Science News – Newsletter for March 15, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
IPCC likely to backtrack on claim that global warming will destroy rainforests
LONDON – The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which is the world’s leading climate change group, is expected to backtrack over its claims about how rainforests would be devastated by rising temperatures, as one of its own scientists has said that the claim …. Original article on Gaea Times at : IPCC likely to backtrack on claim that global warming will destroy rainforests.
Geo-neutrino anti-matter found by scientists for first time
LONDON – Reports indicate that scientists have detected anti-matter particles, known as geo-neutrinos, emitted during nuclear reactions within the Earth’s crust for the first time.
According to a report in the Times, the measurements, by a detector buried more than one kilometre beneath …. Original article : Geo-neutrino anti-matter found by scientists for first time.
New evidence confirms presence of oceans on Earth 4 bln yrs ago
SYDNEY – A study of crystals found in Greenland has provided for new evidence of the theory that oceans covered the Earth four billion years ago.
According to a report by ABC Science, the Australian and Swedish researchers, led by geochronologist Dr Chris Kirkland, from the Western Australian Department of …. Original article : New evidence confirms presence of oceans on Earth 4 bln yrs ago.
Nano antennas could pave way for quantum computing networks
LONDON – A team of scientists has developed a way to control the direction of light on the nanoscale, by developing miniaturized television aerials made from gold nanorods, which can pave the way for quantum computing networks in the future.
At the moment, quantum physicists use cumbersome apparatus to try to keep … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nano antennas could pave way for quantum computing networks.
Delay in potty training harms environment, kids: Oz study
SYDNEY – An Australian study has found that parents who delay their children’s potty training until they are three or older could be doing them and environment serious harm.
According to the survey, children wore nappies for up to a year longer than earlier generations, with only about 50 …. Source article : Delay in potty training harms environment, kids: Oz study.
Scientists reveal snake infrared detection
LONDON – In a new research, scientists have discovered the receptors that allow snakes to find prey in the dark.
Vipers, pythons and boas have holes on their faces called pit organs, which contain a membrane that can detect …. Source article : Scientists reveal snake infrared detection.
Himalayan glacier meltdown: Pachauri says won’t resign over one mistake
NEW DELHI – The UN International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) chairman, Dr R K Pachauri, today said that he would not resign over what he called “one mistake” reported in the IPCC report.
Accepting that he and his team had erred in declaring a complete meltdown of the Himalayan glaciers by … Read more >>>.
Soon, crops with sustainable resistance to economically important diseases
WASHINGTON – An international team of scientists has made a breakthrough that provides for a new way to produce crops with sustainable resistance to economically important diseases.
Food insecurity is driving the search for ways to increase the amount of food … Original article on : Soon, crops with sustainable resistance to economically important diseases.
Olive Ridley turtles begin nesting at second Orissa beach
BHUBANESWAR – Thousands of Olive Ridley turtles crawled ashore from the Bay of Bengal Monday, after a month’s delay, at the Rushikulya beach in Orissa’s Ganjam district to lay their eggs, an official said.
Rushikulya beach, about 175 km from here, is one of the three mass nesting sites in the state. Turtle lovers and experts …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Lowering BP to normal levels doesn’t help diabetics
LONDON – Lowering blood pressure to normal levels does not reduce the combined risk of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease events in type 2 diabetes patients prone to such events, according to new results from the landmark Action to Control … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lowering BP to normal levels doesn’t help diabetics.
Scientists crack opium poppy’s genetic code
LONDON – In a breakthrough discovery, researchers at the University of Calgary have found the unique genes that allow the opium poppy to make codeine and morphine.
The advance has opened doors to alternate methods of producing these effective painkillers either by manufacturing them in a lab or … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Scientists crack opium poppy’s genetic code.
Better genetic test for autism
WASHINGTON – A new study has found that a genetic test that samples the entire genome, known as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), has about three times the detection rate for genetic changes related to autism than standard tests.
Researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston and the …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Spider silk could pave way for super-strong materials in future
LONDON – In a new research, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), found that spider silk employs a unique crystal structure that can convert an otherwise weak material into one with super strength, which could pave the way for stronger synthetic materials … Original source on Gaea Times at : Spider silk could pave way for super-strong materials in future.
Researchers say recent expedition proves there’s no need kill whales to study or manage them
Researchers back from Antarctic no-kill whale trip
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Whale researchers returned from Antarctic waters Monday after a six-week expedition that they said proved Japan’s annual kill of whales for scientific purposes is unnecessary.
During the voyage, Australian, French and New Zealand scientists used nonlethal techniques to study whales. It was a challenge to Japan’s … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Researchers say recent expedition proves there’s no need kill whales to study or manage them.
Psychopaths’ brains wired to seek rewards despite the consequences
LONDON – Psychopaths’ brains are apparently wired for a constant quest for a reward at any cost, according to new research from Vanderbilt University.
The research has uncovered the role of the brain’s reward system in psychopathy and opens a new area of study for understanding what drives these … Read more >>.
Peruvian cyclists take to road in buff
Lima, March 15 (IANS/EFE) Dozens of people wearing bathing suits, or nothing at all, rode bicycles through the streets of Lima to promote the use of non-motorised transportation as an alternative to the automobile as well as to defend the environment in Peru.
“People’s attention must be attracted to make them aware about the importance of … Read more »»».
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband visits China following months of rancor in ties
Britain’s Miliband visits China amid rancor
BEIJING – Britain’s foreign secretary will seek to smooth rancor with China over climate change talks and Beijing’s execution of a British drug smuggler thought to be mentally ill as the two sides meet this week for talks.
David Miliband is to visit a training base for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : British Foreign Secretary David Miliband visits China following months of rancor in ties.
Jaguar undergoes dental surgery
Bogota, March 15 (IANS/EFE) Reina, a female jaguar who lives at the Santa Fe Zoo in the northwestern Colombian city of Medellin, underwent an operation on her canine teeth because they showed damage that was preventing her from eating properly.
The big cat underwent a procedure to treat and reconstruct the roots of her lower canines … Read more »»».
Pregnant women with gum disease more likely to give birth prematurely
LONDON – Pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely than mothers-to-be with good oral health, according to a new US study.
The research by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that successful treatment for gum disease can cut the risk of pregnant women giving birth early, reports the BBC.
The study …. Source article : Pregnant women with gum disease more likely to give birth prematurely.
Israel hopes to stop brain drain, lure scientists home with academic, financial initiative
Israel approves plan to stop brain drain
JERUSALEM – Israel’s government has approved a plan to lure the country’s top scientific minds back home after years of brain drain.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement Sunday the plan includes incentives for scientists and new research facilities. It did not elaborate.
It said around $250 million … Original source on Gaea Times at : Israel hopes to stop brain drain, lure scientists home with academic, financial initiative.