Science News – Weekly Newsletter for December 20-27, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Scientists identify proteins that can check 130 illnesses
LONDON – Scientists have identified hundreds of brain-related proteins, faults in which cause 130 illnesses including Alzheimer’s and autism.
The breakthrough could greatly speed the development of new drugs for degenerative and psychiatric illnesses as well as allowing better diagnosis.
Analysing slivers of brain tissue Seth Grant and colleagues at the Edinburgh University identified …. Original article : Scientists identify proteins that can check 130 illnesses.
Modern-day genomes used to reconstruct evolution of 3bn-yr-old microbes
WASHINGTON – MIT scientists have used modern day genomes to reconstruct the evolution of ancient microbes.
The scientists traced thousands of genes from 100 modern genomes back to those genes’ first appearance on Earth to create a genomic fossil telling not only when genes came into being but also which ancient microbes possessed those genes.
Set of proteins linked to over 130 brain diseases discovered
WASHINGTON – Scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and Edinburgh University have studied human brain samples to isolate a set of proteins that account for over 130 brain diseases.
The brain is the most complex organ in the body with millions of nerve cells connected by billions of synapses. Within each synapse is a set … Read more >>>.
New, exotic African mistletoe discovered just in time for Christmas
WASHINGTON – Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew are celebrating some of the weird, wonderful and stunning discoveries they’ve made this year from the rainforests of Cameroon to the UK’s North Pennines.
“Each year, botanists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, working in collaboration with local partners and scientists, continue to explore, document and study … Read : New, exotic African mistletoe discovered just in time for Christmas.
Meet the ‘lifeloggers’, who use technology to record life’s every moment
WASHINGTON – Thanks to sites such as Facebook and Flickr, it’s now possible to capture every moment of your life and share it with your loved ones, but there are people who intentionally capture their daily lives using technology – they are called Lifeloggers.
The term was coined by Microsoft computer scientist Gordon Bell, who as … Read : Meet the ‘lifeloggers’, who use technology to record life’s every moment.
Beware – e-pick pockets could ’skim’ your credit cards for money!
WASHINGTON – Forget regular pickpockets – thanks to technology now a new breed of scams is about to take flight – it’s called e-pick pocketing.
E-pick pocketing lets thieves secretly scan a back pocket or purse to read information off credit card equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Technology).
A recent incident at Memphis showed how. In … Original article on : Beware – e-pick pockets could ’skim’ your credit cards for money!.
How criminals use Facebook to commit crime
LONDON – Think giving out basic personal information on Facebook is harmless? You might need to rethink, as a reformed burglar has given details on how a criminal can use your user account as a tool for committing a crime.
“The information people give out on Facebook, when linked up with other information freely available on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : How criminals use Facebook to commit crime.
Fighter pilots’ brains are smarter
LONDON – Fighter pilots’ brains are smarter and more capable than those with no piloting experience, says a new research based on cognitive tests and scans.
The study, conducted by the University College London, compares the cognitive performance of a group of front-line Royal Air Force Tornado fighter pilots to a control group with a … Read : Fighter pilots’ brains are smarter.
Your iPhone could be spying on you
LONDON – Do you know that dozens of popular iPhone applications could be secretly spying on what you do with them.
More than half of the programmes and games for smartphones sent data back to the private company once they had been downloaded, a study has found.
It found that of the 101 applications tested, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Your iPhone could be spying on you.
Now, third woman who was seduced by WikiLeaks founder emerges
LONDON – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who is at the centre of sex assault allegations by two women, is said to have seduced a third right from under her boyfriend’s nose in Sweden.
Assange, 39, allegedly walked away with the girl, who had arrived with the American journalist, as …. Read the original article : Now, third woman who was seduced by WikiLeaks founder emerges.
Craigslist ‘pulls off explicit sex ads globally’
NEW YORK – Craigslist has apparently removed its controversial ‘adult services’ section worldwide following the shut down in the U.S. earlier this year.
According to Wired.com, the highly criticized area of the San Fransisco-based Internet company, often-featured ads for sexual favors or escort … Read more >>.
Researchers create most comprehensive moon map
WASHINGTON – Researchers have created the most detailed and comprehensive map of the moon’s complex landscape thanks to data provided by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).
“This dataset is being used to make digital elevation and terrain maps that will be a fundamental reference for future scientific and human exploration missions to the moon,” said …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Researchers create most comprehensive moon map.
Indian, Russian scientists discuss rocket launch delay
CHENNAI – Indian and Russian space scientists are discussing the remedial measures that need to be taken after a leak was detected in the cryogenic engine of a rocket that was to place an advanced communications satellite into orbit Monday.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Sunday decided to postpone the rocket’s launch after it …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Leh, Kargil freeze, cold wave on in Srinagar
SRINAGAR – No respite from the harsh weather was in sight Monday for millions of residents in Kashmir Valley as an unusually long dry and cold spell continued, forcing temperatures to go below the freezing point.
The minimum temperature in Srinagar city was minus 5 degrees Celsius Monday. It was 3 degrees less than normal. …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Leh, Kargil freeze, cold wave on in Srinagar.
Temperature rises in Shimla
SHIMLA – The minimum temperature in Shimla rose marginally Monday even as higher reaches in Himachal Pradesh shivered under sub-zero levels, the weather office said.
The minimum temperature in Shimla was 5.8 degrees Celsius, up from Sundays 4.2 degrees, director of the meteorological office Manmohan Singh told IANS. He attributed it to clear skies.
Keylong … Read more >>>.
A stem cell cure for bald pates
LONDON – Scientists may be close to creating a cure for baldness, following a stem cell breakthrough.
Researchers at the Berlin Technical University in Germany have grown the world’s first artificial hair follicles from stem cells.
The follicles were created from animal cells and were somewhat thinner than normal, but the team were optimistic they … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : A stem cell cure for bald pates.
Amritsar feels the chill at 2.4 degrees
CHANDIGARH – A cold wave continued to sweep most parts of Punjab and Haryana with Amritsar being the coldest in the region at a minimum temperature of 2.4 degrees Celsius Monday.
The minimum in Amritsar was two degrees below normal, a Met official said here.
The mercury was below the average in many cities and …. Original source : Amritsar feels the chill at 2.4 degrees.
Free lunches for birds as Kashmir’s wetlands freeze
SRINAGAR – With water bodies frozen due to sub-zero temperatures, thousands of migratory birds in Kashmir Valley are fighting for food and space in reserves here. So they are being treated to free lunches and dinners – of paddy!
Each year, thousands of greylag geese, mallards, common teals, pintails, pochards, wigeons, coots and shovellers travel …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Sunny day but Delhi to get colder
NEW DELHI – Monday started on a bright and sunny note in Delhi but the weatherman said the temperature will dip considerably in the coming week.
The maximum temperature is likely to be around 22 degrees Celsius, a notch below the average for this time of the season. The minimum temperature was an …. Source : Sunny day but Delhi to get colder.
Sunny Sunday in Delhi
NEW DELHI – It was a warm Sunday in the national capital, with the maximum temperature a notch above the average. Similar conditions are expected over the next few days, the weather office said.
Sunday’s maximum temperature was recorded at 21.9 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 8.5 degrees, a notch below average for … Read : Sunny Sunday in Delhi.
Our brains have built-in lie detector
LONDON – Scientists have discovered a circuit in our brain that lets us predict when someone is about to lie to us.
Humans have the ability to imagine what others are thinking and learn from their social habits, giving them clues as to when something is amiss.
The findings could also help explain why some …. Read the original article : Our brains have built-in lie detector.
‘Bionic eye’ to help the blind ’see’
MELBOURNE – Blind people may soon be able to regain their sight – with help of a ‘bionic eye’.
The recruitment process has begun for the first UK trial of the ‘bionic eye, which can restore sight to blind people.
The microchip implant has already been tested in Germany, where it allowed patients to read letters and …. Original article : ‘Bionic eye’ to help the blind ’see’.
Mice study finds link between depression and inflammatory response
WASHINGTON – Researchers at the Vanderbilt University have found that depression may be triggered by the same mechanisms that enable the immune system to respond to infection.
Chong-Bin Zhu, William Hewlett and colleagues activated the immune system in mice to produce “despair-like” behaviour that has similarities to depression in humans.
“Many people exhibit signs of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mice study finds link between depression and inflammatory response.
Ocean acidification alters nitrogen cycling in world seas
WASHINGTON – Scientists say that increasing acidity in the sea’s waters may fundamentally change how nitrogen is cycled in them.
Nitrogen, one of the most important nutrients in the oceans, is used by all organisms to make proteins and other important compounds.
One of these groups, the ammonia oxidizers, plays an important role in determining which forms … Read more >>>.
New technology could sequence a person’s genome in minutes
WASHINGTON – Researchers at the Imperial College London scientists are developing technology that could lead to ultrafast DNA sequencing tool within ten years.
The new technology could ultimately sequence a person’s genome in mere minutes, at a fraction of the cost of current commercial techniques.
The research has suggested that scientists could eventually sequence an entire genome … Read : New technology could sequence a person’s genome in minutes.
Why Alzheimer’s patients could forget that zebras have stripes
WASHINGTON – A normal person wouldn’t forget that a zebra has stripes or that a giraffe has four legs because these are concepts related to semantic memory – something that allows us to assign meaning to words and to recall general knowledge that we have learned.
Now, a group of scientists has identified the elements of … Read : Why Alzheimer’s patients could forget that zebras have stripes.
Kashmir’s ‘Chillai Kalan’ begins, bringing on chill and memories
SRINAGAR – Tuesday marked the beginning of “Chillai Kalan”, the traditional 40-day period considered the coldest in the Kashmir Valley that ignited fond memories of the winters of yore and saw temperatures plunge to their lowest in some parts.
“As expected, the minimum temperature fell to minus 6.2 degrees in Srinagar Tuesday, which is the …. Original article : Kashmir’s ‘Chillai Kalan’ begins, bringing on chill and memories.
Julian Assange turns on enemies, allies to defend self
MELBOURNE – WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has lashed out at his enemies and his allies in a bid to defend his public and private conduct.
According to an interview with British newspaper the Times, Assange, 39, accused his media partners at the Guardian newspaper of unfairly tarnishing him by revealing the sex assault allegations he [..] Read the original article: here.
Dogs can tell size of another dog by listening to its growls
WASHINGTON – A new study from Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary, has shown that dogs can tell the size of another dog by listening to its growls.
Peter Pongracz and his team recruited 96 dogs of various breeds and ages and presented a test group of 24 of the dogs with two projected images of …. Source : Gaea News Network.
It’s true – winter blues really do exist!
WASHINGTON – Do you feel low during winters or are you the kind who hates summers? Turns out, weather affects our moods more than we think.
Researchers at Humboldt University in Berlin studied more than 2,000 Germans and found that people can be categorised in four basic ways – those people who are unaffected by the … Read : It’s true – winter blues really do exist!.
Autistic kids lack visual skills essential for independence: Study
WASHINGTON – A University of Bristol research has concluded that the ability to find shoes in the bedroom, apples in a supermarket, or a favourite animal at the zoo is impaired among children with autism.
This new research indicates that children with autism are unable to search effectively for objects in real-life situations – a skill … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Autistic kids lack visual skills essential for independence: Study.
Robotic surgery shows promise for head and neck cancer
WASHINGTON – University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers have suggested that less-invasive robotic surgery for upper airway and digestive track malignant tumors is as effective as other minimally invasive surgical techniques based on patient function and survival.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas account for about 4 percent of malignant tumors diagnosed in the United States … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Robotic surgery shows promise for head and neck cancer.
An iPhone app that acts like a ‘therapist’ to soothe your soul
WASHINGTON – Going through holiday stress? Here’s an iPhone app to soothe your soul.
The ‘pocket psychotherapist’ application has been launched just in time to help ease the end-of-the-year burdens of the workplace, shopping and family gatherings.
‘Awareness’, the brainchild of holistic therapist Ronit Herzfeld and launched last week, allows the ever-stressed, particularly at holiday time, to … Original article on : An iPhone app that acts like a ‘therapist’ to soothe your soul.
Food in early life affects fertility: Study
WASHINGTON – A new research by the University of Sheffield has revealed that the reproductive success of men and women is influenced by the food they receive at an early stage in life.
The research is the first study of its kind to show that early life food can …. Source : Gaea News Network.
World’s best selling anti-baldness drug ‘risking men’s sexual health’
LONDON – Some doctors have claimed that young men could be jeopardizing their sexual health by taking the world’s best selling anti-baldness drug.
According to researchers, finasteride – sold in UK as Propecia – can cause serious side effects and that the drug’s labelling is inadequate.
The prescription pill [..] Read the original article: here.
Part of our brain that tells us when someone lying discovered
LONDON – Scientists from Oxford University have identified a circuit in our brain that acts as a lie detector.
Humans have the ability to imagine what others are thinking and learn from their social habits – giving them clues as to when something is incorrect.
The findings [..] Read the original article: here.
Injectable, oral contraceptives ‘don’t affect glucose, insulin levels’
WASHINGTON – A new study has found that glucose and insulin levels are not adversely affected by injectable or oral contraception.
There’s only slight increase among women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), commonly known as the birth control shot.
Researchers … Read more »».
It’s natural for girls to play with dolls and boys to like guns
WASHINGTON – Girls like to play with dolls and boys love guns because they’re programmed to do so, not due to social conditioning, suggests a new study.
Scientists have found that young chimpanzees in the wild play both boy and girl games, much like their human counterparts.
They found that although … Read more »»».
Neuroimaging ‘predicts’ which dyslexics will learn to read
WASHINGTON – Stanford University researchers have used brain imaging to predict with 90 percent precision which teenagers with dyslexia would improve their reading skills over time.
Their study, the first to identify specific brain mechanisms involved in a person’s ability to overcome reading …. Source article : Neuroimaging ‘predicts’ which dyslexics will learn to read.
Tiger killed in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR – A tiger was found dead in Chhattisgarh with its head missing amid rising awareness across the globe to save the endangered big cats, an official said Tuesday.
The killing was reported from Amnia village, a forested zone under Kawardha, the home district of Chief Minister Raman Singh. The forest department has suspended two …. Original source : Tiger killed in Chhattisgarh.
LittleGossip.com allows you to make obscene comments
LONDON – A new website that encourages schoolkids to write anonymous and obscene comments about their peers has exploded in popularity among pupils in the past month.
Perhaps surprisingly, they are the pupils from some of the most prestigious institutions like Eton, St Paul’s, Harrow and others here that appear to be the most enthusiastic …. Source article : LittleGossip.com allows you to make obscene comments.
Marathon runners who finish first lose maximum weight
LONDON – Marathon runners who finish a race fastest, also lose the largest proportion of their body weight, according to a study.
Conversely, those who actually gain weight during the race, performed the worst.
The runners were advised to drink 250 ml of either water or a sports drink every 20 minutes … Read more >>.
Mums who take folic acid, iron during pregnancy have smarter kids
WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that mothers who take folic acid, iron during pregnancy have smarter kids.
In developing countries where iron deficiency is prevalent, prenatal iron-folic acid supplementation could increase intellectual and motor functioning in offspring, according to researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
They examined the intellectual and …. Original source : Mums who take folic acid, iron during pregnancy have smarter kids.
NASA’s Cassini spacecraft captures dramatic views of Saturn’s 2nd largest moon
WASHINGTON – NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has captured some dramatic views of Saturn’s second largest moon Rhea.
Pictures reveal fractures cutting through craters on the moon’s surface, revealing a history of tectonic rumbling.
“These recent, high-resolution Cassini images help us put Saturn’s moon in the context of the moons’ geological family tree,” said Paul Helfenstein, Cassini imaging … Original article on : NASA’s Cassini spacecraft captures dramatic views of Saturn’s 2nd largest moon.
Africa has two, not one, species of elephant
WASHINGTON – A new research has resolved a long-standing debate after confirming that Africa has two-not one-species of elephant.
Using genetic analysis, scientists from Harvard, the University of Illinois and the University of York in the UK have shown that the African savanna elephant and the smaller African forest elephant have been largely separated for several … Read : Africa has two, not one, species of elephant.
Eating orange is better than popping vitamin pills
WASHINGTON – Eating an orange is much better for one’s health than simply taking vitamin C pills.
A host of antioxidants in orange work together to retard ageing and possibly keep heart disease and cancer at bay, the Journal of Food Science reports.
“There is something about an orange that’s better than taking a …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Eating orange is better than popping vitamin pills.
Chilli compound shows pain relief promise
LONDON – Researchers at Aberdeen University are using the compound that gives chillies their kick in the fight against chronic pain.hey have identified how genes are ‘turned on’ to make humans feel pain. apsaicin, the compound in chillies, can also turn on the switch.
According to researchers, their study could herald the development of new … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chilli compound shows pain relief promise.
Obesity increases death risk in vehicle crashes
WASHINGTON – Obesity spells a higher death risk in severe vehicular crashes.
In a motor crash or collision, a moderately obese driver faces a 21 percent higher risk of death, while it is 56 percent more risky for the morbidly obese, says a study.
Dietrich Jehle, professor of emergency medicine at University at … Read more >>>.
Scientists produce first-ever, 100 times brighter rare colour of laser light
WASHINGTON – Scientists at the Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility have produced a rare colour of laser light 100 times brighter than any other source, for the first time.
It is called vacuum ultraviolet and is in the form of 10 eV photons.
“Using a hole out-coupling mirror on the Jefferson Lab Ultraviolet …. Source : Scientists produce first-ever, 100 times brighter rare colour of laser light.
Delayed, longer weaning ‘could have led to woolly mammoths’ extinction’
WASHINGTON – Researchers believe that the weaning pattern of woolly mammoths could have contributed to the extinction of the giant animals.
University of Western Ontario investigators found that the mammoths began weaning infants up to three years later than modern day African elephants due to prolonged hours of darkness.
Student Jessica Metcalfe and professor Fred Longstaffe determined …. Original article : Delayed, longer weaning ‘could have led to woolly mammoths’ extinction’.
Men, women still follow ancient rituals while shopping
WASHINGTON – Men and women still follow ancient rituals while shopping, says a new study.
For instance, during the last-minute holiday rush, men seek their prized item, pay, and leave without much ado. Women study the fabrics, colour, texture and price.
The hunting and gathering ritual of yesteryear continues today in malls around the world, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Men, women still follow ancient rituals while shopping.
Stress can improve ordinary, unrelated memories: Study
WASHINGTON – A team of neuroscientists has discovered that stress can enhance ordinary, unrelated memories.
Their results could offer a pathway for addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related afflictions.
Researchers at the Czech Republic’s Academy of Sciences, the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, and Rockefeller University conducted the study using laboratory …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Stress can improve ordinary, unrelated memories: Study.
49,000-yr-old Spanish murder site indicates ‘Neanderthals were cannibals’
WASHINGTON – Researchers have discovered an ancient mass murder site in Spain that indicates that Neanderthals could have feasted on the bodies of their family members too.
The 49,000 years old site contains butchered remains of 12 men, women, and children who belonged to an extended Neanderthal family and were eaten by their fellow Neanderthals.
After analysing …. Original article : 49,000-yr-old Spanish murder site indicates ‘Neanderthals were cannibals’.
Test to detect Alzheimer’s at its earliest stage ’seems possible’
LONDON – UK researchers believe they can now detect the most common form of dementia – Alzheimer’s disease – at its earliest stage, many years before symptoms appear.
They reckon that a lumbar puncture test combined with a brain scan can identify patients with early tell-tale signs of dementia, reports the BBC.
Jonathan Schott and colleagues at …. Source : Test to detect Alzheimer’s at its earliest stage ’seems possible’.
DigniCap may help cancer patients undergoing chemo keep hair
NEW YORK – A new frozen gel-filled cap- called DigniCap-may one day help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy prevent hair loss.
According to Msnbc.com, four patients in the U.S. are trying out the DigniCap-a hat that contains a cooling gel and fits tightly on the head.
During the treatment, the gel chills the hair follicles, thus restricting the …. Read the original article : here.
Is it clockwise or anticlockwise? Study debunks Silhouette Illusion myth
WASHINGTON – Most of us are familiar with the Silhouette Illusion, which appears to some as spinning clockwise and anticlockwise to others – now a new study debunks a common myth associated with this illusion.
Earlier studies have claimed that the spin direction of the illusion is based on whether viewers are left or right-brained or …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Could Jupiter solve the mystery of The Star of Bethlehem?
WASHINGTON – BBC astronomer and Discovery News contributor Mark Thompson is trying to solve the mystery behind ‘The Star of Bethlehem’ and believes that Jupiter could be the key.
Thompson went through historical records and used computer simulations of the positions of the planets and stars as they would have appeared.
Between Sept. 3 B.C. and May …. Read the original article : Could Jupiter solve the mystery of The Star of Bethlehem?.
Blue-green algae used for treating Lou Gehrig’s disease in mice model
WASHINGTON – In a new study, University of South Florida neuroscientists found that nutritional supplementation with Spirulina, a nutrient-rich, blue-green algae, provided neuroprotective support for dying motor neurons in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
They suggest that a spirulina-supplemented diet may provide clinical benefits for ALS patients.
In [..] Read the original article: here.
ESA’s latest map of world’s land cover unveiled
WASHINGTON – ESA’s 2009 global land cover map has been unveiled and is available on the ‘GlobCover’ website.
The map was produced using 12 months of data from Envisat’s Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer at a resolution of 300 m.
ESA and Belgium’s Universite catholique de Louvain created the map using software developed by Medias France and Germany’s … Read : ESA’s latest map of world’s land cover unveiled.
Cellular mechanism behind chronic inflammation, type 2 diabetes identified
WASHINGTON – Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have uncovered the cellular mechanism responsible for chronic inflammation and type 2 diabetes.
They demonstrated that certain T cells require input from monocytes in order to maintain their pro-inflammatory response in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
The study also showed, for the first time, how … Read more >>.
Gene that protects against dementia in high-risk individuals found
WASHINGTON – Scientists have found a gene that protects against dementia in high-risk individuals.
It was assumed that a mutation in the progranulin gene, which makes the progranulin protein and supports brain neurons, was sufficient to produce a kind of dementia known as frontotemporal … Read more >>>.
Higher levels of folate in RBCs linked to silenced tumor-suppressors
WASHINGTON – In new study, scientists found that people with higher levels of folate in their red blood cells were more likely to have two tumor-suppressing genes shut down by methylation, a chemical off switch for genes.
DNA hypermethylation, notes co-author Jean-Pierre Issa, professor in MD Anderson’s Department … Read more >>>.
The reason behind failure of dialysis
WASHINGTON – Scientists have revealed that a protein implicated in the development of vascular diseases may also contribute to the failure of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas created for vascular access in dialysis patients.
“Our findings raise the possibility that monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) may contribute to …. Source article on Gaea Times at : The reason behind failure of dialysis.
Entire periodic table etched on professor’s hair!
LONDON – Scientists have written, on a strand of human hair, what they believe is the world’s smallest periodic table — showing the power of nano-writing.
Experts at Nottingham University created the table, which is so small that one million of them could be replicated on a standard Post-It note, using a combination of an … Read more >>.
Fossils show mysterious human species lived 30,000 years ago
LONDON – A mysterious new species of the human beings which lived alongside our ancestors 30,000 years ago has been discovered by the scientists.
The cavemen, called Denisovans, were identified by DNA taken from a tooth and a finger bone found in a cave in Siberia. The bone belonged to a young girl nicknamed the …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Fossils show mysterious human species lived 30,000 years ago.
Fossil haul shows life’s recovery after near-extinction
LONDON – A newly-discovered treasure trove of ancient fossils has given a big boost to scientists’ efforts to understand how life on the Earth recovered from the most catastrophic mass extinction of all time.
A haul of nearly 20,000 fossils that belonged to an entire ancient marine ecosystem have been found buried in a mountain … Read more : Fossil haul shows life’s recovery after near-extinction.
Dead tired? Your voice could be a clue
WASHINGTON – Acoustician Adam Vogel of University of Melbourne, Australia has found that one can make out how tired a person is just by listening to their voice.
He describes a novel method to acoustically analyze the effects of fatigue on the central nervous system as revealed through speech.
Those concerned with managing tiredness – such as … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dead tired? Your voice could be a clue.
Now, a robo that ‘feels’ with its fingertips and smiles just like us!
WASHINGTON – At first sight, the pi4-workerbot looks like a clump of metal, but there’s something extraordinary about this one – it has fingertip sensitivity and a variety of facial expressions.
Designed by Dr.-Ing. Dragoljub Surdilovic at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK in Berlin, the pi4-workerbot is capable of complex movements …. Original source : Now, a robo that ‘feels’ with its fingertips and smiles just like us!.
New Mars movie reveals red planet’s blue sunset
WASHINGTON – America’s Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity has shot a Mars movie clip, which reveals the red planet’s bluish sunset and another clip that shows the silhouette of the moon Phobos passing in front of the Sun.
Mars’ sunset appears red with a bluish glow around the sun because of the dust particles around the planet.
“These … Read : New Mars movie reveals red planet’s blue sunset.
Scientists discover gene that triggers violent anger
LONDON – Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that could trigger violent anger under alcohol’s influence.
They sequenced the DNA of a number of impulsive volunteers and compared those sequences with DNA from an equal number of non-impulsive people.
They found that a single DNA change that blocks a gene known as HTR2B … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Scientists discover gene that triggers violent anger.
Selfishness drives people to climb Everest?
WASHINGTON – People who pay as much as $50,000 to climb Mount Everest often do so out of selfish motives, says a study.
“In order to escape the rules, contraptions and stresses of daily life, many people search for new and liberating experiences that transcend their normal bureaucratic and corporate existence,” say the study … Read : Selfishness drives people to climb Everest?.
Freak diversion of jet stream propels freezing conditions
LONDON – The freezing conditions that have blasted Britain are being blamed on a series of weather patterns that are bringing Arctic temperatures to much of western Europe, California and even Australia.
One of the main factors is a change in the position of the jet stream – the fast-moving current of air that moves … Read more >>>.
Pakistan internet connectivity is low, but cheap
ISLAMABAD – Internet connectivity is low in Pakistan, but there are opportunities for growth as broadband costs are quite cheap, a team of Google and YouTube officials has said.
The officials, who recently visited Pakistan, wrote in googleblog that Pakistan has an estimated internet penetration rate of 10 percent but there are opportunities for growth [..] Read the original article: here.
Placebos work – even if patients know they are fake
WASHINGTON – A new study has found that patients could benefit from dummy pills even if they are told they contain no active ingredient.
The findings by the researchers at Harvard Medical School’s Osher Research Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) suggested that the placebo effect could work even without the deception.
Placebos are used … Read : Placebos work – even if patients know they are fake.
New artificial cornea allows blind man to see for the 1st time in 10yrs
LONDON – A man, who lost his sight in an accident 10 years ago, can now see – thanks to a new artificial cornea.
Norman Simpson, who badly damaged the front of his one eye in an
accident, had dropped the hope to see again as corneal transplants from donor eyes failed, reports Sky News.
But … Read : New artificial cornea allows blind man to see for the 1st time in 10yrs.
Major breakthrough could lead to new treatments for melanoma
LONDON – Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine have made a major breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for patients with malignant melanoma.
They have discovered that a particular protein suppresses the progression of melanoma through regulation of an oncogene, or gene responsible for cancer growth.
Researchers studied the natural progression of melanoma using …. Original article : Major breakthrough could lead to new treatments for melanoma.
Angled, down-the-side’ is the best way to pour champagne
WASHINGTON – Scientists in France have reported that pouring bubbly in an angled, down-the-side way is best for preserving the taste and fizz of the champagne.
The study also reports the first scientific evidence confirming the importance of chilling champagne before serving to enhance its taste, the scientists say.
Gerard Liger-Belair and colleagues note that …. Original article : Angled, down-the-side’ is the best way to pour champagne.
Part of brain that suppresses instinct identified
WASHINGTON – Scientists have identified regions in the brain that “fire up” when we suppress an automatic behaviour such as the urge to look at other people as we enter an elevator.
The research from York University used fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to track brain activity when study participants looked at an image of a …. Source article : Part of brain that suppresses instinct identified.
Site in brain where leptin may trigger puberty identified
WASHINGTON – Scientists have pinpointed a tiny site in the brain where the hormone leptin may help trigger the onset of puberty.
The findings in mice indicate that a site within the hypothalamus called the ventral premammillary nucleus, or PMV, is the target where the hormone leptin effectively kick starts puberty in females, say UT Southwestern … Original source on Gaea Times at : Site in brain where leptin may trigger puberty identified.
Technology unable to keep up with vagaries of weather
LONDON – Mobile applications and mobile web services are failing to update passengers with the latest travel information, in view of the vagaries of weather.
Research from mobile internet specialist Volantis claims that budget airlines RyanAir and Aer Lingus are failing to provide even the most basic of mobile web services, with no app …. Source article : Technology unable to keep up with vagaries of weather.
Set-up of Indian Ocean tsunami warning system completed
WASHINGTON – Six years after the tsunami disaster of December 2004, the set-up of the German-Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System for the Indian Ocean (GITEWS) has been completed.
The project ends on 31 March 2011, after which Indonesia would accept the sole …. Read the original article : here.
Eating ‘nutritious’ bugs may ease world’s food crisis: Dutch scientist
LONDON – How about having bugs on your dinner plate? Well, it may sound disgusting but the world’s food crisis could be eased if Westerners included insects in their diet to make up some of their protein needs, suggests a Dutch scientist.
Arnold Van Huis, of the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Eating ‘nutritious’ bugs may ease world’s food crisis: Dutch scientist.
New solar fuel device that ‘mimics plant life’
LONDON – Scientists have unveiled a prototype solar device that mimics plant life, turning the Sun’s energy into fuel.
The device uses the Sun’s rays and a metal oxide called ceria to break down carbon dioxide or water into fuels, which can be stored … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New solar fuel device that ‘mimics plant life’.
Tweaking DNA can counteract heart injury
LONDON – Tweaking the DNA can counteract heart injury and mimic the effects of two weeks of endurance training.
The experiment was carried out on mice but researchers hope that it could pave the way for treating injured hearts through muscle regeneration in humans, the Journal Cell reports.
Bruce Spiegelman, professor …. Source : Tweaking DNA can counteract heart injury.
Himachal shivers as cold wave intensifies
SHIMLA – The cold wave tightened its grip on Himachal Pradesh Friday with Keylong turning out to be the coldest town in the state at a minimum temperature of minus 7.1 degrees Celsius.
The night temperature in Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district, was down by 2.1 degrees Celsius compared …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Scientists probe fossil of biggest ever sea predator
LONDON – Scientists are probing into fossilised skull of the biggest and the most fearsome sea monster that ever lived, with the help of one of the most powerful CT scanners.
The X-rays will help build a lifelike 3D picture of the pliosaur predator – four times as powerful as the fearsome T-Rex.
Its … Read more : Scientists probe fossil of biggest ever sea predator.
Children’s skeletons with throats slit, chests opened found in Peru
WASHINGTON – According to a new study, 82 skeletons, some of which are of children, have been discovered in Peru. Some of these are with signs of throats slit and chests opened.
The find indicates ritual bloodletting sacrifice and mutilation of children t a thousand years ago according to study leader Haagen Klaus.
The team also found … Read more »»».
Top science news stories of 2010
LONDON – 2010 was a turbulent time for the world in terms of the natural calamities that occurred but it was also a year that hailed major scientific discoveries that would change the way we live. Here are the top science stories of 2010:
1. A magnitude-7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January, which left 230,000 dead and …. Original article : Top science news stories of 2010.
Giant observatory comes up 8,000 feet beneath Antarctic
LONDON – The world’s strangest observatory, as big as a cubic kilometre, has come up 8,000 feet beneath the Antarctic ice at the South Pole.
The gigantic telescope, known as IceCube Neutrino Observatory, will detect elusive subatomic particles called neutrinos travelling through Earth at the speed of light.
Very little is known about neutrinos, but …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Giant observatory comes up 8,000 feet beneath Antarctic.
Countdown begins for GSAT launch Saturday
CHENNAI – The 30-hour countdown for the launch of advanced communication satellite GSAT-5P started 10.04 Friday morning at the Sriharikota rocket launch centre, about 80 km from Chennai, an official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.
The Rs.125 crore (Rs.1.25 billion) GSAT-5P satellite weighing 2,130 kg will serve the needs of the telecommunication, …. Read the original article : Countdown begins for GSAT launch Saturday.
Babies as young as seven months old can ‘read minds’
LONDON – Babies as young as seven months old can take into consideration the perspective of others, according to a new study.
This ability, called ‘theory of mind’, is central to human cooperation.
Lead author Agnes Kovacs, a developmental psychologist at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Budapest, says that the finding provides evidence for the earliest … Read more >>.
Strength and stealth, not good looks, rule in evolutionary mating game
WASHINGTON – One might consider physical appearances to be the top priority for getting a mate, but that’s not true, according to a new study.
Certain species of South American fish (Poecilia parae) prefer brawn and stealth over colourful and refined, say scientists from Syracuse University ’s College of Arts and Sciences.
“The findings may help us … Original article on : Strength and stealth, not good looks, rule in evolutionary mating game.
Users at risk of IE bug, warns Microsoft
LONDON – Microsoft has issued a warning about an Internet Explorer bug that might hack into and take control of unprotected computers.
Although Microsoft has already released a workaround solution for the bug, it is still working on the permanent solution, it said.
In the meantime, it recommended those concerned use a protection system known as the …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Scientists can now control building blocks of super-fast quantum computer
LONDON – Scientists have reported a major achievement in the field of quantum computers – they have succeeded in controlling the building blocks of a future super-fast quantum computer.
Scientists from the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at Delft University of Technology and Eindhoven University of Technology are now able to manipulate these building blocks (qubits) with …. Source article : Scientists can now control building blocks of super-fast quantum computer.
You are what your father ate – before you were born
WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered evidence that environmental influences experienced by a father can be passed down to the next generation, “reprogramming” how genes function in offspring.
The new study, conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the University of Texas at Austin, shows that environmental cues-in this case, diet-influence genes in …. Original source : You are what your father ate – before you were born.
Nantotechnologists create ‘world’s smallest Christmas card’
LONDON – Nantotechnologists at the University of Glasgow have created what they believe is the world’s smallest Christmas card.
The card is so small it could fit on to the surface of a postage stamp 8,276 times.
The image, which measures 200×290 micro-metres, features a Christmas tree and is etched on a tiny piece of glass.
The team … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nantotechnologists create ‘world’s smallest Christmas card’.
Light morning fog, Delhi to get colder
NEW DELHI – Delhi saw a light fog cover Friday morning but the day ahead will be sunny and the city will get colder in the coming days, a weather official said.
“The early morning fog will clear up to make way for a bright and sunny day,” an official of the …. Source article : Light morning fog, Delhi to get colder.
‘Anti-growth’ hormone could reverse signs of aging
WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered that a compound that acts opposite to a growth hormone could reverse the process of aging.
Saint Louis University researcher John E. Morley and his colleagues studied the compound MZ-5-156, a “growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) antagonist.”
When tried on mice, the compound had positive effects on oxidative stress in the brain, improving … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Anti-growth’ hormone could reverse signs of aging.
Solar eclipse will occur on January 4, 2011
WASHINGTON – Scientists have said that Europe and India will witness a solar eclipse next year on January 4th.
In Western Europe, the Sun will be eclipsed as the day begins and will last about 80 minutes more. Even at its maximum, the eclipse will be only partial, with some of the everyday Sun still …. Original article : Solar eclipse will occur on January 4, 2011.
Temperature dips to 4 degrees Celsius in Orissa
BHUBANESWAR – A cold wave continued to grip Orissa Thursday hitting normal life, with the minimum temperature dropping to four degrees Celsius in at least one town, an official said.
Phulbani town, the district head quarters of Kandhamal, some 200 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, recorded a low of 4 degrees Celsius. This was the … Read more »»».
GSAT satellite all set for launch (Lead, Changing dateline)
SRIHARIKOTA – Advanced communication satellite GSAT-5P, which will ensure continuity of telecom, television and weather services after an earlier satellite is retired, will be launched at the Sriharikota rocket launch centre Saturday evening.
If all goes well, the rocket geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) will lift off at 4.04 p.m. Saturday, said an official of …. Original article : GSAT satellite all set for launch (Lead, Changing dateline).
Solar-powered hornet that turns light into electricity found
WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that the oriental hornet has built-in ’solar cells’ that generate electricity from sunlight-a first in the animal kingdom.
Study leader Marian Plotkin of Tel-Aviv University, said that scientists already knew that the hornet species, for unknown reasons, produced electricity inside its exoskeleton.
It was previously found that the insect … Read more >>>.
Pentagon wants to equip troops with Terminator-vision
WASHINGTON – US soldiers may soon be able to see dangers lurking behind them in real time, and be able to tell if an object a kilometre away is a walking stick or an AK-47. Pentagon researchers are considering giving them terminator vision.
Darpa, the Pentagon’s far-out research branch, has unveiled the Soldier Centric Imaging via …. Source : Pentagon wants to equip troops with Terminator-vision.
Google’s Boutiques.com knows what you want to wear before you do!
WASHINGTON – Google has launched a shopping search engine to not only make it easier to find clothes you like, but to actually predict what those clothes will be.
The site, called Boutiques.com, is organized into a series of ’boutiques,’ which aggregate clothing from more than 250 designers and online stores, reports Wired.com.
The online pages are …. Source : Google’s Boutiques.com knows what you want to wear before you do!.
How ancient penguins got their cold-weather coats
WASHINGTON – Palaeeudyptes-one of the ‘giant’ penguins that lived during the Oligocene, about 28 million years ago-may have evolved a means of retaining heat when they were still living in warm climates, reveals a new study.
A key adaptation that helped modern penguins to invade the cold waters of Antarctica within the last 16 million years … Read this article on Gaea Times at : How ancient penguins got their cold-weather coats.
First X-ray images of lightning captured
WASHINGTON – Scientists say they have captured the first X-ray images of a lightning strike with the help of a, well, lightning-fast camera.
The pictures suggest a lightning bolt carries all its x-ray radiation in its tip.
During recent thunderstorms in Camp Blanding, Florida, the camera’s electronic shutter “froze” a lightning bolt-artificially triggered by rockets and …. Read the original article : here.
New MRSA strain found on Isle of Man
LONDON – A new strain of the superbug Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that predominately affects young, fit and healthy people has been detected on the Isle of Man.
The island’s Department of Health confirmed a small number of cases of a bacterium called MRSA USA 300.
The department added it was mainly transmitted at sports centres, gyms, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New MRSA strain found on Isle of Man.
Extroverts ‘more likely to jump on immediate gratification’
WASHINGTON – If you meet two people-one who is an extrovert and another an introvert-the former is more likely to jump on immediate gratification, while the latter would delay rewards and invest the dough in hopes of a larger payoff down the road, reveals a new study.
“These are choices we’re encountering all the time. There’s … Original source on Gaea Times at : Extroverts ‘more likely to jump on immediate gratification’.
‘Eternal’ solar plane Zephyr confirmed record-breaker
LONDON – The UK-built solar-powered plane Zephyr, dubbed ‘eternal plane’, has been officially announced a record breaker following its feat of non-stop flight for two weeks.
Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), gave Zephyr three records including longest time aloft.
“This aircraft can help track pirates off the Horn of Africa, alert the authorities about where and how fast forest …. Original source : ‘Eternal’ solar plane Zephyr confirmed record-breaker.
US meat company converts waste animal fat into renewable diesel fuel
WASHINGTON – The world’s largest meat company, Tyson Foods, has entered a partnership to process waste animal fat to a renewable diesel fuel.
Along with Syntroleum Corporation, Tyson Foods has opened a plant in Geismar, Louisiana for converting low-grade, inedible fats and greases into a renewable diesel fuel for transportation.
The partnership, called Dynamic Fuels, opened its …. Source article on Gaea Times at : US meat company converts waste animal fat into renewable diesel fuel.
Navy launches first fighter jet that uses electromagnetism, not steam
WASHINGTON – The US naval force has launched for the first time, a fighter jet that uses the force of electromagnetism instead of steam power to fly.
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System launched its first F/A-18E Super Hornet on Saturday Dec. 18 at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J. using the power of electromagnets called raligun … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Navy launches first fighter jet that uses electromagnetism, not steam.
New find: brain tumours in fruit fly mimic genetic program of germline cells
WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered that some brain tumours in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster mimic the genetic program of germline cells to grow.
And removing some of these genes leads to healthy brains.
In this study, Cayetano Gonzalez and colleagues at IRB Barcelona showed for the first time that silencing some of these genes leads to … Original article on : New find: brain tumours in fruit fly mimic genetic program of germline cells.
Amritsar coldest at 2.5 degrees, cold wave sweeps Punjab
CHANDIGARH – A cold wave continued to sweep Punjab and Haryana Saturday with Amritsar turning the coldest in the riverine plains at a minimum temperature of 2.5 degrees Celsius, the weather office said.
Amritsar city in Punjab, famous for the holiest of Sikh shrines Golden Temple, was one degree below the normal while … Read more »».
At minus 5.2, Dal Lake freezes in Srinagar
SRINAGAR – It was biting cold across Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region Saturday with sub-zero temperatures freezing most water bodies, including Srinagar’s Dal Lake.
“The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar was minus 5.2 degrees Celsius,” an official of the weather office told IANS.
Most parts of the Dal Lake had frozen in the morning except …. Source article on Gaea Times at : At minus 5.2, Dal Lake freezes in Srinagar.
Countdown for GSAT satellite launch begins
CHENNAI – Advanced communication satellite GSAT-5P – which will ensure continuity of telecom, television and weather services after an earlier satellite is retired – is set to be launched Saturday evening at the Sriharikota rocket launch centre in Tamil Nadu.
If all goes well, the rocket geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) will lift off at …. Original article : Countdown for GSAT satellite launch begins.
Now, a 3D food printer to ‘print and create’ customised food for you!
LONDON – Feel like eating a hamburger? Or would you rather have a pizza? No problem, the 3D food printer will create anything you want, literally at the click of a button.
Scientists at Cornell University in New York are developing a commercially viable 3D food printer, which uses raw food ‘inks’ that are fed into … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Now, a 3D food printer to ‘print and create’ customised food for you!.
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 …. Source : Rubik’s Cube robo solves puzzle in 15 seconds!.
Foggy Christmas morn in Delhi
NEW DELHI – Delhiites woke up to a foggy Christmas morning Saturday with the minimum temperature a notch above average. The mercury is expected to dip in the week ahead, the weather office here said.
A thick cover of fog enveloped the city and visibility at 9.30 a.m. was 400 metres. The minimum temperature was …. Original article : Foggy Christmas morn in Delhi.
Mini Christmas greeting via world’s smallest card!
LONDON – Nanotechnology experts in Britain have unveiled a Christmas card that is more than 8,000 times smaller than the size of a postal stamp.
The card designed by the school of engineering at the University of Glasgow is invisible to the naked eye and said to be the smallest in the world.
A total … Read : Mini Christmas greeting via world’s smallest card!.
Protein involved in melanoma’s development identified
WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered a protein involved in early steps of development of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer.
Melanocytes (pigment-producing skin cells) lose the genetic regulatory mechanisms that normally limit their number, allowing them to divide and proliferate out of control.
One such regulator, called MITF, controls an array of genes that …. Original article : Protein involved in melanoma’s development identified.
Smartphones too smart for owners
LONDON – With hundreds of thousands of applications available, smartphones allow users to do anything from checking their bank balance to booking a flight. But 71 percent of owners use them simply to make a call, text or log on to Facebook, a new study shows.
The study by Envirofone, which recycles mobiles, revealed that …. Original article : Smartphones too smart for owners.
Google’s Nexus S works fine at 60,000 feet: Report
LONDON – Google techies have been taken by pleasant surprise after Nexus S, the new Android smart phone the company launched early December, was found ticking even from the Earth’s outer atmosphere – at 60,000 feet.
The tiny Androids strapped to seven payloads to test the outer limits of Nexus S were carried into the …. Read the original article : here.
Vaccine for deadly meningitis strain in offing
LONDON – A vaccine against the deadly meningitis B – the strain against which there is currently no defence – may be available next year.
Experts predict it will dramatically cut the risk of children dying from the disease, which kills dozens each year and leaves hundreds with lifelong disabilities.
Bexsero is the first vaccine … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Vaccine for deadly meningitis strain in offing.
Futuristic fridge will automatically order fresh food
LONDON – A ‘fridge of the future’ that tells you what to cook with your left-overs and automatically re-orders fresh food is being designed in Britain.
The self-cleaning ‘fridge of the future’ will automatically place supermarket home delivery orders when required and move food near its use-by date to the front shelves.
Researchers hope the …. Read the original article : Futuristic fridge will automatically order fresh food.
Sea urchin’s teeth: Key to everlasting sharp tools
LONDON – Scientists have found how sea urchins keep their teeth sharp and believe that the same principle could help make knives which do not need sharpening.
The creatures have self-honing teeth which allow them to chomp through stone, carving out hideaways on rocky shores.
Scientists have learned how the urchins keep their teeth … Read more >>.
Pelvic pain may lead to migraine in women
LONDON – Migraine and chronic pelvic pain, the two most common chronic conditions in women, may be linked, says a new study.
Seven out of 10 women with chronic pelvic pain also have migraine, three times the normal rate.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health in the US investigated the relationship between migraine … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pelvic pain may lead to migraine in women.
Snow to add to Himachal’s New Year’s Eve festivities
SHIMLA – There is good news for winter revellers. The Met department Sunday predicted that Shimla and other popular hill destinations of Himachal Pradesh are likely to witness mild to moderate spells of snow, adding to the New Year’s Eve festivities.
This has brought cheer to the state’s hospitality industry and the hope that Shimla …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Snow to add to Himachal’s New Year’s Eve festivities.
Holiday spirit stirs up allergies
WASHINGTON – The holidays are supposed to be some of the happiest times of the year. But dust from boxes of stored decorations, fresh trees, scented air fresheners, live plants and more can cause all sorts of allergies.
For allergy sufferers at holiday time, the best gift of all may be relief from respiratory symptoms, an … Original source on Gaea Times at : Holiday spirit stirs up allergies.
Can apps help us keep our New Year’s resolutions?
WASHINGTON – Today there is an app for almost everything, from losing weight to finding a job. Can any of them help us keep our New Year’s resolutions?
Yes and no, says Ananda Mitra, professor of communication at Wake Forest and the author of “Alien Technology” and several other books on digital media. He says an …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Can apps help us keep our New Year’s resolutions?.
Levytator – the moving staircase that can glide round corners!
LONDON – For escalators, it’s no longer just up and down. A newly invented moving staircase, called Levytator, will be able to twist, bend, spiral and even snake around sharp corners.
It consists of curved modules like those used in sushi restaurant conveyor belts, reports the Independent.
Inventor, Jack Levy, professor of mechanical engineering at London’s City …. Source article : Levytator – the moving staircase that can glide round corners!.
Jairam Ramesh blazed new trail for Indian environment (2010 in Retrospect)
NEW DELHI – A no to Vedanta’s mega mining project, a moratorium on Bt Brinjal, a question mark on steel major Posco’s plans…The Indian environment scene suddenly hotted up in 2010 thanks to green minister Jairam Ramesh who was not afraid to take controversial decisions whenever he thought ecological balance was at stake.
While there …. Source article : Jairam Ramesh blazed new trail for Indian environment (2010 in Retrospect).
Nearly 25 percent UK kids are obese by age 4
LONDON – Britain is facing a growing weight crisis among primary school children with a quarter already overweight or obese when they start school at the age of four, revealed a report.
And by the time the children leave primary school at the age of 11, more than one in three will be too … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nearly 25 percent UK kids are obese by age 4.
Beijing to go smoke-free by 2015
BEIJING – Authorities are trying hard to make Beijing’s all indoor public places, workplaces and public transport smoke-free by 2015.
Hospitals, schools, theatres, museums, business halls, stadiums, offices of enterprises and government organisations, as well as buses, taxis and subways, should hopefully be smoke-free by then, said Mao Yu, spokesman for the Beijing Municipal Health … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Beijing to go smoke-free by 2015.
Enjoy nature on China’s Chengdu-Kunming railway
BEIJING – At 500 meters above the sea-level, China’s Chengdu-Kunming railway meanders through the scenic mountains of the Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and offers a spectacular view of the blue rivers downhill, stone and black forests and the 534 A.D. Buddha statues. It’s an experience that you will treasure forever.
The railway traverses against the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Enjoy nature on China’s Chengdu-Kunming railway.
Chronic statin therapy linked to reduced postoperative mortality
WASHINGTON – A new French study has found that statin therapy is associated with reduced postoperative mortality.
It is the first to analyze the impact of preoperative chronic statin therapy on postoperative adverse events in surgical patients.
“Preoperative uses of statins have demonstrated major cardiac and non-cardiac protective effects, including in this study. Since we are now …. Source : Chronic statin therapy linked to reduced postoperative mortality.
Holidays can be deadly for those who don’t have friends and family
WASHINGTON – Holidays bring happiness to most people, but it is a lonely and depressing time for those who have no company.
At this time of the year, more people indulge in potentially lethal behaviour.
“For those who have no support system, no friends, family, loved ones or even co-workers, the holidays can prove very deadly,” said … Read more >>.
New technology to recycle most challenging Christmas plastic wrapping
WASHINGTON – University of Warwick researchers have developed a new technology that could process 100 percent of Christmas and other household plastic instead of the tiny fraction that currently gets recycled.
Typically only 12 percent of such waste is truly recycled often the rest is often put into landfill or simply burnt as fuel.
The simple process …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Microsoft warns about flaw that makes hacking easier
LONDON – Microsoft has warned about a flaw on the Internet Explorer browser that could allow hackers to take control of unprotected computers.
The bug allows hackers to inject malware onto any system if they manage to trick users into visiting booby-trapped websites. Anyone with Internet Explorer (IE) 6 to 8 is potentially affected.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Microsoft warns about flaw that makes hacking easier.
Shimla’s snow ritual continues, but no sign of snow!
SHIMLA – The British are long gone. But one of their legacies still remains in this hill town even though its relevance has by and large melted away like snow – the Shimla Snow Manual.
The official manual for clearing snow is no longer in force. But the district administration still follows the ritual annually … Original article on : Shimla’s snow ritual continues, but no sign of snow!.
Delhi fogged out, to get colder
NEW DELHI – Dense fog enveloped the national capital Sunday morning and visibility dropped to near zero, making it difficult for drivers. The weatherman said the skies would clear as the day progressed.
“The early morning fog will clear up later in the day,” an official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The …. Original source : Delhi fogged out, to get colder.