Software can sense ‘depression’ in blogs

LONDON – Researchers have developed a software programme that can detect depression in blogs and online texts. The software is capable of identifying language that can indicate a writer’s psychological state, which could serve as a screening tool.

Developed by a team headed by Yair Neuman, associate professor of education at Ben-Gurion University (BGU) of …. Read the original article  : here.

Tool manipulation similar among blind and sighted

LONDON – Blind people think about manipulating tools in the same regions of the brain as do the people who can see, says a study.

The researchers say this adds to the evidence that the brain has a fairly defined organisation, while still being able to adapt to unusual conditions, such as not having any …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tool manipulation similar among blind and sighted.

Parenting style can prevent heavy drinking

LONDON – Parenting style strongly and directly affects teenagers when it comes to heavy drinking — defined as having five or more drinks in a row, says a new Brigham Young University (BYU) study.

The researchers surveyed nearly 5,000 adolescents between the age of 12 and 19 about their drinking habits and relationship with their parents. … Read more »»».

No proof of Jesus’ crucifixion, claims scholar

LONDON – The episode of Jesus’ crucifixion is based more on traditions of the Christian church and artistic illustrations than antique texts, says a Swedish researcher.

“The problem is that descriptions of crucifixions are remarkably absent in the antique literature,” Gunnar Samuelsson, of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, who recently finished his doctoral thesis on the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No proof of Jesus’ crucifixion, claims scholar.

Magnets can improve language ability in Alzheimer’s patients

WASHINGTON – Scientists have demonstrated that a brain stimulation technique, known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, boosts the language ability of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, or rTMS for short, is a non-invasive technique that involves the delivery of a rapid succession of magnetic pulses in frequencies of up to 100 Hz.

Previous research …. Original source  : Magnets can improve language ability in Alzheimer’s patients.

Saliva holds bed bugs’ blood-sucking secrets

WASHINGTON – Scientists are reporting the first preliminary description of the bed bug saliva proteins – a finding that could be used in diagnosing bed bug bites and preventing the itch.

The saliva proteins give the bug its ability to suck blood from its human victims and escape to bite again with risking a lethal slap. … Read more »».

Neuroscientists can predict your plans even before you haven’t!

WASHINGTON – A new American study has demonstrated that neuroscientists can predict your behaviour better than you can.

The research, by neuroscientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has shown brain scanning can be used to predict whether people will use sunscreen during a one-week period even better than the people themselves can.

“There … Original source on Gaea Times at : Neuroscientists can predict your plans even before you haven’t!.

Recovering addicts could succumb to cravings if they ignore stress

WASHINGTON – If you are a recovering addict, ignoring stress could lead you to succumb to cravings, says a new research.

“Cravings are a strong predictor of relapse. The goal of this study is to predict the variation in substance craving in a person on a within-day basis. Because recovery must be maintained ‘one day at …. Original source  : Recovering addicts could succumb to cravings if they ignore stress.

Going barefoot in home may contribute to falls among elderly

WASHINGTON – A new research has suggested that elderly people should avoid going barefoot, or wearing slippers or socks with no shoes to prevent serious injuries, including fractures, sprains, dislocations, and pulled or torn muscles, ligaments or tendons, as a result of their fall.

Prevention of falls among older adults is a major clinical and …. Read the original article  : Going barefoot in home may contribute to falls among elderly.

Gene loss could help explain evolution of limbs from fins

LONDON – The loss of genes guiding fin development may help reveal how fish evolved into four-limbed vertebrates, according to new research.

In the late Devonian period, some 365 million years ago, fish-like creatures began venturing onto land from shallow waters using eight-fingered limbs.

The limbs had evolved from fins; during the transition, … Read more : Gene loss could help explain evolution of limbs from fins.

Now, follow your Facebook friends automatically from Twitter

SYDNEY – Now you can follow your Facebook friends directly from Twitter, all thanks to the micro-blogging site’s latest applications.

Twitter has declared that it is launching major upgrades to its Facebook and LinkedIn applications, bringing added functionality and integration between Twitter and two of the world’s largest social networks.

The new application for Facebook is now …. Read the original article  : Now, follow your Facebook friends automatically from Twitter.

Nanoparticles in sunscreens could be toxic if accidentally eaten

WASHINGTON – Nanoparticles in sunscreens could be toxic if accidentally eaten, according to scientists.

Philip Moos and colleagues have said that particle size affects the toxicity of zinc oxide, a material widely used in sunscreens.

Particles smaller than 100 nanometers are slightly more toxic to colon cells than conventional zinc oxide.

Solid zinc oxide was more … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nanoparticles in sunscreens could be toxic if accidentally eaten.

Neanderthal, Homo sapiens split 500,000yrs older than believed

WASHINGTON – DNA-based analyses has revealed that the separation of Neanderthal and Homo sapiens might have occurred at least one million years ago-at least 500, 000 years earlier than previously thought.

A doctoral thesis conducted at the National Center for Research on Human Evolution (Centro Nacional de Investigacion sobre la Evolucion Humana) -associated with the University …. Original source  : Neanderthal, Homo sapiens split 500,000yrs older than believed.

Indian origin scientist’s smartphone app for home eye tests

LONDON – Going to an eye clinic for a simple eye test may soon become pass???, thanks to the efforts of an Indian-origin American scientist, who has developed a simple method of testing eyes by using a smartphone and a specially designed eyepiece.

The application, a brainchild of Ramesh Raskar of the Camera Culture group at …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indian origin scientist’s smartphone app for home eye tests.

AP INTERVIEW: Leader of Argentine grandmothers rights group vows to pursue DNA fight

Argentine rights leader defends DNA database

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina’s leading newspaper publisher must pay the consequences if genetic tests show the children she adopted three decades ago were stolen from prisoners of the dictatorship, a leading human rights activist says.
Estela de Carlotto, president of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, spoke with The …. Original source  : AP INTERVIEW: Leader of Argentine grandmothers rights group vows to pursue DNA fight.

1 in 5 deaths in Bangladesh linked to arsenic in drinking water

LONDON – Exposure to arsenic in drinking water – even at low levels – increases the risk of death from any cause, suggests a new study conducted on Bangladeshis.

Arsenic is known to be a potent carcinogen and toxic to organs such as the liver, skin, kidney and the cardiovascular system.

But previous studies assessing the effects …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 1 in 5 deaths in Bangladesh linked to arsenic in drinking water.

Ginkgo biloba extract cuts Alzheimer’s risk by 47pc

MELBOURNE – A new study has suggested that long-term use of a ginkgo biloba extract can decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 47 percent.

In the French GuidAge study, groups of elderly people with memory complaints were randomly assigned 240 milligrams per day of ginkgo extract, or a placebo, to be taken daily.

Researchers found …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Neural mechanisms of courage uncovered

WASHINGTON – Scientists have unravelled the neural mechanisms in the brain that are linked with “courage.”

The study provides fascinating insight into what happens in the brain when an individual voluntarily performs an action opposite to that promoted by ongoing fear.

In fact, the results may even lead to new treatment strategies for those who exhibit a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Neural mechanisms of courage uncovered.

Soon, cheap and durable touch screen for your phone

WASHINGTON – Looking for touch screen phone but not willing to spend big bucks on something that could be easily breakable? Well, here’s a solution to your dilemma- a new type of touch screen that could be less expensive and more durable.

Researchers in South Korea and Japan have claimed that they can make large pieces …. Read the original article  : Soon, cheap and durable touch screen for your phone.

Delhi to be hot, though light rains expected

NEW DELHI – The national capital may witness light rains in some areas Thursday but the weather will be hot with the minimum temperature being recorded at 31.6 degrees Celsius, three degrees above the average, the met office said.

“Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 31.6 degrees Celsius, which was three degrees above normal for this …. Read the original article  : Delhi to be hot, though light rains expected.