Science News – Newsletter for December 5, 2010

Top secret US spy plane back after long sojourn

LONDON – The US’s first unmanned re-entry spacecraft has landed at an airfield on the California coast seven months after its launch.

The X-37B’s exact purpose remained shrouded in secrecy when it touched-down at Vandenberg Air Force Base on the coast 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
It was launched by an Atlas 5 rocket … Read more »»».

Google to launch its Google Editions e-reader service in US this year

LONDON – The launch of Google Editions, the search giant’s foray into the world of e-book retailing, is expected to take place in the United States by the end of the year, with international availability following in January, the company confirmed.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the online ebook store will allow users to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rubik’s Cube robo solves puzzle in 15 seconds!

WASHINGTON – Students at Rowan University College of Engineering have created a Rubik’s Cube robot that solves the iconic 80s toy puzzle with as few as 17 turns in 15 seconds.

The heart of the Rubik’s Cube-Solving Robot is a Siemens’ programmable logic controller (PLC), a piece of equipment used in industry for such tasks as …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rubik’s Cube robo solves puzzle in 15 seconds!.

Fertility treatment doesn’t up cancer risk, says IVF study

LONDON – Fertility treatment which includes in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) does not up a woman’s risk of cancer despite the hormones used.

Some previous studies had suggested that fertility drugs might be linked with breast, uterine and ovarian cancers.
However, a large study from the University of Lund in Sweden found far fewer women developed one … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fertility treatment doesn’t up cancer risk, says IVF study.

Scientist reveals why tanned women live longer

LONDON – Women who regularly sunbathe tend to live longer, says a leading oncologist.

Vitamin D produced by the body while tanning gives vital protection against blood clots, diabetes and some tumours, says Prof Hakan Olsson from Lund University in Sweden.
He also suggests that the health benefits of exposure to sunlight ‘far outweigh’ the …. Read the original article  : here.

High acidity levels in oceans harming marine life

LONDON – With acidity levels of the oceans going up greatly, it could harm marine life and consequently impact billions of people who rely on fish as their main protein source.

The new report, published by the UN Environment Programme during the Climate Change talks in Mexico, warns that ocean acifidication makes it harder for … Read more >>>.

Scientists develop drought tolerant rice

WASHINGTON – A new breakthrough study by scientists has led to the development of a rice crop that is not only drought tolerant but high yielding despite the lack of water.

The crop has been developed by scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the genotypes have been dispersed to other Asian countries including …. Read the original article  : here.

Youth deal with neighbourhood violence in diverse ways

WASHINGTON – A new University of Chicago study has shown that violent experiences cause teens growing up in dangerous neighbourhoods to adopt a range of coping strategies to avoid violence, with notable impact whether the violence takes place at home, among friends or during police incidents.

The responses to violence include seeking out non-violent friends, avoiding … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Youth deal with neighbourhood violence in diverse ways.

How to go for safe online shopping

WASHINGTON – With becoming a faster and easier way to buy stuff, keeping computers, identities and credit cards safe is vital.

An expert has now offered some tips to stay safe.

Karen McDowell, an information security analyst in U.Va’s Information Security, Policy and Records Office, regularly makes presentations on avoiding common online hazards, such as phishing, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Doctor Who’s trusted sonic screwdriver could become a real-life tool

LONDON – For all those fans of Doctor Who’s who have dreamed of owning a sonic screwdriver of their own after watching their hero use the tool to get himself out of many sticky situations, there’s a reason to celebrate.

British engineers have developed a device that is capable of moving and manipulating objects using only …. Read the original article  : Doctor Who’s trusted sonic screwdriver could become a real-life tool.

Why teens are less sensitive to alcohol than adults

WASHINGTON – It is well known that teens are less sensitive than adults to the motor-impairing effects of alcohol, but exactly what happens in the brain that causes teens to be less sensitive than adults is not clear.

Now, scientists at Baylor University have discovered the particular cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the age-dependent effect …. Original source  : Why teens are less sensitive to alcohol than adults.

Listening to music benefits patients on mechanical ventilation

WASHINGTON – A team of Cochrane researchers has revealed the benefits of listening to music for patients on mechanical ventilation.

The team was led by Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions associate professor Dr. Joke Bradt.

Mechanical ventilation often causes major distress and anxiety in patients. The sensation of breathlessness, frequent suctioning, inability to talk, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Listening to music benefits patients on mechanical ventilation.

Promising new approach to blocking malaria transmission

WASHINGTON – A new research has offered a promising new approach to blocking malaria transmission.

The study, conducted by University of Illinois at Chicago researcher Dr. John Quigley, focuses on potential targets to inhibit transmission of the parasite Plasmodium that causes malaria.

Female mosquitoes ingest large amounts of hemoglobin that serves as a food source required …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sunny day in Delhi after misty morning

NEW DELHI – Delhi saw a clear and pleasant day Saturday as the sun came out after a misty morning. The weather on Sunday is expected to be the same.

The maximum temperature Saturday was recorded at 22.6 degrees Celsius, two notches below the average while the minimum settled at 8.6 degrees Celsius, average for … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sunny day in Delhi after misty morning.

When Winona Ryder tested Johnny Depp’s patience

LONDON – Winona Ryder tested Johnny Depp’s patience on the set of ‘Edward Scissorhands’ when she complained about the heat, while the latter was stuck in his tight costume.

The two stars were dating in real life during the filming of the 1990 movie in Tampa, Florida.

Ryder has revealed their temperatures literally rose because Depp … Read : When Winona Ryder tested Johnny Depp’s patience.

Breakthrough treatment ‘can help kids beat recurring leukaemia’

London, De 4 (ANI): Scientists have developed a breakthrough treatment that can help children beat recurring leukaemia.

According to scientists, the discovery will have a big impact on treating the most common form of blood cancer.

A study showed that children whose acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) returns have a higher chance of survival if given the drug … Read more : Breakthrough treatment ‘can help kids beat recurring leukaemia’.

Osteoporosis drug improves survival in cancer patients

LONDON – A new study, conducted by British researchers, has found that a drug to prevent bone thinning helps some cancer patients to live longer.

Patients with osteoporosis, or brittle bone disease, are often given drugs to strength their bones and slow down the thinning.

These drugs can also be given to cancer patients who are suffering … Read more »».

Prince Charles defends ‘climategate’ scientists

LONDON – The Prince of Wales, Charles, has come out in support of the British scientists embroiled in the “Climategate” saga, describing their treatment as “appalling”.

During a speech at London’s Science Museum to open a new 4.5 million pound atmosphere gallery, Charles said “climate science has taken a battering of late”.

In January this year, … Read more >>>.

Diabetics ‘risk blindness with just two drinks a day’

LONDON – Scientists from Utrecht University have found that diabetics who drink just two glasses of wine a day may be at greater risk of losing their sight.

Their research showed that visual problems increased by 50 per cent in those patients who consumed up to 14 alcoholic drinks a week compared with diabetics who didn’t …. Source article  : Diabetics ‘risk blindness with just two drinks a day’.

Stretching and smashing fluids to understand the physics of flow

LONDON – Researchers have used new methods to try to understand the flow properties of concentrated solutions of particles in fluids of everyday use products like toothpaste and cosmetics.

Dr Michael Smith from the School of Physics and Astronomy, along with collaborators at University of Edinburgh and Politecnico di Torino tested various complex fluids in a … Read more >>>.