Jupiter under ‘asteroid’ attack for 3rd time in 13 months

LONDON – Two Japanese amateur astronomers have discovered a comet or asteroid strike on Jupiter -the third time the giant planet has been bombarded in 13 months.

The observations show that impacts on the giant planet occur more frequently than previously thought.

The last two attacks occurred in June 2010 and July 2009.

Before these three events were …. Read the original article  : Jupiter under ‘asteroid’ attack for 3rd time in 13 months.

Vitamin D deficiency linked to wide array of diseases

WASHINGTON – Researchers have mapped the points at which vitamin D interacts with our DNA – and identified over two hundred genes that it directly influences.

The study highlights the extent to which vitamin D deficiency may increase susceptibility to a wide range of diseases.

Now, researchers at the University of Oxford have shown the extent … Original source on Gaea Times at : Vitamin D deficiency linked to wide array of diseases.

‘Aliens’ more likely to be AI robots than biological beings: Expert

LONDON – A senior astronomer has said that the hunt for alien life should take into account artificial intelligence, and not evolution of biological life.

According to BBC News, Seti astronomer Seth Shostak said that there is a greater chance of finding alien AI rather than ‘biological’ life.

Seti searchers have mostly still worked under the assumption … Original article on : ‘Aliens’ more likely to be AI robots than biological beings: Expert.

Drinking water before meals is the best way to lose weight

WASHINGTON – Have you tried out every trick in the book to lose weight – crash diets, gyms, or simply starving yourself? Now, try a simple trick – drink a glass or two of water before meals, as that’s the best way to curb appetite and shed those pounds – says a new research.

Scientists have … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Drinking water before meals is the best way to lose weight.

Bhakra water level rises, flood threatens Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH – With the water level in the Bhakra Dam reservoir increasing steadily, Punjab and Haryana areas adjoining the Satluj river continued to be under the threat of floods for the fourth consecutive day.

Water level in Himachal Pradesh’s 225-metre-high Bhakra Dam reservoir reached 1,673.46 feet by late Monday evening and it was rising at an …. Original article  : Bhakra water level rises, flood threatens Punjab, Haryana.

Environment may make Pakistan more bellicose towards India: US report

WASHINGTON – Environmental factors – like the present floods – could further weaken an already weak Pakistani state and add impetus to a return to military rule or a more bellicose posture towards India, warns a new US Congressional report.

“Environmental stresses, when combined with the other socio-economic and political stresses on Pakistan, have the potential …. Original article  : Environment may make Pakistan more bellicose towards India: US report.

A unique fish is caught in China

BEIJING – A unique one-feet-long crocodile-like fish was caught in a rivulet in China’s Sichuan province, a media report said.

Fisherman Chen Wu, who netted the fish in Juexi town in Yibin county, told reporters that he never saw that type of fish before, People’s Daily reported Monday.
He alerted the water resources department after villagers …. Source article  : A unique fish is caught in China.

Heavy downpour in Delhi, chaos on roads

NEW DELHI – Incessant heavy rains Tuesday morning caused waterlogging at many places in Delhi, leading to traffic jams. Many Delhiites had a tough time navigating through flooded roads as they headed out to meet relatives on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Traffic snarls worsened as the downpour increased, slowed the movement of vehicles to a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Heavy downpour in Delhi, chaos on roads.

Here’s what humans ate 10,000 years ago

WASHINGTON – If you thought the early locals ate only roots and berries for dinner, you may quite well be wrong. They dined quite lavishly too, according to findings of a new excavation in Utah.

Brigham Young University archaeologists found that locals occupying the North Creek Shelter in the southern half of Utah ate mush cooked …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Here’s what humans ate 10,000 years ago.

Sign language speakers use hands and mouth separately

WASHINGTON – When a person uses sign language to communicate, they use their hands as well as mouth – but now a study has found out whether the two are used in unison or separately.

Researchers David P. Vinson and colleagues at University College London found that the hand and lip movements are separate in the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sign language speakers use hands and mouth separately.

Are you an early riser or late sleeper? It’s all in the hair, says study

WASHINGTON – Are you an early riser or do you prefer waking up when the sun is overhead? Your hair may be an indicator – says a new study.

According to National Geographic News, that’s because the genes that regulate our body clocks can be found in hair-follicle cells, researchers have discovered.

Makoto Akashi, of the Research …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Are you an early riser or late sleeper? It’s all in the hair, says study.

Brain can act as a haven for HIV virus: Study

WASHINGTON – The HIV virus can hide in the brain of the human body according to a new study.

A thesis from University of Gothenburg, Sweden revealed that 10 percent patients showed traces of the virus in their spinal fluid but not in their blood.

Although current anti-HIV drugs are able to stop the multiplication of the …. Original source  : Brain can act as a haven for HIV virus: Study.

CAPITAL CULTURE: Obama official driving push for expansion of electric vehicles

CAPITAL CULTURE: Obama’s electric car champion
WASHINGTON – David Sandalow starts his five-mile commute each day by unplugging an orange extension cord connecting his Toyota Prius hybrid to an outlet in his brick carport.
His Prius, which was converted two years ago to allow him to recharge the battery from an electric outlet, …. Source  : CAPITAL CULTURE: Obama official driving push for expansion of electric vehicles.

Sebelius and Baucus rebuffed in Mont. after touting health care coverage for asbestos victims

Sebelius, Baucus rebuked in Mont. over health care

LIBBY, Mont. – Instead of saying thanks, some residents rebuked Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Sen. Max Baucus on Monday for the very law that could help potentially thousands of asbestos victims here.
The health care reform law passed last year expands Medicare coverage for the sick residents of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nevada OKs alternative fuel for fleets that combines natural gas with low-sulfur diesel

Nevada OKs natural gas-diesel alt fuel combination

RENO, Nev. – A Sparks refinery that produces a cleaner-burning, more efficient fuel made from a combination of low-sulfur diesel and natural gas has become the first of its kind in Nevada to win approval from state environmental regulators.
GDiesel, produced by the Reno-based Advanced Refining Concepts, received formal certification … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nevada OKs alternative fuel for fleets that combines natural gas with low-sulfur diesel.

Lawmakers say more air monitors in north Texas will increase data from gas drilling area

More air monitors planned for Texas drilling area

FORT WORTH, Texas – Eight new air monitors are planned for one of the nation’s largest natural gas fields, where drilling has raised questions about emissions effects, state lawmakers said Monday.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has not determined sites or funding sources for the monitors and does … Read more »».

Study finds mouse viruses in some chronic fatigue patients, but link not proven

Mouse virus link to chronic fatigue is studied

WASHINGTON – A U.S. government study has uncovered a family of mouse viruses in some people with chronic fatigue syndrome, raising still more questions about whether an infection may play a role in the complicated illness.
Monday’s study does not prove that having any of these viruses causes harm, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Study finds mouse viruses in some chronic fatigue patients, but link not proven.

Judge temporarily blocks Obama administration stem cell regulations

Obama stem cell regulations temporarily blocked

WASHINGTON – A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked government rules expanding stem cell research, a blow to the Obama administration that could stall potentially lifesaving research.
The nonprofit group Nightlight Christian Adoptions contends that the government’s new guidelines will decrease the number of human embryos available for adoption and implantation. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Judge temporarily blocks Obama administration stem cell regulations.

SeaWorld Orlando fined $75,000 for violations leading to trainer’s death by killer whale

SeaWorld fined $75,000 for whale trainer’s death

ORLANDO, Fla. – The federal job safety agency fined SeaWorld Orlando $75,000 on Monday for three violations uncovered while investigating the February death of a trainer who was grabbed by a killer whale and dragged underwater.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration categorized the most serious violation as “willful,” or … Read more : SeaWorld Orlando fined $75,000 for violations leading to trainer’s death by killer whale.

Giant rakhi to be tied to tree for environment protection

LUCKNOW – A special 8 feet high rakhi, made of various discarded household materials, will be tied to an old tree in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Raksha Bandhan Tuesday to sensitise the public on various environmental issues, an activist said Monday.

Under the aegis of Mahanagar Vyapar Mandal, people from different walks of life have …. Source  : Gaea News Network.