"Dad I've finally found you."
New Hope for Kidney Tranplant Patients
Kidney transplants could soon be a thing of the past. It will soon be possible to take kidney cells from a patient, reprogram them, then put the rejuvenated cells back in. Sharon Ricardo of Monash University has taken cells from a person's kidney and made them into progenitors that will develop into healthy kidney cells. In China kidney cells have been isolated in urine. These cells are perfectly okay for reprogramming.
The process is called induced pluripotency. Transplanting the new healthy cells will also enable further study into the causes of kidney disease. Kidney transplantation is a drain on health resources worldwide. This new treatment will save millions of dollars.
Success in treating kidney disease will lead to similar applications for other diseases. This could impact on health treatment in the future, revolutionizing health care.
The process is called induced pluripotency. Transplanting the new healthy cells will also enable further study into the causes of kidney disease. Kidney transplantation is a drain on health resources worldwide. This new treatment will save millions of dollars.
Success in treating kidney disease will lead to similar applications for other diseases. This could impact on health treatment in the future, revolutionizing health care.
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G
Hubble Constant for Speed of Universe Expansion Defined by Australian Student
Australia has determined how fast the Universe is expanding. A student planning to study a PhD, Florian Beutler, has measured the Hubble constant. This is a special number that enables measurement of the age and size of the Universe.
The Universe continues to expand with galaxies moving apart. Direction and speed that galaxies move are easy to measure, but distance of separation is more difficult. In the past, brightness of galaxies has been used to define this distance. Florian Beutler used data from a survey carried out with the UK's Schmidt Telescope to make calculations using a new method.
Galaxies are in clusters throughout the Universe. The 6dF survey provided information about these clusters which enabled distant to be defined with an error of less than 5 per cent. The speed of expansion is very close to the figure determined by other methods. The Hubble constant is 67.0 +/- 3.2 km s-1 Mpc-1.
The Universe continues to expand with galaxies moving apart. Direction and speed that galaxies move are easy to measure, but distance of separation is more difficult. In the past, brightness of galaxies has been used to define this distance. Florian Beutler used data from a survey carried out with the UK's Schmidt Telescope to make calculations using a new method.
Galaxies are in clusters throughout the Universe. The 6dF survey provided information about these clusters which enabled distant to be defined with an error of less than 5 per cent. The speed of expansion is very close to the figure determined by other methods. The Hubble constant is 67.0 +/- 3.2 km s-1 Mpc-1.
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Science
Dangers of Gene Manipulation
The war over genetic manipulation of crops and the human body has not yet been won be either side. Recently Greenpeace destroyed a crop of modified wheat that had been genetically altered to raise fiber content which was intended to reduce bowel cancer. Cross contamination of non-modified crops on farms adjacent to land where GM food is grown was given as the reason for the attack.
There are many dangers with gene replacement technology:
- Possible birth defects
- Anti-biotic resistance
- Control of patented GM seeds
- Vertical control of food chain
- Changes to soil balance
- Horizontal gene change to related crops
Both sides of Australian politics support gene manipulation. Just why this is the case is a big question. Many Australians are troubled by GM use, though not so much by gene treatment in medicine. Like the nuclear power disaster in Japan, one gene related "accident" may end the optimism.
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Agriculture
New Drug Sterilizes Dogs and Other Animals
In just about any country you visit, there are unwanted dogs. Roaming packs of semi-wild dogs are the most dangerous especially for children. They even attack domesticated dogs on leash.
A breakthrough in dog sterilization has been found to slow dog breeding. The drug developed by Dr. Loretta Mayer when given to female dogs sterilizes them. Tests are being carried out in India where dogs are infected with rabies.
Though years of testing has to be done to get it passed by the US Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Mayer is talking to Arizona state legislature to introduce the drug for use in animal shelters as soon as possible. The drug will also work on other animals. Of great interest is the potential to eliminate rats.
A breakthrough in dog sterilization has been found to slow dog breeding. The drug developed by Dr. Loretta Mayer when given to female dogs sterilizes them. Tests are being carried out in India where dogs are infected with rabies.
Though years of testing has to be done to get it passed by the US Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Mayer is talking to Arizona state legislature to introduce the drug for use in animal shelters as soon as possible. The drug will also work on other animals. Of great interest is the potential to eliminate rats.
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Society
Top Predators Are Crucial in Keeping Ecosystems in Balance
Mankind's actions is affecting the balance of animal life on the planet. Herbivores and their predators are declining in all regions. When a top predator ceases to exist the animal environment is no longer in balance.
Focusing on individual animals is faulty research. It is important to examine The way an animal fits into the whole system. The study of top predators such as lions, wolves, and sharks is difficult. How do you test how an ecosystem would function without them? Research to date shows that losing top animals causes damaging effects from the top down. For example too many herbivores creates deforestation because they eat the shoots of young trees sprouting from the ground.
Leopards declined in Africa then baboons increased in number moved into town and spread intestinal parasites to humans. Reducing the number of great wales has released carbon into the atmosphere: their feces stored carbon which fell to the ocean floor.
In the past animal parks have been created which intentionally left out top predators. This was clearly a mistake. There was no way the system could be in balance without them.
Focusing on individual animals is faulty research. It is important to examine The way an animal fits into the whole system. The study of top predators such as lions, wolves, and sharks is difficult. How do you test how an ecosystem would function without them? Research to date shows that losing top animals causes damaging effects from the top down. For example too many herbivores creates deforestation because they eat the shoots of young trees sprouting from the ground.
Leopards declined in Africa then baboons increased in number moved into town and spread intestinal parasites to humans. Reducing the number of great wales has released carbon into the atmosphere: their feces stored carbon which fell to the ocean floor.
In the past animal parks have been created which intentionally left out top predators. This was clearly a mistake. There was no way the system could be in balance without them.
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Science
More People Are Turning to Wood for Heating
Price is already changing consumer behavior in regard to carbon. However, price signals can make people do the wrong thing. Because electricity has risen sharply in Australia over the last two years some people are going back to old wood burning appliances for heating and cooking.
Burning wood pushes more carbon into the atmosphere. It is just swapping wood for coal. Demand for fuel timber has risen 30 per cent this winter. It isn't cheap either. A tonne delivered to your door costs $350 and lasts about six weeks. More new fireplaces are being purchased, so there is a trend.
Sitting over a fireplace is bad for your health. Pollutants are drawn into the lungs. It is like smoking cigarettes. Over a year a wood heater produces more dangerous particles than five diesel trucks. Already 6 per cent of people in Sydney use wood burners and this number is rising.
Burning wood pushes more carbon into the atmosphere. It is just swapping wood for coal. Demand for fuel timber has risen 30 per cent this winter. It isn't cheap either. A tonne delivered to your door costs $350 and lasts about six weeks. More new fireplaces are being purchased, so there is a trend.
Sitting over a fireplace is bad for your health. Pollutants are drawn into the lungs. It is like smoking cigarettes. Over a year a wood heater produces more dangerous particles than five diesel trucks. Already 6 per cent of people in Sydney use wood burners and this number is rising.
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Society
The Young Will Soon Lease Electric Vehicles
Private ownership of motor vehicles may not not be popular in the future. The majority of people may chose to Lease electric cars. Being able to lease these vehicles will be a big draw particularly if brand new cars are on offer. Obviously secondhand versions will also be available.
There are plans to "build" payment plans into mobile phones. This will include a usage agreement with recharging credits and battery swaps. It will be aimed at young Gen Y users who won't go anywhere without their mobile. Many members of this group support a green way of life.
The love of older big engined cars is now largely an older generation thing. The young are turned off by these "monsters". It will be sad to see the demise of combustion powered cars but eventually it will happen. The Gen Y group don't care about the kind of car they are in as long it gets them from A to B. Ownership is not important.
There are plans to "build" payment plans into mobile phones. This will include a usage agreement with recharging credits and battery swaps. It will be aimed at young Gen Y users who won't go anywhere without their mobile. Many members of this group support a green way of life.
The love of older big engined cars is now largely an older generation thing. The young are turned off by these "monsters". It will be sad to see the demise of combustion powered cars but eventually it will happen. The Gen Y group don't care about the kind of car they are in as long it gets them from A to B. Ownership is not important.
No doubt older people will initially ridicule the tiny little "bugs", But as their number soars they will stop laughing. Car makers are already planning for the future and electric cars are at the center of it. Just where all this extra electricity will come from will be the problem.
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Society
Molasses a "Cure" for Obesity
It would be ideal if obesity could be treated by taking something, instead of drastic dieting. A possible solution has been found in molasses. This sweet substance is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants that seem to change the consequences of a high-fat diet.
For 12 weeks mice were given a high-fat diet supplemented with up to 4 per cent molasses extract. The mice lost weight. This was believed to be caused by the molasses reducing caloric absorption. Fat cells make the hormone leptin. This hormone was reduced in the blood.
Next year work will be done on humans to see if results are the same. Molasses are inexpensive and capsules could easily be produced. It would be a great leap forward if a simple "cure" like this is effective.
For 12 weeks mice were given a high-fat diet supplemented with up to 4 per cent molasses extract. The mice lost weight. This was believed to be caused by the molasses reducing caloric absorption. Fat cells make the hormone leptin. This hormone was reduced in the blood.
Next year work will be done on humans to see if results are the same. Molasses are inexpensive and capsules could easily be produced. It would be a great leap forward if a simple "cure" like this is effective.
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Health
Danger of Heart Attack After Losing a Spouse
It seems people don't live on after their partner passes away. There is a higher risk of survivors getting a heart attack in the months after losing a husband or wife. It is believed to be due to the increased heart rate from the loss. If the living partner can get through the danger period the risk dissipates.
This shows that people who lose partners need medical help and support from friends and relatives during the grieving process. Doctors should pay special attention to cardiac symptoms. Persistent stress and depression should also be monitored.
The research involved people aged from 33 to 91, so this tendency affects spouses of any age. Subjects wore 24 hour monitors. Heart rate was closely observed. Periods of rapid heart beat occurred during the grieving period. Overall heart rate was also higher compared to people who had not had a loss.
Depression was four time higher than the norm in subjects. This persisted for several years.
This shows that people who lose partners need medical help and support from friends and relatives during the grieving process. Doctors should pay special attention to cardiac symptoms. Persistent stress and depression should also be monitored.
The research involved people aged from 33 to 91, so this tendency affects spouses of any age. Subjects wore 24 hour monitors. Heart rate was closely observed. Periods of rapid heart beat occurred during the grieving period. Overall heart rate was also higher compared to people who had not had a loss.
Depression was four time higher than the norm in subjects. This persisted for several years.
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Health
Dinosaur Metabolism Was Faster Than Mammals
Dinosaur metabolism was not only higher than reptiles, their bodies ran at a faster rate than mammals. Analysis of tiny holes in their bones shows that they pumped a lot of blood through their bodies.
So scientists have been wrong for a long time claiming that dinosaurs were slow moving creatures who relied on the sun to get going each day. Tests across a wide range of dinosaurs, big and small, confirm they moved around with ease. Some scientists have accepted the hypothesis that dinosaurs were not reptiles.
It makes one wonder how many other things we are taught at schools are totally wrong. New evidence for upright walking of apes goes back more than four million years to an animal with feet designed to climb trees. Their hips are clearly designed for walking upright. And for decades we had been told a special foot design was necessary for bipedal walking.
So scientists have been wrong for a long time claiming that dinosaurs were slow moving creatures who relied on the sun to get going each day. Tests across a wide range of dinosaurs, big and small, confirm they moved around with ease. Some scientists have accepted the hypothesis that dinosaurs were not reptiles.
It makes one wonder how many other things we are taught at schools are totally wrong. New evidence for upright walking of apes goes back more than four million years to an animal with feet designed to climb trees. Their hips are clearly designed for walking upright. And for decades we had been told a special foot design was necessary for bipedal walking.
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Science
Atheists Are Bad Citizens
Atheists are bad people. New findings show religious people contribute more to the community than non-believers. Apparently those who have no faith just get on with their lives caring only for themselves. But there is a saying "all of my best friends are atheists." They could be friendly. However, they have little drive to help society in a general sense.
Considering religious citizens believe in the writings of books that "command" believers to help others this finding is hardly surprising. Saying that such people are "nicer" though is too simplistic. Moreover, a fellow soldier who does not believe is just as likely to take a risk to save you in a battle as a religious person.
Atheists also give less to charity. Considering most charities are religious institutions, this is to be expected as well. Is the behavior of believers really altruistic? They are trying to get into heaven after all. Belief is a fickle thing. Even atheists have faith. They have faith that God does not exist.
Considering religious citizens believe in the writings of books that "command" believers to help others this finding is hardly surprising. Saying that such people are "nicer" though is too simplistic. Moreover, a fellow soldier who does not believe is just as likely to take a risk to save you in a battle as a religious person.
Atheists also give less to charity. Considering most charities are religious institutions, this is to be expected as well. Is the behavior of believers really altruistic? They are trying to get into heaven after all. Belief is a fickle thing. Even atheists have faith. They have faith that God does not exist.
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Religion
Culling of Camels in Australia's Outback Is Misplaced
Where there's money to be gained someone will jump in. This is now the case for camels in Australia. Plans are being made to kill the animals in exchange for carbon credits. It is claimed that their flatulence is polluting the atmosphere.
Northwest Carbon apparently believes it owns the camels or has the sole right to cull them. The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency first suggested taking such action. Apparently, one camel produces a ton of carbon dioxide each year. This is an exaggeration.
Culling camels has nothing to do with reducing Australia's carbon footprint. It is just a money-making exercise. Admittedly camels are feral. They were introduced into Australia in the 19th century because they were ideal for moving goods about in the dry outback. But their metabolism is higher than cattle and their pollution level is low.
Northwest Carbon apparently believes it owns the camels or has the sole right to cull them. The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency first suggested taking such action. Apparently, one camel produces a ton of carbon dioxide each year. This is an exaggeration.
Culling camels has nothing to do with reducing Australia's carbon footprint. It is just a money-making exercise. Admittedly camels are feral. They were introduced into Australia in the 19th century because they were ideal for moving goods about in the dry outback. But their metabolism is higher than cattle and their pollution level is low.
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Climate
Kelp Can Be Used to Make Biofuel
Biofuel can just be picked up as you go for a walk. Yes, and there's plenty of it. It's plain old kelp, particularly the Laminaria digitata type which grows along the coast of Wales. The plant's carbohydrate level peaks in July. A high level of carbohydrate is needed to produce more ethanol.
There is so much kelp in the world lying around beaches. It would be rational to use this resource because little of it is used for human consumption. The plant is very dense in its growth. Much more biomass per square meter is produced than with sugar cane or other ethanol crops.
Using prime agricultural land to grow crops to produced ethanol directly affects the supply and price of food. The oceans have almost limitless resources waiting to be utilized.
There is so much kelp in the world lying around beaches. It would be rational to use this resource because little of it is used for human consumption. The plant is very dense in its growth. Much more biomass per square meter is produced than with sugar cane or other ethanol crops.
Using prime agricultural land to grow crops to produced ethanol directly affects the supply and price of food. The oceans have almost limitless resources waiting to be utilized.
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Science
Mary River Turtle in Danger From Global Warming
Australia has a rare turtle restricted to the Mary River in Queensland. The University of Queensland has concluded that global warming will seriously endanger this species. Eggs were collected and incubated at 26, 29 and 32 degree Centigrade. Young turtles from eggs incubated at the highest temperature stayed in shallow water because they had difficulty swimming.
Life expectancy would be short for these young. Food is in deeper water and there is safety from predators. The Mary River turtle, Elesor macrurus, is classed as endangered. Numbers have been falling for several decades. Other dangers to their survival are eggs being collected to the pet trade and introduced predators such as dogs and foxes.
It is suspected that other species of turtle are similarly affected. Circumstances for the Mary River turtle are particularly dire because nests are in shallow water which can be directly affected by a warming atmosphere.
Life expectancy would be short for these young. Food is in deeper water and there is safety from predators. The Mary River turtle, Elesor macrurus, is classed as endangered. Numbers have been falling for several decades. Other dangers to their survival are eggs being collected to the pet trade and introduced predators such as dogs and foxes.
It is suspected that other species of turtle are similarly affected. Circumstances for the Mary River turtle are particularly dire because nests are in shallow water which can be directly affected by a warming atmosphere.
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Science
DNA Tests on Coconuts Show They Have Been Used by Man for a Long Time
The mystery of coconuts is solved. This useful fruit has been used for centuries. Besides being a healthy food it can be used as a carrying container, made into charcoal, its fibre used to make rope and it will save your life if appropriately adapted as a flotation device.
DNA tests have been done on coconuts worldwide. They have been spread around so much by people transporting them in their travels that they are quite homogeneous by type. There are only two main kinds: one from the Indian Ocean region and the other from the Pacific. Tall types predominate. The dwarf coconut accounts for only 5 per cent of all coconuts.
Both types of coconuts are used for different purposes. The niu vai is the usual kind with sweet juice inside. Copra is obtained from the niu kafa. One mystery still remains. While their are two distinct types, Madagascar has a variety that is a combination of the Pacific and Indian Ocean types.
DNA tests have been done on coconuts worldwide. They have been spread around so much by people transporting them in their travels that they are quite homogeneous by type. There are only two main kinds: one from the Indian Ocean region and the other from the Pacific. Tall types predominate. The dwarf coconut accounts for only 5 per cent of all coconuts.
Both types of coconuts are used for different purposes. The niu vai is the usual kind with sweet juice inside. Copra is obtained from the niu kafa. One mystery still remains. While their are two distinct types, Madagascar has a variety that is a combination of the Pacific and Indian Ocean types.
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Science
Australian and US Institutions Work Together on Biofuels
Despite claims that growing crops for fuel is pushing up food prices the University of Queensland and Carolina's Clemsen University have signed an agreement to develop biofuels. The work will revolve around transforming sugar cane residue into fuel using algae. A pilot plant is to be built in Queensland. More research on cellulosic monomer conversion will be done.
Clemsen University has concentrated on converting sorghum and switchgrass into ethanol. A new base called loblolly pine is also being examined.
This combined project will benefit both institutions. Pooling funding and resources will speed up projects. Despite possible drawbacks of biofuel it is intended to seek further funding and press on with research.
Clemsen University has concentrated on converting sorghum and switchgrass into ethanol. A new base called loblolly pine is also being examined.
This combined project will benefit both institutions. Pooling funding and resources will speed up projects. Despite possible drawbacks of biofuel it is intended to seek further funding and press on with research.
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Science
Sheep and Cattle Are in Danger From Volcanic Ash
Air passengers have been crying fowl because of the volcanic ash problems in Europe and South America. It is not only humans who are suffering. Sheep and cattle have no grass to eat because ash on the ground has turned to sludge. The provinces of Rio Negro, Chubut and Neuquen in Argentina are in dire straits.
Farmers have to put sheep in pens and feed them. There is no clean pasture to move them to. Many farmers from the Atlantic Ocean to Chile have nothing to give their sheep and there is a shortage of pens. There are fears that sheep and cows could go blind if they eat the poisonous sludge. Cows and horses are trying to separate clean grass with their hooves but sheep cannot remove the ash so easily.
The volcanic ash is a phenomenon farmers have never faced before. Local deer are blindly stumbling around. Cows have already lost a quarter of their weight. Argentina is one of the world's major beef exporters. If the volcano remains active meat prices could soon rise.
Farmers have to put sheep in pens and feed them. There is no clean pasture to move them to. Many farmers from the Atlantic Ocean to Chile have nothing to give their sheep and there is a shortage of pens. There are fears that sheep and cows could go blind if they eat the poisonous sludge. Cows and horses are trying to separate clean grass with their hooves but sheep cannot remove the ash so easily.
The volcanic ash is a phenomenon farmers have never faced before. Local deer are blindly stumbling around. Cows have already lost a quarter of their weight. Argentina is one of the world's major beef exporters. If the volcano remains active meat prices could soon rise.
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Agriculture
Eat Pork and Lose Weight
For many years it was believed that pork was fatty and if eaten regularly would lead to weight gain. A new study has shown the opposite to be true. Overweight people were split into two groups. One group was given 1050g of lean pork each week. The other group was provided with 750g a week. Even with this little difference in pork intake, after six months there was a noticeable change in the high-intake group.
Those eating more pork actually lost fat from their abdomens. Waists were narrower. Body composition improved over the whole body. So weight can be lost without dieting if you eat more pork. A further benefit from eating more pork is the high thiamine level. Many overweight people have type 2 diabetes which can lead to thiamine deficiency.
Tests are now being done with chicken and beef to compare with pork. It could be that the high-protein diet due to eating the pork was beneficial. Maybe similar results in regard to weight loss will eventuate from eating more chicken and beef. Findings will be released in January 2012.
Those eating more pork actually lost fat from their abdomens. Waists were narrower. Body composition improved over the whole body. So weight can be lost without dieting if you eat more pork. A further benefit from eating more pork is the high thiamine level. Many overweight people have type 2 diabetes which can lead to thiamine deficiency.
Tests are now being done with chicken and beef to compare with pork. It could be that the high-protein diet due to eating the pork was beneficial. Maybe similar results in regard to weight loss will eventuate from eating more chicken and beef. Findings will be released in January 2012.
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Health
How Do We Select What to Pay Attention to?
How do we select which sounds to pay attention to? When we walk down a street we ignore the sounds of cars passing by, the gossip of people, and on, but we pay attention to a short, sharp whistle. Even little children know the sound of the ice cream truck.
Psychologists have been trying to find out how we select some things over others. Our brains record everything. Hypnosis has shown this to be true. We could not possibly take note of everything around us. Attention allocation operates by combining two functions: the predictive principle and the uncertainty principle.
The predictive principle is logical in that the brain searches for the more meaningful from the background "noise".
With the uncertainty principle the brain looks for the unusual, the odd thing out.
Animal research has shown that they do use both principles. However, tests on humans had clearly shown the predictive principle at work but not uncertainly. New tests show humans use a variant of the uncertainty principle called negative transfer. This involves ignoring new associations (outcomes) to a cue once a particular association has been learned. In other words new associations take longer to register in humans. The more "severe" the new association the quicker the uncertainty principle kicks in.
Psychologists have been trying to find out how we select some things over others. Our brains record everything. Hypnosis has shown this to be true. We could not possibly take note of everything around us. Attention allocation operates by combining two functions: the predictive principle and the uncertainty principle.
The predictive principle is logical in that the brain searches for the more meaningful from the background "noise".
With the uncertainty principle the brain looks for the unusual, the odd thing out.
Animal research has shown that they do use both principles. However, tests on humans had clearly shown the predictive principle at work but not uncertainly. New tests show humans use a variant of the uncertainty principle called negative transfer. This involves ignoring new associations (outcomes) to a cue once a particular association has been learned. In other words new associations take longer to register in humans. The more "severe" the new association the quicker the uncertainty principle kicks in.
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Society
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