Science News – Newsletter for November 23, 2010

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Baby panda’s name chosen in online poll

VIENNA – The name of a baby panda born at a zoo in the Austrian capital has been chosen by fans through online voting.

The cub of adult pandas Yang Yang and Long Hui was born at the Schonbrunn Zoo Aug 23.
Three names — Fu Hu (”happy tiger”), Wei Xing (”joy of Vienna”) and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Baby panda’s name chosen in online poll.

India’s maiden scientific team reaches South Pole

NEW DELHI – After traversing over 2,350 km in nine days, India’s first scientific expedition team to the South Pole planted the Indian flag at the earth’s southernmost point Monday afternoon.

The eight-member team reached South Pole at 4 p.m. Monday India time.
“The Indian flag has been hoisted at the South Pole,” the director … Original source on Gaea Times at : India’s maiden scientific team reaches South Pole.

Mosquito repellent to virtual inverter, innovations awarded at I3

NEW DELHI – For 48-year-old Anjan Mukherjee, a herbal products businessman in Kolkata, coming to the capital and telling entrepreneurs and corporate bigwigs from all over the country about his self-invented herbal mosquito repellent was a dream come true.

“I invented it while doing experiments at home on herbs that repel mosquitoes. What also kept … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mosquito repellent to virtual inverter, innovations awarded at I3.

Old panther Agni dies

BHOPAL – One of the oldest panthers in captivity here, known as Agni, died Monday afternoon.

The 15-year-old male panther had stopped eating four days ago after developing hygroma in his left leg, an official statement said.
Agni was brought to Van Vihar March 30, 1998 at the age of two years and five …. Source : Old panther Agni dies.

Himachal hills may experience more snow

SHIMLA – The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh may experience more spells of snow, the weather office said here Monday.

“The high hills of Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur and Kullu districts may experience another spell of snow, while the mid and low hills would experience rain and thundershowers by Tuesday,” Manmohan Singh, director of the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Himachal hills may experience more snow.

Urinary protein linked to cognitive decline in elderly women

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that low amounts of albumin in the urine strongly predict faster cognitive decline in older women.

The study involved more than 1,200 women who were phoned every two years for three cycles and tested for general cognition, verbal/word memory, verbal fluency, and working/short-term memory.

Julie Lin of Brigham and Women’s …. Original source : Urinary protein linked to cognitive decline in elderly women.

A glass of red wine a day ‘can treat diabetes’

LONDON – Research has found that drinking a small glass of red wine every day can help treat diabetes.

Potent “super-food” compounds found in the wine can work as well as a daily dose of medication for people with Type 2 diabetes, reports the Daily Express.

Scientists discovered antioxidants in red … Read more : A glass of red wine a day ‘can treat diabetes’.

Melting glacial ice sheets ‘may not raise sea levels after all’

LONDON – Glaciologists have been worried sick that the West Antarctic ice sheet will collapse over the next few centuries, raising sea levels dramatically, but a new study counters this theory.

Because the ice has started to melt because of climate …. Original article : Melting glacial ice sheets ‘may not raise sea levels after all’.

Researchers design mechanical model of human vocal folds

WASHINGTON – Researchers have built a mechanical model of human vocal folds to show how asymmetrical airflow impacts normal and diseased vocal fold motion – observations that may lead to new devices to help those who cannot take for granted their ability to vocalize.

Engineering professor …. Original source : Researchers design mechanical model of human vocal folds.

Making wind-turbines more efficient

WASHINGTON – New air-flow technology is being tested as engineers feel that the overall design of wind-turbines is still far from optimal as the costs of producing power with turbines continues to drop.

One issue confronting the efficiency of wind energy is the wind itself — … Read : Making wind-turbines more efficient.

Versatile bugs found under ocean crust

WASHINGTON – Scientists have stumbled upon life teeming with versatile bugs in the deepest layers of the ocean crust.

Some of these microbes, existing in temperatures near the boiling point of water, can crunch hydrocarbons and natural gas and store carbon.
“This is a new ecosystem that almost no one has ever explored,” said [..] Read the original article: here.

Having facial moles ‘could mean fewer wrinkles, healthier heart’

LONDON – Having moles is usually a cause for embarrassment, but not any more, according to scientists.

A research team from King’s College London believes that people with moles have tougher bones than normal, making them less likely to develop osteoporosis.

They also appear to have fewer wrinkles. Other suspected benefits include tauter muscles and healthier eyes …. Source : Having facial moles ‘could mean fewer wrinkles, healthier heart’.

Nanotechnology could unlock secret of youthful skin

LONDON – An expert at University of Reading, UK, is examining the use of nanotechnology to restore skin’s youthfulness.

Collagen growth has long been seen as the ultimate prize for makers of anti-ageing skin cream. Now there is a clue to how an ingredient in some anti-wrinkle treatments may stimulate this growth and restore skin’s elasticity.

Ian … Read : Nanotechnology could unlock secret of youthful skin.

Genes linking puberty to body fat in women discovered

LONDON – In a breakthrough research, scientists have discovered 30 new genes that control the age of sexual maturation in women.

Many of these genes are also known to act on body weight regulation or biological pathways related to fat metabolism.

Puberty is triggered after a child reaches a certain age – and the heavier the child, …. Source : Genes linking puberty to body fat in women discovered.