Science News – Monthly Newsletter February 2011

Want a higher follower tally on Twitter? Resort to flaming!

LONDON – Want to have more people following you on Twitter or commenting on your blog post? Well, be prepared to resort to flaming to anger and upset people, says a study.

A group of Slovenian and British researchers used something called ’sentiment analysis’ to identify emotional content in posts left on the BBC’s online discussion … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Want a higher follower tally on Twitter? Resort to flaming!.

‘Attraction chemicals’ pheromones do not exist, claims scientist

LONDON – Pheromones-the mysterious chemical signals that ‘trigger attraction’-do not even exist, a scientist has claimed.

Richard Doty at Penn State University’s School of Medicine said that mammals, unlike insects, do not give off chemical signals that other mammals can then pick up.

Doty said he does not believe that a single chemical emitted by one mammal … Read more »»».

Incest puts an end to sexual violence among animals

LONDON – A new study has revealed that incest among animals helps put an end to sexual violence.n some species, competition between males can mean that females are harmed during copulation.

Male cowpea weevils, for instance, have spiky penises that puncture the female’s insides and are thought to help anchor the male inside her, ensuring that …. Source article  : Incest puts an end to sexual violence among animals.

Physicists create supernova in a jar

WASHINGTON – University of Toronto and Rutgers University physicists have mimicked the explosion of a supernova in miniature.

A supernova is an exploding star. In a certain type of supernova, the detonation starts with a flame ball buried deep inside a white dwarf. The flame ball is much lighter than its surroundings, so it rises rapidly …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Physicists create supernova in a jar.

CPAP therapy cuts fatigue, ups energy level in sleep apnea patients

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that that three weeks of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces fatigue and increases energy in obstructive sleep apnea patients.

These results have indicated that participants were no longer suffering from clinically significant levels of fatigue after the three-week intervention period.

“These results are important, as they highlight that …. Source article  : CPAP therapy cuts fatigue, ups energy level in sleep apnea patients.

How humans ‘reach for something’ using ‘brain maps’

WASHINGTON – A new study at UC Santa Barbara explains how humans reach out for different things – be it reaching out to a dance partner or a glass of water in the night – the brain uses different “maps” to plan for each of these movements.

In preparing for each of these reaching movements, the …. Original article  : How humans ‘reach for something’ using ‘brain maps’.

It’s official: Men are hornier than women

WASHINGTON – Innumerable studies have gone into finding out ‘reality of the male sex drive’, but now a new study claims that men really are ‘hornier’ than women.

Roy F. Baumeister at Florida State University, Kathleen Catanese at a Midwestern college and Kathleen Vohs, a professor of marketing, set out to find the truth, reports Oxford … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : It’s official: Men are hornier than women.

Stackable electric cars, telepresence screens ‘just a generation away’

LONDON – According to a new vision of the future set out today, stackable electric cars and ‘telepresence’ screens are just one generation away.

The study, Megacities on the Move, suggests ways of overcoming transport infrastructure in huge urban sprawls.

One idea is electric cars that can be nested together like shopping trolleys, available for people to … Read more »»».

If your GPS stops working, find your way with ’shoe radar’!

WASHINGTON – The invasion of GPS technology in everything – from cars to cell phones – has ensured that we never get lost, but what if your GPS stops working?

North Carolina State University and Carnegie Mellon University researchers have now developed a shoe-embedded radar system that may help you find your way.

“There are situations where …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : If your GPS stops working, find your way with ’shoe radar’!.

TB patients at a higher risk for lung cancer: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has found evidence of increased lung cancer risk among people with tuberculosis.

Researchers at China Medical University and Hospital in Taiwan randomly selected 1 million patients covered under the country’s National Health Insurance (NHI) program.

All patients aged 20 years and older with a new diagnosis of tuberculosis between 1998 and 2000 … Read more >>>.

Kolkata tourists still stranded in Himachal hills

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque tourist town Kalpa in Kinnaur district Saturday remained cut off from the rest of the country and over 100 tourists from West Bengal were stranded, an official said.

Heavy snowfall in the region blocked the roads leading to the town.
“All the tourists are fine and they are staying in … Original article on : Kolkata tourists still stranded in Himachal hills.

World welcomes New Year amid blizzard, flood and blasts

NEW YORK/SYDNEY/LONDON – Revellers embraced the New Year with high spirit and parties across the globe amid bad weather as well as threat of terror strikes and bomb blast in some parts.

Flood and the threat of storms failed to dampen the New Year bash in Australia as thousands of people flocked for celebration in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : World welcomes New Year amid blizzard, flood and blasts.

Bright sunny day in Himachal

SHIMLA – After three days of moderate to heavy snowfall, the hills of Himachal Pradesh Saturday woke up to a bright sunny morning but with extreme cold climatic conditions.

“Most of the areas in the state witnessed a bright sunny morning after days of snowfall and rain,” Meteorological Office Director Manmohan Singh here told IANS.
… Read more >>>.

Clear, cold morning welcomes 2011

NEW DELHI – The first day of 2011 saw a cold breeze blowing in the morning and the weatherman said the skies would be clear but without much sunshine.

“The rains have brought in a chilly breeze. The day is expected to be cold, and the skies will be clear,” said an official of the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Clear, cold morning welcomes 2011.

Facebook topples Google as the most visited website in US in 2010

LONDON – Facebook has claimed the Internet’s top spot from Google as the most visited website in the United States in 2010, according to a new study from online measurement service Experian Hitwise.

The social network, which was the subject of a Hollywood film in 2010, was the top-visited website for the first time and accounted …. Source  : Facebook topples Google as the most visited website in US in 2010.

Eastern hemisphere will witness solar eclipse on Jan 4

WASHINGTON – A dramatic partial eclipse of the Sun will be visible throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia on January 4.

Depending on the viewer’s location, the Moon will slowly cover and then uncover up to 80 percent of the Sun’s disk over a 3-hour period.

For many cities in Western Europe and Africa, Tuesday’s event will already … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Eastern hemisphere will witness solar eclipse on Jan 4.

Nintendo warns ‘3D game console could harm eyesight of kids under 6???

LONDON – Japanese firm Nintendo has issued a warning that children under the age of six should not play its new console in 3D as it may harm their eyesight.

The firm also warns players of all ages to take a break at least every 30 minutes to avoid eye fatigue.

The Nintendo 3DS it will be …. Original article  : Nintendo warns ‘3D game console could harm eyesight of kids under 6′.

Human brain ’shrinking’ since 20,000 yrs ‘making us stupider day by day’

LONDON – A new study has said that the human brain has been shrinking since the last 20,000 years, suggesting that we may be getting dumber day by day.

“Over the past 20,000 years, the average volume of the human male brain has decreased from 1,500 cubic centimetres to 1,350 cubic centimetres, losing a chunk the …. Original source  : Human brain ’shrinking’ since 20,000 yrs ‘making us stupider day by day’.

Blizzard, snow disrupts life in Japan

TOKYO – Blizzard, snow and avalanche crippled normal life in Japan, causing traffic rush during New Year holiday and casualties in some parts of the country.

Four men on patrol at a ski resort in the town of Kofu, Tottori Prefecture in western Japan were killed in an avalanche Friday, authorities said.
Xinhua reported …. Read the original article  : here.

India to find reasons for its rockets’ failures

BANGALORE/CHENNAI – India will analyse the flight data of its heavy rockets, including the geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV-F06) that broke up on Christmas Day, to find out reasons for its failure and take corrective measures, the space agency said Friday.

“A failure analysis committee has been constituted to analyse the flight data of the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India to find reasons for its rockets’ failures.

Device speeds up cleaning of n-contaminated sites

WASHINGTON – Researchers have built a device that will help speed up cleaning of radioactive contaminated sites.

“This system will be able to provide accurate results in 15 minutes that previously might have taken half a day,” said David Hamby, professor of health physics at the Oregon State University.
“That saves steps, time and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Device speeds up cleaning of n-contaminated sites.

Hotmail users complain of missing e-mails

LONDON – Web giant MSN is facing a barrage of complaints from Hotmail users who claim that some e-mails have been deleted from their accounts.

A number of users resorted to forums to vent out their frustration after they logged into their accounts to find empty inboxes and missing folders.
It is unclear … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hotmail users complain of missing e-mails.

Even god can be object of human anger

WASHINGTON – Even god can be the object of human anger for the right or wrong reasons.

“Even people who deeply love and respect god can become angry,” said Case Western Reserve University psychologist and associate professor Julie Exline in the US.
“Just as people become upset or angry with others, including loved ones, they …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Even god can be object of human anger.

Hotmail users ‘furious’ to find empty inboxes, missing folders

LONDON – Microsoft Hotmail users have blamed email giant MSN after missing mails and folders from their accounts.

A number of frantic users stormed at forums to vent their frustration claiming emails have been deleted from their accounts, reports the Daily Mail.

“Please help me get them back,” one user under the moniker ‘Zacgore’ posted, Saturday.

” [..] Read the original article: here.

Wrist worn device instantly pinpoints sniper’s location

LONDON – Soldiers are to test a new gadget which can pinpoint the exact location of enemy snipers even 1,000 yards away.

The tiny sniper spotter, developed by scientists at a defence lab in Wiltshire, instantly identifies the shooters location, enabling troops to fire back immediately and accurately.
The new high-tech gadget, just four … Original source on Gaea Times at : Wrist worn device instantly pinpoints sniper’s location.

Fog again hits Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH – Amid overcast conditions, a light fog enveloped parts of Punjab, Haryana and their joint capital Chandigarh Sunday.

Cold waves swept the region Saturday night and Sunday morning, increasing the chill in the air.
“Overcast conditions are prevailing in various parts of Punjab and Haryana,” said a met official here.
Amritsar city recorded a …. Source  : Fog again hits Punjab, Haryana.

Secondhand smoke exposure ‘ups hearing loss risk’

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that non-smokers who repeatedly breathe in others’ tobacco smoke are more likely to have some degree of hearing loss.

Researchers studied a total of 3307 adults aged between 20 and 69.

The degree of hearing loss in each ear was assessed by testing the ability to hear pure tones over …. Original source  : Secondhand smoke exposure ‘ups hearing loss risk’.

Red, pink pills are preferred over others: Mumbai scientists

WASHINGTON – Indeed, red and pink are sought after colours, but in medicines too? Yes, that’s right. University of Bombay researchers have found medicines in red and pink colour are preferred over tablets in other colours.

Researchers have found that the colour, shape, taste and even name of a tablet or pill can have an effect … Read : Red, pink pills are preferred over others: Mumbai scientists.

Now, vending machine that suggests drinks based on your age, gender!

LONDON – Want to get a drink that goes well with your age and gender? Well, you can do it now as Japanese scientists have developed a new vending machine that uses facial recognition to recommend drinks based on a customer’s age and gender.

The firm behind the high-tech canned drinks dispenser has seen sales … Read more : Now, vending machine that suggests drinks based on your age, gender!.

Prolonged cell use, body piercing, tattoos trigger allergic reaction

WASHINGTON – The next time you chat endlessly on your cell phone, better be careful, as it can lead to an allergic reaction, say allergists.

They also said that from cosmetics to jewellery, body piercing to tattoos, allergies could lurk in unlikely places.

“Increased use of cell phones with unlimited usage plans has led to more prolonged … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prolonged cell use, body piercing, tattoos trigger allergic reaction.

‘Demon’ device that converts information to energy!

LONDON – Contrary to the laws of physics that you can’t get energy for nothing; scientists from the University of Tokyo have generated energy from information.

Masaki Sano, a physicist at the University of Tokyo, and his colleagues have demonstrated that a bead can be coaxed up a ’spiral staircase’ without any energy being directly transferred [..] Read the original article: here.

More sleep may trigger stroke risk in women

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that women who slept for 10 hours or more had a 63 percent increased risk of stroke compared to those who slept seven hours per night.

The risk estimates dropped to 55 percent when researchers controlled for body mass index, hypertension and history of diabetes.

The results for ischemic stroke …. Source  : More sleep may trigger stroke risk in women.

Broccoli juice may keep skin cancer at bay

WELLINGTON – Forget sunscreens, the thing that can actually protect your skin from UV rays is broccoli juice, say scientists.

Scientists in the United States have been testing broccoli extract on human volunteers and mice, which showed their skin was protected against sunburn.

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, an antioxidant, which helps stop sunburn and tumour development.

Additionally, scientists in …. Original article  : Broccoli juice may keep skin cancer at bay.

Pulses of light might one day keep diseased hearts beating

LONDON – Heart muscles genetically engineered to respond to optical stimulation could improve models of heart attacks, and may also increase the understanding of how the embryonic heart develops, say scientists.

The works are among the earliest applications outside the nervous system of a technique called optogenetics. This approach switches cells on and off using proteins … Read more >>>.

‘Glowing’ plant cells that could control cell growth, death

LONDON – Researchers have genetically inserted proteins from plants into mammalian cells, which glow when exposed to blue light – resulting in a novel ‘on-off switch’ that could be used to control cell growth or death.

It could also be useful in growing new tissue or deliver doses of medication directly to diseased cells.

Chandra Tucker of … Read more >>.

Kolkata tourists rescued in Himachal

SHIMLA – More than 100 tourists from West Bengal who were stranded in Kalpa town of Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district since Thursday due to heavy snow have been rescued. However, three families from Jharkhand are still stuck in Sangla Valley, officials said Sunday.

All the tourists from Bengal, mainly from Kolkata, were rescued Saturday evening …. Source  : Kolkata tourists rescued in Himachal.

Bangladesh losing its rare fish species

DHAKA – Bangladesh is losing out on one of its main objects of pride: fish. Some 20 species of indigenous fish have become extinct over the last 10 years. A hundred more are endangered, a study has found.

If the trend continues, nearly 70 percent of the local fish varieties may suffer the same fate … Original article on : Bangladesh losing its rare fish species.

Biting cold morning in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A biting cold morning greeted the national capital Sunday with the minimum temperature at 7.8 degrees Celsius. The intense cold is likely to remain for the day due to a chilling wave sweeping the northern region, the weather office said.

“The day is likely to remain cold because of the chilling wave, … Read more >>.

Harsh cold in Kashmir, Leh is minus 23.6 degrees

SRINAGAR – The Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region were reeling under severe cold wave Sunday with Leh recording a minimum temperature of minus 23.6 degrees Celsius while Srinagar shivered at minus 2.4 degrees.

In Leh town, the minimum temperature was minus 23.6 degrees Celsius while it was minus 12.1 in Pahalgam hill station and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Harsh cold in Kashmir, Leh is minus 23.6 degrees.

It’s official: It was the coldest December in Britain in 120 years

LONDON – Last December was the coldest in Britain in more than 120 years, say officials.

The benchmark Central England Temperature plunged to an average of -0.6 degrees Celsius over the month, making it the second harshest December since records began in 1659, Daily Mail reported Saturday.
It was beaten only by the -0.8c … Original article on : It’s official: It was the coldest December in Britain in 120 years.

Green diets for daughters, bananas and potatoes for sons?

LONDON – Women planning to have a baby who eat more fruits and green vegetables increase their chances of giving birth to a girl. And those who gorge on bananas and potatoes are more likely to have a son.

Researchers have found that consuming food with high levels of calcium and magnesium, such as green …. Source article  : Green diets for daughters, bananas and potatoes for sons?.

The guide to ‘Colonizing the Red Planet’

WASHINGTON – A manned mission to Mars would be the greatest adventure in the history of the human race and one man has penned a book on how to make it a reality.

Joel Levine, senior research scientist with NASA’s Langley Research Center and co-chair of … Read more >>.

Fish may have once swum across the Sahara

WASHINGTON – A new discovery that fish may have once swum across the Sahara could shed light on how humanity made its way out of Africa, say researchers.

The cradle of humanity lies south of the Sahara, which begs the question as to how humans made its way past it.

The new study … Original article on : Fish may have once swum across the Sahara.

Cold wave sweeps across Haryana, Punjab

CHANDIGARH – Cold wave conditions continued to sweep through most parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh city Monday, forcing people in the plains to don more layers of woollens and jackets.

There was respite from fog Monday but overcast conditions prevailed in this region.
Haryana’s Narnaul town was the coldest in the region Monday. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cold wave sweeps across Haryana, Punjab.

1600-year-old Mayan King’s tomb discovered in Guatemala

WASHINGTON – Archaeologists have discovered a tomb of an ancient Mayan king in Guatemala, filled with materials that have been preserved for approximately 1,600 years.

Brown University’s Stephen Houston and his colleagues uncovered the tomb, which dates from about 350 to 400 A.D. The tomb is packed with of carvings, ceramics, textiles, and the bones of …. Read the original article  : 1600-year-old Mayan King’s tomb discovered in Guatemala.

Ancient 8-foot sea scorpions not as frightening as previously thought

WASHINGTON – Huge ancient sea scorpions, believed to be terrors of the seas 470 million to 370 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs appeared, might actually have been timid scavengers or even vegetarians, according to U.S. researchers.

Sea scorpions, known as pterygotid eurypterids, were arthropods, a group that included insects and crabs. Though not actually … Read more : Ancient 8-foot sea scorpions not as frightening as previously thought.

Anger at God ‘common during difficult times’

WASHINGTON – Almost everyone experiences anger toward God at some point in their lives, says an expert.

The notion of being angry with God goes back to ancient days. Such personal struggles are not new, but Case Western Reserve University psychologist Julie Exline began looking at “anger at God” in a new way.

“Many people experience anger … Read more >>.

Simple rubber device sheds light on how birds produce complex songs

LONDON – A group of US scientists, including an Indian-origin boffin, has developed a simple rubber device that replicates complex bird songs.

Researchers at Harvard University said the song is produced by blowing air through the device that mimics a bird’s vocal tract, reports the BBC.

The findings appear to challenge the idea that birds had to … Read more : Simple rubber device sheds light on how birds produce complex songs.

Neanderthal face is not a result of adaptation to extreme cold: Study

WASHINGTON – The long held belief that the Neanderthal nose was a result of adaptations to extreme cold may not be all it seems, say researchers.

The finding is based on a study conducted by researchers from Roehampton University, Universitat Greifswald and The Natural History Museum, London.

Many of the morphological features of Homo neanderthalensis, including the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Neanderthal face is not a result of adaptation to extreme cold: Study.

Four solar, two lunar eclipses in 2011

Moscow, Jan 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Four solar and two total moon eclipses will be observed in different parts of the world, including in India, in 2011.

The first solar eclipse will take place Jan 4. It will begin at 06:40 GMT and will be visible from Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa.
At maximum … Original source on Gaea Times at : Four solar, two lunar eclipses in 2011.

Bone chilling cold in Kashmir as Leh freezes

SRINAGAR – Extreme cold wave conditions continued to prevail in Jammu and Kashmir Monday with Leh freezing under a minimum temperature of minus 23 degrees Celsius, an official said.

The minimum temperature was minus 5.2 degrees in Srinagar. It was minus 23 in Leh and minus 18.2 in Kargil town (of Ladakh region). In Pahalgam … Read more : Bone chilling cold in Kashmir as Leh freezes.

Disrupted routine makes healthy cats act sick: Study

WASHINGTON – The next time your cat vomits hairballs or refuses to eat, don’t think she is being finicky, as she might just be acting sick because of the stress caused by changes in its environment, suggests a new study.

Researchers at the Ohio State University documented sickness behaviours in healthy cats and in cats with …. Source  : Disrupted routine makes healthy cats act sick: Study.

New four-inch gadget can helps spot snipers

LONDON – British soldiers are to test a revolutionary new device in Afghanistan that can pinpoint the exact position of enemy snipers 1,000 yards away.

The tiny computerised ’sniper spotter’, which has been developed by army scientists at the top-secret Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Wiltshire, identifies the shooter’s location in an instant, enabling …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New four-inch gadget can helps spot snipers.

Delhiites shiver as cold wave grips city

NEW DELHI – It was biting cold in Delhi Monday morning with chilly winds blowing and clouds completely hiding the sun.

The city saw a mist cover during the morning hours and the sun could not be seen at all while cold winds brought the day temperatures down, an official of the India Meteorological Department … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhiites shiver as cold wave grips city.

Vegetable diet ‘gives you daughters’

LONDON – Want to have a daughter? Well, then go on a fruit and vegetable diet, say Dutch scientists.

They found that women could increase their chances of giving birth to a girl by consuming food with high levels of calcium and magnesium, such as green vegetables, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Vegetable diet ‘gives you daughters’.

‘Emotional intelligence’ sharpens as we enter our 60s

WASHINGTON – Psychologists from the University of California, Berkeley have found that older people have a hard time keeping a lid on their feelings, especially when watching heartbreaking or disgusting scenes in movies and reality shows.

However, they’re better than their younger counterparts at seeing the …. Source article  : ‘Emotional intelligence’ sharpens as we enter our 60s.

Freezing Sunday sees northern India shivering (Intro Roundup)

NEW DELHI – With Leh in Jammu and Kashmir freezing at minus 23.6 degree Celsius and Keylong in Himachal Pradesh at minus 12.9 degrees Sunday, a cold wave saw people in many parts of northern India shivering their way through the first weekend of 2011.

The plains, including the national capital Delhi and its neighbouring … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Freezing Sunday sees northern India shivering (Intro Roundup).

Freezing Sunday sees northern India shivering (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – With Leh in Jammu and Kashmir freezing at minus 23.6 degree Celsius and Keylong in Himachal Pradesh at minus 12.9 degrees Sunday, a cold wave saw people in many parts of northern India shivering their way through the first weekend of 2011.

The plains, including the national capital Delhi and its neighbouring … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Freezing Sunday sees northern India shivering (Roundup).

Keylong freezes at minus 12.9 degrees

SHIMLA – Icy winds brought the minimum temperatures in the hills of Himachal Pradesh Sunday, with Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district shivering at minus 12.9 degrees.

Most towns stayed at sub-zero or around below freezing point due to icy winds, the weather office here said.
Keylong had Saturday recorded minus 9.7 degrees Celsius.
Kalpa [..] Read the original article: here.

Science congress to start Monday

CHENNAI – The 98th edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) that gets underway here Monday will not only focus on the quality of education and excellence in scientific research in Indian universities but also on chemistry of the future, nano materials and the challenges of climate change and energy security, amongst other issues.

… Original article on : Science congress to start Monday.

Women in science to be focus next Congress

CHENNAI – In a move to attract more women to science and technology, the Indian Science Congress (ISC) next year will focus on the role of women in science, said Geetha Bali, general president-elect of the 2012 meet, here Tuesday.

The theme of the next science Congress to …. Read the original article  : Women in science to be focus next Congress.

Remembering ancestors boosts chances of success

LONDON – Something as simple as thinking about your ancestors can boost your chances of success in examinations or job interviews.

The so-called “ancestor effect” seems to work by reminding the brain that seemingly impossible hurdles can be overcome.
Psychologists think the effect comes from the fact that those who familiarise themselves with their family … Read more : Remembering ancestors boosts chances of success.

Look-to-shoot helmet to redefine aerial dogfights

LONDON – A fighter pilot can shoot down enemy planes by just glancing at them, thanks to a futuristic new helmet.

The Striker integrated display helmet marks one of the biggest leaps forward in attack capabilities in military history.
Targets pop-up in the pilot’s visor, at which point he can select by voice command and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Look-to-shoot helmet to redefine aerial dogfights.

Scientist sets Large Hadron Collider data to ‘music’

LONDON – Scientists working at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s biggest particle smasher, have turned masses of data produced by the collider into sound for the first time.

More than 40 million pieces of data are processed by the LHC every second as it seeks to prove the existence of particles such as … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Scientist sets Large Hadron Collider data to ‘music’.

‘Psychedelic’ drug salvia shows promise against addiction

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Medical School are considering the therapeutic role of the drug Salvia, which usually causes an intense psychedelic experience.

Matthew W. Johnson, a psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry, said the study was an attempt to “put some rigorous scientific information … Read more : ‘Psychedelic’ drug salvia shows promise against addiction.

Surya Grahan 2011 Taking Place Today

DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The first solar eclipse or Surya Grahan of 2011 is taking place today and the stargazers are quite excited about this celestial event. It is going to be a partial eclipse and the residents of Delhi may be fortunate enough to get a glimpse of it. However, it is subject to …. Original article  : Surya Grahan 2011 Taking Place Today.

Fireworks likely cause of Arkansas bird deaths

LONDON – Fireworks may have caused thousands of birds to fall from the sky over an Arkansas town on New Year’s Eve, according to US scientists.

Officials say more than 3,000 birds fell over the city of Beebe, reports the BBC.

Karen Rowe, of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said the red-winged blackbirds probably flew low …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fireworks likely cause of Arkansas bird deaths.

Facebook founder’s fortune doubles to ???9bn

LONDON – The personal fortune of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has doubled to 9 billion pounds after his social networking site got a huge cash injection from Goldman Sachs.

The New York Times reported that the banking giant pumped in 291 million pounds in Facebook, with Russian investment firm Digital Sky Technologies investing in a …. Read the original article  : Facebook founder’s fortune doubles to ???9bn.

Astronomy dabbler discovers four new planets

LONDON – An amateur astronomer is over the moon after discovering four new planets in his spare time at home.

Peter Jalowiczor, 45, has never owned a telescope but still managed to provide scientists with enough information to establish the existence of four gaseous orbs outside the solar system.
The gas worker from Rotherham in … Read more : Astronomy dabbler discovers four new planets.

Soon, ’self-adjusting’ electric wheelchairs to detect hazardous terrain

WASHINGTON – Life may soon get a little easier for those stuck to wheelchairs. Researchers are working on technology that will enable electric-powered wheelchairs to detect hazardous terrain and automatically adjust their control settings to move more safely.

Emmanuel Collins of the of Florida State’s Center for Intelligent Systems said that a device known as …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Do plants hold the key to fighting jet lag?

LONDON – Scientists have suggested that the way plants adjust to having less sunlight in winter could help shed light on the impact of shift work and jet lag on people.

University of Edinburgh researchers looking at the daily rhythms in plants have discovered a complex process that allows the plants’ genes to respond to the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Do plants hold the key to fighting jet lag?.

New discovery may help fight breast cancer

WASHINGTON – Scientists have made a new discovery, which may become a new weapon in fight against breast cancer.

For the first time, researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have shown that a peptide found in blood and tissue inhibits the growth of human breast tumors in mice.

Patricia E. Gallagher and E. Ann Tallant …. Source article  : New discovery may help fight breast cancer.

Mums play key role in convincing daughters to receive HPV vaccine

WASHINGTON – New research has suggested that mothers can play a key role in convincing college-aged women to receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, intended to prevent the most common sexually transmitted infection.

The study found that young women were more likely to say they had received the HPV vaccine if they had talked to their …. Original article  : Mums play key role in convincing daughters to receive HPV vaccine.

Thinking about ancestors ‘can boost chances of success in exams’

LONDON – Spending a few minutes thinking about your ancestors before an exam or job interview can significantly boost your chances of success, according to scientists at the University of Graz in Austria.

The so-called ‘ancestor effect’ appears to work by acting as a reminder to the brain that seemingly impossible hurdles can be overcome, reports … Read more »».

Fruit flies shed light on parallels between cancer development, infection

WASHINGTON – A new study from The City College of New York has successfully drawn parallels between infection and the way blood cancer develops, specifically in fruit flies.

The immune system response in Drosophila to a wasp infection is highly restrained, resulting in a thin layer of blood cells encapsulating the egg.

However, blood cancer … Read more »».

Kids often exposed to imaging procedures that use radiation

WASHINGTON – A new study led by University of Michigan researchers has shown that parents and doctors need to exercise caution before children are exposed to radiation during imaging procedures.

“Imaging tests are a critical component of good medical care, but the high number of tests raises questions about whether we are being judicious in our …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kids often exposed to imaging procedures that use radiation.

How wine glasses indicate social shifts in ancient Greece over 500yrs

WASHINGTON – Even a seemingly small change in wine glasses can indicate social, cultural and economic changes in ancient Greece over the last 500 years, and that’s exactly what a team from University of Cincinnati is analysing.

Kathleen Lynch will present a timeline of wine drinking cups used in ancient Athens from 800 B.C. to 323 …. Source  : How wine glasses indicate social shifts in ancient Greece over 500yrs.

English to be replaced by Chinese as most popular language on Internet

WASHINGTON – English is currently the most popular language on the Internet, but its era of dominance seems to be coming to an end.

An infographic, published by The Next Web using info from Internet World Stats, shows the growing prominence of Chinese users on the web, and predicts that Chinese will overtake English as … Original source on Gaea Times at : English to be replaced by Chinese as most popular language on Internet.

Tomb of King Tut’s wife may emerge in 2011

WASHINGTON – The tomb of King Tut’s wife, a buried pyramid, and the final resting place of Cleopatra are some of the potential discoveries of 2011, according to a prominent Egyptologist.

Dr. Zahi Hawass, chief of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, has dedicated years to solving the mystery behind the Great Pyramid’s secret doors and Cleopatra’s …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tomb of King Tut’s wife may emerge in 2011.

Breakthrough: Culprit’s DNA can be used to predict probable hair colour

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that DNA extracted from a person’s blood, sperm, saliva or other biological materials can be used to predict people’s probable hair colour.

The approach allows them to differentiate between hair colours that are similar, for example, between red and reddish blond, or between blond and dark blond hair.

“That we are now … Original article on : Breakthrough: Culprit’s DNA can be used to predict probable hair colour.

Tectonic plates shaped Mars

LONDON – Just as in the case of Earth, tectonic thrusting played a major role in shaping Mars – making it far more likely to host extra-terrestrial life, a new study says.

Previously, it was believed that no such activity has ever taken place on the Red Planet.
An area of rumpled land north-west of …. Source  : Tectonic plates shaped Mars.

Bumblebees on verge of extinction?

LONDON – Four previously abundant species of the bumblebee, considered one of the most important plant pollinators, are on the verge of being wiped out, a study says.

There has been a 96 percent decline in the numbers of the four species, while their range has shrunk by as much as 87 percent.
The alarming …. Original article  : Bumblebees on verge of extinction?.

ISRO to launch satellites to boost transponder capacity

CHENNAI – To make up to the loss of two communication satellites in 2010 and some going out of service, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans some quick launches to augment its transponder capacity — automatic receivers and transmitters for communication and broadcast of signals.

On the sidelines of the Space Summit session at …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ISRO to launch satellites to boost transponder capacity.

Epic ocean-spanning journeys of gigantic leatherback turtles revealed

WASHINGTON – Using satellite tracking, a groundbreaking research has revealed the epic ocean-spanning journeys of the gigantic leatherback turtle in the South Atlantic.

Experts at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (Cornwall) at the University of Exeter led a five-year study to find out more about these increasingly rare creatures and inform conservation efforts.

The research has …. Read the original article  : here.

German-made connectors snapped: ISRO

CHENNAI – The 10 connectors that snapped prematurely destroying the Indian rocket – geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) – Dec 25 were imported from Germany, an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) official said Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Space Summit session at the 98th Indian Science Congress, T.K. Alex, director of … Read more »».

Light therapy could help treat depressed elderly

SYDNEY – Scientists have discovered that exposure to bright light could be just as effective for depressed elderly people as taking antidepressant medication.n the Dutch study, 89 people aged 60 or older with a diagnosis of major depression were given a light box to take home and instructed to sit beside it for an hour …. Source article  : Light therapy could help treat depressed elderly.

Walking speed ‘predicts longevity’

WASHINGTON – Walking speed is associated with survival among older adults, according to a new study.

Stephanie Studenski of the University of Pittsburgh, and colleagues conducted a study to assess the association of gait speed with survival in older adults and to determine the degree to which gait speed explains variability in survival after accounting for … Read more : Walking speed ‘predicts longevity’.

Misuse of antibiotics can harm kids: Experts

NEW DELHI – More than a million children in China have been made deaf by misuse of the antibiotic streptomycin, say medical experts.

Yang Zhiyin of the Chinese Medical Association said that of the 1.8 million deaf children on the mainland, 60 percent lost their hearing because of improper drug use, largely related to streptomycin, reports …. Read the original article  : Misuse of antibiotics can harm kids: Experts.

New iPhone-controlled beer fridge cannon ‘fires’ the brew in your direction

WASHINGTON – Need a beer, but don’t want to leave your couch? ow there’s an app for that.

An iPhone-controlled beer fridge cannon lets you pick your brew and then fires it at you from across the room.

The user of this gadget just has to use his iPhone to select one of four types of … Original source on Gaea Times at : New iPhone-controlled beer fridge cannon ‘fires’ the brew in your direction.

Novel vaccine that produces strong immunity against cocaine high created

WASHINGTON – Scientists have produced a long-lasting anti-cocaine immunity in mice by giving them a unique vaccine that combines bits of the common cold virus with a particle that mimics cocaine.

Researchers from The Scripps Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Cornell University said this novel strategy might be the first to offer cocaine addicts … Read more >>.

Viking discovered organics on Mars: Study

WASHINGTON – Using Mars-like soil taken from Atacama Desert, a new experiment has confirmed that Mars has organics, and Viking found them.

More than three decades after NASA’s Viking landers found no evidence for organic materials on Mars, the new study has suggested that Viking did, in fact, hit pay dirt.

The study was prompted by … Read more : Viking discovered organics on Mars: Study.

Swarms of satellites possible: ISRO

CHENNAI – Swarms of satellites in the sky and even an individual owning one is possible today — thanks to the emergence of small satellites targeted at performing specific activities, a top official of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said Wednesday.

“All space-faring nations are considering small satellites as low cost options for a …. Read the original article  : Swarms of satellites possible: ISRO.

NASA instrument shows never-before-seen Sun’s innermost corona

WASHINGTON – An instrument aboard NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), developed by Smithsonian scientists, has provided never before seen views of the innermost corona 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The corona, which is the outer layer of the Sun’s atmosphere is hotter than the Sun’s surface and becomes visible only when the Sun … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NASA instrument shows never-before-seen Sun’s innermost corona.

Critical tuning dial for controlling body energy identified

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found what they believe is a critical tuning dial for controlling whole body energy.

When energy levels within cells drop, it sets off a series of events designed to increase the amount of calorie-rich dietary fat that the body will absorb.

“Thousands of years ago, this would have … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Critical tuning dial for controlling body energy identified.

Why we must follow gut instinct, but not always

WASHINGTON – We often turn to our own minds in times where we have to take decisions solely based on whether it ‘feels’ good – or what is popularly known as gut instinct.

Now, a new study conducted by UK scientists finds that the trustworthiness of our intuition is really influenced by what is happening physically …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Why we must follow gut instinct, but not always.

China’s first stealth fighter revealed

TOKYO – China has completed a prototype of its first known stealth aircraft, media reports said Wednesday, reinforcing the nation’s military buildup ahead of a visit by US Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

China is to start test flights of the J-20 this month with an eye to the deployment of the fighter as early as …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New solar cells repair themselves like natural plant systems

WASHINGTON – Purdue University researchers have designed solar cells that can repair themselves just like plants do.

“We’ve created artificial photosystems using optical nanomaterials to harvest solar energy that is converted to electrical power,” said Jong Hyun Choi.

The design exploits the unusual electrical properties of structures called single-wall carbon nanotubes, using them as “molecular wires in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New solar cells repair themselves like natural plant systems.

Extinct Jamaican bird clobbered rivals with club-like wings

WASHINGTON – Yale University researchers have discovered that an extinct Jamaican bird used its club-like wings to clobber rivals during fights.

The bird, Xenicibis xympithecus, which went extinct around 10,000 years ago, had evolved so as to modify its wings to club-like structures.

“I would guess that they would try to grab each other using the beak …. Source  : Extinct Jamaican bird clobbered rivals with club-like wings.

Taj Mahal city shivers

AGRA – The Taj Mahal city of Agra experienced this winter’s coldest day Tuesday — at 1.2 degrees Celsius.

This was a fall from Monday’s 2.5 degrees. The weather office said there would be no early respite from the cold.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Taj Mahal city shivers.

60-second test can tell if IVF is successful

LONDON – Scientists have devised a 60-second test to predict a couples’ chances of having a baby through IVF.

A free calculator, available online, uses the answers to nine simple questions to work out the odds of fertility treatment succeeding.
With the results said to be almost 100 percent accurate, the test could save couples … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 60-second test can tell if IVF is successful.

Key gene helps virus sabotage immune system

SYDNEY – A key gene helps viruses sabotage the immune system by making them ‘invisible’ and spreading infections.

Immunologists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Australia with the University of Cambridge in Britain have been studying how and why the immune system is unable to eliminate these infections.
Gabrielle Belz, Adele Mount and … Read : Key gene helps virus sabotage immune system.

Early periods in girls ‘up risk of depression’

NEW YORK – Girls who begin menstruating before the age of 11.5 are the most depressed by ages 13 and 14, says a new study.

The younger a girl is when she begins her monthly period, the more likely she is to struggle with depression later in her teen … Read more : Early periods in girls ‘up risk of depression’.

Telescope captures star-forming region – Lagoon Nebula

WASHINGTON – The European Southern Observatory’s (ESO’s) UK-designed and built VISTA telescope has captured a new image of a star-forming region known as the Lagoon Nebula that lies about 4,000 to 5,000 light-years away.

The image demonstrates once again, the capability of the world’s largest survey telescope of … Read more : Telescope captures star-forming region – Lagoon Nebula.

Giant race ‘came from mutant gene’

LONDON – British and German scientists has discovered that a race of giants may have sprung from a mutant gene that first emerged around 1,500 years ago and causes uncontrolled body growth.

The “gigantism gene” was discovered in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Giant race ‘came from mutant gene’.

Chennai students design nano satellite, to be launched April

CHENNAI – A group of 54 engineering students from the city has designed a 10-kg nano satellite to monitor greenhouse gases (GHG) that the Indian space agency is planning to launch in April.

The students from the SRM University, some 40 km from the capital city, have been working on the project ‘SRMSAT’ since 2008. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Chennai students design nano satellite, to be launched April.

Women at higher genetic risk for multiple sclerosis: Study

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that women who have multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to have a gene associated with multiple sclerosis than men with the disease and it is this gene region where environment interacts with the genetics.

The study has also shown that the number of people diagnosed with MS has …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Women at higher genetic risk for multiple sclerosis: Study.

Transparent cement lets daylight flood into room

LONDON – Italian architects have made transparent cement that lets light flood into a room.

The material, called i.light, has dozens of tiny holes in it, which lets light pass through it without compromising the structural integrity.
Up close, the 2-3 mm gaps make a startling pattern and from certain angles or at a distance …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Transparent cement lets daylight flood into room.

Why kids with ADHD have difficulty in concentrating

WASHINGTON – For the first time, scientists have revealed why children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulty in concentrating.

Researchers at the University of Nottingham, who performed brain scans of children with ADHD using a ‘Whac-a-Mole’ style game, have found evidence that kids affected by the condition require either much greater incentives or their usual stimulant … Original article on : Why kids with ADHD have difficulty in concentrating.

Piercing chill claims 45 lives in Jharkhand

RANCHI – The bone-penetrating cold wave has claimed over 45 lives in Jharkhand this winter, capital Ranchi recording the highest 11 deaths, officials said. Primary schools here have been shut till Sunday due to the intense chill.

“More than 45 people have died due to cold wave in the state. Efforts are on to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Piercing chill claims 45 lives in Jharkhand.

Household sewage – an untapped energy resource

WASHINGTON – Household sewage has far more potential as an alternative energy source than previously thought, say scientists.

They say the discovery, which increases the estimated potential energy in wastewater by almost 20 percent, could spur efforts to extract methane, hydrogen and other fuels from this vast and, as yet, untapped resource.

Elizabeth S. Heidrich and … Read more >>>.

Mums’ depression adversely affects quality of life in kids with epilepsy

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that maternal depression adversely affects quality of life in children with epilepsy.

Canadian researchers examined the prevalence of maternal depression and its impact on children newly diagnosed with epilepsy.

They found that prevalence of depression in mothers ranged from 30pc-38pc within the first 24 months following a child’s epilepsy … Read more >>>.

Study reveals ‘multiple species of catfish despite same colours, patterns’

LONDON – A new study has revealed that although catfish communities of South American contain almost identically coloured and patterned fish, they may be home to three or more different species.

The study found that many species are mimetic – evolving to share the same colour patterns for mutual benefit – and that each individual community …. Read the original article  : Study reveals ‘multiple species of catfish despite same colours, patterns’.

Oceans went oxygen-poor ‘499mn yrs ago after animals appeared on Earth’

LONDON – A new study at the University of California, Riverside, has found that contrary to the belief that oceans became oxygen-rich about 600 million years ago and stayed that way till date, they actually turned oxygen poor about 499 million years ago, soon after the first appearance of animals on the planet, and remained …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Oceans went oxygen-poor ‘499mn yrs ago after animals appeared on Earth’.

Cosmic collisions ‘aren’t responsible for black hole growth’

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that cosmic collisions, which have been believed to be the culprit behind increasing growth of black holes, are not to blame.

When black holes are formed, they absorb great amounts of light, which then shines brightly as it falls towards oblivion. This results in the telltale bright spots at …. Original article  : Cosmic collisions ‘aren’t responsible for black hole growth’.

Cold wave continues in Kashmir, relief expected Saturday

SRINAGAR – The freezing cold wave continued across the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region Thursday with Srinagar at minus 5 degrees Celsius and Leh at minus 16.2 degrees. However, some relief is expected by Saturday, the weatherman said.

“The minimum temperature in Srinagar was minus 5.0 degrees Celsius today. It was minus 16.2 in Leh … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cold wave continues in Kashmir, relief expected Saturday.

Seeing the Andromeda galaxy in a new light

WASHINGTON – ESA’s Herschel and XMM-Newton space observatories have revealed the Andromeda Galaxy in a new light, showing that that more stars are on their way.

Andromeda, like many other galaxies, is spiral but more interesting because it shows a large ring of dust about 75,000 light-years across encircling the center of the galaxy.

XMM-Newton highlights hundreds … Read : Seeing the Andromeda galaxy in a new light.

City noises have forced songbirds to sing a different tune

MELBOURNE – Urban noises have created such disturbance that songbirds have been forced to change the pitch and pace of their song, a study has found.

Melbourne University researchers found urban silvereyes are shifting their song to overcome city sounds of up to 80 decibels.

However, their country counterparts who deal with background noise between 35 and … Read more >>.

Agra records season’s coldest night at 0.6 degree

AGRA – The city of the Taj Mahal recorded this winter’s coldest night with the minimum temperature touching 0.6 degree Celsius in the pre-dawn hours Thursday morning, a Met department official said.

“This was the lowest temperature recorded in the region,” the meeteorological department’s regional office in Lucknow told IANS Thursday morning. Friday … Read more >>.

Study sheds light on quantity of MRSA at different body sites

WASHINGTON – A new study from Rhode Island Hospital has provided new insights into the quantity of MRSA at different body sites as well as the relationship between the quantities at different sites.

They found that culturing the nose was more likely to reveal MRSA than culturing under the arms (axilla), the groin, or perineum (skin … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Study sheds light on quantity of MRSA at different body sites.

Scientists unveil atom-thick graphene patchwork ‘quilts’

LONDON – Scientists at the Cornell University have revealed atomic-resolution details of what graphene ‘quilts’ look like.

They found that graphene develops in pieces that resemble patchwork quilts. These patches meet at grain boundaries – a property that led them to uncover key insights into graphene’s electrical and mechanical properties.

The results will enable scientists to dig [..] Read the original article: here.

Microsoft unveils microchip driven Windows version

LONDON – Microsoft has unveiled a new version of its flagship Windows software to run on microchips designed by British company ARM.

The chip designs will feature in a new range of Windows-based products, including tablets and mobile phones, which are likely to hit the markets in two or three years.
The deal will allow …. Original article  : Microsoft unveils microchip driven Windows version.

Drastic fall in global spam e-mail levels

LONDON – The recent months have seen a drastic fall in the amount of junk e-mails being sent globally, with the reason for the decline not fully understood as yet, and spam watchers warning it may not last.

The steady drop in …. Original source  : Drastic fall in global spam e-mail levels.

Female butterflies chase males when it’s cool

WASHINGTON – Yale University researchers have found that female butterflies actively court males after being exposed to cool, dry temperatures as caterpillars.

Raised in the moist and warmer season as larvae, males take up the traditional roles of suitor, displaying their wing designs to females who do the choosing.

“Behavior in … Read more »».

Lice DNA shows humans started wearing clothes about 170,000yrs ago

WASHINGTON – A new study following the evolution of lice has revealed that modern humans started wearing clothes about 170,000 years ago, a technology which enabled them to successfully migrate out of Africa.

Principal investigator David Reed, associate curator of mammals …. Source article  : Lice DNA shows humans started wearing clothes about 170,000yrs ago.

Room heaters, bonfires keep Ranchi’s zoo animals warm

RANCHI – Room heaters and bonfires are being used to keep Ranchi’s zoo animals warm in the bone-chilling cold.

The severe cold wave that has already claimed lives of 62 people in Jharkhand so far has also been harsh on animals.
The animals of Birsa Munda Zoo of Ranchi have finally found some relief after … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Room heaters, bonfires keep Ranchi’s zoo animals warm.

Gorging on fat may not be all that bad

LONDON – Gorging on blobs of fat like butter and cheese might not be all that harmful, according to scientists.

The latest studies have shown that the evidence between saturated fat intake and health had been oversimplified in dietary advice.
Several different studies seemed to imply that genetics, lifestyle and age could all … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gorging on fat may not be all that bad.

World losing biodiversity at unprecedented rate: UN

CHENNAI – The extinction of biodiversity due to global warming is thousand times higher than natural extinction and irreparable degradation may take place if ecosystems are pushed beyond certain tipping point, a UN official said here Friday.

Citing the third report on Global Biodiversity Outlook, Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of UN Convention on Biological Diversity, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : World losing biodiversity at unprecedented rate: UN.

Professor finds a way to ‘rinse and repeat the rainbow cycle’

WASHINGTON – Rainbows are a familiar but rare occurrence, and the theory is simple: a little bit of sunshine and a little bit of rain. But now, a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University Michael Jones McKean has developed a way to recycle rainbows.

McKean uses jet pumps, hoses and spray nozzles to create rainbows on demand, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Professor finds a way to ‘rinse and repeat the rainbow cycle’.

Dead birds falling from sky ‘is not the end of nature’

WASHINGTON – The recent spate of incidents where in one case, 500 red-wing blackbirds died together in Louisiana and in another, 100 jackdaws turned up dead on a street in Sweden, is not an unusual occurrence, say experts.

Wildlife health experts have said that these mortality events happen every year but we are just beginning to …. Original article  : Dead birds falling from sky ‘is not the end of nature’.

NIST study may solve ‘universe’s expansion mystery’

WASHINGTON – Astrophysicists may finally be able to solve the mystery of the unending expansion of our universe, thanks to a telescope calibrated by scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Harvard University and the University of Hawaii.

The team travelled to the summit of Haleakala volcano in Hawaii to fine-tune the operation …. Original source  : NIST study may solve ‘universe’s expansion mystery’.

Cosmic chunk from the belly of 3rd largest asteroid found in space

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found in space a chunk that was once a part of the third-largest asteroid.

Using NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, experts at University of North Dakota Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany, have found a new kind of asteroid.

The mineralogical composition suggests that 1999 TA10 didn’t …. Source  : Cosmic chunk from the belly of 3rd largest asteroid found in space.

Facebook to go public next year

WASHINGTON – It looks like Facebook is preparing to go public sometime next year, as per the new details revealed in a 100-page document sent to a select group of potential investors.

According to the private-placement document, Facebook, of Palo Alto, Calif., plans to increase its number of shareholders above 500 this year, forcing it …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Facebook to go public next year.

Groundbreaking technology to detect Alzheimer’s developed

WASHINGTON – A novel technology that is able to detect the presence of immune molecules specific to Alzheimer’s disease in patients’ blood samples has been developed by the scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute.

While still preliminary, the findings offer clear proof that this breakthrough technology could be used in the development … Read more >>>.

‘Cell explosions’ can trigger instant cancers

LONDON – British scientists have decoded the mystery of why ‘instant cancers’ seemingly appear out of nowhere.

The finding from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in the UK contradicts the long-held theory that thousands of mutations over a lifetime cause cancer.
It also helps explain why some people are diagnosed with cancer only months …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Jab developed to help drug addicts break vicious habit

LONDON – A shot that could help drug addicts break the vicious habit has been developed by the US researchers.

The team produced a lasting anti-cocaine immunity in mice by giving them a jab combining part of the common cold virus with a particle that mimics cocaine.
Study leader Ronald Crystal of Weill Cornell Medical …. Source  : Jab developed to help drug addicts break vicious habit.

Moon ‘has Earth-like core’

WASHINGTON – A NASA research team has revealed that Moon has a core similar to Earth’s after applying state-of-the-art seismological techniques to Apollo-era data.

Uncovering details about the lunar core is critical for developing accurate models of the Moon’s formation. The data sheds light on the evolution of a lunar dynamo – a natural process by … Read more »»».

World’s fastest solar car produces same power as toaster uses!

MELBOURNE – An Australian car-which produces power equivalent to that consumed by a household toaster-has officially been named the world’s fastest solar-powered vehicle zooming at 88km/h.

The current record is 10km/h above the previous record-79km/h.

The solar racer Sunswift IV-known as Ivy-has been designed and built at the University of New South Wales.

“We’ve beaten the record by …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : World’s fastest solar car produces same power as toaster uses!.

Srinagar warmer at minus 2.2 degrees, expects snowfall

SRINAGAR – Srinagar got a slight respite from the cold wave conditions as a nightlong cloud cover brought up the minimum temperature to minus 2.2 degrees Celsius Friday. The weather office has forecast snowfall in the Kashmir Valley.

“The minimum temperature was minus 2.2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar today (Friday) in contrast to minus 5 …. Original source  : Srinagar warmer at minus 2.2 degrees, expects snowfall.

Fog envelopes Agra, trains disrupted

AGRA – The city of the Taj Mahal, already frozen in the minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius, was completely enveloped in a thick layer of fogearly Friday morning, a weather official said.

The fog reduced visibility to a few metres, and disrupted movement of a large number of trains. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fog envelopes Agra, trains disrupted.

How slowing the engines of mitochondria extends lifespan

WASHINGTON – Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have found that slowing the engines of mitochondria, the tiny cellular factories, could extend your life.

Andrew Dillin and his colleagues demonstrated their experiment on the roundworm Ceanorhabditis elegans to show that perturbing mitochondrial function in subsets of worm cells sent global signals governing longevity of … Original source on Gaea Times at : How slowing the engines of mitochondria extends lifespan.

New booze vaccine works by ‘giving terrible hangover just after 1 drink’

LONDON – A new vaccine for treating alcoholism gives the sensation of a terrible hangover after just a few drinks, to deter the person from drinking any more.

Chile researchers explained that the vaccine neutralises a group of enzymes called aldehyde dehydrogenase that help the body to break down alcohol.

It would increase nausea, accelerate heartbeat, …. Read the original article  : New booze vaccine works by ‘giving terrible hangover just after 1 drink’.

Srinagar gets slight relief from cold, still freezing in Ladakh

SRINAGAR – Summer capital Srinagar was slightly warmer Saturday at minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, still below the freezing mark but Jammu and Kashmir’s cold desert region of Ladakh continued to reel under the intense cold wave.

Due to the nightlong cloud cover, the minimum temperature again rose today (Saturday) in Srinagar from Friday’s minus 2.2 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Srinagar gets slight relief from cold, still freezing in Ladakh.

Strenuous exercise ‘can damage women’s cognitive function’

LONDON – A new study has said that strenuous exercise in women can cause damage to their cognitive skills later in life.

Too much exercise raises the levels of oestrogen in a woman’s body and lead to irregular menstruation cycles, reports New Scientist.

And low levels of oestrogen in premenopausal women has been linked to impaired mental …. Source article  : Strenuous exercise ‘can damage women’s cognitive function’.

Thick fog envelopes Delhi

NEW DELHI – A thick blanket of fog enveloped the capital Saturday, reducing visibility and making it difficult for commuters. Delhiites continued to shiver as the minimum temperature was three notches below normal.

“The thick fog is likely to clear up as the day progresses. But the cold conditions will continue in the coming days, …. Original article  : Thick fog envelopes Delhi.

4 more dead in UP; sunny day brings little relief (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Uttar Pradesh Friday saw the winter chill claiming four more lives even as a comparatively warmer and sunny day brought smiles back to people’s faces in many parts of northern and central India.

However, the harsh cold wave conditions persisted across the region causing traffic problems.
With the latest deaths, the winter …. Original article  : 4 more dead in UP; sunny day brings little relief (Roundup).

Indian, Australian joint team studying penguin evolution

SYDNEY – A joint team of Indian and Australian scientists is studying molecular changes in Adlie, a penguin species commonly found along the entire Antarctic coast, triggered by global warming.

The experts are also looking at the larger issue of whether climate change drives evolution.
Australian team leader David Lambert is collaborating with Siva Swaminathan, …. Read the original article  : Indian, Australian joint team studying penguin evolution.

98th Science Congress ends, 99th in Bhubaneswar

CHENNAI – The five-day 98th Indian Science Congress near here ended Friday. The 99th Congress will be held in Bhubaneswar.

Speaking at the valedictory function, K.C. Pandey, general president of the Indian Science Congress Association, said: “The 98th Congress was the largest with around 10,400 delegates, six Nobel laureates and around 130 scientists from India …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 98th Science Congress ends, 99th in Bhubaneswar.

Four more die in freezing Uttar Pradesh, toll climbs to 63

LUCKNOW – Icy winds continued to lash large parts of India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, where the cold wave claimed four more lives on Friday, taking this winter’s toll to 63.

Brief sunshine pierced through a thick blanket of fog and a cover of clouds to bring a bit of respite from the biting … Read more »»».

Open core areas of wildlife parks to tourists: Khurshid

LUCKNOW – Union Minister for Corporate and Minority Affairs Salman Khurshid Friday expressed the need for opening core areas in wildlife parks to tourists.

Speaking at the ‘Billy Arjan Singh Memorial Convention’, organised by NGO Tiger and Terrain on the noted wildlife enthusiast’s first death anniversary here, Khurshid said that opening of core areas to … Read : Open core areas of wildlife parks to tourists: Khurshid.

Chilly but pleasant day in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Even as the capital city witnessed clear skies on a sunny day, it was yet another chilly day Friday with early morning frost and the maximum temperature staying 5 degrees below average.

The days ahead will remain nippy, the weatherman said.
“The maximum temperature was recorded at 15.6 degrees Celsius and the …. Original article  : Chilly but pleasant day in Delhi.

Haryana minister leads by example, adopts black buck

CHANDIGARH – Haryana Forest Minister Ajay Singh Yadav Friday adopted a black buck under an innovative state government scheme that covers animals and birds in zoos and parks.

Yadav handed over a cheque for Rs.22,500 to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Parvez Ahmed towards the annual cost of feeding the black buck.
The black buck, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Haryana minister leads by example, adopts black buck.

Cold and fog hit life in Rajastan

JAIPUR – Cold wave conditions affected normal life in Rajasthan Friday as the mercury plummeted further in many parts of the state, officials said.

Bikaner was freezing at zero degree, five degrees below the average Thursday night. Even the day temperature Friday could touch only 12.5 degrees Celsius, 10 degrees below average. Pilani was also …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cold and fog hit life in Rajastan.

Nuclear brass allay fears over Jaitapur plant

THANE – India’s nuclear brass and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, while pitching for the growth of nuclear power, Friday allayed fears of villagers of Rajapur who are protesting against the proposed 9,900 MW Jaitapur Nuclear Power Park in Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.

They cited the huge developmental activities witnessed in and around Tarapur, around 100 km …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Humans first covered their nakedness 170,000 years ago

WASHINGTON – A research suggests that humans first covered their nakedness some 170,000 years ago, something which helped them move out of Africa.

Research by David Reed, investigator at Florida University, shows modern humans started wearing clothes about 70,000 years before migrating into colder climates and higher latitudes, which began about 100,000 years ago. [..] Read the original article: here.

Why some cancers become malignant and others don’t

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered why some cancers become malignant and others don’t.

The study, led by Dr. Gerardo Ferbeyre of the University of Montreal’s Department of Biochemistry, found that cancer cells reproduce by dividing in two, but a molecule known as PML limits …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Why some cancers become malignant and others don’t.

GM to offer wireless in-car phone charging pads by 2012

MELBOURNE – Charging your cell phone on the go may soon become as easy as taking it for a drive, as General Motors has announced that it has plans to offer wireless charging technology across a number of its vehicles from the second … Read this article on Gaea Times at : GM to offer wireless in-car phone charging pads by 2012.

Secondhand TV exposure equally harmful for kids: Study

WASHINGTON – Just switching off the TV set may not you help keep your kids away from negative influence of the idiot-box, as indirect media exposure, i.e., having friends who watch TV, might be even more damaging for …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Secondhand TV exposure equally harmful for kids: Study.

Remnants of boozy village discovered beneath downtown San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – Archeologists have discovered dozens of relics from the 1800s underneath a parking lot in downtown San Francisco.

They have found dozens of vestiges-dolls, a piece of a tent, tableware and “many, many liquor bottles”-that tell stories dating as far …. Original source  : Remnants of boozy village discovered beneath downtown San Francisco.

Bacteria ate up methane from Gulf spill, say scientists

WASHINGTON – Bacteria consumed the methane released from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico within about four months, say scientists.

“It was remarkable. We had gone out there assuming that there would be plenty of methane still there and the fact was that it was … Read more »».

Freshwater methane emission changes greenhouse gas equation

WASHINGTON – Greenhouse gas uptake by continents is less than previously thought because of methane emissions from freshwater areas, to newly released data by an international team of scientists.

John Downing of the Iowa State University concluded that methane release from inland waters is higher than previous estimates.

The study has …. Original source  : Freshwater methane emission changes greenhouse gas equation.

An escalator to space – not very far away

CHENNAI – The day may not be far away when an elevator attendant asks your preferred destination – low earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary orbit (GSO). Research is fast progressing in advanced countries on designing a space elevator, according to an Indian space expert.

“Space scientists and engineers are looking at the possibility of designing … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : An escalator to space – not very far away.

France transferring submarine technology to India

NEW DELHI – India should be able to produce more than one sophisticated submarine every year, thanks to the transfer of high technology from the French leader in naval defence systems.

According to Patrick Boissier, chairman and CEO of DCNS, which is executing India’s biggest submarine building programme for six diesel-electric Scorpene submarines, said that … Read this article on Gaea Times at : France transferring submarine technology to India.

New technology won’t let your car start if you are too drunk!

WASHINGTON – Researchers are developing sensory devices to be installed in cars that would keep them from starting if the drivers have had too many drinks.

The new technology would require a passive set of sensors …. Read the original article  : New technology won’t let your car start if you are too drunk!.

Omega-3 fatty acids could help prevent traumatic brain injury

WASHINGTON – Taking the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexanoic acid (DHA) might offer a new way of protecting against traumatic brain injury (TBI), suggest animal experiments.

Although only preliminary, the results raise the “intriguing” possibility of preventive treatment with DHA in groups …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Omega-3 fatty acids could help prevent traumatic brain injury.

New way to screen breast cancer cells’ ability to metastasize

WASHINGTON – Using specific silicon microdevices might provide a new way to screen breast cancer cells’ ability to metastasize, says a new research.ell cytoskeleton refers to the cell’s shape and its mechanical properties, Virginia Tech researcher Masoud Agah explained.

“Any change in the cytoskeletal structure … Original article on : New way to screen breast cancer cells’ ability to metastasize.

Ants wise enough to quit when their teeth wear out

LONDON – Ants have a well-deserved reputation for strength, organisation and teamwork. But a key to their success is the ability to identify the importance of age in the work place.

A study of Central American leaf-cutter ants has shown that the younger and more vigorous members of the colony are given the toughest job … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Ants wise enough to quit when their teeth wear out.

Iron-rich whale poo makes ocean more productive

MELBOURNE – A new study has revealed that iron-rich whale faeces make the oceans more productive.cientists from the Australian Antarctic Division, based in Hobart, have been testing the hypothesis that enormous amounts of iron excreted by whales are similar to liquid manure, reports the Age.

This fertiliser helps phytoplankton grow, which in turn helps support a …. Source  : Iron-rich whale poo makes ocean more productive.

Facebook sparks row after deleting breastfeeding support group page

LONDON – Social networking giant Facebook has stirred up a new controversy with nursing mothers after deleting a page, dedicated to breastfeeding and followed by thousands, over the weekend for violating the terms of service.

The page has an online support group where mothers can swap tips and which provides an emotional crutch for anyone … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Facebook sparks row after deleting breastfeeding support group page.

An electric car that beats traffic congestion and parks itself!

LONDON – Tired of traffic jams and lack of parking spaces? Well, there is good news for you, as scientists have designed an electric car that beats traffic congestion and parks itself.

The two-seat EN-V (Electric-Networked Vehicle) has been created to ease the common driver concerns as well as address environmental issues, energy consumption and affordability, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : An electric car that beats traffic congestion and parks itself!.

Manali gets another spell of snow

SHIMLA – The picturesque towns of Manali and Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh saw another spell of snow Sunday, bringing the temperature down by several notches, the weather office here said.

Manali in Kullu district and Kalpa in Kinnaur district saw 5 cm and 2 cm of snow respectively. These towns saw good spells of snow … Read more >>>.

Dust in Earth’s atmosphere has doubled since the beginning of 20th century

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that the amount of dust in the Earth’s atmosphere has doubled since the beginning of the 20th century and the dramatic increase is influencing climate and ecology around the world.

It’s the first study to trace the fluctuation of a natural (not human-caused) aerosol around the globe over the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dust in Earth’s atmosphere has doubled since the beginning of 20th century.

Nails, hair indicate booze intake over last 90 days

WASHINGTON – United States Drug Testing Laboratories (USDTL) has launched two new tests – one for fingernails and the other for hair – which can report a donor’s alcohol exposure for the past 90 days reliably.

The NailStat and HairStat EtG tests measure ethyl glucuronide (EtG) – a minor product of alcohol metabolism.

“For the first time, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Celeb whose tweets influenced news stories in 2010

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that tweets from celebrities like Conan O’Brian, sometimes beat out news organizations and reigned as Twitter’s top influencers on big news stories.

“The New York Times was the top influencer on the Gulf oil spill, which was the top topic of the year,” said Alok Choudhary at Northwestern’s McCormick …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Celeb whose tweets influenced news stories in 2010.

A fat tummy shrinks your brain

LONDON – A new study by researchers in the US has revealed that having a larger waistline could shrivel your brain.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which is linked to cognitive impairment, says Antonio Convit at the New York University School of Medicine.

Convit wanted to see what impact obesity had … Original article on : A fat tummy shrinks your brain.

Snowfall in north Kashmir, Ladakh continues to freeze

SRINAGAR – There was light snowfall in some areas of north Kashmir Sunday as the cold wave marginally abated in the valley, but the freeze continued in the Ladakh region with Leh at a biting minus 13 degrees Celsius.

The ski resort of Gulmarg, Kupwara, Handwara and a few other places saw light snowfall in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Snowfall in north Kashmir, Ladakh continues to freeze.

Another man killed by tiger in Uttar Pradesh

BAHRAICH – In the second incident in three days, a tiger has killed a man near the Katarniaghat forest reserve in this Uttar Pradesh district, an official said Saturday, adding it was not known yet if it was the same animal.

The body of the victim identified as Jagmal was recovered Saturday from the fields …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Another man killed by tiger in Uttar Pradesh.

No reprieve from cold and fog; 6 more die in UP (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Severe cold and fog Saturday continued to haunt the people in north and central India, claiming six more lives in Uttar Pradesh.

With the latest deaths, the toll in Uttar Pradesh has hit 69. Officials Saturday reported three fatalities from Shahjahanpur, two from Bareilly and one from Basti.
Most of those who … Original source on Gaea Times at : No reprieve from cold and fog; 6 more die in UP (Roundup).

Snow closes Srinagar-Jammu national highway

SRINAGAR – The strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway was closed for traffic Saturday evening due to fresh snowfall in the Jawahar tunnel area of the highway.

“Traffic would only be restored Sunday after snow-clearance. No passenger vehicle are stranded on the highway,” G.M. Wadoo, Superintendent of Police (traffic), Rural Kashmir, told IANS.
He advised travellers …. Read the original article  : Snow closes Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

Cold, foggy day in Delhi, more to follow

NEW DELHI – Thick fog covered Delhi Saturday and, with a chilly wind blowing, the maximum temperature nose-dived nine degrees below average to 12.4 degrees Celsius, the weather office here said.

The met office has predicted heavy fog to shroud the city in the days ahead.
The maximum temperature was recorded at 12.4 degrees while …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Cold, foggy day in Delhi, more to follow.

Cold forces Orissa schools to suspend morning classes

BHUBANESWAR – The Orissa government Saturday asked all schools to suspend morning classes because of the intense cold wave conditions prevailing across the state.

“We have instructed all schools not to hold morning classes until further orders,” Aparajita Sarangi, secretary of the school and mass education department, told IANS Saturday.
The cold wave continued to … Original article on : Cold forces Orissa schools to suspend morning classes.

Laser canons to zap high sea pirates

LONDON – Laser canons mounted on ships and boats could zap pirates trying to board them.

The non-lethal weapon, which has been developed by defence firm BAE Systems, is effective against moving targets more than a mile away.
The company has started developing the laser in response to the growing threat from pirates …. Source  : Laser canons to zap high sea pirates.

‘App’ named 2010 Word of the Year

LONDON – High school English teachers are crying into their textbooks over the American Dialect Societys choice for Word of the Year – ‘App’.

The abbreviated tech slang for a computer or smart phone application beat out another word that would have had language purists tearing their hair out even more.
Nom – a chat, … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘App’ named 2010 Word of the Year.

Conceiving again within a year trebles autism risk

LONDON – Women who conceive within a year after giving birth could be putting their next child at increased risk of autism.

Such babies are three times more likely to have the developmental disorder, says a study.
Researchers say that a woman’s body needs time to recover from a pregnancy and that a baby conceived …. Read the original article  : Conceiving again within a year trebles autism risk.

West Antarctic ice sheet would collapse by year 3000: Study

LONDON – By the dawn of this millennium, the West Antarctic ice sheet is likely to collapse and the global sea level may rise by nearly four meters, suggests a new study.

Researchers have said that the impact of rising CO2 levels in the Earth’s atmosphere will cause unstoppable effects to the climate for at least …. Read the original article  : West Antarctic ice sheet would collapse by year 3000: Study.

Supermassive black hole discovered in dwarf galaxy

WASHINGTON – Astronomers have discovered a supermassive black hole in a small nearby galaxy that may shed light on how black holes and galaxies may have grown in the early history of the Universe.

They said that finding a black hole a million times more massive than the Sun in a star-forming dwarf galaxy is a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Supermassive black hole discovered in dwarf galaxy.

Young fish take cues from noisy neighbors before settling down

WELLINGTON – An international team of marine biologists has discovered that young fish looking for a reef to make a home take help from noisy neighbours.

Researchers from Auckland University and Bristol University in England found juvenile fish listen to the sounds made by other underwater creatures, such as other fish, shrimps and lobsters, before choosing … Read more >>.

Why music gives us goosebumps

LONDON – Scientists have now unraveled the theory behind why people get goosebumps while listening to music.

Canadian researchers has suggested that when we are moved by music our brains behave as if reacting to delicious food, psychoactive drugs or money, reports the Scotsman.

The pleasure experience is driven by the “reward” chemical dopamine, which has been … Original article on : Why music gives us goosebumps.

Secret of Trojan horse viral gene discovered

MELBOURNE – Melbourne researchers have discovered the secret behind the disguise of some viruses that manage to dodge detection by the body’s immune system.

Gabrielle Belz and her colleagues at Parkville’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute worked with researchers from the University of Cambridge to establish the modus operandi of key viral gene K3.

Trojan horse-like, the … Read more »»».

More snow in Himachal; Keylong freezes at minus 15.4 degrees

SHIMLA – The higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh Monday experienced another spell of mild snowfall as Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district continued to remain the coldest in the state at minus 15.4 degrees Celsius, the weather office here said.

“Higher reaches in the state saw light snowfall early Monday. Kalpa (a village in Kinnaur …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : More snow in Himachal; Keylong freezes at minus 15.4 degrees.

New gadget sounds death-knell for ominous whine of the dentist’s drill

WASHINGTON – For many, the sound of the dental drill is a big cause of anxiety when it comes to visiting a dentist. But now, they might benefit from a new invention that cancels out the drill’s whine.

Scientists at London universities have developed a gadget that allows patients to hear their favourite music on an …. Original source  : New gadget sounds death-knell for ominous whine of the dentist’s drill.

Dense fog engulfs Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH – Dense fog enveloped most parts of Punjab, Haryana and the joint capital city Chandigarh Monday. The mercury remained below the normal level in this region.

Air traffic was badly affected as Chandigarh airport remained shut Monday for the sixth consecutive day. No flight has operated from here since Wednesday.
“We have shut our …. Original article  : Dense fog engulfs Punjab, Haryana.

New device promises noiseless dental drill

LONDON – An innovative device, which cancels the noise of the dental drill, could ease anxiety about visits to the dentist.

The sound of the dental drill is known to be the prime cause of anxiety about dental treatmentt.
Developed by experts at King’s College London, Brunel University and London South Bank University, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New device promises noiseless dental drill.

Low cost ‘Poo-Gloos’ can clean sewage effectively

WASHINGTON – Low cost igloo-shaped devices nicknamed ‘Poo-Gloos’ can clean up sewage just as effectively as multimillion-dollar treatment facilities.

Kraig Johnson and his team developed the Poo-Gloo when he worked as a research assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Utah.
The Poo-Gloo provides a large surface area on which …. Source article  : Low cost ‘Poo-Gloos’ can clean sewage effectively.

IAF flies homegrown Tejas fighter jet for operational clearance

BANGALORE – India Monday joined the select club of countries making a fighter jet from scratch when Indian Air Force (IAF) flew for the first time the lightweight indigenous multi-role Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas in a clear wintry sky for initial operational clearance (IOC).

Defence Minister A.K. Antony handed over the service certificate of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : IAF flies homegrown Tejas fighter jet for operational clearance.

Cold wave continues in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A day after Delhi recorded the coldest day of the season, chilly winds continued to sweep the capital Monday and the minimum temperature stayed two notches below the normal at 4.7 degrees Celsius.

The skies were, however, relatively clear leading to normal flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
…. Source article  : Cold wave continues in Delhi.

73 Mathura villages join battle against Yamuna pollution

RAJPURA – Animal carcasses are not to be dumped into the river, washermen should not use chemicals to wash dirty clothes, the river bank is not to be used as a toilet and no polythene bags – these are among the measures villagers in Rajpura, in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, have planned as part …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 73 Mathura villages join battle against Yamuna pollution.

UAE to be free of plastic bags by 2013

Dubai, Jan 10 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be free of plastic bags by 2013, the minister of environment has said.

Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, minister of environment and water, was speaking at the 10th edition of the ArabPlast and Tekno/Tube 2011 exhibition at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“The UAE and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : UAE to be free of plastic bags by 2013.

13 more die as freezing winter marches on (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Winter continued its relentless onslaught in the north Sunday, claiming 13 more lives in Uttar Pradesh and taking the toll in the state to 82. People shivered as temperatures nose-dived in all major cities.

For Delhi it was the coldest day in five years.
The poor and the homeless in the … Read more : 13 more die as freezing winter marches on (Roundup).

13 more die in UP, winter toll reaches 82

LUCKNOW – The cold wave in Uttar Pradesh claimed 13 more lives Sunday as the temperature dropped to new lows across large parts of the state. The death toll in the state has climbed to 82.

The disaster management department said five people died in Maharajganj along the Indo-Nepal border, four in Barabanki and … Read : 13 more die in UP, winter toll reaches 82.

Delhi shivers on coldest day in five years

NEW DELHI – Delhiites Sunday shivered through the coldest day in five years when the maximum temperature plunged 10 degrees below average and icy winds made it even harsher for the people.

Several flights were delayed at the Delhi airport due to fog. Low visibility procedures (LVP) had to be deployed through Saturday night, according …. Read the original article  : Delhi shivers on coldest day in five years.

Atmosphere still has self-cleansing capacity

WASHINGTON – There’s cheering news on the environmental front — the atmosphere still has its self-cleansing capacity.

Some studies had suggested that such self-cleansing power is fragile and sensitive to environmental changes. But a latest international study shows the air’s self-cleansing capacity is rather stable, the journal Science reports.
New analysis shows that global levels … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Atmosphere still has self-cleansing capacity.

Synthetic blood gets closer to reality

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed particles that closely mirror some of the key properties of red blood cells, potentially helping pave the way for the development of synthetic blood.

The new discovery could also lead to more effective treatments for life threatening medical conditions such as cancer.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers used technology … Original article on : Synthetic blood gets closer to reality.

Poverty can suppress kids’ genetic potentials: Study

WASHINGTON – A new research has suggested that poverty may influence how children achieve their genetic potential.

Using 750 sets of twins as subjects, psychologists at the University of Texas found that growing up poor can suppress a child’s genetic potential to excel cognitively even before the age of two.

They also explained that 50 percent …. Source article  : Poverty can suppress kids’ genetic potentials: Study.

Melting glaciers to contribute 12cm to world sea-level increases by 2100

LONDON – A new study has found that melt off from small mountain glaciers and ice caps will contribute about 12 centimetres to world sea-level increases by 2100.

Scientists from the University of British Columbia said the largest contributors to the projected world sea level increase are glaciers in Arctic Canada, Alaska and landmass bound glaciers …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New version of Google that solves Sudoku!

LONDON – A newer version of Google can now solve the math puzzle Sudoku – no matter how difficult it is.

A newly updated mobile phone application, called Google Goggles, uses a phone’s camera to capture a picture of any Sudoku puzzle and then sends it back to Google.

The servers at Google compute the answer and …. Read the original article  : New version of Google that solves Sudoku!.

70 million years old flying reptile identified on B.C. coast

WASHINGTON – After months of pondering the origin of a fossilized jawbone, a University of Alberta researcher has identified it as a new species of pterosaur-a flying reptile that lived 70 million years ago.

Victoria Arbour said the first clue to the fossil’s identity came after it was compared to a known species of pterosaurs.

“The teeth …. Read the original article  : 70 million years old flying reptile identified on B.C. coast.

How Alzheimer’s plaques lead to loss of nitric oxide in brain

WASHINGTON – The deadly plaques of Alzheimer’s disease interact with certain cellular proteins to inhibit normal signals that maintain blood flow to the brain, a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has discovered.

Levels of nitric oxide (NO) – a signaling molecule that helps regulate blood flow, immune and neurological processes – are …. Original article  : How Alzheimer’s plaques lead to loss of nitric oxide in brain.

Abstinence, binge drinking linked to increased risk of cognitive impairment

WASHINGTON – A new study has associated abstinence and binge drinking to increased risk of cognitive impairment.

The study, conducted at the University of Turku, University of Helsinki and National Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland, shows that midlife alcohol consumption is related to the risk of dementia assessed some 20 years later.

The study … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Abstinence, binge drinking linked to increased risk of cognitive impairment.

Free app ‘Park Patrol’ alerts drivers of lurking parking officers

SYDNEY – A new application called ParkPatrol helps you dodge parking officers lurking near your parked car.

Available on iPhone, BlackBerry and Android platforms, the app sends you an alert the minute it senses parking officers within 200 metres of your car.

You can also use the parking timer to remind yourself when it’s time to madly …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Free app ‘Park Patrol’ alerts drivers of lurking parking officers.

X-rated worm tapes reveal how sex shapes sperm

LONDON – A series of ’sex videos’ of worms have revealed how sex shapes sperm, according to evolutionary biologists Lukas Scharer and his wife Dita Vizoso at the University of Basel in Switzerland.

The worms are simultaneous hermaphrodites: each has both male and female genitalia.

“In the lab they mate like crazy. Once, we saw a pair … Read more »».

H1N1 pandemic flu strain ‘key to universal vaccine’

WASHINGTON – Scientists from Emory University School of Medicine and the University of Chicago have found that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu strain could be the key to a universal vaccine.

“Our data shows that infection with the 2009 pandemic influenza strain could induce broadly protective antibodies that are only rarely seen after seasonal flu infections …. Source  : H1N1 pandemic flu strain ‘key to universal vaccine’.

Now, a glass stronger than steel

WASHINGTON – A new type of glass, stronger and tougher than steel, has been developed and tested by a team of US researchers.

What’s more, even better versions of this new glass – a micro-alloy featuring palladium – may be on the way, the journal Nature Materials reports.
These results mark the first … Read : Now, a glass stronger than steel.

Statue fragments of King Tut’s grandparents unearthed

WASHINGTON – Egyptian archaeologists have discovered six missing pieces from a 3,400-year-old colossal double statue of King Tut’s grandparents.

The sculpture fragments of King Amenhotep III and his wife Queen Tiye were found at the pharaoh’s temple in Luxor during work to lower the ground water on the west bank of the Nile, reports Discovery News.

Currently … Read : Statue fragments of King Tut’s grandparents unearthed.

With this shirt, you don’t have to ’sweat it’ anymore!

SYDNEY – A new kind of shirt could give you freedom from the embarrassment of sweat patches.

The promoters of FreshMax, the ‘no sweat shirt’, could be the perfect garment for those who wish to sprint to work, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

FreshMax claims that even if you sweat buckets, your shirt won’t show it. It …. Read the original article  : here.

‘Macho-looking’ men more attractive to fertile women

WASHINGTON – A new study claims that men who look masculine are more attractive to fertile women.

But women with masculine-looking partners do not necessarily become more attracted to their partners, said the study from University of Colorado at Boulder.

A “masculine face” has a relatively pronounced chin, strong jaw, narrow eyes and well-defined brow, like George …. Source  : ‘Macho-looking’ men more attractive to fertile women.

More snowfall expected in Himachal

SHIMLA – The hills of Himachal Pradesh might experience more rain and snowfall in the next three days, a weather official said here Tuesday.

“There are chances of more rainfall and snowfall in the state from Jan 12 to 14,” Meteorological Office Director Manmohan Singh told IANS.
He said the western disturbances – storm systems …. Read the original article  : More snowfall expected in Himachal.

Chandigarh welcomes bright sun, chill remains

CHANDIGARH – After nearly 10 days of foggy and overcast conditions, residents of Chandigarh and neighbouring towns woke up to a sunny morning Tuesday. However, there was no respite from the cold as mercury remained below average.

Till 8 a.m., there was light to moderate fog in most parts of Punjab and Haryana and it …. Read the original article  : here.

Rainwater harvesting works wonders for Sukhna Lake

CHANDIGARH – With over 190 water bodies and an equal number of silt detention dams in the Sukhna wildlife sanctuary, Chandigarh has been running one of the biggest soil conservation and rainwater harvesting projects for two decades. And the benefits have been made crystal clear in a new study.

The study conducted by a city-based … Original article on : Rainwater harvesting works wonders for Sukhna Lake.

Bright but cold morning for Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi continued to shiver even as a shallow fog gave way to a bright and clear sky Tuesday morning.

Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport remained normal but some trains were running late.
The minimum temperature recorded early Tuesday was two notches below the average at 4.6 degrees … Original article on : Bright but cold morning for Delhi.

Himachal hosts world’s tallest flying bird

UNA – Green activists worried over the falling numbers of the Sarus crane, the tallest flying bird in the world, heaved a collective sigh of relief after they were spotted in agricultural fields near this Himachal Pradesh town.

Bird enthusiasts are excited after their regular sightings in marshy and agricultural fields along the Swan river, …. Original article  : Himachal hosts world’s tallest flying bird.

Thunderstorms blast antimatter clouds into space

LONDON – It was once the preserve of Star Trek and other sci-fi TV shows. But thunderstorms actually blast antimatter clouds into space from earth, scientists monitoring them through telescopes found.

The phenomenon is produced by a reaction inside thunderstorms when circling the planet.
Spotted above thunderstorms around the world, the blasts were monitored by …. Original article  : Thunderstorms blast antimatter clouds into space.

Now, Google to transcend language barriers

WASHINGTON – Google’s prototype language translator, Conversation Mode now lets you communicate with locals in any part of the world.

The translator uses Android phones to record spoken words and then play them back in a different language.

It combines [..] Read the original article: here.

Life expectancy for ‘early modern and late archaic humans was same’

WASHINGTON – A new study from Washington University in St. Louis has found that the life expectancy was probably the same for early modern and late archaic humans.

Erik Trinkaus examined the fossil records of both and found that the proportions of 20 to 40-year-old adults versus adults older than 40, … Read more >>.

New study finds a possible off-switch for anxiety

WASHINGTON – Singapore scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding how anxiety is regulated in the vertebrate brain.

The new findings have shed light on how the brain normally shuts off anxiety and also establishes the relevance of zebrafish as a model for human psychiatric disorders.

The team of scientists, led by Suresh Jesuthasan from the Agency …. Read the original article  : New study finds a possible off-switch for anxiety.

How chlamydia can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that women who have had chlamydia are at greater risk of an ectopic pregnancy because of a lasting effect of the infection.

The research provides evidence for the first time of how chlamydia can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

University researchers found that women who had had the … Original article on : How chlamydia can increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

New findings may lead to a novel treatment for obesity

WASHINGTON – Scientists have added a new twist to the body of evidence suggesting human obesity is due in part to genetic factors.

While studying hormone receptors in laboratory mice, researchers at Mayo Clinic’s campus in Florida and Washington University School of Medicine identified a new molecular player responsible for the regulation of appetite and metabolism.

The …. Source article  : New findings may lead to a novel treatment for obesity.

Eating plenty of vegetables is key to a glowing skin

LONDON – Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is the best way to have a healthy, glowing skin.

Ian Stephen from the University of Bristol, who led the research, said: “Most people in the West think that the best way to improve skin colour is to get a suntan.”
“But our research shows that eating …. Source article  : Eating plenty of vegetables is key to a glowing skin.

Why guys look tough and girls tender

WASHINGTON – There might be some truth in the popular perception that guys are tough and girls tender.

People are more likely to judge a gender-neutral face as masculine if it conveys a hard impression and as feminine if it is soft, the journal Psychological Science reported.
Michael Slepian, a graduate student at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Why guys look tough and girls tender.

World Bank to help save Ganga dolphins

PATNA – The World Bank will help in conserving the endangered Ganga river dolphins, popularly known as the Gangetic dolphin, the bank’s president Robert B. Zoellick said here Wednesday.

“World Bank will help and cooperate the initiatives taken by the government of India for conservation and protection of the Ganges river dolphins,” Zoellick said … Read more >>>.

Expert chess players use twice the brain: Study

LONDON – A new study has revealed that expert chess players engage both sides of their brains when plotting their next move.

To evaluate the brain activity in players of differing ability, Merim Bilalic at the University of Tubingen in Germany studied the brains of eight international chess players and eight amateurs.

Using functional magnetic resonance … Read more »»».

Eating fruits and vegetables gives you a healthy tan

LONDON – Eating a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables gives you a more healthy golden glow than the sun, say scientists.

Their research has shown that men and women whose skin has a yellow glow are thought to be particularly attractive and healthy – and yellow pigments called carotenoids, found in certain fruit and …. Original article  : Eating fruits and vegetables gives you a healthy tan.

Hair loss drug may result in loss of libido in men

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that 5a-reductase inhibitors (5a-RIs), while improving urinary symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and possible hair loss prevention, produces significant adverse effects in some individuals including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction and potential depression.

These findings suggest that extreme caution should be exercised prior to … Read more »».

Solar car sets speed record

SYDNEY – A solar car designed by Australian students achieved top speed of 88 kmph – the fastest in its category.

Designed and built by students of the University of New South Wales, the car smashed the world solar car speed record of 79 kmph at the HMAS Albatross navy base airstrip in Nowra, Australia.
…. Original article  : Solar car sets speed record.

Slight respite from chill in Kashmir, snowfall likely

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital, battling with an extreme winter chill, got some relief as the overcast night skies brought down the minimum temperature slightly Wednesday morning. Moderate to heavy snowfall is likely in the valley.

“The minimum temperature was minus 0.5 degrees Celsius in Srinagar today which is one degree below normal … Read more >>>.

Fog returns in Chandigarh, mercury below normal

CHANDIGARH – After a day of bright sunshine, Chandigarh and its surrounding areas were again surrounded by thick fog Wednesday morning that disrupted road traffic.

Freezing cold and harsh weather conditions continued to make things difficult for residents with a minimum temperature of 3.7 degrees Celsius. The mercury remained below normal in almost all parts …. Source  : Fog returns in Chandigarh, mercury below normal.

Potential therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis identified

WASHINGTON – Canadian scientists have identified a potential therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Multiple sclerosis is a disease caused by damage to myelin – the protective covering wrapped around the nerves of the central nervous system (CNS).

Using a mouse model, researchers at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the University of Calgary have discovered that a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Shingles vaccine cuts risk by 55 pc: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that receiving the herpes zoster vaccine is associated with a 55 percent reduced risk of developing shingles, a painful, lingering disease.

The Kaiser Permanente researchers observed the outcomes of the effectiveness of the herpes zoster vaccine in a large, diverse population of men and women ages 60 years and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Shingles vaccine cuts risk by 55 pc: Study.

Elephants demolish a dozen houses in Chhattisgarh village

RAIPUR – In the second such incident within a fortnight, a herd of nine wild jumbos demolished 12 houses in a village in Surguja district, forcing 50 residents to flee in panic, officials said Wednesday.

“Wild elephants sneaked into Damali village Tuesday night and brought down 12 mud-built houses,” Ramchandra Barai, a local forest official, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Elephants demolish a dozen houses in Chhattisgarh village.

US can overcome India, China challenge: US scholar

WASHINGTON – The emergence of India and China does not mean the end of American economic and technological power, says a new book suggesting the United States should now leverage its many advantages.

Author Adam Segal, Senior Fellow at Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a Washington think tank, analyses Asia’s technological rise in the context …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US can overcome India, China challenge: US scholar.

Big babies ‘may have helped define the shape of modern human societies’

LONDON – Large babies shaped the development of modern human societies, according to a new study.

The research revealed that human babies weigh proportionately more at birth than the newborns of any other primate species and this may have influenced the development of our society.

A baby ape weighs an average of 3 per cent of what …. Source article  : Big babies ‘may have helped define the shape of modern human societies’.

World’s fastest ‘molecular movie’ recorded

LONDON – Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin fur Materialien und Energie (HZB) and the Technische Uni-versitat Berlin (TUB) have successfully come one step closer to recording a ‘molecular movie.’

Molecular level process are not just miniscule, they are often extremely fast, and therefore difficult to capture in action.

But …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : World’s fastest ‘molecular movie’ recorded.

1 ounce of new ‘frozen smoke’ can carpet 3 football fields!

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed a new, ultra-light form of “frozen smoke” – renowned as the world’s lightest solid material – one ounce of which can carpet three football fields, they claim.

Called multiwalled carbon nanotube (MCNT) aerogel, the substance can be used …. Read the original article  : 1 ounce of new ‘frozen smoke’ can carpet 3 football fields!.

Soon, a Pied Piper’s flute deadly for rats but harmless for humans, plants

WASHINGTON – Scientists are on a mission to create a life-like version of the Pied Piper that will specifically target rodents but pose no harm to other animals, people or plants.

According to C and EN Associate Editor Jyllian Kemsley, rats not only … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Soon, a Pied Piper’s flute deadly for rats but harmless for humans, plants.

Scientists dissect anatomy of conflict in love

WASHINGTON – Some of the most intense or volatile emotions felt by people occur during a conflict in romantic relationships.

A research turns the spotlight on how a person perceives his or her partner’s emotion during a conflict that greatly influences different types of thoughts, feelings and reactions in themselves, the journal Personal Relationships … Original article on : Scientists dissect anatomy of conflict in love.

Your sense of smell could foretell death

LONDON – Losing your sense of smell at an old age could mean that your days are already numbered, a study suggests.

Scientists from Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago in the US found that the more daily smells one could identify, the more likely he was to stay alive longer.
The team gave more … Read more »».

Facebook’s Amber Alerts to help locate missing children

WASHINGTON – Facebook is teaming up with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to launch a new system called Amber alerts to issue bulletins about child abductions.

Each state has its own Facebook Amber Alert page, and users who become a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Another leopard becomes victim of human fury

BHUBANESWAR – In yet another incident of human fury against animals, angry villagers Thursday beat a leopard to death with wooden sticks and cricket bats on the outskirts of this Orissa capital after it injured two people, an official said.

The leopard, which was believed to have sneaked into the area near Gandarpur village from …. Original source  : Another leopard becomes victim of human fury.

Courtship affects gene expression in flies

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that courtship behaviors may be far more influenced by genes than previously thought.

Scientists from Texas made an important step toward understanding human mating behavior by showing that certain genes become activated in fruit flies when they interact with the opposite sex.

This research has shown has also shed light …. Source article  : Courtship affects gene expression in flies.

New tests support effectiveness of Chinese drug for cataracts

WASHINGTON – A widely used non-prescription drug in China and certain other countries can prevent and treat cataracts, scientists have reported.

In the study, Tzu-Hua Wu, Fu-Yung Huang, Shih-Hsiung Wu and colleagues note that eye drops containing pirenoxine, or PRX, have been reputed as a cataract remedy for almost 60 years.

Currently, the only treatment for cataracts …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New tests support effectiveness of Chinese drug for cataracts.

Nerve stimulation may thwart tinnitus: Study

LONDON – A new study found that researchers were able to eliminate tinnitus in a group of rats by stimulating a nerve in the neck while simultaneously playing a variety of sound tones over an extended period of time.

This new therapy was found to help retrain the part of the brain that interprets sound so …. Source article  : Nerve stimulation may thwart tinnitus: Study.

Indian youngsters lag behind in mobile Internet use

LONDON – Indian youngsters are less tech-savvy as compared to their global counterparts, if the recent research by Nielsen is anything to go by.

The study on youth and cellphone usage published on January 11 states that less than 10 percent of Indian youth used their mobile devices to access the Internet last month, while 73 … Read more : Indian youngsters lag behind in mobile Internet use.

Rolled out cigarettes more addictive, shows study

WELLINGTON – Smokers who prefer roll-your-own tobacco may be more intensely addicted to the habit than those who puff on readymade cigarettes.

Doctoral graduate Amy Lewis at the Victoria University in New Zealand investigated how tobacco smoke influences proteins involved in cigarette addiction.
These include monoamine oxidase enzymes or MAOs that break down brain [..] Read the original article: here.

Does courtship bring genes into play?

WASHINGTON – Being around the opposite sex activates genes to perform certain courtship rituals, says a new study.

Scientists have edged closer to understanding our mating behaviour by studying how genes interact in fruit flies during such interactions.
This research by Texas A&M University shows that courtship behaviours may be far more influenced by … Original source on Gaea Times at : Does courtship bring genes into play?.

Coming soon: Camera that ’sees the invisible’

WASHINGTON – Chemists from the University of South Carolina are reportedly developing a camera that has the ability to see the invisible – be it bloodstains or any other substances.

Called multimode imaging in the thermal infrared, they claim the new technology could help in crime scene investigations.

Michael Myrick, Stephen Morgan and their graduate student colleagues … Read more : Coming soon: Camera that ’sees the invisible’.

For some, music gives the same high as sex

LONDON – A new study from the McGill University has revealed that listening to music is just as pleasurable as food, drugs and sex.

Listening to music releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain important for more tangible pleasures associated with sex or great food.

The study found that dopamine release in response to music elicited … Read : For some, music gives the same high as sex.

New study explains ‘yo-yo effect’ of slimming diets

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the hormones related to appetite play an important role in the likelihood of regaining weight after dieting.

The study found that people with the highest levels of leptin and lowest levels of ghrelin are more likely to put on pounds again after dieting.

This is called the ‘yo-yo’ effect, … Read more »»».

Emotional stress can change brain function

WASHINGTON – Researchers have found that a single exposure to acute stress affected information processing in the cerebellum – the area of the brain responsible for motor control and movement coordination and also involved in learning and memory formation.

The study was conducted by Iaroslav Savtchouk, a graduate student, and S. June Liu, Associate Professor … Original source on Gaea Times at : Emotional stress can change brain function.

Feeding 9 billion people predicted for 2050 will be possible: Report

LONDON – A new report suggests that the world will be able to feed the predicted 2050 population of nine billion people.

In the joint report, two French agricultural research organizations lay out findings gleaned from 2006 to 2008 that could overturn some current assumptions about the state of global farming.

Agricultural productivity in Africa doubled between …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Srinagar minimum temperature rises, snowfall likely in valley

SRINAGAR – The minimum temperature in summer capital Srinagar was four degrees above normal and in winter capital Jammu it was three degrees below normal Thursday as the weather office forecast moderate to heavy snowfall across Kashmir Valley.

The minimum temperature was 1.6 degrees Celsius in Srinagar Thursday while it was 5.2 degrees in winter … Read : Srinagar minimum temperature rises, snowfall likely in valley.

People ignore their personalities when predicting future happiness

WASHINGTON – Scientists have explained why humans are notoriously bad at predicting their future happiness.

Jordi Quoidbach from the University of Liege, Belgium, suggested that part of the reason for these mispredictions lies in failing to recognize the key role played by one’s own personality when determining future emotional reactions.

Quoidbach and his partner, Elizabeth Dunn, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Earth is twice as dusty as in 19th century

WASHINGTON – If your house seems dustier than usual, it may have nothing to do with your housekeeping skills.

The amount of dust in the atmosphere has doubled over the last century, according to a new study, and the dramatic increase is influencing climate and ecology around the world.
The study, led by Natalie …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

When and how continents formed

WASHINGTON – A new study attempts to bring to rest a long- standing debate – when and how continents really formed.

The continental crust formation modified the composition of the mantle and the atmosphere, it supports life and it remains a sink for carbon dioxide through weathering and erosion.

However, the timing … Read more »».

‘Jeopardy!’ champs beaten to buzzer by IBM computer ‘Watson’

WASHINGTON – IBM has after four years developed a computing system called ‘Watson’ that specializes in analysing natural human language and answering complex questions.

And to test its capabilities, the machine was pitted against the most celebrated human contestants, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter, in a ‘Jeopardy!’ exhibition match.

Watson … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Jeopardy!’ champs beaten to buzzer by IBM computer ‘Watson’.

Extinct woolly mammoth could be reborn in four years

LONDON – The long extinct woolly mammoth could be resurrected in under four years, thanks to cloning technology breakthrough.

Previous efforts in the 1990s to recover nuclei in cells from the skin and muscle tissue of mammoths found in Siberia failed because the region’s extreme cold had damaged them.
But a technique pioneered in …. Source article  : Extinct woolly mammoth could be reborn in four years.

Top 10 global weather events in 2010

WASHINGTON – A panel of experts has ranked the top 10 global weather and climate events of 2010 as follows.

According to Christian Science Monitor, voters considered the scope and unusualness of the event, its immediate human and economic impact, and whether it is emblematic of climate trends or variability:
1.Russian-European-Asian heat waves
The heat …. Read the original article  : here.

Brain images can predict your video game performance

WASHINGTON – Want to know how well you fare in video games? Well, researchers say they need look no further than a specific region of your brain – basal ganglia.

Psychology professors at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, have said that they could now predict with ‘unprecedented accuracy’ a person’s skills at video games and other …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Brain images can predict your video game performance.

Mad cow disease can also be transmitted through air: Study

WASHINGTON – University of Zurich researchers have discovered that prions – the infectious proteins that cause mad cow disease and its human version Creutzfeldt-Jakob disorder – could also be transmitted through the air.

The surprising finding will likely mean a whole new push of precautionary measures for scientific labs, slaughterhouses and animal feed plants.

Until now, it …. Original source  : Mad cow disease can also be transmitted through air: Study.

Suicide risk greater for those living at higher altitudes

WASHINGTON – A 20-year analysis of mortality data from counties across the United States has found that living at higher altitudes may be a risk factor for suicide.

The study was conducted jointly by scientists from University Hospitals Case Medical Center (Cleveland, OH), University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (PA), and Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston).

The team … Original article on : Suicide risk greater for those living at higher altitudes.

Bacteria in the gut help control obesity and inflammation

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston have discovered that the bacteria living in the intestines may play a far more significant role in weight loss and gastrointestinal problems than ever imagined.

They show that a deficiency of Toll-like receptor 2 (Tlr2)-used by mammals (including humans) to recognize resident microbes in the [..] Read the original article: here.

Now, a website that tells men how to seduce women into sex

MELBOURNE – American consumer products giant Procter and Gamble has come up with a website that offers advice to men on how to seduce women and get them into bed.

The site ManoftheHouse.com gives tips on grilling burgers, cleaning toilets, disciplining children, and sex too.

It promises on its site, “We’ll make men out of you yet”, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Now, a website that tells men how to seduce women into sex.

UK to rebuild world’s first room-sized recognisably modern computer

LONDON – The first recognisably modern computer, the Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (Edsac), is to be rebuilt at the UK’s former code-cracking centre Bletchley Park.

Creation of the replica, which was a room-sized behemoth built at Cambridge University that first ran in 1949, has been commissioned by the UK’s Computer Conservation Society (CCS).

Edsac was one … Read more »»».

‘Healthy mammoth could be reborn in 4 or 5 years’

LONDON – A professor has claimed that the woolly mammoth, extinct for thousands of years, could be reborn with the help of cloning technology.

Akira Iritani, a professor at Kyoto University, is reactivating a campaign to resurrect the species that died out 5,000 years ago.

“Now the technical problems have been overcome, all we need is a … Original article on : ‘Healthy mammoth could be reborn in 4 or 5 years’.

‘Longevity’ protein may ward off precursor to prostate cancer

WASHINGTON – New evidence suggests that the “longevity” protein SIRT1 can inhibit the development of a known precursor to prostate cancer, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN).

Results from the study could lead to new cancer prevention drugs that could not only block prostate cancer but promote longevity.

The study by researchers from the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Longevity’ protein may ward off precursor to prostate cancer.

Why minor details are linked to long-term memories

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found why we remember the smallest of details of an episode even after a long period of time.

“Our finding explains, at least partially, why seemingly irrelevant information like the color of the shirt of an important person is remembered as vividly as more significant information such as the person’s impressive remark …. Original source  : Why minor details are linked to long-term memories.

Why sex in space might be a bad idea

LONDON – A new study has shown that foetus of a pregnant zebrafish in space like conditions develops cranial defects, raising the possibility of same effects in humans.

Tamara Franz-Odendaal at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, said that changes in neural crest cells are responsible for triggering the abnormalities, reports New Scientist.

Franz-Odendaal and her …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Why sex in space might be a bad idea.

Was climate change the reason behind fall of the Roman Empire?

WASHINGTON – A new study has linked climate change to the fall of the Roman Empire.

A prolonged period of wet weather triggered the spread of the Bubonic plague in medieval times and a 300-year long spell of unpredictable weather may have led to the decline of the Roman Empire, says the new study from the … Read more : Was climate change the reason behind fall of the Roman Empire?.

Gravitational lens could shed light on the origin of the Universe

LONDON – Astronomers have demonstrated how gravitational lensing, a phenomenon in which light from a distant object is bent around a massive foreground object, allows us to see the faintest and most distant galaxies.

It could us to understand the origin of the Universe, say researchers.

A team, led by Dr. Dennis Walsh of The University of … Read more »»».

Chandra images show result of star formation on overdrive

WASHINGTON – A new image captured by Chandra X-ray Observatory shows the result of star formation on overdrive.

M82 is a so-called starburst galaxy, where stars are forming at rates that are tens or even hundreds of times higher than in a normal galaxy.

Astronomers believe that the star formation in this galaxy is a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chandra images show result of star formation on overdrive.

New 230mn-yr-old predator ‘dawn runner’ discovered in South America

WASHINGTON – Experts have announced the discovery of a dinosaur that roamed South America approximately 230 million years ago and have dubbed it the ‘dawn runner’.

“It really is the earliest look we have at the long line of meat eaters that would ultimately culminate in Tyrannosaurus rex near the end of the dinosaur era,” said … Original article on : New 230mn-yr-old predator ‘dawn runner’ discovered in South America.

Kamasutra could make you a victim of a hack attack

WASHINGTON – According to a security research firm, the Kamasutra might make you a victim of computer hackers.

Security research firm Sophos has said that a Powerpoint file demonstrating more than a dozen different sexual positions is malware in disguise.

The file, called ‘Real kamasutra.pps.exe,’ masquerades as a legitimate PowerPoint deck but the minute you open the …. Source  : Kamasutra could make you a victim of a hack attack.

Punjab and Haryana have showers, mercury rises

CHANDIGARH – Various parts of Punjab, Haryana and the joint capital city Chandigarh witnessed light to moderate rainfall Saturday morning.

Mercury saw a good rise, giving the people in the region a respite from the freezing conditions that lasted almost a fortnight.
Chandigarh recorded a minimum temperature of 12.2 degrees Celsius Saturday that was … Read : Punjab and Haryana have showers, mercury rises.

Himachal hills, valleys receive more snow, rains

SHIMLA – The current cold wave continued unabated in the hills of Himachal Pradesh as the higher reaches had another spell of moderate snowfall while the mid and lower hills experienced rain Saturday, the weather office here said.

This state capital reeled under severe cold wave conditions as the minimum temperature was a mere …. Read the original article  : Himachal hills, valleys receive more snow, rains.

Female crickets fall for louder songs sung by younger males

LONDON – Female crickets fall for the higher-pitched and louder songs sung by younger males, suggests a study.

The study has challenged a well-established theory that females prefer older males because their longevity shows they have good genes, reports New Scientist.

Luke Verburgt of the University of Pretoria, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Female crickets fall for louder songs sung by younger males.

New findings bring scientists closer to an effective HIV vaccine

WASHINGTON – Scientists have reported findings showing new evidence about broadly-reactive neutralizing antibodies, which block HIV infection.

Leo Stamatatos of the Seattle Biomedical Research Institute said the major stumbling block in the development of an effective vaccine against …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New findings bring scientists closer to an effective HIV vaccine.

Laser technology to help track E. coli

WASHINGTON – Scientists have turned to a simple, automated method of tracking E. coli, which could reduce the incidence of waterborne disease outbreaks.

The technique uses a laser to detect and monitor the microbe in potentially contaminated bodies of water or waterways.

Bin Chen of Purdue University …. Read the original article  : Laser technology to help track E. coli.

Measles virus plays key role in Paget’s disease of bone

WASHINGTON – A team of researchers, led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, have found that a gene from the measles virus plays a key role in the development of Paget’s disease of bone.

Their findings confirm a long-held speculation that the childhood infection is an … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Measles virus plays key role in Paget’s disease of bone.

New way to halt lung inflammation in animal models discovered

WASHINGTON – Researchers at University of Colorado School of Medicine seem to have discovered a new way to halt lung inflammation.

In the study, researchers used animal models of ALI (acute lung injury) /ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) to show that the aggressive inflammatory state of specific immune cells can be switched … Original source on Gaea Times at : New way to halt lung inflammation in animal models discovered.

Ocean circulation changes ‘more dramatic than previously thought’

WASHINGTON – A new study from Cardiff University has revealed that ocean circulation changes this winter may have been more dramatic than previously thought.

The study found that as the last Ice Age came to an end the formation of deep water in the North-East …. Original article  : Ocean circulation changes ‘more dramatic than previously thought’.

Scientists find how some plants can survive near-vacuum conditions

LONDON – Scientists at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida have found that some plants can survive in near-vacuum conditions.

Vacuum-like conditions are difficult to survive in because they lack oxygen needed for respiration. Moreover, water, a component of many living things, boils quickly at low pressure, reports New Scientist.

Raymond Wheeler … Read more »»».

Toxic chemicals found in pregnant women: US study

WASHINGTON – A new US study has found that the bodies of almost all pregnant women carry multiple chemicals.

The research, conducted by the University of California, San Francisco, found that the bodies of virtually all US pregnant women carry multiple chemicals, including …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

The ‘real’ signs after alteration (Sidebar)

WASHINGTON – Astronomers suggest an overhaul in the process of defining horoscope on the basis of one’s birth date as the earth’s position vis-a-vis the sun and other stars has changed since the astrological signs were determined over 2,000 years ago.

Apart from the existing 12 astrological signs, the experts include a 13th sign Ophiuchus, …. Source article  : The ‘real’ signs after alteration (Sidebar).

Interactive window-shopping could soon be a reality

WASHINGTON – Interactive window shopping has been tested only in lab simulations till now, but experts from the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) in Berlin, Germany, are testing the concept with pedestrian passageways and shopping centers.

“Interactive shopping has been … Original article on : Interactive window-shopping could soon be a reality.

Did you know your horoscope signs have changed!

WASHINGTON – Look again, you may be reading somebody else’s horoscope for a preview of your day. The astrological positions determined some 2,000 years ago no longer apply as the stars have shifted in the night sky so much that horoscope signs are nearly a month off.

Astrological signs are determined by the position of … Read : Did you know your horoscope signs have changed!.

Heavy snowfall halts life in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR – Heavy snowfall Saturday halted life across the Kashmir Valley as roads were blocked, electricity supply was disrupted and people were forced to remain indoors because of the biting cold.

The strategic Srinagar-Jammu highway, which is the Valley’s only road link with the rest of the country remained closed for the second day due …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Heavy snowfall halts life in Kashmir Valley.

Funky fonts make learning easier: Study

WASHINGTON – Having difficulty learning something? Then try some funky fonts, suggests a new study.

The research has shown that fonts, or styles of typeface, that are relatively difficult to read help people learn new information.

The font effect … Original article on : Funky fonts make learning easier: Study.

34,000-year-old life found trapped in salt crystals

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found 34,000-year-old bacteria trapped inside tiny bubbles of salt crystals that could be the oldest living organisms on Earth, according to a report in the latest edition of GSA Today.

The salt crystals containing the bacteria were found buried in the Death Valley of California.
“It was actually a very big …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 34,000-year-old life found trapped in salt crystals.

Eating blueberries ‘can guard against high BP’

WASHINGTON – A new research by the University of East Anglia and Harvard University has suggested that eating blueberries can guard against high blood pressure.

The new findings revealed that bioactive compounds in blueberries called nthocyanins offer protection against hypertension. … Original article on : Eating blueberries ‘can guard against high BP’.

Sunny morning makes Delhi warmer

NEW DELHI – A sunny morning brought cheer to Delhiites Saturday as the minimum temperature rose considerably after the intense chill the city saw last week.

The minimum temperature recorded Saturday morning was 10 degrees Celsius, almost three notches above average, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
An IMD official said the sky could … Read more »».

Eight more die in UP, sunny day in cities

LUCKNOW – It was a warm and bright Friday throughout Uttar Pradesh, but the eight more deaths reported over the past 24 hours were a grim reminder the winter’s impact on the homeless people of the state.

The state disaster management department said two people died in Ballia while one death each was reported from …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Eight more die in UP, sunny day in cities.

Warmer day in the plains, winter woes elsewhere (Intro Roundup)

NEW DELHI – A warm Friday cheered the national capital and its neighbouring cities while snow in the Himalayan towns and heavy fog in Kolkata compuded people’s winter woes.

Eight more people died in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the grimness of the weather impact. The state’s total toll has now hit 125.
Many cities are in … Original article on : Warmer day in the plains, winter woes elsewhere (Intro Roundup).

Black hole big enough to swallow solar system

LONDON – This black hole is large enough to swallow our entire solar system and weighs as much as 6.8 billion suns.

The M87 black hole is the largest such phenomenon identified so far. Previous estimates had it as only three billion times the weight of the sun.
Scientists used a specially adapted telescope in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Black hole big enough to swallow solar system.

3D mapping helping police fight Maoists in Jharkhand

RANCHI – The Jharkhand Police has adopted the latest technology of 3D mapping to to take on the Maoists in the state.

“The 3D mapping is helping us in getting familiar with the terrain, forests, hills and other places. It helps the security forces involved in anti-Maoist operations,” Superintendent of Police of anti-Maoist operation Apoorva … Read more >>.

1,654 crocodiles in Orissa park

BHUBANESWAR – The estuarine crocodile population in Orissa’s Bhitarkanika National Park has gone up to 1,654 from last year’s 1,610, officials said Sunday.

Disclosing the results of the annual estuarine or salt water crocodile census conducted in the park in Kendrapada district from Jan 4-11, divisional forest officer Manoj Mohapatra said the increase in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : 1,654 crocodiles in Orissa park.

Bright sunshine in Chandigarh, but mercury dips

CHANDIGARH – There was bright sunshine in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh Sunday, but cold winds sweeping the region led to a plunge in temperature, the weather office said.

Punjab’s Amritsar city was coldest in the region at a low of 0.6 degrees Celsius. Patiala and Ludhiana cities recorded minimum temperatures of 6.3 and 3.6 degrees.
…. Read the original article  : Bright sunshine in Chandigarh, but mercury dips.

Faster, larger, quieter superplanes by 2025?

LONDON – US space agency NASA has unveiled three concept designs for quieter and more energy efficient superplanes that could be ready by 2025.

Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Boeing came up with the designs and also won a contract from NASA to research, develop and test their concepts in 2011.
NASA is planning to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Faster, larger, quieter superplanes by 2025?.

Adarsh building should be demolished: environment ministry

NEW DELHI – The scam-hit Adarsh housing society building in Mumbai should be demolished for violating green norms, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) said Sunday.

The environment ministry had November last year served a notice to the society, asking it why the illegal floors in the building should not be demolished.
The 31-storey …. Original article  : Adarsh building should be demolished: environment ministry.

Online tool can help worried seniors quickly determine dementia risk

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that a quick online assessment tool developed by Johns Hopkins researchers can help worried seniors find out if they are at risk of developing dementia and determine whether they should seek a comprehensive, face-to-face diagnosis from a physician.

The tool, which is being refined and validated, is not meant … Read : Online tool can help worried seniors quickly determine dementia risk.

Disney cartoons promote ‘what-is-beautiful-is-good’ stereotype

WASHINGTON – Appalachian State University psychology professors have conducted a study in which they ask: “Do animated Disney characters portray and promote the beauty-goodness stereotype?”

Doris Bazzini, Lisa Curtin and Denise Martz analysed the effect viewing an animated movie that portrays “beauty as good” has on children, male and female, ages 6 to 12.

They found that …. Original source  : Disney cartoons promote ‘what-is-beautiful-is-good’ stereotype.

‘Liquid pistons’ could lead to new advances in camera lenses, drug delivery

WASHINGTON – Engineering researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed liquid pistons, which could lead to new devices like micro displacement pumps and liquid switches, to adaptive lenses and advanced drug delivery systems.

The oscillating droplets of ferrofluid precisely displace a surrounding liquid and the pulsating motion of the ferrofluid droplets, which are saturated with metal …. Source  : ‘Liquid pistons’ could lead to new advances in camera lenses, drug delivery.

Remains of oldest fruit trees found in Iberian Peninsula

WASHINGTON – Researchers have found that the seed samples gathered over the years at medieval archaeological sites in the historic old quarter of Hondarribia are the remains of the oldest fruit trees in Southern Europe.

The town of Hondarribia lies on the coast of the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, Spain.

The research was undertaken by the archaeobiology …. Read the original article  : here.

First genetic test for predicting IVF success developed

WASHINGTON – Researchers have developed the first genetic blood test for predicting the chances that in vitro fertilization (IVF) will lead to a successful pregnancy.

The test is based on the finding that different subtypes of the FMR1 gene (also known as the fragile X mental retardation gene) in potential mothers are associated with significantly different … Read more >>.

Himachal shivers, Shimla sees coldest night of season

SHIMLA – An intense cold wave saw most parts of Himachal Pradesh shivering Sunday with Shimla at a biting minus 3.3 degrees Celsius, a day after the state saw rains and snowfall.

Shimla, which saw 5 cm of snow since Saturday, experienced its coldest night of the season. Flights in and out of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Himachal shivers, Shimla sees coldest night of season.

Kashmir freezes over, Pahalgam minus 16.1

SRINAGAR – The bitter chill returned to Kashmir Valley Sunday with Pahalgam hill station being the coldest at minus 16.1 degrees Celsius and water in the taps freezing in Srinagar that shivered at minus 3.7 degrees.

The Jammu-Srinagar highway was opened to one-way traffic after remaining closed for two days due to snowfall.
“Due to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kashmir freezes over, Pahalgam minus 16.1.

Facebook, Google join web future warning

LONDON – Web addresses are likely to run out as soon as November and to raise public awareness Google and Facebook have decided to switch their websites to a new system for one day in June.

On June 8, a whole bunch of web giants, including Google, Facebook, Yahoo, will turn on a new way of …. Original source  : Facebook, Google join web future warning.

Don’t save passwords on your browser

FRANKFURT – Never store unencrypted passwords on a computer’s browser. Doing so makes it too easy for hackers to access the data with tools like Trojans and then access private accounts, warns German computer magazine c’t.

The magazine recommends that people who insist on storing passwords on a browser at least use some kind of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Don’t save passwords on your browser.

Clear sky, but cold winds sweep Delhi

NEW DELHI – Cold winds continued to sweep the capital Sunday even as Delhiites witnessed a relatively clear morning. The weather office said the chilly winds were expected to blow throughout the day.

The minimum temperature recorded at 8.30 a.m. was two notches below the average at 9 degrees Celsius. “The maximum temperature is likely [..] Read the original article: here.

Sunny but chilly day in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Despite the capital city witnessing bright sunshine Saturday, Delhiites felt the chill as icy winds blew throughout the day. The met office has predicted a clear and sunny Sunday.

The maximum temperature was recorded at 21.4 degrees Celsius which is normal for this time of the season while the minimum settled at …. Original source  : Sunny but chilly day in Delhi.

Sunny day in UP; 3 more dead

LUCKNOW – A warm day Saturday in Uttar Pradesh saw people enjoying the sun even as three more deaths were reported over the past 24 hours.

The deaths occurred in Maharajganj, Bhadohi and Deoria, according to the state disaster management department. The overall winter death toll in the state stood at 128 Saturday.
With … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sunny day in UP; 3 more dead.

Severe cold in Himachal, snowfall disrupts flights

SHIMLA – The hills of Himachal Pradesh Saturday experienced moderate to heavy snowfall, bringing the temperatures down considerably and disrupting air and road traffic.

“Flights from Delhi to Kullu, Shimla and Dharamsala could not be operated,” an official at the airport here said.
Incessant snow also hampered vehicular traffic on the highways in Shimla, Kinnaur, …. Source article  : Severe cold in Himachal, snowfall disrupts flights.

Helicopter offers the only lifeline in upper Himachal

MANALI – With the Rohtang tunnel beneath the majestic Rohtang Pass near here a long way yet from its targeted completion in 2015, helicopter remains the only hope for thousands of snow-bound villagers high up the Himalayan slopes.

The chopper comes not only to the rescue of the ailing and the aged, but also to …. Source  : Helicopter offers the only lifeline in upper Himachal.

Dying star coughs out dust cloud`

LONDON – Astronomers on the look out for black holes have stumbled on a star that was fading with a whimper rather than a bang.

Astronomers first spotted the supernova in a galaxy, some three billion light years from the Earth, in late August 2007 using NASA’s Spitzer space telescope.
A supernova, the result of …. Source  : Dying star coughs out dust cloud`.

Vitamin E pill seems to ease PMS pain

LONDON – Pre-menstrual syndrome or PMS affects around 75 percent women and up to 40 percent of those say it damages the quality of life.

PMS patients are prescribed simple things from dietary changes to hormones and anti-depressants. But they don’t work for all, and in case of drugs, can have side-effects.
In …. Source article  : Vitamin E pill seems to ease PMS pain.

Friendly bugs to help you shed weight

LONDON – Food scientists have created friendly bugs that can help you shed pounds when added to yogurt.

They found they could alter a gut bacteria to produce a type of molecule that has been shown to reduce levels of fat tissue in the body.
The scientists from the Irish Agriculture and Food … Original article on : Friendly bugs to help you shed weight.

Free milk at schools ‘key to lower bowel cancer’

WELLINGTON – A study has found that those who drank free milk supplied at schools have a reduced risk of bowel cancer.

Associate Professor Brian Cox and Dr Mary Jane Sneyd at Otago University revealed that they found a 30 per cent reduced risk of bowel cancer for those who took part in school milk programmes.

They …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Free milk at schools ‘key to lower bowel cancer’.

Humpty Dumpty-like chromosomes trigger cancer quicker than usual

LONDON – A UK scientist has discovered that a single event can release a chain of hundreds of mutations, and trigger cancers much more quickly than usual.

Peter Campbell at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, spotted that a chromosome had apparently been smashed into hundreds of fragments and stuck back together, Humpty Dumpty-like.

The …. Read the original article  : Humpty Dumpty-like chromosomes trigger cancer quicker than usual.

‘Master switch’ that triggers arthritis identified

LONDON – Scientists at Imperial College London have discovered a protein that triggers rheumatoid arthritis.

They have found a protein called IRF5 that acts as a switch, telling immune system cells, called macrophages, to promote or stop inflammation, reports the Daily Express.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an incurable immune system disease where joints are swollen by inflammation.

The body … Read : ‘Master switch’ that triggers arthritis identified.

Kashmir’s grandpas miss winter’s icicles, storytellers

SRINAGAR – “Snow is all right, but, my dear, where are the icicles?” asked a bewildered Samad Sheikh, 75, who lives in a hamlet here in north Kashmir. Winter has been harsh this season, but the old man has an uncanny feeling that all might not be well with the valley’s environment.

“When it was [..] Read the original article: here.

Deepest secrets of the Marianas Trench revealed

LONDON – Scientists have unveiled the climate secrets of the deepest part of the ocean-the Marianas Trench in the western Pacific Ocean.

An international team of scientists used a submersible, designed to withstand immense pressures, to study the bottom of the 10.9km deep underwater canyon.

The early results have revealed that ocean trenches are acting as carbon …. Source  : Deepest secrets of the Marianas Trench revealed.

Attractive men and women are cleverer: Study

LONDON – UK researchers have found that handsome men and beautiful women tend to be cleverer.

The findings, based on studies in Britain and the US, dispel the myth of the dumb blondes or good-looking men not being very bright.

Instead, it appears that those already physically blessed attract partners who are not just good-looking, but also …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Oz scientists’ defective gene discovery solves colorectal cancer mystery

MELBOURNE – Australian scientists have discovered a ‘defective’ gene that may solve the age old mystery of why some colorectal cancer patients respond very well to radiotherapy but others not at all.

The defective gene was a “double-edged sword” – it seemed to trigger the development of a tumour, but also make these less resistant and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oz scientists’ defective gene discovery solves colorectal cancer mystery.

Climate change can have detrimental effect on milk

WASHINGTON – A new research has suggested that wetter, cooler summers can have a detrimental effect on the milk we drink.

Researchers found milk collected during a particularly poor UK summer and the following winter had significantly higher saturated fat content and far less beneficial fatty acids than in a more “normal” year.

“We wanted to check … Read more : Climate change can have detrimental effect on milk.

Soon, a pill that would help women fight ‘monthly blues’

LONDON – Dreadful mood swings and late-night cravings for chocolate in women with pre-menstrual tension may soon become a thing of the past as scientists come a step closer to making a pill that would reduce the symptoms of PMT (pre-menstrual syndrome).

The research found that the capsule, which contains fatty acids, reduced the emotional … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Soon, a pill that would help women fight ‘monthly blues’.

Chilly winds add to bitter cold in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Chilly winds heightened the cold in Jammu and Kashmir Monday. Kargil town in Ladakh region was the coldest, recording the minimum temperature of 16.8 degrees Celsius below the freezing point under a clear sky.

“The minimum temperature recorded in Leh town was minus 14.4 degrees while it was minus 16.8 degrees in Kargil …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Big breakafast beacons weight loss? Nay, says study

LONDON – Far from ensuring weight loss, a hearty breakfast could be a sure recipe for piling on the pounds, say researchers.

The study, which contradicts the dieting mantra that a big breakfast takes the edge off appetite, found that those who gorge in the morning continue to eat heartily throughout the day.
The … Read more >>>.

Two poachers held with 900 tortoises

LUCKNOW – Two poachers have been arrested with around 900 tortoises in Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, police said Monday.

The two poachers, aged around 30 years, were nabbed Sunday from Ibrahimpur area and sacks full of tortoises seized from their Tata Sumo.
“Of the two men arrested, one is from West Bengal while the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two poachers held with 900 tortoises.

Himachal gets new feathery guest

KANGRA – The Pong Dam wetlands in the Kangra Valley have got a migratory guest – the pied avocet – a wading bird species that forest officials say has been spotted here for the first time.

“Of course, spotting of pied avocets in Pong is a new record. Eight birds were seen roosting between Guglara … Read more >>>.

Frozen taps, chilling winds hit life in north (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – Frozen taps, more snow and rain Sunday caught the people helpless in the Himalayan hill towns while the continuing snowfall caused chilling winds in the plains, where cities like Delhi shivered despite the sun.

It was a harrowing day for people in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh where the water taps … Read more »»».

Demolish Adarsh building in three months: Jairam Ramesh (Roundup)

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI – The Adarsh housing society scam took a dramatic turn Sunday when Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh ordered the demolition of the building in Mumbai within three months for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations. The society said it would challenge the order in court.

The order concluded that the 31-storey structure at Block 6, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Demolish Adarsh building in three months: Jairam Ramesh (Roundup).

Icy winds chill Delhi

NEW DELHI – The residents of Delhi experienced a very chilly weekend with mild sunshine Sunday. The icy winds that blew throughout the day will continue for the week ahead, according to the weather office.

The maximum temperature Sunday evening was recorded at 18.2 degrees Celsius, three degrees below average for this time of the … Read more »».

Himachal shivers, taps freeze in Shimla

SHIMLA – The cold wave intensified in most parts of shivering Himachal Pradesh Sunday, with Shimla experiencing its coldest night of the season Saturday.

Water in taps in residential areas located in Shimla’s US Club and Jakhu hills remained frozen throughout the day due to the extreme cold.
Snowfall and rain Saturday pulled down the … Read : Himachal shivers, taps freeze in Shimla.

Corporate sponsorship ‘could fund Mars mission’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have said that corporate funding could make Mars mission a reality.

One of the biggest obstacle to a potential space mission is finding the almost USD150 billion dollars needed to develop the program.

“With clever marketing and advertising and the subsequent increase in public interest, between USD30 billion to USD 90 billion can be … Original article on : Corporate sponsorship ‘could fund Mars mission’.

Men suffering mysterious allergies post orgasm

LONDON – Men are being afflicted by a mysterious illness right after sex and scientists have said that they could be allergic to themselves.

Dutch researchers have said that the illness, known as post orgasmic illness syndrome or POIS, manifests itself in the form of fever, runny nose, extreme fatigue and burning eyes.

The conditions come on … Read more »»».

Risks of cyber war ‘over-exaggerated’, says study

LONDON – A study has said that the risks involved in a cyber war have been “over-exaggerated” with the vast majority of hi-tech attacks not deserving the name at all.

The study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development is part of a series considering incidents that could cause global disruption.

It said that while pandemics …. Source  : Risks of cyber war ‘over-exaggerated’, says study.

New skin patch may help people with Alzheimer’s

LONDON – A new skin patch may help jog the memory of those with Alzheimer’s.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence had banned Aricept (donepezil), Reminyl (galantamine) and Exelon (rivastigmine).

But in a major U-turn, the UK’s drug rationing body has agreed to let those in the early stages of the devastating disease have access … Read more >>>.

Eating less during early pregnancy impairs foetal brain development

WASHINGTON – A new research has suggested that eating less during early stage of pregnancy could cause lifetime damage to an unborn baby’s brain, leading to lower IQ and behavioural problems.

Although the study was carried out on animals, researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center said the same findings are relevant for humans.

They …. Read the original article  : here.

Srinagar battles frozen taps, winter woes at minus 5.6

SRINAGAR – Residents of Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley faced a tough time Tuesday heating up frozen water taps and negotiating the slippery roads as the minimum temperature in the city and the nearby region dipped to 5.6 degrees Celsius below freezing point.

The minimum temperature in Srinagar city was minus 5.6 … Read more >>>.

Binge drinking problem ‘getting out of control’

WASHINGTON – Binge drinking, prevalent among young people, is getting out of control and it’s high time for a wake-up call, according to a new editorial in a Canadian medical journal.

Ken Flegel, Noni MacDonald and Paul H???bert said that comprehensive public strategies should be initiated to educate people about the dangerous health effects associated … Read more >>>.

Your genes help you pick your friends: Study

LONDON – In a new study, scientists found that groups of friends show patterns of genetic similarity.

The study was conducted by lead author James Fowler, a social scientist at the University of California, San Diego, and his colleagues.

Their findings are based on patterns of variation in two out of six genes sampled among friends and … Read more »»».

Chilly morning in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhiites Tuesday got some respite from the cold winds that were blowing for the last few days, but the chill continued with the minimum temperature touching 4.4 degrees Celsius – three notches below the average, the weather office said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the drop in temperature to clear …. Source article  : Chilly morning in Delhi.

Today’s projectors turn living rooms into private cinemas

BERLIN – Going to the movies no longer means leaving home. All you need these days is a projector and a blank space on your wall to turn a living room into a cinema.

Despite the great picture quality, they remain a big investment, so don’t grab the first projector you see. It’s better to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Today’s projectors turn living rooms into private cinemas.

Soot level in air high in Indian cities, says study

NEW DELHI – The level of soot in the air is significantly high in six Indian cities, including Delhi, and there is an immediate need to check the source of pollution, according to an environment ministry study released Monday.

The finding came in a study commissioned by the ministry in six cities – Delhi, Mumbai, …. Read the original article  : Soot level in air high in Indian cities, says study.

Sunny day in plains as hill towns still shiver (Roundup)

NEW DELHI – The plains of north India greeted another warm and sunny day Monday with schools across the region reopening after an extended winter vacation. However, the Himalayan towns continued to suffer under snow and freezing temperatures.

Thousands of schoolchildren once again packed their bags and tiffin boxes and left home in warm clothes …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sunny day in plains as hill towns still shiver (Roundup).

Sun keeps Delhi pleasant

NEW DELHI – With bright sunshine and clear skies Monday, the week began on a pleasant note for Delhiites who soaked in the winter sun even as chilly winds blew throughout the day.

The weather will be similar over the next couple of days, the weatherman has predicted.
“The maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded …. Original article  : Sun keeps Delhi pleasant.

Can help Kerala with satellite imagery: ISRO arm

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – A state-run remote sensing agency has offered to provide Kerala with satellite images of the state’s terrain to help prevent tragedies like the one that occurred near the Sabrimala temple last week that claimed 102 lives.

“We have all the data for this and since the cost involved for making three dimensional … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Can help Kerala with satellite imagery: ISRO arm.

Himachal stays in grip of cold

SHIMLA – The hills of Himachal Pradesh Monday continued to be in the grip of the severe cold with snow-blocked roads affecting traffic.

Roads in the upper Shimla areas remained blocked because of the heavy snowfall in the region last week. Traffic was disrupted for the third consecutive day.
A government spokesperson said that no … Original article on : Himachal stays in grip of cold.

New technique to visualize gene expression in mammalian cells found

WASHINGTON – For the first time, scientists have successfully visualized single molecules of naturally occurring messenger RNA (mRNA) transcribed in living mammalian cells.

The breakthrough discovery achieved by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, US, could eventually shed light on how gene expression influences human disease.

Gene expression involves transcribing a gene’s DNA into molecules of … Original source on Gaea Times at : New technique to visualize gene expression in mammalian cells found.

Can sauvignon blanc in sunscreen help avoid sunburn?

WELLINGTON – A NZ company has discovered a brand new use for Marlborough sauvignon blanc – using it in sunscreen.

Marlborough company NZ Extracts recently commissioned AgResearch to investigate whether sauvignon blanc extracts could help avoid sunburn.

“We were surprised by how effective grape seed extracts are at combating protein damage from UV rays on skin,” Stuff.co.nz …. Original source  : Can sauvignon blanc in sunscreen help avoid sunburn?.

Shoulder function not fully restored after surgery: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that shoulder motion after rotator cuff surgery remains significantly different when compared to the patient’s opposite shoulder.

In the Henry Ford Hospital study that updated prior findings, researchers used X-rays providing a 3D view of motion of the arm bone in relation to the shoulder blade, to compare motion … Read more : Shoulder function not fully restored after surgery: Study.

How LCD projectors ’switch neurons on-off like light bulbs’ in worms

LONDON – Researchers have developed a novel way to control the brain and muscles of tiny organisms, including freely moving worms, using inexpensive components from ordinary liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors.

Red, green and blue lights from a projector activate light-sensitive microbial proteins that are genetically engineered into the worms, allowing the researchers to switch neurons …. Source article  : How LCD projectors ’switch neurons on-off like light bulbs’ in worms.

Mobile numbers, addresses on Facebook ‘a security risk’

SYDNEY – A security expert has warned that users should remove their home addresses and phone numbers from their Facebook accounts.

Graham Cluley said the website now gives third parties access to that information.

The website said in a blog post at the weekend that it would give developers of applications access to the contact information of …. Read the original article  : Mobile numbers, addresses on Facebook ‘a security risk’.

Mother’s bone marrow could cure diseases in unborn baby

LONDON – Scientists have developed a stem cell cure for deadly blood related diseases in unborn babies.

Researchers extracted bone marrow cells from a pregnant mother and injected these into the developing foetus.
The donor cells were accepted by the foetus’s growing immune system without the need for any drugs, the Journal of Clinical …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mums’ stem cells could be key to treating genetic disease before birth

WASHINGTON – UCSF researchers, through a series of mouse model experiments, have determined that a mother’s immune response prevents a fetus from accepting transplanted blood stem cells, and yet this response can be overcome simply by transplanting cells harvested from the mother herself.

Scientists have long viewed in utero blood stem cell transplantation as a promising …. Source article  : Mums’ stem cells could be key to treating genetic disease before birth.

High physical activity helps people with knee osteoarthritis walk faster

WASHINGTON – People with knee osteoarthritis are more likely to walk fast enough if they lead physically active lives, a new Northwestern Medicine research has shown.

“The more active people are, the faster they can walk,” said Dorothy Dunlop, associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and lead author of …. Source article  : High physical activity helps people with knee osteoarthritis walk faster.

Statin benefits questionable in patients at low cardiovascular disease risk

WASHINGTON – A new study has suggested that statins should be prescribed with caution to people at low risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

There is not enough evidence to recommend the widespread use of statins in people with no previous history of heart disease, according to the new Cochrane Systematic Review.

The researchers reviewed data from 14 …. Read the original article  : Statin benefits questionable in patients at low cardiovascular disease risk.

Wider range of asteroids could have made life’s ingredients

WASHINGTON – A new NASA research has suggested that a wider range of asteroids were capable of creating the kind of amino acids used by life on Earth.

In March 2009, researchers at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt found an excess of the left-handed form of the amino acid isovaline in samples of meteorites … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Wider range of asteroids could have made life’s ingredients.

‘Perfect storm’ from mobile use can cause planes to crash

LONDON – Experts have revealed that mobile phones and other gadgets can create enough of a “perfect storm” of interference with aircraft instruments to cause a crash.

With more and more portable electronic devices coming on the market, passengers are becoming increasingly indifferent about potential dangers to sensitive cockpit equipment.

Most personal devices transmit a signal and [..] Read the original article: here.

Step up activities to keep winter blues away

WASHINGTON – Staying indoors or overeating leave most people feeling cheated during the winter months.

University of Missouri-Columbia researchers suggest trying out activities and habits that promote health with spouses, friends and family members.
“When thinking about New Year’s changes, a good first step is creating a vision for the future by picturing …. Original article  : Step up activities to keep winter blues away.

Wheelchair yoga may accelerate stroke patients’ recovery process

WASHINGTON – A man, who was left paralyzed after suffering strokes, has made remarkable progress – thanks to wheelchair yoga.

While making dinner for his daughters one night, James Abram, 59, collapsed on his kitchen floor. He was rushed to Loyola University Medical Center where doctors determined he had suffered a stroke. He later suffered a [..] Read the original article: here.

Tomb robber finds ‘final resting place of Caligula’

LONDON – A report has suggested that a tomb robber who was arrested while stealing part of a 2.5 metre statue into lorry near Lake Nemi, south of Rome, had found the tomb of Caligula.

According to the Guardian newspaper, the statue was “shod with a pair of the ‘caligae’ military boots favoured by the emperor” …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Why a first impression really is the last impression

WASHINGTON – A new study has found out why first impressions are long lasting.

The research by a team of psychologists from Canada, Belgium, and the United States shows there is more than a literal truth to the saying that ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’.

Their results indicate that new experiences …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Why a first impression really is the last impression.

16pc of men fake orgasm: Study

NEW YORK – A lot of men are apparently faking orgasm, according to a new study.

Researchers said that about 16 percent of men don’t experience the pleasure when they climax. The problem isn’t getting aroused or ejaculating, it’s finding pleasure in the moment, reports the New York Daily News.

“When I asked the test subjects in … Original source on Gaea Times at : 16pc of men fake orgasm: Study.

14-yr-old US boy’s video game iPhone app downloaded 2mn times

LONDON – An iPhone app video game created by a 14-year-old US boy is taking the world by storm.

More than 2 million iPhone users have downloaded ‘Bubble Ball’, a simple physics-based puzzle game, since its launch on December 29, reports the Daily Mail.

Robert Nay’s first iPhone game has shot straight to the top of the …. Source  : 14-yr-old US boy’s video game iPhone app downloaded 2mn times.

Actual apology is less satisfying than predicted: Study

WASHINGTON – What is the real value of an apology? Not much, according to a new study.

Researchers found that people who imagined receiving an apology valued it more than people who actually received an apology.

They said the study results suggested that while people wanted an apology and rated it as highly valuable, the actual … Read : Actual apology is less satisfying than predicted: Study.

Watching smoking scenes in movies lights up smokers’ brains

WASHINGTON – New research shows that seeing an actor in a movie light up a cigarette triggers smokers’ brains to plan the same motions.

In the study, researchers led by senior investigator Todd Heatherton, and graduate student Dylan Wagner of Dartmouth College set out to determine whether the parts of the brain that control that routine … Read more : Watching smoking scenes in movies lights up smokers’ brains.

Fury as Facebook gossip page allows Oz teens to spread sex rumours

MELBOURNE – A gossip page on social networking site Facebook has angered parents in Australia, as it allows teens to spread malicious rumours about the sex lives of Territory high school students.

According to the Northern Territory News, Facebook page ‘Palmo Goss’, which appears to be loosely based on the popular US television drama ‘Gossip Girl’, … Read more >>.

Biting chill continues in Kashmir, mercury slips

SRINAGAR – The spell of biting cold continued across the Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday as night temperatures remained much below the freezing point.

“Due to clear night skies, the minimum temperatures remained much below the freezing point in the valley and the Ladakh region Wednesday,” said R.L. Pandita, … Original article on : Biting chill continues in Kashmir, mercury slips.

Biological clock ticks slower for female birds that pick right mates

WASHINGTON – A new study claims that choosing the right mates can slow down the ticking of biological clocks in some females birds.

Josh Auld of the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center in Durham, North Carolina, explained that birds become less fertile with age.

Older females lay fewer eggs, and they lay them later in the season – … Read more >>.

Alcoholism delays, breaks marriages: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study claims that alcohol influences the time it takes to get married, as well as the overall length of the marriage.

The study found that alcohol dependence was a strong predictor of both delays in marriage and early separation.

Mary Waldron, an assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Education and colleagues …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Alcoholism delays, breaks marriages: Study.

‘Road train’ technology could cut fuel use and traffic jams, boost safety

LONDON – New technology that links ‘road trains’ to cars has undergone its first trial and if successful, could cut fuel use, boost safety and may even cut congestion.

The trials held on Volvo’s test track in Sweden slaved a single car to a lorry to test the platooning system.

The tests were carried out under the …. Original article  : ‘Road train’ technology could cut fuel use and traffic jams, boost safety.

How green are government buildings? Environment ministry doesn’t know

NEW DELHI – India, at the forefront of the global war against climate change, does not have any guidelines to make government offices eco-friendly, reveals a Right to Information (RTI) query.

RTI activist Lokesh Batra wrote to Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh in June 2010 seeking information about guidelines for eco-friendly central government …. Read the original article  : How green are government buildings? Environment ministry doesn’t know.

Malaria parasites caught in act of invading cells

SYDNEY – Scientists relying on new imaging technologies have for the first time caught malaria parasites in the act of invading red blood cells (RBCs).

Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), achieved the feat combining electron, light and super resolution microscopy.
The detailed look at … Original article on : Malaria parasites caught in act of invading cells.

Man’s best friend bred for meals 10,000 years ago

LONDON – Man’s best friend – the dog – was surprisingly bred for meals some 10,000 years ago.

While this may not shock people in Korea where dog meat is a delicacy, scientists found a bone fragment from what they are calling the earliest confirmed domesticated canine in the Americas.
From this, they have concluded … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man’s best friend bred for meals 10,000 years ago.

Discovering the secrets of Orion nebula

WASHINGTON – Images seen through the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile have revealed the stars within Messier 42, commonly known as Orion Nebula.

They found that the faint red dwarfs in the star cluster associated with the glowing gas radiate much more light than had previously … Read : Discovering the secrets of Orion nebula.

Why stress, anxiety may be both good and bad for your brain

WASHINGTON – A new study explains why stress and anxiety may be both a boon as well as a bane for your brain.

“That edge sounds good. It sounds adaptive. It sounds like perception is enhanced and that it can keep you safe in the face of danger,” said Alexander Shackman, a researcher at the University … Read more >>>.

New model could predict next political hotspots accurately

WASHINGTON – A new model developed by a team at Kansas State University professors and a colleague in New York could predict the next political hotspots accurately.

Called Predictive Societal Indicators of Radicalism Model of Domestic Political Violence Forecast, it is currently five for five in predicting which countries are likely to experience increases in domestic … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New model could predict next political hotspots accurately.

Now you can add smell to sight-sound fun of TV game

LONDON – ‘Smell-O-Vision’ is a plug-in device for computer games that emits a variety of odours, depending on the scenario.

If your character is crawling around the jungle, it whiffs out the unmistakable smell of pine.
Should you find yourself at sea, the smell of the water will be instantly delivered by the ‘personal scent … Read more >>>.

Did life on Earth begin in space?

LONDON – Many experts believe that biological raw materials were carried to our planet as lumps of asteroid rock.

The molecular structure of amino acids – the building blocks of proteins and living organisms – does provide a clue.
The molecules come in two mirror-image varieties, the left and right-handed. But only left-handed amino acids …. Original article  : Did life on Earth begin in space?.

Twitter, Facebook act as saviours during Australia floods

SYDNEY – Social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook have become instrumental in bringing relief to the floodhit Queenslanders in Australia.

Queensland’s emergency services and the people took advantage of the versatility and robustness of the social media to prepare for and combat disaster, said Axel Bruns, associate professor of the Queensland University of Technology.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Birth control pills do not cause weight gain: Study

WASHINGTON – According to a new research, the commonly held belief that oral contraceptives cause weight gain appears to be false.

The study was conducted at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health and Science University.

“A simple Google search will reveal that contraceptives and the possibility that they may cause weight gain is …. Original article  : Birth control pills do not cause weight gain: Study.

Video game addiction tied to depression, anxiety in kids

WASHINGTON – Many parents are concerned about the amount of time their kids spend playing video games and have often expressed the difficulty in pulling them away from the screen.

Now, a new study has bolstered the argument that video games can be addictive for children, and identified greater amounts of gaming, lower social competence and …. Source article  : Video game addiction tied to depression, anxiety in kids.

Complete structure of HIV’s outer shell revealed

LONDON – Scientists have determined the structure of the protein package that delivers the genetic material of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to human cells.

The study was carried out by researchers at The Scripps Research Institute and the University of Virginia.

The work is the culmination of studies carried out over the last decade looking at …. Source article  : Complete structure of HIV’s outer shell revealed.

Migraines, headaches ‘do not increase risk of cognitive decline’

WASHINGTON – A study – using MRI to study the brains of migraine sufferers – has shown that a higher proportion of these patients exhibit lesions of the brain microvessels than the rest of the population.

According to several studies, the presence of a large quantity of this type of brain lesion increases the risk of … Read more »»».

Girls who are bullied ‘are at risk for substance use’

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that adolescent girls who are victims of bullying are more likely to engage in substance use as a result of bullying-related depression.

As schools reopen following the holidays, the message to parents of adolescent girls is that bullying can have serious consequences: “If your daughter is a victim of …. Read the original article  : Girls who are bullied ‘are at risk for substance use’.

Sunny morning, warmer day in Delhi

NEW DELHI – A sunny Thursday greeted the capital, with forecast for a warm day. The mercury was 6.5 degrees in the morning, a notch below average.

The maximum temperature is likely to be around 22 degrees Celsius, almost a degree more than the average for this time of the year, according to … Read more : Sunny morning, warmer day in Delhi.

Winter chill freezes Kashmir Valley, Leh

SRINAGAR – Extreme winter chill, highly slippery roads and frozen water taps continued to pose serious problems to people Thursday as the night temperatures remained below the freezing point in Kashmir Valley and also in the Ladakh region.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius today,” A.R. Zargar, meteorologist, …. Source article  : Winter chill freezes Kashmir Valley, Leh.

Malaria parasite caught invading red blood cells

WASHINGTON – Using new image and cell technologies, Australian scientists have for the first time caught malaria parasites in the act of invading red blood cells.

The researchers, from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, Australia, and the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), achieved this long-held aim using a combination of electron, light … Read more : Malaria parasite caught invading red blood cells.

NYU grad students create high-tech sweatshirts that detect air pollution

NEW YORK – Two NYU grad students have created high-tech sweatshirts that change colour when exposed to pollution.

Nien Lam and Sue Ngo created the sweatshirt, which is emblazoned with pink lungs that suddenly show blue veins when exposed to dirty air, during a class on wearable technologies in the interactive telecommunications program at Tisch School …. Source article  : NYU grad students create high-tech sweatshirts that detect air pollution.

New study brings quantum computing one step closer

LONDON – A team of researchers from the University of Oxford, UK, has come one step closer to building a solid-state quantum computer.

The team successfully entangled 10 billion pairs of quantum bits (or qubits) simultaneously in a highly purified crystal of silicon.

Theoretical studies have shown that quantum computers could solve problems that would take a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New study brings quantum computing one step closer.

Common metal could efficiently produce fuel from sunlight

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that a common metal found in self-cleaning ovens could efficiently convert sunlight into fuel.

Sossina Haile, at the California Institute of Technology, found that cerium oxide-or ceria could be used to concentrate solar energy and convert carbon dioxide and water into fuels.

The process developed by Haile and her colleagues …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Common metal could efficiently produce fuel from sunlight.

Study shows fish can count – up to 3

WASHINGTON – Math skills extend to fish, since new research has found that tropical angelfish can distinguish between larger and smaller quantities, with an additional ability to ‘count’ up to three.

Co-author Robert Gerlai, a University of Toronto Mississauga professor of psychology, and Luis Gomez-Laplaza of the University of Oviedo in Spain exploited the previously determined …. Original article  : Study shows fish can count – up to 3.

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.

8-week mindfulness meditation program changes brain structure

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that participating in an 8-week mindfulness meditation program lead to measurable changes in brain regions associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress.

A team, led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers, reports the results of their study, the first to document meditation-produced changes over time in the [..] Read the original article: here.

Function of novel molecule that underlies human deafness revealed

WASHINGTON – Scientists has revealed that the molecular mechanism underlying deafness is caused by a mutation of a specific microRNA called miR-96.

The discovery by researchers at the University of Sheffield could provide the basis for treating progressive hearing loss and deafness.

The research team, led by Dr Walter Marcotti, Royal Society University Research Fellow from the …. Source  : Function of novel molecule that underlies human deafness revealed.

Orion’s super-giant red star Betelgeuse ‘won’t explode in 2012???

MELBOURNE – Experts have said that Betelgeuse, the giant red star in the constellation of Orion, will not explode next year.

Earlier, FoxNews.com had said that the star had already become a red giant, which indicates it will explode and become a supernova, but experts believe that won’t happen.

US astronomer Phil Plait noted on his blog [..] Read the original article: here.

Kashmir Valley in cold grip, Leh minus 11.4

SRINAGAR – The Kashmir Valley continued to reel under an intense cold wave with Srinagar recording a low of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius Saturday while Leh town was freezing at minus 11.4 degrees.

The extreme winter chill over the last two weeks has led to frozen water taps and highly slippery roads, inconveniencing residents.
… Original article on : Kashmir Valley in cold grip, Leh minus 11.4.

Man is now ready to go to Mars

LONDON – After a gruelling 233 days of surviving on only canned foods and showering only once a week, a team of astronauts is finally ready to ‘land’ on the Red Planet.

The six researchers on a 520-day mock flight to Mars are all feeling strong and ready to ‘land’ on the Red Planet, the mission … Original article on : Man is now ready to go to Mars.

Kids warned over Facebook modelling scam

LONDON – Police in UK have warned parents and children of a Facebook scam involving fake modelling agencies that encourage kids to pose in underwear.

Leicestershire Police said the scam, using a number of social networking sites, appears to involve a number of false Facebook profiles posing as modelling agencies, even using agency logos to appear … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kids warned over Facebook modelling scam.

Prairie dogs can ‘describe humans’ in their own ‘language’

LONDON – According to scientists, prairie dogs communicate with each other in a unique language of their own and have the ability to describe humans.

They have a distinct call for ‘human’, one for ‘hawk’ and another for ‘coyote’, radio station NPR reports.

Professor Con Slobodchikoff, of Northern Arizona University, believes that the dogs’ barks, yips and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Facebook is now worth $50bn

LONDON – London, Jan 22 (ANI): Facebook has raised 1.5 billion dollars from investors making it the world’s most popular social networking site at about 50 billion dollars, which is more than eBay and Time Warner.

Goldman Sachs turned out be the major investor with 1 billion dollars. The remaining 500 million dollars came from Goldman …. Read the original article  : Facebook is now worth $50bn.

Now GPS to monitor winged visitors to Himachal

SHIMLA – The bar-headed goose, the ruddy shell duck and the mallard, all winter visitors to Himachal Pradesh’s Pong Dam wetlands, are about to find themselves tailed – with the global positioning system (GPS).

After tracking a fully-grown female leopard on the outskirts of this city, the state’s wildlife wing is now going to monitor …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Now GPS to monitor winged visitors to Himachal.

Sunny weekend ahead in Delhi

NEW DELHI – The sun shone down on Delhi Saturday morning and the weatherman said the weekend would be a bright and pleasant one.

The minimum temperature recorded in the morning was an average 7.7 degrees, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.
“Saturday will be sunny and the weather in the coming days [..] Read the original article: here.

Thirteen percent decline in birds at Orissa’s Chilika Lake

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa’s world-famous Chilika Lake saw a 13 percent decline in the number of domestic and migratory birds this winter as against the previous year, says the latest bird census.

“During the annual bird census conducted Tuesday and Wednesday, 804,452 birds were spotted at the lake against last year’s 924,578,” an official of the [..] Read the original article: here.

Russian astronauts begin first spacewalk in 2011

Moscow, Jan 22 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Two Russian astronauts Friday began their first spacewalk of the year to install new high-speed data transmission system outside the Russian Pirs compartment at the International Space Station (ISS).

Dmitry Kondratyev, 41, and Oleg Skripochka, 41, will spend six hours in space as part of the 27th Russian space station …. Source  : Russian astronauts begin first spacewalk in 2011.

Chatting is just as effective as brain-training

LONDON – Holding a simple chat could be just as effective as playing popular “brain-training” games that have spawned a multi-million pound industry.

Researchers from the University of Zurich in Switzerland compared 36 studies on memory exercises conducted between 1970 and 2007.
They found some studies suggested both healthy older adults and those with mild … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chatting is just as effective as brain-training.

IMImobile launches unique service

HYDERABAD – IMImobile, end-to-end enabler of mobile value-added services for mobile operators, media companies and enterprises, has launched an innovative service Make My Tunes on its Ringback Tone (RBT) platform.

The service was launched Thursday by service provider Aircel as Dialer Tune – Song Edit.
Aircel customers in Chennai and Tamil Nadu circle can … Read : IMImobile launches unique service.

Positive emotions key to good health in old age

WASHINGTON – Positive emotions can keep stress, pain and illness at bay.

There are several ways in which a positive attitude can protect against poor health later in life.
For example, happier people might take a proactive approach to ageing by regularly exercising and budgeting time for a good night\’s sleep, the journal Current Directions … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Positive emotions key to good health in old age.

Delhi has a warm, pleasant day

Indo-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI – Delhi was greeted by a slightly misty morning, but it was a relatively warm Friday as the maximum temperature was recorded at 23.5 degrees Celsius, two degrees above the season\’s average.

The day began on a pleasant note for Delhiites with the misty morning and mild sunshine, and cold breeze blew [..] Read the original article: here.

Temperature rises in Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA – Minimum temperatures across Himachal Pradesh rose by a few notches Friday as the state witnessed a sunny day, the weather bureau here said.

The minimum temperature in Shimla was 2.9 degrees Celsius, marginally up from Thursday’s 2.7 degrees, met office Director Manmohan Singh told IANS.
However, the maximum temperature in Shimla was pleasant … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Temperature rises in Himachal Pradesh.

Moth eyes inspire new film to boost solar power

WASHINGTON – Researchers in Japan have created a new film that when covered onto solar cells, can cut down on the amount of reflected light and help capture more power from the sun.

The idea was inspired by moths, whose eyes allow them to see well at night, are also [..] Read the original article: here.

Vitamin E may extend lifespan of certain men

WASHINGTON – Vitamin E supplementation may extend the lifespan of restricted groups of men, depending on their vitamin C intake and the level of smoking, according to a new study.

Several large randomized trials of humans found that vitamin E supplementation does not …. Original article  : Vitamin E may extend lifespan of certain men.

iPhone fits device with screws impossible to remove

LONDON – If you want to repair your iPhone without the aid of Apple, you could be screwed!

The computer giant has started to use a rare type of screw that pretty much no one apart from them and their engineers has the screwdriver for.
The five-pointed ‘pentalobular’ fixing is currently being fitted to the …. Read the original article  : iPhone fits device with screws impossible to remove.

Novel peptide ‘kills’ cancer cells more effective than current therapies

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered a novel peptide that can act as a potent inducer of cancer cell death, which may have significant implications for therapeutic agents used to treat cancer.

Researchers from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School suggested …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Novel peptide ‘kills’ cancer cells more effective than current therapies.

New system turns canines into remotely guided ’super dogs’

WASHINGTON – Auburn University researchers have developed a new system that would turn a canines into remotely guided ’super dogs’ that can take on risky tasks.

David M. Bevly, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at Auburn University and his team have created an external, real-time navigation system for trained …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Stone Age rock shelters in Pakistan facing danger

WASHINGTON – About 20 rock shelters in Pakistan, some dating back to the Stone Age are under threat from construction work and are facing danger of being destroyed due to the negligence of the authorities.

A rock shelter is a shallow cave-like opening … Read more >>>.

‘Newest’ cat Sunda leopard has two distinct species

LONDON – The ‘newest’ cat species-the Sunda clouded leopard-exists in reality in two distinct forms, scientists have confirmed.

This big cat is so enigmatic that researchers only realised it was a new species-distinct from clouded leopards living elsewhere in Asia-in 2007.

Now a genetic analysis has confirmed that the cat comes … Read more >>.

Dividing stem cells found to play crucial role spread of tumours

LONDON – Scientists have found that stem cells frequently play a crucial role in the spread of tumours and that if they can develop drugs to deactivate them, it would stop the cells from dividing to create new tumours.

Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Britain’s biggest cancer charity, has set …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Now, a 100 pounds sticking plaster ‘to cure skin cancer at home’

LONDON – A light-emitting sticking plaster, which could be used at home at a cost of just 100 pounds, could now potentially help thousands of people diagnosed with skin cancer.

The high-tech device, Ambulight, contains photodynamic therapy (PDT) that combines with a light-sensitive drug to destroy cancer …. Source  : Now, a 100 pounds sticking plaster ‘to cure skin cancer at home’.

Freezing winter continues in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR – The Kashmir Valley continued to freeze Sunday with the minimum temperature dipping three degrees below normal to minus 4.8 degrees Celsius while Leh was biting cold at minus 17.6 degrees.

“Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius today (Sunday), which is three degrees below normal, while Jammu recorded a minimum …. Original source  : Freezing winter continues in Kashmir Valley.

Delhi sees bright, sunny Sunday morning

NEW DELHI – A shining winter sun broke through light mist to greet the capital Sunday morning.

“The minimum temperature was recorded a notch above the average at 8.8 degree Celsius,” an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said.
The official added that the day and the week ahead would be sunny and pleasant and …. Original article  : Delhi sees bright, sunny Sunday morning.

Warm day in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi was greeted by a slightly misty morning, leading to a relatively warm Saturday as the maximum temperature was recorded at 23.5 degrees, two degrees above average.

“The weather will be similar over the next couple of days but the morning is likely to be slightly foggy,” an India Meteorological Department (IMD) … Read more : Warm day in Delhi.

Symposium on earthquake sciences inaugurated

GANDHINAGAR – Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a three-day international symposium on advances in earthquake sciences here Saturday.

Speaking at the function at the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) campus, Modi said the state had focussed on minimising the risk from such natural calamities, including setting up the ISR.
“Today, we are able to …. Read the original article  : here.

Simple recall exercises make science learning easier: Study

WASHINGTON – Putting down those science textbooks and working at recalling information from memory is the new way to boost science learning, suggests a new study.

The new research from Purdue University states that practicing memory retrieval boosts science learning far better … Original article on : Simple recall exercises make science learning easier: Study.

Cell binding discovery paves way for skin, heart problem treatments

WASHINGTON – A new University of Manchester study has revealed the mechanism that binds skin cells tightly together.

According to researchers, it will lead to new treatments for painful and debilitating skin diseases and heart defects.

David Garrod, in the Faculty of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cell binding discovery paves way for skin, heart problem treatments.

Birds decorate nest with plastic to keep rivals at bay

LONDON – A new Spanish study has suggested that black kites decorate its nest with large amounts of rubbish to prevent trespassing.

It is a symbol of success, apparently-the biggest collections of plastic are displayed by the black kites with the most chicks and the best territory.

The Spanish research team …. Source  : Birds decorate nest with plastic to keep rivals at bay.

Greenland ice sheet melted at record rates in 2010

WASHINGTON – A new study shows that Greenland Ice Sheet set new records for melting in 2010 – the ‘exceptional’ season stretched up to 50 days longer than average.

“This past melt season was exceptional, with melting in some areas stretching up to 50 … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Greenland ice sheet melted at record rates in 2010.

Impact of disease-resistant GM wheat on insects ‘may be negligible’

WASHINGTON – A new research has found that the effect of GM wheat plants on insects is minimal.

Simone von Burg at the University of Zurich and Dr Frank van Veen of the University of Exeter and with Dr Fernando Alvarez-Alfageme and Dr Jorg Romeis of the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tdnikon Research Station … Original source on Gaea Times at : Impact of disease-resistant GM wheat on insects ‘may be negligible’.

Soon, sensors that detect everything from explosives to tainted milk

WASHINGTON – A chemist at University of Houston is developing sensors for detection devices, which could monitor everything from explosives to tainted milk.

“Our work is poised to assist in such efforts as rapidly detecting explosives or banned …. Source  : Soon, sensors that detect everything from explosives to tainted milk.

T-Mobile offers app that blocks texts, calls while driving

WASHINGTON – Don’t have the willpower to decline calls or texts when you’re driving? Well, a German telecom company has come up with an application that does it for you.

T-Mobile has developed a new service, DriveSmart Plus, which automatically disables …. Source article  : T-Mobile offers app that blocks texts, calls while driving.

New ‘torso-rocking walker’ has most energy-efficient gait yet discovered

London, Jan 22 (ANI): A team of engineers from the Cornell University in Ithaca and the Rochester Institute of Technology has developed a torso-rocking walker that has the most energy-efficient gait of any yet discovered.

The creation of Andy Ruina and Mario Gomes might … Read more : New ‘torso-rocking walker’ has most energy-efficient gait yet discovered.

Man-made project could turn arid city into an oasis

Washington, Jan 22 (ANI): A new man-made project to pump water from the Red Sea into the dry coastal city of Aqaba, Jordan, could turn it into an oasis.

The government of Jordan has given a go-ahead for the project.The 50-acre demonstration facility, …. Source article  : Man-made project could turn arid city into an oasis.

Facebook blamed for divorces in Britain

LONDON – Social networking website Facebook is being blamed for a growing number of divorces in Britain as many married partners were caught cheating online.

A lawyer said how every divorce she has dealt with in the past nine months has involved the social networking website, according to The Sun.
Nowadays, even flirty messages and …. Source  : Facebook blamed for divorces in Britain.

New study explains humans’ critical ability to throw long distances

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed how humans, unlike any other species on Earth, readily learn to throw long distances.

The study by Indiana University and the University of Wyoming has suggested that this unique evolutionary trait is entangled with language development in a way critical to our very existence.

The study has shown that the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New study explains humans’ critical ability to throw long distances.

Curved carbon to pave way for future nanoelectronics

LONDON – A new scientific discovery has paved the way for unprecedented control over the spin of electrons and may have a big impact on applications for spin-based nanoelectronics.

Researchers from the Nano-Science Center at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with Japanese researchers, have shown how electrons on thin tubes of … Read : Curved carbon to pave way for future nanoelectronics.

Lady Gaga-inspired coloured contact lenses harmful for eyes!

LONDON – Pop singer Lady Gaga-inspired trend of wearing coloured contact lenses could damage people’s eyes, opticians have warned.

Wearing circle contact lenses that make eyes look bigger has become a rage amongst teenagers, after the pop icon wore them in her video for the song ‘Bad Romance’.

They achieve their effect by covering part of the … Original article on : Lady Gaga-inspired coloured contact lenses harmful for eyes!.

Nutrition ‘may have a role in development of asthma’

WASHINGTON – Asthma affects as many as 300 million people and is one of the world’s most common chronic diseases. Researchers estimate that by 2025, there could be an additional 100 million people with the disease.

The rapid increase is mostly due to changing environmental or lifestyle factors, and diet.

Two new studies have now suggested … Read more »»».

Culprit for increased stroke injury with diabetes found

LONDON – Joslin Diabetes Center researchers have discovered one reason why people with diabetes can suffer more damage during strokes.

Strokes are a leading cause of mortality and adult disability. Those that involve intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) are especially deadly, and there are no effective treatments to control such bleeding.

Moreover, diabetes and hyperglycemia … Read more >>>.

In chimps, as in humans, faces are personality billboards

WASHINGTON – People can read a chimpanzee’s face and tell if the animal is dominant and physically active, according to a new study.

A research team, led by psychologist Robert Ward of Bangor University, Wales, says that people can usually tell whether or not a chimp acts dominantly and is physically active simply by looking at …. Original article  : In chimps, as in humans, faces are personality billboards.

Chances of finding ET are unlikely, says astronomer

LONDON – Waiting to see the green little men? You may be in for a big disappointment, as a leading astronomer has concluded that there probably aren’t any aliens out there – meaning we are entirely alone in the universe.

Even though there may be tens of thousands of other distant planets similar in size to …. Original source  : Chances of finding ET are unlikely, says astronomer.

Sleep best time to strengthen memories: Study

MELBOURNE – The best way to ‘remember’ something important is to remember it while you are asleep, suggests a new study.

The research, led by Bjorn Rasch of the University of Basel in Switzerland, claims reactivating newly learned memories during sleep rather than when awake does a better job of strengthening the memory trace.

The work could … Read more »».

Leh in deep freeze at minus 20 degrees, Srinagar at minus 4.6

SRINAGAR – Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar and other parts of the Valley remained in the grip of a severe cold wave Monday as Leh and Kargil towns in Ladakh region froze at minus 20 and minus 19 degrees Celsius, respectively.

“The minimum temperature in Srinagar was minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, three degrees below … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Leh in deep freeze at minus 20 degrees, Srinagar at minus 4.6.

Brit engineers to put mobile phone in space later this year

LONDON – With an aim to see if the sophisticated capabilities in today’s phones will function in the most challenging environment known, British engineers are planning to put a mobile phone into space later this year.

The team at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) and Surrey Space Centre (SSC), however, refused to disclose the exact model …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Massive volcanic eruption ’caused world’s largest extinction’

LONDON – Toxic coal ash produced as a result of massive volcanic eruptions may have led to the largest extinction event in Earth’s history, according to Canadian researchers.

The Permian extinction is believed to have occurred about 250 million years ago – back even before dinosaurs roamed the planet – and wiped out 95 percent … Original article on : Massive volcanic eruption ’caused world’s largest extinction’.

Facebook, Twitter ‘making us more isolated and less human’

LONDON – A leading academic in the U.S. has claimed that social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook are threatening to dominate our lives, making us more isolated and ‘less human’.

Professor Sherry Turkle, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has even branded the use of the technology a form of ‘modern madness’, reports the Daily [..] Read the original article: here.

Cooling stroke patients’ brains could aid recovery

LONDON – A group of Scottish doctors have suggested that cooling the brain of patients who have suffered a stroke could dramatically improve their recovery.

They are joining others from across Europe who believe that inducing hypothermia in some patients can boost survival rates and reduce brain damage.

To date, studies have involved the body of patients …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Cooling stroke patients’ brains could aid recovery.

Space crew to simulate walking on Mars in Feb

MELBOURNE – Three men will imitate walking on Mars in February as part of a project in which a multinational crew has been locked up inside a mock Moscow spaceship since June.

The team of six participants will ‘land’ on the Red Planet on February 12 after spending more than eight months in isolation in the … Read more »»».

Sunny days ahead for Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhiites witnessed another warm day that began with a slightly misty and shallow foggy morning. The maximum temperature was recorded at 23.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees above average Monday.

The capital will have more warm days in the coming week, the weather office forecast.
The minimum temperature was 7.4 degrees Celsius, …. Original article  : Sunny days ahead for Delhi.

Now, a wildlife park where you can feed live animals

SHANGHAI – In a first of its kind, a wildlife park in China is offering a “live feeding service” to attract more visitors and increase revenue, though education experts have said such “barbaric scenes” may be harmful to children.

The Shanghai Wildlife Park has started a tour inside the park, where visitors can purchase …. Read the original article  : here.

Warm days ahead for Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi will have more warm days next week, the weather office forecast Sunday.

It was another warm day that began with a slightly misty morning Sunday. The maximum temperature was recorded at 23.4 degrees, two degrees above average, and minimum 8.8 degree, up by one degree.
“The weather will be similar over …. Read the original article  : Warm days ahead for Delhi.

Two killed by jumbos in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A woman and her daughter were trampled to death by a herd of elephants in Jharkhand’s Gumla district Sunday, an official said.

The herd attacked Karni village under Dumri police station, killing the two and destroying two houses and standing crops.
Two people were Jan 4 trampled to death by a herd …. Original source  : Two killed by jumbos in Jharkhand.

Breath test to tell when the fat starts to burn off

LONDON – A breathalyser to reveal how much fat you burn off at the gym is being developed by scientists.

Exercise machines currently estimate when people enter the “fat burning zone”.
The breathalyser works by picking up minute changes in the levels of a molecule called acetone in people’s breath, which is given … Original source on Gaea Times at : Breath test to tell when the fat starts to burn off.

Being close to spouse doesn’t help communicability

LONDON – If your spouse does not understand you, the simple explanation is that you are too close to him.

Psychologists believe that when two people know each other too well they assume too much shared knowledge. Their language becomes dangerously ambiguous.
This “closeness communication bias” can lead to long term misunderstandings, rows …. Read the original article  : Being close to spouse doesn’t help communicability.

We aren’t born afraid of spiders and snakes

WASHINGTON – People aren’t born afraid of spiders and snakes, but can learn these fears very quickly during infancy, says a new research.

Scientists have studied how infants and toddlers react to scary objects. In one set of experiments, they showed infants as young …. Read the original article  : here.

Longer words get message across faster, more effectively

LONDON – A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge has found that longer words carry more information and therefore, are more efficient in getting a message across.

It’s a common notion amongst scientists that the length of a word was …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Longer words get message across faster, more effectively.

Fear of spiders, snakes acquired

WASHINGTON – We aren’t born afraid of spiders and snakes, but we can pick up these fears very quickly as infants, scientists say.

Arne Ohman at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and Susan Mineka from Northwestern University, US, have studied how infants and toddlers react to scary objects, the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science …. Original source  : Fear of spiders, snakes acquired.

Social networking ‘leads to sex faster’

NEW YORK – Facebook, texting and other social networking tools make new couples to jump into bed faster, reveals a new US survey.

According that third annual sex survey by Shape and Men’s Fitness magazines, nearly four out of five women and three of five men say that digital intimacy leads to having sex faster, reports … Read : Social networking ‘leads to sex faster’.

New 230mn-yr-old predator ‘dawn runner’ discovered in South America

WASHINGTON – Experts have announced the discovery of a dinosaur that roamed South America approximately 230 million years ago and have dubbed it the ‘dawn runner’.

“It really is the earliest look we have at the long line of meat eaters that would ultimately culminate in Tyrannosaurus rex near the end of the dinosaur era,” said … Original source on Gaea Times at : New 230mn-yr-old predator ‘dawn runner’ discovered in South America.

Deep brain stimulation may control hard-to-treat BP

WASHINGTON – A new case study has found that deep brain stimulation may help control hard-to-treat blood pressure.

Researchers in Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, UK, studied a man who received a deep brain stimulator to treat his pain from central pain syndrome that developed after a stroke.

Deep brain stimulation uses a surgical implant similar to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Deep brain stimulation may control hard-to-treat BP.

Largest volcano ‘to erupt after 600,000 yrs, wipe out two-thirds of the U.S’

LONDON – Scientists have predicted that the world’s largest volcano beneath Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming could erupt for the first time in 600,000 years and wipe out 66 percent of the United States.

Researchers monitoring Yellowstone National Park’s Caldera said that has it been rising at a record rate since 2004 – its floor has …. Read the original article  : Largest volcano ‘to erupt after 600,000 yrs, wipe out two-thirds of the U.S’.

Composer Frederic Chopin’s hallucinations may be linked to epilepsy

WASHINGTON – Polish composer Frederic Chopin, who was hounded by hallucinations during his relatively short life, probably had epilepsy, according to a new study.

Chopin, who was plagued by poor health throughout his life, died in 1849 at the age of 39 as a result of chronic lung disease, which has recently been attributed to cystic … Original article on : Composer Frederic Chopin’s hallucinations may be linked to epilepsy.

Some Himalayan glaciers advancing, despite global warming

LONDON – Some of the Himalayan glaciers are advancing thanks to the presence of debris such as pebbles, rocks, and debris from surrounding mountains, suggests a new study.

Bodo Bookhagen, of the Department of Geography at UC Santa Barbara, co-authored a paper said, “With the aid of new remote-sensing methods and satellite images, we identified debris … Read more >>.

Pigs terrorising people in Africa’s Kalahari desert

JOHANNESBURG – Pigs are reportedly creating havoc and “terrorising” people in Africa’s Kalahari desert. They are roaming the streets, disturbing road traffic and are all over the marketplaces.

In Botswana’s Tsabong town in the midst of the desert, the pigs are also frequenting backyard gardens and destroying them, Xinhua reported citing the local Daily News.
…. Source article  : Pigs terrorising people in Africa’s Kalahari desert.

Know the bird and count it too – at Pong wetlands

SHIMLA – Can you tell a bar-headed goose from a spotbilled duck? Himachal Pradesh will soon launch a unique drive to promote bird watching and count the exact number of flapping beauties at the Pong dam wetlands of Kangra Valley.

The state’s forest department, in association with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and World … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Know the bird and count it too – at Pong wetlands.

Egypt asks German museum for Nefertiti bust

Cairo, Jan 25 (IANS/AKI) Egypt’s supreme council of antiquities has asked Berlin’s Neues Museum to return a priceless painted limestone bust of Nefertiti, the ancient Egyptian queen renowned for her beauty.

The treasure has been in the possession of the museum since its discovery in 1912 by a German archaeologist.
The exquisite bust underscores …. Read the original article  : Egypt asks German museum for Nefertiti bust.

New cell phone app identifies predatory adults posing as kids

LONDON – Worried that your child may be being secretly groomed on the Internet by a predatory paedophile? Well, you can take a breather as scientists have developed a new mobile phone application that helps identify adults posing as children.

The software, Child Defence, enables children to scan web chat on their mobile phones to check …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New cell phone app identifies predatory adults posing as kids.

Why women make more effective politicians

NEW YORK – A new study explains why women turn out to be more effective lawmakers in the land.

The study found that between 1984 and 2004, women won their home districts an average of USD49 million more per year than their male counterparts and not just across ‘women’s issues’ but also for other projects, reports …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

First parrot-sized dino with only one finger discovered in China

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered a new species of parrot-sized dinosaur that has only one finger, in China.

It belongs to the Alvarezsauroidea, a branch of the carnivorous dinosaur group Theropods – which eventually evolved into Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor.

The well-preserved fossil was uncovered in rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Wulansuhai Formation, which is located near the …. Source article  : First parrot-sized dino with only one finger discovered in China.

A warmer Delhi is forecast

NEW DELHI – The week started on a warm note for Delhiites Monday as a slight mist and fog in the morning gave way to a bright, sunny day with the maximum temperature at two notches above average at 22 degrees Celsius.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature was recorded … Read more »»».

POSCO final decision in a week: Jairam Ramesh

NEW DELHI – A final decision on granting green clearances for South Korean steelmaker POSCO’s steel mill in Orissa will be made by January-end, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said Monday.

Ramesh was addressing media persons after a closed-door interaction with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
The environment ministry has [..] Read the original article: here.

Unexpected find may lead to novel ways to stop HIV

WASHINGTON – New techniques to fight HIV could be on their way, as scientists have found that the virus adapts in a surprising way to survive and thrive in its hiding spot within the human immune system.

For more than 15 years, Baek Kim has been fascinated by … Read more : Unexpected find may lead to novel ways to stop HIV.

Kilogram is losing weight, say experts

LONDON – Experts want to redefine the kilogram, which came into existence two centuries ago. They fear it is not as constant as it should be.

Experts are willing to make the changes so that it is no longer based on the mass of a solid cylinder of platinum-iridium … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kilogram is losing weight, say experts.

Google’s Eric Schmid eyeballing a career in TV

NEW YORK – Google honcho Eric Schmid, who declared his plan to hand over control of the tech giant last week, has set his sights on a career in television.

Schmid broke the news that he’s passing the CEO title to 37-year-old co-founder Larry Page in a sarcastic tweet … Read more : Google’s Eric Schmid eyeballing a career in TV.

Protection of large-scale landscapes could triple Tiger numbers in Asia

WASHINGTON – Some of the world’s leading conservation scientists have suggested that Asia’s tiger reserves could support more than 10,000 wild tigers – 3 times the current number – if they are managed as large-scale landscapes that allow for connectivity between core breeding sites.

Co-authored by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) scientists, the study is the …. Original article  : Protection of large-scale landscapes could triple Tiger numbers in Asia.

NASA to explore possibility of beamed energy propulsion for space launch

WASHINGTON – NASA is conducting studies to examine whether beamed energy propulsion can be used for launching crafts in space.

A beamed thermal propulsion system would involve focusing microwave or laser beams on a heat exchanger aboard the rocket. The heat exchanger would transfer the radiation’s energy to the liquid propellant, most likely hydrogen, converting it … Read more »».

1700-yr-old Stratford-upon-Avon African skeleton found was Roman troop

LONDON – Archaeologists believe that a 1700-year-old skeleton of an African man found in Stratford-upon-Avon shows that he was in fact, a Roman soldier.

The skeleton was discovered buried in Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, in 2009 and is believed to have been a Roman troop who chose to retire in Stratford after serving in an African unit.

“African … Original source on Gaea Times at : 1700-yr-old Stratford-upon-Avon African skeleton found was Roman troop.

Elderly drivers’ habits could give clues about schizophrenia, depression

WASHINGTON – A study of why the elderly are not very good drivers could help scientists understand schizophrenia and depression.

The medial temporal visual area (MT) of a person’s brain is responsible for allowing humans to focus on foreground objects and ignore the background ones.

University of Rochester Professor Duje Tadin found that the inability of elderly … Read more »»».

Winners have higher testosterone levels: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that the winners of wrestling matches have greater increases in testosterone levels than losers.

The findings are consistent with studies linking testosterone changes to aggressive and competitive behavior in male animals-and may even suggest ways of enhancing a wrestler’s ’social dominance’ to facilitate future success.

The researchers collected blood … Read more >>>.

Couples’ way of talking can predict relationship success

WASHINGTON – People who speak in similar styles are more compatible, according to a new study.

People tend to be attracted to, date, and marry other people who resemble themselves in terms of personality, values, and physical appearance. However, these features only skim the surface of what makes a relationship work. The ways that people talk …. Original article  : Couples’ way of talking can predict relationship success.

Hackers leave ‘let the hacking begin’ post on Mark Zuckerberg’s fan page

SYDNEY – It looks like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s fan page has been targeted by hackers, who penned a message from the billionaire himself suggesting the social networking site be turned into a charity-focused business.

Although the message was swiftly removed, technology website TechCruch said it had captured a screen shot of the message that had …. Source  : Hackers leave ‘let the hacking begin’ post on Mark Zuckerberg’s fan page.

Rogue storm system caused devastating Pakistan floods

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that the disastrous floods that hit Pakistan last summer were caused by a rogue weather system that wandered hundreds of miles farther west than is normal for such systems.

The terrible floods killed more than 2,000 people and left more than 20 million injured or homeless in Pakistan.

The flooding began in …. Original article  : Rogue storm system caused devastating Pakistan floods.

Polar bear’s record 9-day continuous swim blamed on global warming

LONDON – Scientists studying bears around the Beaufort Sea, north of Alaska, have revealed that a polar bear swam continuously for over nine days, which could be the result of climate change.

Scientists from the US Geological Survey revealed the first evidence of long distance swimming by polar bears after observing one that swam continuously for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Polar bear’s record 9-day continuous swim blamed on global warming.

Remains of largest Stone Age building discovered in NW China

NEW DELHI – Archaeologists have discovered the remains of the largest Stone Age building, thought to be a prehistoric ‘town hall’, in Northwest China’s Shaanxi province.

The remains of the pentagon-shaped structure, dating back to the Yangshao culture era of 5,000 to 3,000 BC in the New Stone Age, was uncovered at the Xiahe Site in [..] Read the original article: here.

Love really can last a lifetime

WASHINGTON – A new study has challenged popular beliefs that love is destined to flicker and flame out in course of time.

Researchers at Stony Brook University in New York have found that people can be as madly in love with each other a couple of decades into marriage as they were when they met, reports … Read more : Love really can last a lifetime.

Workplace noise-related hearing loss may affect quality of sleep

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that continued exposure to loud workplace noise may affect the quality of sleep in workers with occupational-related hearing loss.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers compared the sleep quality of individuals at the same workplace, some with workplace noise-related hearing loss and some without.

They found that workers with hearing …. Original article  : Workplace noise-related hearing loss may affect quality of sleep.

Eyewitness accounts aren’t as reliable as previously thought

LONDON – Eyewitnesses likelihood of giving false information about any crime in subsequent retellings increases if they had described the offence to someone just after it occurred, according to a new study.

The finding attains significance as it suggests that eyewitness accounts of crimes can be untrustworthier than earlier believed.

“In a real-life situation, if you”re an …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Eyewitness accounts aren’t as reliable as previously thought.

Roar of tiger at Rajpath!

NEW DELHI – Tigers roared at Rajpath Wednesday, as a tableau rolled in at the Republic Day parade with the message to save India’s national animal.

The tableau by the Central Public Works Department had giant flower sculptures of two tigers along with two cubs. The entire central boulevard resounded with the cry of the …. Read the original article  : Roar of tiger at Rajpath!.

Shunt surgery ‘improves’ dementia patients’ mental function

WASHINGTON – Swedish researchers have shown that a shunt surgery could improve the mental function and the ability to walk in people suffering from dementia as a result of hydrocephalus and white matter changes.

The study was the first in the world to use a placebo-controlled design to prove the effects of dementia surgery on mental …. Read the original article  : here.

Now, brighten up your smile with LED teeth!

LONDON – Now you really can light up the room with your smile – thanks to a new trend for LED teeth that’s sweeping Japan.

The mouth insert lights up when the wearer opens their mouth, providing a glowing smile, reports the Daily Mail.

The LED teeth can even be controlled by a remote, which allows you … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Now, brighten up your smile with LED teeth!.

Scientists closer to developing graphene spintronic devices

WASHINGTON – Physicists from the City University of Hong Kong and the University of Science and Technology of China have taken a huge step toward the development of useful graphene spintronic devices.

Graphene, a two-dimensional crystalline form of carbon, has the breaking strength 200 times greater than steel.

However, Spintronic devices are being hotly pursued because they …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Scientists closer to developing graphene spintronic devices.

Russia plans to send piloted rocket to Mars

Moscow, Jan 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia plans to develop a new super-heavy carrier rocket that will be used to launch piloted spacecraft to Mars.

“The super-heavy carrier rocket will be based on the design of the Angara rocket and its modifications – Amur and Yenisei,” Anatoly Kuzin, deputy general director of the Khrunichev State Research … Read more »».

T. rex hunted like a lion, did not scavenge like a hyena

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that Tyrannosaurus Rex wasn’t a scavenger like a hyena; rather it hunted like a lion.

Scientists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) used an ecological model based on predator relationships in the Serengeti to find out if scavenging would have been an effective feeding strategy for the dinosaur.

“By …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

New computer memory that’s faster, greener

LONDON – US researchers are busy developing a new form of computing memory that is faster, more user-friendly and greener.

Currently, computers rely on two distinct forms of memory: volatile and non-volatile.

Volatile memory refers to random access memory (RAM), which stores data in such a way that it can be read and written rapidly but loses … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New computer memory that’s faster, greener.

Fixing eyes on the horizon will make you steady on ship: Study

WASHINGTON – Motion of a ship at sea creates challenges for the body. So sea travellers are often told to look at the horizon to overcome the feelings of instability, but is there any truth in that advice?

Now, researchers at the University of Minnesota measured how much people sway on land and at sea … Read more »»».

Remains of Iron Age dog guarding ancient treasure unearthed

LONDON – Archaeologists have discovered the skeleton of a dog that has lain underground for 2,000 years, protecting a hoard of buried treasure.

The dog’s remains, about the same size as a retriever or Alsatian, were discovered at the site of one of Britain’s most important Iron Age excavations.

It is believed that an ancient tribe, the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Remains of Iron Age dog guarding ancient treasure unearthed.

3-prong approach to protect your OS from attacks

WASHINGTON – Experts at North Carolina State University have devised a new three-pronged approach to restore an OS if it is attacked.

“Our approach has three components: attack detection; security fault isolation; and recovery,” said Dr. Yan Solihin.

The idea is to take a snapshot of the OS when it is functioning normally and then, if the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Gulf spill study shows long-term toxic effect of dispersants

WASHINGTON – A new study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution examines the impact the deep-water residue of oil and dispersant-which some say has its own toxic effects-might have had on environment and marine life in the Gulf.

Last year, nearly 800,000 gallons of chemical dispersant were injected directly into the oil and gas flow in … Original article on : Gulf spill study shows long-term toxic effect of dispersants.

Why flashy females are great mates

WASHINGTON – A new study from University of Puget Sound explains why contrary to most cases, female lizards of Arizona’s south-eastern mountains are more colourful than males.

The female striped plateau lizards are more colourful than males – displaying an orange patch on their throats during reproductive season – and the more colourful the female, the … Read more >>.

New finding shows promise in the fight against Alzheimer’s

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered a new target for the prevention of adverse immune responses, which have been identified as factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

The discovery was made by researchers at the University of South Florida’s Department of Psychiatry and the Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair.

The CD45 molecule is …. Original article  : New finding shows promise in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

Low socioeconomic status ‘ups depression risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients’

WASHINGTON – Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with higher risk of depressive symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a new study has confirmed.

Statistically significant differences in race, public versus tertiary-care hospital, disability and medications were found between depressed and non-depressed patients.

Mary Margaretten, from the Arthritis Research Group at the University of California, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Low socioeconomic status ‘ups depression risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients’.

Greenland ice sheet is safer than scientists previously believed

LONDON – Scientists have suggested that hotter summers may not be as catastrophic for the Greenland ice sheet as previously feared and may actually slow down the flow of glaciers.

Their study explains how increased melting in warmer years causes the internal … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Greenland ice sheet is safer than scientists previously believed.

Why we should let daughters play outside, even if they get a little dirty

WASHINGTON – A new study has proposed how parents may be making their daughters prone to more diseases just because they don’t want them to get dirty when they are young.

Oregon State University philosopher Sharyn Clough has said that our society socializes young girls differently from young boys. In … Read more >>.

Potential therapeutic target for improving long-term memory identified

LONDON – Scientists have identified a therapy that may enhance memory and prevent the loss of long-term memory.

Led by Cristina Alberini, Professor of Neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the research team evaluated how a protein called insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II), a gene expressed during brain development that declines with aging, impacts memory … Read more : Potential therapeutic target for improving long-term memory identified.

Facebook couples ‘end up in bed quicker’

NEW YORK – Facebook, texting and other social networking tools make new couples to jump into bed faster, reveals a new US survey.

According that third annual sex survey by Shape and Men’s Fitness magazines, nearly four out of five women and three of five men say that digital intimacy leads to having sex faster, reports …. Source article  : Facebook couples ‘end up in bed quicker’.

‘Difficult’ patients ‘more likely to report worse symptoms’

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that ‘difficult’ patient-clinician encounters have a negative impact on patients’ health outcomes in the short-term.

Sheri Hinchey from the Tripler Army Medical Centre in Honolulu and Jeffrey Jackson from the Zablocki VA Medical Centre in Milwaukee carried the study.

A total of 750 adults who attended a primary care …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Difficult’ patients ‘more likely to report worse symptoms’.

Mechanism that controls 24-hour clock of all forms of life discovered

LONDON – Scientists have discovered the mechanism that controls the internal 24-hour clock of all forms of life from human cells to algae.ot only does the research provide important insight into health-related problems linked to individuals with disrupted clocks – such as pilots and shift workers – it also indicates that the 24-hour circadian clock …. Source  : Mechanism that controls 24-hour clock of all forms of life discovered.

Looking at horizon will make you steady on ship

WASHINGTON – Everybody who has been aboard a ship has heard the advice — if you feel unsteady, look at the horizon. Researchers have found truth in that advice — people aboard a ship are steadier if they fix their eyes on the horizon.

Thomas A. Stoffregen of the University of Minnesota has been … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Looking at horizon will make you steady on ship.

Cold nights, warmer days in Punjab, Haryana

CHANDIGARH – In spite of a slight rise in the mercury during the day time, cold conditions continue to prevail during night and early morning in Punjab, Haryana and its joint capital Chandigarh.

“We have recorded a slight rise in the mercury during day time in all parts of Punjab and Haryana. However, there has … Read more : Cold nights, warmer days in Punjab, Haryana.

Our genome more closely related to orangutans than chimps

WASHINGTON – Although orangutans and humans are more distantly related, some regions of our genomes are more alike than those of our closest living relative, the chimpanzee, suggests a new study.

The fossil record helped to establish evolutionary relationships and estimate divergence times of the primate branch leading to humans, but not until the advent of …. Source  : Our genome more closely related to orangutans than chimps.

Cheap, flexible plastic solar panels to end developing countries’ power woes

LONDON – A new technology that uses plastic solar panels that are cheap as well as flexible is set to light up everything, from buildings to bus shelters.

Plastic photovoltaics (PV) are cheaper, lighter and easier to install compared to the silicon solar panels and because of its pliability, it can be used almost everywhere.

“If you’ve …. Source article  : Cheap, flexible plastic solar panels to end developing countries’ power woes.

Food-borne bug causes fatal heart infection

WASHINGTON – Researchers have found that particular strains of a food-borne bug are able to invade the heart, causing serious and difficult-to-treat infections.

The bacteria Listeria monocytogenes is commonly found in soft cheese and chilled ready-to-eat products.
Listeria infections are usually mild, but for susceptible individuals and the elderly, it can infect the …. Original article  : Food-borne bug causes fatal heart infection.

Increasing efficiency could cut global power usage by over 70pc

LONDON – A new study from the University of Cambridge found that if we were to make existing technologies more efficient, it could reduce global power usage by over 70 percent.

Julian Allwood and colleagues analysed several buildings, vehicles and industry and after applying the ‘best practice’ efficiency changes to them, they found that introducing such … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Increasing efficiency could cut global power usage by over 70pc.

Facebook blames bug for Zuckerberg’s account ‘hacking’

LONDON – Social networking site Facebook has blamed ‘a bug’ for an odd posting purporting to come from founder Mark Zuckerberg

The cryptic message was posted to the Facebook fan page in the name of the 26-year old billionaire founder. It called for the site to become a “social business” with investment from its users.

The message … Read : Facebook blames bug for Zuckerberg’s account ‘hacking’.

How 450mn-yr-old mass extinction is closely linked to climate change

WASHINGTON – Geobiologists at California Institute of Technology have found how the mass extinction that occurred 450 million years ago is linked to a cooling climate.

The mass extinction coincided with a glacial period, during which global temperatures cooled and the planet saw a marked increase in glaciers.

So the …. Original source  : How 450mn-yr-old mass extinction is closely linked to climate change.

Believe it or not – glaciers are growing!

LONDON – There is some good news regarding climate change – glaciers are actually growing!

The reason being that hotter summers may actually slow down the flow of glaciers, according to researchers.
Increased melting in the warmer summer is causing the internal drainage system of the ice sheet to accommodate more melt-water, without speeding … Read more : Believe it or not – glaciers are growing!.

Like-minded partners ‘make better parents’

WASHINGTON – Researchers at the University of Exeter have revealed that couples with similar personalities make much better parents than those with different dispositions – at least in the world of zebra finches.

They found the birds expressing strong personality traits, such as aggressive behaviour or a willingness … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Like-minded partners ‘make better parents’.

Diabetes affects both patient and spouse’s well being

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that older patients with diabetes who are not dealing well with the disease are likely to have symptoms of depression, and their spouses also suffer distress related to the disease and its management.

“Responsibilities and anxieties can differ for patients …. Original source  : Diabetes affects both patient and spouse’s well being.

How to boost broccoli’s cancer-fighting power

WASHINGTON – A new research provides convincing evidence that the way you make and consume broccoli matters, and also suggests that teaming broccoli with broccoli sprouts may make the vegetable’s anti-cancer effect almost twice as powerful.

“Broccoli, prepared correctly, is an extremely potent cancer-fighting …. Original source  : How to boost broccoli’s cancer-fighting power.

Scientists discover hottest ever planet

LONDON – An exoplanet has been found to be the hottest planet discovered so far with a record-breaking temperature of 3,200 degrees Celsius.

The planet WASP-33b, is also known as HD15082. Its scorching temperature is explained by its close orbit around its star, itself one of the hottest planet-hosting stars at 7,160 degrees Celsius, the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Scientists discover hottest ever planet.

Fox may have been primitive man’s best friend

LONDON – Dogs have long been known as man’s best friend. But according to a new research, primitive man seemingly preferred the company of foxes rather than dogs.

Researchers have uncovered a pre-historic graveyard in which a fox was buried with a human, dating thousands of years before man kept dogs as pets.
The team …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fox may have been primitive man’s best friend.

Our body clock unchanged for millions of years

LONDON – The inner clock that regulates the behaviour of all life forms has existed for millions of years – unchanged.

The finding could shed light on a range of human conditions such as depression, cancer and diabetes and provide relief to workers such as pilots or nurses who do odd hours.
The studies from …. Source  : Our body clock unchanged for millions of years.

Cows’ guts yield clues for new biofuels

WASHINGTON – A new study has found dozens of previously unknown microbial enzymes in the bovine rumen-the cow’s primary grass-digestion chamber-that contribute to the breakdown of switchgrass, a renewable biofuel energy source.

The study tackles a major barrier to the development of more affordable and environmentally sustainable biofuels.n previous studies beginning in 2008, Roderick Mackie of … Read : Cows’ guts yield clues for new biofuels.

How watching terror coverage on TV weakens mental well-being

WASHINGTON – A new University of Haifa study has suggested that watching TV coverage of terrorist events can lead to deterioration of psychological resources, such as commitment and a sense of success.

It may also lead to feeling threatened, which in turn can result in loss of resources and other negative affects.

“Mass media plays a central … Read more »»».

New test measures intelligence more accurately

LONDON – A new test measures both human and artificial intelligence more accurately – provided it is spaced out over a longer period.

“It can be applied to any subject… at any point in its development (child or adult), for any system now or in the future, and with any level of intelligence or speed,” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New test measures intelligence more accurately.

Stem cells show promise in repairing child’s damaged heart

WASHINGTON – A study, led by an Indian-origin boffin, has revealed that heart stem cells from children with congenital heart disease were able to rebuild the damaged heart in the laboratory.

Sunjay Kaushal, surgeon in the Division of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery at Children’s Memorial Hospital and assistant professor of surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Stem cells show promise in repairing child’s damaged heart.

Right nostril helps pigeons find their way home

LONDON – It’s the right nostril that helps pigeons navigate long distances of unfamiliar territory to find their way home, suggests a new study.

Biologist Anna Gagliardo of the University of Pisa in Italy and her collaborators have previously shown that pigeons may rely on odours carried on the wind-and not the Earth’s magnetic field-to find … Original source on Gaea Times at : Right nostril helps pigeons find their way home.

Modern humans reached Arabia earlier than previously believed

WASHINGTON – An international team of researchers suggests that humans could have arrived on the Arabian Peninsula as early as 125,000 years ago – directly from Africa rather than via the Nile Valley or the Near East, as researchers have suggested in the past.

The team, led by Hans-Peter Uerpmann from Eberhard Karls University in Tubingen, … Read more >>>.

Apple removes Nazi Party anthem from iTunes online store

LONDON – Apple has announced that it has removed a Nazi Party anthem from the German version of its iTunes online music store after it was revealed that it sold songs and albums of neo-Nazi bands.

The song, ‘Horst Wessel Lied’ had been named after a young party activist killed in 1930, and it had been …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Marriage is good for physical as well as mental health

WASHINGTON – Long-term committed relationships are good for mental as well as physical health and this benefit increases over time, suggests a new study.

David and John Gallacher from Cardiff University say that on average married people live longer.

They say that women in committed relationships have better mental health, while men in committed relationships have …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Marriage is good for physical as well as mental health.

A ‘krafty’ kiosk that scans your face and recommends you a snack!

WASHINGTON – A new kiosk developed by Kraft scans your face and according to your gender and age, recommends snack or dinner options.

Using anonymous video analytics (AVA), the kiosk categorizes the customer into gender and demographic groups in order to make suggestion, reports Discovery News.

So a hungry 16-year-old boy might be suggested a McDonald’s burger …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : A ‘krafty’ kiosk that scans your face and recommends you a snack!.

Even infants understand social dominance: Study

WASHINGTON – Scientists at the University of Copenhagen and Harvard University have found that infants less than one year old understand social dominance and use relative size to predict who will prevail when two individuals’ goals conflict.

The work of Lotte Thomsen, of the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Psychology, has suggested that we may be … Read more >>.

‘Hottest’ planet found has scorching heat of 3,200 Degree C

LONDON – Scientists claim to have found the hottest planet ever, where temperatures are a scorching 3200 Degrees Celsius.

Called WASP-33b or HD15082, the exoplanet is 380 light-years away in the constellation of Andromeda and was found in 2006, after observing regularly timed dimmings of its parent star, reports the Daily Mail.

Alexis Smith of Keele University … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Hottest’ planet found has scorching heat of 3,200 Degree C.

Fox ‘may have been early man’s best friend’

LONDON – New findings by University of Cambridge-led team suggest that early man may have preferred the fox as a pet rather than dogs.

Scientists analysing remains at a prehistoric burial ground in Jordan have uncovered a grave in which a fox was buried with a human, dated thousands of years before dogs were kept as … Read more »».

Global IP address stock ‘nearing depletion’

LONDON – The stock of IP addresses is about to get over very soon, it has emerged.

Once that happens, each of the five regional agencies that hand out net addresses will get one of the remaining blocks (called /8) of 16 million addresses, which will also … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Global IP address stock ‘nearing depletion’.

Study sheds light on asteroid deflection strategy to avert collision

WASHINGTON – A new study from New York City College of Technology sheds light on how a deflection strategy would work best in order to avoid collision with giant space objects such as asteroids.

“A collision with an object of this size traveling at an estimated 30,000 … Read more »»».

Relief in Valley as mercury rises to minus 1.4

SRINAGAR – People in Kashmir Valley got some relief from the freezing chill of the past two months as the night temperature Friday markedly rose to minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, the weatherman said Saturday.

The core of the winter season – ‘Chillai Kalan’ – will end Sunday. The 40-day-long period this year was one of … Read more »»».

Study solves 35-yr-old medical mystery using genetics

WASHINGTON – A team of researchers has finally found the answer to a decades-long medical mystery that started in 1976.

Adolfo Pampena was diagnosed with occurrence of multiple tumours in his stomach and colon.

Now, a genetic study led by investigators at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI MUHC), the McGill Program in … Read more »»».

Antibiotic paves way for novel anti-cancer agents

WASHINGTON – Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine have reported that an antibiotic known for its immunosuppressive functions could also point the way to the development of new anti-cancer agents.

The study determined that the compound, tautomycetin, targets an enzyme called SHP2, which plays an important role in cell activities such as proliferation and …. Source  : Antibiotic paves way for novel anti-cancer agents.

New laser sensing technology ’sniffs bombs, pollutants from a distance’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have developed a new laser sensing technology that could allow soldiers to detect hidden bombs from a distance.

The Princeton University technology may also help scientists better measure airborne environmental pollutants and greenhouse gasses.

“We are able to send a laser pulse out and get another pulse back from the air itself. The returning … Original article on : New laser sensing technology ’sniffs bombs, pollutants from a distance’.

Presence of peers ‘heightens teens’ sensitivity to rewards of a risk’

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that teens become more susceptible to the potential rewards of a risk when they are with friends than when alone.

Temple University psychologists Jason Chein and Laurence Steinberg measured brain activity in adolescents, alone and with peers, as they made decisions with inherent risks.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), [..] Read the original article: here.

Whipping ‘won’t make racehorses run faster’

LONDON – If you think that whipping would make your horse run faster as it nears the finishing line, then you are wrong.

A new research has suggested that whipping racehorses does not make them run any quicker.

The Australian research meant that “horses are being whipped in the final stages of a race, in the face … Read more >>>.

DNA’s rock ‘n rollin’ alter ego

LONDON – A new research at the University of Michigan and the University of California, Irvine has revealed that DNA, the marvelous, twisty molecule of life, has an alter ego.

On rare occasions, its building blocks “rock and roll,” deforming the familiar double helix into a different shape.

“We show that the simple DNA double helix exists …. Original source  : DNA’s rock ‘n rollin’ alter ego.

Chilly, misty morning in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhiites woke up to a chilly morning Saturday as the mercury plunged three notches below normal at 5.5 degrees Celsius accompanied with a mist cover in the early hours.

The maximum temperature is expected to be 21.7 degrees Celsius.
The weatherman forecast mist or shallow fog Sunday morning followed by partly … Read more >>>.

Vitamin D deficiency alters lung structure and function

WASHINGTON – Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to alter lung structure and function in a new study in young mice.

The new study, conducted by researchers in Australia, offers the first concrete evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with deficits in lung function and altered lung structure.

“The results of this study clearly demonstrate that vitamin … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vitamin D deficiency alters lung structure and function.

Helping others helps alcoholics become and stay sober

WASHINGTON – A researcher from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine reports that participating in community service activities and helping others is not just good for the soul; it has a healing effect that helps alcoholics and other addicts become and stay sober.

In a review article, Maria E. Pagano, associate professor of psychiatry at … Read more »».

Touching a man’s arm is the best way to his heart

LONDON – Ladies, forget fluttering your eyelashes or flicking your hair. The quickest way for a woman to gain a man’s interest is by gently touching his arm, say psychologists.

As part of their study, researchers recruited a 20-year-old woman, rated ‘averagely attractive’ by a panel of 18 men, to approach 64 young, single males chosen …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Touching a man’s arm is the best way to his heart.

Humans switched from living in trees to on the ground 4.2mn yrs ago

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that early human ancestors stopped swinging in trees and started walking on the ground sometime between 4.2 and 3.5 million years ago.

Lead author Gabriele Macho, a paleoanthropologist at the Catalan Institute of Paleontology in Barcelona, and his colleagues made the determinations after analyzing wrist bones from two early … Original article on : Humans switched from living in trees to on the ground 4.2mn yrs ago.

Root cause of blood vessel damage in people with diabetes discovered

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a key mechanism that appears to contribute to blood vessel damage in people with diabetes.

The researchers said studies in mice show that the damage appears to involve two enzymes, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), that interact in [..] Read the original article: here.

Age of onset of puberty predicts adult osteoporosis risk

WASHINGTON – A team of researchers determined that the onset of puberty was the primary influence on adult bone mineral density, or bone strength.

The researchers, led by Vicente Gilsanz, director of Clinical Imaging at The Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, also found that the length of puberty did not affect bone … Original article on : Age of onset of puberty predicts adult osteoporosis risk.

Mini choppers inspired by spinning seeds could soon be a reality

LONDON – Technology gets inspiration from nature very often – and a new study is just another example of that – a mini helicopter that mimics flying tree seeds.

Standard mini helicopters expend most of their power simply fighting to stay stable in the air, leading researchers at the University of Maryland in College Park to …. Original source  : Mini choppers inspired by spinning seeds could soon be a reality.

Modern humans would easily beat Neanderthals in a marathon

WASHINGTON – If humans were to be pitted against Neanderthals in a marathon, the former would win, says a new study.

Having said that, Neanderthal bones were built for long-distance walking and strength.

University of Arizona researcher David Raichlen and his colleagues have found that our modern human ancestors were better runner, because they have shorter limb … Original article on : Modern humans would easily beat Neanderthals in a marathon.

It’s official: Jupiter was hit by an asteroid in 2009, not a comet

WASHINGTON – A new study has confirmed that in 2009, it was an asteroid that hit the giant planet Jupiter, not a comet.

An international team of researchers used infrared data from ground-based telescopes to observe the planet’s scar to piece together all the evidence.

When an asteroid hits a gas giant’s atmosphere, it leaves different thermal …. Source  : It’s official: Jupiter was hit by an asteroid in 2009, not a comet.

China’s ‘microblog queen’ has 5 mn fans

BEIJING – Chinese television star Yao Chen has been named the “microblog queen” for having more than five million followers on the country’s popular Twitter-like online social microblogging website.

Yao had five million fans on her microblog t.sina.com.cn/yaochen Friday afternoon, and the number grew by another 3,744 in the following one and a half hours, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : China’s ‘microblog queen’ has 5 mn fans.

New Google service solves sudoku

BERLIN – If you’re stuck on your sudoku puzzle, there’s hope. New photo recognition software for Android mobiles – Goggles – can help solve the puzzle.

Just hold the numerical puzzle up to the camera on your mobile. Goggles will then recognize the numbers already in the puzzle and calculate the missing values.
Goggles, now … Read : New Google service solves sudoku.

Blood-clotting bandage to help save lives on the battlefield

LONDON – Scottish scientists are developing a new chemical bandage that will help save lives on the battlefield by instantly helping to clot blood and staunch wounds.

The authors have discovered a group of polymers – molecules used in the manufacture of plastics – that accelerate the crucial clotting properties of platelets in blood, reports the … Read more »»».

What your mobile phone says about you

MELBOURNE – New research has found that mobile phones say quite a lot about their owners.

Social analyst David Chalke says that people’s cell phones can give an insight into their personalities.

“Twenty years ago when you said ‘your phone’, you meant the white Telecom commander on the wall in the kitchen, but it doesn’t mean that … Read more : What your mobile phone says about you.

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 article  : Where does our sense of time come from?.

Himachal sees fresh snowfall, gets colder

SHIMLA – The hills of Himachal Pradesh experienced a fresh spell of snowfall early Sunday, intensifying the cold wave in the region with Shimla recording a low of 2.6 degrees Celsius and Keylong shivering at minus 8.9 degrees.

The entire higher reaches in Lahaul and Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu and Chamba districts have been experiencing intermittent …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Himachal sees fresh snowfall, gets colder.

Fresh snowfall closes Srinagar-Jammu highway

SRINAGAR – Fresh snowfall across the Kashmir Valley Sunday closed the strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway as the minimum temperature rose above the freezing point after two months in summer capital Srinagar.

The 40-day long harshest period of winter, “Chilla Kalan” also ended Sunday.
“Due to fresh snowfall and slippery road conditions in Patnitop and Bannihal …. Source article  : Fresh snowfall closes Srinagar-Jammu highway.

Ancient Roman love was about sex, lust and death

WASHINGTON – While modern day definition of love includes sharing, caring and friendship, for ancient Roman lovers it was nothing more than sexual pleasure, says a Hamilton College Classics Professor.

According Barbara Gold, the idea of sharing or caring didn’t exist for Roman lovers.

They described themselves as “‘wounded, wretched, enslaved by their lovers, having their bone …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ancient Roman love was about sex, lust and death.

Less time with fathers ‘can lead kids to bullying’

WASHINGTON – Children who feel they do not get to spend sufficient time with their fathers are more likely to become bullies, new research suggests.

“Our behavior is driven by our perception of our world, so if children feel they are not getting enough time and attention from parents then those feelings have to go somewhere …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Light rains in Delhi, temperature up

NEW DELHI – The capital saw light rainfall Sunday morning that raised the minimum temperature to 6.5 degrees Celsius, a degree above from Saturday’s temperature, a met official said.

“The sky is likely to remain cloudy during the day. Light rainfall is expected in some parts towards the evening,” a met department official said.
The … Read more : Light rains in Delhi, temperature up.

Bad taste in music really can ruin a relationship

LONDON – Wondering why your last relationship ended on the wrong note? Well, the reason could be your taste in music.

A new study has suggested that music actually predicts sexual attraction.

The most recent issue of Psychology of Music exmaines the link between identity, music and what makes people ‘click’.

This had led the LA Weekly … Read more »»».

Getting mad at your spouse may be the secret to a happy married life

WASHINGTON – It may not be a good idea to forgive your spouse for all the mistakes, as those who do are more likely to face additional bad behavior compared to those who stay angry, suggests a new study.

Study author James McNulty, of the University of Tennessee said that the benefits of forgiveness might need … Read : Getting mad at your spouse may be the secret to a happy married life.

A man’s stare causes women to score low on math!

WASHINGTON – A new study claims that getting stared at by a man causes a woman to score low in math problems.

“It creates this vicious cycle for women in which they’re underperforming in math or work domains, but they’re continuing to want to interact with the person who is making them underperform in the first … Original source on Gaea Times at : A man’s stare causes women to score low on math!.

New, self-healing sticky gel that sticks underwater too

WASHINGTON – Scientists are on their way to creating a new type of self-healing sticky gel that could be used as an adhesive or coating for underwater machinery or in biomedical settings as a surgical adhesive or bonding agent for implants.

The idea was inspired from the hair-thin holdfast fibers that mussels secrete to stick against …. Source  : New, self-healing sticky gel that sticks underwater too.

Tea house, pagoda huts et al – a Japanese Garden in Chandigarh!

CHANDIGARH – Already famous for its gardens and dense green cover, this joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, visited by nearly one million tourists each year, is all set to get a theme-based ‘Japanese Garden’ with a Japanese-styled tower, lanterns, tea house and pagoda huts.

The union tourism ministry has sanctioned a grant of over … Read : Tea house, pagoda huts et al – a Japanese Garden in Chandigarh!.

Visit Mexican museums, archaeological sites via Google

Mexico City, Jan 30 (IANS/EFE) About 180 Mexican archaeological sites and 116 museums are being made available for virtual visits via the Google Earth platform from any part of the world, Mexican authorities and executives of Google Latin America said.

During the platform’s presentation at Chapultepec Castle in the Mexican capital, the National Anthropology …. Original source  : Visit Mexican museums, archaeological sites via Google.

Warm, pleasant day in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Delhi was greeted by a slightly misty morning, but it was a relatively warm Saturday as the maximum temperature was recorded at 23.3 degrees Celsius, a degree above the season’s average.

The day began on a pleasant note for Delhiites with the misty morning and mild sunshine.
The maximum temperature was recorded … Read more »»».

Himachal bans plastic cups, plates

SHIMLA – After imposing a ban on the use of all types of polythene bags made of non-biodegradable materials, Himachal Pradesh has decided to ban disposable plastic products from August this year, an official said here Saturday.

“From Aug 15, there would a complete ban on the storage and use of non-biodegradable disposable plastic products … Original source on Gaea Times at : Himachal bans plastic cups, plates.

Transcranial magnetic brain stimulation key to treating brain disorders

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the activity of certain brain nerve cells can be deliberately influenced by using magnetic stimulation.

The study could mean use of cerebral stimulation to treat functional disorders … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Transcranial magnetic brain stimulation key to treating brain disorders.

New study applies existing theory to predict floods

WASHINGTON – A new study shows how Shannon’s Information Theory can also be applied to studying high water and flooding.

Information theory, first devised in 1948 by Claude Shannon, sees information and uncertainty as numerical quantities, measured in ‘bits’, that correspond with the extent to which the recipient of a message …. Source article  : New study applies existing theory to predict floods.

Do plants pay a price for evolving with complex defense mechanisms?

WASHINGTON – A new study examines whether the production of defense traits against insects and mammals incurs costs to the plants.

University of Zurich together with their American colleagues planted different knockout-mutants of the same genotype of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Making rain? Rubbished idea that may work

LONDON – At the height of the Vietnam War, soldiers who heard US aircraft flying high over the Ho Chi Minh trail might have feared bombs were about to fall from the sky.

In fact, the airplanes were just trying to make it rain, but they were not very good at it.
The plan … Read more : Making rain? Rubbished idea that may work.

New drug restores responsiveness to morphine

WASHINGTON – Scientists have found that a drug called etanercept can restore responsiveness to the pain-relieving effects of morphine in rats that have developed morphine tolerance.

The experimental results suggest that etanercept-which blocks the inflammatory cytokine …. Read the original article  : New drug restores responsiveness to morphine.

Omega-3 deficiency may explain depressive behaviours

LONDON – A new study has said that dietary insufficiency in omega-3 fatty acid may explain deleterious consequences on synaptic functions and emotional behaviours.

These fatty acids are “essential” lipids because the body cannot synthesize them from new. They must therefore be provided … Read more >>>.

Size means power, babies know by age 10 months

LONDON – By 10 months, babies are aware of the fact that size brings with it power.

In the past, this skill might have helped them deduce that a lion posed more of a threat than a kitten.
Today, it is more likely to help a toddler with older siblings understand his or her place … Read more »»».

Fast, accurate test to diagnose CJD developed

LONDON – Researchers have developed a highly sensitive assay that could change the way to diagnose the degenerative neurological condition Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), providing a fast, accurate alternative for early diagnosis of this rare but deadly condition.

The assay has been developed by microbiologist Ryuichiro Atarashi of Nagasaki University, Japan, and his team.

CJD is a prion …. Read the original article  : Fast, accurate test to diagnose CJD developed.

Intense cold returns to Himachal after snowfall

SHIMLA – The biting cold returned to Himachal Pradesh Monday after snowfall across its hills with Keylong turning out to be the coldest town in the state at a minimum of minus 11.8 degrees Celsius.

“Higher reaches in Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Kullu and Kinnaur districts got moderate snow in the last two days,” said … Original article on : Intense cold returns to Himachal after snowfall.

Vikings used glowing ’sunstone’ to navigate on cloudy days

LONDON – The ‘magical’ stories about the glowing ’sunstone’ that, when held up to the sky, revealed the position of the Sun even on a cloudy day, may all be true.

Scientists measuring the properties of light in the sky have said that polarizing crystals-which function in the same way as the mythical sunstone-could have helped …. Read the original article  : Vikings used glowing ’sunstone’ to navigate on cloudy days.

New ‘iron sandwich’ solar cells could help ‘buildings generate electricity’

MELBOURNE – Scientists at Melbourne’s Monash University have developed a new generation of solar cells that they say could lead to significant improvements in solar panel efficiency.

The team used dye sensitised solar cells containing electrolytes made out of an iron-based organometallic compound called ferrocene, also known as ’sandwich compound’ because it sandwiches an iron atom … Read this article on Gaea Times at : New ‘iron sandwich’ solar cells could help ‘buildings generate electricity’.

Dirty denims aren’t as grimy as you think!

MELBOURNE – Denims stay surprisingly clean even after being worn for more than a year without washing, according to an experiment carried out “just for fun” by a Canadian university student and his professor.

“I expected to find some bacteria associated with the lower intestine, such as E. coli, but was surprised to find there weren’t …. Source article  : Dirty denims aren’t as grimy as you think!.

‘Darwin Gap’ quake may shake Chile once again

LONDON – A fault line in Chile that shook Charles Darwin during his voyages in 1835, and ripped again last year, may strike again.

An analysis of land movement has shown that the magnitude 8.8 quake that hit in February 2010, claiming over 500 lives, increased stress significantly in a segment of a fault which last … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Darwin Gap’ quake may shake Chile once again.

Brit stargazers urge UK public to ‘count stars to see effect of pollution’

LONDON – A Brit survey proposed to measure the effect of light pollution on the night sky has found that more than 83 percent of people had their view of the night sky affected by the pollution.

As a part of the study, members of the public are urged to count stars in the sky, reports … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Brit stargazers urge UK public to ‘count stars to see effect of pollution’.

Internet ‘kill switch’ legislation re-surfaces

WASHINGTON – It seems that the so-called Internet “kill switch” legislation has resurfaced, according to the proposal’s chief sponsor.

The legislation came into play the same day Egyptians faced an internet blackout designed to counter massive demonstrations in that country.

The bill, being floated by Sen. Susan Collins, the Republican ranking member on the Homeland Security and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Internet ‘kill switch’ legislation re-surfaces.

Air laser to sniff out bombs, pollutants from a distance

WASHINGTON – Engineers have developed a new laser sensing technology that may allow soldiers to sniff out hidden bombs from a distance.

“We are able to send a laser pulse out and get another pulse back from the air itself,” said Richard Miles, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton University in the US.
…. Read the original article  : Air laser to sniff out bombs, pollutants from a distance.

Smoking habits transmit from mom to daughter, dad to son

LONDON – Fathers transmit their smoking habits to their sons, while mothers do the same for daughters. However, if a mother smokes it does not seem to induce the son to smoke, and similarly a father who smokes does not affect his daughter, says a new study.

The research is based on information from the …. Original source  : Smoking habits transmit from mom to daughter, dad to son.

Bugs that control sex of female spiders’ offspring by killing male embryos

LONDON – A new study has found that female spiders are at the mercy of certain parasitic bugs that kills of their embryonic sons.

Wolbachia bacteria are transmitted through eggs, so their survival depends on how many females are born.

This evolution strategy allows the bacteria to maximise their chances of making it to the next generation.

The … Read more : Bugs that control sex of female spiders’ offspring by killing male embryos.

Popular energy shots nothing but ‘caffeinated, sour tasting water’

NEW YORK – Experts have said that the latest ‘energy- shots’ that seem to have caught everyone’s fancy may be nothing but slightly caffeinated, sour-tasting water.

They said that the four-dollar a bottle drinks create nothing but a placebo effect.

The drink makers are not required to list how much caffeine they contain, nor does the law …. Original source  : Popular energy shots nothing but ‘caffeinated, sour tasting water’.

Now, 100K times more efficient transistors possible using molybdenite

LONDON – Smaller and more energy-efficient electronic chips are on their way as Swiss scientists have found a material-molybdenite- that has distinct advantages over traditional silicon or graphene for use in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

IIT Delhi students pedal to promote green cause

NEW DELHI – About 100 students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi Sunday took out a cycle rally to inspire people to pedal short distances and cut down their carbon footprints.

The rally, organised as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 63rd death anniversary, started from Mehrauli Gate of the IIT … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : IIT Delhi students pedal to promote green cause.

Himachal’s popular tourist destinations get more snow

SHIMLA – Popular hill resorts of Himachal Pradesh got more snowfall Sunday and the night temperature was expected to fall further, weather officials said.

A fresh spell of snow greeted the people, especially the tourists, in picturesque Kufri, Narkanda, Manali and Kalpa. Shimla too experienced mild spells of snow in the evening.
“Higher reaches in … Read more »».

BrahMos Aerospace to make cryogenic engines for Indian rockets

CHENNAI – Missile makers BrahMos Aerospace will manufacture the cryogenic engine once the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) perfects the technology, said a senior official Sunday.

The company is also hoping to induct its supersonic cruise missile into the Indian Air Force and develop hypersonic missile in six years’ time, chief executive and managing director …. Original article  : BrahMos Aerospace to make cryogenic engines for Indian rockets.