Science News – Newsletter for February 7, 2011

Scientists create DNA engine that can be observed in real-time

LONDON – Scientists at Kyoto University and the University of Oxford have succeeded in creating a programable molecular transport system, the workings of which can be observed in real time.

The results could lead to the development of advanced drug delivery methods and molecular manufacturing systems.

The system relies on the self-assembly properties of DNA origami and … Original article on : Scientists create DNA engine that can be observed in real-time.

Could shark skin lead to possible cure for bacterial infections?

WASHINGTON – We think of sharks as the ultimate predators but if a material that prevents bacterial growth really works, we may soon owe them our lives.

Modern medicine has defeated a lot of bogeymen, but it still remains locked in a war to limit infections.

But soon dangerous bacteria MRSA, which are resistant to almost all …. Read the original article  : here.

Clay-armored bubbles show minerals played key role in origin of life

WASHINGTON – The discovery of inorganic, semipermeable clay vesicles has shed light on how minerals could have played a key role in the origins of life.

The study by a team of applied physicists at Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), Princeton, and Brandeis found that semipermeable vesicles are formed from inorganic clay stating … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Clay-armored bubbles show minerals played key role in origin of life.

Study shows weakened trade winds in Tropical Atlantic

LONDON – A new study has shown that trade winds in the tropical Atlantic have weakened and the pattern of ocean surface temperature has changed.

And as a result, the equatorial Amazon and the Guinea Coast are seeing more rainfall and the Sahel less.

The raw observations of winds over the ocean suggest that the winds have … Read more »».

29 genome regions linked to common form of inflammatory bowel disease

WASHINGTON – Researchers have linked 29 genome regions with ulcerative colitis – a common form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The new findings support the theory that an overactive immune response to the natural bacteria found in the gut could play a role in the condition.

“The outcomes and quality of life for patients with …. Original article  : 29 genome regions linked to common form of inflammatory bowel disease.

Rain, snowfall across Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR – There was widespread rain and snowfall across the Kashmir Valley Monday and the weatherman said more wet weather was in store for the region.

Heavy rain occurred in the plains of the Valley while the higher reaches saw snowfall. One to five feet of snowfall was recorded in Kargil town of Ladakh region … Read more : Rain, snowfall across Kashmir Valley.

NASA clicks first 3D image of the sun

LONDON – A NASA-led mission has provided the world’s first ever 3D image of the sun’s surface.

Two satellites orbiting the sun perfectly aligned on opposite sides for the first time and took images that created the most complete picture ever of its surface.
Scientists, including those from Britain’s Rutherford Appleton Lab in …. Original source  : NASA clicks first 3D image of the sun.

Like humans, gibbons have regional accents too

LONDON – A new study has found that just like humans, gibbons have regional accents too.

Gibbons, which along with the great apes are the closest relatives to humans, sing to communicate with each other, and use song to define territory and woo mates.

Scientists from the German Primate Center analysed more than 400 samples of crested …. Read the original article  : here.

Earth’s rotation, not human activity caused ‘methane level increase’

MELBOURNE – A new study has suggested that it’s not human activity but the Earth’s rotation patterns that caused an increase in methane levels 5000 years ago.

Dr Joy Singarayer of the University of Bristol, and colleagues, suggest changes in the Earth’s orbit and precession, not agriculture, played a major part.

The team used computer models, used …. Original source  : Earth’s rotation, not human activity caused ‘methane level increase’.

Study identifies key mechanisms in ‘untreatable blindness disease’

LONDON – A new study from researchers of the University of Kentucky has discovered a molecular mechanism implicated in geographic atrophy, the major cause of untreatable blindness in the industrialized world.

Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati and his team also elaborate on a disease-causing role for a large section of the human genome once regarded as non-coding “junk …. Original article  : Study identifies key mechanisms in ‘untreatable blindness disease’.

NASA releases first ever 360-degree image of the Sun

LONDON – NASA has released the first ever image that shows the entire sun in a 360-degree view.

The Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (Stereo) mission launched its two satellites in 2006 and they have gradually been drifting apart – one in front of the Earth in its orbit, the other lagging behind.

NASA said on …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NASA releases first ever 360-degree image of the Sun.

NASA’s Stereo satellites move either side of Sun

LONDON – NASA’s spacecraft have moved to either side of the Sun to capture the entire Sun in a 360-degree view.

The Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (Stereo) mission launched its two satellites in 2006 and they have gradually been drifting apart – one in front of the Earth in its orbit, the other lagging behind. …. Source  : NASA’s Stereo satellites move either side of Sun.

Growing nanolasers on silicon paves way for on-chip photonics

LONDON – Engineers at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a way to grow nanolasers directly onto a silicon surface paving way to faster, more efficient microprocessors in the future.

The finding may also lead to powerful biochemical sensors that use optoelectronic chips.

“Our results impact a broad spectrum of scientific fields, including materials science, transistor … Read more >>>.

Young boys ‘face twice the risk of peanut allergy’

LONDON – A new study has found that young Brit boys from higher income homes face twice the risk of peanut allergy than those from poorer background.

It also found that boys were more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than girls.

The new findings by Edinburgh University researchers emerged from the 2005 health data of … Read more »»».

New stealth bomber can fly pilotless

LONDON – The new stealth plane X-47B is something straight out of a sci-fi flick. This superbreed is capable of flying undetected to pound targets thousands of miles away.

It marks a radical departure for unmanned aircraft, which required a ground-based human pilot to guide them on missions.
The X-47B can carry out …. Source  : New stealth bomber can fly pilotless.

‘Glowing nerves’ using fluorescent peptides to make surgeries easier

LONDON – Locating sensitive nerves during a surgery may now be possible as scientists have developed injectable fluorescent peptides that cause hard-to-see peripheral nerves to glow.

Nerve preservation is important in almost every kind of surgery, but it can be challenging, said Quyen T. Nguyen, study’s corresponding author.

“For example, if the nerves are invaded by a [..] Read the original article: here.

High testosterone exposure in womb ‘ups risk of autism’

MELBOURNE – A new study has found that high testosterone exposure in the womb increases the risk of autism in children.

Researchers at Fiona Stanley’s Telethon Institute for Child Health Research found that girls with autistic-like behaviours at age two had their first period about six months later than girls without the disorder’s symptoms.

The study looked …. Read the original article  : here.

‘Satnav’ device ‘could find cancer tumours in body in just one session’

LONDON – A ’satnav’ like radiotherapy device promises to help doctors treat patients with tumours almost anywhere in the body in a single session.

The Novalis Tx machine uses a targeting system to destroy cancerous cells and helps to protect surrounding healthy tissue. The devices will go into service at two other specialist NHS cancer centres …. Source article  : ‘Satnav’ device ‘could find cancer tumours in body in just one session’.

Overcast skies lead to mercury rising in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A cloud cover over the capital resulted in the mercury rising much above the average Monday morning, paving the way for a warm day, the met department said.

“Because of a cloud cover and southerly winds, the minimum temperature has risen considerably – seven degrees above the average – Monday. … Read more >>>.

Fossilized ancient rabbit skull on display in Beijing

BEIJING – A fossilized skull of an ancient rabbit believed to be about 54 million years old was put on display here for visitors to mark the Chinese lunar year of rabbit.

Visitors can view the miniature skull through a magnifying glass. The rabbit is part of a special exhibition at the Paleozoological Museum of …. Source article  : Fossilized ancient rabbit skull on display in Beijing.