What is the secret of ancient Chinese super-strong mortar?

WASHINGTON – What is the secret of an ancient Chinese super-strong mortar made from sticky rice?

Scientists have concluded that the mortar – a paste used to bind and fill gaps between bricks, stone blocks and other construction materials – remains the best available material for restoring ancient buildings.
Bingjian Zhang, professor of physical chemistry …. Read the original article  : What is the secret of ancient Chinese super-strong mortar?.

Hilarious web addresses revealed

LONDON – A new book has revealed some of the Internet’s most inadvertently amusing web addresses.

The home page for celebrity agent database Who Represents, is addressed www.whorepresents.com, the book titled “Slurls: They Called Their Website What?” reveals.

The volume compiles over 150 of these …. Read the original article  : here.

Miscarrying women can also have successful pregnancy

WASHINGTON – There’s good news for women who have gone through multiple miscarriages and all the pain it entails.

Even among the more than 80 percent who’ve had two or more miscarriages will eventually have a successful pregnancy with supportive care.
Although miscarriage is common — 30 percent of all women will experience at least …. Original source  : Miscarrying women can also have successful pregnancy.

Gene linked to birth defects identified

LONDON – An international team of scientists has identified a gene linked to birth defects.

The work, co-led by geneticists at the University of Leeds, together with colleagues from institutes and universities in Paris, Rome and San Diego, has appeared in the journal Nature Genetics.

The findings should allow couples at risk of conceiving babies with the [..] Read the original article: here.

3,300-year-old tomb of army chief discovered in ‘City of the Dead’

LONDON – Archeologists have discovered a 3,300-year-old tomb of a high-profile army commander in Egypt.

The tomb, which belongs to Ptahmes, 19th Dynasty army leader and royal scribe, was discovered at Saqqara, reports HeritageKey.com

Saqqara, located 40 kilometres south of Cairo is one of Egypt’s oldest burial sites, also known as the ‘City of the Dead’.

The discovery …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 3,300-year-old tomb of army chief discovered in ‘City of the Dead’.

1200 flint stones dating back to 250, 000 years unearthed in Syria

NEW DELHI – Around 1200 pieces of flint stones dating back to 250, 000 years ago were discovered at al-Sharar Valley near Daraa, Southern Syria.

The pieces were discovered by the expedition of Damascus University in cooperation with the Directorate …. Original article  : 1200 flint stones dating back to 250, 000 years unearthed in Syria.

New discovery may lead to more effective spinal-cord injury treatments

LONDON – Scientists have made an important discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for spinal-cord injuries.

Karim Fouad and David Bennett from the University of Alberta have identified one of the body’s natural self-repair mechanisms that kick in after …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New discovery may lead to more effective spinal-cord injury treatments.

How acupuncture eases pain

LONDON – Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center have offered new insights into how acupuncture alleviates pain.

The researchers identified the molecule adenosine as a central player in parlaying some of the effects of acupuncture in the body.

Building on that …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Facebook malware attack spreading quickly

SYDNEY – Social networking site Facebook faced a third phishing attack on the weekend, with a malware, which steals login credentials and even gets home addresses, being downloaded through a video.

According to WebSense, the malware is spread via a … Original article on : Facebook malware attack spreading quickly.

Colours on butterflies’ wings may help fight banknote forgery

WASHINGTON – Researchers have deciphered a way to produce elusive colours found on the wings of tropical butterflies. The security printing industry can gain by using these colours, as it will make it harder to forge bank notes … Read more >>.

Soon, traffic lights to control cars for better fuel management

WASHINGTON – In the future, you might not have to worry about wasting fuel while waiting at traffic lights. A new technology will equip traffic lights to control your vehicle’s engine and improve its fuel efficiency.

IBM has already filed a patent on the system that … Read more »».

Vivid colours of butterflies could help cut bank fraud

LONDON – Scientists have discovered a way of mimicking the stunningly bright and beautiful colours found on the wings of tropical butterflies. The findings could help make bank notes and credit cards harder to forge.

Mathias Kolle, working with Ullrich Steiner Jeremy Baumberg, both professors at the University of Cambridge, studied the Indonesian peacock or Swallowtail …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Vivid colours of butterflies could help cut bank fraud.

Panasonic aims for top Japan market share in newly acquired solar-panel business

Panasonic aims to be Japan No. 1 in solar business

TOKYO – Panasonic Corp. is banking on the solar-panel business that it gained by acquiring domestic rival Sanyo, aiming for top market share of at least 35 percent in Japan by 2012.
New solar generation products, being offered in Japan starting next month, combine Sanyo Electric Co.’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Panasonic aims for top Japan market share in newly acquired solar-panel business.

Muggy day ahead for Delhiites

NEW DELHI – The temperatures may have dipped a little, but the humidity level will remain high for some time and Monday is likely to be a muggy day, the weatherman said.

“The relative humidity level is 65 percent while the minimum is 25 percent, and this will continue for a few more days,” said an …. Original source  : Muggy day ahead for Delhiites.

Malaysian minister sees no harm in animal test lab, says God made monkeys for experiments

Malaysia minister: God made animals for testing

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Malaysian minister defended an Indian company’s plans to build an animal testing medicine lab in his state, saying Monday that God created monkeys and rats for experiments to benefit humans.
The plans by India’s Vivo BioTech Ltd. to set up a biotechnology center in southern … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Malaysian minister sees no harm in animal test lab, says God made monkeys for experiments.

China develops fastest super computer

BEIJING – China has developed a super computer that runs at more than one quadrillion (one thousand million million) calculations per second, making it the fastest one in the country, experts have said.

The super computer named “Xingyun”, has been developed in Tianjin, and works at double the speed of “Tianhe-1″, the previous fastest machine in … Original article on : China develops fastest super computer.

Brooms up! NYC’s Central Park hosts Muggle Quidditch games for college, high school teams

Muggles take to broomsticks for Quidditch in NYC

NEW YORK – The seeker from the Bronx High School of Science had to jump a fence and follow the snitch down Fifth Avenue. He caught the snitch but it didn’t count because his broom wasn’t between his legs.
Bronx Science lost 50-30 to Lenox High School in Lenox, …. Original article  : Brooms up! NYC’s Central Park hosts Muggle Quidditch games for college, high school teams.

Bones believed to be remains of Mexican independence heroes removed from crypt for exams

Mexico removes heroes bones from crypt for study

MEXICO CITY – In a somber military ceremony, President Felipe Calderon of Mexico escorted skulls and bones believed to be the 200-year-old remains of 12 independence heroes from downtown crypts to a historic hilltop castle where they will be examined for authenticity.
The remains, deposited in crypts under the …. Original source  : Bones believed to be remains of Mexican independence heroes removed from crypt for exams.

“More is needed” to protect privacy on Facebook, says group

LONDON – Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has said the settings on the site to protect privacy have been enhanced, but the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) claims that “more is needed” to resolve the problems related to privacy.

In the new privacy options, the site allows users to either select one setting to cover all information or … Read this article on Gaea Times at : “More is needed” to protect privacy on Facebook, says group.

Maximum temperature dips in Delhi

NEW DELHI – The national capital Sunday recorded a maximum temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius which was two notches below normal for this time of the year, an Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.

“The drop in temperature came due to the thunderstorm and light rains which some parts of the capital received Saturday,” the official … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maximum temperature dips in Delhi.

Scientist reveals changing biodiversity trends over space and time

WASHINGTON – The distribution of species in space and time changes continually across the globe, according to a new study.

Janne Soininen of the University of Helsinki explores a number of recent studies on the topic, synthesizing conclusions from thousands of observations.

The study explains how … Read more : Scientist reveals changing biodiversity trends over space and time.

Large Hadron Collider recovering from general power cut

LONDON – The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is running again, recovering from a recent power cut that affected its machine systems.

Cern (the European Organization for Nuclear Research), the body that operates the LHC, said power was cut to …. Source article  : Large Hadron Collider recovering from general power cut.

Sunless tanning spray may help heal post-surgery wounds

WASHINGTON – A compound found in sunless tanning spray may help heal post-operative tissue, according to a new American research.

A team of plastic surgeons from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sunless tanning spray may help heal post-surgery wounds.

High magnitude earthquake risk on American west coast increases by 37pc

LONDON – In the next 50 years, America’s Pacific Northwest has a 37 per cent chance of being hit by a magnitude 8 or larger earthquake, a new study shows.

Chris Goldfinger, a marine geologist at Oregon State University in Corvallis, along with his colleagues, examined more than … Read more : High magnitude earthquake risk on American west coast increases by 37pc.

Self-driven cars come closer to reality

WASHINGTON – Advancing towards cars that drive on their own, Volvo Car Corp. has tested its new S60 model, which has the first in-car system that can sense an imminent collision with pedestrians and brake automatically if the driver doesn’t.

The system is the latest in a line of developments made …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Self-driven cars come closer to reality.

Far-off stellar explosion behind shrapnel coming towards earth

LONDON – A scientist at the University of Wisconsin in Madison has said that the excess of high-energy particles hitting Earth could be shrapnel from a stellar explosion 800 light years away.

In the 1930s, it was suggested that supernovae could accelerate galactic cosmic … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Far-off stellar explosion behind shrapnel coming towards earth.

What happens when bubbles collide?

MELBOURNE – University of Melbourne have burst the secret behind what happens when bubbles collide-a discovery that has wide-ranging implications across many industries.

Bubbles hold the key to improving everything from ice cream to champagne to mining – even living body cells.

Using nano-fabrication facilities and the Atomic Force Microscope, the team of chemical engineers, chemists …. Source  : What happens when bubbles collide?.

Apple has sold 2m iPads in 60 days

LONDON – Apple has sold over two million iPads in the last 60 days since the video-playing tablet computer was put up for sale.

The iPad, which debuted in the US April 3, became available in countries including Japan, France and Canada on May 28.

And there are plans to launch the iPad in more countries …. Original source  : Apple has sold 2m iPads in 60 days.

Japanese spacecraft headed to Earth after asteroid probe

LONDON – Hayabusa, an unmanned Japanese spacecraft designed to return samples from an asteroid, has completed an important step on its journey back to Earth.

According to BBC News, it has achieved the second and largest of four engine firings designed to guide the probe back home.

The probe, which was designed to probe the asteroid Itokawa … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Japanese spacecraft headed to Earth after asteroid probe.

China ramping efforts to become supercomputer superpower

LONDON – China is all set to become the world’s supercomputing superpower- its Nebulae machine at the National Super Computer Centre in Shenzhen, was ranked second on the biannual Top 500 supercomputer list.

This is the second Chinese supercomputer that appears in the list of the top ten fastest machines.

However, the US still dominates the list …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China ramping efforts to become supercomputer superpower.

New target for antidepressants revealed

WASHINGTON – Researchers at University of Michigan have provided the most detailed picture yet of a key receptor in the brain that influences the effectiveness of serotonin-related antidepressants, such as Prozac.he finding paves the way for a more targeted treatment of depression and anxiety with fewer side effects.

Depressive disorders change a person’s mood, emotions and … Original source on Gaea Times at : New target for antidepressants revealed.

Structure of nature’s ‘light switch’ deciphered

WASHINGTON – Scientists have deciphered the structure of a molecular ’switch’ much like the one plants use to sense light.

According to researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and collaborators at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, the findings may help explain how the switch works and could be used to design …. Original article  : Structure of nature’s ‘light switch’ deciphered.

Soon, spray to help treat premature ejaculation

WASHINGTON – An investigational new drug PSD502 has been found highly effective in treating primary premature ejaculation (PE).

Shionogi Pharma, Inc., a U.S.-based group company of Shionogi and Co., Ltd., has presented data summarizing the results of two pivotal studies of PSD502, a topical metered dose spray being developed for the treatment of PE. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Soon, spray to help treat premature ejaculation.

Study on flies may help offer insight into human metabolic disease

WASHINGTON – Commonalities between flies and humans can help offer a valuable new model for galactosemia, a metabolic disease resulting from an inherited defect that prevents the proper metabolism of galactose, a sugar commonly found in dairy products, like milk, say scientists.

The ability to study the disease is limited by a lack of animal models. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Study on flies may help offer insight into human metabolic disease.

Simple blood test for early cancer detection created

LONDON – British scientists have developed a simple blood test that can detect a cancer before a tumour has taken shape.

Described as offering a “paradigm shift” in cancer diagnosis, the test – due to be introduced in Britain by early next year – is the first to identify accurately the signals sent out by a …. Read the original article  : Simple blood test for early cancer detection created.

New discovery may help explain how cancer cells spread

WASHINGTON – Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have identified a novel enzyme that they believe plays a major role in the progression or metastasis of cancer cells.

The have discovered a previously unknown kinase that regulates cell proliferation, shape and migration.

According to researchers, the discovery could provide new target for future anticancer therapies.

Richard …. Read the original article  : New discovery may help explain how cancer cells spread.

Our brains store ‘templates’ for our own ringtones

LONDON – It looks like the human brain is wired to hear familiar sounds, such as a person’s name or phone tone, faster than others.

As part of the research, Anja Roye of the University of Leipzig in Germany and colleagues recorded the text-alert tones of 12 volunteers, then played them all the tones, at the …. Source  : Our brains store ‘templates’ for our own ringtones.

Risky alcohol-related driving behavior becomes worse at age 21

WASHINGTON – Alcohol-related driving-risk behaviours among college students become worse at the age of 21, according to a new study.

“Drinking and driving endangers the safety of not only the drinking driver and passengers, but also other individuals on the road,” said Amelia M. Arria, director of the Center on Young Adult Health and Development at … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Risky alcohol-related driving behavior becomes worse at age 21.

Seafood diet ‘led to evolution of big brains’

WASHINGTON – Our love of seafood goes way back. Archaeologists have found crocodiles, turtles and fish were eaten by early humans almost 2 million years ago.

According to the study’s researchers, this is the oldest evidence for a diet containing aquatic animals. And the nutrients they provided could … Read : Seafood diet ‘led to evolution of big brains’.

Google mapped Britain’s all WiFi networks

LONDON – Britain’s entire wireless network has been mapped by Google’s street view car fitted with radio aerials in order to use the database for commercial purposes through its internet search engine.

Every WiFi wireless router, the device that links a computer with the internet, has been entered into a Google database. The information was collected …. Read the original article  : Google mapped Britain’s all WiFi networks.

Squirrels show softer side by adopting orphaned pups

TORONTO – The squirrels you often see fighting over scraps may not seem

altruistic, but they have a softer side too — seen occasionally when they adopt orphaned kin.
The study by Andrew McAdam, professor at Guelph University, along with researchers
from the University of Alberta and McGill University, revealed that red squirrels … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Squirrels show softer side by adopting orphaned pups.

Tropical storm Agatha pours over Guatemala and El Salvador

WASHINGTON – Tropical Storm Agatha – the first tropical storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, took an inland route, drenching El Salvador and Guatemala last weekend.

On May 30th, the heavy rains caused by the storms had left more than 100 people dead in Guatemala and El … Read more »».

A celestial menagerie on display in the Large Magellanic Cloud

WASHINGTON – In a spectacular new image from the Wide Field Imager (WFI) at ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile, astronomers have discovered a celestial menagerie of vast globular clusters and the remains left by brilliant supernova explosions in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : A celestial menagerie on display in the Large Magellanic Cloud.

Losing temper could actually be good for you

WASHINGTON – Have you ever wondered what really goes on in the body and the brain when we get angry? Well, a research has provided an insight.

When we get angry, the heart rate, arterial tension and testosterone production … Read more >>>.

‘Little brown balls’ link malaria and algae to common ancestor

WASHINGTON – Inconspicuous “little brown balls” in the ocean have linked malaria and the algae responsible for toxic red tides to a common ancestor, according to a study by University of British Columbia researchers.

In the study, UBC Botany Prof. Patrick Keeling has described … Read more »»».

Lazy crows pitch in when hardworking birds become handicapped

LONDON – Scrounging crows start contributing to group efforts when hardworking birds become handicapped, according to a study.

Carrion crows (Corvus corone) form stable groups that share the responsibilities of breeding and caring for the young.

Dominant breeders rely on helpers to …. Read the original article  : Lazy crows pitch in when hardworking birds become handicapped.

Driving under stress dangerous

SYDNEY – Never drive while you are stressed. It can be distracting and dangerous, says a new study.

Ides Wong from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety studied 75 drivers aged 17-47 to investigate the negative impact anxiety had on drivers.
“Being anxious makes drivers unable to fully focus …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Driving under stress dangerous.

Age doesn’t dent one’s ability to make sound decisions

WASHINGTON – Just because your mom has turned 85, you shouldn’t assume you’ll have to take over her financial matters. She may be just as good or better than you at making quick, sound, money-making decisions, according to researchers at the Duke University Medical Centre (DUMC).

“It’s not age, it’s cognition that makes the difference in …. Read the original article  : Age doesn’t dent one’s ability to make sound decisions.

Crabs spy on competitors to detect female mates

MELBOURNE – Male fiddler crabs keep a check on other males waving their ‘love claw’ to detect the presence of a female, Australian researchers have found.

Male fiddler crabs have a large specialised claw that they use to fight and wave around to attract mates.

And thus, crabs spy on their competitors … Read more : Crabs spy on competitors to detect female mates.

Why lung cancer rates are increasing in non-smoking women

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found why lung cancer rates are increasing in women, particularly in non-smoking women.

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center, led by Dr. Margie Clapper, worked in a mouse model of smoking-induced lung cancer.

They found that smoke triggers rapid changes in gene … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Why lung cancer rates are increasing in non-smoking women.

Jumping genes provide extensive “raw material” for evolution

WASHINGTON – Jumping genes provide extensive ‘raw material’ for evolution, an American study has shown.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that any two peoples’ genomes differ at roughly 285 sites out of the 1139 sites studied.

These results were found by … Read more : Jumping genes provide extensive “raw material” for evolution.

Rare carnivorous plant makes it to top 10 list of new species

WASHINGTON – A rare carnivorous plant has made it to the top 10 list of newly discovered species.

Every year the International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University names the Top 10 new species described in the previous calendar year.

The list for 2009 was published May 23 to coincide with … Read : Rare carnivorous plant makes it to top 10 list of new species.

Readers recall native language while learning second one

WASHINGTON – Research suggests that Chinese-speaking adults reading English recall the sound of Chinese translations.

The study, conducted by Yan Jing Wu, PhD, and Guillaume Thierry, PhD, of Bangor University in the United Kingdom, suggests that people who learn a second language … Read more >>.

Nanotechnology set to make computers faster

WASHINGTON – Scientists are looking at the possibility of replacing silicon transistors in computers with carbon nanotubes.

Johannes Svensson from the Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg has investigated the manufacture and use of carbon … Read more »»».

Scientists suggest solutions for poisonous well water crisis in South Asia

WASHINGTON – Over 100 million people in rural southern Asia drink water contaminated with unsafe levels of arsenic – sourced by well water.

These people face double the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inhibition of mental development of children, among …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Antarctica may have been formed by asteroid strike: Study

LONDON – According to a new study, a massive asteroid that hit the Timor Sea around 35 million years ago may have contributed to the formation of the Antarctic ice sheets.

Andrew Glikson, a specialist in the study of extraterrestrial impacts, from the Planetary Science … Original article on : Antarctica may have been formed by asteroid strike: Study.

‘Anti-grooming’ software that detects paedophiles on the net created

LONDON – Scientists have developed “anti-grooming” software, which can detect whether kids may be chatting with an adult posing as a child or a teenager on the Internet.

The program, which has been developed by Lancaster University, uses language analysis technique to detect fraudsters.

The key is that … Original article on : ‘Anti-grooming’ software that detects paedophiles on the net created.

Monsoon likely to hit Bihar soon

PATNA – Holding out relief to the people, particularly farmers, of drought-prone Bihar, the weather office said Wednesday that the much-awaited monsoon is likely to hit the state between June 11 and 15.

Meteorological department officials here said monsoon clouds would hit the state after June 10.
“Monsoon is set to enter the state before … Original article on : Monsoon likely to hit Bihar soon.

Synthetic peptide may repair, regenerate stroke-injured brain tissue

WASHINGTON – A synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide may be able to create new blood vessels and repair damaged nerve cells in lab animals, according to researchers.

“This successful experiment holds promise for treating clot-induced strokes in humans,” says study lead author Daniel C. Morris, M.D., senior staff physician in the Department of Emergency …. Original article  : Synthetic peptide may repair, regenerate stroke-injured brain tissue.

Boffins offer quick fix for queues

WASHINGTON – Scientists in Taiwan may have found the answer to a long standing problem – queues – in the theatre, cafes or post offices.

Business management professor Pen-Yuan Liao of the National United University in Miaoli, Taiwan, has devised a scientific formula he refers to as the “balking index”, which is referred to by the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Boffins offer quick fix for queues.

Guatemala sinkhole not a sinkhole, says expert

WASHINGTON – The giant sinkhole in Guatemala City that has caught attention of the world shouldn’t be called a sinkhole, according to an expert.

Geologist Sam Bonis claims “sinkholes” mean areas where bedrock is solid but has been eaten away by groundwater.

However, the situation beneath the Republic of Guatemala’s capital, according to Bonis, is far …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Model to calculate earthquake risks goes global

LONDON – Scientists are working towards developing a global model that will calculate seismic risks and help them reduce vulnerability to seismic shocks.

The Global Earthquake Model (GEM) will calculate seismic risk based on the geological characteristics of an area, as well as the types of building and the building regulations in place.

So far, the project … Original source on Gaea Times at : Model to calculate earthquake risks goes global.

US military develops ‘green’ decontaminants for terrorist attack sites

WASHINGTON – Chemists with the United States military have developed a set of ultra-strength cleaners that can get rid of nerve gas, mustard gas, radioactive isotopes, and anthrax, after a terrorist attack.

They are also non-toxic, based on ingredients found in foods, cosmetics, and other consumer products, unlike chlorine- and lye-based products that can react with …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US military develops ‘green’ decontaminants for terrorist attack sites.

‘Brain pacemaker’ – effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease

LONDON – New studies show that a “brain pacemaker” called deep brain stimulation (DBS) is successful in treating Parkinson’s disease.

The study also puts an age-old debate to rest of which region of the brain to stimulate-the globus pallidus interna or the subthalamic nucleus. It says that stimulating either region resulted in similar improvements in motor …. Read the original article  : ‘Brain pacemaker’ – effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Nanosponge drug treatment 3-5 times more effective than jabs

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that a delivery system based on a technique called nanosponge is three to five times more effective at reducing tumor growth than direct injection.

“Effective targeted drug delivery systems have been a dream for a long time now but it has been largely frustrated by the complex chemistry that is involved,” …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nanosponge drug treatment 3-5 times more effective than jabs.

Mars expedition starts in Moscow

Moscow, June 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A team in a simulated Mars expedition will “take off” for a 520-day “space trip” Thursday, an official said.

Six people will take part in the experiment in the Mars-500 module, which will simulate all aspects of a journey to the red planet, with a 250-day trip there, a 30-day stay …. Original source  : Mars expedition starts in Moscow.

Now, paper ‘dipstick’ test to determine blood type

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed the first “dipstick” test for instantly determining a person’s blood type at a cost of just a few pennies.

Appearing in ACS’ semi-monthly journal Analytical Chemistry, the study explains the test which involves placing a drop of blood on a specially treated paper strip.

Gil Garnier and colleagues explain that determining …. Source  : Now, paper ‘dipstick’ test to determine blood type.

Monsoon may hit Orissa June 10

BHUBANESWAR – The south-west monsoon may arrive in Orissa as per schedule by June 10, an official said Thursday.

“We are expecting a normal monsoon. It may arrive in Orissa by June 10,” S.C. Sahu, director of the Bhubaneswar meteorological centre, told IANS.
The monsoon, which reached the Andamans three days ahead of its normal …. Source  : Monsoon may hit Orissa June 10.

Insulin pills for diabetics may make painful jabs history

WASHINGTON – Good news for diabetics on insulin: After years of research, insulin pills that could make it easier for patients to manage diabetes are finally moving ahead in clinical trials.

The new development may soon make painful insulin jabs a thing of the past.

The topic has been highlighted in the current issue of Chemical … Read more >>>.

Peaches, plums can help fight breast cancer

WASHINGTON – Peach and plum extracts can help fight breast cancer cells, according to lab tests at Texas AgriLife Research.

AgriLife Research scientists say two phenolic compounds are responsible for the cancer cell deaths in the study, which was published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. The phenols are organic compounds that occur in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Peaches, plums can help fight breast cancer.

Bone drug may help fight breast cancer

LONDON – Zoledronic acid (Zometa), the bone strengthening drug, can help fight metastatic breast cancer when given before surgery, suggests a new research by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

In the study, when the drug was given along with chemotherapy for three months before breast cancer surgery, it reduced the number of women … Read more : Bone drug may help fight breast cancer.

Scientists devise part-human, part-machine transistor

WASHINGTON – Scientists have implanted a nano-sized transistor inside a cell-like membrane and powered it using the cell’s own fuel, paving way for new types of man-machine interactions.

The experiment is believed to be the most intimate linking between man and machine till date.

The technology may help experts learn the inner workings of disease-related proteins inside …. Source  : Scientists devise part-human, part-machine transistor.

Soon, ‘green’ cars that could run on CO2 and sunlight

LONDON – A team at Sandia National Laboratories is working on creating building blocks for synthetic liquid fuels that could reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly.

Their cerium-oxide-based system can convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, and can also turn water into hydrogen.

The machine, called the Counter Rotating Ring Receiver Reactor Recuperator (CR5) consists of two chambers separated …. Source  : Soon, ‘green’ cars that could run on CO2 and sunlight.

Official: China faces challenge on cutting pollution emissions, ‘not optimistic’ about efforts

China ‘not optimistic’ on emissions cuts
BEIJING – China, the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, faces serious challenges to its efforts to cut environmental pollution, with one key pollutant increasing for the first time in three years, a senior Chinese official said Thursday.

Sulfur dioxide emissions increased by 1.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Official: China faces challenge on cutting pollution emissions, ‘not optimistic’ about efforts.

Eat less meat to tackle climate change: UN panel

LONDON – Eating meat causes environmental degradation and the world population needs to become vegetarian to tackle climate change, says a UN panel.

Experts believe that the greatest cause of greenhouse gas emissions is food production and the use of fossil fuels.
“A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial …. Original source  : Eat less meat to tackle climate change: UN panel.

Thursday brings dust, haze and heat in Delhi

NEW DELHI – The national capital was unusually warmer Thursday with a dust haze clouding everything and the minimum temperature at 34.7 degrees Celsius, seven notches above the average for this time of the year.

The low was higher than Wednesday’s 34 degrees when it broke a five-year record.
“Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 34.7 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Coast Guard: BP engineers turn to giant shears to saw off leaking pipe spewing oil into Gulf

Giant shears to try to cut pipe leaking Gulf oil
COVINGTON, La. – The Coast Guard says BP engineers will try to use a pair of giant shears to slice off a leaking pipe spewing millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico after a diamond-tipped saw became stuck.
The saw had sliced …. Original source  : Coast Guard: BP engineers turn to giant shears to saw off leaking pipe spewing oil into Gulf.

Calif. moves to ban plastic bags at grocery stores, encourages shoppers to bring own bags

Calif. moves to ban plastic bags at grocery stores

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – It could soon cost California shoppers at the checkout aisle if they forget to bring their own bags to the store under what would be the nation’s first statewide plastic bag ban.
The California Assembly on Wednesday passed legislation prohibiting pharmacies and grocery, liquor and …. Source article  : Calif. moves to ban plastic bags at grocery stores, encourages shoppers to bring own bags.

British physicist Stephen Hawking, black hole theorist, honored at celebrity-filled gala in NY

Stephen Hawking honored at NYC science, arts gala

NEW YORK – Luminaries from the fields of physics, opera, poetry, theater, music and dance gathered to pay tribute to British physicist Stephen Hawking on Wednesday, with performances and speeches at a gala in his honor.
After outliving his predicted death from his degenerative disease by more than 40 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : British physicist Stephen Hawking, black hole theorist, honored at celebrity-filled gala in NY.

DOE report on Hanford workers’ protection from beryllium finds improvements but weaknesses

Report: Hanford beryllium program has weaknesses

RICHLAND, Wash. – A program to protect workers from a toxic metal at the nation’s most contaminated nuclear site has a number of weaknesses and could have been implemented more quickly, but it’s an improvement over past practices, a federal report concluded Wednesday.
The U.S. Department of Energy initiated an independent … Read more >>>.

Scientists seek former students in toxic Montana town to learn scope of asbestos illnesses

Scientists seek former students in toxic MT town

SPOKANE, Wash. – Researchers have embarked on an ambitious study to track the health of thousands of high school graduates over a half century in a Montana town where a toxic mine has killed hundreds of people and made it the deadliest Superfund site in the nation.
People who … Read more : Scientists seek former students in toxic Montana town to learn scope of asbestos illnesses.

Teens’ brains hardwired to take risks

LONDON – Adolescent brains are biologically wired to engage in risky behavior, according to a new study.

“Our results raise the hypothesis that these risky behaviors, such as experimenting with drugs or having unsafe sex, are actually driven by over activity …. Source  : Teens’ brains hardwired to take risks.

Hints of life on Saturn’s moon Titan

LONDON – Cassini orbiter has discovered hints of life on Saturn’s moon Titan.

Titan is too cold to support liquid water on its surface, but some scientists suggest exotic life-forms could exist in the lakes of liquid methane or ethane that dot the moon’s surface.

And [..] Read the original article: here.

Molecular changes that helped Tamiflu resistance explained

WASHINGTON – American biologists have come up with a molecular explanation for the evolution of Tamiflu resistance.

The study, led by David Baltimore, California Institute of Technology’s Robert Andrews Millikan Professor of Biology and postdoctoral scholar Jesse D. Bloom, appears …. Source article  : Molecular changes that helped Tamiflu resistance explained.

Low cardio fitness levels foreshadow stroke risk

WASHINGTON – Lower levels of cardio-respiratory fitness in men can increase the risk of death due to stroke by sixty percent, a new study has found.

The study was conducted at the University of South Carolina’s (USC) Arnold School of Public Health (ASPH).
A stroke is a condition where a blood clot or ruptured artery … Original source on Gaea Times at : Low cardio fitness levels foreshadow stroke risk.

Successful islet isolation process makes diabetics insulin independent

WASHINGTON – A team of researchers has found a way to isolate pancreatic islet cells from brain dead donors. These cells when received by three type 1-diabetes patients made them insulin independent.

“Inconsistent islet isolation is one of the important issues in clinical islet transplantation,” said Dr. …. Source  : Successful islet isolation process makes diabetics insulin independent.

Early Earth haze similar to Titan may have been UV shield for planet

WASHINGTON – A new study shows a thick organic haze that covered the Earth several billion years ago, similar to that on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, may have provided ultraviolet shield for planet.

The University of Colorado at Boulder scientists believe the haze was made up primarily of methane and nitrogen chemical byproducts … Original article on : Early Earth haze similar to Titan may have been UV shield for planet.

Device to help blind manoeuvre around obstacles developed

WASHINGTON – An innovative optical radar system has been developed by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev students that helps blind people manoeuvre around obstacles.

The radar system incorporates a computer, two video cameras and a scanning light source to warn the blind of obstacles with audible alerts.

The system detects obstacles – … Read more »».

Seizure drug could help treat severe genetic liver disease

WASHINGTON – According to new research, a drug used in treating seizures can prove effective in treating genetic liver disease – for which many children undergo liver transplantation.

The liver scarring of a1-antitrypsin (AT) deficiency, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Seizure drug could help treat severe genetic liver disease.

How did higher life on Earth evolve?

LONDON – An international research team has for the first time decoded the complete genome of a brown alga, opening a new door to the understanding the evolution of two key prerequisites for higher life on Earth – multicellularity and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : How did higher life on Earth evolve?.

Like humans, mongooses too pass on traditions to their young

WASHINGTON – Just like humans, mongooses too carry out traditions that are passed down from one generation to the next, a new study has found.

Mongooses do have some features that made them ideal for a study like this one as a result of peculiarities of …. Source article  : Like humans, mongooses too pass on traditions to their young.

Anti-fear drug may help erase painful memories

LONDON – It is possible to overcome bad memories of painful situations with the help of a chemical that works on the brain, say scientists.

Researchers suggest that anti-fear medication could help soldiers deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.he new study was carried out on laboratory rats.

According to boffins, instead of working in the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Anti-fear drug may help erase painful memories.

Low-dose HRT skin patches ’safer than tablets’

LONDON – A new study by researchers in Canada and Germany suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) skin patches containing low doses of oestrogen carry less risk of stroke than oral therapy and may represent a safer alternative to tablets.

However, the risk increases significantly …. Read the original article  : here.

Is Saturn’s moon Titan home to some kind of exotic life form?

WASHINGTON – Complex chemical activity on the surface of Saturn’s moon Titan has baffled scientists. While some think it’s non-biological chemistry, others believe there might exist some primitive, exotic form of life.

Astro-biologists theorize that the signatures fulfil two important conditions necessary …. Original article  : Is Saturn’s moon Titan home to some kind of exotic life form?.

Patients can “regrow their knee” in lab

LONDON – In a revolutionary approach, British medics have found a novel way to “re-grow” knees in patients whose knee cartilages have been damaged.

Because the body cannot regenerate shock-absorbing cartilage, thousands of patients have to undergo multiple knee replacement operations. But … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Patients can “regrow their knee” in lab.

China’s Yangtze River 40 million years older than previously thought

WASHINGTON – A new research has clarified that the Yangtze River in China is 40 million years older than previously thought.

A study of minerals by a team led by Durham University reveals that the Yangtze River began to cut the Three Gorges area around 45 million years ago.

Findings …. Original source  : China’s Yangtze River 40 million years older than previously thought.

Report: Myanmar beginning a nuclear weapons program

Report: Myanmar seeking nuclear weapons
BANGKOK – Documents smuggled out of Myanmar by an army defector indicate its military regime is trying to develop nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, and North Korea is probably assisting the program, an expatriate media group said Friday.

The Norway-based Democratic Voice of Burma said the defector had been involved in the …. Source  : Report: Myanmar beginning a nuclear weapons program.

Massive decline in butterflies in Himalayas (June 5 is World Environment Day)

SHIMLA – The lofty western Himalayas are being slowly robbed of their butterflies, with at least 50 percent of the species showing a massive decline in less than a decade due to human interference.

Studies conducted by the high altitude zoology field station of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) based in Solan town of Himachal …. Source  : Massive decline in butterflies in Himalayas (June 5 is World Environment Day).

Mercury in Delhi records sharp drop after rains

NEW DELHI – A day after the minimum temperature soared to its highest in over 40 years, Delhiites Friday woke up to a pleasant morning with thundershowers, reported in some parts of the capital, bringing down the mercury sharply.

Residents of the capital got some respite from the scorching summer as the minimum temperature …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mercury in Delhi records sharp drop after rains.

Amateur astronomer who discovered collision scar on Jupiter spots another hit

Amateur astronomer spots another Jupiter strike

LOS ANGELES – Jupiter has gotten whacked again.
An amateur astronomer in Australia peering at the giant gas planet Thursday reported witnessing a bright flash from an object hitting Jupiter and apparently burning up in the atmosphere.
“When I saw the flash, I couldn’t believe it,” said amateur astronomer Anthony Wesley. “The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Amateur astronomer who discovered collision scar on Jupiter spots another hit.

Aging-related gene plays role in stem cell differentiation

WASHINGTON – Researchers from the Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and the Department of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University claim that a gene shown to play a role in the aging process appears to play a role in the regulation of the differentiation of embryonic stem cells.

In the study, published online in …. Original source  : Aging-related gene plays role in stem cell differentiation.

Global warming not the only cause behind Great Aletsch Glacier’s illness

LONDON – Man-made global warming may not be the only reason behind the receding of the Great Aletsch Glacier, which is the largest Alpine glacier, in Valais, Switzerland.

The glacier has receded by more than two kilometers during the twentieth century.

However, Matthias Huss, a glaciologist at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, claims that about … Read more >>>.

Boffins approaching universal treatment for all influenza strains

WASHINGTON – A novel component of the influenza virus has been discovered by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine which may be the key to disabling the virus’s ability to replicate itself and to developing a universal anti-viral treatment.

The finding has been published June 1 online in Proceedings of the National Academy of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Life possible on Mars’

WASHINGTON – Researchers have discovered that methanogenic bacteria that produce methane at a spring in Canada could be similar to earlier or present springs on Mars – suggesting possibility of life sustenance.

Dr. Lyle Whyte, McGill University microbiologist, doubted the possibility of life in such a hypersaline subzero environment. But big bubbles of methane that come … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Life possible on Mars’.

Can otters ’sniff-out’ their prey underwater?

LONDON – Scientists may be close to solving the mystery – whether otters can really smell their prey underwater or not.

The mystery may be solved by a wildlife expert who conducted an experiment on camera for a BBC programme.

Now Charlie Hamilton James, a wildlife photographer who has watched otters for 20 years, believes he …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Can otters ’sniff-out’ their prey underwater?.

1,000-year-old revamped frescoes unveiled in China

NEW DELHI – A group of 1,000-year-old frescoes have been revamped by cultural experts in central China’s Hunan Province and nveiled to the public for the first time.

Kept at Yuelu Academy in the provincial capital Changsha, the revamped frescoes have the personified images of the 12 animals representing China’s birth signs, namely, rat, ox, tiger, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 1,000-year-old revamped frescoes unveiled in China.

Cockroaches know where to find the best food sources

LONDON – Ever wondered how cockroaches seem to know the best place to grab a meal?

New research at Queen Mary, University of London, suggests that just like humans the cockroaches share their local knowledge of the best food sources and follow ‘recommendations’ from others.
This work shows how groups of the insects seem to [..] Read the original article: here.

Rains in Punjab, Haryana push down temperature

CHANDIGARH – People of Punjab and Haryana finally got some respite from the sweltering heat Saturday as the minimum temperature fell below average in most areas after rains and thunderstorm.

Strong winds also felled trees and disrupted electricity supply.
Amritsar in Punjab recorded a minimum temperature of 20 degrees Celsius Saturday after 24.8 mm …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rains in Punjab, Haryana push down temperature.

Researchers crack open secret of superbug’s resistance

TORONTO – Scientists have stumbled upon a central processing unit (CPU) of a superbug’s weaponry which will provide new options to fight back and disable the virulent bacteria.

A team from the McMaster University’s Institute for Infectious Disease Research has revealed that a small chemical, made by the superbug Staphylococcus aureus and its drug-resistant forms, determines …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Researchers crack open secret of superbug’s resistance.

Papyrus featuring Cleopatra’s handwriting goes on display

LONDON – Two fragments of papyrus, which feature the handwriting of Cleopatra, have gone on display.

The document has the Greek inscription, “make it happen” which refers to a tax break for a friend of her husband Mark Antony.

It is one of 150 artifacts in the exhibition, reports The Telegraph.

Some of the items in “Cleopatra …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rains in store for Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhiites can look forward to pleasant weather Saturday as met officials predicted partly cloudy skies, rain in some parts of the city and a dip in the maximum temperature.

“The sky will be partly cloudy. There is a possibility of rain in some parts,” said an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Goa’s underwater relics under threat: Marine scientists

PANAJI – A combination of scuba gear equipped treasure hunters and government apathy is gnawing away at Goa’s underwater heritage, according to scientists from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), a central marine research institute.

NIO scientists, who have discovered three centuries-old shipwrecks in the seas off Goa, have warned that amateur treasure seekers were …. Original source  : Goa’s underwater relics under threat: Marine scientists.

Briton becomes 1st woman to row solo across Pacific, receives warm welcome in Papua New Guinea

Briton is 1st woman to row solo across Pacific

SYDNEY – A British environmentalist has become the first woman to row alone across the Pacific Ocean, receiving a rock star welcome in Papua New Guinea after finishing a nearly 8,000-mile (13,000-kilometer) journey.
Thousands turned out to welcome Roz Savage, 42, as she rowed her 23-foot (7-meter) boat [..] Read the original article: here.

Clinton aide Kagan pursued liberal agenda with strong dose of legal, political practicality

Kagan pushed liberal policies with pragmatism
WASHINGTON – Newly released documents from her days as an aide to former President Bill Clinton portray Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan as a person of strong opinions and sometimes overtly liberal views, but above all a pragmatist who pursued …. Source article  : Clinton aide Kagan pursued liberal agenda with strong dose of legal, political practicality.

Feds settle lawsuit seeking Endangered Species Act protections for 7 penguin species

Feds settle lawsuit over protection for penguins

SAN FRANCISCO – Several species of penguins will get special protection after a federal judge in San Francisco approved a legal settlement involving the Endangered Species Act.
Under the agreement approved Thursday by U.S. District Judge Samuel Conti, the U.S. Department of the Interior Department will finalize protections for seven … Read : Feds settle lawsuit seeking Endangered Species Act protections for 7 penguin species.

PayPal millionaire’s test rocket reaches orbit on 1st try, draws praise from NASA, White House

Millionaire’s test rocket reaches orbit on 1st try
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A multimillionaire’s test rocket blasted off on its maiden voyage Friday and successfully reached orbit in a dry run for NASA’s push to go commercial.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket achieved Earth orbit nine minutes into the flight as planned, drawing praise from NASA, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PayPal millionaire’s test rocket reaches orbit on 1st try, draws praise from NASA, White House.

Federal appeals court: Critical habitat for Mexican spotted owl in 4 Western states to stand

Mexican spotted owl habitat protection upheld

PHOENIX – An appeals court says a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision to designate 8.6 million acres in four Western states as critical habitat for an endangered owl will stand.
Friday’s decision by a panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a 2008 ruling by a federal judge … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Federal appeals court: Critical habitat for Mexican spotted owl in 4 Western states to stand.

Grizzlies listed as threatened in Alberta even as bears rebound elsewhere

Alberta grizzlies listed as threatened
Grizzly bears have been listed as threatened in the Canadian province of Alberta, and a ban on hunting has been extended by officials who say the animals are suffering from habitat loss and low reproductive success.

While bears elsewhere in the Northern Rockies have been rebounding from near-extermination last century, fewer than … Read more »».

Alaska sues federal government to overturn listing of Cook Inlet beluga whales as endangered

Alaska sues to overturn beluga whale listing

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The state of Alaska sued Friday to overturn the listing of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, home to the Port of Anchorage, as an endangered species.
The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., claims the federal government overreached and did not follow its own laws two years ago … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Alaska sues federal government to overturn listing of Cook Inlet beluga whales as endangered.

PayPal millionaire’s rocket blasts off on 1st test flight, headed to space on tryout for NASA

Millionaire’s rocket blasts off on 1st test flight
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A multimillionaire’s test rocket blasted off on its maiden voyage Friday and successfully reached orbit in a dry run for NASA’s push to go commercial.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket achieved Earth orbit nine minutes into the flight as planned, drawing praise from NASA, …. Source article  : PayPal millionaire’s rocket blasts off on 1st test flight, headed to space on tryout for NASA.

Combination treatment ineffective for advanced melanoma patients

WASHINGTON – The combination of two different chemotherapies and a previously approved treatment for kidney and liver cancers is not effective against advanced melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer, according to a new study.

The research was presented at the 46th annual meeting of the American …. Read the original article  : Combination treatment ineffective for advanced melanoma patients.

Chemo-Vandetanib combo effective for lung cancer treatment: Study

LONDON – Oral targeted therapy Vandetanib shows clinical benefit when combined with standard chemotherapy for lung cancer, a new international Phase III trial has shown.

The research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has appeared in the Lancet Oncology.

The findings mark the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chemo-Vandetanib combo effective for lung cancer treatment: Study.

Google doodle celebrates Dennis Gabor’s birth

LONDON – Google has honoured holograph inventor Dennis Gabor.

The Google doodle marked the 110th anniversary of the Nobel Prize winner’s birth.

He won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1971, for his creation of a system of lensless, three-dimensional photography.

The Hungarian-born electrical engineer worked with the firm Siemens and Halske in Berlin from 1927.

Gabor, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Why boozers enjoy a drag with their drinks

LONDON – People who drink are often those who smoke because the centre in the brain that derives pleasure from both these actions is the same, claim researchers.

Traute Flatscher-Bader at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, and colleagues did a post-mortem analysis of gene expression in the brains of smokers, alcoholics and those who …. Read the original article  : Why boozers enjoy a drag with their drinks.

Potential genetic factor in eating disorders discovered

WASHINGTON – A possible biological culprit in the development of eating disorders during puberty has been discovered by scientists.

The groundbreaking pilot study led by Michigan State University found that influence of one’s genes on eating disorder symptoms was much greater in pubertal girls with higher levels of estradiol than pubertal girls with lower levels of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Potential genetic factor in eating disorders discovered.

Darth Vader’s psychology revealed

WASHINGTON – A study on the transformation of lead character Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’ has been hinted by researchers as being due to a borderline personality disorder.

According to French psychiatrists and psychologists, the tragic hero of the ‘Star Wars’ prequels displays patterns of instability and impulsivity in the second and third …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Darth Vader’s psychology revealed.

Protein that thwarts tumor invasion uncovered

WASHINGTON – Cancer cells lacking a key protein are more invasive and more likely to metastasize, providing a possible drug target to combat certain tumor types, scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have determined.

“Further down the line we could create a drug that would bring COMMD1 protein levels back to normal, or even above normal, … Read : Protein that thwarts tumor invasion uncovered.

‘Religion made us human’

WASHINGTON – A psychologist has in a new book stressed that religion played a very important role in the grim struggles of prehistory, providing humans with a way to relate to each other and the world around them.

Matt Rossano, professor and head of the Department of Psychology at Southeastern and author of the book “Supernatural … Read more : ‘Religion made us human’.

One-shot radiotherapy ‘effective against breast cancer’

LONDON – A new study, led by a UK research team, has suggested that a single dose of radiation during surgery is just as effective as a prolonged course of radiotherapy for breast cancer.

The technique, which involves a single shot of radiotherapy to a tumour site, has been tested in more than 2,000 patients.

The researchers … Read : One-shot radiotherapy ‘effective against breast cancer’.

Oral appliance therapy may benefit sleep apnea patients

WASHINGTON – A new study has backed the use of oral appliance therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

According to the new research, between 31 and 53 months after beginning oral appliance therapy, the sleep apnea treatment remained effective. Subjective daytime sleepiness, fatigue severity, and quality of life also remained improved.

Mandibular advancement appliances (MAA) … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oral appliance therapy may benefit sleep apnea patients.

Don’t count on selenium to prevent lung cancer, suggests study

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that taking the popular mineral supplement selenium doesn’t reduce the likelihood of lung cancer recurrence.

Lead author Daniel D. Karp, a professor in the department of thoracic/head and neck medical oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, presented the finding at the American Society of Clinical …. Source article  : Don’t count on selenium to prevent lung cancer, suggests study.

Promising treatment for headache, dizziness, caused by traumatic brain injury

WASHINGTON – Symptoms of headache, dizziness and anxiety in some patients with traumatic brain injury potentially could be alleviated or even eliminated with specialized eyeglass lenses containing prisms, says a new study.

The investigators included doctors from three southeast Michigan hospitals and one in private practice, and involved 43 patients with TBI.

“This represents a new approach …. Source article  : Promising treatment for headache, dizziness, caused by traumatic brain injury.

BP CEO’s ads apologizing for the Gulf oil spill earn more criticism than sympathy

Apologetic BP ads get criticism, not sympathy
MIAMI – An apologetic advertising campaign by BP for causing the biggest oil spill in U.S. history has earned the company more criticism than sympathy as the pollution spreads across the Gulf Coast from Louisiana into Alabama and Florida.
The …. Source article  : BP CEO’s ads apologizing for the Gulf oil spill earn more criticism than sympathy.

Master your Windows 7 desktop

WASHINGTON – Who’s in control of your Windows 7 desktop – you or the operating system?

With applications and icons scattered all over the place, constant pop-up notifications, and programmes hidden deep within the Start menu, you might feel like Microsoft has done its best to hinder your productivity rather than enhance it.
But … Original source on Gaea Times at : Master your Windows 7 desktop.

Aliens exist on Saturn’s moon: NASA

LONDON – Scientists at US space agency NASA have found vital clues that primitive aliens could be living on Titan, one of Saturn’s biggest moons.

On the basis of chemical composition found on Titan’s surface, the experts believe that life forms have been breathing in the planet’s atmosphere and also feeding on its surface’s fuel.
The … Read more : Aliens exist on Saturn’s moon: NASA.

Seals’ bodies switch fuel usage as they begin diving

WASHINGTON – The Weddell seal’s body switches fuel usage as the animal turns into a diver from a non-diving pup, a new American research shows.

The study, conducted by Baylor University biologists, is the first to show that an animal has the ability to switch what type of fuels they burn in their muscles.

The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Seals’ bodies switch fuel usage as they begin diving.

Badge, bill colour of house sparrow signal testosterone levels

WASHINGTON – A team of scientists has found that the colour of a house sparrow’s badge and bill is indicative of its testosterone – and hence – its dominance and quality.

According to scientists at Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen, Germany, the size of the badge was independent of hormone levels and the levels … Read : Badge, bill colour of house sparrow signal testosterone levels.

Now get your own ’space-pad’ and a taxi to ‘drive’ you there!

WASHINGTON – For those who feel that the Earth is too small a place to live, a company has started building ’space-pads’ – not just that – it will arrange a taxi for you to get there too.

“We’re coming closer than ever before to having a space transportation system,” Discovery News quoted Mike Gold, chief … Original article on : Now get your own ’space-pad’ and a taxi to ‘drive’ you there!.

Mercury drops in Delhi after rains

NEW DELHI – Delhi recorded a sharp drop in temperature Sunday, a day after traces of rain accompanied by a cool breeze lifted away the dust haze blanketing the capital’s skies.

Residents of the capital got some respite from the scorching heat as the minimum temperature settled at 25.4 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal …. Source article  : Mercury drops in Delhi after rains.

Traces of rain in Delhi, pleasant weekend in store (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Traces of rain were recorded in some parts of Delhi Saturday evening as a dust haze during the day shielded the city from the sun and a cool breeze pulled down the maximum temperature, promising a pleasant weekend.

According the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the capital Saturday recorded a maximum temperature …. Read the original article  : Traces of rain in Delhi, pleasant weekend in store (Second Lead).