Chimps have highly developed awareness of deaths

LONDON – Chimpanzees have a highly developed awareness about deaths, two new studies say.

In one study, researchers describe the final hours and moment of death of an older female chimp living in a small group at a British safari park as captured on video.
In the other, researchers observed as two chimpanzee mothers in …. Original article  : Chimps have highly developed awareness of deaths.

Heat wave claims crocodiles in Chhattisgarh zoo

RAIPUR – A pair of crocodiles were victims of a heat wave at a zoo in Chhattisgarh where the maximum temperature has touched 45 degrees Celsius, officials said Wednesday.

A post-mortem report Wednesday said that male and one female crocodile, both aged about six years who were found dead at Nandan Van zoo on the outskirts … Original article on : Heat wave claims crocodiles in Chhattisgarh zoo.

‘HPV testing should be the primary screening method for cervical cancer’

LONDON – Scientists at Queen Mary, University of London, say that cervical cancer screening intervals could be extended to five years for women aged 30 and over if the primary screening method was human papillomavirus (HPV) testing.

A study showed that HPV tests are very accurate in … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘HPV testing should be the primary screening method for cervical cancer’.

The real culprit behind Alzheimer’s disease

WASHINGTON – Researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine have found that the real culprit behind Alzheimer’s disease is the Amyloid-Beta (Abeta) oligomers in the brain, and not the Amyloid-Beta plaques as many believed.

“The buildup of amyloid plaques was described over … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : The real culprit behind Alzheimer’s disease.

Now, virtual muscle machine to treat kids with disabilities

WASHINGTON – A retired dancer turned occupational therapist is pioneering a new “virtual” method to analyse movement patterns in children ? and more effectively treat those with debilitating motor disorders.

Dr. Dido Green of Tel Aviv University’s … Read more »».

Blinding disease drug shows promise for diabetic retinopathy patients

WASHINGTON – A drug that was developed to combat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) could be beneficial for people with a common form of diabetic retinopathy, according to a study.

According to the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research (DRCR) Network study, treating diabetic macular … Original source on Gaea Times at : Blinding disease drug shows promise for diabetic retinopathy patients.

Ports unable to deal with hazardous waste import: Ramesh

NEW DELHI – Indian ports weren’t capable of dealing with hazardous waste, Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh said Wednesday while stressing that the government needed to exercise “greater control” on the import of such material.

When asked if Indian ports were capable of handling the import of hazardous waste, Ramesh bluntly answered: “To be honest … Read more : Ports unable to deal with hazardous waste import: Ramesh.

It’s not what politicians say but what we like to hear

LONDON – There is increasing evidence that individuals interpret the same election message in different ways, according to their personal political perceptions, say experts.

Martin McKee from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and David Stuckler from the University of Oxford argue that “it is possible for two well-informed groups of people faced with …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : It’s not what politicians say but what we like to hear.

Now, SMS that self-destructs after one reading

LONDON – A lot of celebrities who have landed in trouble due to an SMS they have sent out would wish they had this new service – an SMS that self-destructs after it has been read once.

The new service, called Safe Text, sends messages to mobile phones that self-destruct as soon as they have been …. Source article  : Now, SMS that self-destructs after one reading.

I am not in favour of blanket ban on plastics: Ramesh

NEW DELHI – Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh said Wednesday that it was not possible to put a blanket ban on plastics in the country as it would affect the massive employment provided by the industry.

“I am not in favour of blanket ban on plastics as the industry provides massive employment to people. The …. Read the original article  : I am not in favour of blanket ban on plastics: Ramesh.

Steroid use may increase heart failure risk

WASHINGTON – Long-term use of steroids may weaken the heart and increase the risk of heart failure, a new study says.

Anabolic-androgenic steroids mimic the naturally occurring testosterone, a muscle-building hormone that promotes male sexual characteristics.
“Anabolic steroids, in addition to being illegal, have important health consequences,” said Aaron L. Baggish, study author and instructor in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Steroid use may increase heart failure risk.

USDA proposes cutting billions from crop insurance subsidies after industry posts high profits

USDA to cut subsidies as insurers post big profits

MINNEAPOLIS – The federal government wants to save taxpayers billions of dollars by reducing spending on crop insurance after years of big profits by insurers, but the industry claims the reductions could hurt rural areas.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is negotiating a new deal with crop insurance … Read more >>>.

Drugs for influenza treatment safe for pregnant women, babies

WASHINGTON – Tamiflu and two other drugs, which are used to treat influenza, are apparently safe for pregnant women and their babies, according to a new study.

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center conducted a retrospective study of 239 cases of women …. Original source  : Drugs for influenza treatment safe for pregnant women, babies.

Tart cherries reduce inflammation, risk for heart disease

WASHINGTON – Tart cherries do have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, claims a new study by Michigan researchers.

The researchers used a “whole food” approach to find that a cherry-enriched diet not only reduced overall body inflammation, but …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tart cherries reduce inflammation, risk for heart disease.

Underdeveloped brain makes young drivers more prone to car crashes

MELBOURNE – A new study claims to have found the reason as to why young drivers are involved in so many car crashes: underdeveloped brains.

According to Dr Lisa Wundersitz, from the Centre for Automotive Research, the underdeveloped brains make young …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Underdeveloped brain makes young drivers more prone to car crashes.

Cloudy sky in Delhi with chance of duststorm

NEW DELHI – Holding out some respite from the unrelenting sun, the weather office said Wednesday that Delhiites were likely to witness a cloudy day with the possibility of duststorm and rain.

“There is a possibility of dust and thunder storm. The national capital can expect partly cloudy sky,” an official of the India Meteorological [..] Read the original article: here.

Dinosaur fossils found in Argentina

Buenos Aires, April 28 (IANS/EFE) Scientists have found the fossilised remains of a carnivorous dinosaur in Argentina, officials said.

Argentinean scientists from Las Lajas town museum and researchers from Canada’s University of Alberta found fossilised bones of “saurischian” (lizard-hipped) dinosaurs in the southern province of Neuquen, 1,300 km south of Buenos Aires, they said Tuesday.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dinosaur fossils found in Argentina.

Agriculture Department says it may ban additives DHA and ARA from organic infant formula

USDA may ban additives from organic formula

WASHINGTON – The Agriculture Department says it may ban two synthetic additives from organic baby formula, overturning a Bush administration decision to allow them.
The USDA said Tuesday that the department incorrectly interpreted Food and Drug Administration guidelines that appeared to allow the additives, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also … Read more : Agriculture Department says it may ban additives DHA and ARA from organic infant formula.

15 Whales stranded on Chile beach rescued

Santiago, April 28 (IANS/EFE) Fifteen whales washed up on a beach in the northern Chilean city of Iquique were rescued by some 300 volunteers, police and navy personnel.

However, three of the cetaceans died hours later.
Experts say these whales are a deep-sea species that live 100 miles from the coast and could have come to … Read more >>.

Obama criticizes Senate GOP for continuing to block debate on financial overhaul bill

Obama says US deserves debate on Wall St. bill
OTTUMWA, Iowa – President Barack Obama is criticizing Senate Republicans for continuing to block debate on a bill to impose greater financial controls on the financial industry.
Obama spoke at a town hall meeting in Ottumwa, Iowa, after Republicans refused Tuesday for the second straight day …. Source article  : Obama criticizes Senate GOP for continuing to block debate on financial overhaul bill.