ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

Colorectal tumors are swarming with white blood cells, but whether these cells help or hinder the cancer is hotly debated. While some studies have shown that white blood cells heroically restrict tumor growth and combat colorectal cancer, equally compelling evidence casts the white blood cells as malignant co-conspirators -- bolstering the tumor and helping it spread.

Researchers have discovered a protein whose defect causes motor disorders in flies. The protein had also previously been found in human patients with Parkinson's disease. So far, however, it was not known what function it has in the cell. The study now provides an answer to this question.

A new study suggests that stem cells are able to integrate cues from their surroundings and coordinate their behavior across tissue through networks of vasculature in their close vicinity.

Colonies decide to flee rising temperatures in much the same way that neural computations give rise to decisions.

Computers can be trained to better detect distant nuclear detonations, chemical blasts and volcano eruptions by learning from artificial explosion signals, according to a new method.

Scientists have unearthed evidence pointing to a strong relationship between the magnitude of mass extinctions and global temperature changes in geologic times. This interesting correlation reveals a more optimistic outlook on future extinction events.

Researchers have developed a work-flow method, called Fanflow4Insects, that annotates gene functions in insects. In functional annotation, scientists collect information about a gene's biological identity. The team's new method uses transcribed sequence information as well as genome and protein sequence databases. With Fanflow4Insects, the team has annotated the functional information of the Japanese stick insect and the silkworm, including gene expression as well as sequence analysis. The functional annotation information that their workflow provides will greatly expand the possibilities of entomological research using genome editing.

Fluorine-containing gases -- including so-called per- or polyfluorinated hydrocarbons, or PFCs -- have a significant share in global warming. Researchers recently developed new crystalline materials that can selectively adsorb the molecules of such carbon-fluorine bonds. They hope that these porous crystals may be useful for targeted binding and recovery of PFCs.

New research refining the amount of sunlight absorbed by black carbon in smoke from wildfires will help clear up a long-time weak spot in earth system models, enabling more accurate forecasting of global climate change.

Women who eat bananas, avocados and salmon could reduce the negative effects of salt in the diet, according to a new study. The study found that potassium-rich diets were associated with lower blood pressure, particularly in women with high salt intake.

Findings from a new study indicate more positive YouTube videos could be a useful tool for shark conservation.

Scientists don't know much about how vegetables and other crops take up and accumulate lead in real-world settings, but new research in Chicago backyard gardens shows tomatoes are likely safe to eat, even when grown in highly lead-contaminated soils.

Researchers have identified the gene responsible for resistance in certain cassava cultivars against the devastating cassava mosaic disease. This is an important step for breeding virus-resistant cassava varieties.

Children are more likely to prefer foods they believe to be natural to lab-grown options, rating them higher for tastiness, safety and desirability, a study shows. Researchers say the tendency in adults to prefer natural food is well documented. However, the latest findings found this food preference exists in early and middle childhood as well.

A new study shows that ultrasound-producing moths are far more widespread than previously thought, adding three newly discovered sound-producing organs, eight new subfamilies and potentially thousands of species to the roster.

Research uses computational modeling to try to understand the body's immune response to avian flu. His latest work finds that the levels of interferon may be responsible for its more severe presentation -- and may also be the key to treating it.

Climate change is causing a mass extinction the likes of which has not been seen in recorded history. For birds, this biodiversity loss has implications beyond just species loss. Researchers use statistical modelling to predict that extinction will decrease morphological diversity among remaining birds at a rate greater than species loss alone. The team's results reveal which birds we are at risk of losing and which regions are most susceptible to homogenization.