Science News – Newsletter for December 27, 2010

Patel blames heavy fog for flight delays

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI – Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel Monday blamed the heavy fog over the national capital for flight delays and said that the authorities had managed to handle the situation well.

He said that the delays were due to the heavy fog which decreased the visibility below 50 metres, as a result of which … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Patel blames heavy fog for flight delays.

Fog again hits flights, trains in Delhi (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Several flights and trains were disrupted for the second consecutive day Monday as dense fog enveloped the national capital, leaving a large number of passengers stranded.

The fog, which descended upon the Indira Gandhi International Airport Sunday evening, forced the authorities to enforce the Low Visibility Procedures (LVP), due to which 16 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Fog again hits flights, trains in Delhi (Second Lead).

How science could make your treats even tastier

LONDON – Scientists have unlocked the genetic code to some of our favourite treats in a breakthrough that could result in even tastier versions.

It brings them a step closer to creating a new generation of delicious super strawberries and creamy, rich chocolate after working out the chemicals responsible for their flavour, aroma and nutritional … Original source on Gaea Times at : How science could make your treats even tastier.

How formulas influence infant’s weight gain, obesity risk

WASHINGTON – Weight gain of formula-fed infants is influenced by the type of formula the infant is consuming, new findings from the Monell Center have revealed.

The study has implications related to the infant’s risk for the development of obesity, diabetes and other diseases later …. Source article  : How formulas influence infant’s weight gain, obesity risk.

How physics keeps women in high heels from tipping over

WASHINGTON – Ever wondered how ramp models manage to walk in 10-inch heels without tipping over? The answer lies in physics, it seems.

Safe stilettos seems fairly straightforward: Two parts sacrifice and a dash of solid steel, said Fred Allard, creative director for Nine West, one of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : How physics keeps women in high heels from tipping over.

How laughter can make you snooze 100 times a day!

LONDON – Laughter may be the best medicine, but for some, it’s nothing less than a disorder – a sleep disorder called narcolepsy can send a person into an instant slumber without warning if you laugh.

People with this order suffer temporary muscle weakness when they experience emotions such as … Original article on : How laughter can make you snooze 100 times a day!.

Three new leopards in Alipore zoo

KOLKATA – The Alipore Zoological garden – a popular tourist destination here – has got three new leopards to replenish its falling stock of the big cat species.

“The three leopards have been brought from the Khayerbari animal rescue centre in Jalpaiguri. They are aged between two and two and half years,” Alipore Zoo Director …. Source article  : Three new leopards in Alipore zoo.

Size of brain structure correlates with social life

WASHINGTON – The size of amygdala, a small almond-shaped structure deep within brain, seems to contribute to a rich social life among humans.

The finding is similar to previous ones in other primate species, which compared the size and complexity of social groups across those species, the journal Nature Neuroscience reports.
“We know that …. Read the original article  : Size of brain structure correlates with social life.

Designer turns escalator into ‘Sushi-lator’

LONDON – The escalator has travelled either up or down and in a straight line for more than a century that it has been in use. But a revolutionary new design being hailed as the future of escalator travel is set to change all that.

The Levytator, named after its inventor Jack Levy, professor … Read more >>.

Lack of sleep ‘affects extroverts the most’

LONDON – A study has revealed that outgoing people are affected the most by lack of sleep.

Researchers from the Walter Reed Army Institute in Maryland found that extroverts denied social contact did better at staying awake and in reaction tests, suggesting it is “social stimulation” that tires out the parts of the extroverts’ brains linked …. Original article  : Lack of sleep ‘affects extroverts the most’.

Plenty of sex means longer lives for men!

LONDON – An active sex life is the key to a longer life for men only if they are faithful to their partners, a new research has found.

Italian medical researchers have found that a healthy sex life means fewer cardiovascular problems for men.

“What was evident from the research was that men who had active sex …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Plenty of sex means longer lives for men!.

Caffeinated drinks linked to increased risk of gout attacks

WASHINGTON – People who drink caffeinated drinks are at an increased risk of recurrent gout attacks, suggests a new study.

Long-term caffeine intake has been associated with a decreased risk for gout attacks.

However, in the short-term, caffeine has been found to increase uric acid, which can potentially trigger an attack.

In a study, researchers studied 633 …. Source  : Caffeinated drinks linked to increased risk of gout attacks.

Knowing genetic makeup can make you more receptive to lifestyle changes

LONDON – A small dose of your genetic information is likely to make you more sensitive towards weight loss and exercise, reveals a new study.

David Kaufman of the Genetics and Public Policy Centre quizzed 1048 customers who had ordered genome scans.

As many as 34 per cent of respondents said they were being more careful about … Read : Knowing genetic makeup can make you more receptive to lifestyle changes.

Pregnancy-related morning sickness could be hereditary

WASHINGTON – Women whose sisters experienced extreme morning sickness, are 17 times more likely to develop the condition, suggests a new study.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is an extreme form of nausea and vomiting that endangers their lives and often forces them to reluctantly terminate their pregnancies.

Researchers from UCLA and the University of Southern California traced both … Read more »».

AIDS immunity is all in the proteins!

LONDON – It is the proteins which help some HIV infected people not end up having AIDS, a new study has suggested.

A large-scale genetic analysis has suggested that tiny changes in the structure of a protein help the immune system to recognize and destroy infected cells, reports Nature.

Most people who contract HIV eventually end up … Read more >>>.

‘Star Wars’ 3D holograms may soon be a reality

LONDON – The 3D hologram you saw in ‘Star Wars’ may soon become a reality, thanks to a new breakthrough made by researchers at the University of Arizona.

The researchers have developed a holographic system that can transmit a series of 3D images in near-real-time, a precursor to holographic videoconferencing, that would eventually let us interact … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Star Wars’ 3D holograms may soon be a reality.

Now, generate green power from your balcony!

WASHINGTON – Apart from that perfect view, your balcony can be used for something more valuable-a personal generator that converts wind and sun to power from a balcony.

Industrial designer Jonathan Globerson’s Greenerator design could be a way to preserve the view while reducing reliance on coal, reports Discovery News.

Looking a little like a cross between …. Original source  : Now, generate green power from your balcony!.

Pretending to savour food may help reduce craving

LONDON – Pretending to savour the snack you are trying to give up might help you curb cravings for that food.

Researchers have found that imagining the act of eating chocolate seems to trick the brain into thinking that it has already been consuming it, reducing the motivation to eat more.
Scientists believe … Read more »»».

Newly sequenced strawberry genome decoded

LONDON – Better and tastier quality of strawberry and other crops in the family could be on their way as an international team of scientists has sequenced the genome of the woodland strawberry.

The woodland strawberry, formally known as Fragaria vesca, is similar to the cultivated strawberry but less complex, making it easier for scientists to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Newly sequenced strawberry genome decoded.

Child neglect as harmful as physical or sexual abuse: Study

SYDNEY – An Australian study has pointed out that child neglect could be as harmful to children’s cognitive development as physical and sexual abuse.

Ryan Mills, a paediatrician and co-author of the study, said child protection systems struggled to deal with chronic cases of neglect.

“But neglect needs to be given equal attention because its long-term …. Read the original article  : Child neglect as harmful as physical or sexual abuse: Study.