Science News – Newsletter for January 21, 2011

How video games could make us better decision-makers

WASHINGTON – A new study from researchers at Queen’s University Belfast has developed a prototype that could be used in computer games and turned into an e-learning or training tool for professionals in all walks of life – and …. Original article  : How video games could make us better decision-makers.

NASA’s Swift satellite finds unseen black-hole-powered galaxies

WASHINGTON – NASA’s Swift satellite has found a largely unseen population of black-hole-powered galaxies, according to an international team of scientists.

“These heavily shrouded black holes are all around us. But before Swift, they were just too faint and too obscured for us to see,” …. Source  : NASA’s Swift satellite finds unseen black-hole-powered galaxies.

‘Feeling good’ can drive away stress, pain, and illness in old age

WASHINGTON – Many believe that it is important to ‘feel good about yourself’ in order to be healthy, especially as you grow older. But how true is it really?

“We all age. It is how we age, however, that determines the quality of our lives,” said Anthony Ong … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Feeling good’ can drive away stress, pain, and illness in old age.

Now toaster-like device emits scents to accompany game or video

SYDNEY – Ever wonder what the scenery in your home theatre smells like? Well, wonder no more, as a new toaster-like contraption that emits scents has been created to accompany your favourite game or video.

The Smell-O-Vision device named ScentScape will be available later this year …. Read the original article  : Now toaster-like device emits scents to accompany game or video.

Vandenberg Launch: Biggest In The Western Coast

SANTA BARBARA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Air-force base in Vandenberg, launched the biggest rocket that the western coasts of United States have ever witnessed. This rocket blasted off by Vandenberg Air Force Base yesterday at 1:10 p.m, has been named as Delta 4-Heavy rocket.
This new rocket is meant to carry a “new U.S. spy satellite on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vandenberg Launch: Biggest In The Western Coast.

Designing tough robos? Let them grow as humans do

WASHINGTON – In a new study, a University of Vermont robotics expert explains that the process of building a robust robot should start right from being a baby, just as in humans.

Josh Bongard created both simulated and actual robots that, like tadpoles becoming frogs, change their body forms while learning how to walk.

Year after year, …. Original article  : Designing tough robos? Let them grow as humans do.

Heartbreaks bring you closer to finding ‘the one’

WELLINGTON – A new study shows that getting your heartbroken in love only means that you are getting closer to finding that one perfect person for you.

Dr Gian Gonzaga, a psychologist, has said that despite the pain of heartbreak, those who have had a previous long-term relationship were at an advantage in the dating world.

“Think …. Source article  : Heartbreaks bring you closer to finding ‘the one’.

Text messaging ‘boosts kids’ spelling skills’

LONDON – Mobile phone text messaging can improve kids’ spelling skills, a new research has suggested.

Academics from Coventry University have claimed that the use of ‘textisms’ can improve literacy among pupils by giving them extra exposure to word composition outside the school day, reports the Telegraph.

The researchers said there was “no evidence” that access to …. Source  : Text messaging ‘boosts kids’ spelling skills’.

Genetically targeted medication shows promise in treating alcoholism

WASHINGTON – UVA investigators have for the first time successfully treated alcohol-dependent individuals with medication that is tailored specifically to match their genetic profile.

“Our findings suggest a new paradigm for the treatment of alcoholism, as well as a major breakthrough in individualized medicine for predetermined genotypes,” said Bankole Johnson, study leader.

The study tested 283 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Genetically targeted medication shows promise in treating alcoholism.

New device could revolutionize computer memory

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed a new device that represents a significant advance for computer memory, making large-scale “server farms” more energy efficient and allowing computers to start more quickly.

Traditionally, there are two types of computer memory devices. Slow memory devices are used in persistent data storage technologies such as flash drives. They allow us … Read more : New device could revolutionize computer memory.

Men’s confidence on dance floor rises with age: UK study

LONDON – Men’s confidence on the dance floor rises with age. And by retirement, it is at an all-time high, says a new UK research.

But the opposite is true for women, with nothing matching the abandonment of dancing in front of the mirror as a teenager.

The findings are based on a study of thousands of …. Read the original article  : Men’s confidence on dance floor rises with age: UK study.

New breakthrough to revolutionize US navy’s weaponry

WASHINGTON – In what could be considered a major breakthrough, the US navy has passed a major milestone in its quest to build an extremely powerful anti-aircraft gun that will be equipped with mega-watt free electron lasers.

Scientists with the Navy’s Office of Naval Research have demonstrated a prototype system capable of producing from thin air … Original source on Gaea Times at : New breakthrough to revolutionize US navy’s weaponry.

Illicit use of human growth hormone on the rise among male weightlifters

WASHINGTON – Illicit use of HGH (human growth hormone) has become common among young American male weightlifters, suggests a new study.

Additionally, illicit HGH use in this population is often associated with polysubstance abuse involving both performance-enhancing and classical drugs.

HGH, once an expensive performance-enhancing drug used exclusively by elite athletes, has become cheaply available for illicit …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Illicit use of human growth hormone on the rise among male weightlifters.

Hyper-fast quantum computers could a reality soon

LONDON – Hyper-fast quantum computers have edged a step closer to reality after scientists generated 10 billion quantum bits in silicon for the first time.

The achievement in silicon, the basis of the computer chip, has important implications for integration with existing technology, according to a team of researchers.
The scientists from Britain, Japan, Canada …. Read the original article  : Hyper-fast quantum computers could a reality soon.

24 whales euthanised in New Zealand

WELLINGTON – A pod of 24 whales, found in the mudflats in Parengarenga Harbour in New Zealand’s far north Friday morning, was euthanised after the authorities realised it was difficult to save them considering the weather conditions.

They are believed to have beached early Friday, tvnz.co.nz. reported.
According to Department of Conservation (DOC) spokeswoman Carolyn … Original article on : 24 whales euthanised in New Zealand.

Where does our sense of time come from?

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that humans use their senses to help keep track of short intervals of time, and this suggests that our perception of time is not maintained by an internal body clock alone.

Scientists from University College London (UCL) set out to answer the question “Where does our sense of time …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Playing video games won’t make you fat

LONDON – Playing video games might not make teenagers fat after all, but could affect their school grades, according to a new study.

Previous studies have revealed that playing video games and watching TV contribute to the rising rate of obesity than non-gamers.

But researchers at the Michigan State University found that children who played more … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Playing video games won’t make you fat.

NASA to launch next Earth-observing satellite mission

WASHINGTON – NASA is all set to launch its newest Earth-observing research mission.

The Glory mission will improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth’s climate. Glory also will extend a legacy of long-term solar measurements needed to address key uncertainties about climate change.

Glory is scheduled to launch from …. Original article  : NASA to launch next Earth-observing satellite mission.

160mn-yr-old pterodactyl fossil solves dino sex riddle

WASHINGTON – Scientists from the Universities of Leicester, Lincoln and the Geological Institute, Beijing, have finally solved the mystery of sex between pterodactyls – flying reptiles that lived alongside dinosaurs between 220-65 million years ago.

Fossils discovered together with an egg in Jurassic rocks (about 160 million years old) in China show that females were crestless, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 160mn-yr-old pterodactyl fossil solves dino sex riddle.

Bright, pleasant day in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A bright morning greeted Delhiites Friday and the weatherman said it would be a pleasant day ahead even though the minimum temperature was two notches below average.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 6.1 degrees Celsius and the maximum is expected to hover around a relatively warmer 22 degrees Celsius, an …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bright, pleasant day in Delhi.