Monday, April 18, 2011

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Ancestors of land plants revealed

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 06:42 PM PDT

It was previously thought that land plants evolved from stonewort-like algae. However, new research shows that the closest relatives to land plants are actually conjugating green algae such as Spirogyra.

L-lysine may help schizophrenia sufferers cope

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 06:41 PM PDT

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that currently affects about one in every 200 people. Most patients find some relief from their symptoms by treatment with antipsychotics, however they may still suffer from cognitive and negative symptoms. Preliminary research shows that patients who received L-lysine alongside their normal medication found some reduction in the severity of their symptoms.

New therapeutic target for asthma, COPD and other lung disorders identified

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 03:53 PM PDT

Scientists have discovered a molecule's previously unknown role as a major trigger for airway remodeling, which impairs lung function, making the molecule a promising therapeutic target for chronic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and several other lung conditions.

Polarized microscopy technique shows new details of how proteins are arranged

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 03:53 PM PDT

By harnessing the unique properties of polarized light, scientists have developed a new technique that can help deduce the orientation of specific proteins within a cell.

Nanofiber spheres carrying cells injected into wounds to grow tissue

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 03:53 PM PDT

For the first time, scientists have made star-shaped, biodegradable polymers that can self-assemble into hollow, nanofiber spheres, and when the spheres are injected with cells into wounds, these spheres biodegrade, but the cells live on to form new tissue.

Researchers get a first look at the mechanics of membrane proteins

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 03:53 PM PDT

In two new studies, researchers provide the first detailed view of the elaborate chemical and mechanical interactions that allow the ribosome -- the cell's protein-building machinery -- to insert a growing protein into the cellular membrane. The first study gives an atom-by-atom snapshot the moment just after the ribosome docks to a channel in the membrane and the newly forming protein winds its way into the membrane. The second study found that proteins get inserted into the membrane in two stages.

Successful strategy developed to regenerate blood vessels

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 03:53 PM PDT

Researchers have discovered a way to stimulate the formation of highly functional new blood vessels. Scientists have developed a strategy in which a biological factor, called fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), is delivered at the same time that the body is making its own effort at forming new blood vessels in vulnerable or damaged tissue.

Sugarcane cools climate, study finds

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 03:53 PM PDT

Brazilians are world leaders in using biofuels. About a quarter of their automobile fuel consumption comes from sugarcane, which significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Now scientists have found that sugarcane has a double benefit. Expansion of the crop in areas previously occupied by other crops cools the local climate by reflecting sunlight back into space and by lowering the air temperature as the plants "exhale" cooler water.

Arctic coasts on the retreat

Posted: 17 Apr 2011 03:53 PM PDT

The coastline in Arctic regions reacts to climate change with increased erosion and retreats by half a meter per year on average. This means substantial changes for Arctic ecosystems near the coast and the population living there.
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