2009 Samoa-Tonga tsunami disaster occurred due to 2 earthquakes, not 1

LONDON – Scientists have found that the massive earthquake that struck the South Pacific on September 29, 2009 was a combination of two earthquakes – one with magnitude 8.1, which then triggered another magnitude 8 earthquake seconds later on a different fault.

“We know of no precedent for the Samoa triggered doublet,” said Thorne Lay at …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 2009 Samoa-Tonga tsunami disaster occurred due to 2 earthquakes, not 1.

New discovery could pave way for anti-aging drugs

WASHINGTON – A team of University of Michigan scientists has found that suppressing a certain gene in roundworms extended their lifespan.

The U-M results could pave the way for discovery of new drugs that help people live longer.

The gene, drr-2, is an important component in a key cellular pathway, the TOR nutrient-sensing pathway, where many scientists … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New discovery could pave way for anti-aging drugs.

US can’t afford to lose ‘battle for hearts and minds’ in inundated Pak to terrorists: NYT

NEW YORK – With over 15 to 20 million people rendered homeless and nearly one-fifth of the country submerged, the extent of the damage caused by the floods in Pakistan has been huge, and the impending threat of extremist organisations such as the Taliban and Al-Qaeda sowing the seeds of resentment against both Islamabad and … Read : US can’t afford to lose ‘battle for hearts and minds’ in inundated Pak to terrorists: NYT.

Promising new HIV drug keeps virus out of cells

WASHINGTON – University of Utah researchers have developed a promising new anti-HIV drug candidate, PIE12-trimer, that prevents the virus from attacking human cells.

Michael S. Kay, associate professor of biochemistry in the University of Utah School of Medicine and senior author of the study, is raising funds to begin animal safety studies, followed by human clinical …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rain stalls traffic in the capital, yet again

NEW DELHI – The pleasant Thursday morning soon turned into a nightmare for Delhiites when it started raining cats and dogs. With half the city dug up, waterlogging inevitably brought the city to a standstill.

According to a traffic official at the helpline, traffic in most parts of the city was crawling because of the waterlogging. … Read more >>>.

Just like humans, bees too warm up with ‘hot’ drink

WASHINGTON – Just like humans, bees too like to keep winter at bay with a warm drink, a new study has found.

When we venture out on a cool morning, nothing energizes our body like a nice warm drink and new research by internationally renowned insect scientists Drs Melanie Norgate and Adrian Dyer shows that bees …. Source article  : Just like humans, bees too warm up with ‘hot’ drink.

Ancient ‘terror bird’ did the ‘butterfly-and-bee’ routine like Mohammed Ali

WASHINGTON – Researchers have reconstructed kills of a prehistoric predator bird called Andalgalornis, which they found to have a fighting strategy similar to that of boxer Mohammed Ali.

According to the scientists, the agile creature repeatedly attacked and retreated, landing well-targeted, hatchet-like jabs to take down its prey.

It couldn’t fly, but its unusually large, rigid skull-coupled …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ancient ‘terror bird’ did the ‘butterfly-and-bee’ routine like Mohammed Ali.

Gene crucial for lifetime memories discovered

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that a gene named Prox1 is a key player in normal development of a brain structure crucial for learning and memory and remains active throughout life, nurturing the cells vital for making new memories. The study by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital focused on a small region of the hippocampus … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gene crucial for lifetime memories discovered.

Thymus cells successfully transformed into skin cells

LONDON – Swiss researchers have successfully transformed cells taken from the thymus into skin cells – a discovery that may have important ramifications for the field of organ regeneration.

The findings show that these stem cells change their genetic make-up according to their environment to contribute to the long-term functioning of the skin, even producing hair … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thymus cells successfully transformed into skin cells.

Myth of the well-adjusted Asian American defied

WASHINGTON – Challenging the “myth of the well-adjusted Asian American,” two University at Buffalo researchers have detailed how members of one of the country’s fastest-growing ethnic groups face crucial disadvantages preventing them from receiving quality health care taken for granted by other, more culturally assimilated Americans.

In the study, UB School of Social Work professors Wooksoo …. Read the original article  : here.

New material for crash components promises to make cars safer

WASHINGTON – In a bid to make vehicles ‘crash’ safe, researchers have now found a way for the automotive industry to mass-produce a particularly safe class of materials known as thermoplastic fibre composite components.

Highly stressed load-bearing structures and crash components that are designed to buckle on impact help to reinforce the body in order … Read more : New material for crash components promises to make cars safer.

Atom images bring quantum computer closer to reality

LONDON – Scientists have come closer to fast quantum computers made of atoms trapped by beams of light, thanks to the first images of the individual atoms in such a grid.

Quantum computers get their speed because their components can occupy a range of states rather than just two as in a binary computer, reports New … Read more : Atom images bring quantum computer closer to reality.

Ovulation really does change women’s behavior

WASHINGTON – Ovulation changes a woman’s behavior in a startling number of ways from the way she walks, talks and dresses to the men she flirts with, according to a new study.

According to experts, the new findings might offer some practical tips for women to boost their online dating prospects; for scientists to develop new …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ovulation really does change women’s behavior.

Magic mushrooms could combat depression, say Swiss boffins

LONDON – Swiss boffins have revealed that mind-bending drugs like LSD, ketamine and magic mushrooms could be used to treat people with depression.

Scientists at Zurich University said that the psychedelics could give patients ‘a new perspective’ helping them to see their pain and problems in a different light.

However, they warned the drugs should only be …. Read the original article  : Magic mushrooms could combat depression, say Swiss boffins.

48mn-year-old fossil reveals history of zombie ants

WASHINGTON – Scientists have stumbled across a 48mn-year-old leaf fossil in Germany that depicts how a deadly fungus infected ants and turned them into zombies.

Dr David P Hughes, from the University of Exeter and his colleagues made the discovery in Messel Pit, a site on the eastern side of the Rhine Rift Valley in Hesse, …. Source article  : 48mn-year-old fossil reveals history of zombie ants.

Ancient Chinese herbal recipe eases chemo’s side effects

WASHINGTON – Yale University researchers have reported that a combination of Chinese herbs in use for more than 1,800 years reduced the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy in mice, while actually enhancing the effects of the cancer treatment.

The formula used in the experiment consists of four herbs, called PHY906, and is based on a … Read more : Ancient Chinese herbal recipe eases chemo’s side effects.

Scientists ‘one step closer’ to predictive blood test for TB

LONDON – Scientists have said that they are ‘one step closer’ towards a predictive blood test for tuberculosis.

A DNA fingerprint in the blood could identify which carriers of TB will go on to get symptoms and spread the infection.

The test could mean earlier diagnosis and treatment of the lung disease, potentially saving many lives.

Current skin …. Source article  : Scientists ‘one step closer’ to predictive blood test for TB.

Blocking thoughts of ciggies increases smoking: Study

WASHINGTON – Every time you feel the urge to smoke, you try to block the thought of it. What you don’t realize is that when you stop suppressing, you end up smoking more than usual – says a new study.

St. George’s, University of London and the University of Hertfordshire researchers show that many smokers attempting … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Blocking thoughts of ciggies increases smoking: Study.

‘Magnetar’ discovery challenges stellar evolution, black hole theory

LONDON – A neutron star with a mighty magnetic field has challenged the theories about stellar evolution and the birth of black holes, according to astronomers.

The “magnetar” lies in a cluster of stars known as Westerlund 1, located 16,000 light years away in the constellation of Ara, the Altar.

Westerlund 1, discovered in 1961 by …. Source article  : ‘Magnetar’ discovery challenges stellar evolution, black hole theory.

Changing names won’t ‘erase online past’, say UK recruiters

LONDON – Google boss Eric Schmidt might have suggested youngsters to change their name to erase an embarrassing past, but UK recruiters have said that the move might not really be a practical solution.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the chief executive of the technology giant said that one day youngsters would be … Original source on Gaea Times at : Changing names won’t ‘erase online past’, say UK recruiters.