Technology News for February 23, 2008

Stroke risk factors indicate faster cognitive decline in older people
Researchers at the University of Alabama in Birmingham have reported that older people with the highest risk of stroke are more likely to have the highest rate of cognitive decline as well, even if they never actually suffered a stroke. ANI

International solar mission to end after weathering down of machinery
The joint NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) Ulysses mission to study the sun and its influence on surrounding space is likely to cease operations in the next few months, after the weathering down of its machinery. ANI

Electron motion captured on film for the first time
Scientists at the Lund University Faculty of Engineering in Sweden have managed to capture the motion of an electron on film for the first time. ANI

Study links rap music to sexism
A new study from North Carolina State University has established an unusual link between rap music and sexism. ANI

Role of salamanders in food chain may be quite critical
A new study has revealed that the biomass of the black-bellied salamander far exceeds any previous estimates, and the contribution of the species and its habitat may be critical in the food chain. ANI

Global warming may cause invasion of pythons in North America
Climate researchers have suggested that pythons could soon spread out to new parts of North America, due to global warming. ANI

Astronomers confirm existence of heaviest known black hole in Universe
Astronomers have confirmed the existence of the heaviest known black hole in the Universe. ANI

Worlds most expensive diamond encrusted toy car at $140k unveiled
All car fans who are a big bling enthusiasts can now have their interests encrusted in one thing only, at least in a small version, for toy makers Hot Wheels has unveiled the worlds most expensive diamond coated toy car. ANI

Spine surgery most effective for lower back pain, claims study
Surgical treatment for a painful, common back condition known as spinal stenosis yields better results than treatment with drugs and physical therapy, says a new study. ANI

Physical abuse during pregnancy linked to premature births
A new study at the University of Porto Medical School and the Hospital S. Joao, Porto, Portugal has found that physical abuse during pregnancy may be linked to premature baby births. ANI

Smoking during pregnancy could put unborn babies at risk
Women suffering from the high risk condition pre-eclampsia put the lives of their unborn babies at a considerably greater risk, if they continue to smoke during pregnancy, says a new study. ANI

Earth would face a fiery end when Sun becomes red giant
A new study has suggested that the Earth would face destruction when the Sun expands into a red giant in about 7.6 billion years from now. ANI

Scientists unravel secret behind Saturns moons mysterious plumes of dust and water vapour
Scientists have developed a new theory to explain the formation of the enormous plume of dust and water vapour that spurts violently into space from the south pole of Enceladus, Saturns sixth-largest moon. ANI

Oldest fossils of ancestors of rabbits and hares unearthed in Gujarat
Scientists have discovered the oldest fossils of ancestors of present day rabbits and hares in the state of Gujarat in India. ANI