Kids blindly trust things told to them, finds Indian-origin scientist’s study

WASHINGTON – The next time you tell your three-year-old a fantasy story make sure he knows it’s not real-as a new study has suggested that they tend to blindly trust things told to them.

Previous research has found that three-year-olds are a credulous bunch; they believe most things they’re told, and skepticism doesn’t kick in … Read : Kids blindly trust things told to them, finds Indian-origin scientist’s study.

Beefed-up muscles help kidney patients live longer

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that kidney disease patients are likely to live healthier and longer if they’ve beefed up their muscles.

The results have suggested that patients may benefit from pumping iron or taking medications to boost their lean body mass.

Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh of Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute and his colleagues examined the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Beefed-up muscles help kidney patients live longer.

Four types of compulsive gamblers identified

WASHINGTON – A new study has identified four types of compulsive gamblers-a kind of behaviour that damages and harms personal, family and career-related goals.

Researchers at the University Hospital of Bellvitge (IDIBELL) and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) have identified the symptoms of such gamblers as disorganised and emotionally unstable, poorly adapted, suffering from alcohol … Original article on : Four types of compulsive gamblers identified.

New insight into multitalented protein sheds light on HIV mysteries

WASHINGTON – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a research method by which new insights into the infection process of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can be observed.

NIST scientists have glimpsed an important protein molecule’s behavior with unprecedented clarity.

The HIV protein known as Gag plays several …. Source article  : New insight into multitalented protein sheds light on HIV mysteries.

Scientists discover ‘dramatic flares, bursts from mysterious pulsar’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered dramatic flares and bursts of energy emanating from a weakly magnetised, slowly rotating pulsar.

The international team of astrophysicists who made the discovery believes that the source of the pulsar’s power may be hidden deep within its surface.

Pulsars, or neutron stars, are the collapsed remains of massive stars. Although they are … Read more »».

Earth’s temperature ‘depends on CO2 levels in atmosphere’

WASHINGTON – A new atmosphere-ocean climate modeling study has shown that the planet’s temperature ultimately depends on the atmospheric level of carbon dioxide and not only on water vapor and clouds.

The study conducted by Andrew Lacis and colleagues at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York examined the nature of Earth’s greenhouse …. Source article  : Earth’s temperature ‘depends on CO2 levels in atmosphere’.

Gene that prevents stem cells from turning cancerous identified

WASHINGTON – A research from Rockefeller University has dentified a gene that can inhibit stem cells from developing into cancer.

Having too many stem cells, or stem cells that live for too long, can increase the odds of developing cancer.

By identifying a mechanism that regulates programmed cell death in precursor cells for blood, or hematopoietic stem …. Read the original article  : here.

Social groups respond alike to common dangers: Study

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that response to a perceived danger is not different from one animal or human to another, as previously thought.

David Eilam and Rony Izhar of Tel Aviv University designed a study to investigate the anxieties experienced by an entire social group.

Using the natural predator-and-prey relationship between the barn owl and the …. Source article  : Social groups respond alike to common dangers: Study.

Why airplane food tastes so bland

LONDON – Ever wondered why food in airplanes always tastes so bland? Now, a new study at the University of Manchester tells you why.

The level of background noise affects both the intensity of flavour and the perceived crunchiness of foods, researchers have found. While louder noise reduced the reported sweetness or saltiness, it increased the …. Source article  : Why airplane food tastes so bland.

Bilingualism boosts brain prowess

WASHINGTON – A new study from the University of California, Los Angeles has revealed that the ability to speak multiple languages is associated with better mental capacities.

“Being able to use two languages and never knowing which one you’re going to use right now rewires your brain,” Discovery News quoted Ellen Bialystok of York University in …. Original source  : Bilingualism boosts brain prowess.

Bizarre female robo ‘croons by copying human singer’

LONDON – They can drive cars and probably even do household chores like humans, but a bizarre female robot can actually sing, by copying a human singer.

The life-sized robot, known as HRP-4, is able to ’sing’ using a synthesized voice technology that sounds and breathes like a human.

“This robot primarily utilises two technologies. One is …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Children from broken homes ‘twice as likely to have emotional problems’

LONDON – A new study has revealed that children from broken families have double the chances of developing serious behavioural problems.

Researchers who tracked nearly 13,500 children from birth to age seven found that kids living with a single parent or stepparents are twice as likely of developing emotional problems, poor behaviour and hyperactivity.

Separately, the study …. Read the original article  : Children from broken homes ‘twice as likely to have emotional problems’.

Clear bright skies in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A day after a burst of fireworks brought the curtains down on the 19th Commonwealth Games, Delhiites woke up to a clear, bright sky Friday.

“Skies will remain clear throughout the day. Slightly higher level of humidity is expected,” an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.
The minimum temperature was recorded … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Clear bright skies in Delhi.

A park between Yamuna and Taj is eyesore to conservationists

AGRA – Years ago, the Yamuna waters would lap gently against the base of the Taj Mahal. But an artificial park developed between the river and the Taj can endanger the 17th century monument as its foundation requires moisture, say worried conservationists.

The artificial park developed some years ago got inundated in the recent floods, … Read more : A park between Yamuna and Taj is eyesore to conservationists.

Solar-powered plane set for world tour

BEIJING – The team that built the first solar-powered plane is planning a round-the-world flight within two years, with a stopover in China, a media report Thursday said.

“We plan to stop in Hawaii, the US, a European country, Japan and probably China – it is a country that cannot be ignored,” said Bertrand … Original article on : Solar-powered plane set for world tour.

Skies clear, bright in Delhi as Games end

NEW DELHI – The skies in the capital remained clear and bright Thursday as the 19th Commonwealth Games came to a close.

The maximum temperature was 33.6 degrees Celsius, a notch above the average, while the minimum temperature settled at 22 degrees Celsius – three notches above the average for this time …. Source  : Skies clear, bright in Delhi as Games end.

Ocean asteroid impact could damage Earth’s protective ozone layer

LONDON – If a medium-sized asteroid were to land in the oceans a tsunami wouldn’t be the only worry, say scientists- the Earth’s ozone layer could be at risk too.

A new computer simulation suggests that the water vapour and sea salt thrown up by the impact could damage the protective …. Original article  : Ocean asteroid impact could damage Earth’s protective ozone layer.

Over-the-counter weight-reducing products can cause harm, may even kill

WASHINGTON – A new study has warned that ‘natural’ slimming therapies can have an adverse effect on users and may even kill.

The study of medical records in Hong Kong revealed 66 cases where people were apparently poisoned by a “natural” slimming therapy.

In eight cases the people became severely ill, and in one case the person …. Original source  : Over-the-counter weight-reducing products can cause harm, may even kill.

Exposure to chemical warfare agent linked to long-term heart damage

WASHINGTON – Researchers have found that exposure to the chemical warfare agent sarin can lead to heart dysfunction.

Sarin is a chemical warfare agent belonging to class of compounds called organophosphates – the basis for insecticides, herbicides and nerve agents.

As an inhibitor of the nervous system enzyme acetylcholinesterase, sarin can cause convulsions, stoppage of breathing …. Original article  : Exposure to chemical warfare agent linked to long-term heart damage.

Robot punches humans to test pain thresholds

LONDON – Contrary to the first law of robotics, which states that ‘a robot may not injure a human being,’ a powerful robot in Slovenia has been hitting people over and over again in a bid to induce anything from mild to unbearable pain.

But the robo-battering is all in a good cause, insisted Borut Povse, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.