*First such levels measured outside polar regions*
In Hebrew, the Dead Sea is called Yam ha-Melah, the “sea of salt.” Now measurements show that the sea’s salt has profound effects on the chemistry of the air above its surface.
The atmosphere over the Dead Sea, researchers have found, is laden with oxidized mercury. Some of the highest levels of oxidized mercury ever observed outside the polar regions exist there. (more…)
*Evidence of evolutionary protection against inbreeding in women?*
Through an innovative use of cell phone records, researchers at UCLA, the University of Miami and Cal State, Fullerton, have found that women appear to avoid contact with their fathers during ovulation.
“Women call their dads less frequently on these high-fertility days and they hang up with them sooner if their dads initiate a call,” said Martie Haselton, a UCLA associate professor of communication in whose lab the research was conducted. (more…)
Researchers from North Carolina State University and IBM have invented a way to update computer systems packaged in virtual machines in a computer “cloud” – even when those programs are offline.
The new cloud computing patch tool developed by NC State and IBM is called Nuwa and protects virtual machines (VMs) from cyber-attacks by ensuring that they always receive important security upgrades. In addition, the researchers have determined that offline application of security patches is more than four times faster than online patch application. The tool is named after a Chinese goddess who patched a hole in the sky. (more…)
*From Kinect to Halo: Reach, from Windows Phone to Windows Live and Binging everything in between — a tour of some of Microsoft’s most popular gifts and holiday shopping tools.*
REDMOND, Wash. – Nov. 29, 2010 – With the holiday shopping season now in full swing, it’s time to take stock. Gift list? Check. Special deals? Check. Fun, futuristic gifts for the whole family? Check. Microsoft has you covered. Get a closer look at some of Microsoft’s most recent products and services to help make your holidays shine brightly this year. (more…)
MU scientists make strides in green nanotechnology
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Gold nanoparticles, tiny pieces of gold so small that they can’t be seen by the naked eye, are used in electronics, healthcare products and as pharmaceuticals to fight cancer. Despite their positive uses, the process to make the nanoparticles requires dangerous and extremely toxic chemicals. While the nanotechnology industry is expected to produce large quantities of nanoparticles in the near future, researchers have been worried about the environmental impact of the global nanotechnological revolution. (more…)
*Vivendi is Top Display Advertiser with More Than 2 Billion Impressions Served*
Paris, France, November 29, 2010 – comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today released an 
overview of the French online display advertising market for Q3 2010, using comScore’s Ad Metrix services. The data revealed that French internet users received more than 191 billion display ads during the quarter.
“Following the ad recession that occurred from late 2008 through most of 2009, we are now seeing a strong resurgence in the online display ad market in France,” said Delphine Gatignol, Senior Director for comScore in France. “A key driver of this growth is the social media sector, which is becoming an increasingly powerful marketing channel for brands and an attractive platform for display advertising.” (more…)
ANN ARBOR, Mich.— Young people who are overexposed to antibacterial soaps containing triclosan may suffer more allergies, and exposure to higher levels of Bisphenol A among adults may negatively influence the immune system, a new University of Michigan School of Public Health study suggests.
Triclosan is a chemical compound widely used in products such as antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, pens, diaper bags and medical devices. Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in many plastics and, for example, as a protective lining in food cans. Both of these chemicals are in a class of environmental toxicants called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), which are believed to negatively impact human health by mimicking or affecting hormones. (more…)
*Thanksgiving Day Surges 28 Percent to $407 Million as Consumers Increasingly Use Day for Online Shopping*
RESTON, VA, November 28, 2010 – comScore, a leader in measuring the digital world, today reported U.S. retail 
e-commerce spending for the first 26 days of the November – December 2010 holiday season. For the holiday season-to-date, $11.64 billion has been spent online, marking a 13-percent increase versus the corresponding days last year. Black Friday (November 26) saw $648 million in online sales, making it the heaviest online spending day to date in 2010 and representing a 9-percent increase versus Black Friday 2009. Thanksgiving Day (November 26), traditionally a lighter day for online holiday spending, achieved a strong 28-percent increase to $407 million. (more…)
