Science News – Weekly Newsletter for November 22-29, 2010

Human skin turned into 3-D cancers in tissue culture dishes

LONDON – For the first time ever, Stanford University researchers have successfully transformed normal human tissue into three-dimensional cancers in a tissue culture dish.

Watching how the cells behave as they divide and invade surrounding tissue will help physicians better understand how human cancers act in the body. The new technique also provides a way to …. Read the original article  : here.

Stretched rubber tube device mimics zebra finch songs

WASHINGTON – Harvard scientists have has reproduced many of the characteristics of real bird song with a simple physical model made of a rubber tube.

“We wanted to know if you [could] build a simple device, which has minimal control but reproduces some non-trivial aspects of bird song,” says L Mahadevan, a professor at Harvard.

Aryesh … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Stretched rubber tube device mimics zebra finch songs.

MRI may hold key to improved jet engine performance

WASHINGTON – Apart from the usual task of imaging organs and soft tissues, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) could prove useful in improving the efficiency of jet engines, says researcher.

Lt. Colonel Michael Benson of the Stanford University is using MRI to improve jet engine. The technique could also provide insights into other fluid mixing problems, ranging …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : MRI may hold key to improved jet engine performance.

Milky Way’s smallest black holes ‘don’t exist’

LONDON – A new study has revealed that black holes a few times the mass of the sun may not exist to begin with.

Stars that are eight or more times the mass of the sun explode as supernovae at the end of their lives. If the core left behind weighs less than two or three … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Milky Way’s smallest black holes ‘don’t exist’.

Tumours are capable of making their own blood vessels: Study

LONDON – A new study has revealed that tumours don’t rely on their host’s blood vessels for nourishment because they can make their own blood vessels.

The findings offer an explanation for why a class of drug once heralded as a game-changer in cancer treatment is proving less effective than had been hoped.

In both studies, researchers … Read more : Tumours are capable of making their own blood vessels: Study.

Telling kids to clean their plate may produce fussy eaters

WASHINGTON – A study has suggested that telling your child to clean their plate may help produce a fussy eater, while tight control of what they eat could make children prone to overeating.

Jane Wardle and colleagues at University College London surveyed 213 mothers of 7- to 9-year-old children.

In the study, mothers were asked about how …. Source  : Telling kids to clean their plate may produce fussy eaters.

‘Smooth muscles’ play major role in heart problems, stroke

LONDON – Scottish scientists have found the causes of serious conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

The researchers are investigating the role of “smooth” muscles, which are found inside organs such as the stomach and bladder.

The team from the University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde has developed a new technique to study … Read more : ‘Smooth muscles’ play major role in heart problems, stroke.

First step of a cancer cell’s beginning identified

WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified factors in the very first step of the process that prompts normal cells to transform themselves into cancerous cells.

The DNA molecule – the elegant, twin-stranded necklace of life in all cells – gets broken and repaired all the time. Breaks are caused by the body’s metabolic activities such as energy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : First step of a cancer cell’s beginning identified.

World’s first 1,000mph car project ‘on track’

LONDON – The British project to develop the world’s first 1,000mph car is on track.

The construction will start on the rear of the Bloodhound vehicle in January, with an attempt on the World Land Speed record expected in 2012.

“We’ve got companies all over the world wanting to sponsor the car,” director Richard Noble told BBC …. Source article  : World’s first 1,000mph car project ‘on track’.

Coming soon: a diving suit that turns humans into fish

LONDON – Humans may now be able go deep inside the waters, as a US scientist has designed a scuba suit would allow us to breathe liquid like fish.

Arnold Lande, a retired American heart and lung surgeon, has patented a scuba suit that would allow a human to breathe “liquid air”, a special solution that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Coming soon: a diving suit that turns humans into fish.

Rare disease ‘paves way for creating stem cells’

LONDON – Harvard researchers have found that by mimicking a rare genetic disorder in a dish, they can rewind the internal clock of a mature cell and drive it back into an adult stem-cell stage.

This new ’stem cell’ can then branch out into a variety of differentiated cell types, both in culture and in animal … Read more >>.

Coming soon: Airplanes that look like birds!

WASHINGTON – Airplanes may soon start looking like birds as scientists are pondering over re-designing the current airplanes to make them more fuel-efficient.

Geoffrey Spedding, an engineer at the University of Southern California, and Joachim Huyssen at Northwest University in South Africa have made a simple modular aircraft in three configurations: a flying wing alone, then …. Read the original article  : here.

Brit TV dramas portray characters with mental health issues as ‘dangerous’

LONDON – A study of peak-time British programme has indicated that television dramas too often portray characters with mental health problems as “dangerous”.

Almost half (45 pc) of fictional characters with mental illness have storylines depicting them as violent or posing a threat to others, says a report by Shift, the campaign to tackle the stigma …. Read the original article  : Brit TV dramas portray characters with mental health issues as ‘dangerous’.

Technology is ‘killing traditional face-to-face conversations’

LONDON – A study has concluded that people are unhappy with the lack of face-to-face time they spend with friends and family.

The incessant march of technology is to blame, with text messaging, emailing and social networking taking over from traditional conversation, it revealed.

The research said that 95 per cent of those asked are dissatisfied with … Read more >>.

Global CO2 emissions may reach ‘record levels in 2010???

LONDON – A new study from the University of Exeter (UK) has said that global CO2 emissions may reach record levels in 2010.

The authors found that global CO2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuel in 2009 were only 1.3 per cent below the record 2008 figures – less than half the drop predicted a … Original article on : Global CO2 emissions may reach ‘record levels in 2010′.

Bacteria ‘trained’ to convert bio-wastes into plastic

LONDON – A scientist has ‘trained’ bacteria to convert all the main sugars in vegetable, fruit and garden waste efficiently into high-quality green bioplastics.

By adapting the eating pattern of bacteria and subsequently training them, Jean-Paul Meijnen, a microbiologist at the TU Delft in The Netherlands, has succeeded in converting sugars in processable materials, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bacteria ‘trained’ to convert bio-wastes into plastic.

Global CO2 emissions on the rise again in 2010

WASHINGTON – Global carbon dioxide emissions, the main contributor to global warming, show no sign of abating and may reach record levels in 2010, according to a study.

The study, led by the universities of Exeter and East Anglia, both in Britain, and other global institutions, is part of the annual carbon budget update by …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Global CO2 emissions on the rise again in 2010.

Now, capture and store sunlight using liquid battery

WASHINGTON – Ever wondered how sunlight could be stored and used when needed? Well, it may be possible one day, say MIT researchers, who are working on making a new method for capturing and storing sunlight that would make this renewable energy indefinitely storable and transportable.

Jeffrey Grossman and colleagues research is based on the molecule … Read more : Now, capture and store sunlight using liquid battery.

Polluted Yamuna at Mathura scaring away pilgrims (Letter from Mathura)

MATHURA – The Yamuna river flowing through Mathura, Vrindavan and Agra has been reduced to no less than a sewer canal these days, choked with piles of accumulated garbage and industrial effluents, which pose a threat to aquatic life and are scaring away pilgrims.

The pollutants are discharged by industrial clusters upstream of Vrindavan, Delhi …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Polluted Yamuna at Mathura scaring away pilgrims (Letter from Mathura).

Stem cell therapy could ‘help the blind see within 6 weeks’

LONDON – Stem cells derived from spare IVF embryos left over from fertility treatment could help blind patients see within six weeks, according to a new study.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the go-ahead for the controversial transplant of embryonic stem cells into the eyes of patients with Stargardt’s macular degeneration, where … Original source on Gaea Times at : Stem cell therapy could ‘help the blind see within 6 weeks’.

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.

Brazilian funeral home broadcasts burials

Sao Paulo, Nov 22 (IANS/EFE) A funeral home in a Brazilian city has begin to broadcast funerals live for the family members of the deceased who are living abroad, a media report said.

The Gonzaga funeral home, which is located in the interior of the state of Minas Gerais, now offers live transmission via the … Read more : Brazilian funeral home broadcasts burials.

Cloudy morning in Delhi, thundershowers likely

NEW DELHI – It was a cloudy and chilly morning in the national capital Monday with the weather office predicting thundershowers as the day progressed.

Delhi recorded a minimum of 13.6 degrees Celsius, three notches above the normal for this time of the season.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a depression over …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Delhi experiences a pleasant Sunday

NEW DELHI – Delhi’s residents Sunday witnessed a pleasant day after the morning mist and chill was soon enveloped by a bright sun. The weather office predicted a misty morning and partly cloudy sky for Monday.

According to an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature settled at 26.2 degrees Celsius, slightly …. Original source  : Delhi experiences a pleasant Sunday.

Nuclear-powered ’space hopper’ to leap across Mars

LONDON – Scientists have designed a Mars hopper that could explore the surface of the red planet by leaping half a mile at a time.

It would be able to travel 400 miles during a six year mission, far more than what Nasa’s intrepid Spirit Rover managed – 15 miles over seven years.
The innovative … Read : Nuclear-powered ’space hopper’ to leap across Mars.

Google’s online book to demystify the Web

LONDON – Google has published an online book on “things you’ve always wanted to know about the web and browsers but may have been afraid to ask”, a posting on the company blog said.

The search engine has commemorated the 20th anniversary of a paper crucial to the Web’s development by producing the book.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Google’s online book to demystify the Web.

Madhya Pradesh tops in forest rights

BHOPAL – The central government has awarded Madhya Pradesh for the best implementation of Forest Rights Act, which safeguards land ownership of tribals and other traditional forest dwellers, it was officially announced Tuesday.

Under the 2005 law, land certificates are given to forest dwellers, which legitimises their ownership and prevents harassment by officials.
So far, …. Read the original article  : Madhya Pradesh tops in forest rights.

Chatrooms, social networking sites “behind generation that can’t spell”

LONDON – A study has suggested that Internet chatrooms and social networking sites are to be blamed for children spelling words incorrectly.

The study says as people type at speed online, there is now a “general attitude” that there is no need to correct mistakes or conform to regular spelling rules.

And this means that children who … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chatrooms, social networking sites “behind generation that can’t spell”.

Why babies digest milk more effectively than adults

WASHINGTON – A new study has pointed out that infants are more efficient at digesting milk than adults due to a difference in the strains of bacteria that dominate their digestive tracts.

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, and Utah State University have identified the genes that are most likely responsible for this difference.

“Human …. Source article  : Why babies digest milk more effectively than adults.

Scientists revive ancient bacteria

WASHINGTON – Scientists at Binghamton University have revived ancient bacteria trapped for thousands of years in water droplets embedded in salt crystals.or years, geologists have looked at these water droplets – called fluid inclusions – and wondered whether microbes could be extracted from them.

Fluid inclusions have been found inside salt crystals ranging in age … Original source on Gaea Times at : Scientists revive ancient bacteria.

Archaeologists uncover 1,800-yr-old Roman bathhouse in Jerusalem

WASHINGTON – A 1,800-year-old bathhouse was discovered prior to the construction of a men’s mikveh (ritual bath) in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem.

The Israel Antiquities Authority announced that the bathhouse was probably used by the Tenth Legion, the Roman soldiers who destroyed the Second Temple, reports CNN.com.

The surprise discovery also included the paw print of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Archaeologists uncover 1,800-yr-old Roman bathhouse in Jerusalem.

Late-preterm babies ‘at greater risk for cognitive, emotional problems’

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that late-preterm babies, those born between 34 and 36 weeks, face an increased risk of cognitive and emotional problems.

The findings held up even when the researchers accounted for the mother’s IQ and other demographic measures known to affect the risk of these problems.

While late-preterm births (full-term pregnancies … Read more >>.

Targeted breast ultrasound effective for women under 30

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that targeted breast ultrasound should be the primary imaging technique used to evaluate focal breast signs and symptoms of disease in women younger than 30.

Researchers at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle reviewed all ultrasound examinations performed for focal breast signs or symptoms in women younger than 30 …. Original source  : Targeted breast ultrasound effective for women under 30.

Imaging breakthrough to help docs see microscopic details inside our bodies

WASHINGTON – Scientists say that a new breakthrough in imaging technology using a combination of light and sound will allow health care providers to see microscopic details inside the body.

Access to this level of detail potentially eliminates the need for some invasive biopsies, but it also has the potential to help health care providers make …. Original source  : Imaging breakthrough to help docs see microscopic details inside our bodies.

Scientists develop new salmonella test that makes food safer

WASHINGTON – Researchers from University of Missouri have developed a new test for salmonella in poultry and eggs that will produce faster and more accurate results than most currently available tests.

Earlier this year, an outbreak of salmonella caused by infected eggs resulted in thousands of illnesses before a costly recall could be implemented.

The new test, …. Original source  : Scientists develop new salmonella test that makes food safer.

Tiger shot dead in Assam

GUWAHATI – A Royal Bengal tiger was shot dead by forest rangers after the big cat mauled two people to death and critically injured two more in Assam Tuesday, wildlife officials said.

The incident took place at village Habiborongabari in Morigaon district, about 60 km east of Assams main city of Guwahati.
The adult tiger … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tiger shot dead in Assam.

Tehran declares holiday for pollution

TEHRAN – Tehran will observe a public holiday Wednesday due to “alarming” rise of air pollution in the city, the official media reports.

The Tehran City Air Pollution Committee announced that offices, banks and schools will remain closed Wednesday, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
The decision was taken Monday at an emergency … Read more : Tehran declares holiday for pollution.

New method to trick cancer cells to self-destruct shows promise

WASHINGTON – A new method that causes cancer cells to self-destruct while sparing surrounding healthy cells is showing promise as a fighter against the disease.

Tulane University researcher W T. Godbey has developed the treatment.

While clinical trials with human patients are two to three years in the future, the treatment has been successful in animal models.

Tulane … Read : New method to trick cancer cells to self-destruct shows promise.

Indian-origin boffins introduce thermotherapy as a chemotherapy alternative

WASHINGTON – A research team, including Indian-origin scientists, has introduced a new method to target and destroy cancerous cells.he cancer treatment uses hyperthermia to elevate the temperature of tumor cells, while keeping the surrounding healthy tissue at a lower degree of body heat.

The investigators used both in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian-origin boffins introduce thermotherapy as a chemotherapy alternative.

Solitary fish may be first model for human depression

LONDON – Zebrafish that stop swimming when left alone could be the first fish model of a human mood disorder.

In 2005, when Herwig Baier of the University of California, was screening thousands of zebrafish for vision problems, he found one that seemed a bit ‘off’.

If alone, especially after repeated periods of isolation, the fish would …. Source  : Solitary fish may be first model for human depression.

Bigger brains make dogs friendlier than cats

LONDON – Domestication by humans helped dogs evolve bigger brains making them more friendly than their feline counterparts and other solitary species, say scientists.

The reason, they suggest, is that dogs evolved bigger brains because friendly, social mammals need more grey matter than solitary, aloof ones.
The findings come from a study into the …. Original source  : Bigger brains make dogs friendlier than cats.

Adding face shields to helmets could prevent blast-induced brain injuries

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that adding a face shield to the helmet worn by military personnel could help prevent blast induced head injuries.

Raul Radovitzky, of MIT, and colleagues reported that adding a face shield to the standard-issue helmet worn by the vast majority of ground troops could significantly reduce traumatic brain injury, … Read : Adding face shields to helmets could prevent blast-induced brain injuries.

Mind’s ability to predict makes us less attentive

WASHINGTON – The human brain has the ability to store millions of sounds and sights, which get recorded into a database that the mind refers to the next time it encounters any of them.

Collections of neurons in brain have their own … Read more >>.

High tech clothes peg can withstand sun for longer

MELBOURNE – Scientists have designed a clothes peg using supercomputers and quantum chemistry – the high tech peg can withstand the sun for longer.

Researchers at the Australian National University in Canberra modelled polymer degradation to ensure that the plastic was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : High tech clothes peg can withstand sun for longer.

Biological basis of brain’s ability for rapid adaptation revealed

LONDON – When you detect an object flying at your head, you first move out of the way and then you try to determine what the object is. Your brain’s ability to rapidly switch from detecting an object moving in your direction to finding out what the object is through a phenomenon called adaptation.

Now, a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Biological basis of brain’s ability for rapid adaptation revealed.

New spinal implant to help people exercise paralysed limbs

WASHINGTON – People with paraplegia would now be able to exercise their paralysed leg muscles, thanks to a new type of microchip muscle stimulator implant.

For the first time ever, researchers have developed a device of this kind that is small enough to be implanted into the spinal canal and incorporates the electrodes and muscle … Original article on : New spinal implant to help people exercise paralysed limbs.

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.

Fairground mirrors could resolve TSA scanner controversy, says scientist

LONDON – Worried that your full-body-scan images at US airports would end up being misused? Well, take a breather, as a scientist has offered a solution- make every naked scan look like the grotesque contorted image in a fairground mirror.

Bill Wattenburg, nuclear weapons designer, has planned to use in-scanner image-processing software to make every naked … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fairground mirrors could resolve TSA scanner controversy, says scientist.

Plans for dog-shaped vacuum cleaner come to light

LONDON – Does your dog get mad at the sight of a vacuum cleaner? Well, you can now take a breather, as plans for a dog-shaped vacuum cleaner designed to make pooches more comfortable around the household cleaning device have emerged.

Although a patent application was submitted in the UK in 1973, the unusual device was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Plans for dog-shaped vacuum cleaner come to light.

Soyuz spacecraft back after 5-month International Space Station stint

WASHINGTON – The Soyuz spacecraft flown by Expedition 25 Commander Doug Wheelock and Flight Engineers Shannon Walker and Fyodor Yurchikhin safely landed on the Kazakhstan steppe Thursday, wrapping up a five-month stay aboard …. Read the original article  : here.

First evidence of magnetic field ejected from a young star

WASHINGTON – Astronomers have discovered the first evidence of a magnetic field in a jet of material ejected from a young star.

The find could eventually help scientists understand the nature of all types of cosmic jets and of the role of magnetic fields in star formation.

Throughout the Universe, jets of subatomic …. Original source  : First evidence of magnetic field ejected from a young star.

‘Bloody’ Battle of Towton is ‘first proven gunfight in Brit history’

LONDON – A new archaeological find has revealed that the bloodiest battle ever fought on the English soil is the first proven gun battle in British history.

The Battle of Towton on March 29, 1461, was a ten-hour clash between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians, which ended … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Bloody’ Battle of Towton is ‘first proven gunfight in Brit history’.

Engineered DNA device could make cells differentiate or die on demand

LONDON – Biologists have constructed a programmable genetic ‘circuit’ that can rewire cells to respond on demand to just about any signal desired – it could coax cells to differentiate – or die.

The technique could have a wide range … Read more >>.

Environment ministry issues notice to Lavasa hill town

NEW DELHI – The environment ministry has issued a show cause notice to Lavasa Corporation Limited, a unit of Hindustan Construction, which is constructing a township on hills in Pune, for violating environmental laws, officials said Friday.

Asking the company to reply within 15 days, the ministry asked why the unauthorised structures erected without … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Environment ministry issues notice to Lavasa hill town.

Soyuz returns to Earth from ISS ahead of schedule

MOSCOW – The Russian Soyuz capsule landed safely early Friday after disembarking from the International Space Station (ISS) four days earlier than originally planned.

Cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin and astronauts Shannon Walker and Douglas Wheelock touched down in Kazakhstan at 0446 GMT, after undocking from the ISS at 0123 GMT, according to Russia’s space agency Roskosmos.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Soyuz returns to Earth from ISS ahead of schedule.

Looking at meat could have a calming effect on you

LONDON – Want to calm down your hubby after a stressful day? If yes, then you should cook him a steak, say experts.ontrary to popular belief that red meat makes humans aggressive, scientists have found that it actually has a calming affect.

Psychologist Frank Kachanoff said the belief that a hunk of red meat would prompt …. Original article  : Looking at meat could have a calming effect on you.

It’s a boy, reveals Egyptian mummy’s scan

LONDON – A 1,700-year-old Egyptian mummy has been revealed to be a boy dressed in girl’s clothing, thanks to high-tech hospital scans.

The child, who lived around 350 AD, underwent scans as experts hoped to determine its sex and discover how it suffered a fatal brain haemorrhage.
The mummy, housed at Saffron Walden Museum in …. Original article  : It’s a boy, reveals Egyptian mummy’s scan.

Criminal behaviour could be ‘all in the genes’

LONDON – Is a life of crime hereditary? Apparently, it is, says a new research carried out in the US.

The study of young men and women who had been adopted as children found they were up to four and a half more times to have been in trouble with the police if one of their …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Criminal behaviour could be ‘all in the genes’.

Air pollution ‘costs us 6 months of our lives’

LONDON – Air pollution from vehicles and power stations is reducing life expectancy in the UK by an average of 6 months, the government has warned.

“It’s a national scandal that the average life expectancy of people living in the UK is reduced by six months because of road traffic pollution,” the Daily Express quoted MP …. Source article  : Air pollution ‘costs us 6 months of our lives’.

Oxygen atmosphere found on Saturn’s moon

WASHINGTON – Astronomers have announced that an oxygen atmosphere has been found on Saturn’s second largest moon, Rhea.

At about 527,000 kilometres from Saturn, Rhea orbits inside the planet’s magnetic field. Rhea’s oxygen atmosphere is maintained by the ongoing chemical breakdown of water ice on the moon’s surface, driven by radiation from Saturn’s magnetosphere.

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oxygen atmosphere found on Saturn’s moon.

Collision of galaxies ‘formed Andromeda’

LONDON – Astronomers has revealed that Andromeda – the nearest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way- was born when two smaller galaxies collided.

An international team, who conducted a computer simulation of how Andromeda evolved over time, suggest that two galaxies collided some nine billion years ago and permanently fused about 5.5 billion years ago, reports …. Original source  : Collision of galaxies ‘formed Andromeda’.

Cheap, high-yield ‘bio-oil’ could reduce reliance on fossil fuels

WASHINGTON – A team of University of Massachusetts Amherst chemical engineers has developed a way to produce high-yield bio-oils that could reduce or eliminate industry’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Chemical manufacturers will now be able to use relatively cheaper, widely available pyrolysis oils made from waste wood, agricultural waste and non-food energy crops to produce the … Read more »»».

Mozart’s symphonies grow ’sweeter bananas, tastier sake’

TOKYO – Mozart’s music has regaled man for years, but now some are exploring the possibility that his symphonies may benefit fruits and vegetables too.

In July, the Hyogo Prefecture-based fruit company Toyoka Chuo Seika shipped out its first batch of “Mozart Bananas” to supermarkets in the area.

The bananas are exposed to “String Quartet 17″ and [..] Read the original article: here.

Dino extinction made mammals grow ‘1000 times bigger’

WASHINGTON – The extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago resulted in the size of mammals increasing – by about a thousand times bigger than they had been.

“Basically, the dinosaurs disappear and all of a sudden there is nobody else eating the vegetation. That’s an open food source and mammals start going for it, and …. Source article  : Dino extinction made mammals grow ‘1000 times bigger’.

Green-eyed Chinese ‘could be descendants of lost Roman legion’

LONDON – A new study has claimed that the green-eyed residents of the remote north western Chinese village of Liqian may be the descendants of a lost Roman legion that settled in the area.

DNA testing of the villagers has shown that almost two thirds of them are of Caucasian origin – they have green eyes …. Source  : Green-eyed Chinese ‘could be descendants of lost Roman legion’.

Fog disrupts flights, sunny day ahead in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhiites woke up Friday to heavy fog, which delayed the landing of a few flights and led to the diversion of some. The weather office predicted a bright and sunny day ahead.

“Mist and heavy fog early morning, but it will be mainly clear sky with sun shining bright today (Friday),” an [..] Read the original article: here.

Delhi to get colder

NEW DELHI – The national capital witnessed a misty cold morning Thursday and the day temperature stayed below average. The weatherman has predicted that the chill may increase in the next few days.

On Thursday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 16.7 degrees Celsius, one notch above the average, while the maximum settled at 21.8 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

British family shares home with 80 animals

LONDON – A British family shares its home with an amazing collection of 80 exotic animals that include boa constrictors, pythons and tarantula spiders.

Alan Hewitt, 44, and his wife Heather, 40, have 20 snakes, 15 reptiles, 25 mammals and birds and invertebrates as their pets at their home in in Morley, near Leeds, The … Read more >>.

ISRO-built communications satellite for Europe launched

CHENNAI – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)-built communication satellite HYLAS (Highly Adaptable Satellite) for EADS-Astrium of Europe was launched Saturday by an Ariane rocket from the Guyana Space Centre at Kourou in French Guyana.

According to ISRO, 35 minutes after the rocket lift-off, HYLAS was separated from the rocket at its intended geosynchronous transfer …. Original article  : ISRO-built communications satellite for Europe launched.

Keeping BlackBerry in your pocket could be harmful

MELBOURNE – Keeping that smartphone in your pocket could have harmful health effects, says BlackBerry.

The user guide to the BlackBerry Torch advises using its “approved holster with an integrated belt clip or maintain a distance” of 25mm between the …. Read the original article  : Keeping BlackBerry in your pocket could be harmful.

Police radar guns might spot suicide bombers

LONDON – Radar guns used by police to spot speeding motorists could help identify would-be suicide bomber in a crowd, say researchers.

A radar gun fires microwave pulses at a car and measures the Doppler shift of the reflected signal to calculate its velocity. However, the strength and polarisation … Read more : Police radar guns might spot suicide bombers.

Skin patch could provide efficient pain relief with every flinch

LONDON – Scientists at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, have suggested that a skin patch could soon provide efficient pain relief whenever you flex sore muscles.

The system would work by synchronising the release of drugs with movement of the underlying inflamed tissue.

Unyong Jeong’s team at Yonsei University … Read : Skin patch could provide efficient pain relief with every flinch.

Now, iPhone apps to help you during pregnancy

WELLINGTON – If you are pregnant, there are iPhone apps that can help you get through the process. And while it’s true that these apps don’t make the pain ago away, they do let you keep track of things and become more knowledgeable.

Pregnancy-related phone applications …. Original article  : Now, iPhone apps to help you during pregnancy.

Switch that controls neuronal migration in developing brain
identified

WASHINGTON – Researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have identified a crucial step in brain development, which offers insight into the origins of epilepsy, mental retardation and possibly brain tumour metastasis.

They have identified key components of a signaling pathway that …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Switch that controls neuronal migration in developing brain
identified.

ESA’s Hylas-1 released in space

WASHINGTON – ESA’s first public-private partnership in a full satellite system, Hylas-1, has been launched into space.

The satellite was released today into its transfer orbit after a textbook launch by an Ariane 5 vehicle from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

Owned and operated by Avanti Communications plc of the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ESA’s Hylas-1 released in space.

Can Facebook and Twitter predict election results better than
polls?

WASHINGTON – Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are slowly gaining ground in politics too – in fact, many wonder if the social networking sites could predict election results.

In November’s elections, the candidate who more people “liked” on Facebook won in 71 percent of Senate elections. Twitter was …. Read the original article  : Can Facebook and Twitter predict election results better than
polls?.

Microsoft’s ‘tactile’ app ‘could spell end of mobile keypads’

LONDON – Microsoft has designed a new application to construct a “tactile” touchscreen – a display that uses technical tricks to convince users they are actually touching the ridges, bumps and textures of a displayed image.

Microsoft proposes producing a real texture, using pixel-sized shape-memory [..] Read the original article: here.

Sugar-sweetened coffee ‘boosts memory, attention span’

LONDON – Sugar-sweetened coffee may be the best way to prepare the brain for a busy day ahead, say scientists.

Researchers at the University of Barcelona in Spain found that taking caffeine and sugar at the same time boosted the brain’s performance more than taking them on their own.

They …. Original article  : Sugar-sweetened coffee ‘boosts memory, attention span’.

Sunny, pleasant day ahead for Delhi

NEW DELHI – A clear and sunny morning greeted the capital Saturday and the weatherman said a slight drop in temperature is possible.

The last couple of days were misty and cloudy.
“While the last few days were cloudy, the sky will be clear during the day,” an official of the India Meteorological Department … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sunny, pleasant day ahead for Delhi.

Sugar cube-sized supercomputer in 10 to 15 years: IBM

LONDON – IBM scientists have said that a pioneering research effort could shrink the world’s most powerful supercomputer processors to the size of a sugar cube.

The approach will see many computer processors stacked on top of one another, cooling them with water flowing …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sugar cube-sized supercomputer in 10 to 15 years: IBM.

Environment ministry slammed for failing to implement green schemes

NEW DELHI – The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Friday slammed the environment ministry for failing to meet its main objectives of afforestation, conservation of biodiversity, pollution control and spreading awareness among the people.

The CAG report tabled in parliament pointed at the misutilisation of funds allotted under various environmental schemes and found that …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Environment ministry slammed for failing to implement green schemes.

CAG slams environment ministry for not implementing plans

NEW DELHI – The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Friday slammed the environment ministry for failing to implement its ambitious projects of afforestation, conservation of biodiversity, pollution control and spreading awareness among people.

The CAG report tabled in parliament found that money allotted under various environmental schemes …. Original source  : CAG slams environment ministry for not implementing plans.

Dinosaurs’ exit paved way for mammals to grow

TORONTO – Extinction of dinosaurs 65 million years ago paved the way for mammals to grow a thousand times bigger than they had been.

“Basically, the dinosaurs disappeared and all of a sudden there was nobody else eating the vegetation,” says study co-author Jessica Theodor, associate professor in biological sciences at the University of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Dinosaurs’ exit paved way for mammals to grow.

PC recreates 3D model of Rome’s Colosseum with Flickr pictures

LONDON – A 3D model of Rome’s Colosseum has been recreated in one day using millions of pictures from photo-sharing websites such as Flickr on a modified home PC.

A team of researchers from the University of North Carolina and the Swiss university ETH-Zurich created the system, and they believe it may help preserve heritage sites, … Read more »»».

CAG slams environment ministry over green plans failure

NEW DELHI – The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Friday slammed the environment ministry for failing to implement its ambitious projects of afforestation, conservation of biodiversity, pollution control and spreading awareness among the people.

The CAG report tabled in parliament found that money allotted under various environmental schemes has been lying unused and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : CAG slams environment ministry over green plans failure.

Google Street View reveals nude man reading a book!

LONDON – A weird naked picture of a man reading book has surfaced on Google Street View.

The image shows the mystery man sitting on a bench on the veranda of his home with his shorts on placed beside him.

In the picture, the man is holding a book in one hand and using the other one …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Google Street View reveals nude man reading a book!.

Radiation risk from flying trumps body scanners

WASHINGTON – Amidst protests over US airport security procedures, what’s often overlooked is that flying itself dwarfs the radiation doses delivered by the new body scanners.

The radiation you get from body scanners is the same as what you get in two minutes in an airplane at 30,000 feet.

Of bigger concern is whether pilots, flight attendants, …. Original source  : Radiation risk from flying trumps body scanners.

Tiny beaked toad, two other species discovered

LONDON – Deep within the Colombian jungle, scientists have stumbled upon a bizarre-looking beaked toad, along with two hitherto unknown species.

Tinier than a human thumbnail, the beaked toad, with deep purple skin and small blue blotches, was among three new species of the amphibian discovered by a British-led scientific team.
Researchers who made the …. Original source  : Tiny beaked toad, two other species discovered.

Glasses-free 3-D devices to hit market

WASHINGTON – Wearing those glasses while watching a 3-D movie may soon become a thing of the past, as new glasses-free 3-D devices are about to hit the Japanese market.

These gadgets, described as ‘autostereo’ to distinguish them from the kind requiring eyewear, would include game consoles, cameras, cellphones, and tablet computers.

Among the first will be …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Glasses-free 3-D devices to hit market.

Facebook strengthening our social ties: Study

WASHINGTON – A University of Texas research has suggested that Facebook is making us more social, albeit in ways unique to the digital age.

While the social network site is helping to close the social media generational gap, it’s being used differently by men and women, and by current college students versus recent college graduates.

The study, …. Read the original article  : Facebook strengthening our social ties: Study.

Antibiotics named as ‘greatest medical advance of last 50 years’

LONDON – A new survey has named antibiotics as the most important medical development of the past 50 years.

After antibiotics, vaccination was named the second most important medical development in the poll of more than 650 doctors.

This was followed by the use of CT and MRI scans to help detect disease and the development in … Original article on : Antibiotics named as ‘greatest medical advance of last 50 years’.

200mn-yr-old fossils reveal how snakes’ syringe-like venom fangs evolved

LONDON – Scientists are analysing fossils of a 200 million-year-old reptile of the late Triassic period to understand how syringe-like teeth evolved in snakes that exist today.

Although not closely related to snakes, Uatchitodon’s hollow fangs suggest it was venomous.

The roots of its teeth suggest that the animal is more closely related to dinosaurs and alligators … Read more »»».

Antarctic icecaps could help scientists predict Earth’s future weather

LONDON – London’s Science Museum will feature three pieces of ice core, drilled from the Antarctic icecap, which could help scientists predict Earth’s future weather.

They will be installed in a glass-fronted freezer cabinet in the Science Museum in London’s new Atmosphere gallery.

“This gallery will show how scientists have acquired their knowledge about Earth’s climate history …. Source article  : Antarctic icecaps could help scientists predict Earth’s future weather.

A study of soil as a source of pollutants

WASHINGTON – A new study from University of Southern Maine aims to understand the role of soil as a source of pollutants.

Nearly one-fifth of the earth’s surface is comprised of mountains that play a role in the storage and distribution of fresh water, with one-tenth of the world’s population relying on that mountain snowpack as …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : A study of soil as a source of pollutants.

Improved ocean turbine design – inspired by whales!

WASHINGTON – Underwater turbines have long been thought to be sources of alternative energy – now the ocean’s largest mammals have inspired scientists to tackle one of the serious challenges of this technology: the low velocity associated with many tidal flows and the difficulty of extracting useful energy from low speed flows using current designs.

“We … Read more >>>.

New discovery in the fight against Huntington’s disease

WASHINGTON – Scientists have made a novel discovery in the fight against Huntington’s disease (HD).

HD is an incurable progressive neurodegenerative genetic disorder which affects motor coordination and leads to cognitive decline and dementia.

The disease pathology stems from a mutation in the huntingtin (Htt) gene, which results in the accumulation of toxic proteins leading to … Original article on : New discovery in the fight against Huntington’s disease.

How do jump ropes work?

WASHINGTON – Engineers have built a robotic jump rope device and used it to study the underlying physics of jumping rope.

Jump ropes are used by kids for fun and by athletes for training. But what about the underlying physics? How do jump ropes work?

Now, Jeff Aristoff and Howard Stone of Princeton University have developed … Original source on Gaea Times at : How do jump ropes work?.

Jellyfish inspire flexible pumps

WASHINGTON – A student at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena thinks that jellyfish’s unique propulsion system might be the perfect model for tiny pumps that can be implanted in peoples’ bodies, or used in soft robotics.

To the causal aquarium visitor, the jellyfish doesn’t seem to be a particularly powerful swimmer; compared to a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jellyfish inspire flexible pumps.

Heavy snow forces Chinese airport to shut down

SHANGHAI – Overnight snow in most parts of northeast China brought down temperatures to several degrees below minus and forced an airport to shut down twice in a day due to a blizzard, a media report said Sunday.

An airport in Changchun, capital of Jilin province, was closed twice Saturday because of blizzards, with at …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Heavy snow forces Chinese airport to shut down.

Twitter handy tool for foreign language teaching

WASHINGTON – Twitter, mostly famous for celebrity gossips, is being transformed into more purposeful social media tool for teaching foreign language at the University of South Carolina.

Professors Lara Ducate and Lara Lomicka Anderson are using Twitter as a learning aid to inject a little fun and spontaneity into foreign language instruction.

“One of my main goals [..] Read the original article: here.

Indonesian volcano eruptions raise alert level

JAKARTA – Mount Bromo volcano on Indonesia’s Java island spewed ash into the air from a series of minor eruptions Sunday, prompting scientists to warn of possible danger to flights.

Gede Suantika, head of the Centre of Vulcanology and Geological Mitigation, said the ash had reached the Abdurahman Saleh Airport in nearby city of Malang.
…. Source article  : Indonesian volcano eruptions raise alert level.

Five-day centenary programme to honour Dwarkanath Kotnis

SINDHUDURG – Celebrating the centenary of Dwarkanath Kotnis, the noted Indian doctor who rendered yeoman services in China in the 1930s, several commemorative programmes have been organized in the southern Konkan region starting Sunday.

Two social organisations – Soham Pratisthan and Samvedna Arts – have joined hands to highlight the life and works of the … Read more >>>.

Twitter lacks ‘clear long term vision’ says new CEO

LONDON – Twitter, the microblogging website, currently lacks a clear long-term vision, new CEO has admitted.

Dick Costolo, formerly the chief operating officer of Twitter, took over as the company’s chief executive officer last month.

“I am working on clarity around that at the moment. I am currently trying to define what Twitter’s purpose is in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Twitter lacks ‘clear long term vision’ says new CEO.

Cosmos may provide clues to events before Big Bang

LONDON – Cosmos may provide some clues into events that happened before the Big Bang, according to an expert.

Renowned cosmologist Roger Penrose said that the evidence of events that happened before the Big Bang could be seen in the glow of microwave radiation that fills the Universe.

The events appear as “rings” around galaxy clusters in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ancient town found in Myanmar

YANGON – Archaeologists in Myanmar have discovered parts of a religious building and a wall that circled an ancient town dating back to 100 B.C. during the Pyu era, a media report said Sunday.

The town remnants were found after an excavation in two sites in Wadee in central Myanmar during July-August this year, Xinhua [..] Read the original article: here.

Light fog gives way to bright Sunday

NEW DELHI – The national capital saw shallow fog early Sunday but it soon lifted, giving way to a bright and sunny day.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature recorded was two degrees above the average at 11.7 degrees Celsius.
“The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 25 degrees …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Light fog gives way to bright Sunday.

Human onslaught weighs heavy on Himalayan town (Letter from Himachal)

REKONG PEO – It is a picturesque town located at a height of 2,670 metres with the Kinner Kailash range of the Himalayas as its backdrop, but Rekong Peo is cracking up under the onslaught of heavy rains and human interference.

Some cracks that surfaced for the first time in September have now widened.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Human onslaught weighs heavy on Himalayan town (Letter from Himachal).