Science News – Newsletter for November 17, 2010

Energy drink intake may lead to alcohol dependence

WASHINGTON – A new research has suggested that college students who frequently consume heavily-caffeinated energy drinks are more likely to become alcohol-dependent.

Individuals who have a high frequency of energy drink consumption (52 or more times within a year) were … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Energy drink intake may lead to alcohol dependence.

‘Placenta key to pregnancy length’ discovery ends 100-year mystery

WASHINGTON – A new research has revealed that the structure of the placenta has an important role in determining the pregnancy length in humans.

The research, which ends a 100-year mystery, links growth rates of mammals inside the womb to the structure of the placenta and the way …. Original source  : ‘Placenta key to pregnancy length’ discovery ends 100-year mystery.

We are not what we eat when it comes to gut bacteria

WASHINGTON – When it comes to gut bacteria, we are not what we eat. The types of gut bacteria that populate the guts of primates depend on the species of the host as well as where the host lives and what they eat, says a new study.

The study led by … Read more : We are not what we eat when it comes to gut bacteria.

Sex robots headed to Britain

LONDON – Sex robots developed in the US could be heading to Britain following a demand from robot fetishists.

With a fixed stare but having movable limbs, the fully functioning sex robots are being sought by Britons.
Scott Maclean, a US national who has worked on his robot prototype since 2004, said he has been … Original article on : Sex robots headed to Britain.

‘Intelligent’ dressing changes colour to indicate state of a wound

WASHINGTON – Dressings effectively protect the site of an injury, but to examine a wound they must be removed. This can not only be painful for a patient, but it can also allow germs to enter the wound and cause infection.

Now, scientists at the … Read more : ‘Intelligent’ dressing changes colour to indicate state of a wound.

Chhattisgarh minister on tour to tackle man-elephant conflict

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh, which increasingly faces man-elephant conflict, will now take tips from two southern states on how to handle the menace. Its forest minister is on a week-long tour of Karnataka and Kerala for the purpose.

Chhattisgarh has been facing the problem for over a decade with the recent months seeing a sudden rise … Read more : Chhattisgarh minister on tour to tackle man-elephant conflict.

Inhalable dry powder antibiotic may reduce TB treatment time

WASHINGTON – New research has indicated that an inhalable dry powder antibiotic that when used alone or with current treatments may significantly reduce treatment for tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant TB.

Lead researcher J’aime Manion and her colleagues from the University of Colorado developed the inhalable dry powder, comprised of fine particles of antibiotics. These … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Inhalable dry powder antibiotic may reduce TB treatment time.

Global warming may be impacting blooming cycle of plants

WASHINGTON – A University of Cincinnati research has shown that global warming may be impacting the blooming cycle of plants.

According to the research, native plants in southwestern Ohio are flowering significantly earlier, a finding attributes, at least in part, to global warming.

University of Cincinnati biologist Denis Conover has done extensive plant studies in Hamilton [..] Read the original article: here.

Sony launches world’s first tilting television

LONDON – Electronic giant Sony has unveiled what is billed as the world’s first tilting screen.he “Monolithic” screens, which start at 1,300 pounds for a 40-inch screen and are available in state-of-the art 3D models, can either be set up vertically or slotted to a six-degree backwards lean.

“Most people don’t put their televisions at waist … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sony launches world’s first tilting television.

Genuine, open-mouthed laughter is most appealing: Study

WASHINGTON – Laughter that is genuine, involves the vocal chords, and is made with an open mouth, is the most appealing, according to a new research.

The study found that people experienced the most positive emotional reactions when they heard spontaneous, open-mouthed laughter, especially if the laughter came from a woman. Breathy laughter made with a … Read more >>>.

How you think about your personal goals can affect your relationships

WASHINGTON – Your view of personal goals can affect your relationships, says researchers of a new study.

How you think about your goals-whether it’s to improve yourself or to do better than others-can affect whether you reach those goals. Different kinds of goals can also have distinct effects on your relationships with people around you.

People with … Read more »».

Binge drinking increases impulsive behavior in males

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that adolescents into binge drinking are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior.

It is already known that impulsive behavior is caused by acute ingestion of alcohol, but new finding suggests that it may increase the level over a time.

The researchers believe that adolescence is also a time when … Read : Binge drinking increases impulsive behavior in males.

Send 60-year-old astronauts on a one-way trip to Mars: Scientists

LONDON – Colonization of Mars would be faster and cheaper if astronauts behaved like the first settlers to come to North America – not expecting to go home, according to two scientists.

Dirk Schulze-Makuch, a Washington State University professor, and Paul Davies, a physicist at Arizona State University, argue that humans must begin colonizing another planet …. Original article  : Send 60-year-old astronauts on a one-way trip to Mars: Scientists.

Gender differences in sleep interruptions revealed

WASHINGTON – A University of Michigan study has revealed that working mothers are two-and-a-half times as likely as working fathers to interrupt their sleep to take care of others.

The study is the first known nationally representative data documenting substantial gender differences in getting up at night, mainly with babies and small children.

And women are not … Read more >>.

Facebook’s only got five years left, says digital expert

MELBOURNE – Facebook has just five years before its audience begins to splinter, according to digital consumer expert Jeffrey Cole.

Dr Cole, who addressed a digital marketing forum hosted by Ninemsn in Sydney, predicted the site would be no more successful than MySpace and Bebo at hanging onto the fickle teenage audience.

Dr Cole, who predicted the … Read : Facebook’s only got five years left, says digital expert.

Japanese scientists confirm space probe captured asteroid dust

WASHINGTON – Japanese scientists, who announced in July that they had found something inside Hayabusa’s 40cm-wide sample return capsule, have now concluded that the trouble-plagued Hayabusa did return asteroid dust.

In fact, 1,500 particles of the stuff have been recovered so far.

“This is world first and it is a remarkable accomplishment that brought home material from … Read : Japanese scientists confirm space probe captured asteroid dust.

Stem cells injected into the brain of stroke patient in world first

LONDON – In a pioneering attempt to repair the damage caused by a stroke, a Briton has had millions of stem cells injected into his brain.

Another 11 patients will be treated with cells from an aborted baby from next month, as part of the world’s first neural stem cell trial for the debilitating condition.

The revolutionary … Original article on : Stem cells injected into the brain of stroke patient in world first.

Warm morning, clear skies in Delhi on Eid-ul-Zuha

NEW DELHI – Delhiites were greeted by a warm morning Wednesday as the minimum temperature settled at 18.1 degrees Celsius – seven notches above average. The met office has predicted clear skies as the city celebrates Eid-ul-Zuha.

“There is no prediction of rain in the city. The weather will be pleasant. The afternoon will be … Read more »»».

Winged visitors keep date with Pong wetlands

KANGRA – A cackle of sounds, the flapping of thousands of wings…the Pong wetlands are a sight to behold these days as feathered guests from as far as Russia, Poland and China arrive to spend the winter in its crystal clear waters, verdant forests and grassy swamps.

“The influx of waterfowl in the Pong wetlands …. Original source  : Winged visitors keep date with Pong wetlands.

Leonid meteor shower to peak Thursday

NEW DELHI – Leonid meteor shower will peak Thursday but there can be disappointment for sky gazers as the moon is expected to wash out the celestial fireworks of the night sky.

The leonid showers, known for their outbursts over the period 1998-2002, are the most famous meteors observable during the year.
“This … Read more >>.