Posted Nov 21, 2007 at 10:59PM by Ira Z. Listed in: Paleontology Tags: Germany, pollution, Bristol University
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Ancient sea scorpion - from BBC's Sea Monsters - Image 1 A 46 centimeter (18 inch) fossilized claw of a prehistoric scorpion was recently unearthed at a quarry site in Germany. The huge claw found once belonged to an ancient sea scorpion 8 feet in length!

Want to know more of this nightmarish creature? Read more in the full article.

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Posted Sep 15, 2007 at 11:26AM by Sally B. Listed in: Chemistry Tags: UK, Bristol University
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Chewing Gum - Image 1Do you hate the hassle of removing the troublesome gum off the sole of your shoe? If so, then you're in luck: scientists at Bristol University have invented a novel kind of chewing gum (about as novel as anti-obesity chewing gum?).

We're looking at the world's first non-stick chewing gum that easily washes off with water.

Christened as the Rev 7, the non-stick chewing gum may be on sale in the UK early next year. Made out of non-stick synthetic material, Rev 7 can be easily removed from shoe soles, desks (yes, sticking gum underneath desks seem to be a secret ritual in school), and from pretty much anything else.

Rev 7's inventor Professor Terence Cosgrove explained the importance of the invention:

Chewing gum is a social habit that goes around the world. But, unfortunately, a large number of people dispose of their gum inappropriately. I am sure you have all sat in the cinema or in someone's car and your hands have wandered and found a disgusting sticky mess under the seat. It is unpleasant, could have health issues associated with it, and is unsightly.


Yes, we all hate having to accidentally get our fingers caught in chewing gum moistened by some other person's saliva. At least with this new non-stick gum, cleaning the gum off won't be such a hassle.

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Posted Aug 14, 2007 at 03:21AM by Charles D. Listed in: Self Well-being Tags: caffeine, Bristol University
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Coffee overdose - Image 1 - Image 1The consumption of caffeine, in whatever form, has always been an acceptable world-wide method to give a person that much needed "pick me up". A recent case was reported, however, of a 17-year old waitress, Jasmine Willis, who was sent to the hospital after drinking more than three times the recommended daily amount of caffeine with a high temperature and heart palpitations.

Studies have shown that caffeine consumed in large amounts over extended periods of time can lead to a condition called "caffeinism." This usually leads to a variety of unpleasant physical and mental conditions which range from simple headaches, nervousness, and insomnia to more severe cases of peptic ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems.

A study was recently conducted regarding the effects of coffee on reducing tiredness while increasing alertness. A team from Bristol University have found out that the levels of alertness among coffee drinkers were almost the same as those who weren't.

Does it mean that caffeine itself has little or no benefits at all for those who regularly take it? There have been studies which delved into the physical benefits it has on people. In addition to increasing one's metabolism and giving a person a perceived feeling of less fatigue, it has also been suggested that coffee can decrease the onset of Parkinson's disease and keep the mind sharp into old age.

The moderate consumption of around four cups of coffee has been recommended as being perfectly safe. So the next time the urge for an extra cup of coffee tries to overwhelm you, just keep in mind: everything in moderation.

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Posted Mar 24, 2007 at 03:22AM by Dia A. Listed in: Chemistry, Self Well-being Tags: Bristol University, Ecstasy, Cannabis
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alcohol kills - Image 1Some of us think that boozing and smoking is A-okay as long as you don't do drugs, but apparently this is wrong. Alcohol and tobacco has been found to be more dangerous than two known drugs: marijuana and Ecstasy, among others.

In a recent study made by Britain's Bristol University Professor David Nutt and his colleagues, a classification of harmful substances was made. This list ranks the said substances according to the actual risks they pose to the society.

Heroin and cocaine made it to the top of the list, followed by barbiturates and street methadone. What is compelling about the list is that alcohol made it to the fifth place, tobacco landed on the ninth place, Cannabis was at the eleventh place and near the bottom of the list was Ecstasy.

The researchers made their study in the hope that tobacco and alcohol use will eventually be regulated, considering their harmful effects to people. Tobacco causes 40 percent of all hospital illnesses while alcohol is blamed for more than half of all the visits to hospital emergency rooms.

The experts agree that criminalizing tobacco and alcohol will be a challenge. They hope that the study will be used by the government to review the penalties imposed by harmful substances to reflect their actual risks and damages caused.

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Posted Jan 15, 2007 at 06:04AM by Mabie A. Listed in: Archaeology Tags: Stonehenge, Bristol University, Manchester University
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StonehengeThe mystery of the Stonehenge continues to shroud the scientific community, that is why they are not letting up on finding out just where these amazing structures came from. But while they have yet to determine the mysteries lying deep within it (alien conspiracy theories, anyone?), what they did discover was that it didn't stand alone.

To be more precise on that, archaeologists suggest that Stonehenge, along with other standing stones, were actually used for ancestor worship and commemoration of the dead. The research team, headed by Colin Richards of Manchester University and Joshua Pollard of Bristol University found new evidence that hinted at a stone monument being once present in the site.

Apart from this, they also found evidence from old maps and ancient sources for other similar monuments near Stonehenge. Says Pollard, "There may have been many smaller megalithic settings across this landscape." If ever, then those monuments would have a very primordial connection to Stonehenge, as it emphasizes on the symbolic role of spreading the authority of Stonehenge as a place for miracle cures to a wider landscape.

For more details on the research, click on the Read link below.

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