‘Quantum dot’ promises super-fast, super-powerful computing

MELBOURNE – Australian scientists have developed a new transistor in a computer chip that is 10 times smaller than those currently in use.

The invention marks the start of a new age of super-fast, super-powerful computing, has been described in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

At the [..] Read the original article: here.

Organic solids in soil may accelerate bacterial breathing

LONDON – Organic solids in soil may speed up bacterial breathing, a new study has found.

Led by University of Wisconsin-Madison geoscientist Eric Roden, the new research shows that iron oxide-breathing bacteria can also ‘mineral-breathe’ with insoluble organic substances, formed when plants and other … Read more : Organic solids in soil may accelerate bacterial breathing.

Advance made towards stopping plaque-like formations in Huntington’s disease

WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified gene candidates likely to be responsible for plaque-like formations that cause neurological decline, as is the case in Huntington’s Disease.

The study has appeared in the journal GENETICS.

A laboratory test allowed scientists to evaluate large numbers of fruit fly genes …. Source  : Advance made towards stopping plaque-like formations in Huntington’s disease.

Giant asteroid collision created 50 km wide undersea dome

SYDNEY – Scientists have identified a dome, rather than a crater, at least 50 km across, buried under the Timor Sea.

It was created by a giant asteroid smashing into the Earth around 35 million years ago — a period of heavy extraterrestrial bombardment.
These findings by Australian National University (ANU) geologists could suggest a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Giant asteroid collision created 50 km wide undersea dome.

Moon craters may be electrified

WASHINGTON – Astronauts who would step on the moon in future will have to endure more than dust and frigid temperatures-the moon’s electrified poles.

According to an analysis, potentially hazardous electrical fields exist in the moon’s polar regions.

The phenomenon may be responsible for levitating dust from the moon’s surface.

The finding is applicable to other …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Moon craters may be electrified.

‘Viagra’ for women to hit the shelves soon

WASHINGTON – Good news for women who want to perk up the action in their bedroom-the Food and Drug Administration committee is thinking of endorsing the first pill designed to do for women what Viagra does for men-boost their sex lives.

A German pharmaceutical giant wants to sell a drug with the decidedly unsexy name [..] Read the original article: here.

New quantum process delivers tamper-proof e-messages

SYDNEY – A new quantum communication process can deliver unprecedented security, cutting down risks of sensitive information falling into wrong hands.

The University of New South Wales’ telecommunications researcher Robert Malaney has developed the process called “unconditional location verification”.
It ensures that even if an encryption password has fallen into the wrong hands, a secure … Read more : New quantum process delivers tamper-proof e-messages.

‘Immune evasion’ uncommon in M. tuberculosis

LONDON – The strategy of “immune evasion”, which is common to many viruses, bacteria and parasites, is uncommon to M. tuberculosis where the antigens remain strikingly unchanged and homogenous, found scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center.

The study suggests that M. tuberculosis antigens do not mutate because they hope to be recognized by the body’s immune … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Immune evasion’ uncommon in M. tuberculosis.

Vaginal gel could offer protection against HIV

WASHINGTON – In a test on monkeys, a vaginal microbicide based on a new type of anti-HIV drug could offer significant protection against infection with a virus similar to HIV, researchers have found.

The study is the first of a gel with an integrase inhibitor, one of the latest additions to the arsenal of drugs [..] Read the original article: here.

Diamonds travel at 60 km per hour inside Earth

LONDON – Diamond infused magma travel to the surface of the earth from deep within the planet at a blistering 60 kilometres per hour.

Rising magma in Earth’s mantle is thought to ascend at just a few centimetres per year.

It was known that kimberlite, which often contains diamonds, can rise more quickly near the surface, … Original article on : Diamonds travel at 60 km per hour inside Earth.

‘Human Lego’ paves way for artificial organs

LONDON – Hope to build artificial organs for human implantation has been boosted with the creation of Lego-like blocks made of human cells.

Javier Fernandez and Ali Khademhosseini at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have built a variety of living 3D shapes on a cell-by-cell basis, such as tubes and solid spheres.

Now, the experts anticipate constructing … Read more »»».

Measuring methane may give clue to size of Gulf oil spill

WASHINGTON – A geochemist has said that the extent of oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico can be measured by determining the dissolved methane gas drifting around it.

David Valentine of the University of California, Santa Barbara, called for “a concerted community effort” by scientists, federal officials and British Petroleum to devote at least two …. Read the original article  : Measuring methane may give clue to size of Gulf oil spill.

World’s GPS to get faster, more accurate as US begins upgrade

LOS ANGELES – The world’s GPS, or Global Positioning System, is getting a major upgrade which will enable it to pinpoint targets within an arm’s length, compared with a margin of error of 20 feet or more now.

The system which guides ATM and Wall Street to time-stamp transactions, US drones to target Taliban hideouts, courier … Read : World’s GPS to get faster, more accurate as US begins upgrade.

Indonesian worker punches Komodo dragon to free his hand from bite

Indonesian worker bitten by Komodo dragon
JAKARTA, Indonesia – An Indonesian worker freed himself from an attacking Komodo dragon by punching the reptile’s snout until it released him and ran away, a national park official said Monday.

Agustinus Jenaru, 20, was working inside an unfinished wooden bungalow on Rinca island when the 6.5-foot (two meter) lizard entered …. Read the original article  : Indonesian worker punches Komodo dragon to free his hand from bite.

Delhi to swelter at 43 degrees

NEW DELHI – People in the capital continued to swelter in the oppressive heat as met officials predicted a hot and humid Monday with the day temperature likely to be at 43 degrees Celsius.

The minimum temperature settled at 30.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above the normal for this time of the year.
“Skies will … Read more >>.

The good news is San Francisco’s flock of wild parrots is bigger; the bad, it needs more help

San Francisco’s famous parrots face rough times

SAN FRANCISCO – The wild parrots that call San Francisco home have become a given of city life, squawking their way to their favorite spots, delighting tourists. The famous flock is now about 300 strong, more than triple what it was 10 years ago.
But that, it turns out, is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : The good news is San Francisco’s flock of wild parrots is bigger; the bad, it needs more help.

Atlantis starts home journey

WASHINGTON – The US space shuttle Atlantis separated from the International Space Station (ISS) Sunday to prepare for its home journey on the shuttle’s last-ever mission before being retired.

The Shuttle with its crew of six astronauts eased away from the ISS at 1522 GMT for the return flight and its scheduled landing in Cape Canaveral, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Atlantis starts home journey.

Shuttle Atlantis undocks from space station after week together to deliver supplies, batteries

Shuttle Atlantis undocks from space station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After a week of flying together, shuttle Atlantis undocked from a larger and virtually completed International Space Station on Sunday and headed for home on its final voyage.
“Have a safe trip back and godspeed to you,” radioed the space station’s skipper, Oleg Kotov.
Atlantis isn’t due to …. Original article  : Shuttle Atlantis undocks from space station after week together to deliver supplies, batteries.

Two space crews say goodbye after week together; shuttle Atlantis set to undock from station

Space shuttle, station crews say goodbye
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After a week together in space, the shuttle and station crews shared some final laughs Sunday as they bid one another farewell and sealed the hatches just a few hours ahead of Atlantis’ departure.

Atlantis was set to undock late Sunday morning and, with its six astronauts, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two space crews say goodbye after week together; shuttle Atlantis set to undock from station.

Iran to launch communications satellites

TEHRAN – Iran Sunday unveiled its plans to launch two homemade communications satellites into orbit by March next year.

Mohammad Ali Forghani, head of Iran’s space agency, said the satellites would be displayed to public by mid this year, Iranian Fars news agency reported.
“These two satellites, which will be tasked with taking photos … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Iran to launch communications satellites.

Carbon dioxide frost consigns Phoenix Mars Lander to history

WASHINGTON – NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander has ended operations after carbon dioxide frost damaged the spacecraft’s solar panels.

Repeated attempts to contact the spacecraft were unsuccessful and a new image transmitted by NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, or MRO, shows signs of severe ice damage to the lander’s solar panels.

An image of Phoenix taken this month by …. Original source  : Carbon dioxide frost consigns Phoenix Mars Lander to history.

Patent-run for synthetic life form could be ‘damaging’, says Brit scientist

LONDON – Efforts to patent the first synthetic life form would give its creator a monopoly on a range of genetic engineering, said a top UK scientist who helped sequence the human genome.

Professor John Sulston said that the run for patent would inhibit important research.

US-based Dr Craig Venter led the artificial life form research, details … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Patent-run for synthetic life form could be ‘damaging’, says Brit scientist.

How poverty shapes the brain

TORONTO – Using a number of imaging techniques, a Canadian researcher will compare the structure and function of brains of young adults from families with low socioeconomic status to those who are middle-class.

James Swain, from University of Michigan, is part of a new generation of neuroscientists investigating how poverty shapes the brain.

He knows that the … Original source on Gaea Times at : How poverty shapes the brain.

Silver and gold nanowires to improve touch screens

WASHINGTON – Silver and gold nanowires can improve touch screen flexibility and durability, say scientists from Stanford University.

Rather than the protective glass that shatters when dropped, wires can be embedded in flexible plastics, which can reduce the weight and increase the … Read : Silver and gold nanowires to improve touch screens.

New method ‘to determine if dinosaurs were warm or cold-blooded’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have introduced the first method to directly measure body temperatures of extinct vertebrates and help reconstruct temperatures of ancient environments.

The study, by researchers from five institutions including the University …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New method ‘to determine if dinosaurs were warm or cold-blooded’.

Erratic orbits of neighbouring planets may make life sustenance difficult

WASHINGTON – Astronomers have found that fluctuating orbits of surrounding planets around a seemingly habitable planet could render life impossible on it.

New findings from computer modelling show that the forces exerted by giant neighbours with eccentric orbits could cause extreme … Read more >>>.

Dose of testosterone ‘makes women less trusting’

LONDON – A dose of sex hormone testosterone can make women less trusting of men, claims a study.

But, according to the study’s researchers, the effect only seems to be true for the more trusting members of society.

Tied to aggression and competitive behaviour, testosterone is produced by both sexes, although in much smaller quantities in women.

In … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dose of testosterone ‘makes women less trusting’.

Premature birth risk ‘genetic’

LONDON – Premature birth risk is genetic, according to a group of researchers.

In the University of Aberdeen study, which was published in Obstetrics and Gynecology journal, boffins found that early births tend to run in families.

The study, based on maternity records of 22,343 Scottish mothers and their daughters, found that women born prematurely or who … Read more : Premature birth risk ‘genetic’.

New DNA-cancer vaccine starves tumours of blood

WASHINGTON – Scientists at the Karolinska Institutet have developed a DNA-vaccine that restricts the supply of blood to tumours.

The vaccine slows the growth of breast cancer tumours in mice.

If a cancer tumour is to become larger than a few millimetres it must be able to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, in order to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New DNA-cancer vaccine starves tumours of blood.

NASA ends effort to contact silent Phoenix Mars Lander near north pole; ice damage possible

NASA ends effort to contact Phoenix Mars Lander

LOS ANGELES – NASA has ended efforts to regain contact with its Phoenix Mars Lander near the red planet’s north pole.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory said Monday that repeated attempts to contact the lander were unsuccessful and an image taken by an orbiting spacecraft suggests severe ice damage to its …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NASA ends effort to contact silent Phoenix Mars Lander near north pole; ice damage possible.

‘Stress’ protein may stop aging process

WASHINGTON – Excessive amounts of HSP10 (Heat Shock Protein) inside mitochondria – ‘organs’ that act as energy generators in cells – can halt the body’s ageing process by preserving muscle strength, scientists have found.

HSP10 helps monitor and organise protein interactions in the body, and responds to environmental stresses, such as exercise and infection, by increasing …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Stress’ protein may stop aging process.

Officials say poisoning mission in Chicago-area river kills many fish, but no Asian carp found

Chicago poisoning operation finds no Asian carp

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – A poisoning operation aimed at rooting out the voracious Asian carp in a Chicago-area river before they make their way into the Great Lake didn’t turn up any of the unwanted fish, Illinois officials said Monday.
Officials said more than 100,000 pounds of dead fish had …. Read the original article  : Officials say poisoning mission in Chicago-area river kills many fish, but no Asian carp found.

Playing in the dirt can make you smarter

Washington, May 25 (ANI): Exposure to a natural soil bacterium, which people likely ingest or breathe in when they spend time in nature, could increase learning behavior, claim researchers.

The finding will be presented at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego.
“Mycobacterium vaccae is a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Playing in the dirt can make you smarter.

Boffins develop model that demonstrates infectious cause of asthma

Washington, May 25 (ANI): An animal model that shows how an early childhood lung infection can cause asthma later in life has been developed by scientists from the University of Massachusetts.

The boffins present their data …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Boffins develop model that demonstrates infectious cause of asthma.

Folate could prevent alcohol-induced congenital heart defects in mice

WASHINGTON – High levels of the B-vitamin folate (folic acid) could prevent heart birth defects induced by alcohol exposure in early pregnancy, a condition known as foetal alcohol syndrome, according to a new animal study.

Researchers at the University of South Florida College of Medicine …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Folate could prevent alcohol-induced congenital heart defects in mice.

Early umbilical cord clamping may interrupt ‘nature’s first stem cell transplant’

WASHINGTON – The practice of clamping the umbilical cord just after birth should be delayed just a few minutes longer, urge researchers at the University of South Florida’s Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair.

Delaying clamping the umbilical cord for a slightly longer …. Source  : Early umbilical cord clamping may interrupt ‘nature’s first stem cell transplant’.

Darwin-inspired spacecraft engine with double life expectancy
created

LONDON – Inspired by Charles Darwin, scientists have doubled the life expectancy of a popular type of ion engineMovie Camera using software that mimics the way natural selection evolves ever-fitter designs.

Electrostatic ion engines are becoming popular in space missions.

Instead …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Darwin-inspired spacecraft engine with double life expectancy
created.

Scientists capture collision of a comet and Sun

Washington, May 25 (ANI): For the first time, solar physicists at the University of California, Berkeley, have captured the collision of a comet with the Sun.

Using instruments aboard NASA’s twin STEREO spacecraft, four post-doctoral fellows at UC Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory tracked the comet as it approached the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Scientists capture collision of a comet and Sun.

Pollution dispersion study key to understanding 2002 Antarctic ozone hole break-up

WASHINGTON – The eruption of the volcano in Iceland wreaked havoc as particles from the natural disaster travelled over Europe, forcing closures of major airports. But now, the seemingly random flow of particles can be analyzed to understand and control global phenomena such as this.

According to … Read more : Pollution dispersion study key to understanding 2002 Antarctic ozone hole break-up.

Rajasthan to dig ponds in water-starved sanctuaries

JAIPUR – Rajasthan will construct small dams and ponds in its water-starved wildlife sanctuaries – a move that could also stop animals from straying into nearby villages in search of the precious resource.

“In the first phase we would spend Rs.410 million (Rs.41 crore) on the construction of 85 such waterbodies inside Sariska, Ranthambore and Sawai … Read more >>.

New method to create field-effect transistors

WASHINGTON – Scientists in the U.S. say they have made thin films of nanotubes with ink-jet printers to create field-effect transistors – the basic element in integrated circuits.

While the scientists admitted their technique doesn’t exactly scale down to the levels required for modern microprocessors, the Rice University researchers said it would be useful to inventors … Read more >>>.

Better synchronization helps fish when under predator threat

WASHINGTON – A new research headed by scientists at the University of York has revealed that fish alter their movements when under threat from predators to help them to blend into the crowd.

Researchers in the York Centre for Complex Systems Analysis (YCCSA), based in the University’s Department of Biology, used a combined computer simulation … Read : Better synchronization helps fish when under predator threat.

Chinese Lunar Calendar method of predicting baby’s sex ‘not trustworthy’

WASHINGTON – The so-called Chinese Lunar Calendar method of predicting a baby’s sex is no more accurate than flipping a coin, a University of Michigan epidemiologist suggests.

Dr. Eduardo Villamor of the U-M School of Public Health and colleagues in Sweden and Boston reviewed records of 2.8 million Swedish births, between 1973 and 2006, to test … Read more »»».

Silicon chips with errors could help boost computer power

LONDON – An Indian researcher has said that to ensure perfect operation of silicon chips, manufacturers are running them at a higher power than actually needed.

Researchers are saying now that silicon chips that have errors in them could actually help in boosting the performance of computers.

As components shrink, chipmakers struggle to get more performance out [..] Read the original article: here.

Spanish researchers create 3D Romanesque monuments

WASHINGTON – Researchers have created virtual, full colour plans in 3D of five churches in the Merindad de Aguilar de Campoo, a region between Cantabria, Palencia and Burgos which boasts the highest number of Romanesque monuments in the world.

Spanish researchers from the Cartif Foundation and the University of Valladolid, created three-dimensional plans with colour images …. Source article  : Spanish researchers create 3D Romanesque monuments.

Asteroid ended the age of dinosaurs

WASHINGTON – A team of scientists claim to have finally concluded what ended the age of the dinosaurs – an asteroid.

The discovery of a massive crater at Chicxulub in Mexico’s Yucat???n Peninsula in 1991 strengthened that hypothesis.

The Chicxulub crater is more than 120 miles wide – about the distance from Fairbanks to the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Now browse Facebook on your mobile for free

Dubai, May 26 (IANS/WAM) The Emirates’ new integrated telecommunications service provider, Du, and social networking website Facebook have announced free mobile browsing of the new 0.facebook.com website for its customers.

The 0.facebook.com website is a faster, lightweight version of Facebook’s mobile site m.facebook.com. The new site does not have graphics or photos and the pages have … Original source on Gaea Times at : Now browse Facebook on your mobile for free.

Swarming ’swells’ brains of desert locusts

WASHINGTON – Scientists in Cambridge have discovered that the locust swarm has extraordinary effects on the insect’s brains.

Although desert locusts are infamous for their swarming behaviour – when they migrate en masse and consume everything in their path they usually occur in a solitary form, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Swarming ’swells’ brains of desert locusts.

Mutant gum disease bacteria offer clue to Alzheimer’s treatment

WASHINGTON – Researchers from the University of Florida College of Dentistry claim that a defective, mutant strain of the bacterium that causes gum disease could provide a clue to potential treatments for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and a number of other diseases.

The boffins report …. Read the original article  : here.

Device to predict diabetic wound healing developed

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Drexel University’s chool of
Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems have developed a breakthrough device that can change the current landscape of chronic wound management.

There are currently no established methods for early detection of wound healing, or for precise identification of healing progress. Wound size is the only accepted … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Device to predict diabetic wound healing developed.

Bacteria could help predict chances of colon cancer

WASHINGTON – Bacteria residing in the human intestinal tract may be associated with an individual’s risk of developing colon cancer, new research suggests.cientists from the University of Florida presented their research at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society …. Source  : Bacteria could help predict chances of colon cancer.

Termite, not the lion or elephant, could be king of Africa’s savanna

WASHINGTON – Always associated African savanna with fierce lions, massive elephantsand towering giraffes? Well, it’s not these big animals, but the humble termite, that appears to be the king of these jungles, according to scientists.

Ecologists have found that these termites contribute mightily to grassland productivity in central Kenya …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Butchers say business has grown as more people want to meet the people who provide their meat

Local food movement boost local butchers’ business

DES MOINES, Iowa – Interest in buying locally produced food has helped butchers’ business as consumers who want to know more about the steaks or chops they eat crowd counters at shops nationwide.
“I could say that in the past five years, my business has doubled,” said John Brooks Jr., …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Some sharks can make themselves invisible

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered that some sharks can become invisible to both prey and predators using an optical trick.

Lead author Julien Claes, a researcher in the Laboratory of Marine Biology, Earth and Life Institute at the …. Read the original article  : Some sharks can make themselves invisible.

Ghosn says growing demand helps convince Nissan it’s on track with electric Leaf

Ghosn says US demand growing for electric Leaf

DETROIT – Nissan Motor Co. CEO Carlos Ghosn (GOHN) says thousands of orders for the Leaf electric vehicle have convinced Nissan of consumers’ demand for it.
Ghosn said Tuesday after a speech to the Detroit Economic Club that Nissan feels very comfortable with what it has undertaken.
The president of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ghosn says growing demand helps convince Nissan it’s on track with electric Leaf.

‘Nature’s batteries’ could have been an energy source for early life

Washington, May 26 (ANI): Researchers may have stumbled upon new clues to the origin of early life on Earth.

The team at the University of Leeds found that a compound known as pyrophosphite might have been an important energy source for primitive lifeforms.

“It’s a chicken and egg question,” said Dr Terry Kee of the University of … Read more >>.

Melting glaciers making Mount Everest ‘more dangerous to climb’

LONDON – Mount Everest has become a treacherous climb due to glaciers melting along its slopes, according to a Nepalese Sherpa who has conquered the world’s highest summit 20 times.

Apa, a 49-year-old Sherpa, said that rising temperatures have melted much of the ice on the steep trail to the summit and climbers are struggling to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Melting glaciers making Mount Everest ‘more dangerous to climb’.

UN climate chief reminds rich countries of promised billions in help for poor nations

UN reminds rich countries of climate promises

BERLIN – As another difficult round of climate talks approached, the United Nations urged rich countries Tuesday to live up to their promises of help for poor nations in the fight against global warming.
Outgoing U.N. climate chief Yvo de Boer said that, to make headway toward a global climate …. Original source  : UN climate chief reminds rich countries of promised billions in help for poor nations.

UN fish stocks review conference opens with dire outlook for high seas species

UN fish stocks review opens with dire outlook

UNITED NATIONS – Environmentalists and scientists warned of collapsing fish stocks and tiny Pacific nation Palau sounded the alarm for sharks as diplomats Monday launched a weeklong review of high seas fisheries.
The international conference will “take a hard look” at how to put some teeth in a 1995 …. Original source  : UN fish stocks review conference opens with dire outlook for high seas species.

In unprecedented move, EPA bars Texas from giving refinery operating permit, will block more

EPA bars Texas’ operating permit to refinery

HOUSTON – The federal government has removed Texas’ authority to issue an operating permit to a southeast Texas refinery, saying the state is violating the federal Clean Air Act in dozens of cases.
Al Armendariz, the regional head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, says the EPA objected to 40 …. Original article  : In unprecedented move, EPA bars Texas from giving refinery operating permit, will block more.

International meeting to enact deforestation measures opens in Oslo

Int’l conference to save forests opens in Oslo

OSLO, Norway – Last December, an international conference on climate change approved global plans prevent deforestation. But those plans have not been implemented, and now a smaller meeting of nations in Oslo will try Thursday to find ways to start to put them in place – even if … Read more : International meeting to enact deforestation measures opens in Oslo.

Smarter robots set to replace clumsier ones

WASHINGTON – Scientists are developing faster and smarter robots that would not only replace their clumsier counterparts, but also use much less energy, says a new study.

The goal eventually is to design the first robot that can move 10 km within 10,000 seconds, through and over obstacles, using less energy than it would take a … Read : Smarter robots set to replace clumsier ones.

Protein switch that kills deadly water-based pathogens discovered

TORONTO – Scientists have discovered a protein switch that will help kill deadly water-based pathogens like E. coli and make for safer drinking water.

Zongchao Jia, a professor of biochemistry at Queen’s University, and post-doctoral student Jimin Zheng, discovered exactly how the AceK protein acts as a switch in some bacteria to bypass the energy-producing …. Read the original article  : Protein switch that kills deadly water-based pathogens discovered.

New oral drug promises treatment for aggressive lymphoma

WASHINGTON – A new oral drug called lenalidomide promises positive results in patients with transformed lymphoma with few side effects, suggests a new study.

45 per cent patients responded positively when treated with immunomodulatory medication, which kills lymphoma cells by activating the body’s natural killer cells and by interrupting cancer cell signaling that leads to cell …. Original source  : New oral drug promises treatment for aggressive lymphoma.

Why horror movie music is so scary

NEW YORK – UCLA researchers claimed to have solved the mystery of why horror-flick music causes goosebumps.

According to the boffins, freak-out film scores, from the screeching violins to the two thundering notes have one thing in common: they ape the cries that wild animals in distress have used for millions of years.

Scientifically speaking, these cries, … Read more : Why horror movie music is so scary.

Retina from human embryonic stem cells created

WASHINGTON – An eight-layer, early stage retina from human embryonic stem cells has been created by UC Irvine scientists.

The scientific breakthrough is the first three-dimensional tissue structure to be made from stem cells.

It also marks the first step toward the development of transplant-ready retinas to treat eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Retina from human embryonic stem cells created.

Novel mechanism for clearing blockages from smallest blood vessels found

LONDON – A previously unknown protective mechanism by which the smallest blood vessels remove blood clots and other blockages from the brain has been discovered in mice by researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

The findings, described in the May 27 issue of Nature by Jaime Grutzendler, M.D., and colleagues, provide insights into mechanisms …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Novel mechanism for clearing blockages from smallest blood vessels found.

Why we can’t get a song out of our head

WASHINGTON – You must have at some point been “infected” with a song, which you just can’t shake off. Scientists have now revealed how earworms can linger on for days at a stretch in some people.

Andreane McNally-Gagnon, a PhD student at the University of Montreal Department of Psychology, said that mostly earworms would disappear after …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Why we can’t get a song out of our head.

New species of invertebrates discovered in the Antarctic

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered two new species of invertebrates – polyps of the new gorgonia in the region of Austasen and and Isla Nueve.

Called Tauroprimnoa austasensis and Digitogorgia kuekenthali, both species are small and elongated, and stand out for the number, shape and layout of the scales of calcium carbonate that cover the polyps, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New species of invertebrates discovered in the Antarctic.

New vaccine may offer skin cancer cure

WASHINGTON – Scientists in the UK have been given the go-ahead to test a vaccine, which they believe, could be used as a powerful weapon in the fight against malignant melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer.

Lead author Professor Lindy Durrant of Nottingham University, and colleagues hope that the new vaccine, which targets tumour [..] Read the original article: here.

How auditory memories are formed

WASHINGTON – In a new study, researchers used “noise”- sound waves formed from many thousands of completely unpredictable random numbers played as a sound-to probe how the human brain acquires auditory memories.

And the study revealed that learning new sounds is quick, robust, and long lasting, resembling a sudden insight.

Auditory perception requires the listener to …. Read the original article  : How auditory memories are formed.

‘Smoking gun’ of black hole activation found

WASHINGTON – NASA’s Swift satellite has provided astronomers the answer to the long standing puzzle about why a small percentage of black holes emit vast amounts of energy.

The findings suggest that black holes “light up” when galaxies collide, and the data may offer insight into the future … Read more : ‘Smoking gun’ of black hole activation found.

After 40 years, Nasa spacecraft solves Martian ice caps mystery

LONDON – After 40 years, scientists claim to have solved mysteries of climate change on Mars – using data from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO).

The Shallow Radar, or SHARAD, instrument aboard MRO revealed sub-surface geology allowing scientists to reconstruct the formation of a large chasm and a … Read more »»».

Soon: High tech, low cost machines to improve election voting process

WASHINGTON – Ballot boxes and manual vote counting may soon be history, as computer scientists are building a new high tech but low cost system to improve the voting process in elections.

Computer scientists at the Universities of Surrey and Birmingham are developing the system, with funding from …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Opioid-blocking med reduces brain’s response to alcoholism cues

WASHINGTON – Opioid blocker extended-release injectable naltrexone (XR-NTX) is able to reduce the brain’s response to cues that may cause alcoholics to relapse, researchers at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital have reported.

In data presented …. Original article  : Opioid-blocking med reduces brain’s response to alcoholism cues.

Lions, crocodiles and bears, oh my! Iraq’s trade in exotic pets largely unregulated

Baghdad’s trade in wildlife anything but tame

BAGHDAD – A dozen fluffy white kittens with piercing blue eyes frolic in a wire cage, perched perilously atop a pen containing two African lion cubs. Neighborhood schoolchildren stop to feed sunflower seeds to a chained monkey, while three red foxes cower in their curbside enclosure from the street … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lions, crocodiles and bears, oh my! Iraq’s trade in exotic pets largely unregulated.

Discovery paves way for safer drinking water, cheaper medicine

WASHINGTON – Queen’s University scientists have made a new discovery that not only may pave the way to helping reduce health hazards such as E. coli in water, but could also make chemicals and drugs such as insulin cheaper to produce and their production more …. Original source  : Discovery paves way for safer drinking water, cheaper medicine.

‘Law-like’ patterns in human preference behaviour found

WASHINGTON – Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) scientists have found mathematical patterns underlying the way individuals unconsciously distribute their preferences regarding approaching or avoiding objects in their environment.

These patterns appear to meet the strict criteria used to determine whether something is a … Read more >>>.

Dwarfed horned dinos may have migrated from Asia to Europe

LONDON – Scientists have discovered that horned dinosaurs, which were thought to belong only to Asia and North America, may have roamed in Europe too.

Palaeontologists have announced the discovery of fossils belonging to a horned creature called Ajkaceratops kozmai, in the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dwarfed horned dinos may have migrated from Asia to Europe.

Coming closer to walking and running robots

WASHINGTON – Making an important fundamental advancement in robotics, researchers at Oregon State University have come closer to robots that not only can walk and run effectively, but use little energy in the process.

Studies are moving closer to robots that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Coming closer to walking and running robots.

Was Ardi, the oldest hominid skeleton, a human or an ape?

LONDON – A debate has erupted over the classification of Ardipithecus ramidus – popularly called Ardi – as to whether it was more human or an ape.

Researchers are questioning the classification of the oldest hominid skeleton – dated … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Was Ardi, the oldest hominid skeleton, a human or an ape?.

Srinagar-Leh highway closed after snowfall

SRINAGAR – The Srinagar-Leh highway was closed Saturday following heavy rains and fresh snowfall in the Zojilla Pass area of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The 475-km long highway connects the cold desert Ladakh region with the rest of India, an official from the north Kashmir Ganderbal district told IANS.
According to reports reaching here, two …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Srinagar-Leh highway closed after snowfall.

Rivers swell in Kashmir Valley after rains

SRINAGAR – Incessant rains have left the Kashmir Valley’s rivers and streams swollen, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert for Friday.

“There will be rain and thundershowers across the valley in the next 12 hours. The weather will only show signs of improvement by tomorrow (Saturday) evening,” said an official of the weather office here. …. Read the original article  : here.

Successful bionic eye implants Down Under by 2014

MELBOURNE – By 2014, see the emergence of a successful bionic eye in Australia, say scientists.

Experts from Australia’s ICT Research Centre of Excellence, National ICT Australia (NICTA) have showcased a prototype of the 98 electrode eye’s processing system at the CeBit Exhibition.

Senior Research … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Successful bionic eye implants Down Under by 2014.

Two new frog species discovered in Panama

PANAMA CITY – Scientists have discovered two new frog species in Panama’s rainforests at a time when many of the amphibians are threatened by a fungal disease driving them toward extinction.

Pristimantis educatoris was discovered in the Omar Torrijos nature reserve in Cocle province, scientists from the US Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute said Thursday.
The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two new frog species discovered in Panama.

Facebook in discussions to install ‘panic button’ link

LONDON – Social networking site Facebook has confirmed that it is in discussion to install a “panic button” on its pages that would link users directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

Richard Allan, Facebook’s director of … Read more : Facebook in discussions to install ‘panic button’ link.

Rain in Himachal brings cheer to tourists

SHIMLA – Widespread rain in Himachal Pradesh Friday brought cheer to tourists who have thronged the hill stations to escape the heat wave in the northern plains.

Most of the prominent tourist places in mid and high hills saw a good spell of showers early morning Friday, giving a relief from unusually high temperatures.
“Shimla and … Read more : Rain in Himachal brings cheer to tourists.

It’s official: Indoor tanning linked to melanoma risk

WASHINGTON – Using indoor tanning devices certainly increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, say researchers at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health and Masonic Cancer Center.

The study, involving 2,268 Minnesotans, is the largest of … Read more : It’s official: Indoor tanning linked to melanoma risk.

Ultrasound could improve tissue implant success

Washington, May 28 (ANI): Ultrasound could help tissue grafts to survive and thrive following surgery, according to a new study.

While it is known that ultrasound imaging typically requires frequencies that are 50 to 2500 times higher than those human ear can detect, recent increasing evidence indicates that ultrasound at … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Ultrasound could improve tissue implant success.

Corkscrew shape key to gut bug’s survival

Washington, May 28 (ANI): The shape of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which lives in the human stomach and is associated with ulcers and gastric cancer, is critical in its ability to colonise the stomach.

For …. Source  : Corkscrew shape key to gut bug’s survival.

Bursting ‘bubbles’ behind the origin of ‘halo’ gas clouds in our Galaxy

Washington, May 28 (ANI): By using CSIRO’s Parkes telescope, scientists have observed that just like bubbles burst on the surface of a glass of champagne, ‘bubbles’ in our Galaxy burst and leave flecks of material in the form of clouds of … Original article on : Bursting ‘bubbles’ behind the origin of ‘halo’ gas clouds in our Galaxy.

Racial bias kills natural tendency to pity

Washington, May 28 (ANI): Witnessing the suffering and pain of another person makes people’s nervous system respond in the same way it would if they were feeling that pain themselves. Now, researchers claim that this kind of empathy is diminished when people (black …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Next generation HazMat boots to be more comfy

Washington, May 28 (ANI): When responding to situations where hazardous materials (HazMat) are present, the rubber boots that emergency personnel wear may be functional, but they’re not very comfortable, Now, a new study from North Carolina State University …. Read the original article  : here.

New discovery may explain how certain cancers develop

Washington, May 28 (ANI): A new discovery made by a Florida State University College of Medicine researcher may help explain how certain cancers develop.

Yoichi Kato, an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and his lab team …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New discovery may explain how certain cancers develop.

Novel sperm stem-cell technique helps produce genetically modified rats

London, May 28 (ANI): Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have used a novel sperm stem-cell technique to produce genetically modified rats.

For 20 years, the laboratory mouse has been the workhorse of biomedical studies and the only mammal whose … Read : Novel sperm stem-cell technique helps produce genetically modified rats.

Why winds on Venus blow faster than the planet’s rotation

Melbourne, May 28 (ANI): Scientists may have found the answer to the long time puzzle – why do winds on the planet Venus blow faster than the planet’s rotation.

Venus rotates once every 243 Earth days, but it takes just 4 Earth days for clouds … Read more »»».

Duststorm brings down mercury level in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A dust haze since early Friday spelt good news for the capital’s residents as it brought down the mercury and paved way for a relatively pleasant day ahead compared to the sweltering heat of the past few weeks.

According to an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature recorded early … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Duststorm brings down mercury level in Delhi.

Marine bacteria pitch in to help clean Deepwater Horizon spill

London, May 28 (ANI): Researchers have found that dozens of different kinds of marine bacteria are hard at work to help clean the oil spill in Gulf of Mexico.

Jay Grimes of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg reported …. Read the original article  : Marine bacteria pitch in to help clean Deepwater Horizon spill.

Early humans lived in Savannas, not forests

Washington, May 28 (ANI): Pre-humans living in East Africa 4.4 million years ago inhabited savannas, grassy plains dotted with trees and shrubs, according to a team of researchers.

This theory opposes another theory – that of Berkeley researcher Tim D. White – who said that early humans occupied … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Early humans lived in Savannas, not forests.

Increasing urine BPA level tied to worsening male sexual function

Washington, May 28 (ANI): Raising Bisphenol-A levels in urine is linked to worsening male sexual function, according to a study.

The Kaiser Permanente research has been published online in the Journal of Andrology.

Increasing urine BPA level is tied to decreased sexual desire, more difficulty having an erection, lower ejaculation strength and lower level of overall satisfaction … Original source on Gaea Times at : Increasing urine BPA level tied to worsening male sexual function.

Bitter-blocking ingredient in artificial sweeteners found

Washington, May 28 (ANI): The chemical that specifically blocks people’s ability to detect the bitter aftertaste that comes with artificial sweeteners such as saccharin has been discovered by researchers.

According to a report published online in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication, the key is a molecule known only as GIV3727 that specifically targets and inhibits …. Source  : Bitter-blocking ingredient in artificial sweeteners found.

Huge carbon ‘burp’ that helped end last ice age detected

Washington, May 28 (ANI): The possible source of a huge carbon dioxide ‘burp’ that happened some 18,000 years ago and which helped to end the last ice age has been discovered by scientists.

The study’s results offer the first concrete proof that carbon dioxide (CO2) was more efficiently locked away in the deep ocean during the …. Original source  : Huge carbon ‘burp’ that helped end last ice age detected.

Space junk may crash earth’s communication networks

WASHINGTON/LONDON – Junk of abandoned rockets, shattered satellites and missile shrapnel in space may cause collision between satellites, destroying communication facilities on earth, the US defence department has warned.

According to scientists, the debris scattered in the earth’s orbit is reaching a “tipping point” and pose a threat to the $250 billion space services industry.
A …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chief Joseph Dam gets new turbine as feds replace aging hydropower technology nationwide

Upgrades under way at Columbia River dams
BRIDGEPORT, Wash. – Workers are preparing to install a new 45-ton turbine at the second-largest hydropower producing dam in the United States, part of a multiyear upgrade that will generate power for an additional 30,000 Northwest homes.

The $120 million project at Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River is … Original article on : Chief Joseph Dam gets new turbine as feds replace aging hydropower technology nationwide.

Cloudy sky brings relief from heat in Bihar

PATNA – An overcast sky brought much sought after relief from the scorching heat for millions of people in Bihar Friday.

After weeks of searing heat, people in Patna and adjoining districts, enjoyed the cloudy sky that brought the mercury down. Similar reports were received from other districts in northern Bihar.
According to met officials, the …. Original source  : Cloudy sky brings relief from heat in Bihar.

Record-breaking Everest climber says global warming is making scaling the peak harder

Everest sherpa: Global warming makes climbing hard

KATMANDU, Nepal – A Nepalese Sherpa who climbed Mount Everest for a record 20th time said Tuesday that the melting of glacier ice along its slopes due to global warming is making it increasingly difficult to climb the peak.
“The rising temperature on the mountains has melted much ice and … Read : Record-breaking Everest climber says global warming is making scaling the peak harder.

IWC chief optimistic nations can settle whaling deal; US says difficult negotiations remain

Head of IWC optimistic on whaling deal
WASHINGTON – The head of the International Whaling Commission on Thursday expressed optimism that nations gathering in Morocco next month can settle a long-running dispute over the hunting of whales.

But a senior U.S. official signaled difficult negotiations ahead over a contentious IWC proposal that would effectively allow commercial whaling … Read more »».

4 lions freed under Bolivia circus ban fly to Bob Barker-financed refuge in California

Bolivia lions freed to Bob Barker-funded refuge

LA PAZ, Bolivia – Four lion cubs freed under Bolivia’s circus-animal ban took off for California on Thursday, heading to a new life in a refuge built with the help of television personality Bob Barker.
The cubs were rescued under a Bolivian law set to take effect in July that … Read more : 4 lions freed under Bolivia circus ban fly to Bob Barker-financed refuge in California.

Federal wildlife agency says high-altitude white-tailed prairie dogs not endangered

Feds say white-tailed prairie dogs not endangered

DENVER – The high-altitude cousin of the black-tailed prairie dog has also been denied federal protection.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced Thursday that the white-tailed prairie dog does not merit protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The agency reached the same conclusion in December for the species’ better-known cousin, …. Read the original article  : Federal wildlife agency says high-altitude white-tailed prairie dogs not endangered.

Feds announce program in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest to help struggling timber industry

Feds announce timber program for Tongass forest

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday announced a program to open up economic opportunities and spare the remaining old-growth trees in the country’s largest national forest.
The forest service said the approach in Tongass National Forest will move timber harvesting into roaded areas of previously clear-cut sections …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

APNewsBreak: EPA may take over regulating air quality in Texas if state does not improve

APNewsBreak: EPA may federalize Texas air program

HOUSTON – The Environmental Protection Agency may take over the entire job of regulating air quality in Texas if the state keeps violating the Clean Air Act, an EPA official told The Associated Press on Wednesday – intensifying a dispute over regulating pollution from the largest U.S. refineries and … Read : APNewsBreak: EPA may take over regulating air quality in Texas if state does not improve.

Atlantis lands for final time after 25-year career; engineers say shuttle still in great shape

Shuttle Atlantis completes 32nd and final flight
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – How would you look after 120 million miles?
Atlantis might appear a little scuffed up to outsiders as it heads into retirement after a quarter-century of spaceflight.
But to the trained eyes of NASA engineers, the ship is still in its prime – a fact … Read more >>.

Consumers Energy says it will delay plans to build Bay County power plant

Consumers Energy delays Bay County power plant

HAMPTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Consumers Energy on Thursday put on hold its plans to build a new coal-fired power plant in Michigan’s Bay County.
Utility officials said the indefinite delay is caused by a number of factors including reduced customer demand for electricity and expected lower prices for natural gas … Read more : Consumers Energy says it will delay plans to build Bay County power plant.

Questions arise about ‘Ardi’s possible place on human family tree and where it lived

Questions raised about ‘Ardi’ as man’s ancestor

NEW YORK – Last fall, a fossil skeleton named “Ardi” shook up the field of human evolution. Now, some scientists are raising doubts about what exactly the creature from Ethiopia was and what kind of landscape it inhabited.
New critiques question whether Ardi really belongs on the human branch of …. Original source  : Questions arise about ‘Ardi’s possible place on human family tree and where it lived.

Obama urges Americans to vacation at Gulf beaches; almost all clean, open despite oil spill

Obama: Go to Gulf beaches; most still open, clean
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is encouraging Americans to visit the Gulf Coast despite the huge offshore oil spill.
At a White House news conference Thursday, Obama said while three beaches in Louisiana have been fouled by oil, the rest of the region’s beaches are clean …. Read the original article  : here.

2010 is big year in bald eagle recovery effort: 15 chicks born on Calif’s Channel Islands

15 bald eagles born this year on Channel Islands

CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – Efforts to bring bald eagles back to Southern California’s Channel Islands have taken a giant step this year with the birth of at least 15 chicks on three islands.
National Park Service officials say that brings to 36 the number of chicks …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2010 is big year in bald eagle recovery effort: 15 chicks born on Calif’s Channel Islands.

7.4-magnitude quake strikes off Vanuatu

WASHINGTON – A powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale struck 214 km northwest of Vanuatu, near Australia, in the south Pacific, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported Thursday.

The quake occurred at about 1714 GMT at a depth of 36.1 km, Xinhua reported.
There was no report of any casualty.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 7.4-magnitude quake strikes off Vanuatu.

Scientists: Gulf oil spill surpasses Exxon Valdez as worst in US history; plug try going well

Gulf oil spill now bigger than Exxon Valdez
COVINGTON, La. – An untested procedure to plug the blown-out oil well in the Gulf of Mexico seemed to be working, officials said Thursday, but new estimates showed the spill has already surpassed the Exxon Valdez as the worst in U.S. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Scientists: Gulf oil spill surpasses Exxon Valdez as worst in US history; plug try going well.

FAA gives airlines, other aircraft owners the go-ahead to equip for new air traffic system

Go-ahead given to equip for new air traffic system

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration gave airlines and other aircraft owners the go-ahead Thursday to begin installing the equipment necessary to switch to a GPS-based air traffic control system.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued performance requirements for aircraft tracking equipment that all planes must have on board by … Read more >>.

Rich countries pledge $4B to stop deforestation in developing world

Rich countries pledge $4B to stop deforestation

OSLO, Norway – Developed nations pledged more than $4 billion Thursday to finance a program meant to help poor countries protect their forests and slow global warming.
An agency monitoring the aid will be up and running before U.N. climate talks start in Cancun, Mexico, later this year, the European [..] Read the original article: here.

NASA launches SOFIA

WASHINGTON – NASA has launched The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) jetliner in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center.

The program achieved major milestone on May 26, with its first in-flight night observations.

Jon Morse, Astrophysics Division director in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said: “With this flight, SOFIA begins a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NASA launches SOFIA.

‘Horniest’ ever dino discovered

WASHINGTON – The discovery of a new horned dinosaur, Medusaceratops lokii, has been announced by a scientist at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

The newly identified plant-eating dinosaur, approximately 20 feet long and weighing more than 2 tons, lived nearly 78 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Horniest’ ever dino discovered.

Reforestation may lower climate change mitigation potential of forests

WASHINGTON – Reforestation and afforestation, the creation of new forests, may lower the potential of forests for climate change lessening, scientists at the University of Oklahoma and the Fudan University in Shanghai, China, have found.

Yiqi Luo, professor of ecology in the OU …. Read the original article  : Reforestation may lower climate change mitigation potential of forests.

Test to identify ‘best’ sperm developed

WASHINGTON – A method to select sperm with the highest DNA integrity in a bid to improve male fertility has been created by Yale researchers.

The method is comparable to that of the egg’s natural selection abilities, according to the study published in the June/July issue …. Read the original article  : Test to identify ‘best’ sperm developed.

Two die of heat stroke in Punjab

CHANDIGARH – An 18-year-old rickshaw puller and a middle-aged police constable died from heat stroke in Punjab, health officials said here Saturday.

The rickshaw puller died in Zirakpur town, around 10 km from here, Friday while the Punjab Police head constable died in Hoshiarpur town, about 120 km from the state capital.
On Saturday, there was … Read more »»».

2010 is big year in bald eagle recovery effort: 15 chicks born on California’s Channel Islands

15 bald eagles born this year on Calif. islands

LOS ANGELES – There haven’t been so many bald eagle chicks on the Channel Islands in 50 years – since chemicals contaminated their food supply and destroyed all of the majestic birds on the island chain off the Southern California coast.
Fifteen chicks have hatched this year on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 2010 is big year in bald eagle recovery effort: 15 chicks born on California’s Channel Islands.

US, Japan strike accord on contentious US military air base in Okinawa, sticking to 2006 plan

US, Japan to keep US military air base on Okinawa
TOKYO – Washington and Tokyo agreed Friday to keep a contentious U.S. Marine base in the southern island of Okinawa, reaffirming the importance of their security alliance amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
In a joint statement, the two allies agreed to move the … Original source on Gaea Times at : US, Japan strike accord on contentious US military air base in Okinawa, sticking to 2006 plan.

Australia says it will take Japan to International Court of Justice to stop whaling

Australia to take Japan to court over whaling

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia announced on Friday it will take Japan to the International Court of Justice in a major escalation of its campaign to prevent whaling in the Antarctic Ocean.
The decision to take legal action against Australia’s important trading partner underlines the government’s “commitment to bring to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Australia says it will take Japan to International Court of Justice to stop whaling.

Efficient nitrogen management results in more cow milk production

WASHINGTON – Dairy farmers can make their cows produce more milk by efficiently managing nitrogen, researchers have found.

Agricultural Research Service scientists and cooperators have come up with efficiency ratings to help dairy farmers make better use of their nitrogen in the face …. Read the original article  : Efficient nitrogen management results in more cow milk production.

200km deep subduction of Indian continent under Asia

WASHINGTON – The continental crust of the Indian tectonic plate was forced down under the Asian plate by around 200 kilometres some 90 million years ago, when the Indian subcontinent clashed with Asia, a research has revealed.

“The subduction of continental crust to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 200km deep subduction of Indian continent under Asia.

Obama to learn about difficult, dirty job of cleaning oily beaches and marshlands in Louisiana

Obama to see tough job of cleaning oily beaches

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama will get a look at how hard it is to clean up beaches and marshes fouled by oil in Louisiana.
Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says he thinks that’s the most important thing for the president to see Friday on his trip to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama to learn about difficult, dirty job of cleaning oily beaches and marshlands in Louisiana.

Rival’s deep, masculine voice not enough to challenge a man’s dominance

WASHINGTON – Men with a deep, masculine voice are considered more dominant by other men, but a man’s own dominance perceived or actual – does not affect how attentive he is to his rivals’ voices, according to a new study.
However, his own dominance does influence how … Read : Rival’s deep, masculine voice not enough to challenge a man’s dominance.

Secret behind Rembrandt’s ‘magic’ uncovered

WASHINGTON – A University of British Columbia researcher has found the secret behind what makes Rembrandt’s masterful portraits so appealing.

In the study, Steve DiPaola has argued that Rembrandt may have pioneered a technique that guides the viewer’s gaze around … Read more : Secret behind Rembrandt’s ‘magic’ uncovered.

Novel stem cells source can form heart muscle cells, repair damage

WASHINGTON – Japanese scientists have found a new and non-controversial source of stem cells that can form heart muscle cells and help repair heart damage.

In preliminary lab tests, researchers used the amniotic membrane the inner lining of the sac in which an embryo develops – to obtain … Read : Novel stem cells source can form heart muscle cells, repair damage.

Video shows oil plume significantly darker; expert says that means heavier, more-polluting oil

Gulf oil plume darker; not good news, expert says

WASHINGTON – Live video of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill shows the underwater plume getting significantly darker. A top oil engineering expert says that suggests heavier, more-polluting oil is spewing out.
The color of the oil gushing from the main pipe has changed in color from medium … Read more »».

Coopers Beach in Southampton, NY tops 10 best beaches; 2 Fla. sites on list

Dr. Beach: NY’s Southampton beach tops list

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. – Hamptons hoi polloi probably assumed it was always No. 1.
Coopers Beach, with pristine white sand gently sloping toward a shoreline of lapping waves, convenient parking and amenities and nary a gum wrapper in sight, has been selected as America’s best beach in an annual survey released … Original article on : Coopers Beach in Southampton, NY tops 10 best beaches; 2 Fla. sites on list.

Congress proposes federal funding to build recharging network, tax credits for electric cars

Congress offers grants, credits for electric cars

WASHINGTON – The federal government would provide grants to help cities build the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles and to offer new tax credits for buyers of those cars under legislation introduced Thursday in Congress.
The bills in the House and Senate are designed to smooth the way for …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Congress proposes federal funding to build recharging network, tax credits for electric cars.

Pleasant weather in Delhi, thunderstorm likely

NEW DELHI – Delhi saw pleasant weather Saturday morning and the met office said there was a possibility of a thunderstorm by evening.

The minimum temperature was a notch above average at 29.1 degrees Celsius.
“The skies will remain clear today (Saturday) and there is a possibility of a thunderstorm towards the evening. The maximum temperature …. Source  : Pleasant weather in Delhi, thunderstorm likely.

Australia takes Japan to international court to stop whaling; Tokyo cites scientific research

Australia takes Japan to court over whaling

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia said Friday it will challenge Japan’s whale hunting in the Antarctic at the International Court of Justice, a major legal escalation in its campaign to ban the practice despite Tokyo’s insistence on the right to so-called scientific whaling.
Japan’s Foreign Ministry called the action regrettable at … Original article on : Australia takes Japan to international court to stop whaling; Tokyo cites scientific research.

New US-German airborne infrared telescope makes first in-flight observations

US-German flying observatory sees ‘first light’

PALMDALE, Calif. – A new U.S.-German infrared observatory mounted in a jumbo jet has made its first in-flight night observations.
NASA said Friday that the highly modified Boeing 747SP jetliner carrying the 100-inch-diameter telescope achieved the milestone on May 26 during a six-hour flight from its base in Palmdale, Calif.
The joint …. Read the original article  : here.

Bloody-thirsty midges ‘prefer fat and tall people’

LONDON – This may not come as a surprise, but still: Scientists have found that fat and tall people are more likely to be bitten by midges – because they present a bigger target.

Also, according to the study that … Read : Bloody-thirsty midges ‘prefer fat and tall people’.

Near-death experiences ’caused by cascade of electrical activity in dying brain’

LONDON – The mystery of why people “brought back from the dead” report powerful spiritual experiences may have been solved by scientists.

In the study, researchers, who studied brainwaves of dying patients, found a surge of electrical activity in …. Source  : Near-death experiences ’caused by cascade of electrical activity in dying brain’.

Flashfloods in Himachal snap road link with Kashmir

SHIMLA – Flashfloods in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district due to thawing of glaciers and incessant rains have snapped road connectivity with neighbouring Jammu and Kashmir, an official said Sunday. There was no report of loss of life.

“Flashfloods due to melting of glaciers and rains in the past two days have destroyed …. Original article  : Flashfloods in Himachal snap road link with Kashmir.

Underwater robot to collect information about Deepwater Horizon spill

WASHINGTON – The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in the US has sent an underwater robot to the Gulf of Mexico to gather information about the Deepwater Horizon spill.

This information will be passed on to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Although satellites and aircraft …. Source article  : Underwater robot to collect information about Deepwater Horizon spill.

British engineer invents pedal powered water pump

WASHINGTON – A British engineering student has invented an innovative bicycle-powered water pump.

Jon Leary, 24, a MEng student in the University of Sheffield’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, took his bicycle machine design from a Steel City drawing board to the heart of Guatemala as … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : British engineer invents pedal powered water pump.

For kids and adults ‘being fair’ could mean different things

WASHINGTON – Our perspective towards what is fair changes as we age, claims a new study.

Young children like all things to be equal, but older adolescents are more likely to consider merit when it comes to dividing up wealth, said the researchers.

As part of a research study in experimental economics in … Read more >>.

Interfering genes protect monkeys from lethal Ebola virus post-exposure

LONDON – By using tiny particles of genetic material to interfere in the replication process of the deadly Ebola virus, scientists have successfully prevented monkeys exposed to that virus from dying of hemorrhagic fever.he proof-of-concept study suggests that such … Read more >>>.

‘VI Fit’ to help blind children exercise via video games

WASHINGTON – A new video game research project, called VI Fit, at the University of Nevada, Reno, could help children who are blind become more physically active and healthy.

The human-computer interaction research team has developed a motion-sensing-based tennis and bowling exergame …. Original source  : ‘VI Fit’ to help blind children exercise via video games.

Preoperative chemo response could predict survival in pancreatic cancer patients

WASHINGTON – Patients with pancreatic cancer whose tumours respond most to preoperative chemotherapy and radiation survive four times as long, on average, as those whose tumours respond least, researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center have found.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is rarely detected in … Original article on : Preoperative chemo response could predict survival in pancreatic cancer patients.

How whales have changed over 35 million years

WASHINGTON – Using molecular and computational techniques, UCLA evolutionary biologists and a colleague, have reported how in the last 35 million years-since the ancestor of all living whales appeared-have fast whales changed their shape and body size.

Analysing the evolutionary tempo of modern whale [..] Read the original article: here.

No more eating shark fin in Hawaii: 50th state becomes first in nation to ban shark fin

No more eating shark fin in Hawaii after new law

HONOLULU – The $48-a-plate shark fin has been a favorite dish to celebrate 80th birthdays and fete out of town VIPs since Vienna Hou’s Chinese restaurant opened 25 years ago.
But Kirin Restaurant customers won’t be dining in that style starting July 1, 2011, when Hawaii becomes … Original source on Gaea Times at : No more eating shark fin in Hawaii: 50th state becomes first in nation to ban shark fin.

We may all be holograms: NYC science festival brings exciting, wild science to the masses

At NYC sci fest, asking ‘What if we’re holograms?’

NEW YORK – Brian Greene works in a world where scientific reasoning rules all and imagination leads to the most unlikely truths.
Greene and other “string theorists” are exploring a possible scenario in which people and the world around us are actually a 3-D holographic projection of two-dimensional … Read more >>.

Barmer hottest as Rajasthan sizzles

JAIPUR – Heat wave conditions continued to prevail in Rajasthan Saturday with the mercury hovering between 41-44 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state.

Barmer was the hottest city in the state Saturday with the day temperature touching 44.6 degrees Celsius. Churu at 43.8 and Kota at 43.6 degree Celsius were the next two hot … Read : Barmer hottest as Rajasthan sizzles.

Light showers in parts of Delhi

NEW DELHI – Some parts of the national capital experienced light showers Saturday evening, bringing relief from the heat wave sweeping the city.

The showers were all the more welcome after the maximum temperature was recorded at 41.2 degrees Celsius from Friday’s 37.7 degrees Celsius, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.
“Some parts of … Read more »».

Rains bring respite from scorching heat in north India (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Overcast skies and rains brought much needed respite from the blistering heat in several parts of northern India Saturday. However, heat wave conditions continued in most states, including Rajasthan and Orissa, from where many deaths have been reported in the last one month.

The national capital saw pleasant weather with an overcast sky …. Source article  : Rains bring respite from scorching heat in north India (Roundup).

‘Indian rockets to use atmospheric oxygen as fuel by year-end’

CHENNAI – In an attempt to make its rockets lighter and carry heavier satellites, the Indian space agency is planning to flight test by the end of this year its own air-breathing engine that will use atmospheric oxygen as fuel.

Air-breathing engines use atmospheric oxygen and burn it with the stored on-board fuel to generate the … Original article on : ‘Indian rockets to use atmospheric oxygen as fuel by year-end’.

Copper surfaces can kill hospital microbes to maintain sterility

TORONTO – Researchers have theorized that covering frequently covered surfaces with copper can reduce the risk of harmful bugs spreading from one person to another in hospitals.

“It is a simple, elegant solution,” Globe and Mail quoted Michael Schmidt, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, as saying.

In a … Read more »».

Scientists conduct ‘post-mortem of comet’ to find origins of solar system

WASHINGTON – Leicester University researchers are putting extraterrestrial material from the Comet Wild 2 under the microscope to find the origins of our Solar System.

By developing micro manipulation techniques, researchers at the University of Leicester have further dissected the tiny samples to study the comet to atomic …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pagan burial altar unearthed in Israel

WASHINGTON – A 2,000-year-old altar has been found in an Israeli cemetery, according to archaeologists.

The 24-inch-high granite structure, decorated with carvings of three bull heads, ribbons, and laurel wreaths, was discovered May 17 while salvage excavations were being carried out for a new hospital emergency room in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pagan burial altar unearthed in Israel.

Fossil of 95-million-year-old pterosaur that fed on baby dinos found

WASHINGTON – Scientists have uncovered the fossil of a new species of a giant flying reptile in the Sahara desert.

However, it seems the 95-million-year-old pterosaur was not too fond of flying as it spent its time looking for prey in the once lush Sahara.

The Alanqa saharicafrom, discovered two years ago … Read more »».