Ecosystems under threat from ocean acidification

ScienceDaily (2010-03-31) -- Acidification of the oceans as a result of increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide could have significant effects on marine ecosystems, according to new research.

Computer scientists develop a comfortable and secure login method

ScienceDaily (2010-03-31) -- Computer scientists in Germany have developed a new method that saves the users not only the trouble of memorizing the passwords and login names, but also of typing them. All of this is managed by the user smartphone.

Preventing road deaths: New research focuses on worldwide problem

ScienceDaily (2010-03-30) -- A recent WHO report on inadequate road safety opened with some stark figures: 1.2 million deaths and up to 50 million nonfatal injuries occur every year on the world's roads.

Patients shouldn't navigate Internet without physician guide, experts say

ScienceDaily (2010-03-30) -- The Internet has had a profound effect on clinical practice by providing both physicians and patients with a wealth of information. But with those rewards come risks of incorrect or poorly interpreted information that require that a doctor "never be optional," say experts.

Robot sub equipped with sensory system inspired by blind fish

ScienceDaily (2010-03-30) -- Researchers have equipped an underwater robot with a sensory system they expect will eventually prove effective, reliable, and energy-efficient in environments ranging from the sea floor to turbid rivers to sewer pipes. Their model is the lateral-line system, an organ that enables fish and some amphibians to orient themselves, avoid danger, and hunt prey in dark or murky waters. The researchers are simultaneously exploring basic principles, developing biomimetic technology, and demonstrating potential applications.

Moral judgments can be altered: Neuroscientists influence people’s moral judgments by disrupting specific brain region

ScienceDaily (2010-03-30) -- Neuroscientists have shown they can influence people's moral judgments by disrupting a specific brain region -- a finding that helps reveal how the brain constructs morality.

Mother-son relationship key to emotional development

ScienceDaily (2010-03-29) -- New research shows that children, especially boys, who have insecure attachments to their mothers in the early years have more behavioral problems later in childhood.

A two-in-one test for detecting E. coli in ground beef and other foods

ScienceDaily (2010-03-29) -- Scientists have developed the first two-in-one test that can simultaneously detect both the E. coli bacteria responsible for terrible food poisoning outbreaks, and the toxins, or poisons, that the bacteria use to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms in its victims.

'That was my idea': Group brainstorming settings and fixation

ScienceDaily (2010-03-29) -- When people, groups, or organizations are looking for a fresh perspective on a project, they often turn to a brainstorming exercise to get those juices flowing. An upcoming study from Applied Cognitive Psychology suggests that this may not be the best route to take to generate unique and varied ideas.

Practice doesn't make perfect, but it comes fairly close

ScienceDaily (2010-03-29) -- We are not all blessed with the brains, beauty, luck, and capital that we associate with highly successful business people or entrepreneurs. Although most new business ventures fail, a few prosper and grow rapidly. A new article demystifies this game of success, and shows that exceptional performance is not necessarily the direct result of special talent, experience, or sheer luck.

New gateway to treat leukemia and other cancers

ScienceDaily (2010-03-27) -- Researchers have discovered a previously hidden channel to attack leukemia and other cancer cells, according to a new study. The findings may change the way doctors treat cancer patients.

Pursuit of status and affection drives bullies' behavior

ScienceDaily (2010-03-27) -- A longitudinal study of almost 500 Dutch elementary-school children ages 9 to 12 finds that bullies generally choose to gain status by dominating their victims and that, at the same time, bullies try to reduce the chances that they'll end up on the outs with other classmates by choosing as victims children who are weak and not well-liked by others. The research team also found that gender plays a strong role in who victimizes whom.

Mother birds know best -- even before birth

ScienceDaily (2010-03-27) -- Mother birds communicate with their developing chicks before they even hatch by leaving them messages in the egg, new research has found.

How does a heart know when it's big enough?

ScienceDaily (2010-03-29) -- A protein discovered in fruit fly eyes has brought scienetists closer to understanding how the human heart and other organs automatically "right size" themselves, a piece of information that may hold clues to controlling cancer.

Process in big-screen plasma TVs can produce ultra-clean fuel

ScienceDaily (2010-03-25) -- The process that lights up big-screen plasma TV displays is getting a new life in producing ultra-clean fuels, according to a new report. It describes a small, low-tech, inexpensive device called a GlidArc reactor that uses electrically-charged clouds of gas called "plasmas" to produce in three steps super-clean fuels from waste materials.

Teenagers programmed to take risks

ScienceDaily (2010-03-25) -- Risk-taking peaks in adolescence, according to scientists in the UK. In a new study, children, adolescents and adults aged 9-35 years chose between risky and safe options in a computer gambling game. Scientists found that the teenagers took the most risks compared with the other groups, with the most risky behaviour seen in 14-year olds.

Bathing and showering: Under-appreciated sources of water pollution from medicines

ScienceDaily (2010-03-25) -- That bracing morning shower and soothing bedtime soak in the tub are potentially important but until now unrecognized sources of the hormones, antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals that pollute the environment, scientists have reported.

Rainwater harvesting: quality assessment and utilization in The Netherlands

The use of roof-collected rainwater as a freely available and sustainable alternative to drinking water produced by drinking water companies increases worldwide. Initially, rainwater is free of microbial contamination, but it may become contaminated by animals and humans or, alternatively, human pathogens may grow in stored rainwater resulting in a significant human health risk from infectious diseases. This three-year study demonstrated that rainwater stored in different reservoirs in The Netherlands was frequently faecally contaminated and incidentally contained potential human pathogens such as Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Aeromonas hydrophila and Legionella. Analysis of samples during a period with variable weather conditions showed a correlation between rainfall intensity and faecal indicator counts and increased detection of pathogens after heavy rainfall incidents. Outside temperature had a limited effect on both the temperature and the microbiological quality of the water in the reservoirs, which did not comply with Dutch drinking water legislation and should thus not be consumed without treatment. In general, a health risk may arise from exposure to pathogens when contaminated droplets are inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the skin. Health risks may be reduced by regular cleaning of the collection, storage and transport means, but to assess their efficacy field intervention studies are required.
Courtesy of IWA Publishing

Seawater desalination — a green technology?

The need for resource-saving, low-impact “green” desalination technologies is evident as the use of desalination accelerates in many parts of the world. The concept of “best available techniques” (BAT) aims at the identification of state of the art technologies, processes, or methods of operation which indicate the practical suitability for preventing or reducing pollution of the atmosphere, water and soil, as well as the quantities of waste, and for reducing the impact on the environment as a whole. This paper describes a general BAT approach for seawater desalination plants, focusing on the resource consumption of the different processes and methods of operation and their likely environmental impacts. The results may be a useful reference in the determination of individual BAT solutions on a case by case basis, taking site- and project-specific considerations into account, such as environmental regulations and local environmental conditions.
Courtesy of Journal of Water Supply: Research 

Apples for me, potato chips for you: Consumers buy healthier foods for themselves

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- Feel like Mom is pushing dessert? According to a new study consumers choose foods that are less healthy when they are purchasing for others.

Chagas disease surveillance focuses on palms, undercover bugs

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- Failure to detect disease vectors may result in increased disease risk. The first systematic study in the Amazon of surveillance techniques for the bugs that transmit Chagas disease takes into account the fact that sticky traps and manual searches often miss bugs living in palm trees.

High fructose corn syrup linked to liver scarring, research suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- High fructose corn syrup, which some studies have linked to obesity, may also be harmful to the liver, according to new research.

Fearless fish forget their phobias

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- Imagine if your fear of spiders, heights or flying could be cured with a simple injection. Research suggests that one day this could be a reality.

Mysterious stone spheres in Costa Rica investigated

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- Researchers are investigating the origin of the giant stone balls in Costa Rica that inspired the opening scenes of "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Binge drinking doesn't affect next-day student test-taking

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- In a first-of-its kind controlled experiment, researchers have found that surprisingly, binge drinking the night before a test does not impact college students' test performance -- although it can affect their moods, attention and reaction times.

Ingredient in tequila plant may fight osteoporosis and other diseases

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- The plant that gave the world tequila contains a substance that seems ideal for use in a new genre of processed foods -- so-called "functional foods" -- with health benefits over and above serving as a source of nutrients, scientists report.

New approach to water desalination could lead to small, portable units for disaster sites or remote locations

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- A new approach to desalination could lead to small, portable desalination units that could be powered by solar cells or batteries and could deliver enough fresh water to supply the needs of a family or small village. As an added bonus, the system would also remove many contaminants, viruses and bacteria at the same time.

Men and women respond differently to stress

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- Age and gender play a major role in how people respond to stress, according to a new study on 20- to 64-year-olds.

Laser security for the Internet: Scientist invents a digital security tool good enough for the CIA -- and for you

ScienceDaily (2010-03-24) -- A new invention promises an information security system that can beat today's hackers -- and the hackers of the future -- with existing fiber optic and computer technology.

Indian spice may delay liver damage and cirrhosis, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-03-24) -- Curcumin, one of the principal components of the Indian spice turmeric, seems to delay the liver damage that eventually causes cirrhosis, suggests preliminary experimental research.

Securing elite college admissions: Women caught up in 'rug-rat race'

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- College-educated mothers in the United States are going to extremes to secure elite college admission for their kids. Since the mid-1990s, these women have dramatically increased the time they spend on childcare, especially on organizing and driving to activities.

World has underestimated climate-change effects, expert argues

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- The world's policymakers have underestimated the potential dangerous impacts that man-made climate change will have on society, say a professor of earth and atmospheric sciences.

Memory for visual scenes is enhanced when events occur at behaviorally relevant times

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- When it comes to optical chips, disorder can actually be desirable. The surprising finding was made by a research group in Denmark, overturning the common notion that optical chips must be perfect.

Imperfect chips pave the way for new quantum technology

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- When it comes to optical chips, disorder can actually be desirable. The surprising finding was made by a research group in Denmark, overturning the common notion that optical chips must be perfect.

Brewing up a gentler java: Dark-roasted coffee contains stomach-friendly ingredient

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Stomach irritation preventing almost two out of every 10 people from enjoying coffee. Now, scientists report the discovery of several substances that may be among the culprits responsible for brewing up heartburn and stomach pain in every cup.

Seaweed to tackle rising tide of obesity

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- In a new study, scientists in the UK have shown that by adding seaweed fiber to the diet you can reduce fat digestion by up to 75 percent.

Online ostracism damages children’s self esteem

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Research by psychologists has revealed that online ostracism is a threat to children’s self-esteem. The study looked at how children, adolescents and adults react to being ostracised by other players during an online computer game.

E-waste: Crude recycling methods used in developing countries contaminate air, water and soil, researchers say

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Money only makes people happier if it improves their social rank, according to new research. The researchers found that simply being highly paid wasn't enough -- to be happy, people must perceive themselves as being more highly paid than their friends and work colleagues.

Money only makes you happy if it makes you richer than your neighbors

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Money only makes people happier if it improves their social rank, according to new research. The researchers found that simply being highly paid wasn't enough -- to be happy, people must perceive themselves as being more highly paid than their friends and work colleagues.

Evolution more rapid than Darwin thought

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Evolution can proceed much more rapidly than has long been thought. This is shown in new research on the impact of genetics and the environment on the color patterns of pygmy grasshoppers.

High-fructose corn syrup prompts considerably more weight gain, researchers find

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Researchers have demonstrated that all sweeteners are not equal when it comes to weight gain: Rats with access to high-fructose corn syrup gained significantly more weight than those with access to table sugar, even when their overall caloric intake was the same.

Risky drinkers less likely to take good care of themselves and seek medical care

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- A study of 7,884 men and women that found people who engage in frequent heavy drinking report significantly worse health-related practices, such as not wearing seat belts, unhealthy eating, and failing to visit their doctor regularly. The study also found women who drink heavily report worse general and mental health than men who drink at that same level.

Sticky environmental problem with carpet tiles solved

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- A new adhesive for use in carpet tiles could help dramatically reduce their impact on the environment. The powerful adhesives currently used to bind the layers of carpet tiles together make it challenging to recycle them. In Europe, around 70 million kilograms of carpet tile waste is incinerated or sent to landfill sites every year.

Eating less meat and dairy products won't have major impact on global warming, export argues

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Consuming less meat and dairy products will fail to reverse global warming -- despite continual claims that link greenhouse-gas production to eating meat-rich diets, according to one expert. In a recent report, an air quality specialist discusses this popular misconception and describes why he believes it is steering society away from solutions to the global crisis.

Fishing discard ban could damage sea bird success, scientists warn

ScienceDaily (2010-03-23) -- A proposed EU ban on throwing unwanted fish overboard from commercial boats could put one of the North Sea's most successful sea birds at risk, say researchers.

Rapid response oceanographic expedition dispatched to Chile earthquake site

ScienceDaily (2010-03-20) -- Scientists are undertaking an expedition to explore the rupture site of the 8.8-magnitude Chilean earthquake.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100319142700.htm

Biology may not be so complex after all, physicist finds

ScienceDaily (2010-03-19) -- Centuries ago, scientists began reducing the physics of the universe into key laws described by a handful of parameters. Such simple descriptions have remained elusive for complex biological systems -- until now. A biophysicist has identified parameters for several biochemical networks that distill the entire behavior of these systems into simple equivalent dynamics. The discovery may hold the potential to streamline the development of drugs and diagnostic tools, by simplifying the research models.

Some bullies are just the shy type: New research shows a darker side to social anxiety disorder

ScienceDaily (2010-03-19) -- When you think of people suffering from social anxiety, you probably characterize them as shy, inhibited and submissive. However, new research from psychologists suggests that there is a subset of socially anxious people who act out in aggressive, risky ways -- and that their behavior patterns are often misunderstood.

Cows like leaves their tongues can wrap around easily

ScienceDaily (2010-03-19) -- Lots of leaves growing in easy reach of a cow's tongue means less time and less land needed to raise beef cattle.

Sleep Deprivation Influences Drug Use in Teens' Social Networks, Study Finds

ScienceDaily (2010-03-20) -- Recent studies have shown that behaviors such as happiness, obesity, smoking and altruism are "contagious" within adult social networks. In other words, your behavior not only influences your friends, but also their friends and so on. Researchers have taken this a step farther and found that the spread of one behavior in social networks influences the spread of another behavior -- adolescent drug use.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100319202524.htm#

Direct injection of gold nanoparticles into tumors opens door to new treatment for pancreatic cancer

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Pancreatic cancer -- known as the most fatal cancer with no known effective treatment -- requires a radical new therapy. A promising approach may come in the form of tiny gold nanoparticles -- loaded with a therapeutic agent to kill cancer -- in a novel procedure called "nanoembolization," said researchers.

Rapid increases in tree growth found in US

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Rapid increases in tree growth in the US, slower tree growth in the tropics, new ideas about biodiversity, new methods for monitoring forest carbon stocks: These are among the mid-term results from the HSBC Climate Partnership.

Environmental refugees and global warming

ScienceDaily (2010-03-22) -- Climate change and environmental degradation are likely to trigger increased migration in Sub-Saharan Africa with potentially devastating effects on the hundreds of millions of especially poor people, according to a new article.

Barnacles prefer upwelling currents, enriching food chains in the Galapagos

ScienceDaily (2010-03-21) -- The barnacle, a key thread in the marine food web, was thought to be missing along rocky coasts dominated by upwelling. Now a research team has found the opposite to be true: Barnacle populations thrive in vertical upwelling zones in moderately deep waters in the Galapagos Islands.

Frequency and cost of copying college homework revealed

ScienceDaily (2010-03-21) -- The history of students who copy homework from classmates may be as old as school itself. But in today's age of lecture-hall laptops and online coursework, how prevalent and damaging to the education of students has such academic dishonesty become? According to new research, it turns out that unnoticed student cheating is a significant cause of course failure nationally.

Evolution of fairness and punishment

ScienceDaily (2010-03-21) -- A new study suggests that the cooperative nature of each society is at least partly dependent upon historical forces -- such as religious beliefs and the growth of market transactions.

Variability as well as high blood pressure holds high risk of stroke

ScienceDaily (2010-03-21) -- Three new articles show that it is variability in patients' blood pressure that predicts the risk of a stroke most powerfully and not a high average or usual blood pressure level.

Cell phones with the lowest radiation levels

Lista de celulares con menor radiación

Smoking, but not past alcohol abuse, may impair mental function, study suggests

ScienceDaily (2010-03-18) -- Men and women with a history of alcohol abuse may not see long-term negative effects on their memory and thinking, but female smokers do, a new study suggests.

From international harbor to native habitat: Detecting exotic pests before forest and agricultural invasion

ScienceDaily (2010-03-18) -- In the 1930s, soil used as ballast to weigh down cargo ships from South America to Mobile, Alabama introduced the red imported fire ant to the southern United States. Since then, the ants have been found as far north as Maryland and as far west as California, shorting out streetlights and eating through crops and native plants in the process. Since pests like the fire ant primarily enter the U.S. through international hubs like Mobile and then spread to nearby ecosystems, the early detection of exotic pests should start at the most vulnerable urban areas, researchers say.

Staples lead to higher risk of infection after joint surgery than traditional stitches

ScienceDaily (2010-03-18) -- Using metal staples to close wounds after orthopedic (joint) surgery can lead to a greater risk of infection than using traditional nylon sutures, concludes a new study.

Catastrophic flooding may be more predictable with new models

ScienceDaily (2010-03-16) -- Researchers have created a miniature river delta that replicates flooding patterns seen in natural rivers, resulting in a mathematical model capable of aiding in the prediction of the next catastrophic flood.

Formula for making teeth will soon be found, researchers say

ScienceDaily (2010-03-16) -- Each cusp of our teeth is regulated by genes which carefully control the development. A similar genetic puzzle also regulates the differentiation of our other organs and of all living organisms. Scientists have developed a computer model reproducing population-level variation in complex structures like teeth and organs. The research takes a step towards the growing of correctly shaped teeth and other organs.

Babies are born to dance, new research shows

ScienceDaily (2010-03-16) -- A study of infants finds they respond to the rhythm and tempo of music and find it more engaging than speech. The research suggest that babies may be born with a predisposition to move rhythmically in response to music.

Today's youth aren't 'ego-driven slackers' after all

ScienceDaily (2010-03-16) -- Today's youth are generally not the self-centered, antisocial slackers that previous research has made them out to be, according to a provocative new study.

Environmental and social impact of the 'livestock revolution'

ScienceDaily (2010-03-17) -- Global meat production has tripled in the past three decades and could double its present level by 2050, according to a major report on the livestock industry. The impact of this "livestock revolution" is likely to have significant consequences for human health, the environment and the global economy, the authors conclude.

An apple a day? Study shows soluble fiber boosts immune system

ScienceDaily (2010-03-17) -- A new study touts the benefits of soluble fiber -- found in oats, apples, and nuts, for starters -- saying that it reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system.

Some clinical trials explicitly exclude gay and lesbian patients

ScienceDaily (2010-03-18) -- All clinical trials have guidelines that clearly state who can and cannot participate, but according to the National Institutes of Health these guidelines are typically based on age, gender, previous treatment history, the type and stage of a disease, and other medically relevant factors. However, researchers have now gathered evidence indicating that some trials explicitly exclude individuals based on their sexual orientation.

One gene lost = one limb regained? Scientists demonstrate mammalian regeneration through a single gene deletion

ScienceDaily (2010-03-16) -- The absence of a single gene, called p21, confers a healing potential in mice long thought to be reserved only for creatures like flatworms, sponges, and some species of salamander: regeneration. Researchers demonstrate that mice that lack the gene can regenerate lost or damaged tissue, suggesting that such an ability may be granted to mammals by blocking the effects of p21.

Choosing a university degree is not linked to personality, Spanish study finds

ScienceDaily (2010-03-10) -- Researchers in Spain have studied the connection between professional preferences and personality, based on interviews and questionnaires carried out on 735 secondary school students from the province of Cadiz. The results indicate that personality does not have an influence when choosing a professional career.

Acts of kindness spread surprisingly easily: just a few people can make a difference

ScienceDaily (2010-03-10) -- For all those dismayed by scenes of looting in disaster-struck zones, whether Haiti or Chile or elsewhere, take heart: good acts -- acts of kindness, generosity and cooperation -- spread just as easily as bad. And it takes only a handful of individuals to really make a difference.

Future of broadband: Where data is broadcast using desk lamps

ScienceDaily (2010-03-10) -- In the future, getting a broadband connection might be as simple as flipping on a light switch. In fact, according to a group of researchers from Germany, the light coming from the lamps in your home could one day encode a wireless broadband signal.

NoMix toilets get thumbs-up in seven European countries

ScienceDaily (2010-03-10) -- People in seven European countries have positive attitudes toward a new eco-friendly toilet that could substantially reduce pollution problems and conserve water and nutrients, scientists in Switzerland are reporting. Their article calls on authorities to give wider support for the innovative toilet technology.

Impacts of changing climate on ocean biology

ScienceDaily (2010-03-11) -- A three-year field program now underway is measuring carbon distributions and primary productivity in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean to help scientists worldwide determine the impacts of a changing climate on ocean biology and biogeochemistry.

Emerging tick-borne disease

ScienceDaily (2010-03-11) -- A new assay allows scientists to discover whether ticks are carrying disease-causing bacteria and which animals provided their last blood meal. Assay results suggest three emerging diseases in the St. Louis area are carried by lone star ticks feeding on record-high populations of white tailed deer.

How sea turtle hatchlings use their flippers to move quickly on sand

ScienceDaily (2010-03-11) -- Researchers conducted the first field study showing how endangered loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings use their limbs to move quickly on a variety of terrains in order to reach the ocean.

New method to grow arteries could lead to 'biological bypass' for heart disease

ScienceDaily (2010-03-09) -- A new method of growing arteries could lead to a "biological bypass" -- or a noninvasive way to treat coronary artery disease.

Abused children more likely to suffer unexplained abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting

ScienceDaily (2010-03-09) -- Children who have been abused psychologically, physically or sexually are more likely to suffer unexplained abdominal pain and nausea or vomiting than children who have not been abused, a new study concludes.

Women who drink moderately appear to gain less weight than nondrinkers

ScienceDaily (2010-03-09) -- Normal-weight women who drink a light to moderate amount of alcohol appear to gain less weight and have a lower risk of becoming overweight and obese than nondrinkers, according to a new article.

Like little golden assassins, 'smart' nanoparticles identify, target and kill cancer cells

ScienceDaily (2010-03-09) -- Another weapon in the arsenal against cancer: nanoparticles that identify, target and kill specific cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

Exposure to letters A or F can affect test performance

ScienceDaily (2010-03-09) -- Seeing the letter A before an exam can improve a student's exam result while exposure to the letter F may make a student more likely to fail, according to a new study.

Chilean earthquake moved entire city 10 feet west, shifted other parts of South America

ScienceDaily (2010-03-08) -- The massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck the west coast of Chile last month moved the entire city of Concepcion at least 10 feet to the west, and shifted other parts of South America as far apart as the Falkland Islands and Fortaleza, Brazil. These preliminary measurements, done by researchers including geophysicists on the ground in Chile, paint a much clearer picture of the power behind this temblor, believed to be the fifth-most-powerful since instruments have been available to measure seismic shifts.

Students' physical fitness associated with academic achievement; organized physical activity

ScienceDaily (2010-03-04) -- Physical fitness is associated with academic performance in young people, according to a new study.

Climate change one factor in malaria spread

ScienceDaily (2010-03-04) -- Climate change is one reason malaria is on the rise in some parts of the world, new research finds, but other factors such as migration and land-use changes are likely also at play. The research aims to sort out contradictions that have emerged as scientists try to understand why malaria has been spreading into highland areas of East Africa, Indonesia, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Warming coastal water, thinning marine populations: Tracking of 2010 El Niño reveals marine life reductions

ScienceDaily (2010-03-04) -- The ongoing El Niño of 2010 is affecting north Pacific Ocean ecosystems in ways that could affect the West Coast fishing industry, according to scientists. Researchers report a stronger than normal northward movement of warm water up the Southern California coast, a high sea-level event in January and low abundances of plankton and pelagic fish -- all conditions consistent with El Niño.

Extremes of sleep related to increased fat around organs

ScienceDaily (2010-03-05) -- Not getting enough sleep does more damage than just leaving you with puffy eyes. It can cause fat to accumulate around your organs -- more dangerous, researchers say, than those pesky love handles and jiggly thighs.

Where will the next food crisis strike? Extended geographical monitoring using satellite observation

ScienceDaily (2010-03-03) -- Satellite observation is the key instrument that will allow to double in 2010 the number of countries monitored in real time for detecting first indications of adverse agricultural outcomes. The new Integrated Phase Classification system facilitates and accelerates the reaction time to food security crises by allowing a common and internationally recognized classification of their severity.

Beewolves protect their offspring with antibiotics; digger wasp larvae use bacteria against infections

ScienceDaily (2010-03-01) -- Beewolves house beneficial bacteria on their cocoons that guarantee protection against harmful microorganisms. Scientists have discovered that bacteria of the genus Streptomyces produce a cocktail of nine different antibiotics and thereby fend off invading pathogens. Using imaging techniques based on mass spectrometry, the antibiotics could be displayed on the cocoon's surface. Moreover, it was shown that the use of different kinds of antibiotics provides effective protection against infection with a multitude of different pathogenic microorganisms.

Darkness increases dishonest behavior, study shows

ScienceDaily (2010-03-01) -- New research shows that darkness may induce a psychological feeling of illusory anonymity, just as children playing "hide and seek" will close their eyes and believe that other cannot see them, the experience of darkness, even one as subtle as wearing a pair of sunglasses, triggers the belief that we are warded from others' attention and inspections.

TV ads may be more effective if we pay less attention

ScienceDaily (2010-02-25) -- Viewers pay less attention to creative television adverts, shows new research from the UK, but may make themselves more vulnerable to the advertiser's message.

Why BPA leached from 'safe' plastics may damage health of female offspring

ScienceDaily (2010-02-25) -- Here's more evidence that "safe" plastics are not as safe as once presumed: New research suggests that exposure to bisphenol A during pregnancy leads to epigenetic changes that may cause permanent reproduction problems for female offspring. BPA, a common component of plastics used to contain food, is a type of estrogen that is ubiquitous in the environment.

Optical system promises to revolutionize undersea communications

ScienceDaily (2010-02-25) -- In a technological advance that its developers are likening to the cell phone and wireless Internet access, scientists and engineers have devised an undersea optical communications system that -- complemented by acoustics -- enables a virtual revolution in high-speed undersea data collection and transmission.

Idea of restoring 'natural systems' misses mark as response to climate change challenges, expert argues

ScienceDaily (2010-02-25) -- Approaches to formulating geoengineering solutions to global environmental challenges such as climate change are often too one-dimensional, an Arizona expert argues. They fail to move beyond a technical framework and deal with the many societal, cultural and ethical issues that will arise in any large-scale efforts to alter or counteract atmospheric and climate conditions, he says.

Nouns and verbs are learned in different parts of the brain

ScienceDaily (2010-02-25) -- Two Spanish psychologists and a German neurologist have recently shown that the brain that activates when a person learns a new noun is different from the part used when a verb is learnt. The scientists observed this using brain images taken using functional magnetic resonance.

Interactions between species: Powerful driving force behind evolution?

ScienceDaily (2010-02-25) -- Scientists in the UK have provided the first experimental evidence that shows that evolution is driven most powerfully by interactions between species, rather than adaptation to the environment.

Obesity and physical inactivity poses arthritis risk, especially for women

ScienceDaily (2010-02-26) -- Researchers have noted a higher prevalence of arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitations in the US versus the Canadian population. The authors attribute the higher prevalence of arthritis and AAL to a greater level of obesity and physical inactivity in Americans, particularly women.

Computer models show how skyborne seawater particles change cloud brightness, temperature, rain patterns

ScienceDaily (2010-02-26) -- Ships blowing off steam are helping researchers understand how human-made particles might be useful against global warming. New results from modeling clouds like those seen in shipping lanes reveal the complex interplay between aerosols, the prevailing weather and even the time of day the aerosol particles hit the air, according to new research.

Intelligent energy management for the home

ScienceDaily (2010-02-27) -- In order to save energy, consumers need to be able to obtain up-to-date information at any time about the energy consumption of their appliances, and be able to control them while away from home. Scientists have developed two new applications that help consumers manage their power use.

Lack of morning light keeping teenagers up at night

ScienceDaily (2010-02-27) -- The first field study on the impact of light on teenagers' sleeping habits finds that insufficient daily morning light exposure contributes to teenagers not getting enough sleep.

Malicious software: Hiding the honeypots

ScienceDaily (2010-02-27) -- Armies of networked computers that have been compromised by malicious software are commonly known as Botnets. Such Botnets are usually used to carry out fraudulent and criminal activity on the Internet. Now US computer scientists reveal that the honeypot trap designed to protect computers from Botnets are now vulnerable to attack because of advances in Botnet malware.

Climate change and coral reefs: Coral species has developed the 'skills' to cope with rising temperatures

ScienceDaily (2010-02-27) -- Marine reserves are increasingly important for species that are being forced by climate change to move to a new home, adapt to new conditions or die. Biologists have now compared the relative benefits of large and small protected areas in perpetuating populations. Interestingly they have also found a coral species that has developed the "skills" to cope with rising temperatures.

Fueling the future with fish tank residue: Scientist discusses use of algae as biofuel

ScienceDaily (2010-02-27) -- As Americans demand new and cleaner ways to meet the country's energy needs, researchers are turning to algae as a promising new fuel source. The approach has the potential to significantly reduce the nation's reliance on imported oil while contributing to rural economic development and lowering greenhouse emissions.

Rapid image analysis method helps diagnose Alzheimer's disease

ScienceDaily (2010-02-27) -- Scientists have developed a method for analysing MR images (MRI) in just a few minutes when diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The accuracy of the analysis is comparable to manual measurements made by skilled professionals, which are currently considered the most reliable method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The accurate and rapid analysis method is well suited for clinical use.

Dolphin cognitive abilities raise ethical questions, says Emory neuroscientist

ScienceDaily (2010-02-27) -- Many modern dolphin brains are significantly larger than those of humans and second in mass to the human brain when corrected for body size, says a scientist. Some dolphin brains exhibit features correlated with complex intelligence, including a large expanse of neocortical volume that is more convoluted than that of humans, extensive insular and cingulated regions, and highly differentiated cellular regions. This has ethical and policy considerations.

Tropics: Global warming likely to significantly affect rainfall patterns

ScienceDaily (2010-02-28) -- Ocean temperature patterns in the tropics and subtropics will change in ways that will lead to significant changes in rainfall patterns, according to new research.