NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has found a cosmic "ghost" lurking around a distant supermassive black hole. This is the first detection of such a high-energy apparition, and scientists think it is evidence of a huge eruption produced by the black hole.

This discovery presents astronomers with a valuable opportunity to observe phenomena that occurred when the Universe was very young. The X-ray ghost, so-called because a diffuse X-ray source has remained after other radiation from the outburst has died away, is in the Chandra Deep Field-North, one of the deepest X-ray images ever taken. The source, a.k.a. HDF 130, is over 10 billion light years away and existed at a time 3 billion years after the Big Bang, when galaxies and black holes were forming at a high rate.

Last year, ICANN announced an “open season” on top-level domains, to start some time in 2010. This will dramatically expand the namespace for Internet domain names, and will allow cities, industries, and companies to register specific top-level domains for themselves. What effect will that have on the companies involved, and on the Internet users?

SUNNYVALE, California, May 28 /PRNewswire/ --

- Data show superiority of endoscopic ablation therapy using the HALO System for eradicating Barrett's esophagus in randomized, multicenter, sham controlled trial

Results from a clinical study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine reveal that ablative therapy using the HALO system (BARRX Medical, Inc.) is highly effective for complete eradication of a pre-cancerous condition of the esophagus called Barrett's esophagus afflicting more than 3.3 million Americans. Additionally, ablative therapy using the HALO system reduced the risk of progression to cancer in the highest risk cohort studied (compared to control) from 19.0% to 2.4%.

SEOUL, South Korea, May 27 /PRNewswire/ --

Mayors of major metropolitan cities around the world adopted the Seoul Declaration at the Third C40 Large Cities Climate Summit held last week in the capital city of Korea. Announced on the final day of the three-day Summit, the Declaration calls on major cities to convert into low-carbon areas by cutting greenhouse gas emissions to the largest extent possible. The Declaration also reaffirms the cities' commitment to making collective efforts to combat climate change. Mayor Se-hoon Oh of the host city said at the closing ceremony that the Declaration will add momentum to the promotion of the vital roles of cities in addressing climate change.

This afternoon Lisa Randall, one of the most famous theoretical physicists of our time, received from the hands of Flavio Zanonato, mayor of Padova, the keys of the city.

HSINCHU, Taiwan, May 27 /PRNewswire/ --

- New iRCX Format Ensure Data Accuracy and Enables Extensive EDA Support of Interconnect Modeling Related Applications in TSMC 65nm and 40nm

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. (TSE: 2330, NYSE: TSM) today unveiled iRCX, an interoperable electronic design automation (EDA) data format, for TSMC 65 nanometer (nm) and 40nm technologies.

It's been 9 months since I read Autism's False Prophets and participated in a discussion over at Science Blogs Book Club. The good news is that there is increased awareness of the overwhelming scientific evidence refuting a link between vaccines and autism.

LONDON, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- European CEO is proud to announce Tandberg, the leading global provider of telepresence and high-definition video conferencing solutions, as its Telepresence Provider of the Year for 2009.

Tandberg was presented with the award for its high-quality telepresence offerings and the pivotal role the company has played in the adoption of telepresence and video conferencing solutions in the European business community.

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Delek Group Ltd. (TASE: DLEKG.TA) (hereinafter: Delek Group or The Group) announced today reported its results for the three month period ending March 31, 2009. The full financial statements are available on Delek Group's website at: http://www.delek-group.com.

Highlights

- Strong increase in net income to NIS 157 million; Witnessed growth in most sectors compared to Q408 - Tamar-2 appraisal well drilling underway following commercial gas discoveries at Tamar and Dalit - Delek Group distributed the majority of Delek Real Estate as dividend in kind to shareholders at quarter end