Washington, Sept 23 : Scientists at the University of Leicester have discovered a natural fruit-based extract that dramatically improves the growth and probiotic qualities of ‘friendly’ bacteria, such as the lactic acid bacteria, which are found in the most widely-advertised health supplement drinks.

There is currently a great deal of interest in the health-associated properties of probiotics, also known as ‘beneficial’ or ‘friendly’ bacteria, and prebiotics, the food needed for the growth of probiotic when inside our bodies.

Washington, Sept 23 : An international team of scientists have demonstrated the dramatic effects of quantum mechanics on a simple magnet.

As part of their study, the team focussed on a square of spins, the tiny bar magnets associated with the electrons in the copper atoms in the organometallic material.

At the nano scale, magnetism arises from atoms behaving like little magnets called ‘spins’.

In ferromagnets – the kind that sticks to fridge doors – all of these atomic magnets point in the same direction.

Washington, Sept 23 : Climate change is accelerating the spread of dengue fever throughout the Americas and in tropical regions worldwide, a new study by a Harvard Medical School researcher has revealed.

The study said more rainfall in certain areas and warmer overall temperatures was providing optimal conditions for mosquitoes –which spread the virus that causes dengue – to breed and expand into new territories.

Washington, Sept 23 : A German-American research team of biologists and geochemists has discovered hitherto unknown anaerobic bacteria in marine sediments, which need only propane or butane for growth.

Ethane, propane butane, and methane are the major constituents of natural gas. Biological processes may lead to the degradation of these hydrocarbons in underground petroleum reservoirs and other geological habitats.

Washington, Sept.22 : China has said that developed countries should continue to take the lead in reducing emissions in the post Kyoto Protocol period.

China's newly appointed special representative for climate change, Yui Qingtai, has said that the current international mechanism for tackling global warming after 2012 should define the obligations of developed countries.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the UN-sponsored Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, are key guiding instruments for addressing global warming.