Science News – Newsletter for February 10, 2011

Robots may soon get their own Internet

LONDON – It seems robots are poised to have an equivalent of the Internet and Wikipedia, thanks to the efforts of some European scientists.

They are currently developing a project called RoboEarth, which will let robots exchange and store information what they discover about the world, reports the …. Original article  : Robots may soon get their own Internet.

Icelandic volcano ‘looks set to erupt dwarfing last year’s devastation’

LONDON – Geologists have warned that another volcano on Iceland looks set to blow, bringing far more chaos than last year’s eruption.

Researchers detected the high risk of a new eruption after observing an increased swarm of earthquakes around the … Read more >>.

World’s first programmable nanoprocessor developed

LONDON – Engineers and scientists have developed the world’s first programmable nanoprocessor.

The groundbreaking prototype computer system, developed in at Harvard University and the MITRE Corporation, represents a significant step forward in the complexity of computer circuits that can … Original article on : World’s first programmable nanoprocessor developed.

Skin cells used to develop heart defect ‘treatment’ in first-of-its-kind

LONDON – Using skin cells from young patients with a severe genetic heart defect, scientists have created beating heart cells that carry the same genetic mutation.

The newly created human heart cells – cardiomyocytes – allowed Stanford University School of Medicine researchers for the first time … Read : Skin cells used to develop heart defect ‘treatment’ in first-of-its-kind.

Full genetic blueprint of multiple prostate tumors unveiled

LONDON – Scientists have for the first time laid bare the full genetic blueprint of multiple prostate tumors, uncovering alterations that have never before been detected and offering a deep view of the genetic missteps that underlie the disease.

The work …. Read the original article  : Full genetic blueprint of multiple prostate tumors unveiled.

Bats too bond for life with family, friends

LONDON – Just like humans, bats too nurture lifelong friendships, according to scientists.

These nocturnal flying creatures bond closely with family and friends, a five-year study of over 20,000 roosting observations in Germany has revealed.
Their social structure is as strongly bonded as that of pachyderms, dolphins and certain primates including chimpanzees, all of whom … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bats too bond for life with family, friends.

How omega-3 fatty acids keep blindness at bay

WASHINGTON – Previous research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids – commonly found in fish oil – can prevent retinopathy, a major form of blindness that affects people with diabetes and premature babies, in a mouse model of the disease.

Now a follow-up study, from the same research team at Children’s Hospital Boston, has revealed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : How omega-3 fatty acids keep blindness at bay.

Now, you can spot who’s shedding crocodile tears and who’s not

WASHINGTON – The next time you shed crocodile tears, be careful – a new study has given behavioural clues to spot fabricated versus genuine displays of remorse.

Researchers have found that those who show a greater range of emotional expressions and swing from one emotion to another very quickly – a phenomenon referred to as emotional …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Now, you can spot who’s shedding crocodile tears and who’s not.

New hybrid drug, derived from turmeric, may benefit stroke victims

WASHINGTON – Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have created a new molecule from curcumin, a chemical component of the golden-colored spice turmeric, and found that it affects mechanisms that protect and help regenerate brain cells after stroke.

The new curcumin-hybrid compound-CNB-001-does not attack clots but instead repairs stroke damage at the molecular level that feed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New hybrid drug, derived from turmeric, may benefit stroke victims.

Nasal stem cells could tackle childhood hearing problems

WASHINGTON – Patients suffering from hearing problems, which began during infancy and childhood, could benefit from a transplant of stem cells from their nose, scientists in Australia have found.

The research has revealed that mucosa-derived stem cells can help preserve hearing function during the early-onset of sensorineural hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by the loss …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nasal stem cells could tackle childhood hearing problems.

People with memory problems ‘may be at higher risk for stroke’

WASHINGTON – A new study has shown that people who have memory problems or other declines in their mental abilities may be at higher risk for stroke.

For the study, researchers gave tests to people age 45 and older who had never had a stroke, then contacted them twice a year by phone for up to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : People with memory problems ‘may be at higher risk for stroke’.

New device can predict asthma attacks

LONDON – Researchers have developed a new device that can tell if an asthma sufferer is close to having an attack hours in advance.

The handheld sensor could give patients vital time to take anti-inflammatory medicines and prevent a serious episode that may otherwise land them in hospital.

The Siemens device is the size of a mobile … Original article on : New device can predict asthma attacks.

Kashmir still shivers, Gulmarg coldest at minus 10

SRINAGAR – The north Kashmir ski resort of Gulmarg witnessed its coldest night of the season with a low of minus 10 degrees Celsius while the strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained open for two-way traffic Thursday.

“The minimum temperature in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam hill station fell to minus 6.7 degrees, it was 1.4 degrees in …. Original source  : Kashmir still shivers, Gulmarg coldest at minus 10.

Extra testosterone reduces empathy levels: Study

WASHINGTON – Researchers from the Utrecht and Cambridge Universities have found that an administration of testosterone under the tongue in volunteers negatively affects a person’s ability to ‘mind read’, an indication of empathy.

Further, the effects of testosterone administration are predicted by a fetal marker of prenatal testosterone, the 2D:4D ratio.

The study has important …. Read the original article  : here.

Tart cherries could speed muscle recovery

WASHINGTON – A new research by scientists in the UK has found that tart cherries could help athletes reduce muscle damage to recover faster from a tough workout.

Researchers at the Sports and Exercise Science Research Center at London South Bank University in the UK gave 10 trained athletes 1 ounce of an antioxidant-packed tart …. Read the original article  : Tart cherries could speed muscle recovery.

Botox may not be effective in treating migraines

LONDON – Botox, the popular anti-wrinkle jab, is unlikely to offer much benefit in the treatment of chronic migraine, say experts.

The injection has been licensed in the UK and US as a preventative treatment for chronic cases.

However, a review of evidence by the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin said it could not “see a place” for … Read more >>>.

You can’t confess your sins via iPhone, Vatican tells Catholics

LONDON – The Vatican has emphatically stressed that Catholics cannot confess via iPhone and modern technology is not a substitute for being present when admitting sins to a priest.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi’s statement comes after the launch of a ‘confession application’ sanctioned by the US Catholic Church, reports the Telegraph.

“One cannot speak in any … Read : You can’t confess your sins via iPhone, Vatican tells Catholics.

Sex and aggression linked in the brain

LONDON – Scientists in US have found a link between aggressive behaviour and sexual arousal.

Violent behaviour in mice has been tracked to neurons within a part of the brain associated with sex.

Researchers discovered that sex and violence are intertwined in mice. A tiny patch of cells buried deep within a male’s brain determines whether it … Original article on : Sex and aggression linked in the brain.

Do-gooders are born, not made

LONDON – You can thank your genes more than your upbringing for being a do-gooder in real life.

Psychologists from Edinburgh University in Britain surveyed 958 pairs of twins, including 361 pairs of identical ones, to work out the effects of genes and upbringing, the journal Biology Letters reports.
They found that genes influenced a …. Read the original article  : Do-gooders are born, not made.

Feeling good about country linked to well being

WASHINGTON – The more satisfied people are with their country, the better they feel about their lives, especially people in low income groups or in relatively poor countries.

The study is based on a Gallup World Poll that reached about 1,000 people in each of 128 countries, obtaining a total of more than 130,000 [..] Read the original article: here.