Three bacterial genomes found lurking inside recently sequenced fruit fly genomes
A team led by Steven L. Salzberg and Michael B. Eisen found three new Wolbachia species in the Drosophila genome database, including Wolbachia wAna, wSim, and wMoj.
University of California - Berkeley
Researchers model brain's electrical storm during a seizure
UC Berkeley researchers developed a mathematical model of the brain's electrical activity during seizures, which may aid in understanding and treating epilepsy. The model, compared with real-world data from electrodes implanted in a patient, suggests that strong coherent waves of electrical activity are responsible for seizure spread.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 23, 2005
RHESSI satellite captures giant gamma-ray flare
A massive gamma-ray flare from a magnetar was detected by the RHESSI satellite, emitting as much energy in two-tenths of a second as the sun gives off in 250,000 years. The event's immense power suggests a solution to the origins of short-duration gamma ray bursts.
Falling ants glide back to trunk to avoid dangers of forest floor
Researchers discovered that gliding ants, like Cephalotes atratus, can land on tree trunks and climb back up, with 85% success rate. The ants' ability to change direction mid-air is still a mystery, but it's likely due to their unique morphology, including flattened hind legs and head flanges.
Melatonin shrinks bird gonads. What does the popular supplement do in humans?
A new study found that melatonin increases production of GnIH hormone in birds, which has opposite effects to GnRH and can trigger gonad shrinkage. This discovery suggests potential effects on human reproductive axis and raises concerns about the hormone's interactions with other systems.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2005
New study finds kelp can reduce level of hormone related to breast cancer risk
Researchers found that dietary kelp increased the length of rat estrous cycles by 37%, which is associated with lower risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Kelp may act as an estrogen antagonist, reducing estradiol levels and potentially lowering breast cancer risk.
Transgenic plants remove more selenium from polluted soil than wild plants, new tests show
Researchers found that transgenic Indian mustard plants absorbed two to four times more selenium from contaminated soil than their wild-type counterparts, outperforming them in the field trial. The study suggests using phytoremediation with these plants could be a viable alternative for cleaning up polluted soil at a lower cost.
Superfluid helium-4 whistles just the right tune
Physicists at UC Berkeley have successfully produced a quantum whistle in superfluid helium-4 using an array of tiny holes. The whistle is achieved at a temperature of 2 Kelvin, making the sensors user-friendly for scientists unfamiliar with cryogenic technology.
Scientists find missing link between whale and its closest relative, the hippo
Researchers propose that whales and hippos share a common water-loving ancestor 50-60 million years ago, which evolved into two distinct groups. The study reconciles the fossil record with molecular evidence, providing a new understanding of whale evolution.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2005
Sinking coastlines may precede large subduction zone quakes
Researchers have found evidence of coastal subsidence preceding major subduction zone quakes, potentially providing a warning system for tsunami alerts. The study suggests that areas along subduction zones should monitor subsidence to predict potential earthquakes and tsunamis.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateJan 20, 2005
Hummingbirds lose power at high altitudes
Researchers found that hummingbirds' lifting ability declines with altitude, leaving less reserve power for quick bursts of flight. The study also revealed a clear correlation between power margin and elevation, with birds dominating territories at lower elevations.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2004
$43 million from Gates Foundation to produce inexpensive antimalarial drug for Third World
A partnership between OneWorld Health, University of California - Berkeley, and Amyris Biotechnologies aims to produce an inexpensive antimalarial drug using synthetic biology. The goal is to reduce the cost of treatment to under $1 per adult course, making it more accessible to millions in developing countries.
Deep tremors under San Andreas fault could portend earthquakes
Researchers detected continuous tremors near Cholame, 15 miles southeast of Parkfield, which are similar to those discovered in Japan and the Pacific Northwest. The tremors, which last more than four minutes each, may be precursory to earthquakes, potentially leading to earthquake forecasting and prediction.
'Blind' cells see the light; maybe someday humans will, too
Researchers at UC Berkeley have created a device that allows brain cells to respond to light, enabling the potential treatment of retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. The breakthrough involves genetically engineering nerve cells to be sensitive to light using ion channels made light-sensitive.
New study links low fish supply to increased bushmeat hunting
A new study found a strong link between low fish supply in Ghana and increased bushmeat hunting, leading to dramatic declines in terrestrial wildlife abundance. The research suggests that subsidized foreign fleets from the European Union are exacerbating the problem.
Keck Telescope images of Uranus reveal ring, atmospheric fireworks
Recent Keck Telescope images of Uranus reveal an inner ring and high-altitude clouds with vigorous convection, indicating the planet is not static. The findings contradict previous assumptions about Uranus being a dull and unchanging planet.
New NSF center to study fundamentals of nanostructures, build and test nanodevices
The new center will merge nanotubes with organic molecules to create sensors or nanomachines small enough to fit on a virus. Researchers will design and assemble building blocks to develop new devices and systems.
New analysis links breastfeeding to reduced risk of childhood leukemia
A new analysis has found a link between breastfeeding and lower risks of both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) in children. The study suggests that even short-term breastfeeding may be protective, particularly during the first few months.
Scientists prepare for space probe's plunge into Titan's atmosphere
The Huygens probe will encounter a mysterious surface of seven-kilometer-high ice mountains and liquid methane seas. Scientists expect the Cassini spacecraft to improve the current sketchy picture of Titan's surface.
Climate change plus human pressure caused large mammal extinctions in late Pleistocene
A study of megafauna extinctions during the late Pleistocene reveals that both climate change and human activities played significant roles in driving species to extinction. The research, published in Science, suggests that humans and climate change were a one-two punch that led to the loss of many large mammal species.
Cancer vaccine based on pathogenic listeria bacteria shows promise targeting metastases
A genetically engineered listeria bacteria-based vaccine has shown promising results in targeting metastatic cancer cells, inducing a strong innate and acquired immune response. The vaccine, aiming to target pancreatic and ovarian cancers, could potentially be used to prevent recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2004
Researchers use semiconductors to set speed limit on light
Scientists have successfully slowed down the group velocity of light in semiconductors, achieving speeds of about 6 miles per second. This breakthrough could lead to faster optical networks and higher performance communications, enabling applications like 3-D graphics transmission and high-resolution video conferencing.
Researchers ID chlorophyll-regulating gene
The study reveals that a gene called phytochrome-interacting factor 1 (PIF1) regulates the production of protochlorophyll, a precursor to chlorophyll. Plants with mutated PIF1 genes accumulate too much protochlorophyll, leading to photo-oxidative stress and bleaching on leaves.
Cockroach-like robot leads new research effort
Researchers from University of California, Berkeley, and other institutions will study the mechanical and neurological basis of locomotion using RHex, a short six-legged robot. The team aims to uncover the neural and muscular control and feedback loops that lead to similar patterns of movement in animals
European common frog found to use novel mating strategy
The European common frog has a complex breeding strategy where males engage in clutch piracy, fertilizing eggs left unfertilized after the initial encounter. This behavior leads to a greater percentage of fertilized eggs and clutches with multiple fathers.
Genetic analysis rewrites salamander's evolutionary history
A study by Rachel Mueller and David Wake rewrites the evolutionary history of salamanders, finding inconsistencies with accepted classifications. The research suggests that some terrestrial salamanders regained their larval stage after moving back to water, contradicting previous assumptions.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2004
When is a mouse like a test tube?
Researchers use a novel chemical reaction in living mice to tag cells and attach tracer molecules to sugars on cell surfaces. This technique could help doctors pinpoint inflamed or cancerous cells for diagnosis. The method allows for the exploration of biosynthetic pathways and the examination of functional consequences.
Cluster spacecraft catch crashing waves in Earth's magnetic bubble
The Cluster mission has found a new way for charged particles from the solar wind to enter Earth's magnetosphere, using giant vortices called non-linear Kelvin-Helmholtz waves. These vortices can carry particles inside the magnetosphere, potentially explaining the presence of hot plasma stored in the tail of Earth's magnetic field.
Parasitic cowbirds thrive with a less ruthless strategy than cuckoos
A new study reveals that cowbird chicks survive and even grow faster when raised in noisy nests with host siblings, rather than alone. By joining their nestmates in a chirping chorus, the cowbirds are able to monopolize food attempts from parents and reap the benefits of shared parental care.
UC Berkeley, Taiwanese experiment snaps unique images of sprites, jets and elves
The Imager of Sprites and Upper Atmospheric Lightning (ISUAL) instrument has captured unique images of sprites, jets, and elves in the upper atmosphere. The images show red sprites, blue jets, and elves, which are caused by lightning discharges into the upper atmosphere and ionosphere.
Researchers discover how worms' noses sense oxygen
The nematode C. elegans prefers 6% oxygen, which helps it survive in environments with low oxygen. The worm's oxygen sensors are similar to those used by humans and other animals to detect nitric oxide.
Nanoparticles stiff from constant strain, UC Berkeley and LBNL scientists report
Zinc sulfide nanoparticles with a disordered crystal structure exhibit increased stiffness due to constant strain, potentially impacting other properties such as strength and elasticity. The researchers' findings emphasize the importance of considering the entire particle, rather than just its bulk structure.
A fly's taste experience is much like our own
A study by UC Berkeley neuroscientists found that fruit flies have taste receptors similar to humans, with four types devoted to sweet and bitter flavors. The researchers mapped the taste receptor nerve cells into the brain, revealing a map both of location and type of taste.
New research demonstrates powerful new tool used to study landslides
Researchers used high-resolution interferometric synthetic aperture radar to analyze data collected between 1992 and 2001 from European Remote Sensing satellites. They found that sliding rates increased by up to 30% during heavy rains, which may be controlled by elevated water pressures in the ground subsurface.
17th century solar oddity believed linked to global cooling is rare among nearby stars
Astronomers searched for sun-like stars exhibiting Maunder minimums, but most are not like the sun. Nearly all stars identified as Maunder minima are actually much brighter and different from the sun.
Dramatic decline of California native frog linked to introduced trout in mountain lakes
A study by UC Berkeley post-doctoral fellow Vance T. Vredenburg shows that non-native trout have devastated native frog populations in high-Sierra lakes, but removing fish allows the frogs to flourish. The mountain yellow-legged frog has declined dramatically due to introduced trout, with only 5,000 adults remaining in its range.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2004
Sediments in many Central Valley streams contain toxic levels of pyrethroid pesticides
A study found that 28% of Central Valley sediment samples are toxic to amphipods and midge larvae due to pyrethroids. The pesticides were present in 68% of these sediments, posing a risk to freshwater organisms.
Technique plucks rapidly evolving genes from a pathogen's genome
Researchers developed a novel method to pinpoint rapidly evolving genes in pathogens, revealing potential drug targets for tuberculosis and malaria. The technique analyzes genome sequences to identify genes under selective pressure, allowing for the discovery of previously unknown genes.
Researcher predicts global climate change on Jupiter as planet's spots disappear
Researchers predict a 10-degree Celsius shift in Jupiter's average temperature as atmospheric whirlpools vanish, causing jet streams to become unstable. This will spawn new vortices and signal the end of Jupiter's current 70-year climate cycle.
Mantis shrimp may have swiftest kick in the animal kingdom
Researchers recorded mantis shrimp's club-shaped front leg striking prey at peak speeds of 23 meters per second, generating forces over 100 times the shrimp's body weight. The unique saddle-shaped structure acts as a spring, storing energy until release propels the strike.
Renewable energy promotes U.S. job growth better than investment in fossil fuels
A new study by UC Berkeley finds that renewable energy generates more jobs per megawatt installed than the fossil fuel-based sector, with potential benefits for all states. Investing in renewables could create up to 240,000 new jobs by 2020, while reducing trade deficits and reestablishing US leadership in energy technology.
Experiment harnesses state-of-the-art sequencing technology to detect life on Mars
A team of scientists led by UC Berkeley's Richard Mathies is developing the Mars Organic Analyzer to test for amino acid handedness, a crucial characteristic of life-based amino acids. The instrument aims to provide absolute proof of life on Mars, as detecting left-handed or right-handed amino acids could indicate biological activity.
Vitamin C reduces level of C-reactive protein, finds UC Berkeley-led study
A recent UC Berkeley-led study found that vitamin C supplements can decrease levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) by 24% in healthy adults. CRP is a biomarker of inflammation linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateApr 12, 2004
Researchers find no safe place to sit in California tick-infested forest
A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that even brief contact with wood or leaf litter increases the risk of tick exposure. Precautions such as avoiding prolonged contact and inspecting skin carefully are recommended for people frequenting endemic areas.
Radio astronomers lift 'fog' on Milky Way's dark heart
Astronomers successfully measured the size of Sagittarius A*, the mysterious object at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy, using the National Science Foundation's Very Long Baseline Array radio telescope. The black hole has a mass nearly four million times that of the Sun and would fit easily inside Earth's orbit.
Researchers say US military accidentally introduced tree pathogen to Italian estate
Researchers found evidence of Heterobasidion annosum pathogen originating from eastern North America, likely hitching a ride in untreated lumber from infected trees. The pathogen has since established itself in the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano, killing large swaths of stone pine trees.
Charge doping of molecules one atom at a time
Researchers successfully demonstrated precise control over molecular electronic properties using a scanning tunneling microscope. They added up to seven potassium atoms to a single buckyball molecule, altering its electrical properties.
Engineers create exoskeleton that can enhance human strength and endurance
The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) is a wearable device that enhances human strength and endurance. The system combines a human control system with robotic muscle, allowing the wearer to walk, squat, and bend without reduced agility.
New 'Understanding Evolution' Web site provides one-stop-shop for nation's science teachers
The new 'Understanding Evolution' Web site offers a one-stop-shop for science teachers, providing practical examples and strategies for teaching evolution. The site features Evolution 101, a primer on evolutionary theory, as well as discussions on the nature of science and the history of evolutionary thought.
Astronomers find nearest, youngest star with dusty debris disk. But are there planets?
Astronomers have discovered the nearest and youngest star with a visible disk of dust that may be a nursery for planets. The dim red dwarf star AU Mic is about half the mass of the sun but only 12 million years old, and its dusty debris disk stretches around 210 astronomical units from the central star.