Why giraffes have long necks

LONDON – The giraffe’s long neck may have evolved to help the male compete for mates, suggests new research.

Nearly 15 million years ago the giraffes were antelope-like animals roaming the dry grasslands of Africa. They had no distinguishing characteristics, except that some their necks were a bit long.

But within 6 million years, they had evolved … Read more »».

New proteins that regulate blood pressure, flow identified

WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified key players in a little-known biochemical pathway that appears to regulate blood pressure.

The findings have evolved from studies conducted by Jeffrey S. Isenberg, Eileen M. Bauer, and their colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

“Identifying and unravelling this important pathway for blood pressure regulation could lead to a … Original article on : New proteins that regulate blood pressure, flow identified.

Punjab, Haryana see dip in rainfall

CHANDIGARH – After experiencing incessant showers over the last few days, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh saw a dip in rainfall.

“This has again led to an increase in the day temperature that had fallen sharply by five to six degrees,” a Met department official said.
“But we expect isolated spells of rain in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Punjab, Haryana see dip in rainfall.

Solar plane lands after first night flight (Lead, changing dateline)

GENEVA – A solar-powered plane landed Thursday morning in western Switzerland after staying in the air for 26 hours straight and successfully completing its first night flight.

The plane, part of the project Solar Impulse run by Swiss entrepreneur Bertrand Piccard, gathered enough solar energy at high altitudes during the daylight hours of the first half …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Solar plane lands after first night flight (Lead, changing dateline).

Shared parenting ‘can be traumatic for kids’

MELBOURNE – Shared care arrangements may work well for separated parents, but it does more harm than good to children, especially infants.

A new research shows that infants under two who spend one night a week or more away from their primary carer show significantly more signs of irritability and separation anxiety, are more fretful, tearful …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Shared parenting ‘can be traumatic for kids’.

Extinction threatens thousands of undiscovered plant species

WASHINGTON – Thousands of plant species, threatened with habitat loss and climate change, may become extinct before scientists can discover them, according to a three American and British researchers.

“Scientists have estimated that, overall, there could be between 5 million and 50 million species, but fewer than 2 million of these species have been discovered to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Male menopause really does exist

NEW YORK – Menopause is not limited to women, it hits men too, a new study has found.

The study, reported in the Daily Mail, has found that some men experience a decrease in hormones when they hit middle age.

And reduced levels of testosterone can lead to everything from lowered libido to fatigue, just like menopause … Read : Male menopause really does exist.

New clue into cellular aging identified

LONDON – Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School have found a new clue about the molecular and cellular processes governing aging.

The discovery could help delay the onset of some age-related diseases, such as cancer and diabetes.

In the search to understand these molecular processes, researchers uncovered an important new DAF-16 isoform – DAF-16d/f …. Source  : New clue into cellular aging identified.

Previously unknown natural mechanism behind cocaine addiction uncovered

LONDON – A specific type of genetic material plays a key role in determining vulnerability to cocaine addiction and may offer an entirely new direction for the development of anti-addiction therapies, according to a study.

In animal studies, scientists from The Scripps Research Institute have found that a molecule called microRNA-212 was increased in the brains … Read more >>.

Antidepressants ‘taking toll on sea life’

LONDON – Scientists have revealed that antidepressants threaten sea’s ecosystem.

They warned that rising levels of antidepressants in coastal waters could change sea life behaviour and potentially damage the food chain.

A study into the behaviour of shrimps exposed to the antidepressant fluoxetine showed that their behaviour was dramatically affected.

Researchers found that shrimps are five times more … Read more >>.

Vitamin E ‘cuts Alzheimer’s risk’

WASHINGTON – A Swedish study has revealed that high levels of several vitamin E components in the blood are associated with a decreased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in advanced age.

The research has suggested that vitamin E may help prevent cognitive deterioration in elderly people.

“Vitamin E is a family of eight natural components, but … Read more »»».

Words ‘can help predict whether your romantic relationship will last’

WASHINGTON – The kind of words you link to your partner indicate whether your relationship is on the rocks, says a new study.

“A lot of people don’t want to tell you if they’re starting to feel less happy in their relationship,” says Ronald D. Rogge, of the University of Rochester.

In the study, the researchers asked … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Words ‘can help predict whether your romantic relationship will last’.

High-protein diet may lower bone density in postmenopausal women

WASHINGTON – A high protein diet for obese menopausal women may help in weight loss, but it could also lower bone density, says a new research.

Wayne W. Campbell and doctoral student Minghua Tang found in their study that all of the women who ate the energy-reduced diets successfully lost weight, but the groups that consumed …. Source  : High-protein diet may lower bone density in postmenopausal women.

Humans ‘arrived in Britain 250,000 years earlier than thought’

LONDON – Archaeologists have uncovered stone tools that indicate that first humans arrived in Britain much earlier than previously thought.

A discovery of 78 pieces of razor-sharp primitive cutting and piercing tools, from a beach in Norfolk, shows that humans occupied Britain 250,000 years earlier than thought.

“These tools from Happisburgh are absolutely mint-fresh. They are exceptionally …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Humans ‘arrived in Britain 250,000 years earlier than thought’.

Alien object disrupts air traffic in China

BEIJING – An unidentified flying object (UFO) disrupted air traffic over Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang province, authorities said Thursday.

Xiaoshan Airport was closed after the UFO was detected late Wednesday and some flights were rerouted to airports in Ningbo and Wuxi cities, Xinhua quoted an airport spokesman as saying.
The airport had resumed operations, …. Read the original article  : here.

Rains to continue in Delhi

NEW DELHI – After three days of incessant rains, Delhi woke up to a sunny morning Thursday. However, more rains have been forecast for the day.

Wednesday’s heavy downpour had caused miles of traffic jams, bringing the capital to a standstill.
“Though we were waiting for the rains, but I am happy that it did … Read more »»».

Carcass found believed to be New Zealand’s friendly dolphin, Moko

New Zealand celebrity dolphin believed dead

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A teenage bottlenose dolphin that thrilled – and sometimes annoyed – New Zealand swimmers and beach-goers with his boisterous antics is believed to be dead, officials said Thursday.
Rangers found a dolphin carcass Wednesday on a northern beach where the animal nicknamed “Moko” was last seen about … Original article on : Carcass found believed to be New Zealand’s friendly dolphin, Moko.

American East Coast roasts for second day

WASHINGTON – America roasted for another day as temperatures approached or surpassed the 100-degree Fahrenheit (37.77 degrees Celsius) mark for a second consecutive day in many East Coast states with a deadly heat wave sweeping over the region.

Richmond, Virginia; Raleigh, North Carolina; Philadelphia International Airport in Pennsylvania; Mount Holly, New Jersey; and Newark International Airport … Read more »».

Solar plane takes off for test flight

LONDON – A solar-powered plane which can fly without fuel has taken off for its first 24-hour test flight before embarking on circumnavigation of the earth.

The plane, named Solar Impulse, left Payerne airfield in Switzerland Wednesday. Its pilot, Andre Borschberg, will take the prototype to an altitude of 27,900 feet by evening, when a decision … Read : Solar plane takes off for test flight.

Scientists say Japanese spacecraft may have collected first samples from asteroid

Japanese spacecraft may have dust from asteroid

TOKYO – Japanese scientists say they have detected tiny particles collected by the first spacecraft to return to Earth after landing on an asteroid. But determining if the dust came from the asteroid or was picked up by the spacecraft on its return trip could take months.
Material found in … Read : Scientists say Japanese spacecraft may have collected first samples from asteroid.