genes influence criminal behavior, research suggests (January 26, 2012) -- Your genes could be a strong predictor of whether you stray into a life of crime, according to a new research paper. The study focused on whether genes are likely to cause a person to become a life-course persistent offender, which is characterized by antisocial behavior during childhood that can later progress to violent or serious criminal acts later in life. ... > full story

Scientists create first free-standing 3-D cloak (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers in the US have, for the first time, cloaked a three-dimensional object standing in free space, bringing the much-talked-about invisibility cloak one step closer to reality. ... > full story

Mild cognitive impairment is common, affects men most, study finds (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers report that more than 6 percent of Americans age 70 to 89 develop mild cognitive impairment (MCI) every year. Also, the condition appears to affect men and those who only have a high school education more than women and those who have completed some higher education. People with MCI are at the stage between suffering the normal forgetfulness associated with aging and developing dementia, such as that caused by Alzheimer's disease. ... > full story

New fluorescent dyes highlight neuronal activity (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers have created a new generation of fast-acting fluorescent dyes that optically highlight electrical activity in neuronal membranes. The ability to visualize these small, fast-changing voltage differences between the interior and exterior of neurons -- known as transmembrane potential -- is considered a powerful method for deciphering how brain cells function and interact. ... > full story

Limiting protein or certain amino acids before surgery may reduce risk of surgical complications (January 26, 2012) -- Limiting certain essential nutrients for several days before surgery -- either protein or amino acids -- may reduce the risk of serious surgical complications such as heart attack or stroke, according to a new study. ... > full story

How diamond-bearing kimberlites reach the surface of Earth: Acidification provides the thrust (January 26, 2012) -- Diamond-bearing kimberlites are volcanic rocks that originate deep in the Earth and are erupted onto the surface. Researchers have now shown that other rock types, incorporated into the magma as it rises through overlying formations, provide the necessary buoyancy for its long ascent. ... > full story

People lie more when texting, study finds (January 26, 2012) -- Sending a text message leads people to lie more often than in other forms of communication, according to new research. ... > full story

Chemists synthesize artificial cell membrane (January 26, 2012) -- Chemists have taken an important step in making artificial life forms from scratch. Using a novel chemical reaction, they have created self-assembling cell membranes, the structural envelopes that contain and support the reactions required for life. Instead of complex enzymes embedded in membranes, they used a simple metal ion as the catalyst. By assembling an essential component of earthly life with no biological precursors, they hope to illuminate life's origins. ... > full story

Swallow a pill and let your doctor tour your insides (January 26, 2012) -- Researchers have successfully tested a controllable endoscopic capsule, inspired by science fiction, that has the ability to "swim" through the body and could provide clinicians with unprecedented control when photographing the inside of the human body. ... > full story

Attack or retreat? Circuit links hunger and pursuit in sea slug brain (January 26, 2012) -- If you were a blind, cannibalistic sea slug, living among others just like you, nearly every encounter with another creature would require a simple cost/benefit calculation: Should I eat that -- or flee? In a new study, researchers report that these responses are linked to a simple circuit in the brain of the sea slug Pleurobranchaea. ... > full story

Asthma rate and costs from traffic pollution higher: Much higher than past traditional risk assessments have indicated (January 26, 2012) -- A team of resource economist researchers has revised the cost burden sharply upward for childhood asthma and for the first time include the number of cases attributable to air pollution, in a new study. ... > full story

An easier way to remove gallstones (January 26, 2012) -- A new patented, ultra-specialized endoscope removes gallstones without the need to remove the gallbladder, too. ... > full story

Working too much is correlated with two-fold increase in likelihood of depression (January 26, 2012) -- The odds of a major depressive episode are more than double for those working 11 or more hours a day compared to those working seven to eight hours a day. ... > full story