Science News – Newsletter for December 16, 2010

NASA’s Odyssey spacecraft becomes Mars’ longest-staying guest

WASHINGTON – NASA’s Mars Odyssey spacecraft, which launched in 2001, has officially become the Red Planet’s longest-staying guest.

It broke break the record Wednesday for longest-serving spacecraft at the Red Planet.

Dec. 15 marks the 3,340th day since the satellite entered orbit around Mars, passing the record previously set by the Mars Global Surveyor, another orbiting … Read more »».

Does fluoride really fight cavities?

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that the protective shield fluoride forms on teeth is up to 100 times thinner than previously believed.

It raises questions about how this renowned cavity-fighter really works and could lead to better ways of protecting teeth …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Does fluoride really fight cavities?.

Other universes exist alongside our own

LONDON – Scientists say they have found evidence that our universe was ‘jostled’ by other parallel universes in the distant past.

The incredible claim emerged after they studied patterns in the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) – the after-effects of the Big Bang.
They say they may have found evidence that four circular patterns found … Original source on Gaea Times at : Other universes exist alongside our own.

You are not as adult as you think!

LONDON – You may still have something of a teenager in you even in your adulthood as the human brain keeps developing till we are in our 40s, says a new research.

The findings from the University College London could perhaps help explain why seemingly respectable adults sometimes just cant resist throwing a tantrum or …. Original article  : You are not as adult as you think!.

Humans’ plant consumption rising significantly

WASHINGTON – A new NASA research has found that humans are consuming an increasing amount of the earth’s total annual land plant production.

As the human population continues to grow and more societies develop modern economies, this rate of consumption is increasing both as a whole and on a per capita basis globally. In addition to … Read more »».

No link between cholesterol compound and multiple sclerosis: Study

WASHINGTON – Contradicting a previous study, researchers have found that compounds called oxysterols are not present in any significant amount in multiple sclerosis patients.

An earlier study published in the Nature Immunology had shown that some of these cholesterol metabolites were associated with MS and could be used as diagnostic tools in the clinic.

The study reported …. Source article  : No link between cholesterol compound and multiple sclerosis: Study.

Study backs gluten-free diet in potential celiac disease patients

WASHINGTON – A new study has added to an ongoing debate over which patients with symptoms of celiac disease should go on a gluten-free diet.

The new research has concluded that people currently diagnosed as “potential” celiac disease patients and not advised to follow a gluten-free diet may not be “potential” patients at all.

Scientists in fact …. Original source  : Study backs gluten-free diet in potential celiac disease patients.

Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone levels ‘don’t affect cardiovascular mortality’

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that there is no link between serum levels of vitamin D or parathyroid hormone and cardiovascular mortality.

Researchers collected data from the Rancho Bernardo study, which was established in 1972.

Between 1997 and 1999, 1091 participants attended a follow-up visit where blood samples were collected, along with detailed surveys of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone levels ‘don’t affect cardiovascular mortality’.

NASA’s scientific balloon program resuming flights this month

WASHINGTON – After an extensive evaluation of its safety processes following a mishap during an April launch attempt from Australia, NASA’s scientific balloon program is resuming flights this month.

NASA’s high-altitude balloons fly instruments for scientific and technological investigations that contribute to our understanding of Earth, the solar system, and the universe.

“NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, … Read : NASA’s scientific balloon program resuming flights this month.

Polar bears ‘can be saved from extinction by emission cuts’

WASHINGTON – Polar bears and its Arctic habitat can be saved if we cut global greenhouse emissions, according to scientists.

Polar bears were added to the threatened species list nearly three years ago when their icy habitat showed steady, precipitous decline because of a warming climate.

But it appears the Arctic icons aren’t necessarily doomed after all, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Polar bears ‘can be saved from extinction by emission cuts’.

Why female squirrels are promiscuous

WASHINGTON – Scientists at the University of Guelph have finally discovered why female squirrels are so darn promiscuous.

Turns out it has nothing to do with genes and everything to do with how many males are knocking at their door.

“Their behaviour is overwhelmingly influenced by opportunity,” said graduate student Eryn McFarlane, who, along with integrative …. Source article  : Why female squirrels are promiscuous.

Brain area critical for forming unconscious memories identified

WASHINGTON – Researchers at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain have found that a small area deep in the brain called the perirhinal cortex is critical for forming unconscious conceptual memories.

The perirhinal cortex was thought to be involved, like the neighboring hippocampus, in “declarative” or conscious memories, but the new results show that …. Source article  : Brain area critical for forming unconscious memories identified.

Plastics chemical ‘can damage egg quality in women’

WASHINGTON – Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) may compromise the quality of a woman’s eggs retrieved for in vitro fertilization (IVF), a small-scale University of California, San Francisco-led study found.

As blood levels of BPA in the women studied doubled, the percentage of eggs that fertilized normally declined by 50 percent, according to the research team. … Read more : Plastics chemical ‘can damage egg quality in women’.

Longest-lasting cyclone found in Solar System

WASHINGTON – Scientists have been monitoring a cyclone on Saturn for more than five years, making it the longest-lasting cyclone detected to date on any of the giant planets of the Solar System.

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) carried out the study.

“Cyclones – where the wind turns in the same direction as …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Medics on Facebook could be threatening doctor-patient relationship

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that doctors with a profile on the social networking site Facebook may be compromising the doctor-patient relationship, because they don’t deploy sufficient privacy settings.

The authors based their findings on a survey of the Facebook activities of 405 postgraduate trainee doctors (residents and fellows) at Rouen University Hospital in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Compound derived from turmeric has neuroprotective effects

WASHINGTON – Two new studies suggest that a compound derived from curry spice turmeric may have clinical promise for ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), which currently lack good therapies.

A synthetic derivative of turmeric, made by scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, dramatically improved the behavioral and molecular deficits seen in animal …. Original source  : Compound derived from turmeric has neuroprotective effects.

SIDS deaths soar by 33 percent on New Year’s Day: Study

WASHINGTON – New Year may not be a good start for all, as a new study has found that the number of babies who die of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, increases by 33 percent on New Year’s Day.

And the apparent reason for the above is alcohol consumption by … Original source on Gaea Times at : SIDS deaths soar by 33 percent on New Year’s Day: Study.

Life’s building blocks discovered on surprising meteorite

WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified amino acids, a fundamental building block of life, in a meteorite where none were expected.

“This meteorite formed when two asteroids collided. The shock of the collision heated it to more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough that all complex organic molecules like …. Original article  : Life’s building blocks discovered on surprising meteorite.

‘Invisibility carpet’ hides ‘large’ objects

LONDON – For the first time, physicists have built an ‘invisibility carpet’ that hides objects large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

Two independent groups have built transparent ‘carpet cloaks’, made from calcite crystals, that lie over the object to …. Original source  : ‘Invisibility carpet’ hides ‘large’ objects.

A positive mood allows you to think more creatively

WASHINGTON – Ever wondered why some people like to watch funny videos at work? Well, they may be putting themselves in a good mood so they can think more creatively.

“Generally, positive mood has been found to enhance creative problem solving and flexible yet careful thinking,” …. Source article  : A positive mood allows you to think more creatively.