Mild snowfall in Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA – The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh Monday received mild snowfall while the lower areas witnessed moderate rain, the weatherman said.

The hills of Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu and Chamba districts experienced mild spells of snow early this morning, Manmohan Singh, the director of the meteorological office here, told IANS.
He said Keylong, the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

A Mars rover where astronauts can work, sleep and exercise for 3 weeks

WASHINGTON – An Illinois-based design consulting firm has designed a compact Mars space rover in which astronauts could comfortably work, sleep and exercise for up to 3 weeks at a time on the Red Planet.

According to a report in Discovery News, the team won the “Good Design Award” in … Original article on : A Mars rover where astronauts can work, sleep and exercise for 3 weeks.

Mushroom roots can make stronger packages

WASHINGTON – A company in the US is using mushroom roots to design packages because they are much more stronger.

According to a report in Discovery News, the company in question is Ecovative Design.
“We should make products that fit into nature’s recycling system,” said Ecovative Design cofounder …. Read the original article  : Mushroom roots can make stronger packages.

Warm Holi for Delhiites as temperature rises

NEW DELHI – The national capital was awash in the colours of Holi Monday with the pleasant weather adding warmth to the celebrations, even as the weatherman predicted some rain in the city later in the day.

According to the India Meterological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature Monday in the city will hover around 33 … Read more »»».

Organic farmers seek to bar genetically modified beets, source of about half of US sugar crop

Suit seeks to bar genetically modified sugar beets

PHILOMATH, Ore. – Organic farmers fear this year’s spring breezes will carry pollen from genetically altered sugar beets, which they say could render their crops worthless.
So they’re hoping to persuade a federal judge in San Francisco to halt the plantings nationwide.
Industry groups say such an injunction could jeopardize … Read more >>.

Extinctions were more severe in northern oceans after catastrophe 65 mln yrs ago

LONDON – A new study has determined that the extinctions that happened 65 million years were more severe in northern oceans than the southern ones.

The extraterrestrial body that slammed into Earth 65 million years ago is best known for killing off the dinosaurs.
But it …. Source article  : Extinctions were more severe in northern oceans after catastrophe 65 mln yrs ago.

Stomach hormone may offer novel fibrosis therapy

WASHINGTON – Spanish researchers have suggested that ghrelin, a stomach hormone, could offer therapy for fibrosis.

In the study, boffins determined that rats treated with recombinant ghrelin displayed a reduction in liver fibrosis. Ghrelin reduced the amount of fibrogenic …. Original article  : Stomach hormone may offer novel fibrosis therapy.

Reports of alien sightings to be binned in Britain

LONDON – Britain’s defence ministry is fed up with mounting reports of alien sightings and says it will destroy all future reports in order to save staff time.

Reports of sightings have been kept for 30 days before being binned after Britain’s official UFO (unidentified flying object) investigation unit and hotline were closed down in December. …. Original article  : Reports of alien sightings to be binned in Britain.

Global warming likely to impact rainfall patterns

WASHINGTON – Climate models project that the global average temperature will rise about 1 degree C by mid-century, if we continue with business as usual and emit greenhouse gases.

The global average, though, does not tell us anything about what will happen to regional climates.
Analysing global model warming projections in models used by the …. Read the original article  : Global warming likely to impact rainfall patterns.

Beewolves produce ‘antibiotic cocktail’ to fend off infections

WASHINGTON – In a new research, scientists have found that digger wasps of the genus Philanthus, so-called beewolves, house beneficial bacteria on their cocoons that guarantee protection against harmful microorganisms.

The research was carried out by scientists of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Beewolves produce ‘antibiotic cocktail’ to fend off infections.

‘Green fuels’ cause more harm to the environment than fossil fuels

LONDON – A new study by the British government has determined that using fossil fuel in vehicles is better for the environment than so-called green fuels made from crops.

According to a report in The Times, the findings show that the UK Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) target for raising the level of … Read : ‘Green fuels’ cause more harm to the environment than fossil fuels.

Genetic test may help ‘personalize’ drugs for cancer patients

LONDON – A genetic test that predicts how well chemotherapy will work in cancer patients is being developed by scientists.

According to creators, the revolutionary test will allow doctors to prescribe drugs only to those people who are likely to benefit from the medicines rather than giving them … Read more >>>.

Brainy men ‘less likely to cheat’

LONDON – Men with higher IQs are less likely to cheat on their wives, concludes a new study.

And, according to researchers, it is so because of evolution.
New analysis of social trends indicates that intelligent place greater value on monogamy and sexual exclusivity than their less intelligent peers.
However, … Read more >>>.

Leopard attacks on humans on rise in Himachal

SHIMLA – Leopard attacks on humans are on the rise in several districts of Himachal Pradesh due to the depleting forest cover and shortage of prey in the wild which force the animals to stray from the jungles.

“In the past few years, attacks by leopards on humans have increased. Thirteen people, mostly women and …. Source article  : Leopard attacks on humans on rise in Himachal.

CCTV surveillance system modified to work as bush-fire alarm

LONDON – Researchers have modified an ordinary CCTV surveillance system to develop an automatic early warning system that can detect the first flames of a bush fire.

According to a report in New Scientist, the bush-fire alarm, devised by fire-safety engineer Yaping He of the …. Original source  : CCTV surveillance system modified to work as bush-fire alarm.

Tsunamis spawned by Chile quake were tiny, say experts

WASHINGTON – Experts have said that the tsunamis spawned by the devastating earthquake in Chile were relatively tiny.

The giant quake that stuck Chile on February 26 was one of the most powerful ever recorded, killing more than 700 people and leveling cities.
Yet, experts …. Read the original article  : Tsunamis spawned by Chile quake were tiny, say experts.

Will growing seagrass beds bring back rare sea cows to Chilika?

CHILIKA – Wild life experts are hoping the highly endangered dugong or sea cow could again come visiting Orissa’s Chilika Lake, thanks to the expanding beds of sea grass growing in the shallow waters – a critical requirement for the big marine animal.

Seagrass meadows are the only marine flowering plants found in shallow waters. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Will growing seagrass beds bring back rare sea cows to Chilika?.

40 tons of dead fish removed off Brazilian coast

Rio de Janeiro, March 1 (IANS/EFE) Up to 40 tons of fish, that died apparently due to lack of oxygen caused by excess growth of algae, was removed off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, authorities said.

According to Brazil’s environment department official, the cause of sudden, massive extermination of fish has not yet been ascertained, …. Source article  : 40 tons of dead fish removed off Brazilian coast.

World’s largest atom smasher in Geneva cautiously restarts in runup to new science experiments

Atom smasher restarts to prepare for new science

GENEVA – Operators of the world’s largest atom smasher restarted their massive machine Sunday in a run up to experiments probing secrets of the universe, a spokeswoman said.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, sent low energy beams of protons in both directions around the 27-kilometer (17-mile) … Read more : World’s largest atom smasher in Geneva cautiously restarts in runup to new science experiments.

AP Enterprise: How restricted nuclear equipment ended up where it wasn’t supposed to _ Iran

AP Enterprise: How nuclear equipment reached Iran

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Early last year, a Chinese company placed an order with a Taiwanese agent for 108 nuclear-related pressure gauges. But something happened along the way. Paperwork was backdated. Plans were rerouted, orders reconfigured, shipping redirected.
And the gauges ended up in a very different place: Iran.
The story behind …. Read the original article  : here.

Steel maker ArcelorMittal loses court challenge to exemption from EU cap-and-trade program

ArcelorMittal loses court challenge on emissions

BRUSSELS – The world’s largest steel maker ArcelorMittal SA has lost a legal challenge that sought to exempt it from the European Union’s greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system.
The EU’s general court said Tuesday the company could not annul the EU law that issues pollution permits to major carbon dioxide emitters and …. Source article  : Steel maker ArcelorMittal loses court challenge to exemption from EU cap-and-trade program.

It’s official: Violent video games make kids more aggressive

WASHINGTON – Exposure to violent video games makes more aggressive, less caring kids – regardless of their age, sex or culture, concludes a new study.

Iowa State University Distinguished Professor of Psychology Craig Anderson and colleagues analyzed 130 research reports on more than 130,000 subjects worldwide to reach the conclusion.
The …. Original article  : It’s official: Violent video games make kids more aggressive.

Discovery in legumes could reduce fertilizer use and aid environment

WASHINGTON – New findings by Stanford researchers that reveal the inner workings of nitrogen-producing bacteria living inside legumes such as soybeans could enable scientists to blunt the negative effects of excess nitrogen and aid efforts to make agriculture more sustainable.

Excess nitrogen from fertilizer runoff into rivers …. Original source  : Discovery in legumes could reduce fertilizer use and aid environment.

Pandemic flu virus may become resistant to Tamiflu

WASHINGTON – A new study, conducted by researchers at the Ohio State University, analysing the behaviour of seasonal H1N1 suggests that pandemic flu may become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug used against it.

OSU scientists traced the evolutionary history of the seasonal H1N1 influenza virus, which first infected humans during the …. Original article  : Pandemic flu virus may become resistant to Tamiflu.

Is climate change causing hay fever to stay longer?

WASHINGTON – Increase in allergy may be linked to climate change, according to Italian doctors.

A six-year study in Italy registered a considerable increase in pollen seasons and the amount of pollen in the air, doctors told a meeting of the American Academy of … Read more >>>.

Now, tobacco to clean up environmental toxin

WASHINGTON – A new research by scientists has suggested that a new strain of tobacco plant can make antibodies to clean up toxic pond scum that affects humans, livestock and wildlife.

In a new research report appearing in the March 2010 print issue of the FASEB …. Original source  : Now, tobacco to clean up environmental toxin.

El Nino killed Costa Rican toad, not global warming

WASHINGTON – A new study has determined that global warming not kill the Monteverde golden toad of Costa Rica, an often-cited example of climate-triggered extinction, but the culprits were El Nino, combined with a pathogen.

The toad vanished from Costa Rica’s Pacific coastal-mountain cloud forest in …. Read the original article  : El Nino killed Costa Rican toad, not global warming.

Nose scanning – the newest way to blow security hooter

LONDON – With iris and fingerprint scanning already in existence, now the nose is being taken into consideration as a method of identification.

The study from the University of Bath, UK, finds that noses could be an even better method, as researchers scanned noses in 3D and characterised them by tip, ridge profile and … Original article on : Nose scanning – the newest way to blow security hooter.

Russia shortlists 11 for Mars mission simulation

Moscow, March 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia’s Institute of Medical and Biological Problems has shortlisted 11 volunteers to take part in a 520-day simulation of an expedition to Mars, a spokesman said.

The 11 candidates will complete basic spaceflight training and in spring, six of them will be chosen to take part in the experiment, which will … Original source on Gaea Times at : Russia shortlists 11 for Mars mission simulation.

Ancient snake devoured dinosaur young in India

AHMEDABAD – Ancient snakes in India fed on young dinosaurs. The remains of a fossil unearthed in 67-million-year-old sediments in Gujarat provide a rare glimpse of this unusual feeding behaviour.

An international palaeontological team led by the University of Michigan’s Jeff Wilson and Geological Survey of India’s (GSI) Dhananjay Mohabey conducted the research.
The remains …. Read the original article  : Ancient snake devoured dinosaur young in India.

Operate multiple accounts with single password

SYDNEY – A little-used internet authentication system from the 1980s could enable web users to securely log in only once per internet session, says a new study.

PhD researcher S. Suriadi from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Information Security Institute said a secure single sign-on system was more than simply using the same password for multiple …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Operate multiple accounts with single password.

Tiny-shelled creatures shed light on extinction and recovery 65 million years ago

WASHINGTON – In a new research, scientists are studying tiny-shelled creatures called nannoplanktons to explain the geographic unevenness of extinctions and recovery 65 million years ago.

The researchers, using 823 samples from 17 drilling sites in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, analyzed the community structure of calcareous – shelled – nannoplankton.
Included in their study were [..] Read the original article: here.

Chile quake occurred in zone of “increased stress” caused by 1960 temblor

WASHINGTON – A geologist has determined that the massive, 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Chile on February 27 occurred in an offshore zone that was under increased stress caused by a 1960 quake of magnitude 9.5.

The geologist in question is Jian Lin of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).
The Feb 27 earthquake, some 300-500 times more …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chile quake occurred in zone of “increased stress” caused by 1960 temblor.

New innovations required for finding aliens

WASHINGTON – The author of a new book, titled “The Eerie Silence: Are We Alone?” has said that bold new innovations are required to search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

Writing in March’s Physics World, Paul Davies, director of BEYOND: Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science at Arizona State University in the US, explains why the search for …. Read the original article  : here.

Community involvement drives success of marine reserves

WASHINGTON – The largest study of marine reserves has found that community involvement is among the most important factors driving the success of marine reserves.

The study was carried out by a team of natural and social scientists from the University of Rhode Island (URI) and other institutions.
“We make a big mistake thinking that a marine …. Source  : Community involvement drives success of marine reserves.

Fruit flies employ stabilizer reflex to recover from midflight stumbles

WASHINGTON – New observations by scientists indicate that fruit flies use an automatic stabilizer reflex that helps them recover with precision from midflight stumbles.

The aerial maneuvers of fruit flies were observed by Cornell University researchers.
The team led by Cornell doctoral candidate Leif Ristroph made its observations with three high-speed (about 8,000 frames per second) video … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fruit flies employ stabilizer reflex to recover from midflight stumbles.

Chinese pandas spotted eating bones rather than bamboo (Lead, Changing Dateline)

Beijing, March 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Some Chinese pandas have started eating animal bones instead of their traditional diet of bamboo, state-run China Central Television has said.

The bizarre change in the endangered creatures’ diet is thought to be due to the large-scale cutting down of bamboo forests in China.
According to eyewitnesses, wild pandas have …. Read the original article  : Chinese pandas spotted eating bones rather than bamboo (Lead, Changing Dateline).

2-D graphene quilt offers new microelectronic possibilities

WASHINGTON – Scientists at Rice University, US, have found a way to stitch graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) into a two-dimensional quilt that offers new paths of exploration for materials scientists.

New research from the lab of Pulickel Ajayan, Rice’s Benjamin M. and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Garlic may harbour cancer cure

WASHINGTON – A urine test that can simultaneously measure the extent of a potential carcinogenic process and a marker of garlic consumption in humans has been designed.

In a small pilot study, the test suggested that the more garlic people consumed, the lower …. Original source  : Garlic may harbour cancer cure.

Chinese pandas seen eating bones rather than bamboo

Moscow, March 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Some Chinese pandas have started eating animal bones instead of their traditionally-preferred diet of bamboo, state-run China Central Television has said.

The bizarre change in the endangered creatures’ diet is thought to be due to the large-scale cutting down of bamboo forests in China, says a RIA Novosti report.
According to … Read : Chinese pandas seen eating bones rather than bamboo.

Mass loss from Alaskan glaciers largely overestimated over past 40 years

WASHINGTON – A team of international researchers has said that previous studies have largely overestimated mass loss from Alaskan glaciers over the past 40-plus years.

The research team, led by Etienne Berthier of the Laboratory for Space Studies in Geophysics and Oceanography at the Universite de Toulouse in France, said that …. Read the original article  : Mass loss from Alaskan glaciers largely overestimated over past 40 years.

‘Popcorn of the sea’ not missing, found in Galapagos Islands

WASHINGTON – A research team has found that the barnacle, which is known as the ‘popcorn of the sea’, is not missing, and can be found in vertical upwelling zones in moderately deep waters in the Galapagos Islands.

There’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Popcorn of the sea’ not missing, found in Galapagos Islands.

How to control emotional outbursts in front of your partner

WASHINGTON – Can’t hold back your anger in front of your partner? Well, a part of your brain might be of some help to control those much-regretted emotional storms.

A new study has suggested that the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) is a brain region that may help people to … Original source on Gaea Times at : How to control emotional outbursts in front of your partner.

Popular nanoparticle can cause toxicity in fish

WASHINGTON – A study by researchers at Purdue University has shown that a nanoparticle growing in popularity as a bactericidal agent is toxic to fish.

Tested on fathead minnows – an organism often used to test the effects of toxicity on aquatic life – nanosilver suspended … Read more »»».

Child eye injuries from liquid detergent capsules on the rise

LONDON – Eye doctors are asking people to be cautious with the use of liquid capsules for fabric detergents following a wave of child eye injuries.

Rashmi Mathew and Melanie Corbett from The Western Eye Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London say that … Original source on Gaea Times at : Child eye injuries from liquid detergent capsules on the rise.

Baby monkeys receive environment cues from mother’s milk

WASHINGTON – A new American study suggests that baby rhesus macaque monkeys receive signals about their environment through their mother’s breast milk.

The research, conducted by scientists from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of California, …. Original source  : Baby monkeys receive environment cues from mother’s milk.

Webb Telescope’s first primary mirror meets cold temperature specifications

WASHINGTON – Reports indicate that the James Webb Space Telescope’s first primary has met cold temperature specifications, after it was cryo-polished to its required prescription as measured at operational cryogenic temperatures.

This achievement sets the stage … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Webb Telescope’s first primary mirror meets cold temperature specifications.

Black-hole-powered jets create fog of gamma rays

WASHINGTON – Astronomers, using NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, have found that black-hole-powered jets from active galaxies are responsible for almost a third of the ever-present fog of gamma rays outside our galaxy.

“Active galaxies can explain less than 30 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Black-hole-powered jets create fog of gamma rays.

Humidity degrades vitamins stored in bathrooms, kitchens

WASHINGTON – A new study by Purdue University has shown that high humidity present in bathrooms and kitchens degrades the vitamins and health supplements stored in those rooms, even if the lids are on tight.

Lisa Mauer, a Purdue associate professor of food … Read : Humidity degrades vitamins stored in bathrooms, kitchens.

Moderate drinking can make memories more painful

WASHINGTON – Moderate alcohol consumption could make memories more painful, claim scientists.
New research at UCL (University College London) claimed that people who have drunk a moderate amount of alcohol before a traumatic event report more flashbacks than those who have had no alcohol.

The …. Original article  : Moderate drinking can make memories more painful.

Heart patient’s own skin cells may soon repair damaged cardiac tissue

WASHINGTON – Thanks to a pioneering stem cell research, it may soon be possible to turn ordinary human skin cells into early-stage heart cells, claims a scientist.

The new technique for reprogramming human skin cells by Robert Schwartz, University of Houston biomedical scientist, puts him … Read more >>.

Learning ‘promotes brain health’

WASHINGTON – Mental activity could stave off age-related cognitive and memory decline, suggest researchers.

UC Irvine neurobiologists have provided the first visual evidence that learning promotes brain health – and that mental stimulation could limit the debilitating effects of aging on memory and the mind.
Using a novel visualization technique …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Learning ‘promotes brain health’.

Claimed “missing link” between humans and early primates refuted by scientists

WASHINGTON – New research work by scientists has indicated that a fossil that was celebrated last year as a possible “missing link” between humans and early primates is actually a forebearer of modern-day lemurs and lorises.

Four scientists present evidence that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Claimed “missing link” between humans and early primates refuted by scientists.

‘You’re only as old as you feel’ really resonates with the elderly

WASHINGTON – How you think about your age may affect how you age, that’s the conclusion of a research from Purdue University.

“How old you are matters, but beyond that it’s your interpretation that has far-reaching implications … Read more : ‘You’re only as old as you feel’ really resonates with the elderly.

Chile quake shifted Earth axis to shorten length of a day, says NASA

WASHINGTON – NASA has announced that the February 27 Chile earthquake was so powerful that it likely shifted an Earth axis and shortened the length of a day.

According to a report in National Geographic News, the estimate is based on new computer-model calculations … Read more : Chile quake shifted Earth axis to shorten length of a day, says NASA.

Chandigarh is high on rainwater harvesting

CHANDIGARH – In addition to its clean, wide roads and thick green cover, the Union Territory of Chandigarh can also boast of successfully running one of the biggest rainwater harvesting projects in the country.

The initiative, which was earlier only aimed at saving the Sukhna Lake, a prominent tourist destination here, has now emerged as …. Original article  : Chandigarh is high on rainwater harvesting.

Bolden, Flowers have double-doubles to lead Southern Miss past Tulane 66-57

Southern Miss holds off Tulane 66-57
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Maurice Bolden and Gary Flowers had double-doubles as Southern Mississippi held off Tulane 66-57 on Tuesday night.

Bolden had 16 points and 12 rebounds and Flowers had 16 points and 11 boards for the Golden Eagles (17-12, 7-8 Conference USA).
Flowers grabbed his final offensive rebound and put it … Read more >>>.

How many tigers does Orissa have?

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa wildlife department is awaiting funds and security clearance to begin the tiger census this month, with figures varying widely on how many of the big cats the state really has.

Although the exact date has not yet been finalised, officials of the state wildlife department said they are preparing to start the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kennecott Minerals wants to amend water permit for planned Upper Peninsula nickel, copper mine

Kennecott wants to amend water permit for UP mine

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – A company preparing to build a nickel and copper mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula wants to change its wastewater treatment system in a way that could negate the requirement for a federal permit, officials said Tuesday.
Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. has asked the Michigan …. Read the original article  : Kennecott Minerals wants to amend water permit for planned Upper Peninsula nickel, copper mine.

Voters use privilege from colonial days to weigh-in on closure of leaky Vermont nuclear plant

In Vermont, unease over aging, leaky nuke plant

WAITSFIELD, Vt. – In their annual town meeting on Tuesday, folks in this Vermont ski town voted on a town budget, debated the need for a new roof on the fire department building and adjourned at lunchtime to nosh on Tracey Coutts’ famous “yummy chicken pieces” casserole and …. Source article  : Voters use privilege from colonial days to weigh-in on closure of leaky Vermont nuclear plant.

2010 El Nino affecting North Pacific Ocean ecosystems adversely

WASHINGTON – Scientists at NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, US, have revealed that the ongoing El Nino of 2010 is affecting north Pacific Ocean ecosystems in ways that could affect the West Coast fishing industry.

Researchers … Read more »».

How brain cells are possessed and damaged by demons of dementia

WASHINGTON – A new study has shed light on how Amyloid-Beta found in cerebral plaques, typically present in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients, leads to neurodegeneration.

Researchers from EPFL’s (Ecole Polytechnique Fidirale de Lausanne) Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Cellular Dynamics in Lausanne … Read more »»».

How plants identify and block invading bacteria

WASHINGTON – A new study is trying to understand how plants defend themselves from bacterial infections, which may help scientists understand how people and other animals could be better protected from such pathogens.

The study observed a specific bacteria that infects tomatoes but normally does not bother the common laboratory plant arabidopsis.
Researchers … Original article on : How plants identify and block invading bacteria.

Mini-thrusters may help satellites to search for exoplanets

WASHINGTON – The US Air Force is eyeing mini- thrusters or miniature, electric propulsion systems, to make it easier for their satellites to perform space maneuvers and undertake formidable tasks like searching for planets beyond our solar system.

With Air Force Office of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mini-thrusters may help satellites to search for exoplanets.

Choice of university degree not linked to personality traits

WASHINGTON – Personality does not have an influence when choosing a professional career, according to a new study.

The findings by researchers from the University of Cadiz (UCA) were based on interviews and questionnaires carried out on 735 secondary school students from the province …. Original source  : Choice of university degree not linked to personality traits.

Atlantic longarm octopus is ‘master of disguise’ of the seas

WASHINGTON – New observations suggest that the Atlantic longarm octopus is the master of disguise in the seas, as it has evolved a unique skin system that can instantaneously change its appearance and make it look like a flounder.

MBL Senior Scientist and cephalopod expert Roger Hanlon and … Original article on : Atlantic longarm octopus is ‘master of disguise’ of the seas.

Novel approach for leukaemia treatment discovered

WASHINGTON – An international team of scientists has discovered how leukaemia cells become ‘addicted’ to genes, which if targeted could prevent diseased cells from developing.

The team, led by Dr Veronika Sexl from the University of Vienna, conducted their research on acute lymphoid leukaemia (ALL) and chronic myelogenous …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Potential biomarkers for predicting colon cancer spread

WASHINGTON – A research team in China has identified two proteins present in the blood of people with colon cancer that may serve as the potential biomarkers for accurately predicting whether the disease will spread.

Surgery is the main method of treating the disease. However, half of colon cancer …. Original article  : Potential biomarkers for predicting colon cancer spread.

Preventing mosquitoes from urinating may help control disease spread

WASHINGTON – American researchers have discovered a new protein that may help control disease-spreading mosquitoes.

The study conducted by Cornell scientists has appeared in the March 4, 2010 issue of the American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
The researchers identified a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Japanese scientist develops ‘painless’ injection

LONDON – If you have always dreaded an injection, a Japanese researcher has given you a big reason to smile by developing a painless new vaccine delivery technique.

Kanji Takada, a professor of pharmacokinetics (the study of the absorption, distribution and fate of substances delivered to the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chile Earthquake: Earth’s Axis Shifts

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Richard Gross, a geophysicist working with the NASA, has reported that the massive earthquake that hit Chile last Saturday has brought about some permanent changes in the geography of the earth. The effects of the Chile earthquake are being compared to those that had been brought about by the earthquake that had … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chile Earthquake: Earth’s Axis Shifts.

Antifreeze proteins can stop ice melt (Re-Issue)

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the same antifreeze proteins that keep organisms from freezing in cold environments also can prevent ice from melting at warmer temperatures.

Researchers at the Ohio University and Queen’s University carried out the study.
Antifreeze proteins are found in insects, fish, bacteria and other organisms that need to survive in … Read more >>>.

Ancient ’space blast’ over Antarctica similar to Tunguska event of 1908

LONDON – A new research has suggested that a large space rock may have exploded over Antarctica thousands of years ago, showering a large area with debris, similar to the Tunguska event of 1908.

According to a report in BBC News, the evidence comes from accumulations of tiny meteoritic particles and a layer of extraterrestrial dust … Read more >>>.

Black holes may play important role in evolution of galaxies

WASHINGTON – New observations from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory indicate that “average” supermassive black holes may play an important role in the evolution of the galaxies in which they reside, as powerful winds blowing away from the vicinity of such a black hole may shape galaxies.

For years, astronomers have known that a supermassive black hole … Read more »».

Measuring pain from the outside may soon be a reality

LONDON – Scientists are working on developing a technique that may help them measure pain from the outside.

Tara Renton of King’s College London has come up with an alternative way of analysing functional MRI scans called arterial spin labelling (ASL) to measure how much oxygenated blood is flowing through particular areas.
Renton and her team scanned …. Source article  : Measuring pain from the outside may soon be a reality.

Hand-held home device could ease migraine sufferers’ pain

LONDON – A new hand-held device could prove to be an alternative treatment in relieving migraine sufferers from pain, a trial of the gadget has shown.

Experts from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York tested the safety and effectiveness of the device that can be used at home.
Boffins found 40 per cent of …. Read the original article  : here.

Through a glass, sparkly: Jewel-like curtains on windows would generate solar power

Solar energy with jewel-like curtains on windows

TROY, N.Y. – Cityscapes of glass-clad buildings gleaming in the sun make Anna Dyson think about wasted energy.
Dyson heads the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology, or CASE, a research consortium that wants to turn office windows into multifaceted solar power generators. Their “integrated concentrating dynamic solar facade” consists …. Source article  : Through a glass, sparkly: Jewel-like curtains on windows would generate solar power.

Climate change one big factor in malaria spread

WASHINGTON – Climate change has been found to be one of the biggest reasons behind malaria spread, but researchers have said that other factors such as migration and land-use changes are also likely to play a role.

The research aims to sort out contradictions that have …. Source  : Climate change one big factor in malaria spread.

A total of 160 species live inside our guts

LONDON – In what could be called as a big feat in microbial research, researchers have decoded all the bacterial genes found in the human gut-a total of 160 species.

The discovery has far-reaching implications for human health and well being, and could even be used to predict chronic …. Read the original article  : here.

China to launch second lunar probe in October

NEW DELHI – Reports indicate that China plans to launch the Chang’e-2, the country’s second lunar probe, in October this year.

“The satellite would be launched on a Long March 3-C carrier rocket,” said Liang Xiaohong, Party chief of the China Academy of …. Original article  : China to launch second lunar probe in October.

Key cause of chronic leukemia progression identified

WASHINGTON – Scientists in the US have discovered why a form of leukemia progresses from its more-treatable chronic phase to a life-threatening phase called blast crisis.

They found that chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) progresses when immature white blood cells lose a molecule called miR-328.
Loss of the molecule traps the …. Read the original article  : Key cause of chronic leukemia progression identified.

The crowding effect is anything but random, say experts

WASHINGTON – A new study suggests that crowding effect in vision is not as random as it has been thought to be – the phenomenon makes the world appear more regular by essentially ‘blending’ nearby objects together.

When a person is reading, the word directly in front is usually clear, … Original source on Gaea Times at : The crowding effect is anything but random, say experts.

Lava likely made river-like meandering channel on Mars

WASHINGTON – New research indicates that flowing lava can carve or build paths very much like the riverbeds and canyons etched by water, which probably explains at least one of the meandering channels on the surface of Mars.

Whether channels on Mars were formed by water or by lava has been …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lava likely made river-like meandering channel on Mars.

Exotic winter-flowering plants keep bees busy during cold months

WASHINGTON – An unusual rise in the number of bees in the cold winter months has been observed in the recent years, and scientists have now discovered the reason behind it.

Scientists from Queen Mary, University of London have found that while most bees are hibernating, the buff-tailed …. Original source  : Exotic winter-flowering plants keep bees busy during cold months.

Lizard moms pick larger mates to have sons, smaller for daughters

WASHINGTON – Brown anole lizards are pretty clever when it comes to choosing males to father their kids-they mate with large fathers to produce more sons and go for smaller fathers to produce more daughters, revealed two …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Lizard moms pick larger mates to have sons, smaller for daughters.

New approach to trapping sunlight with silicon nanowires

WASHINGTON – Researchers with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) are developing a new approach, which would use silicon nanowires to better trap sunlight for future renewable green energy equations.

Although there are silicon photovoltaics that can convert sunlight into electricity at …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New approach to trapping sunlight with silicon nanowires.

Moon’s biggest crater exposes its hidden lower crust

WASHINGTON – Reports indicate that the biggest and deepest crater on the Moon can provide glimpses of the hidden lower crust of Earth’s natural satellite.

Shortly after the Moon formed, an asteroid smacked into its southern hemisphere and gouged out a truly enormous crater, …. Original article  : Moon’s biggest crater exposes its hidden lower crust.

Finding on sage grouse could significantly affect renewable energy, oil and gas, in West

Interior to announce sage grouse finding Friday

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Interior Department plans to announce whether it will pursue endangered species protection for sage grouse, a decision with major ramifications for the West’s renewable energy and oil and gas industries.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to say Friday whether the department will pursue listing the …. Read the original article  : Finding on sage grouse could significantly affect renewable energy, oil and gas, in West.

Lip-reading cellphone allows for soundless communication

WASHINGTON – Karlsruhe Institute of Technology researchers have developed the phone of the future, a lip-reading cell that allows for soundless communication.

The software by German researchers enables people to move their mouths silently and to have the motion be picked up … Read : Lip-reading cellphone allows for soundless communication.

‘Mischievous’ gut bugs could be making you fat

WASHINGTON – You can blame bacteria in your stomach for those unwanted pounds. A new study claims that the bugs, which are found in the digestive tract, boost appetite.

They also appear to cause cholesterol and blood pressure problems and raise the odds of diabetes and liver …. Source  : ‘Mischievous’ gut bugs could be making you fat.

Computers ‘understand women more than men’

LONDON – Voice recognition computers find men harder to understand than women, Edinburgh University scientists have found.

In the study, researchers recorded phone calls and studied how much of conversations a recognition system could understand, and after analyses they discovered that computers … Read : Computers ‘understand women more than men’.

Women of greater genetic diversity have more sex partners

SYDNEY – Women of greater genetic diversity have more sexual partners, concludes a new study.
After showing a series of genes linked to the immune system, Western Australia researchers say it can be explained why some women are more sexually successful than others.

The genes are thought to make them more attractive to potential partners.
According to professor …. Source  : Women of greater genetic diversity have more sex partners.

Evidence of sea ice extending to equator 715 mln yrs ago hints at “snowball Earth”

WASHINGTON – In a new research, geologists have found evidence that sea ice extended to the equator 716.5 million years ago, which gives weight to the theory of a “snowball Earth” event long suspected to have taken place around that time.

The research was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and led by scientists at …. Original source  : Evidence of sea ice extending to equator 715 mln yrs ago hints at “snowball Earth”.

Scientists discover most massive form of antimatter to date

WASHINGTON – An international team of scientists studying high-energy collisions of gold ions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has published evidence of the most massive antinucleus discovered to date.

The RHIC is a 2.4-mile-circumference particle accelerator located at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory.
The new antinucleus, discovered at RHIC’s STAR detector, …. Original source  : Scientists discover most massive form of antimatter to date.

Organic food advocates say San Francisco is giving community gardeners toxic sludge as compost

Claim: San Francisco giving gardeners toxic sludge

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco wears its environmental consciousness like a green badge of honor. Residents separate and recycle their food scraps. Streets close to cars so people can walk and bike them. A city department even gives away “high-quality, nutrient-rich, organic bio-solids compost” to any and all takers.
But …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Organic food advocates say San Francisco is giving community gardeners toxic sludge as compost.

Now, You Tube videos to come with captions for deaf people

LONDON – YouTube videos can now be more accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing thanks to new automatic captions technology.

The feature will initially apply to English language videos, but other languages will be added in future.
The Google-owned company has claimed the use of speech recognition technology is probably the biggest experiment of its … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Now, You Tube videos to come with captions for deaf people.

Mars Express smoothly skims past enigmatic Phobos

PARIS – Reports indicate that Mars Express has smoothly skimmed past Phobos at just 67 km, the closest any manmade object has ever approached Mars’ enigmatic moon.

The data collected could help unlock the origin of not just Phobos but other ’second generation’ moons.
Phobos looks like a solid object but previous flybys have shown that it … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mars Express smoothly skims past enigmatic Phobos.

Experimental vaccine shows promise against chikungunya

LONDON – Scientists have developed an experimental vaccine for chikungunya virus and successfully tested it in monkeys.

The vaccine, developed by at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Purdue University and Bioqual Inc, is composed of non-infectious “virus-like particles.”
Although coated with the same proteins that enable … Read more »».

Soon, helicopter that would investigate nuclear disasters

WASHINGTON – An engineering team at Virginia Tech University is developing an autonomous helicopter that would analyse the after-effects of nuclear disasters.

Roughly six feet long and weighing 200 pounds, the re-engineered aircraft- being developed by students at Virginia Tech’s Unmanned Systems Laboratory- would assist military investigators.
The helicopters would enter an American city after a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Soon, helicopter that would investigate nuclear disasters.

Diabetes ‘leads to diminished brain power’

LONDON – Diabetic retinopathy could be associated with poorer memory and diminished brain power in people with Type 2 diabetes, according to a new research.

For the study, researchers at Edinburgh University looked at 1,066 people with type 2 diabetes aged between 60 and 75.
Participants in the study completed seven tests focusing on memory, logic and … Read more >>.

New system to monitor historical monuments by remote control to detect damage

WASHINGTON – A team of engineers from the University of Seville in the US has created a system for monitoring historical monuments by remote control and detecting possible damage.

Five years ago, the researchers placed various sensors … Read more »».

Exploring enigmatic coneflower’s origins may help treat human ailments

WASHINGTON – A scientist is helping to sort through the jumbled origins of Echinacea, the coneflower known for its blossoms, which has the potential for treating infections, inflammation, and other human ailments.

Only a few … Original source on Gaea Times at : Exploring enigmatic coneflower’s origins may help treat human ailments.

Templar ‘crucifixion nail’ found on Portuguese island a fantasy, says archaeologist

WASHINGTON – An archaeologist has determined that the alleged discovery of three Templar skeletons and a ‘crucifixion nail’ dating from the Roman era on the Portuguese island of Madeira is nothing but “a fantasy”.

According to a report …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Templar ‘crucifixion nail’ found on Portuguese island a fantasy, says archaeologist.

Global warming making Tibet’s environment much more fragile than before

NEW DELHI – Reports indicate that the impact of global warming is affecting the ecological environment of Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region, accelerating glacial shrinkage, reducing snow and increasing land desertification.

“Global climate change has made Tibet’s environment much more …. Read the original article  : here.

Study sheds light on memory and learning

WASHINGTON – In a new study, researchers have delved into the question-Are we over estimating remembering and underestimating learning?

Led by Nate Kornell, an assistant professor of psychology at Williams College, and Robert A. Bjork of the …. Original article  : Study sheds light on memory and learning.

Singapore can whet its thirst for rice by helping farmers become water-wise

WASHINGTON – A scientist has said that in spite of competition for water getting fiercer and dwindling of water supplies, Singapore can contribute to securing its rice supply by joining the global community in helping farmers become water-wise.

This is the key message from Dr. Bas Bouman …. Original source  : Singapore can whet its thirst for rice by helping farmers become water-wise.

Dark and dangerous asteroids spotted lurking unseen near Earth’s orbit

LONDON – Reports indicate that an infrared space telescope has spotted several very dark asteroids that have been lurking unseen near Earth’s orbit.

Called the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), the new NASA telescope launched on 14 December on a mission to map the entire sky at infrared wavelengths.
It began its survey in mid-January.
In its first …. Original article  : Dark and dangerous asteroids spotted lurking unseen near Earth’s orbit.

How to get drunk without suffering a hangover

LONDON – Adding oxygen bubbles to drinks could help avoid those splitting headaches after all-night drinking sessions, experts have observed.

Researchers at Chungnam National University in Korea found punters drinking the oxygenated alcohol sobered up about 30 minutes faster than those drinking normal alcohol.
Dr Kwang-il Kwon, who helped lead the study, suggested putting oxygen in the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : How to get drunk without suffering a hangover.

Egyptian queen was offered bread and beer during her funeral 4,000 years ago

WASHINGTON – A translation of the hieroglyphics engraved on white stone in the tomb of a 4,000-year-old Egyptian queen has suggested that she was offered a loaf of bread and a jug of beer during her funeral.

Known as the “Pyramid Texts,” these hieroglyphics represent the oldest body of Egyptian religious writings and were widely in …. Read the original article  : here.

Radiation from thunderstorms can equal 400 chest x-rays for airplane passengers

WASHINGTON – In a new study, scientists have found that airplane passengers flying near thunderstorms could be exposed to dangerously high levels of radiation in the form of terrestrial gamma ray flashes, which is equal to 400 chest x-rays.

In space gamma rays-the most energetic forms of light-are created by violent events, such as supernovae, and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Radiation from thunderstorms can equal 400 chest x-rays for airplane passengers.

Heavier monkey moms produce better milk

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that heavier monkey moms that have given birth before produce higher quality breast milk, resulting in infants that are more playful and confident than their pals.

However, for the first-time monkey moms that weighed less, the …. Source  : Heavier monkey moms produce better milk.

Some gorillas may eat monkeys

WASHINGTON – A recent study that found monkey DNA in the feces of wild African mountain gorillas, has hinted that some gorilla species eat monkeys, and are not entirely vegetarian as earlier presumed.

While some zoo specimens are known to eat meat, wild gorillas eat only plants and fruit, along …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Some gorillas may eat monkeys.

Australian police search anti-whaling activist ships that harassed Japanese hunt

Australian police search anti-whaling ships

ADELAIDE, Australia – Australian police conducted searches Saturday on two anti-whaling vessels that recently clashed with Japanese ships in the Antarctic Ocean in an attempt to obstruct their annual catch, police and activists said.
Federal police with search warrants boarded the Steve Irwin and the Bob Barker, ships belonging to the activist … Read more >>.

Male mice drive females wild with ultrasonic love ballads

WASHINGTON – Male mice sing ultrasonic love songs to woo females, a new study has found.
The ultrasonic songs vary widely, with some winning males emitting tunes that prove irresistible to females.nd as the song quality varies among males, the songs help females to choose the best mates.

However, it is not known what exactly makes a …. Source article  : Male mice drive females wild with ultrasonic love ballads.

Now, ‘hearing’ maps to help architects ward off unwanted noise in rooms

WASHINGTON – Cardiff University scientists have come up with innovative sound-mapping software based on human hearing, which will help architects design out unwanted noise.

The new software generates audibility maps of proposed room designs, which show hotspots where conversations would not be intelligible if the room were busy.
These maps Architects can then adjust their designs to … Read more >>.

Smile genuinely to live longer

LONDON – Here’s the secret to live a grand old age – smile, and make sure you mean it, says a new research.

Pro baseball players in the 1950s who genuinely beamed in their official photographs tended to outlive more sullen-looking sportsmen and those who put on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Smile genuinely to live longer.

9/11 attack tops Yahoo! Searches

LONDON – The September 11 terrorist attacks on New York’s twin towers has ranked top in the list of online news searches in the last 15 years, according to a new study by Yahoo! shows.

Cloning and the Iraq war followed the attack at the World Trade … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 9/11 attack tops Yahoo! Searches.

RockTenn raises prices on recycled paperboard products by $45 per ton

RockTenn raises prices on recycled paperboard

NORCROSS, Ga. – RockTenn said Friday it has raised the prices it charges by $45 per ton on certain coated recycled paperboard products.
The products include Classic News, AngelCote and MillMask recycled paperboard products. The increases are effective with shipments beginning April 6.
RockTenn, based in Norcross, Ga., makes paperboard, container board …. Read the original article  : RockTenn raises prices on recycled paperboard products by $45 per ton.

Xcel promises to cut Colorado pollution by 2017

Xcel promises to cut pollution in Colorado

DENVER – Xcel Energy is promising to cut air pollution over the next seven years.
A deal announced Friday by Gov. Bill Ritter, the company and lawmakers will require Xcel to reduce pollutants by retiring or modifying Front Range coal-fired power plants by 2017.
The power plants would be replaced by … Original source on Gaea Times at : Xcel promises to cut Colorado pollution by 2017.

Petroleum groups relieved sage grouse won’t be listed as threatened or endangered in West

Energy groups relieved sage grouse won’t be listed

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – An Interior Department announcement Friday that it won’t list sage grouse as an endangered or threatened species opens the way for continued development of the West’s wind energy and oil and gas industries.
Those industries will still face scrutiny in sage grouse habitat but much less … Original article on : Petroleum groups relieved sage grouse won’t be listed as threatened or endangered in West.

Apple’s ‘iKey’ to replace the humble door key

LONDON – Computer giant Apple is set to revolutionize the traditional door key with introduction of a hi-tech alternative nicknamed the ‘iKey’.

It means people can stop carrying around a bunch of keys, and instead use a single electronic device to unlock their car, front door and gain access to their office.
The technology simply requires the … Read more : Apple’s ‘iKey’ to replace the humble door key.

Radiation ineffective after mastectomy, says study

WASHINGTON – Radiation may not help most early-stage breast cancer patients after mastectomy, a new American research has revealed.

The study, conducted by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer, found low present-day risk of recurrence following modern surgery and systemic therapy.
The research demonstrated that stage I and II patients, without spread to …. Original source  : Radiation ineffective after mastectomy, says study.

Meet Snackbot: robot that serves snacks!

LONDON – American scientists have created a new robot that can deliver snacks.
Paul Rybski and colleagues at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, came up with the “snackbot” after two years of research.

The 20,000-dollar robot comes complete with laser navigation, sonar sensors and a Point Grey Bumblebee 2 stereo camera that function as its eyes.
A New York … Read more : Meet Snackbot: robot that serves snacks!.

Pigeons outdo humans at solving ‘Monty Hall’ problem

WASHINGTON – Pigeons are better off than humans, when it comes to solving the ‘Monty Hall’ problem.

The new findings – involving the pigeons superior ability to solve a perplexing statistical problem – might in turn shed light on why humans are bad at solving certain kinds of problems, scientists added.
The so-called Monty Hall problem is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pigeons outdo humans at solving ‘Monty Hall’ problem.

People dress pets like humans to feel in control

WASHINGTON – People tend to name their pets and cars, because they feel more in control and connected, claims a psychologist.

Psychology researcher Adam Waytz of Harvard University, insists that people anthropomorphize, the act of attributing human traits to non-humans, to feel connected to environment.
As part of his study, Waytz and his team asked people to … Read more >>.

Conserving and restoring moorlands can slow down climate change

WASHINGTON – Scientists have stressed that conserving and restoring the moorlands is important because they are some of the rarest habitats in the world, home to extremely rare animals and plants, and can also slow down climate change.

Seventy-five per cent of the world’s heather moorlands are in the UK. However, pollution, overgrazing and wild fires … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Conserving and restoring moorlands can slow down climate change.

Scientists find glitch in common digital security system

WASHINGTON – Computer scientists at University of Michigan have found a major flaw in a most common digital security technique used to protect both media copyright and Internet communications.

The experts claim that they could foil RSA authentication system by varying the voltage supply to the holder of the “private key,” which would be the consumer’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Encroaching woody plants don’t slurp up water

WASHINGTON – A study by researchers at the Texas A and M University, US, has suggested that the assumption that encroaching woody plants slurp up water and drain nearby rivers in a particular area, is not true, and clearing these plants might make drought worse.

The assumption is the driving force behind efforts from Texas to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Improved technology a must to feed world’s projected 9 billion people by 2050

WASHINGTON – A top agricultural economist has determined that technology that can enhance food production will be a significant asset, in order to feed a world population projected to exceed 9 billion people by 2050.

The academician in question is Ted Schroeder, university distinguished professor of agricultural economics, Kansas State University.
He said that dramatically increased food … Read more : Improved technology a must to feed world’s projected 9 billion people by 2050.

Eruption of Alaska’s Redoubt Volcano sparked new type of lightning

WASHINGTON – Three-dimensional imaging has shown that the eruption of Alaska’s Redoubt Volcano last year, created a new type of lightning, in the form of small, quick sparks.

“We long suspected that the first eruption might be different – and it was,” University of Alaska volcano seismologist Stephen McNutt, told Discovery News.
By monitoring seismic data, researchers … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Eruption of Alaska’s Redoubt Volcano sparked new type of lightning.

Growing support for ‘hobbit’ as distinct species

Growing support for ‘hobbit’ as distinct species

Here is what other scientists have discovered about Homo floriensis, “the hobbit”:
-An analysis of the teeth from at least three hobbits found traits similar to early Homo species or Australopithecus, which lived in Africa between 3.8 million and 2.9 million years ago. The research by Peter Brown and Tomoko … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Growing support for ‘hobbit’ as distinct species.

Tenn. hospitality association CEO sends e-mail comparing first lady to Tarzan’s Cheeta

E-mail compares first lady to Tarzan’s Cheeta

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The CEO of Tennessee’s hospitality association is apologizing for sending an e-mail to a group of public figures that compares first lady Michelle Obama to a chimpanzee.
The Tennessean of Nashville reports that Tennessee Hospitality Association CEO Walt Baker’s e-mail compares the first lady to Tarzan sidekick … Read more >>>.

Galileo’s early research may have led him to support Earth as center of Universe

ASHINGTON – A physicist has determined that if Galileo Galilei had followed the results of his observations to their logical conclusion, he should have backed the view that Earth didn’t move, and that everything else circled around it and the Sun.

According to a report in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Galileo’s early research may have led him to support Earth as center of Universe.

UK event to make Internet users more security conscious

WASHINGTON – It has emerged that Sunderland City Council has teamed up with a group of academic researchers to put on an exciting interactive event aimed at making Internet users more aware of the problems of disclosing personal information online.

The event forms part …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : UK event to make Internet users more security conscious.

Teaching kids self-control skills reduces classroom problems

WASHINGTON – Children who are taught self-control skills, such as monitoring and controlling anger and other emotions, face significantly fewer school disciplinary referrals and suspensions, says a study.

Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center found that mentoring kids has a significant impact on their behaviour in the classroom.
The study’s principal author Peter Wyman, associate professor …. Source  : Teaching kids self-control skills reduces classroom problems.

Nokia develops self-charging cellphone

LONDON – Experts have come up with a cellphone that can recharge its own battery by harvesting energy from the owner’s motion.

The self-charging handset by Nokia, who has already filed for a US patent, was predicted to work with heavier components, such as the radio transmitter circuit and battery, supported on a sturdy frame.
The frame … Read : Nokia develops self-charging cellphone.

Idle talk can make you unhappy

LONDON – Idle chit chat can make people unhappy, claims a new study.
A team of American psychologists from the University of Arizona studied if happy and unhappy people differed because of the types of conversations they had.

They asked a team of volunteers to wear an unobtrusive device called an Electronically Activated Recorder for four days, … Read more >>.

Virus infections may lead to gluten intolerance

LONDON – Virus infections may be a contributing factor in onset of gluten intolerance (coeliac disease), a new research suggests.

Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune reaction in the small intestine. The gluten that occurs naturally in grains such as wheat, barley and rye causes damage to the intestinal villi, problems with nutrient absorption and potentially other … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Virus infections may lead to gluten intolerance.

New strategy to give fingerprint for genes involved in endocytosis

LONDON – By applying a new strategy, researchers at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics can now identify and characterize genes involved in endocytosis.

Endocytosis is the process by which cells ingest substances from the external environment. If affected, it can lead to infectious diseases or cardio-vascular diseases, cancer, Huntington’s and diabetes.
For the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New strategy to give fingerprint for genes involved in endocytosis.

A look at federal reservoirs being used for water supply without initial authorizations

A look at reservoirs used for water supply

WASHINGTON – A list of federal reservoirs by state that were not initially authorized for water supply but are now being used for that purpose:
ARKANSAS – Lake Ouachita, DeGray Lake, Blue Mountain Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Nimrod Lake, Norfork Lake
GEORGIA – Carters Dam and Lake, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : A look at federal reservoirs being used for water supply without initial authorizations.