Science News – Newsletter for November 25, 2010

India tests nuclear-capable Agni I missile

BHUBANESWAR – India Thursday tested its nuclear capable surface-to-surface Agni I missile from a test range in Orissa, defence sources said.

The missile, which can strike a target 700 km away, was tested as part of user-trials from a facility on Wheeler Island in the district of Bhadrak, about 200 km from here, the sources … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India tests nuclear-capable Agni I missile.

India, 12 others vow to double tiger numbers by 2022

UNITED NATIONS – A United Nations-led alliance to fight wildlife crime and eliminate threats to wild cats around the world has pledged to double tiger numbers by 2022 in India and 12 other tiger range countries.

The alliance was formed this week at an international forum in St Petersburg, Russia on restoring the global tiger … Original article on : India, 12 others vow to double tiger numbers by 2022.

Neither money nor success – happiness is tied to your spouse

WASHINGTON – It was always thought that happiness is related to money, success or good health but a new study shows that happiness is hitched to your spouse.

“What we saw over a long period of time is that if one spouse changed in terms of increasing happiness, the other spouse’s happiness would go up,” MSNBC …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Iran’s nuclear programme halted temporarily

WASHINGTON – Iran’s nuclear facilities were temporarily suspended this month apparently due to a technical snag caused by a malicious software Stuxtnet that affected many computer networks in the country, The Wall Street Journal reported.

According to diplomats briefed on a report by UN’s nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the brief stoppage of …. Source article  : Iran’s nuclear programme halted temporarily.

Temperature drops in Delhi, more rains predicted Thursday

NEW DELHI – The national capital Wednesday received 1.6 mm of rainfall, pulling the maximum temperature down six degrees below the average for this time of the year. More rains are predicted for the first half of Thursday, a Met official said.

“The maximum temperature recorded today (Wednesday) was 21.3 degrees Celsius which is six …. Read the original article  : Temperature drops in Delhi, more rains predicted Thursday.

1,395 industries discharging effluents into rivers

NEW DELHI – There are 1,395 industries across the country discharging effluents into rivers, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said Wednesday.

“Out of the 1,395 identified industries, 950 are operating effluent treatment plants satisfactorily while 176 are not operating (treatment plants) satisfactorily and 269 have been ordered closed,” said Ramesh in a written reply to … Read more : 1,395 industries discharging effluents into rivers.

Beautiful females must smell and taste like ones too to bag a date

WASHINGTON – It seems that being a great looking female is just not enough – for her to be attractive, she has to “smell” and “taste” like one too.

When it sees a female fruitfly, a male fruitfly tries to attract her, but when it encounters a male fruitfly, he will fight …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Soon, software that allows interactive tabletop displays on Internet

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Purdue and the University of Manitoba in Canada have developed a software that enables people to use large visual displays and touch screens interactively over the Internet for business and homeland …. Read the original article  : Soon, software that allows interactive tabletop displays on Internet.

Tigers, polar bears ‘more vulnerable to environmental change’

LONDON – A new study has revealed that large predators are much more vulnerable than smaller species to environmental changes, such as over-hunting and habitat change, because they have to work so hard to find their next meal.

Scientists matched studies …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tigers, polar bears ‘more vulnerable to environmental change’.

To save world’s tigers, save their preys: Scientists

LONDON – In order to save tigers from extinction, their preys need to be protected, say scientists.

Chris Carbone of the Institute of Zoology in London pulled together population data for 11 carnivores and examined how they were affected by changes in numbers of their prey.

Fewer prey always meant fewer predators, but for large carnivores the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : To save world’s tigers, save their preys: Scientists.

Painkiller ziconotide ‘may trigger suicidal ideation’

WASHINGTON – The active agent ziconotide, the synthetic toxin of the cone snail (Conus magus), is apparently responsible for patients committing suicide.

Christoph Maier, of the Ruhr University and colleagues have presumed that ziconotide not only suppresses the transmission of pain stimuli, but also deteriorates the frame of mind and could simultaneously reduce anxiety and impulse …. Source  : Painkiller ziconotide ‘may trigger suicidal ideation’.

Underwater robots to get smaller, cheaper and ‘independent’

WASHINGTON – Scientists are developing robots that would be able to explore the deep seas independently, without help from humans.

Thomas Rauschenbach, of the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB and his team is working on a generation of autonomous underwater robots, which will be smaller, more robust and cheaper than the … Read more »».

Scientists apply industrial monitoring technique to orthopedic diagnoses

WASHINGTON – Tel Aviv University researchers are exploring a modification of technique for human analysis-called bio-ferrography-to diagnose diseases in their early stages, determine the efficacy of drugs, and ascertain the condition of orthopedic implants.

Noam Eliaz said bio-ferrography has the potential to help develop better medications and better implants, and to diagnose the development of diseases, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Scientists apply industrial monitoring technique to orthopedic diagnoses.

Hormone replacement therapy may boost women’s brains

LONDON – Women who take hormone replacement therapy may be boosting their bodies as well as their brains, suggests a new study.

The therapy is given to women to curb the after-effects of menopause.

A University of Durham study has found those using HRT also slashed years off their ‘mental age,’ reports the Daily Express.

The left and …. Original source  : Hormone replacement therapy may boost women’s brains.

Promising new cancer treatment ‘fries’ cells inside tumors

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed a promising new cancer treatment called Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) that essentially “fries” cells inside tumors.

The procedure has been used successfully in prostate, liver, and breast tumors.

Magnetic nanoparticles (each billionths of a meter in size) are injected into the body intravenously … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Promising new cancer treatment ‘fries’ cells inside tumors.

Environmental pollutant may have a role in causing multiple sclerosis

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered that an environmental pollutant may play an important role in causing multiple sclerosis and that a hypertension drug might be used to treat the disease.

The toxin acrolein was elevated by about 60 percent in the spinal cord tissues of mice … Original source on Gaea Times at : Environmental pollutant may have a role in causing multiple sclerosis.

Breastfeeding ‘doesn’t stop pregnancy’

MELBOURNE – The myth about not falling pregnant while breastfeeding seems to plague a number women, who have been revealed to not use contraception until three months after the birth of a child.

A survey commissioned by a sexual and reproductive health service found it necessary to issue a warning after it emerged that 35 percent …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nepal campaigners call for end to animal sacrifices

KATHMANDU – One year after Nepal shocked animal lovers worldwide by the slaughter of thousands of birds and animals at a Hindu temple close to the Indian border, animal rights campaigners Wednesday began a sombre purification ceremony to commemorate the pains of the victims and renew their appeal for an end to animal sacrifices.

The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nepal campaigners call for end to animal sacrifices.

Combining aerobic and resistance training helpful for diabetics

WASHINGTON – In a study, scientists found that performing a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training was associated with improved glycemic levels among patients with type 2 diabetes, compared to patients who did not exercise.

But the level of improvement was not seen among patients who performed either aerobic exercise or resistance training alone.

Timothy …. Source  : Combining aerobic and resistance training helpful for diabetics.

If it’s too easy, we are more likely to cheat: Study

WASHINGTON – Most of us consider ourselves honest, believing that we wouldn’t steal money, or cheat on a test – but what would you do if you found a 100-dollar bill just lying around?

University of Toronto Scarborough researchers show that people will behave badly – if it doesn’t involve too much work on their part.

“People …. Source  : Gaea News Network.