Fireflies blink in sync to attract females

WASHINGTON – Why do large groups of fireflies produce rhythmic, repeated flashes in unison – sometimes lighting up a whole forest at once. Believe it or not, it is to attract the females!

Fireflies – a type of beetle – produce bioluminescence as mating tool. Males display a species-specific pattern of flashes while cruising through …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fireflies blink in sync to attract females.

Early Alzheimer’s identification method found

WASHINGTON – A study by researchers at UC Davis has found that abnormal brain images combined with examination of the composition of the fluid that surrounds the spine may offer the earliest signs identifying healthy older adults at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

“Our findings indicate that a … Read more >>.

Nanoparticles used to shrink tumors in mice

WASHINGTON – Scientists have demonstrated that that mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), tiny particles with thousands of pores, can store and deliver chemotherapeutic drugs in vivo and effectively suppress tumors in mice.

Researchers at UCLA’s California NanoSystems Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center also showed that MSNs accumulate almost exclusively in tumors after administration and that …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nanoparticles used to shrink tumors in mice.

Campaigning with Texas Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Bill White: A run through Pecos

Democrat Bill White charms West Texas for votes
PECOS, Texas – Bill White’s got the monogrammed cowboy boots, the worn jeans and the ability to appear at ease connecting with Texans he doesn’t know but dearly needs in his race to be governor.
The campaign crisis this day, though, is the hat.
Actually, the lack of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Campaigning with Texas Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Bill White: A run through Pecos.

Officials tout value of skimming ships in oil cleanup, but can’t measure their worth

Value of oil skimming Gulf flotilla is uncertain

NEW ORLEANS – The value of one highly touted facet of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill cleanup – the small navy of vessels skimming oil from the surface – has proven all but impossible to measure, which could make it difficult to figure out how much damage …. Source article  : Officials tout value of skimming ships in oil cleanup, but can’t measure their worth.

Mathematical formula that predicts ‘phantom’ traffic jams developed

LONDON – Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have devised a model that can predict traffic jams.

The have come up with a formula of ‘phantom’ jams, based on the equations that describe detonation waves caused by explosions.

‘Phantom’ jams are those that occur for no apparent reason, in the absence of an accident …. Original source  : Mathematical formula that predicts ‘phantom’ traffic jams developed.

‘Self medicating’ nanoparticle bandage could detect, treat infection

LONDON – A ’self medicating’ bandage laced with nanoparticles can detect harmful bacteria in a burn wound and respond by secreting antibiotics.

“Fifty per cent of all people who die as a result of burn injuries do so as a direct consequence of infection, which is why this research is so important,” New Scientist quoted Toby … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Self medicating’ nanoparticle bandage could detect, treat infection.

Now, chewing gum that can be washed off with water!

LONDON – A UK company has invented a chewing gum, which can be easily removed by using water.

Pioneering Flintshire-based company Revolymer said that its product adds a new polymer to the mix which makes it far easier to remove and quicker to degrade.

Some 9,000 tonnes of chewing gum is disposed of in Britain each …. Read the original article  : Now, chewing gum that can be washed off with water!.

What came first the chicken or the egg?

WASHINGTON – British researchers may have uncovered a partial answer to the age-old question, “what came first the chicken or the egg?”

According to a team, comprising researchers from the University of Warwick and the University of Sheffield, the answer is “chicken” or at least a particular chicken protein.

There is, however, a further twist … Original article on : What came first the chicken or the egg?.

Antibody cuts brain damage by 70pc in strokes

LONDON – Scientists have developed an antibody that could reduce the side effects of a common stroke drug.

The traditional treatment for ischaemic stroke, in which a blood clot cuts off the blood supply to brain tissue, is a drug called rtPA, which dissolves the clot.

However, people with haemorrhagic stroke, in which a blood vessel … Read : Antibody cuts brain damage by 70pc in strokes.

New research adds to evidence of lunar ice

WASHINGTON – A significant amount of hydrogen on the moon is likely to exist as water ice, new research suggests.

To map the lunar polar hydrogen distribution, L.F.A. Teodoro at Eloret Corporation and colleagues used an image reconstruction algorithm applied to existing data from the Lunar Prospector, which detected low energy neutrons-an indication of the presence …. Source article  : New research adds to evidence of lunar ice.

India capable of producing lower-cost HPV vaccine

LONDON – Vaccine manufacturers in India and other developing nations can produce a lower-cost HPV vaccine despite the complicated array of patent protections on the technology, according to an Indian-origin scientist at the Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy.

At a cost of at least 300dollars for the three-dose regimen, the blockbuster HPV … Read more : India capable of producing lower-cost HPV vaccine.

Now, armour made from ‘bullet proof custard’!

LONDON – Scientists have designed a new kind of armour that they are calling “bullet-proof custard”.

Researchers at BAE systems claim that the lightweight material would eventually replace thick and heavy armours.

Not only would it be bullet proof, but also reduce soldiers’ fatigue in lugging around the vest.

The armour is made from a combination of “shear-thickening” …. Original article  : Now, armour made from ‘bullet proof custard’!.

YouTube introduces new HTML5 Mobile site

WASHINGTON – YouTube’s mobile version has launched new features, including high-quality video playback in the browser using HTML5.

According to Wired News, the whole mobile YouTube site has been optimised for the small screen, and the experience on the phone is now much tighter.

Not only is the video quality improved, the web-app’s interface is much better …. Source article  : YouTube introduces new HTML5 Mobile site.

Perfectionists at risk for postpartum blues

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that new mothers who think they should be perfect parents might be at risk for postpartum depression.

The research involved 100 first-time mothers in Toronto, Canada, who filled out questionnaires to assess their level and type of perfectionism as well as feelings of depression.

The results showed that a … Read : Perfectionists at risk for postpartum blues.

Hot humid weather back in Delhi after rains

NEW DELHI – Delhi will remain hot Saturday, but it could rain in the evening, the weather office said.

The maximum temperature will soar a notch above average at 36 degrees Celsius, said an official of the India Meteorological Department. The minimum was four notches above average at 30.5 degrees.
No rains were witnessed in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hot humid weather back in Delhi after rains.

Sunita Williams headed for the stars again

WASHINGTON – Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams, who holds the record of the longest spaceflight (195 days) for female space travellers, will head for the stars once again in June 2012.

Williams, 44, would take over as station commander at the International Space Station that was her home in the sky from Dec 9, 2006 to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sunita Williams headed for the stars again.

Interior Dept. offers oil, gas leases in Alaska reserve; lands around sensitive lake protected

1.8M acres of Alaska drilling leases go up for bid

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Interior Department is offering oil and gas leases on 1.8 million acres of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve while promising to protect critical migratory bird and caribou habitat.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Friday that the Bureau of Land Management will offer 190 tracts, … Read : Interior Dept. offers oil, gas leases in Alaska reserve; lands around sensitive lake protected.

Alaska governor: Polar bear critical habitat may cost state hundreds of millions of dollars

AK renews objection to polar bear critical habitat

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell says an independent economic analysis shows the federal government has dramatically underestimated the potential effect of designating critical habitat for polar bears.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed 187,166 square miles as critical habitat for polar bears. Nearly 95 percent …. Read the original article  : Alaska governor: Polar bear critical habitat may cost state hundreds of millions of dollars.

Obama family to vacation in Maine’s Acadia National Park

First family to vacation in Maine
WASHINGTON – The first family’s summer vacation plans will include a trip to Maine.

The White House says the Obamas will travel next Friday to Mount Desert Island, which is home to Acadia National Park. There will be no public events for the president during the three-day trip.
The Obamas also spent … Read : Obama family to vacation in Maine’s Acadia National Park.