Science News – Weekly Newsletter for March 1-7, 2011

Monday, March 7, 2011

Radio-guided op safe, simple way to remove cancerous nodules in lung

WASHINGTON – Italian researchers have suggested that using tiny spheres of radioactive liquid to guide surgeons as they remove potentially cancerous material in the lungs is safe and more effective than other techniques.

Luca Bertolaccini, Alberto Terzi and colleagues from Santa Croce e Carle Hospital in Cuneo, Italy, studied a technique known as radio-guided surgery in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Radio-guided op safe, simple way to remove cancerous nodules in lung.

Targeted cancer drug more effective after first-line treatment

WASHINGTON – New trials have shown that targeted cancer drug Erlotinib has comparable efficacy to chemotherapy, and is better tolerated, in hard-to-treat cases where a patient’s cancer has progressed quickly after treatment with first-line therapy.

The study included only those patients whose disease had progressed under first-line chemotherapy.

“These patients have an extremely poor prognosis and few … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Targeted cancer drug more effective after first-line treatment.

Scientist urges ‘to take risk of a global Katrina seriously’

LONDON – A Brit top scientist has urged that the risk of a devastating space storm wreaking havoc like a ‘global Katrina’ and costing the world trillions of pounds should be taken ’seriously’.

Sir John Beddington, the Government’s chief scientist, said that the Sun was waking up from a quiet period and was likely to throw …. Original article  : Scientist urges ‘to take risk of a global Katrina seriously’.

Potential link between immunity, schizophrenia revealed

WASHINGTON – A new study from UC Davis has indicated that the number of connections between nerve cells in the brain can be regulated by an immune system molecule.

The research has also revealed a potential link between immunity, infectious disease and conditions such as schizophrenia or autism.

Schizophrenia, autism and other disorders are associated with changes …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Potential link between immunity, schizophrenia revealed.

Parents split worse for kids’ happiness than not having money

LONDON – A study has suggested that having parents split up is worse for a child’s happiness than not having money.

The Understanding Society project found that not living with both natural parents adversely affected a child’s ‘life satisfaction’ more than the household’s material situation, reports the Daily Mail.

In fact, neither poverty nor wealth influences happiness, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Parents split worse for kids’ happiness than not having money.

Earth is worth 3K pounds trillon, claims scientist

LONDON – An astrophysicist, who created a formula to calculate the value of planet Earth, has claimed that Earth is worth three thousand trillion pounds.

Greg Laughlin came up with the figure by calculating the sum of the planet’s age, size, temperature, mass and other vital statistics-and Earth came out as the most expensive, reports the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bitter drinks make you more judgmental: Study

LONDON – A new study has claimed that people who take bitter drinks become more judgmental because bitter tastes alters moral compass.

Kendall Eskine at the City University of New York and colleagues studied 57 volunteers who were asked to rate how morally questionable a set of scenarios were on a scale of 1 to 100, … Original article on : Bitter drinks make you more judgmental: Study.

Earth’s value: 3,000 trillion pounds

LONDON – A scientist has thought up of a formula to calculate the worth of planet Earth and has valued it at 3,000 trillion pounds.

Astrophysicist Greg Laughlin came up with the figure by calculating the sum of the planet’s age, size, temperature, mass and other vital statistics — and Earth came out as …. Original article  : Earth’s value: 3,000 trillion pounds.

US hookers flocking to Facebook to advertise their services

NEW YORK – A sociologist in the US has revealed that the number of hookers advertising their services on social networking site Facebook is on the rise.

Columbia University sociologist Sudhir Venkatesh studied the habits of 290 sex workers in New York and found that 83 percent rely on Facebook to lure customers.

“I estimate that by … Read : US hookers flocking to Facebook to advertise their services.

Want to live longer? Study hard!

WASHINGTON – If you want to live longer, pay attention at school, study hard, and go to college, according to a new study.

Researchers at Brown University’s Department of Community Health has found a correlation between the years spent in education and lower lifetime blood pressure along with a decrease in other factors, which influence health … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Want to live longer? Study hard!.

It’s official! Men have lower attention spans than women

LONDON – Do you struggle to make your man give attention to what you say? Well, now even science says that men have lower attention spans than women.

Also, women are far more likely to learn from experience than men, who immediately assume they know everything, reveals a new Abertay University study.

The revelations came to light … Read this article on Gaea Times at : It’s official! Men have lower attention spans than women.

Time for winged guests to bid adieu to Kashmir

SRINAGAR – With a rise in mercury, flocks of pochards, mallards, shovellers and other winged visitors are gearing up to bid adieu to the famous Hokarsar bird reserve here and head back to their summer homes in Siberia, China and Japan.

Thousands of them had made Jammu and Kashmir their home in the harsh winter.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Time for winged guests to bid adieu to Kashmir.

Australia’s green car completes world tour in $400

SYDNEY – A two-seater renewable energy vehicle crossed the finish line of a global zero emissions race covering 16 countries and 30,000 km in 80 days in only $400.

The Google-sponsored car Team Trev arrived at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Sunday night.
Initially designed by University of South Australia (UniSA) and driven …. Read the original article  : here.

Sunny morning for Delhi

NEW DELHI – Sunny, clear skies greeted Delhiites Monday morning as the minimum temperature settled at 10.5 degrees Celsius, a notch below the average for the season.

“Early morning mist will be cleared by bright, sunny skies. It is expected to be a warm day,” an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.
“The maximum … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sunny morning for Delhi.

Delay in disbursing funds to poor countries disappointing: Ramesh

NEW DELHI – Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh Sunday termed the delay in disbursement of fast-start funding by developed countries to poor countries as the “biggest disappointment” and “betrayal of trust”, saying this could make the atmosphere at the Durban climate change talks later this year “clouded with doubt and suspicion”.

“It is highly regrettable … Read more »».

Bright, pleasant day in Delhi

NEW DELHI – It was a pleasant day in the capital Sunday as the winter sun shone brightly and the maximum temperature stayed three degrees below average.

The maximum temperature was 22.6 degrees Celsius, three degrees below normal (average), while the minimum was 12.6 degrees Celsius, normal (average) for this time of the season, said …. Read the original article  : Bright, pleasant day in Delhi.

Pump that bacteria use to resist drugs described

LONDON – Scientists have identified and described two parts of the three-part system that pumps toxins from bacteria and allows them to resist antibiotics.

The paper, led by Edward Yu of Iowa State University and the Ames Laboratory, describes the co-crystal structure of two parts of the three-part efflux pump that recognizes and removes heavy metal …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Iran to remove fuel from its first nuclear power plant

TEHRAN – Iran’s envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said the fuel placed inside the reactor of the country’s first nuclear power plant will be temporarily removed to run a number of tests, a media report said.

Upon Russia’s request, the fuel will be removed from the reactor core of the Bushehr … Read : Iran to remove fuel from its first nuclear power plant.

Man behind China’s first atom bomb dies

BEIJING – Zhu Guangya, who contributed to the development of China’s first atom and hydrogen bombs, died Saturday. He was 87.

Zhu was a senior academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He also served as vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, … Read more : Man behind China’s first atom bomb dies.

Pleasant Saturday in Delhi, rain threat looms

NEW DELHI – It was a pleasant, sunny day in the capital Saturday, with the maximum temperature staying below average levels. However, the city may experience showers late Saturday and Sunday, the weather office said.

There are chances of rain towards the night, an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Delhi recorded 10.3 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pleasant Saturday in Delhi, rain threat looms.

Team achieves record 1 trillion bits per second speed on single chip

WASHINGTON – A development team at at Infinera Corp. in Sunnyvale, Calif. Has achieved a record one trillion bits per second (1 Terabit/s) speed on a single integrated indium phosphide chip.

“Traditional transponder-based system architectures are inflexible and costly and time-consuming to upgrade,” said Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagarajan, research fellow at Infinera and a senior member of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Team achieves record 1 trillion bits per second speed on single chip.

In the blind, brain parts used for vision can help understand languages

WASHINGTON – A new study claims that in blind people, the parts of brain that are used for processing vision, are recruited for language processing.

The find by MIT neuroscientists shows that the visual cortex can dramatically change its function and disproves that language processing can only occur in highly specialized brain regions that are genetically …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : In the blind, brain parts used for vision can help understand languages.

Lottery winners remain unchanged after windfall

LONDON – We often hear about lottery winners who have squandered all their prize money, incurred debts and become lonely and unhappy. However, the bulk of winners claim to carry on living normally, according to a German study.

“It’s common for people to say that ‘they are who they are’ as an explanation for … Read more >>>.

Jumbos kill 116 in Chhattisgarh in five years

RAIPUR – As many as 116 people were killed by elephants in Chhattisgarh in the past five years and government paid Rs.1.40 crore (Rs.14 million) compensation to their families, state’s forest minister Vikram Usendi told the state assembly Tuesday.

Replying to Congress member Premsai Singh Tekam, the minister admitted that wild jumbo menace was on …. Original article  : Jumbos kill 116 in Chhattisgarh in five years.

Anti-tumor drug that also fights flu virus

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that a drug, called DMXAA, originally developed as anti-tumor agent, also enhances the ability of flu vaccines to ward off this deadly virus.

Their study suggests that DMXAA could assist flu vaccines by causing the body to produce its own antiviral proteins, called interferons, which interfere with the virus’s ability to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Anti-tumor drug that also fights flu virus.

Parts of brain can switch functions

WASHINGTON – Evidence is mounting that brain regions can take over functions they were not genetically destined to perform, says a new study.

When your brain registers the aroma of your morning coffee or the sound of a honking car, that input gets shuttled to the appropriate brain region for analysis. The coffee aroma goes …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Parts of brain can switch functions.

40-million-year-old mating mites reveal sex role reversal

WASHINGTON – New research from the University of Michigan and the Russian Academy of Sciences describes an extinct mite species in which the traditional sex roles were reversed.

The evidence comes, in part, from 40 million-year-old mating mites preserved in Baltic amber.

“In this species, it is the female who has partial or complete control of mating. …. Original article  : 40-million-year-old mating mites reveal sex role reversal.

Oz firms develop first beer that can be consumed in space

MELBOURNE – Two companies in Australia have developed a beer that can be safely consumed in space.

With space tourism preparing to take off as early as next year, Saber Astronautics Australia and the Four Pines Brewing Company came up with the thirst quenching beer.

Jaron Mitchell, the founder of Four Pines, said the creation of space …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mums, not dads, pass on Alzheimer’s risk: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that a person is more likely to inherit Alzheimer’s disease from his/her mother than his/her father.

In general, people who have first-degree relatives with Alzheimer’s disease are four to 10 times more likely to develop the disease than people with no family history of Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers …. Original source  : Mums, not dads, pass on Alzheimer’s risk: Study.

Soon, nasal spray vaccine to fight Alzheimer’s, stroke

WASHINGTON – Tel Aviv University researchers are working on a nasally delivered vaccine that promises to protect against Alzheimer’s as well as stroke.

The new vaccine repairs vascular damage in the brain by using the body’s own immune system and, in addition to its prophylactic effect, it can work even when Alzheimer’s symptoms are already present.

“Using …. Original article  : Soon, nasal spray vaccine to fight Alzheimer’s, stroke.

Make important life decisions when you really have to pee

WASHINGTON – What should you do when you really have to pee? Take important life decisions, perhaps, suggests a new study.

The research has found that controlling your bladder makes you better at controlling yourself when making decisions about your future.

Sexual excitement, hunger, thirst-psychological scientists have found that activation of just one of these bodily desires … Original article on : Make important life decisions when you really have to pee.

Copying strategies best for your genes: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that blindly copying what your parents did – no matter how stupid it may seem – could be the best strategy for the long-term success of your genes.

The research by Universities of Exeter and Bristol has shown that apparently mindless survival strategies-such as the long-distance migration of many …. Original source  : Copying strategies best for your genes: Study.

Movement to save the Yamuna gains momentum

AGRA/GOKUL – A movement launched by the ascetics and Sri Krishna devotees of the Braj Mandal to save the Yamuna river from pollution is now gaining momentum.

Hundreds of ascetics and activists have reached Sangam (confluence) at Allahabad from where a long march to New Delhi is to start Wednesday.
Chief organisers Radha … Read more »»».

Gut bacteria can control functions of organs: Study

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that bacteria in the human gut may not just be helping digest food but also could be exerting some level of control over the metabolic functions of other organs, like the liver.

These findings offer new understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and their gut microbes and how …. Original source  : Gut bacteria can control functions of organs: Study.

No kids ‘the secret to marital bliss’

WELLINGTON – Want your marriage to work? Then don’t have kids, according to a major UK study.

The research has found the magic formula for happiness in a relationship – and it doesn’t include kids, reports Stuff.co.nz.

As part of the study, researchers at the Institute for Social and Economic Research asked both people in a couple … Read : No kids ‘the secret to marital bliss’.

Old bones being used in development of new treatments for modern back pain

WASHINGTON – Scientists are using the bones of people who died up to a hundred years ago for the development of new treatments for chronic back pain.

The work is bringing together the unusual combination of latest computer modelling techniques developed at the University of Leeds, and archaeology and anthropology expertise at the University of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Old bones being used in development of new treatments for modern back pain.

Meteorites ‘may have sparked life on Earth’

LONDON – A meteorite discovered in Antarctica could strengthen the argument that life on Earth might have been kick-started from space, claim scientists.

Chemical analysis of the meteorite shows it to be rich in the gas ammonia. It contains the element nitrogen, found in the proteins and DNA that form the basis of life, as we …. Source  : Meteorites ‘may have sparked life on Earth’.

Water demand will exceed supply by 40pc within 20 yrs, warn scientists

LONDON – Scientists have warned that water demand in many countries will outstrip supply by 40 per cent within 20 years due to the combined threat of climate change and population growth.

Experts said a new way of thinking about water is needed as looming shortages threaten communities, agriculture and industry, reports the Daily Mail.

In the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Human stem cells from fat tissue successfully fuse with rat heart cells and beat

WASHINGTON – Scientists have successfully fused human stem cells derived from subcutaneous adipose (fat) tissue with muscle cells from rat hearts.

And, not only did these cells ‘talk’ to form new muscle cells altogether, but they actually beat, said researchers.

“Recovery of regenerative cells located in the stromal vascular fraction of a patient’s own subcutaneous tissue is …. Read the original article  : Human stem cells from fat tissue successfully fuse with rat heart cells and beat.

Acupressure effective in helping to treat traumatic brain injury

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that an ancient form of complementary medicine may be effective in helping to treat people with mild traumatic brain injury.

The study involved a treatment known as acupressure in which one’s fingertips are used to stimulate particular points on a person’s body – points similar to those stimulated with …. Source  : Acupressure effective in helping to treat traumatic brain injury.

Himachal may experience heavy snow, rain

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh may experience heavy rain and snowfall in the next two days, a weather official said here Tuesday.

“There are chances of heavy snowfall and rainfall at some places in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu and Shimla districts till March 3,” meteorological office director Manmohan Singh told IANS.
He …. Source article  : Himachal may experience heavy snow, rain.

14 tigers died in two months in India

NEW DELHI – As many as 14 tigers have died in the country till February this year alone, including two due to poaching, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told Lok Sabha Tuesday.

Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Ramesh said 161 tigers – 51 due to poaching — have died since 2008.
“About 14 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 14 tigers died in two months in India.

Nano tool inspired by silk moth antenna could aid Alzheimer’s research

LONDON – The silk moth’s antenna has inspired researchers from the University of Michigan to develop a better nanotechnology tool that could help understand a class of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.

Nanopores-essentially holes drilled in a silicon chip-are miniscule measurement devices that enable the study of single molecules or proteins.

Even today’s best nanopores clog easily, [..] Read the original article: here.

The mere sight, smell of food hikes dopamine levels in binge eaters

WASHINGTON – A new brain imaging study has revealed that just the mere sight or smell of food elevates dopamine – a brain chemical linked to reward and motivation – levels in binge eaters.

The findings suggested that the chemical spike could explain compulsive overeating.

The researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory looked …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : The mere sight, smell of food hikes dopamine levels in binge eaters.

Lifestyle intervention helps women cut pregnancy flab

WASHINGTON – A lifestyle intervention can help women control their weight gain during and after pregnancy, according to a new study.

It will also help normal-weight, obese and overweight women return to pre-pregnancy weight after delivery.

“This study suggests that a lifestyle intervention can help women manage their weight during pregnancy, prevent health problems during pregnancy, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lifestyle intervention helps women cut pregnancy flab.

How game of golf won ‘The King’s Speech’ its Oscars

LONDON – It has emerged that British historical drama film ‘The King’s Speech’ would have missed winning its Oscars had it not been for a game of golf.

Joan Lane, a theatrical agent, read the script in 2007 and was convinced that she had a hit play on her hands, but when she sent it to … Read more : How game of golf won ‘The King’s Speech’ its Oscars.

Customized health messages help quit smoking in 4 months, says study

LONDON – A new study has found that tailored health messages to those who smoke were more likely to kick the butt in four months.

Hannah Faye Chua at the University of Michigan and colleagues have also begins to uncover the underlying neural reasons why these individually tailored messages are so much more effective than a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Customized health messages help quit smoking in 4 months, says study.

Now a billboard that profiles people, flashes ads as per their tastes

LONDON – Advertisers are developing digital posters that will recognise people’s faces and respond by flashing ads that are according to their tastes.

The technology is so sophisticated that it could soon even be possible to link the posters to a store’s profile of each individual and display goods that would appeal just to them.

The posters …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Now a billboard that profiles people, flashes ads as per their tastes.

New personalized therapy to ‘fool cancer cells into killing themselves’

LONDON – A Wayne State University School of Medicine researcher has developed a personalized therapy that will fool cancer cells into killing themselves.

Developed by Karli Rosner, assistant professor and director of Research in the Department of Dermatology, the treatment uses genetic constructs that contain a genetically modified enzyme to seek out and destroy cancer cells. …. Read the original article  : here.

Junk DNA makes humans so different from primates

WASHINGTON – Repetitive stretches of “junk” DNA may partly explain why humans are so different from primates.

Medical researchers at the University of Iowa found that when a particular type junk DNA segment, known as an Alu element, is inserted into existing genes, they can alter the rate at which proteins are produced.
“Repetitive …. Source  : Junk DNA makes humans so different from primates.

E-books on the rise with sales of digital books growing 18-fold in 2010

LONDON – The sale of e-books is on the rise, with Bloomsbury, the publisher of the Harry Potter books, saying its digital book sales grew 18-fold in 2010.

Now e-books account for 10 percent of Bloomsbury print sales as more customers download titles to read on iPads, Kindles and other hand-held devices.

The publishing house said revenues …. Source article  : E-books on the rise with sales of digital books growing 18-fold in 2010.

French team unearths Maurya dynasty wall in Bangladesh

DHAKA – A French excavation team dug out a wall belonging to the Maurya dynasty at Mahasthangarh archaeological site in Bogra recently.

It also found a huge number of Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) and Barind soil layer along with other objects, said team members.

A Bangladeshi excavation team also dug out brick-built structures of Muslim dynasties.

The … Original article on : French team unearths Maurya dynasty wall in Bangladesh.

Protein pathway find may help solve Parkinson’s disease

WASHINGTON – Iowa State University researchers have discovered a protein pathway that may hold the secret to understand Parkinson’s disease.

Anumantha Kanthasamy, a distinguished professor of biomedical sciences and the W. Eugene and Linda R. Lloyd Endowed Chair in Neurotoxicology at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine, believes this recent discovery offers hope for the cure.

Parkinson’s …. Read the original article  : here.

Most lottery winners choose to save money than squander it

WASHINGTON – A new thesis shows that in most cases, lottery winners prefer to save up the money won than squandering it for short-term comforts.

“It’s common for people to say that ‘they are who they are’ as an explanation for why they do not change more,” said University of Gothenburg researcher Anna Hedenus.

She surveyed 420 …. Original article  : Most lottery winners choose to save money than squander it.

Dogs were seen as thinking, social beings 7000 years ago

WASHINGTON – Experts have found 7000-year-old remains of a Husky-like dog in Siberia that suggest that people saw it as a thinking, social being.

They believe it probably lived and died similar to how humans did at that time and place, eating the same food, sustaining work injuries, and getting a human-like burial.

“Based on how northern … Original article on : Dogs were seen as thinking, social beings 7000 years ago.

‘Hopping’ bot to explore Moon valleys, hilltops by firing rocket nozzles

WASHINGTON – Engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Charles Stark Draper laboratory in Cambridge, Mass., are developing a new robot rover that would move on the Moon by firing downward and sideways-facing rocket nozzles.

Current stationary landers or slow-moving rovers have been trudging along due to the rough terrain of surfaces on Moon or planets … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Hopping’ bot to explore Moon valleys, hilltops by firing rocket nozzles.

Google accidentally wipes accounts of 150,000 Gmail users

LONDON – Search giant Google has confirmed that about 150,000 Gmail users around the world have had their accounts, including every email, application, contact and calendar information, deleted.

The problem first arose on Sunday when thousands logged onto their accounts, only to find all their personal information had been erased, reports the Daily Mail.

Many found … Read : Google accidentally wipes accounts of 150,000 Gmail users.

Genes associated with binge drinking identified

WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified two genes associated with binge drinking that may open doors to new, more effective treatments for excessive alcohol drinking.

University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers found that manipulating two receptors in the brain, GABA receptors and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), “caused profound reduction” of binge drinking for two weeks in …. Read the original article  : Genes associated with binge drinking identified.

Cloudy day in Delhi, rains expected

NEW DELHI – It was a windy and cloudy morning in the capital Tuesday with the weather office predicting rain and thunderstorm later in the day.

Delhi recorded a minimum of 11.3 degrees Celsius — a notch below the average for this time of the season.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast …. Original article  : Cloudy day in Delhi, rains expected.

Discovery astronauts complete ‘textbook’ spacewalk

WASHINGTON – Two space shuttle Discovery astronauts moved a failed ammonia cooling pump during a more than six-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station.

NASA officials called Monday’s work a “textbook” spacewalk, after overcoming a problem with the station’s robotic arm that left astronaut Steve Bowen holding the weightless pump for a bit longer than … Original source on Gaea Times at : Discovery astronauts complete ‘textbook’ spacewalk.

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