Global warming sinks disputed island in Bay of Bengal

LONDON – Reports indicate that global warming has claimed its latest victim, namely, a low-lying island in a sprawling mangrove delta in the Bay of Bengal, which has been disputed by India and Bangladesh for almost 30 years.

According to a report in The Independent, the New Moore Island has disappeared beneath the waves, which is … Read : Global warming sinks disputed island in Bay of Bengal.

Migratory birds’ berry eating habits can teach us about healthy eating

WASHINGTON – Migratory birds favor the arrow-wood berry, high in anti-oxidants, during long flights, say researchers who claim that the birds’ diets might be used to understand the role of berries in human health.

Two University of Rhode Island scientists believe that birds choose certain berries because they offer protection against oxidative stress that occurs during …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Could erectile dysfunction drugs help muscular dystrophy patients?

WASHINGTON – Taking a step further from a recent rodent study, a Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute cardiologist is probing if drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction could also be used to improve muscle blood flow and reduce fatigue in muscular dystrophy patients.

A recent study showed beneficial effects of tadalafil (also known as Cialis) in mice with …. Original article  : Could erectile dysfunction drugs help muscular dystrophy patients?.

Anaesthesia ups risk of developing Alzheimer’s-like symptoms

WASHINGTON – Repetitive anaesthesia with isoflurane (one of the most common anaesthetics by inhalation) increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) like symptoms in patients with genetic risk factors for the disease, according to a rodent study.

Spanish researchers coordinated by Doctors Maria Angeles Mena and Justo Garcia de Yebenes, from CIBERNED (Centro de Investigacion [..] Read the original article: here.

How weight-loss surgery reverses type 2 diabetes

WASHINGTON – For the first time, researchers at UC Davis have shown that surgical procedure in rats, similar to bariatric (weight-loss) surgery in humans, can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The researchers also have identified biochemical changes caused by the surgeries that may be responsible for that delay.
Findings from the study should help researchers …. Read the original article  : here.

Gorillas may become extinct in ten years in central Africa

WASHINGTON – A new UN report has said that gorillas may become extinct across much of central Africa in ten years or so.

According to National Geographic News, the report says that among the threats to the gorillas are surges in human populations, the ape-meat trade, and logging and mining as well as the spread of … Read more »».

How the brain constructs morality

WASHINGTON – Our ability to respond appropriately to intended harms – that is, with outrage toward the perpetrator – is seated in a brain region associated with regulating emotions, says a new study.

According to MIT neuroscientists, patients with damage to this brain area, known as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPC), are unable to conjure a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : How the brain constructs morality.

‘Big Bang Machine’ may unlock secrets of the Universe

WASHINGTON – Scientists are of the opinion that the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s largest and highest-energy particle accelerator, may unlock many secrets of the Universe.

Located at the CERN laboratory outside Geneva, the immense collider, which measures more than 16 miles in circumference, is expected to usher in a new era of particle physics …. Read the original article  : ‘Big Bang Machine’ may unlock secrets of the Universe.

Hair-conditioning shampoos may help develop ‘CO2??? scrubber

WASHINGTON – Soon, relatives of ingredients in hair-conditioning shampoos and fabric softeners may be used to develop a carbon dioxide (CO2) “scrubber” that can be helpful in fighting global warming.

These ingredients show promise as a long-sought material to fight global warming by “scrubbing” CO2 out of the flue gases from coal-burning electric power generating stations, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hair-conditioning shampoos may help develop ‘CO2′ scrubber.

Stop eating fish to help planet says PETA

BHUBANESWAR – Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Thursday urged people to stop eating fish and go vegan to help animals and the planet.

Unveiling the results of a year-long exhaustive investigative report on the fishing industry, senior campaign coordinator Nikunj Sharma said here that by eating fish people were putting …. Read the original article  : Stop eating fish to help planet says PETA.

What makes the first impression last?

LONDON – Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the California Institute of Technology have found how the memory of a first impression lasts in the brain.

They have suggested that when memory-related neurons in the brain fire in sync with certain brain waves, the resulting image recognition and memories are stronger than if this synchronization does … Read more : What makes the first impression last?.

“X-Woman” coexisted with Neanderthals and modern humans 40,000 years ago

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that an unknown type of human, nicknamed “X-Woman,” coexisted with Neanderthals and our own species between 30,000 to 50,000 years ago.

According to a report in Discovery News, the as-of-yet-unnamed new human species represents the first time that a hominid has been described not from the structure of its …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : “X-Woman” coexisted with Neanderthals and modern humans 40,000 years ago.

Scientists create “handshaking” particles

WASHINGTON – Reports indicate that physicists at New York University (NYU) have created “handshaking” particles that link together based on their shape rather than randomly.

Their work marks the first time scientists have succeeded in “programming” particles to join in this manner and offers a type of architecture that could enhance the creation of synthetic materials.
“We …. Source  : Scientists create “handshaking” particles.

Flexible silicon device could help put offbeat hearts back on rhythm

WASHINGTON – A new type of implantable device for measuring the heart’s electrical output has been created by a team of cardiologists, materials scientists, and bioengineers.

The new device represents the first use of flexible silicon technology for a medical application, say its developers.
“We believe that this technology may herald a new generation of active, flexible, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Flexible silicon device could help put offbeat hearts back on rhythm.

Earth’s health reaching critical tipping point, says scientist

WASHINGTON – In a new study, an expert at the University of Minnesota (U of M), US, has said that earth’s health is reaching critical tipping point and climate change is just one of the problems that the planet faces.

The study, by U of M professor Jon Foley, has been featured as part of the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Earth’s health reaching critical tipping point, says scientist.

Pursuit of status and affection behind bullies’ behavior

WASHINGTON – Most bullies are motivated by the pursuit of status and affection, says a new study.

The longitudinal study was conducted by researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. It appears in the March/April 2010 issue of the journal Child Development.
In their work, the researchers questioned almost 500 elementary-school children ages 9 to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Words influence infants’ cognition from first months of life

WASHINGTON – Even before infants begin to speak, words play an important role in their cognition, suggests a new study.

Northwestern University researchers have found that for 3-month-old infants, words influence performance in a cognitive task in a way that goes beyond the influence of other kinds of sounds, including musical tones.
The research by Alissa Ferry, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Words influence infants’ cognition from first months of life.

Meat and milk production less harmful to planet than previously believed, admits UN

LONDON – Reports indicate that the UN has admitted a flaw in its report on the impact of eating meat on climate change, which linked livestock to global warming.

The 2006 study, Livestock’s Long Shadow, claimed meat production was responsible for 18 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions – more than transport.
Its conclusions were heralded by …. Read the original article  : here.

How our body does our thinking

LONDON – Our bodies and their relationship with the environment govern even our most abstract thoughts, which include thinking up random numbers or deciding whether to recount positive or negative incidents, a new research suggests.

“Advocates of traditional accounts of cognition would be surprised,” says Tobias Loetscher at the University of Melbourne in Parkville, Australia. “They …. Original source  : How our body does our thinking.

Japan big winner at UN wildlife meeting, using political muscle to defeat shark, tuna bans

Japan big winner at UN conservation meeting

DOHA, Qatar – The Japanese seemed to be everywhere at the U.N. wildlife trade meeting.
Dozens of government officials worked the floor the past two weeks ahead of key votes and officials offered guidance to confused but supportive delegates. They held a reception for select representatives at their embassy in … Original article on : Japan big winner at UN wildlife meeting, using political muscle to defeat shark, tuna bans.