Parasites, not grasses and weeds, cause seasonal allergies

WASHINGTON – Always thought grasses, weeds and trees caused those common seasonal allergy symptoms? Well, from now on blame parasites for those sinus woes.

The plants’ harmless pollen enzymes confuse the immune system into triggering the runny nose and watery eyes chain reaction, but humans might have … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Parasites, not grasses and weeds, cause seasonal allergies.

Stay at home mums tend to have overweight kids

LONDON – Stay at home mums are more likely to have overweight children, according to an Australian study.

The study also found that mums who work full time are more likely to have fatter children than those who work part time.
Children whose mothers worked part time watched less TV, ate less junk food and were … Read more »»».

Unconscious learning uses old parts of the brain

LONDON – Non-conscious learning systems use areas of the brain that are simpler and evolutionarily older, says new research.

The study involved an investigation into the limbic striatum, one of the evolutionarily oldest parts of the brain, and the ability to learn movements, consciously and unconsciously, through repetition.
“Our results strongly substantiate the theories …. Source article  : Unconscious learning uses old parts of the brain.

Older students less likely to take intellectual risks

WASHINGTON – As students get older they become less likely to take intellectual risks such as sharing their tentative ideas when learning science, a new study says.

The study on student willingness to take risks in the name of early scientific exploration has been done by Ronald A. Beghetto, University of Oregon professor of education studies. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Older students less likely to take intellectual risks.

Why did early earth absorb more sunlight?

WASHINGTON – Four billion years ago, the sun radiated only 70 to 75 percent as much energy as it does today. Now, scientists are trying to explain what compensated for the reduced solar output and kept the earth’s water liquid.

A popular theory holds there must have been higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the … Read more : Why did early earth absorb more sunlight?.

European Space Agency launching satellite to explore climate change’s effects on ice

European satellite to watch ice for climate change

BERLIN – Scientists’ hope of pinning down more precisely the effects of global warming on the globe’s ice packs are riding with a satellite that the European Space Agency will launch this week.
The CryoSat 2 mission is to start Thursday. It is designed to pinpoint details of changes …. Original source  : European Space Agency launching satellite to explore climate change’s effects on ice.

Gene boosts yield of hybrid tomatoes

WASHINGTON – Researchers have boosted yields and improved taste of hybrid tomato, thanks to a single gene.

The discovery was patented by Yissum, the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University, which is seeking potential partners for further development and commercialisation.
“This discovery has tremendous potential to transform both the billion-dollar tomato industry as well …. Read the original article  : here.

Commercial fishing killed millions of sea turtles

WASHINGTON – The number of sea turtles inadvertently snared by commercial fishing gear over the past 20 years may run into millions, according to a latest finding.

It is first peer-reviewed study to compile sea turtle bycatch data from gillnet, trawl and longline fisheries worldwide.
The study analysed data compiled from peer-reviewed papers, government reports, technical … Original article on : Commercial fishing killed millions of sea turtles.

Shuttle Discovery arrives at space station, smooth docking despite antenna failure, no radar

Shuttle Discovery arrives at space station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery successfully docked at the International Space Station early Wednesday, its astronauts overcoming a rare antenna breakdown that knocked out radar tracking.
Shuttle commander Alan Poindexter and his crew relied on other navigation devices to approach the orbiting outpost.
“You guys are looking beautiful,” Japanese space …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Shuttle Discovery arrives at space station, smooth docking despite antenna failure, no radar.

Archaeologists discover prehistoric city in Syria

WASHINGTON – Archaeologists have uncovered new clues about a prehistoric society that formed the foundation of urban life in the Middle East prior to invention of the wheel.

The mound of Tell Zeidan in the Euphrates River Valley near Raqqa, Syria, which had not been built upon or excavated for 6,000 years, is revealing a society …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Archaeologists discover prehistoric city in Syria.

Doctor raises concerns about safety of St. John’s wort

WASHINGTON – There is no evidence supporting the use of so-called ‘natural’ treatments in combating the effects of anxiety, a Saint Louis University doctor has said.

Kimberly Zoberi, associate professor of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, said that St. John’s wort, kava extract and valerian, herbal remedies touted on the …. Original source  : Doctor raises concerns about safety of St. John’s wort.

Lizard with double penis found

LONDON – A species of a giant lizard with a double penis has been discovered in the Philippines, a media report said.

The brightly coloured lizard is a close cousin of Indonesia’s Komodo Dragon. But it is not a carnivore and only eats fruits, The Telegraph said Wednesday.
It measures 6 feet 5 inches in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lizard with double penis found.

RNA ‘bandage’ can revive wasted muscle in boys

LONDON – For the first time, an RNA ‘bandage’, which shields genetic mutations, could trigger the production of a missing, muscle-strengthening protein in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), according to a study.

Around 1 in 3500 boys are born with DMD, the result of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Molecular targets for diabetes-related erectile dysfunction identified

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine have identified some of the molecular changes linked with the onset of diabetes-induced Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

The discovery could lead to markers that will help identify ED …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Molecular targets for diabetes-related erectile dysfunction identified.

Antioxidant effects of almonds

WASHINGTON – A daily intake of almonds could significantly decrease levels of two biomarkers for oxidative stress in people with high cholesterol, according to a study by scientists at Tufts University in Boston, Mass.

Coauthor Jeffrey Blumberg and colleagues found … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Antioxidant effects of almonds.

Genetic link between low birth-weight and diabetes discovered

LONDON – A research team, including experts from the Edinburgh, has discovered a genetic link between low birth-weight and adulthood diabetes.

The researchers found two genetic regions that influence birth-weight, one of which is also associated with Type 2 diabetes.
It has been known for some time that small babies are more …. Original article  : Genetic link between low birth-weight and diabetes discovered.

Farmers go ‘organic plus’ with biodynamic approach that connects plants to earth’s rhythms

Biodynamic farmers connect to earth’s rhythms

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif. – When vintner Randall Grahm chose the softly sloping hillside and time to plant his new pinot noir vines, he weighed all the things farmers usually consider: drainage, soil quality and weather.
Then he considered less orthodox factors: the cosmic and seasonal rhythms at play and how … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Farmers go ‘organic plus’ with biodynamic approach that connects plants to earth’s rhythms.

Pleasant morning but warm day ahead in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhiites were greeted with a pleasant breeze Wednesday morning. Though the minimum temperature was recorded at a comfortable 19.6 degrees Celsius the met office has forecast a warm day ahead.

“The minimum temperature recorded this morning was a degree above average at 19.6 degrees Celsius. Yesterday’s daytime temperature touched a maximum of 37.2 … Read : Pleasant morning but warm day ahead in Delhi.

Rural job scheme revives Himachal’s traditional water sources

SHIMLA – To tackle acute water shortage in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh hit upon a novel initiative — using the rural jobs scheme to engage villagers to restore traditional sources of drinking water.

The district administration managed to restore most of the traditional water sources with the help of local people, who in turn got dual …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rural job scheme revives Himachal’s traditional water sources.

Russia raises price tag for giving US astronauts rides to space after shuttles get scuttled

Cost of US astronauts ride on Russia rockets soars

WASHINGTON – The price for American astronauts to hitch a ride on a Russian spaceship is going sky high.
NASA on Tuesday signed a contract to pay $55.8 million per astronaut for six Americans to fly into space on Russian Soyuz capsules in 2013 and 2014. NASA needs …. Original article  : Russia raises price tag for giving US astronauts rides to space after shuttles get scuttled.