Kidney disease genes discovered

LONDON – An international team of experts has identified 20 genes that could help explain the causes of kidney disease.

The team, including Edinburgh University researchers, found that the genes help to control vital kidney functions, such as filtering waste substances from the blood.
The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

World’s tiniest force recorded

MELBOURNE – Using a bowl of trapped ions, scientists have measured the smallest forces ever recorded.

The discovery could pave the way for solving unanswered questions in materials science areas such as computing and nanotechnology.
Professor Michael Biercuk of the University of Sydney … Read more : World’s tiniest force recorded.

Energy saving light bulbs can cause interference with TV sets

LONDON – Energy saving light bulbs can interfere with televisions, making them randomly change channel and switch on and off, confessed a leading manufacturer.

Philips Electronics have confirmed that the problem could be to do with an early type of energy saving light bulb, which can … Read : Energy saving light bulbs can cause interference with TV sets.

Key protein behind DNA repair identified

LONDON – DNA damage over our lifetimes is the key reason behind the development of cancer and other age-related diseases. But not everyone gets these diseases, because the body has multiple mechanisms for repairing the damage caused to DNA by aging, the environment and other human behaviors. Now, scientists have …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Key protein behind DNA repair identified.

California loses dairy farms as Iowa, Texas, other states lure farmers with less regulation

States woo Calif. dairymen with less regulation

DES MOINES, Iowa – The number of dairies in California has plummeted by more than 500 in the past decade, with many moving to other states enticing them with promises of lower costs and simpler regulations.
Eight states, ranging from Idaho to Iowa, have been courting dairies from California, the … Read : California loses dairy farms as Iowa, Texas, other states lure farmers with less regulation.

Oldest sanctuary in Arabia discovered

DUBAI – The oldest sanctuary in Arabia, as well as the oldest known ceremonial site dedicated to the dugong, a very particular marine mammal, have been discovered by the French archaeological mission to the UAE and the museum of the Umm Al Quwain Emirate.

Very …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Oldest sanctuary in Arabia discovered.

A little stress may be good for foetal brain

LONDON – It is well known that high stress during pregnancy is not good for mother as well as for the baby. But a new study suggests that moderate stress can boost foetal brain development.

Previous studies in rodents have shown that stress …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : A little stress may be good for foetal brain.

Novel way to turn water into hydrogen fuel found

LONDON – A team of MIT researchers has genetically modified a virus that can exploit sunlight to split water into oxygen and hydrogen.

Splitting water is one way to solve the basic problem of solar energy: It’s only available when the sun shines.
By …. Original article  : Novel way to turn water into hydrogen fuel found.

Musical tunes do go in tune with your heart

MELBOURNE – Listening to music you love or hate can have a physical impact on your heart, conclude researchers.

According to a study, conducted by Dr Mike Miller, a cardiologist at the University of Maryland Medical Centre in the US, playing your favourite songs can increase your blood circulation.
In fact, it gives you …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Musical tunes do go in tune with your heart.

Biological link between stress, anxiety and depression discovered

LONDON – A team of researchers at The University of Western Ontario has identified the biological link between stress, anxiety and depression.

By identifying the connecting mechanism in the brain, this new research shows exactly how stress and anxiety could lead to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

California gray whale-watchers fear dip in population, yet panel may allow more hunting

Calif. gray whale-watchers fear dip in population

LOS ANGELES – Gazing past the rolling whitecaps in the middle of San Diego’s whale-watching season, boat captain Bill Reese was dismayed by what he wasn’t seeing.
“Where are the whales?” said Reese. “Where are the whales?”
Long held as an environmental success story after being taken off the endangered list … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : California gray whale-watchers fear dip in population, yet panel may allow more hunting.

Skirmishes in climate debate resume at first conference after contentious Copenhagen summit

Skirmishes renewed at UN climate conference
BONN, Germany – Climate talks nearly ground to a halt before they began in earnest Sunday, with delegates squabbling over how to conduct negotiations for the rest of the year on a new agreement to control global warming.
Talks about talks appeared at times …. Original source  : Skirmishes in climate debate resume at first conference after contentious Copenhagen summit.

Lack of money stalls Obama’s jobs agenda; GOP objects, as does leading Senate Democrat

Obama election-year jobs agenda stalls in Congress
WASHINGTON – The election-year jobs agenda promised by President Barack Obama and Democrats has stalled seven months before voters determine control of Congress.
Democrats have no money to pay for the program. That’s because both Republicans and the Democratic chairman of the Senate Budget Committee objected to taking … Read : Lack of money stalls Obama’s jobs agenda; GOP objects, as does leading Senate Democrat.

UN climate official says binding deal unlikely in 2010 despite intensive _ and costly _ talks

UN official: Climate deal unlikely this year

BONN, Germany – The top U.N. climate official says negotiators are likely to hold at least four conferences this year, but without much expectation of concluding a binding agreement on global warming.
Yvo de Boer says the main elements of a deal should be in place by the yearend conference … Original article on : UN climate official says binding deal unlikely in 2010 despite intensive _ and costly _ talks.

Astronauts take 2nd spacewalk to replace space station cooling tank, overcome stiff bolt

Astronauts take 2nd spacewalk, overcome stiff bolt

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Spacewalking astronauts had to pull out a hammer and pry bar while attaching a big, new tank full of ammonia coolant to the International Space Station on Sunday, successfully driving in a stiff bolt after two frustrating hours.
The 215-mile-high action unfolded on the 40th anniversary … Read more >>>.

Boffins turn ‘worm in the apple’ gay to save crops

LONDON – Fruit experts have developed a novel technique to save millions of pounds worth of crops each year – the codling moth that tunnels through apples and pears will now be turned gay.

The grey insect with copper striped wings lays its eggs on fruit trees.
Once the yellow and black larvae hatch, they dig into … Read : Boffins turn ‘worm in the apple’ gay to save crops.