Science News – Newsletter for November 3, 2010

This speed camera can snap you for other offences too

LONDON – Even the most law-abiding driver may become jittery at the sight of this speed camera. For it not only detects speed, it also measures the distance between vehicles to spot possible tailgating and takes pictures to make sure you are wearing a seat belt.

The camera is also packed with gizmos that check [..] Read the original article: here.

Delhi to monitor pollution levels on Diwali

NEW DELHI – Strict monitoring of noise and air pollution will be done this Diwali, with the Delhi government putting up six air monitoring systems in the capital.

The systems have come up at R.K. Puram, Mandir Marg, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Civil Lines, Anand Vihar and Punjabi Bagh to measure pollution levels Nov …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lactate levels in brain help in monitoring aging process

WASHINGTON – Scientists have demonstrated that they may be able to monitor the aging process in the brain, by using MRI technique to measure the brain lactic acid levels.

The findings from Karolinska Institute scientists suggest that the lactate levels increase in advance of other aging symptoms, and … Read more >>.

Female bonding among dolphins makes for good moms

SYDNEY – Female dolphins who have help from their same sex friends are far more successful as mothers than those without such help.

The finding is based on 25 years of field observations by an international team led by Bill Sherwin of the University of New South Wales School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Female bonding among dolphins makes for good moms.

Genetic elements that influence risk of type-2 diabetes identified

WASHINGTON – Scientists have captured the most comprehensive snapshot to date of DNA regions that regulate genes in human pancreatic islet cells, a subset of which produces insulin.

The study by a team of scientists at the National Human Genome Research Institute …. Original source  : Genetic elements that influence risk of type-2 diabetes identified.

Gastric bypass ‘alters preference for sweet substances’

WASHINGTON – Penn State College of Medicine researchers have found that gastric bypass surgery decreases the preference for sweet-tasting substances in obese rats.

The study could help in developing safer treatments for the morbidly obese.

“Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is the most … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gastric bypass ‘alters preference for sweet substances’.

Macrophage protein plays major role in inflammation

WASHINGTON – Researchers have discovered that a multi-tasking protein called FoxO1 has another important but previously unknown function: It directly interacts with macrophages, promoting an inflammatory response that can lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.

Contrarily, [..] Read the original article: here.

Mouse model confirms mutated protein plays role in dementia

LONDON – A new mouse model that confirms that mutations of a protein called beta-synuclein promote neurodegeneration has been created by a team of scientists from Japan and the University of California, San …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Students who think about future in high school attain higher education

WASHINGTON – A recent study has concluded that students who have high aspirations and put thought into their futures during their high school years tend to reach higher levels of educational attainment.

And what’s a significant factor in those goals and …. Read the original article  : Students who think about future in high school attain higher education.

‘Exotic’ superconductor with metallic surface discovered

LONDON – A Princeton University-led research team has discovered a new material with a split personality – part superconductor, part metal.

The discovery may have implications for the development of next-generation electronics that could transform the way information is stored and processed.

The new material – a crystal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Exotic’ superconductor with metallic surface discovered.

Nature-nurture secrets revealed by bees

WASHINGTON – The long-standing debate of nature-nurture is one step closer to being resolved – all thanks to bees.

Scientists at The Australian National University’s College of Medicine studied bees and documented how environmental inputs can modify our genetic hardware.

Their work reveals …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Brain’s ability to ‘pay attention’ diminishes with age

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that visual attention-the brain’s ability to selectively filter unattended or unwanted information from reaching awareness-weakens with age, leaving elder people incapable of sifting out useless information.

The University of Toronto …. Read the original article  : Brain’s ability to ‘pay attention’ diminishes with age.

Electronic implants to give sight back to blind

LONDON – Electronic implants that would help in restoring vision to people with retinal dystrophy-a hereditary or age-related condition that leads to blindness-may soon become a reality, thanks to US and German scientists.

The condition causes degeneration of the photoreceptors – light-sensitive cells in the retina-and leads to blindness.

Eberthart Zrenner and …. Source  : Electronic implants to give sight back to blind.

Soon, it would be possible to ‘delete painful memories’!

LONDON – It might sound like a scene straight from a science fiction flick, but scientists claim they have found a way to permanently delete painful memories from the mind.

John Hopkins University researchers said the find could lead to drugs for post-traumatic stress disorder.

“When a traumatic event occurs, it creates a fearful memory … Read : Soon, it would be possible to ‘delete painful memories’!.

How plants and soil fungi turned Earth ‘green’ over 470 mn yrs ago

LONDON – Experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Imperial College London and the University of Sydney have learnt how ancient plants and soil fungi turned the Earth green over 470 million years ago.

The study showed that an ancient plant group worked together with soil-dwelling fungi to ‘green’ … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : How plants and soil fungi turned Earth ‘green’ over 470 mn yrs ago.

Neanderthals were more promiscuous than modern humans

WASHINGTON – Scientists from universities of Southampton and Calgary have discovered that Neanderthals were much more promiscuous than people today.

The scientists examined finger ratios from fossilised skeletal remains of early apes and extinct hominins to reveal … Read : Neanderthals were more promiscuous than modern humans.

Fruit fly study reveals molecular link between obesity, heart disease

WASHINGTON – Scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have created a simple model using fruitflies to link high-fat diet, obesity and heart dysfunction.

They discovered that a protein called TOR influences fat accumulation in the heart and that manipulating TOR protects the hearts …. Source article  : Fruit fly study reveals molecular link between obesity, heart disease.

Galactic clouds could help us trace Sun’s journey through space

MELBOURNE – Scientists may have found a new tool to trace the Sun’s journey through our galaxy, the Milky Way.

It takes the Sun and its family of planets about 220 million years to complete each orbit of the galaxy, but it can be quite difficult to …. Original source  : Galactic clouds could help us trace Sun’s journey through space.

Ancient walls that protected Sphinx from desert winds uncovered

WASHINGTON – Egyptian Archaeologists have uncovered large sections of mud brick walls from the sands of the Giza plateau on which the Sphinx and the three great pyramids stand.

The walls were discovered during routine excavation work near the valley temple of the Fourth Dynasty …. Source  : Ancient walls that protected Sphinx from desert winds uncovered.

DHA ‘fish oil’ supplements ‘not useful for those with mild Alzheimer’s’

WASHINGTON – In a new study, experts from Oregon Health and Science University discovered that omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements did not seem to slow cognitive, functional decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

Some studies have found that consumption … Read this article on Gaea Times at : DHA ‘fish oil’ supplements ‘not useful for those with mild Alzheimer’s’.