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Monday, February 25, 2013

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

ScienceDaily: Most Popular News


Scientists find genes linked to human neurological disorders in sea lamprey genome

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:29 AM PST

Scientists have identified several genes linked to human neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, in the sea lamprey, a vertebrate fish whose whole-genome sequence.

Scientists find bone-marrow environment that helps produce infection-fighting T and B cells

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:29 AM PST

Medical researchers have deepened the understanding of the environment within bone marrow that nurtures stem cells, this time identifying the biological setting for specialized blood-forming cells that produce the infection-fighting white blood cells known as T cells and B cells.

Laser mastery narrows down sources of superconductivity

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:29 AM PST

Uncovering the mechanism behind high-temperature superconductivity -- a phenomenon with tremendous value to advances in energy efficiency and sustainability -- remains one of the greatest and most pressing puzzles in physics. Now, using precise laser pulses and atomically perfect 2-D materials, scientists have ruled out one possible source of HTS: Fleeting fluctuations called charge-density waves.

Graphene: A material that multiplies the power of light

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Researchers have demonstrated that graphene is able to convert a single photon that it absorbs into multiple electrons that could drive electric current -- a very promising discovery that makes graphene an important alternative material for light detection and harvesting technologies, now based on conventional semiconductors like silicon.

Quantum algorithm breakthrough: Performs a true calculation for the first time

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Scientists have demonstrated a quantum algorithm that performs a true calculation for the first time. Quantum algorithms could one day enable the design of new materials, pharmaceuticals or clean energy devices.

General mechanism that accelerates tumor development discovered

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Two new articles describe how the CPBE1 protein "takes the brakes off" the production of proteins associated with the cell switch from being healthy to tumorous. The study highlights CPEB proteins as promising targets, thus opening up a new and unexplored therapeutic window. The lab has developed a system for screening compounds that impede the action of CPEB proteins in tumors.

Taking the gamble out of DNA sequencing: How much can be learned in a large-scale experiment

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Scientists have developed an algorithm to predict how much can be learned in a large-scale DNA sequencing experiment -- with potential applications in every field of science.

Ability of brain to protect itself from damage revealed

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

The origin of an innate ability the brain has to protect itself from damage that occurs in stroke has been explained for the first time. Researchers hope that harnessing this inbuilt biological mechanism, identified in rats, could help in treating stroke and preventing other neurodegenerative diseases in the future.

Scientists find surprising new influence on cancer genes

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Small stretches of DNA in the human genome are known as "pseudogenes" because, while their sequences are nearly identical to those of various genes, they have long been thought to be non-coding "junk" DNA. But now, a new study shows how pseudogenes can regulate the activity of a cancer-related gene called PTEN. The study also shows that pseudogenes can be targeted to control PTEN's activity.

Fragments of continents hidden under lava in Indian Ocean: New micro-continent detected under Reunion and Mauritius

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:27 AM PST

The islands Reunion and Mauritius, both well-known tourist destinations, are hiding a micro-continent, which has now been discovered. The continent fragment known as Mauritia detached about 60 million years ago while Madagascar and India drifted apart, and had been hidden under huge masses of lava.

How the Ocean loses nitrogen: Scientists identify key factor that controls nitrogen availability in the Ocean

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:27 AM PST

During an expedition to the South Pacific Ocean, scientists discovered that organic matter derived from decaying algae regulates nitrogen loss from the Ocean's oxygen minimum zones.

Analytical trick accelerates protein studies

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:26 AM PST

Researchers have found a new way to accelerate a workhorse instrument that identifies proteins. The high-speed technique could help diagnose cancer sooner and point to new drugs for treating a wide range of conditions.

Distinct niches in bone marrow nurture blood stem cells

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:26 AM PST

In research that could one day improve the success of stem cell transplants and chemotherapy, scientists have found that distinct niches exist in bone marrow to nurture different types of blood stem cells.

Asthma drug found highly effective in treating chronic, severe hives and itch

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:26 AM PST

An international team of researchers has found that a once-a-month, high-dose injection of a commonly used asthma drug is highly effective in treating teens and adults chronically afflicted with hives and severe, itchy rash. The drug, omalizumab, was tested on 323 people at 55 medical centers for whom standard antihistamine therapy failed to quell their underlying, allergy-like reaction, known as chronic idiopathic urticaria or chronic spontaneous urticaria.

The ultimate chimp challenge: Chimps do challenging puzzles for the fun of it

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 09:46 AM PST

Scientists are putting their bananas away, because chimpanzees don't need any persuading when it comes to getting stuck into brain games.

Hubble sees a glowing jet from a young star

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 05:21 AM PST

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a new image showing an object known as HH 151, a bright jet of glowing material trailed by an intricate, orange-hued plume of gas and dust.

ScienceDaily: Strange Science News

ScienceDaily: Strange Science News


Scientists find genes linked to human neurological disorders in sea lamprey genome

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:29 AM PST

Scientists have identified several genes linked to human neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, in the sea lamprey, a vertebrate fish whose whole-genome sequence.

Graphene: A material that multiplies the power of light

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Researchers have demonstrated that graphene is able to convert a single photon that it absorbs into multiple electrons that could drive electric current -- a very promising discovery that makes graphene an important alternative material for light detection and harvesting technologies, now based on conventional semiconductors like silicon.

The ultimate chimp challenge: Chimps do challenging puzzles for the fun of it

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 09:46 AM PST

Scientists are putting their bananas away, because chimpanzees don't need any persuading when it comes to getting stuck into brain games.

ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News


Scientists find genes linked to human neurological disorders in sea lamprey genome

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:29 AM PST

Scientists have identified several genes linked to human neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, in the sea lamprey, a vertebrate fish whose whole-genome sequence.

Scientists find bone-marrow environment that helps produce infection-fighting T and B cells

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:29 AM PST

Medical researchers have deepened the understanding of the environment within bone marrow that nurtures stem cells, this time identifying the biological setting for specialized blood-forming cells that produce the infection-fighting white blood cells known as T cells and B cells.

Laser mastery narrows down sources of superconductivity

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:29 AM PST

Uncovering the mechanism behind high-temperature superconductivity -- a phenomenon with tremendous value to advances in energy efficiency and sustainability -- remains one of the greatest and most pressing puzzles in physics. Now, using precise laser pulses and atomically perfect 2-D materials, scientists have ruled out one possible source of HTS: Fleeting fluctuations called charge-density waves.

Graphene: A material that multiplies the power of light

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Researchers have demonstrated that graphene is able to convert a single photon that it absorbs into multiple electrons that could drive electric current -- a very promising discovery that makes graphene an important alternative material for light detection and harvesting technologies, now based on conventional semiconductors like silicon.

Quantum algorithm breakthrough: Performs a true calculation for the first time

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Scientists have demonstrated a quantum algorithm that performs a true calculation for the first time. Quantum algorithms could one day enable the design of new materials, pharmaceuticals or clean energy devices.

General mechanism that accelerates tumor development discovered

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Two new articles describe how the CPBE1 protein "takes the brakes off" the production of proteins associated with the cell switch from being healthy to tumorous. The study highlights CPEB proteins as promising targets, thus opening up a new and unexplored therapeutic window. The lab has developed a system for screening compounds that impede the action of CPEB proteins in tumors.

Taking the gamble out of DNA sequencing: How much can be learned in a large-scale experiment

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Scientists have developed an algorithm to predict how much can be learned in a large-scale DNA sequencing experiment -- with potential applications in every field of science.

Ability of brain to protect itself from damage revealed

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

The origin of an innate ability the brain has to protect itself from damage that occurs in stroke has been explained for the first time. Researchers hope that harnessing this inbuilt biological mechanism, identified in rats, could help in treating stroke and preventing other neurodegenerative diseases in the future.

Scientists find surprising new influence on cancer genes

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Small stretches of DNA in the human genome are known as "pseudogenes" because, while their sequences are nearly identical to those of various genes, they have long been thought to be non-coding "junk" DNA. But now, a new study shows how pseudogenes can regulate the activity of a cancer-related gene called PTEN. The study also shows that pseudogenes can be targeted to control PTEN's activity.

Fragments of continents hidden under lava in Indian Ocean: New micro-continent detected under Reunion and Mauritius

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:27 AM PST

The islands Reunion and Mauritius, both well-known tourist destinations, are hiding a micro-continent, which has now been discovered. The continent fragment known as Mauritia detached about 60 million years ago while Madagascar and India drifted apart, and had been hidden under huge masses of lava.

How the Ocean loses nitrogen: Scientists identify key factor that controls nitrogen availability in the Ocean

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:27 AM PST

During an expedition to the South Pacific Ocean, scientists discovered that organic matter derived from decaying algae regulates nitrogen loss from the Ocean's oxygen minimum zones.

Analytical trick accelerates protein studies

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:26 AM PST

Researchers have found a new way to accelerate a workhorse instrument that identifies proteins. The high-speed technique could help diagnose cancer sooner and point to new drugs for treating a wide range of conditions.

Distinct niches in bone marrow nurture blood stem cells

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:26 AM PST

In research that could one day improve the success of stem cell transplants and chemotherapy, scientists have found that distinct niches exist in bone marrow to nurture different types of blood stem cells.

Asthma drug found highly effective in treating chronic, severe hives and itch

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:26 AM PST

An international team of researchers has found that a once-a-month, high-dose injection of a commonly used asthma drug is highly effective in treating teens and adults chronically afflicted with hives and severe, itchy rash. The drug, omalizumab, was tested on 323 people at 55 medical centers for whom standard antihistamine therapy failed to quell their underlying, allergy-like reaction, known as chronic idiopathic urticaria or chronic spontaneous urticaria.

The ultimate chimp challenge: Chimps do challenging puzzles for the fun of it

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 09:46 AM PST

Scientists are putting their bananas away, because chimpanzees don't need any persuading when it comes to getting stuck into brain games.

Hubble sees a glowing jet from a young star

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 05:21 AM PST

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a new image showing an object known as HH 151, a bright jet of glowing material trailed by an intricate, orange-hued plume of gas and dust.

The Cynical Girl: Day Off: Sunday Girl

The Cynical Girl: Day Off: Sunday Girl

Link to The Cynical Girl

Day Off: Sunday Girl

Posted: 23 Feb 2013 03:45 AM PST

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News


Laser mastery narrows down sources of superconductivity

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:29 AM PST

Uncovering the mechanism behind high-temperature superconductivity -- a phenomenon with tremendous value to advances in energy efficiency and sustainability -- remains one of the greatest and most pressing puzzles in physics. Now, using precise laser pulses and atomically perfect 2-D materials, scientists have ruled out one possible source of HTS: Fleeting fluctuations called charge-density waves.

Graphene: A material that multiplies the power of light

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Researchers have demonstrated that graphene is able to convert a single photon that it absorbs into multiple electrons that could drive electric current -- a very promising discovery that makes graphene an important alternative material for light detection and harvesting technologies, now based on conventional semiconductors like silicon.

Quantum algorithm breakthrough: Performs a true calculation for the first time

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Scientists have demonstrated a quantum algorithm that performs a true calculation for the first time. Quantum algorithms could one day enable the design of new materials, pharmaceuticals or clean energy devices.

Taking the gamble out of DNA sequencing: How much can be learned in a large-scale experiment

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 11:28 AM PST

Scientists have developed an algorithm to predict how much can be learned in a large-scale DNA sequencing experiment -- with potential applications in every field of science.

Hubble sees a glowing jet from a young star

Posted: 24 Feb 2013 05:21 AM PST

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a new image showing an object known as HH 151, a bright jet of glowing material trailed by an intricate, orange-hued plume of gas and dust.

The Browser daily newsletter [25 Feb 2013]

25 February 2013

 Best of the Moment

Assembling The Billing Block

Ben Schott | New York Times | 24 February 2013

"The blurb at the bottom of a movie poster is called the billing block. While it might look like a bar-code of haphazardly packed type, it is in fact the product of detailed legal agreements and intense contract negotiation. Here is the billing block for a fictitious film—All The Presidents—and an explanation of how it was constructed"

Heaven On Earth

Peter Schjeldahl | New Yorker | 24 February 2013

Review of Piero della Francesca at the Frick. "He is like no other artist in my experience: not better, exactly, but loftily apart, defying comparison. Piero’s style, which remained consistent throughout his career, projects both a formal rigor, like that of geometry theorems, and a religious devotion so serene that it seems common sense"

A Brief History Of The Chinese Growth Model

Michael Pettis | China Financial Markets | 21 February 2013

Superficially, China's growth model aspires towards the American model associated with Alexander Hamilton: infant industry tariffs; public infrastructural investment; sound financial system. It's the right approach, but China's version has critical weaknesses. There isn't enough domestic competition, and domestic investment is badly allocated

The Intern Who Went Out in the Cold

Andrew Martin | New York Review Of Books | 23 February 2013

Another 50th anniversary staff reminiscence. Another completely wonderful piece of writing. "When calling writers, one would first consult the nascent electronic database, then flip doggedly through ancient rolodexes, pausing, wide-eyed, at things like James Baldwin’s number in Turkey before flipping to the number of the requested (living) person"

Interview: John Gray

J.P. O'Malley | Spectator | 22 February 2013

Brief, lively, pessimistic, philosophical conversation about freedom, religion, language, knowledge. "Knowledge can never eradicate the conflicts of the human world, or produce harmony where there are conflicting goals to start with. Because knowledge is used by human beings as a tool to achieve whatever it is they want to achieve"

Head Of The Dragon: The Rise Of New Shanghai

Daniel Brook | Design Observer | 18 February 2013

Long essay on the resurgence of Shanghai. Traces current phase of modernisation back to Tiananmen massacre of 1989 in Beijing. Shanghai party leaders kept order in the city. Deng Xiaoping admired and promoted them, giving them the power base from which to direct domestic and foreign investment into Shanghai, and to plan extravagant new building

Video of the day: What Will Your Last Ten Years Look Like?

Thought for the day:

"Good ideas formulated in bad English either die or get repackaged" — Frans de Waal