Saturday, September 11, 2010

Science News – Newsletter for September 11, 2010

Saturday, September 11, 2010


Wisdom teeth could be stem cell source

WASHINGTON – Is wisdom teeth just an annoyance for you? Well, its time to change your opinion, for according to researchers, wisdom teeth contain a valuable reservoir of tissue for the creation of stem cells.

This means that everyone might be carrying around his or her own personal stem-cell repository in case of need.

A team of … Read more : Wisdom teeth could be stem cell source.

Graphene films can act as artificial membrane to speed up DNA sequencing

LONDON – Researchers from Harvard University and MIT have demonstrated that graphene, a surprisingly robust planar sheet of carbon just one-atom thick, can act as an artificial membrane separating two liquid reservoirs.

By drilling a tiny pore just a few-nanometers in diameter, called a nanopore, in the graphene membrane, they could measure exchange of ions through … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Graphene films can act as artificial membrane to speed up DNA sequencing.

Amateur astronomers open potential lab in outer space for scientists

WASHINGTON – Two amateur astronomers, who independently observed and videotaped an asteroid striking the giant planet Jupiter on June 3, have opened a potential giant research lab in space for planetary scientists.

According to a study by professional astronomers, the asteroid was eight to 13 meters in diameter and packed a punch equivalent to a 250- … Read : Amateur astronomers open potential lab in outer space for scientists.

Mysteries of ‘Green Pea’ galaxies unveiled

WASHINGTON – An astronomer has unveiled the mysteries of strange so-called ‘Green Pea’ galaxies.

First discovered in 2007 by amateur stargazers, it has now been shown that these extraordinary and extremely compact star cities have low amounts of complex elements after being diluted by streams of gas and strong supernova winds.

And the latest announcement will … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mysteries of ‘Green Pea’ galaxies unveiled.

Intelligent cat flap with microchip is bliss for worried cat owners in UK

LONDON – An intelligent cat flap, which uses a pet’s microchip to ensure only a verified animal enters and leaves the home, is selling like hot cakes in the UK.

With the technology, owners can stop their pets leaving the home at certain times of the day.

The technology allows cats to, in effect, open their cat …. Source  : Intelligent cat flap with microchip is bliss for worried cat owners in UK.

DARPA eyes mind-controlling helmets for soldiers

MELBOURNE – The US Army’s science department is working to develop helmets that can influence a soldier’s brain.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) says it is researching technology that stimulates the brain through implants, which allows relieving stress during combat and improves his battlefield awareness.

The helmet will transmit “transcranial pulsed ultrasound” waves into a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : DARPA eyes mind-controlling helmets for soldiers.

US navy eyes ‘dial-a-blast’ bomb to minimize civilian casualties

LONDON – The US navy is planning to develop a bomb whose damage can be controlled and manipulated.

The navy is looking to create a bomb weighing 200 kilograms that can either be detonated at full or reduced power.

The idea is that the device could be loaded onto planes before a target has been identified, and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Drug shows promise against debilitating condition of diabetes

WASHINGTON – A drug has the potential to stop a debilitating condition of diabetes that often leads to pain in the extremities and even amputations, say scientists.

The drug has been developed at the University of Kansas.

The researchers have found that KU-32 can stop and even reverse diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or DPN, in mice.

The condition leads … Read : Drug shows promise against debilitating condition of diabetes.

World’s first anesthesia given via videoconferencing across continents

WASHINGTON – In a world first, doctors at McGill’s Department of Anesthesia treated patients undergoing thyroid gland surgery in Italy remotely via videoconferencing from Montreal on August 30 (10).

Dr. Thomas Hemmerling and his team used the approach, which is part of new technological advancements, known as ‘Teleanesthesia’.

And the new approach involves a team of engineers, … Read more : World’s first anesthesia given via videoconferencing across continents.

New systems to extract water from air, discover pipeline leaks, clean sewage water

WASHINGTON – New water systems, to be unveiled soon, could extract precious drinking water from air, discover a leak in pipeline systems and even effectively clean sewage water.

Water is a valuable resource, and thus14 Fraunhofer institutes have joined forces in the Fraunhofer Alliance SysWasser to come up with sustainable water system technologies.

They will be … Read : New systems to extract water from air, discover pipeline leaks, clean sewage water.

First geometric ‘atlas’ of Internet created

LONDON – Scientists have created the first geometric “atlas” of the Internet as part of a project to prevent our most ubiquitous form of communication from collapsing within the next decade or so.

San Diego Supercomputer Center and Cooperative Association for Internet Data Analysis (CAIDA) at the University of California, San Diego, in a collaboration with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : First geometric ‘atlas’ of Internet created.

Muscle cramp drug ‘better than aspirin at preventing strokes’

LONDON – A drug used to ease cramp is more effective at preventing strokes than aspirin, a new research has revealed.

During the study, scientists discovered that the drug reduced the risk of a stroke by a quarter and the risk of dangerous side-effects by a half in patients, reports the Telegraph.

The findings are particularly important …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Muscle cramp drug ‘better than aspirin at preventing strokes’.

A hot cuppa in hand makes us more trusting

LONDON – Want to ask someone for a favour? Well, hand them a hot cup of coffee or tea before you do so, for a new study has revealed that we become more trusting when our hands are warm – making requests more likely to be granted.

It is believed that we are programmed to seek … Read more : A hot cuppa in hand makes us more trusting.

Iron overload may speed up Alzheimer’s

LONDON – Iron overload could be behind the development of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new research.

The study by researchers in Australia also reveals the role of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), which forms plaques in affected brains.

To each the conclusion, Jack Rogers at the University of Melbourne and colleagues, used mouse studies, healthy human brain … Read more »».

Stephen Hawking, a Simpsons character?

LONDON – Noted British physicist Stephen Hawking, who avoids people asking questions, has said there is a common misconception that he is a “Simpsons character”.

When asked what distracts him?, Hawking told The Guardian: “People asking me questions. I can concentrate and ignore everything else.”
Speaking about the most common misconception about his work, the 68-year-old … Read more »»».

Soon, cars that change colours according to owner’s mood and sunlight

SYDNEY – Get ready to see future car with “chameleon paint” which would change its colour according to the owner’s mood or clothing on a particular day.

In fact, tomorrow’s car could also have windscreens made from plastic instead of glass in an effort to reduce weight and save fuel, while buttons could be replaced by [..] Read the original article: here.

Stephen Hawking says he’s often mistaken for a Simpsons character

LONDON – British scientist Stephen Hawking has joked that he is often mistaken for a Simpsons character.

The eminent physicist and cosmologist, who has appeared as himself several times in the popular American cartoon, said it was the most common misconception people had about his work.

Professor Hawking made the comments to The Guardian Newspaper’s Weekend … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Stephen Hawking says he’s often mistaken for a Simpsons character.

Soon, online Avatars to turn more lifelike with realistic gestures and voice

LONDON – While Avatars offer a better way to communicate with their graphics and sound quality, researchers have developed a new software that may help virtual characters appear more lifelike by imbuing them with realistic body language.

Rather than assign physical gestures based on the literal meaning of a person’s spoken words, the program focuses …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Soon, online Avatars to turn more lifelike with realistic gestures and voice.

Rainy day ahead in Delhi

NEW DELHI – It was a cool Saturday morning in Delhi as it rained in many parts of the city and the weatherman predicted more showers as the day progresses.

“The skies will remain cloudy and parts of the city will receive thundershowers or rains,” said an official of the Indian Meteorological Department. … Read more : Rainy day ahead in Delhi.

Wyoming governor tells EPA state law prevents greenhouse gas regulations sought by feds

Governor to EPA: Wyo can’t regulate greenhouse gas

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The governor of the state with the most greenhouse gas emissions per person is telling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that state law forbids regulation of greenhouse gases.
The EPA has told 13 states to toughen up their rules to regulate greenhouse gases by Jan. 2. …. Read the original article  : Wyoming governor tells EPA state law prevents greenhouse gas regulations sought by feds.

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