New Hope for the Obese
A hormone has been identified that makes a person feel full. This "anti-eating" hormone can be taken orally. It easily gets into the bloodstream. The discovery has been made by a combined team from Murdock University Australia, and Syracuse University in the US. Obese people have less PYY hormone. The treatment is so effective that even naturally thin subjects lost weight.
Normally, PYY is absorbed in the stomach. Researches have found a way of attaching the hormone to vitamin B12 that carries PYY through the stomach into the bloodstream. Some is lost but a significant amount gets through.
The medication will be made available in tablet form and chewing gum. Patients will have to stay on the treatment for a target period: the PYY dose takes up to four hours to get into the system and begin to have an effect. This would mean that patients will have to take a tablet directly after a meal, lunch for example, for it to suppress appetite at tea or dinner.
Normally, PYY is absorbed in the stomach. Researches have found a way of attaching the hormone to vitamin B12 that carries PYY through the stomach into the bloodstream. Some is lost but a significant amount gets through.
The medication will be made available in tablet form and chewing gum. Patients will have to stay on the treatment for a target period: the PYY dose takes up to four hours to get into the system and begin to have an effect. This would mean that patients will have to take a tablet directly after a meal, lunch for example, for it to suppress appetite at tea or dinner.
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Medicine
Whale Fossils Found in Chile's Atacama Desert
Between 7 million and 2 million years ago dozens of whales came to an untimely end all in one place. They appear to have died in small groups. The reason why is not clear. Maybe storms drove them there, they were trapped in a landslide or caught in a lagoon.
Over time, the shallow area has been pushed up by geological change. Now they are located in the driest place on Earth still within a kilometer of the surf. But this is the Atacama Desert.
Chilean scientists are asking why whales die in large groups in far flung places such as Chile, Peru and Egypt. Seventy five skeletons have been found in Chile so far, 20 of them complete examples. Old and young whales lay alongside each other in an area of 5,000 square meters.
They are mostly baleen whales. A rare, extinct walrus-like dolphin has also been found there. Most scenarios of the wales' death involve single incidents, a storm or landslide trapping them in a lagoon. However, it is more likely that a "natural" trap of some kind caused the whales to die over a long period.
Over time, the shallow area has been pushed up by geological change. Now they are located in the driest place on Earth still within a kilometer of the surf. But this is the Atacama Desert.
Chilean scientists are asking why whales die in large groups in far flung places such as Chile, Peru and Egypt. Seventy five skeletons have been found in Chile so far, 20 of them complete examples. Old and young whales lay alongside each other in an area of 5,000 square meters.
They are mostly baleen whales. A rare, extinct walrus-like dolphin has also been found there. Most scenarios of the wales' death involve single incidents, a storm or landslide trapping them in a lagoon. However, it is more likely that a "natural" trap of some kind caused the whales to die over a long period.
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Paleontology
Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains' Mystery Solved
The mystery of how the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains in the Antarctic was formed has been solved. The range is at a high elevation and was only discovered in 1958. It is buried under 3,000 meters of ice.
A group of scientists used aircraft with magnetometers, gravity meters and ice penetrating radar. They found that the mountains had been there for a billion years. The range spreads out in a 1,800 long earth fracture reaching from the eastern Antarctic to India.
This region of the Earth has been relatively free of tectonic activity. A billion years is short in tectonic terms, so the mountains have sharp edges not greatly worn away by water, wind and snow.
The rift system also contains the largest subglacial lakes on the Antarctic continent. Before animals roamed the Earth micro-continents collided to form the thick crustal root on which the mountain range stands. As the mountains eroded the root was preserved, frozen by the bitter cold. When dinosaurs existed 250,000 years ago supercontinent Gondwana broke away, the crustal root warmed which pushed the mountains even higher. Less than 50 million years ago the Antarctic ice formed over the range protecting it again.
A group of scientists used aircraft with magnetometers, gravity meters and ice penetrating radar. They found that the mountains had been there for a billion years. The range spreads out in a 1,800 long earth fracture reaching from the eastern Antarctic to India.
This region of the Earth has been relatively free of tectonic activity. A billion years is short in tectonic terms, so the mountains have sharp edges not greatly worn away by water, wind and snow.
The rift system also contains the largest subglacial lakes on the Antarctic continent. Before animals roamed the Earth micro-continents collided to form the thick crustal root on which the mountain range stands. As the mountains eroded the root was preserved, frozen by the bitter cold. When dinosaurs existed 250,000 years ago supercontinent Gondwana broke away, the crustal root warmed which pushed the mountains even higher. Less than 50 million years ago the Antarctic ice formed over the range protecting it again.
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Geology
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Exposure to Chemicals at Work Can Cause Chronic Disease
Your job can kill you or make you ill. If you work where chemicals are going into the air during the day you can get serious chronic disease. Twin "partners" were employed where they were exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PERC). Many developed Parkinson's disease, where the brain stops producing dopamine leaving the sufferer with impaired balance, slowed movement and stiffness.
Though inherited genes can be a factor, environmental factors cause those without the genes to get the disease. Ninety nine pairs of twins were evaluated. Hobbies and work environments, smoking and head injuries were studied. Of the six suspect chemicals TCE, PERC, carbon tetrachloride, n-hexane, xylene and toluene, TCE and PERC were identified as the main contenders for causing Parkinson's.
Those who worked in machinery, dry cleaning and industrial areas where TCE and PERC are commonly used were in most danger. The two chemicals are shown to cause neurodegeneration in laboratory animals.
Though inherited genes can be a factor, environmental factors cause those without the genes to get the disease. Ninety nine pairs of twins were evaluated. Hobbies and work environments, smoking and head injuries were studied. Of the six suspect chemicals TCE, PERC, carbon tetrachloride, n-hexane, xylene and toluene, TCE and PERC were identified as the main contenders for causing Parkinson's.
Those who worked in machinery, dry cleaning and industrial areas where TCE and PERC are commonly used were in most danger. The two chemicals are shown to cause neurodegeneration in laboratory animals.
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Employment
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Climate Model Scientists Are in Decline
Climate models are presumed to be far too complicated for the layman to understand so they are left to the experts. However, the models save lives and valuable infrastructure. The complicated lines of code make predictions about future weather patterns.
Just a few decades ago weather could not be forecast for two days ahead. Currently, five day forecasts are common and they are reliable. Even seasonal outlooks are treated as valid. For examples, we have been told in Queensland that there will be a wet summer.
The all-seeing weather bureau is counted on to provide information about strong winds, hailstorms, cyclones and even the direction of forest fires.
To get an accurate prediction, up to date and correct data must be fed into the models. Computers are getting larger all the time and more complex models are being formulated. This is a complex job. Scientists need to draw on many specialized fields in physics, mathematics and computer science. No university offers a course teaching all these. Consequently, such gifted individuals must be sought rather than taught. The number of climate experts is declining.
Just a few decades ago weather could not be forecast for two days ahead. Currently, five day forecasts are common and they are reliable. Even seasonal outlooks are treated as valid. For examples, we have been told in Queensland that there will be a wet summer.
The all-seeing weather bureau is counted on to provide information about strong winds, hailstorms, cyclones and even the direction of forest fires.
To get an accurate prediction, up to date and correct data must be fed into the models. Computers are getting larger all the time and more complex models are being formulated. This is a complex job. Scientists need to draw on many specialized fields in physics, mathematics and computer science. No university offers a course teaching all these. Consequently, such gifted individuals must be sought rather than taught. The number of climate experts is declining.
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Electric Motorcycles Are Popular
While electric cars have been slow to take off, electric motorcycles are in strong demand. Enthusiasts can't get their hands on new versions fast enough. Recently there have been improvements. The range was originally less than 100km. Now they will run for nearly 200km on each charge. Furthermore, they have a projected life of 500,000km. With a top speed of 110km per hour they are competitive for off-road competition.
New models can be used on-road and off-road. Costs are much the same as a conventional motorbike. Indeed, some are cheaper. Batteries are no longer a problem. They currently last the life of the bike. From a flat battery to fully charged in four hours is really convenient. Use two chargers and get going in two hours.
The latest shipment of new bikes to Australia sold out straight away. A popular electric motorcycle, the Zero, is made in California. Retail stores are opening across Australia. Unlike electric cars which are very expensive, electric motorcycles can be bought just for off-road fun. If you really like the experience a road model could be your next purchase. Professional racing could soon be on the cards.
New models can be used on-road and off-road. Costs are much the same as a conventional motorbike. Indeed, some are cheaper. Batteries are no longer a problem. They currently last the life of the bike. From a flat battery to fully charged in four hours is really convenient. Use two chargers and get going in two hours.
The latest shipment of new bikes to Australia sold out straight away. A popular electric motorcycle, the Zero, is made in California. Retail stores are opening across Australia. Unlike electric cars which are very expensive, electric motorcycles can be bought just for off-road fun. If you really like the experience a road model could be your next purchase. Professional racing could soon be on the cards.
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Automotive
Large Birds Are Scared Away by Low-Pitched Noise
You would think that birds are happy to live near humans as they can get easy access to food. Unfortunately, this is not the case, particularly for large birds.
Sound drives them away. Traffic noise and heavy machinery are the culprits. Larger birds use low-pitched songs to communicate. This is drowned out by engines and clunking machines.
Birds and nests were counted near natural gas wells. Compressors on the wells run day and night. The noise is like a reving motorcycle. Thirty species of bird were surveyed. The number of large birds was very low. Small birds have high-pitched songs that can still be heard over rumbling machinery, so their lives are unaffected.
Sound drives them away. Traffic noise and heavy machinery are the culprits. Larger birds use low-pitched songs to communicate. This is drowned out by engines and clunking machines.
Birds and nests were counted near natural gas wells. Compressors on the wells run day and night. The noise is like a reving motorcycle. Thirty species of bird were surveyed. The number of large birds was very low. Small birds have high-pitched songs that can still be heard over rumbling machinery, so their lives are unaffected.
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Biology
Children and Women Are in Greater Danger of Brain Cancer From Cell Phones
Despite many tests there is no agreement on whether mobile phones cause brain cancer. Findings point to a trend in heavy phone users. Advice is given to use mobiles as infrequently as possible.
It is clear that the skulls of children are much thinner than adults and youngsters receive twice as much microwave radiation from cell phones as adults. Three times as much radiation is absorbed into children's hippocampus and hypothalamus. Other regions of their bodies in danger are the eyes and bone marrow.
Tests have mainly been carried out on adult males who have the thickest skulls of all. Scientists believe children and woman are in greater danger of getting brain cancer. One in four Australian women have reduced time spent on making calls in fear of brain damage. It is recommended that tests on children be used as the certifying method for phones.
While many scientists are not convinced, research shows that heavy phone users have a 40 per cent higher risk of getting gliomas, the most common brain cancer.
It is clear that the skulls of children are much thinner than adults and youngsters receive twice as much microwave radiation from cell phones as adults. Three times as much radiation is absorbed into children's hippocampus and hypothalamus. Other regions of their bodies in danger are the eyes and bone marrow.
Tests have mainly been carried out on adult males who have the thickest skulls of all. Scientists believe children and woman are in greater danger of getting brain cancer. One in four Australian women have reduced time spent on making calls in fear of brain damage. It is recommended that tests on children be used as the certifying method for phones.
While many scientists are not convinced, research shows that heavy phone users have a 40 per cent higher risk of getting gliomas, the most common brain cancer.
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Health
Being Fat Is Normal
People get fat because it is normal. Our ancestors had to go out and find food so they burnt up a lot of energy. It is modern society that is making us fat. Food is readily available, at arm's reach. Our bodies are preparing for the hard times that would inevitably happen in centuries past.
Being able to put fat on the body was a key to survival. That is why many dieters today are on a see-saw round of weight loss and weight gain. It is due to our hormones. When the body loses reserves hormones tell us to eat more. If you want to be slim you will have to put up with constant hunger. Work at the University of Melbourne has shown that hormone levels are indeed higher after people go on a ten week diet. It remains high up to a year later even though the dieting stopped nine months earlier.
There is hope. New products are coming onto the market that swell up in the stomach thus stopping the craving for food. Whether these are safe is another issue. They do offer money back if there is no weight loss in the first two weeks. Apparently they do work. Time will tell.
Being able to put fat on the body was a key to survival. That is why many dieters today are on a see-saw round of weight loss and weight gain. It is due to our hormones. When the body loses reserves hormones tell us to eat more. If you want to be slim you will have to put up with constant hunger. Work at the University of Melbourne has shown that hormone levels are indeed higher after people go on a ten week diet. It remains high up to a year later even though the dieting stopped nine months earlier.
There is hope. New products are coming onto the market that swell up in the stomach thus stopping the craving for food. Whether these are safe is another issue. They do offer money back if there is no weight loss in the first two weeks. Apparently they do work. Time will tell.
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Health
Pioneers Had More Children
People living in different places "breed" at different rates. Reasons put forward are level of income, education of women and access to contraceptives. Family size has also changed at various places in history. The adventurous ones who ventured far and wide had more children than those who remained in established urban centers. This is particularly the case for British and French settlers in North America.
Resources were more plentiful in new unsettled regions. For example, buffalo and native animals could easily be shot and eaten on the spot. New settlers were also healthier, being active for most of their lives. An examination of Canadian records since 1608 shows that couples on the outer edge of expansion had 20 per cent more children than those remaining in established regions. They also married younger. The pioneer contribution to the gene pool was four time greater than those who settled in populated areas. Church records were the main data source. If the number of illegitimate children were known the gene pool contribution could have been even higher.
Human growth in new expanses of virgin land is consistent with plant and animals. Weeds grow vigorously on new accessible land. Larger plants soon take hold as do small animals. The small animals also attract larger animals. Over time as life becomes denser reproduction rates decline. Saying that pioneers in the West grew like weeds is close to the truth. The spread of Mankind across the globe is no accident. It seems to be an evolutionary imperative.
Resources were more plentiful in new unsettled regions. For example, buffalo and native animals could easily be shot and eaten on the spot. New settlers were also healthier, being active for most of their lives. An examination of Canadian records since 1608 shows that couples on the outer edge of expansion had 20 per cent more children than those remaining in established regions. They also married younger. The pioneer contribution to the gene pool was four time greater than those who settled in populated areas. Church records were the main data source. If the number of illegitimate children were known the gene pool contribution could have been even higher.
Human growth in new expanses of virgin land is consistent with plant and animals. Weeds grow vigorously on new accessible land. Larger plants soon take hold as do small animals. The small animals also attract larger animals. Over time as life becomes denser reproduction rates decline. Saying that pioneers in the West grew like weeds is close to the truth. The spread of Mankind across the globe is no accident. It seems to be an evolutionary imperative.
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History
Most Australians Will Have to Wait for Streaming Internet TV
Australians will embrace streaming Internet TV when they get the service promised by the National Broadband Network (NBN). For most Australians this will be many years away, particularly for those living in the outback. Work has not yet begun on many suburbs of major cities such as Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Though streaming movies and TV is increasing, it is only in areas with a fast broadband service. Companies such as Quickflix are launching subscription offerings, but only in metropolitan regions. No matter how cheap these services are they will meet the "no-broadband" barrier.
If the NBN continues at its present slow pace, the majority of Australians will be frustrated with their inability to enjoy the latest movies in their homes. Optus MeTV is going to charge $9.95 a month for TV that uses digital audio broadcasts. Many already know that outer suburbs of large cites cannot receive a decent DAB signal and there are no plans to further extend DAB.
The only option for most people is satellite TV. Surveys show a third of Australians plan to purchase Internet set-top boxes or smart TVs. They had better check whether they can use the new technology before they buy it!
Though streaming movies and TV is increasing, it is only in areas with a fast broadband service. Companies such as Quickflix are launching subscription offerings, but only in metropolitan regions. No matter how cheap these services are they will meet the "no-broadband" barrier.
If the NBN continues at its present slow pace, the majority of Australians will be frustrated with their inability to enjoy the latest movies in their homes. Optus MeTV is going to charge $9.95 a month for TV that uses digital audio broadcasts. Many already know that outer suburbs of large cites cannot receive a decent DAB signal and there are no plans to further extend DAB.
The only option for most people is satellite TV. Surveys show a third of Australians plan to purchase Internet set-top boxes or smart TVs. They had better check whether they can use the new technology before they buy it!
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Communication
Testing of all Pregnant Women for Vitamin D Is a Burden on the Government
It seems odd than in a country with the brightest sunlight of just about any nation on earth that women could possibly lack vitamin D. But "experts" are squabbling over screening for vitamin D deficiency. The government is saying that the cost is far too high and the value of doing this has questionable benefits.
At present obstetricians have to decide whether to test pregnant women who appear to suffer from a shortage of vitamin D. Australia's health system is already "cracking at the edges". Funding is a serious problem. With the Endocrine Society of Australia and the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group Assuming the government will take the advice and test all pregnant women, GPs are confused.
The number of women tested for vitamin D has gone up by an incredible 5,000 per cent over the last decade. Idle claims that diabetes and heart disease are "caused" by not enough vitamin D in the body are not proven. Many health professionals still question the lack of vitamin D's causal relationship with osteoporosis. Pathologists have a cash cow with the burgeoning testing. Surely, women can protect themselves by buying vitamin D tablets at health stores, chemists and even at supermarkets.
At present obstetricians have to decide whether to test pregnant women who appear to suffer from a shortage of vitamin D. Australia's health system is already "cracking at the edges". Funding is a serious problem. With the Endocrine Society of Australia and the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group Assuming the government will take the advice and test all pregnant women, GPs are confused.
The number of women tested for vitamin D has gone up by an incredible 5,000 per cent over the last decade. Idle claims that diabetes and heart disease are "caused" by not enough vitamin D in the body are not proven. Many health professionals still question the lack of vitamin D's causal relationship with osteoporosis. Pathologists have a cash cow with the burgeoning testing. Surely, women can protect themselves by buying vitamin D tablets at health stores, chemists and even at supermarkets.
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Money Wasted On New GM Grape Vine
Although GM foods have spread quietly throughout the world slipping under lax labelling systems, people are still suspicious of them. Because of the strict ban on their distribution in Europe if something disastrous happen to those who unknowingly consume them, Europeans will have the last laugh.
It seems scientists are obsessed with DNA modification of anything they can get their hands on. Wine has been made for centuries from grapes that are perfect for the job. Just why one would want to mess around with the DNA of the humble grape vine is a mystery. For ten years scientists in Adelaide have been trying to modify grapes to make them resistant to mildew. This disease can easily by prevented by spraying with fungicide.
There has been limited success in the laboratory. Tests in the field will follow. There is a problem, however, a Significant proportion of Australian wine is sold in Europe, where as mentioned above there is a ban on the sale of genetically modified food. What a waste of time and money having people and resources tied up in something that is basically unwanted.
It seems scientists are obsessed with DNA modification of anything they can get their hands on. Wine has been made for centuries from grapes that are perfect for the job. Just why one would want to mess around with the DNA of the humble grape vine is a mystery. For ten years scientists in Adelaide have been trying to modify grapes to make them resistant to mildew. This disease can easily by prevented by spraying with fungicide.
There has been limited success in the laboratory. Tests in the field will follow. There is a problem, however, a Significant proportion of Australian wine is sold in Europe, where as mentioned above there is a ban on the sale of genetically modified food. What a waste of time and money having people and resources tied up in something that is basically unwanted.
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Food
Yoghurt Prevents Heart Disease
While some doctors are not in favor of yoghurt saying it is just milk gone sour, others are now claiming it assists in the prevention of heart disease. Apparently, it slows the build up of plaque in the arteries.
Daily consumption of yoghurt in moderate amounts reduces the thickness of artery walls. Consuming cheese and milk had no effect. Tests were only done on elderly women, but the effects are believed to be the same for men.
Not much research has been done into the effects of dairy products in regard to disease prevention. The positive result of yoghurt has increased interest in dairy food and more tests will be done.
Daily consumption of yoghurt in moderate amounts reduces the thickness of artery walls. Consuming cheese and milk had no effect. Tests were only done on elderly women, but the effects are believed to be the same for men.
Not much research has been done into the effects of dairy products in regard to disease prevention. The positive result of yoghurt has increased interest in dairy food and more tests will be done.
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Food
Cycad no Longer a Living Fossil
scientists have been wrong in the past and in some cases are still wrong today. Things that have been taught as fact for centuries are now found not to be true. Cycads have been called living fossils for a very long time. However, the species that survive today were not around when dinosaurs roamed the planet.
Will they find coelacanth fish, horseshoe crabs and gingko trees to also be recent branches on their family trees? Many scientists are still fighting for Pluto to be reinstated as a planet. Now cycads will be struck off the living fossil list.
When a new find of an ancient individual related to humans is announced, along with the excitement is the claim that it is the missing link between Man and lesser apes. Common sense would tell us that the missing link will probably never be found. Be prepared for "truths" held for centuries to fall by the wayside.
Will they find coelacanth fish, horseshoe crabs and gingko trees to also be recent branches on their family trees? Many scientists are still fighting for Pluto to be reinstated as a planet. Now cycads will be struck off the living fossil list.
When a new find of an ancient individual related to humans is announced, along with the excitement is the claim that it is the missing link between Man and lesser apes. Common sense would tell us that the missing link will probably never be found. Be prepared for "truths" held for centuries to fall by the wayside.
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Evolution
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Australian Researcher Discovers a New Chlorophyll
A new form of chlorophyll has been identified in Shark Bay stromatolites by Min Chen of the University of Sydney. She has been awarded the Science Minister's Prize for Life Scientist of the Year.
Chlorophyll had previously been found in four forms. It is a plant pigment that makes sugar giving energy to plants. The new type called chlorophyll f operates in the upper red end of the visible spectrum. Future uses include solar cells and new kinds of food crops.
The new type of chlorophyll was found by studying cyanobacteria within stromatolites. It was an accidental discovery. The intention was to understand more about chlorophyll d. Both types of chlorophyll are similar, but have different bonding structures.
Chlorophyll had previously been found in four forms. It is a plant pigment that makes sugar giving energy to plants. The new type called chlorophyll f operates in the upper red end of the visible spectrum. Future uses include solar cells and new kinds of food crops.
The new type of chlorophyll was found by studying cyanobacteria within stromatolites. It was an accidental discovery. The intention was to understand more about chlorophyll d. Both types of chlorophyll are similar, but have different bonding structures.
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Science
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Hendra Virus Similar to Nipah Disease in Asia
The Hendra virus was first identified in 1994. It killed horses and several veterinary scientists. Oddly, this deadly disease has only appeared in Australia. This is very unusual. Diseases tend to spread across national borders.
Outbreaks are spasmodic. Horses in Queensland and New South Wales have died recently in the latest outbreak. Scientists are intensively examining all aspects of the Hendra virus. A dog was found to be a carrier. Though unaffected and quite healthy the dog had to be put down.
Promising results have been obtained by using human antibody m102.4 on monkeys who were intentionally infected. The animals remained well for three days before needing treatment. All of the subjects survived. A control group of monkeys who were not given the antibody died.
Though unproven, the ailment is believed to be carried and spread by bats. A similar bat borne disease is widespread in India, Bangladesh and Malaysia. The Asian Nipah ailment identified in 1998 is of interest to scientists because aspects of it are much the same as the Hendra virus.
Outbreaks are spasmodic. Horses in Queensland and New South Wales have died recently in the latest outbreak. Scientists are intensively examining all aspects of the Hendra virus. A dog was found to be a carrier. Though unaffected and quite healthy the dog had to be put down.
Promising results have been obtained by using human antibody m102.4 on monkeys who were intentionally infected. The animals remained well for three days before needing treatment. All of the subjects survived. A control group of monkeys who were not given the antibody died.
Though unproven, the ailment is believed to be carried and spread by bats. A similar bat borne disease is widespread in India, Bangladesh and Malaysia. The Asian Nipah ailment identified in 1998 is of interest to scientists because aspects of it are much the same as the Hendra virus.
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Medicine
Trash into Fashion Called "Trashion" - The New Fad
Rubbish is being recycled. Thrown away plastic is being turned into articles that sell in Asia and the West. In Southeast Asia people are scouring rubbish tips for plastic which is turned into fashion products called "trashion".
The business in burgeoning in the West with designers using clothing, jewelry and even things for the home made of discarded plastic. Soft drink bottles, toothpaste tubes and detergent containers are sought after material.
A non-profit organization has been set up by Ann Wizer to buy trash from pickers and train people to make the "rubbish" into useful products. It generates employment and some of the income goes toward health and scholarships.
The business in burgeoning in the West with designers using clothing, jewelry and even things for the home made of discarded plastic. Soft drink bottles, toothpaste tubes and detergent containers are sought after material.
A non-profit organization has been set up by Ann Wizer to buy trash from pickers and train people to make the "rubbish" into useful products. It generates employment and some of the income goes toward health and scholarships.
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Fashion
Muscles Created for Nanobots
Can nanobots have muscles? Researchers have made very strong, flexible muscles that could be used by nanobots to travel around the body diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
As flexible limbs much like octopus tentacles, artificial muscles can move objects a thousand times heavier. Thinner than a human hair, the "yarns" are cheap to make. They could potentially be used for pumps, valves, stirrers and flagella for drug discovery.
They were created by applying an electrochemical charge to spun carbon nanotubes making them twist into helical yarns. They are ideal to attach to bots as a tiny tail, a flagella, to propel the bot forward.
This was a truly international breakthrough. Participants in the work were the University of Wollongong, Australia, the University of Texas and Hanyang University of Korea.
As flexible limbs much like octopus tentacles, artificial muscles can move objects a thousand times heavier. Thinner than a human hair, the "yarns" are cheap to make. They could potentially be used for pumps, valves, stirrers and flagella for drug discovery.
They were created by applying an electrochemical charge to spun carbon nanotubes making them twist into helical yarns. They are ideal to attach to bots as a tiny tail, a flagella, to propel the bot forward.
This was a truly international breakthrough. Participants in the work were the University of Wollongong, Australia, the University of Texas and Hanyang University of Korea.
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Science
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