Monthly Science News 2016 March

Science News For The Month March

Diminutive 'Hobbit' people vanished earlier than previously known

The extinct human species dubbed the "Hobbit" vanished from its home on the Indonesian island of Flores far earlier than previously thought, according to scientists our species may have had a hand in the demise of these diminutive people. The Hobbit's discovery in 2003 had created a scientific sensation.
2016-03-31

Clamp from IIT-M to help surgeons suture blood vessels

A tiny clip-like instrument, not larger than a thumb nail, sits on the table of senior plastic surgeon Dr V B Narayanamurthy who works at Global Hospitals.
2016-03-30

Mysterious planet is to blame for mass extinctions of life on Earth, scientist claims

A mysterious, hidden planet that could be sitting on the edge of our solar system might be linked with periodic extinctions on Earth, according to a researcher. Planet 9 has been said by some to exist for years.
2016-03-30

Diabetes will be world's seventh largest killer unless efforts are made to curb it: WHO

Ahead of World Health Day, the World Health Organisation has urged countries to take concerted steps towards controlling diabetes, a disease which has reached "epidemic proportions."
2016-03-30

Single-shot, long-term male contraception in the offing

A new single injection male contraceptive may provide rapid, durable and potentially reversible birth control for about a year, a new study has claimed, ahead of its first human clinical trial this year. Men currently have few options for reproductive control, including condoms and vasectomy.
2016-03-30

3D models show how giant dinosaurs evolved

Scientists have developed 3D computer models of the bodies of the gigantic sauropod dinosaurs to analyse how their size, shape and weight-distribution evolved over time.
2016-03-30

Are you a believer or an atheist? It's all in your brain

While scientists and faithfuls will ensure that the debate on the existence of a universal spirit -- call it God or a supernatural force -- goes on, a research study has revealed that the conflict between science and religion has its roots in your brain.
2016-03-30

Humans, 'unicorns' may have walked Earth at same time: study

A long-extinct animal known as the Siberian unicorn -- which was actually a long-horned rhinoceros -- may have walked the Earth 29,000 years ago, at the same time as prehistoric humans, researchers say.
2016-03-29

GMSH to get platelet separation machine

Soon, the only government hospital in the city, Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16, which did not have the facility of separation of platelets, will be equipped with a cell separator.
2016-03-29

Many in US ignorant of key facts on Zika virus: study

Miami, March 29, 2016 (AFP) -Many Americans are unclear on key facts about the mosquito-borne Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects and is of particular concern to pregnant women, US researchers said Tuesday, warning of a race against time.
2016-03-29

Will it hurt? Uncertainty is worst of all, says study

Paris, March 29, 2016 (AFP) -Not knowing if a decision will provoke pain is more stressful than correctly anticipating the outcome, even when that outcome hurts like hell, according to a study released Tuesday.
2016-03-29

How human body ages explained

Japanese scientists have discovered metabolites; a substances created during metabolism, that are specifically related to ageing and shed light on how the human body ages. The decline in antioxidants and muscle strength suggest that it is important for individuals to consume foods high in antioxidants and to continue exercising,
2016-03-29

Japan's high life expectancy linked to diet, study finds

The population of the island nation, which has one of the lowest mortality rates in the world, eat diets high in certain carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits as well as fish and meat. Such foods make for a diet low in saturated fats, processed foods and high in carbohydrates gained from both rice and vegetables.
2016-03-29

Indian doctors develop technology for cancer treatment

A team of Indian scientists from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard Medical School have made an important breakthrough by developing a nano-technology which will help monitor the effectiveness of cancer therapy within hours of treatment.
2016-03-29

'Sunbathing may up life expectancy'

Women who sunbathe might live longer despite risk of melanoma, researchers have found.
2016-03-29

Planet Nine: Scientists find more evidence that hidden planet is sitting at the edge of our solar system

Objects have been spotted moving around unusually at the edge of our solar system. And the best explanation for the strange orbits is the mysterious Planet Nine, according to one of the scientists who has argued that the hidden planet exists.
2016-03-28

Why do bridesmaids all dress the same?

Some believe that the bridesmaids were essentially bait for evil spirits and jilted ex-lovers who were attracted by the spectacle of the wedding party and sought to wreak havoc. A group of women dressed the same distract the wrong-doers, and enable the couple to wed without interruption, Mental Floss reported.
2016-03-28

Sun may produce devastating superflares

The Sun is capable of producing monstrous eruptions or superflares that can not only break down radio communication and power supplies, but also affect Earths ability to support life, scientists say.
2016-03-27

Over 40-min afternoon nap ups risk of premature death

Taking a nap lasting more than 40 minutes can raise your risk of premature death, new research has suggested.
2016-03-27

Gas giant planet discovered near Milky Way's bulge

Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have detected what appears to be a Saturn-like planet residing near the Milky Way galaxy's bulge. The newly discovered exoplanet has a mass somewhere between Saturn and Jupiter and orbits a star with half the mass of the Sun, scientists said.
2016-03-27

New material to detect fuel leaks, explosives

Scientists have developed a new type of fibre material for a handheld scanner that can detect leaks in oil pipelines and planes, or locate fuel-based explosives. Alkane fuel is a key ingredient in combustible material such as gasoline, airplane fuel, oil - even a homemade bomb.
2016-03-27

Nasa to undertake globe-spanning research campaigns

Nasa is sending scientists around the world this year - from the edge of the Greenland ice sheet to the coral reefs of the South Pacific - to study how our planet is changing and what impact humans are having on it.
2016-03-26

Tooth loss linked to cognitive impairment, dementia

We are often ignorant about loss of teeth but preserving oral health can benefit you in a longer run. According to researchers, loss of teeth is linked to increased risk for cognitive impairment and dementia in adults.
2016-03-26

'Turmeric may help overcome drug-resistant TB'

2016-03-26

Prolonged sitting causes 4% of deaths

2016-03-26

Ladakh to get world's largest telescope?

India may be home to the world's largest telescope project - the $1.47-billion Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) International Observatory.
2016-03-25

Malaria first spread from birds: Study

Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through mosquitoe bites, started out as a parasite in birds, and then it evolved to colonise bats, and from there it has evolved to affect other mammals, reveals a new study.
2016-03-25

What believing in God does to your brain

Humans suppress areas of the brain used for analytical thinking and engage the parts responsible for empathy in order to believe in god, research suggests.
2016-03-25

Dark chocolate can boost your workout

Adding a little dark choc olate to a training diet may effortlessly improve endurance performance, according to a new study of sports nutrition.The findings provide ammunition both for athletes looking for an edge and those hoping for an excuse to indulge.
2016-03-25

Experts stress on better diagnostic algorithm to fight multi-drug resistance to TB

Highlighting the growing menace of multi-drug resistant TB, they stressed several gaps to be addressed, from TB diagnosis to management, achieving 100% diagnosis and preventing patients from dropping off treatment, midway.
2016-03-24

Moon's 'wandering poles' shifted long ago, study finds

Telltale patches of water ice on opposite ends of our Moon reveal that Earth's orbiting companion once spun on a different axis, according to a study released on Wednesday. The six-degree tilt, which happened billion years ago, was likely caused by an ancient volcanic formation on the near side of Moon.
2016-03-24

Heavy social media users 'trapped in endless cycle of depression'

The more time young adults spend on social media, the more likely they are to become depressed, a study has found.
2016-03-24

'Superstorm' climate shift can happen within decades not centuries, climate scientists warn

Climate scientists are warning the threat of global warming could be even more dangerous than previously believed, suggesting killer storms, the rise of sea levels and the disintegration of large parts of the polar ice sheets can happen sooner than thought.
2016-03-24

Prague zoo finds new use of elephant dung--making paper

At first, their elephant dung was sold to gardeners as fertilizer. Now Prague Zoo has come up with a new use for it: making paper.
2016-03-24

Fish fatty acids could reduce depression

Additionally, this study underscores the importance of EPA and DHA omega-3s for overall health and well-being, and supports an existing body of research on the connection between omega-3s and depression.
2016-03-23

New gene identified as cause, early indicator of breast cancer

The gene GT198, whether mutated by genetics and/or environmental factors, has strong potential as both as a way to diagnose breast cancer early and as a new treatment target, said a press release from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.
2016-03-23

Brain tries to forget as well: Study

Interestingly, this active push for forgetting only happens in learning situations. When the scientists blocked the main route into the hippocampus under other circumstances, the strength of its connections remained unaltered.
2016-03-23

Most outrageously luminous galaxies ever discovered

Astronomers have observed the most luminous galaxies ever seen in the universe. Researchers used the 50-metre diameter Large Millimetre Telescope ” located on the summit of Mexico's Sierra Negra ” the largest and most sensitive single-aperture instrument in the world for studying star formation.
2016-03-23

Research shows humans and lions can coexist

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have been able to answer the question that says that humans and lions can coexist through the creation of community conservancies - privately protected areas that engage local people in conservation and ecotourism.
2016-03-23

British troops test Harry Potter-like invisibility cloak

New York/ British troops are testing a Harry Potter-style "invisibility cloak" in the US that allows them to hide from the enemy with soldiers hailing it as a "brilliant piece".
2016-03-23

Elimination of HIV from DNA raises hope for AIDS cure

Using a specialised gene editing system, scientists have shown that they can eliminate HIV from the DNA of human cells, paving the way for a cure for AIDS patients.
2016-03-23

Myth busted: Booze offers no net health benefits

Researchers at University of Victoria in British Columbia examined 87 studies on the relationship between alcohol and mortality that involved nearly four million people.
2016-03-23

4 of 6 drugs ineffective in 70% of deadly TB cases, Mumbai doctors say

Four of the six drugs given to patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) could be ineffective in nearly 70% of patients, a study by Mumbai's Hinduja Hospital has revealed.
2016-03-22

Smaller species may go extinct without fossil trace

Many of the species now perishing due to the ongoing sixth mass-extinction event, especially the smaller ones, may vanish without a permanent trace, says researchers. The fossil record is much more durable than any human record, said one of the researchers.
2016-03-22

New gravity map provides best view yet inside Mars

Scientists have created the most detailed map of Mars' gravity using data from 3 Nasa spacecrafts. The new map will be helpful for future Mars exploration, because better knowledge of the planet's gravity anomalies helps mission controllers insert spacecraft more precisely into orbit about Mars.
2016-03-22

Humanoid robot works in therapy for children with autism

Scientists have created a robot with artificial intelligence that teaches children with autism to recognise facial expressions in people. Children with autism have special difficulty in expressing emotions, usually have no social skills and face major problems when communicating.
2016-03-21

Rare comet 'twins' zip past Earth

Comet 252P/LINEAR, approximately 750 feet in size, zip past Earth on 21 at a range of about 5.2 million kms. On 22, comet P/2016 BA14 safely flied by our planet at a distance of about 3.5 million kms.
2016-03-21

Can birdsong help us with speech disorders?

According to a recent study, birdsong could offer clues to human speech disorders that accompany several common neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
2016-03-21

Cern laboratory made famous for work on Large Hadron Collider embroiled in homophobia row

One of the worlds largest projects for scientific co-operation, the Cern laboratory in Geneva, has become embroiled in a divisive row over homophobia. The laboratory was used by scientists to prove the existence of the sub-atomic Higgs boson particle.
2016-03-21

117 light years away, a 'most eccentric' planet

Researchers have spotted an extrasolar planet, about 117 light years from Earth, that boasts the most eccentric orbit ever seen.
2016-03-21

Miracle drug for resistant TB rolled out

A miracle drug to battle multi-drug resistant tuberculosis MDR-TB, and extensively-drug resistant TB (XDR-TB), had been rolled out on 21 Mar in six public hospitals across the country.
2016-03-20

Unisex contraceptives one step closer to reality

Scientists have found a switch that triggers the 'power kick' sperms use to fertilise a human egg, uncovering a likely source of male infertility and a target for contraceptives that work in both men and women.
2016-03-20

First day of spring: What is the Vernal Equinox?

The first day of astronomical spring in the northern hemisphere in 2016 is on 20 March as it is the day when daytime and nighttime are of approximately equal length. It typically happens on 19, 20 or 21 March every year.
2016-03-20

NASA scientists reveal Pluto and its moons

NASA scientists associated with interplanetary space probe New Horizons have revealed the former "astronomer's planet" and its "intriguing system of small moons" in a comprehensive set of papers describing results from last summer's Pluto system flyby.
2016-03-20

Nap, so coffee can keep you awake

Coffee lovers of the world know that their morn ing cup contains a substance to be reckoned with. Caffeine is so effective at juicing our energy and productivity that until 2004, its intake was restricted by the International Olympic Committee.
2016-03-20

Source of unprecedented energy found in Milky Way

A source of cosmic rays radiating energies 100 times greater than those achieved at the largest terrestrial particle accelerator - the Large Hadron Collider at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) - has been found in the innermost region of our Milky Way galaxy.
2016-03-19

Early Earth may have been colder than thought

Our planet's first organisms may have formed in an ice cold ocean, according to a new study which contradicts the old concept that Earth's early oceans were very hot, reaching 80 degrees Celsius, and that life originated in these conditions.
2016-03-19

'Grandpa' astronaut to break Kelly's record

A grandfather of three is poised to blast into space and the record books on 18 Mar, becoming the American astronaut who has spent the longest time in space, Nasa said.
2016-03-18

High coronary calcium may signal increased risk of cancer

A 10-year follow-up study of over 6,000 people who underwent heart CT scans suggests that a high coronary artery calcium score puts people at greater risk not only for heart and vascular disease but also for cancer, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
2016-03-18

US made dengue vaccine 100 percent effective in small study

A dengue vaccine developed by US National Institutes of Health scientists protected everyone given the shot against the virus in a promising small study published on 16 Mar, with the researchers saying it could become widely available by 2018.
2016-03-16

Students generate electricity from waste tomatoes

A group of students in the US has used waste tomatoes to generate electricity. Large amounts of damaged tomatoes are thrown away in the US because they are not considered fit for grocery stores. This inspired Namita Shreshtha of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology to collaborate with researchers from Princeton University and Florida Gulf Coast University to devise a pilot fuel cell running on tomatoes.
2016-03-16

Black hole 'eruptions' from V404 Cygni burn as bright as 1,000 suns

The black hole, named V404 Cygni, lies 7,800 light years away from Earth (or about 46 quadrillion miles), and is thought to have started flashing after spitting out jets of matter which it could not swallow.
2016-03-16

Milky Way has 58 billion red dwarf stars, study finds

Two astronomy students from Leiden University have for the first time estimated that there are 58 billion dwarf stars in the entire Milky Way Galaxy. This result is the most comprehensive model ever for the distribution of these stars. The findings appear in a new paper in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
2016-03-16

A bizman plans 'digital immortality'

A billionaire Russian businessman is making it his life's goal to stay alive forever by uploading his brain into a computer. Dmitry Itskov is the founder of the 2045 Intiative, an organisation working with a network of scientists to develop 'cybernetic immortality' within the next few decades.
2016-03-15

Pay with a selfie? Amazon files patent for new service

Amazon wants you to start paying for goods with a selfie. It concerns a payment method using selfies, where buyers are required to send two photos: one selfie and one in which they blink, smile or tilt their head to confirm that they are real and not a picture.
2016-03-15

New model to decode invisible dark matter

Researchers have presented a new model for what dark matter might be, a discovery that can lead scientists to invisible dark matter that is all around us yet no one has ever seen it and no one knows what it really is.
2016-03-15

After cough syrups, 500 more drugs, including antibiotics and anti-diabetic drugs, may face ban

Around 500 more medicines, including popular antibiotics and anti-diabetic drugs, may soon face a ban for being irrational, unsafe and inefficacious, official sources said. The health ministry,is evaluating a list of over 6,000 products.
2016-03-14

Europe-Russia mission blasts off on hunt for life on Mars

A joint European-Russian mission aiming to search for traces of life on Mars blasted off for the start of a 7-month unmanned space trip to the red planet. The ExoMars 2016 mission is the first part of a 2-phase exploration aiming to answer questions about the existence of life on Earth's neighbour.
2016-03-14

IISc develops a powerful microscope out of a simple smart phone

The Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has transformed a simple smart phone into a powerful microscope by replacing the camera with high resolution optics of a microscope.
2016-03-14

Human DNA to help create faster, cheaper chips soon

DNA, the genetic material of life, may help engineers build faster, cheaper computer chips by forming specific shapes through a process reminiscent of the ancient art of paper folding, researchers report.
Scientists has opened a door to faster, cheaper computer chips with the help of 'DNA origami.' "We would like to use DNA's very small size, base-pairing capabilities and ability to self-assemble, and direct it to make nanoscale structures that could be used for electronics," Adam T. Woolley said.
2016-03-14

Pig corneas help restore eyesight

Bio-Engineering Tech Helps Boy In China See Again, May Help Millions Worldwide. A 14-year-old boy regained his sight after receiving a pig cornea transplant. The boy had injured his right eye with a firecracker during New Year celebrations.
2016-03-13

New immune mechanism to protect from cancer identified

For the first time, researchers have identified a new innate immunity pathway that protects mammals from viral oncogenesis, the process by which viruses cause normal cells to become cancerous. The discovery is significant and could contribute to development of new cancer therapies, researchers said.
2016-03-13

Kinky sex is normal, says study

The number of sexual fetishes considered anomalous in psychiatry are actually common in the general population, a study has found. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), sexual interests fall into two categories: normal (normophilic) and anomalous (paraphilic). Researchers asked 1,040 Quebec residents, representative of the general population, about their experiences of sexual behaviour considered abnormal by the DSM-5.
2016-03-12

Airlander 10: World's largest aircraft prepares to take to the skies

The Airlander 10 “ part-plane, part-airship, and all of 90m long “ is being assembled by the firm Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) on a site that has been associated with airships since 1915 when Shorts built the first giant hangar to build the R-31 and R-32.
2016-03-12

Moonquakes: CSIR-NGRI scientists find young faults

A team of scientists has discovered a few new, hitherto undetected, seismically active zones on the Moon, having proximity to the south polar region on lunar far side.
2016-03-12

Nasa finds giant 'bite mark' on Pluto's surface

The methane-ice rich surface of Pluto may be sublimating away into the atmosphere, exposing a layer of water-ice underneath, Nasa said. The image captured by Nasa shows the cratered plateau uplands, informally named Vega Terra, far in the western hemisphere of Pluto.
2016-03-12

Astronaut Scott Kelly retiring after longest US space mission

The astronaut who holds the American record for most time spent in space, Scott Kelly, will retire from Nasa on April 1.
2016-03-12

World's thinnest lens created by Aus scientists

Australian scientists have claimed to have created the world's thinnest lens which is 2,000 times thinner than human hair, a breakthrough set to revolutionise nanotechnology.
2016-03-11

Bacteria colonies develop collective memories

In a finding that reminds one of sci-fi stories, scientists from Swiss research institutes have found that groups of bacteria develop a collective memory for bad things that happen in the past. Individual bacterial cells do not display such memories.
2016-03-11

New Nasa technology to better measure Earth's orientation

Nasa has developed advanced technology for making precise measurements of Earth's orientation and rotation - information that will help provide a foundation for navigation of all space missions and for geophysical studies.
2016-03-11

Found: A way to make plastic from CO2 & agricultural waste

Scientists, including one of Indian origin, have discovered a new way to make plastic from carbon dioxide and agricultural waste and grasses, that may dramatically lower carbon footprint of the plastic industry
2016-03-10

Kidney transplant now possible from any donor

Now, in a revolutionary study, researchers have successfully altered patients immune system to allow them to accept kidneys from an incompatible donor.
2016-03-10

Mysterious extinction of prehistoric marine reptiles explained

One of the enduring mysteries of paleontology, the demise of a group of dolphin-like marine reptiles called ichthyosaurs may finally have been solved. Scientists attributed their extinction 94 million years ago to the combination of global warming and their own failure to evolve swiftly enough.
2016-03-10

First uterus transplant in US has failed

The failure occurred only a day after the clinic held a news conference to describe what had seemed to be a successful transplant, with remarks from members of the surgical team and a brief appearance by the patient, who asked to be identified only as Lindsey.
2016-03-10

Newly-discovered Australian spider can swim and eat toads

The creature was named after Brian Greene, the famed string theorist and Columbia University professor who founded the festival in 2008. The spider is around the size of your palm, a locates its prey by detecting vibrations and tiny waves in water while skimming around on the surface.
2016-03-10

Nasa reschedules launch of troubled Mars lander to 2018

US space agency Nasa said on Wednesday that its Mars lander is now targeting a new launch window that begins May 5, 2018, with a Mars landing scheduled for November 26, 2018.
2016-03-10

Butterfly with 15 photoreceptors that can see UV, polarized light found

Scientists have found that a butterfly species from Australasia - Graphium sarpedon or common blueblottle - has 15 classes of light-detecting cells or photoreceptors, enabling them to see fast moving objects better than the human eye and even distinguish ultraviolet and polarized light.
2016-03-09

Tall people more likely to be successful in life, study finds

The findings, based on data from 120,000 Britons, are the strongest evidence yet that size matters when it comes to future success. Such conclusions are likely to resonate with Marco Rubio, Trumps rival for the Republican Presidential nomination.
2016-03-09

Asteroid could be about to wipe out life on Earth, online pastor says in video that is almost certainly false

The rock, known as 2013 TX68, is almost certainly going to pass by us without making any difference to life on Earth. But an internet pastor claims otherwise. "The end times are here, said Anita Fuentes in a video that was reported by The Sun. It could be the last hour, the last second.
2016-03-09

Cannabis myths: Seven rumours about legalisation, crime and addiction debunked

A study compared long-term, heavy cannabis users (individuals aged 30-55 who had smoked cannabis a mean of 18,000 times and a minimum of 5,000 times in their lives) to an age-matched group of subjects who had smoked at least once but no more than 50 times in their lives.
2016-03-09

Dust particles on Earth came from star explosions?

This explosion nearly five billions years ago would have ejected stellar material in the form of gas and dust into the space between stars in the galaxy. Some of that material would have been used in the creation of our solar system.
2016-03-09

Gravitational waves decoded: When Einstein got it right

On February 11, 2016, scientists announced that they had detected 'gravitational waves', something that people had been looking for a century since Albert Einstein first suggested that they should exist, back in 1916. The scientists had recorded a blip or a 'chirp' (like a bird's sound) from gravity waves that started 1.3 billion years ago when two black holes collided and merged into one.
2016-03-08

Pluto might be about to become a planet again

As part of the New Horizons mission - which has already found far more complexity on Pluto than had been expected - scientists have spotted cloud-like parts of the images released from the mission. That could mean that the planet has an even richer atmosphere than had been thought.
2016-03-08

People who love chocolate are more likely to be clever

The researchers incorporated a new questionnaire “ gathering all sorts of information about dietary habits “ into the sixth wave of their data collection, which spanned the five years between 2001 and 2006 (there have been seven waves in all, each conducted in five-year intervals).
2016-03-08

Gene behind evolution of intelligent life identified

Scientists have identified a common ancestral gene that enabled the evolution of advanced life more than a billion years ago, and without which life on our planet would probably still be bacterial slime.
2016-03-07

Rare 'Curious Marie' from early solar system discovered

Scientists have discovered evidence in a meteorite that a rare radioactive element, curium, was present during the formation of our solar system, ending a 35-year-old debate.
2016-03-06

Work, view of Himalayan lakes kept Scott Kelly sane on ISS

The view of rainbow-hued Himalayan lakes and steady work helped Scott Kelly stay sane during the 340 days he spent aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the NASA astronaut said days after returning to Earth from the record-setting mission.
2016-03-05

Sarcasm increases creativity and psychological well-being, say academics

Virtually everything Groucho Marx said, the way he said it and what he was doing while saying it, was a form of sarcasm. A lazy journalist would take that cue to just fill up the rest of an article with old Marx Brothers lines, but not this one.
2016-03-05

Genes that created complex life on Earth found

One of the ancient genes that enabled evolution of complex life on Earth, breaking out of the primitive mould of single cell life, has been found by researchers at the University of British Columbia. The gene is found in all complex organisms, including plants and animals.
2016-03-04

Methane spotted on Pluto's snowcapped peaks

Scientists have discovered a chain of exotic snowcapped mountains stretching across the dark expanse on Pluto, informally named "Cthulhu Regio", that has methane -- an important trace gas in Earth's atmosphere.
2016-03-04

Tiny dragonfly is the world's long distance traveling champion

A type of dragonfly seems to have taken the record for the worlds longest travel as it migrates from continent to continent according to new research done by biologists of Rutgers University, Newark, US.
2016-03-03

First gene behind grey hair discovered

Scientists, including one of Indian-origin, have discovered the first gene responsible for greying hair, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments to delay or block the process.
2016-03-02

After record 340 days in ISS, US astronaut back on Earth

Kelly, who spent the time about 400 km above the planet aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and the Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko landed on Tuesday at 11.26 pm Eastern on Wednesday (10 am IST) in Kazakhstan.
2016-03-02

IISC scientist's invention to make researches safer

A researcher of Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, claims to have developed a stain (dye used for staining microscopic specimens), tinto rang, which is safe even on consumption. The invention can contribute a lot to researches as carcinogenic acid stains are widely used in researches.
2016-03-02

Stress causes faster spread of cancer

Cancer cells spread faster through the body when the patient is suffering from stress, according to new research carried out at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
2016-03-02

'Long-term stress erodes short-term memory

Experts have long blamed stress for heart diseases, stroke, depression among many other diseases, but a new American study claims stress can literally wipe out memories.
2016-03-02

Belle II's SuperKEKB reaches test operation stage, eight Indian institutions involved in project

Eight Indian academic institutions, including four IITs, have contributed to yet another international scientific collaboration - the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB accelerator in Japan.
2016-03-02

Two spacemen back home after year aloft: 'We did it!'

Astronaut Scott Kelly returned to Earth after an unprecedented year in space for Nasa, landing in barren Kazakhstan with a Russian cosmonaut who shared his whole space station journey.
2016-03-02

A celestial spectacle on March 9

A total solar eclipse will occur on March 9 but will be seen as a partial solar eclipse at sunrise from most places in India except from north-west and western parts of the country.
2016-03-01

Budget 2016 gives Major boost to Department of Space

Of the Rs 7509 crore budget allocation, Rs 1509 crore has been earmarked for different projects
2016-03-01

Deep-ocean sound waves may aid tsunami detection

Acoustic-gravity waves are very long sound waves that cut through the deep ocean at the speed of sound.
2016-03-01

NASA plans supersonic passenger jet

US space agency NASA announced that it is planning to build a supersonic passenger jet which will be as quiet and efficient as possible. Concorde, the last of the commercial supersonic flights ceased operations following an accident in 2003.
2016-03-01

India to establish lab to study gravitational waves: Narendra Modi

India has decided to establish a Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) where gravitational waves can be studied, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday. In his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, Modi said Indian scientists were also in the research team that studied gravitational waves.
2016-02-28

Why planes dim their lights when landing

The custom of dimming lights for landing is a security measure which has long perplexed many aeroplane passengers. Many travellers are unclear if its meant to force those on board to put down their books or phones and pay attention, or if the lighting is simply a ploy by airline staff to ensure a dramatic finale when they finally touch down.
2016-02-27

Source: Times of India News