Mummified Forests

An article that appeared on Biology News Net reports that a mummified forest was discovered in Northern Canada and that discovery is helping scientists understand how plants struggled to deal with global cooling long ago. The researchers have decided that the mummified plants and trees will help them predict how today’s plant life in the Arctic will respond to global warming. Scientists actually think that more forests could emerge across North America as the Arctic ice starts to melt. The exposure of the wood to air would cause it to release large amounts of methane gas and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which could actually boost global warming. This research also shows how the old plant life’s environment changed. Researchers were able to gather that the mummified plant life started growing in a warm and fertile environment, but then had to endure a decline in light and temperature.

I thought that this article was very interesting. I did not even know that there was such a thing as mummified forests. The fact that they can be just as destructive as they are helpful is something that really fascinates scientists as well as people.

FDA Cracks Down on Illegal Supplements

According to an article on comcast.net News the FDA is cracking down on the manufactures of supplements made to enhance sexual activity, increase weight loss, and those used for body building. According to the FDA the manufacturers of these products are incorrectly labeling them trying to cover up ingredients that they contain that can cause serious side effects including stroke, organ failure and death. FDA commissioner Margaret Harnburg says "the manufactures selling these tainted products are operating outside the law." The manufactures are supposed to ensure that these products are safe and they do not currently require FDA approval. The FDA is currently trying to get these companies to pull the products from the market; the government does not currently have the power to issue a recall. The FDA however is issuing warnings about the products to create awareness and have stated that the companies could face criminal prosecution.

Sibutramine is one of the ingredients being looked for, this product was recalled because it cause an increase risk of heart attack and stroke, but companies continue to use it in their weight loss supplements. Anabolic steroids and steroid analogs also are being used in body building products. Also drugs that should only be used in prescription medications are being used in sexual enhancement supplements. Michael Levy director of labeling compliance for the agency warns that consumers should avoid products that claim to have the similar effects as prescription drugs, and also drugs with ingredients in a foreign language or those marketed in mass e-mail.

I think this is great news for consumers. There are so many things on the market these days that are harmful to people, but companies only concern most of the time is making money. Consumers are so convinced by the lies these companies tell in order to sell these products, that they purchase them not knowing of their real side effects.

Multivitamins

According to Anahad O'Connor from the New York Times Magazine multivitamins can be the reason why you’re not getting a full night’s sleep. "Some users claiming that multivitamins shorten sleep and lead to more frequent awakenings in the middle of the night." A study was conducted in 2007, researchers tested many people’s sleep habits including if they took any medication or vitamins they also had them keep a sleep log for two weeks. "Scientist found a slightly higher rate of poor or interrupted sleep in people taking multivitamins. But because they found only an association, they could not rule out the possibility that people with poorer sleep are simply more likely to seek out multivitamins." If you find this to be true, you have to separate the effects of each vitamin, studies show that vitamin B and B6 can lead to deep dreaming which can wake you. Researchers say if people think their multivitamin is the reason for them awaking at night, a good solution would be to take the pills in the morning.

Slim Spoils for Obesity Drugs: Pharma Struggles to Find Safe Treatments

In Scientific American an article by Heidi Ledford discusses approval of a drug for obesity. An new drug Contrave, was the first obesity drug to win a recommendation for approval in more than a decade. It has been a difficult task to develop a safe drug for obesity. The goal of these drugs is to block receptor in the brain that respond to appetite, but adverse reaction such as suicidal tendencies are feared.



Contrave, developed by Orexigen Therapeutics, based in La Jolla, California, and co-founded by Cowley, director of the Monash Obesity and Diabetes Institute in Victoria, Australia, is a combination of two medications. One is an anti-depressant, the other is used to treat alcoholism. Together it is said that they boost the activity of a brain circuit called POMC pathway, which reduces hunger. The final decision on approval is expected early next year.



Studies have shown that even with this drug only a 8 percent decrease in body weight was reported after 6 months. It says that the next drug that is likely to face the FDA will target metabolism.



In my opinion, there should not be any drug for obesity. It seems that there is a drug prescribed for everything these days, I think the risks are to great to use unless there are no alternatives. Our society needs to change if obesity rates are to decline. I recently read that the food additives used today are actually designed to addict us to them, obviously attributing to obesity. It seems all food in the market is bad for you in some way. The FDA needs to change what food is readily available to our society and people need to make healthier choices.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=slim-spoils-for-obesity-drugs:

Single-cell Predator Gives us Clues to the Animal Kingdom's Birth.

According to NY Times up until recently Choanoflagellates (one celled organisms) were considered not very important to track by the E.P.A (Environmental Protection Agency).

They are tiny single cell predators that live in oceans and lakes. They can propel themselves in water and collect bacteria and food in their 30 to 40 tentacle like filaments. They are pretty much the bottom of the food chain in water. There are thousands to millions of them in our waters.

But what makes them important is that a new study suggests that they are the closest living single-celled relative to animals. Upon comparing them and their DNA, they discovered they had genetic similarities shared exclusively by the two, and shared 78 proteins.

What scientists are eager to learn is how single celled organisms can evolve into multi cellular organisms. Single-cell organisms of animals today have long been extinct. So the discovery of how closely related Choanoflagellates are to animal cells, is a huge step into learning on how things came to be.

Of course this is very interesting. And you would think today that every single thing alive would be studied before just considering it useless. But its amazing that scientists today are discovering all the time things that they thought weren't of value, are extremely important. And of course thats due to how much there is to study in the science world. But its a really great find.

Insights Give Hope for New Attack on Alzheimer’s

According to new research post by Gina Kolata from New York Times Magazine regarding new development on the progression of Alzheimer's says it’s not the clumping of amyloids that causes the rapid progression of Alzheimer's but that the brain makes more amyloid then it can dispose of. It is normal for the brain to make amyloid, however researchers are now saying that the "clumping" theorie appears to be wrong. It turns out that most people with Alzheimer’s seem to make perfectly normal amounts of amyloid. They just can’t get rid of it. "It’s like an overflowing sink caused by a clogged drain instead of a faucet that does not turn off". "If researchers could find a way to speed up disposal, perhaps they could slow down or halt the disease. Researchers have also found that amyloid, in its normal small amounts, seems to have a purpose in the brain it may be acting like a circuit breaker to prevent nerve firing from getting out of control. But too much amyloid can shut down nerves, eventually leading to cell death. That means that if amyloid levels were reduced early in the disease, when excess amyloid is stunning nerve cells but has not yet killed them, the damage might be reversed."
I found this article to be an extremely interesting. I find Alzheimer's to be a devastating but fascinating disease, I would love if one day we can find a cure or some form of medication to prolong the disease. It’s a horrible disease to watch your loved one go through, so I hope this is a successful new breakthrough.

Pomegranate Juice Components Could Stop Cancer from Spreading

Scientist discovered that pomegranate and pomegranate juice could stop cancer from spreading. Components in pomegranates can reduce the movement of cancer cells and weaken them. Pomegranate juice can weaken cancer cells attraction to chemical signal that promotes the metastasis of prostate cancer to the bone. Since prostate cancer is one of the main leading causes of cancer related to death in men in the United States i think this good be an amazing thing. It amazes me how certain juices help our bodies.

Squidworm

New species are being discovered daily -- although most are prokaryotes.  Here is an interesting segmented worm, Teuthidodrilus samae, found at the bottom of the Celebes Sea -- off the coast of Borneo!
Although only about 3.5 inches long -- I won't be swimming there in the near future...

Doctors Don't Need to Fear Red Heads

Reading ScienceDaily.com there was a publish on the British Medical Journal explaing the issue on red headed humans. The research concludes that, contrary to popular belief, people with red hair do not bleed any more than other patients.Surgeon Jonathan Barry from Morriston Hospital in Swansea, say that "red haired patients are traditionally regarded with a degree of trepidation by surgeons and anaesthetists alike due to a reputation for excessive bleeding, reduced pain threshold and a propensity to develop hernias." Red heads studies showed that they are more sensitive to cold and heat pain and they need more anaesthetic than other people. I found this interesting because people make jokes about red heads "gingers" all the time.

US scientists create mice from two fathers

In Washington United States scientists used stem cell technology to create mice from two fathers. Scientists say that it could help preserve endangered species and even help same-sex couples have their own genetic children one day.The study was led by Richard R. Berhringer at the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Scientists in Texas were able to manipulate cells from a male (XY) mouse fetus to produce an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell line. This may be a way to help save endangered species one day in the future. It does not seem normal in my eyes though.

Humble Honey Bee Helping National Security

According to Anna Khot of The Naked Scientists, honey bees can be the answer to Britain's national security threats and drug smuggling. It is a known fact that honeybees have a great sense of smell and scientists are taking advantage of this fact by training them to sniff out drugs and explosives. They are able to train the bees by associating an odor with a reward.

“Bees are at least as good as sniffer dogs but are cheaper and faster to train, and available in much larger numbers. It is dependent on the specific odor, but bees can detect some odors that are present in parts per trillion - that’s equivalent to detecting a grain of salt in an Olympic-sized swimming pool,” says Dr. Nesbit, a research scientist at Insentience Ltd.

The process of training the bees is a simple one. They are placed in a holder where different odors are passed over them. Every time they smell an odor a small dose of sugar syrup is administered to them and they stick their “tongues” out to receive the award. After a few rounds of this, the bees stick their “tongues” out after smelling the odor without a reward being present. Once trained, up to 36 bees are loaded into a hand held sensing device. The bees can be trained to detect the same odor, or smaller groups of bees can be trained to detect different odors within the same device. The bees are exposed to a constant stream of clean, filtered air until a sample of air from an area requiring testing is sucked into the machine. An optical sensor records any bees extending their “tongues,” which is then interpreted by software. Based on a statistical population of bees, a simple odor present/absent response follows. The whole detection process takes around six seconds.

This article really caught my eye just because it's bout bees! Who would've thought bees could be used for anything other than producing honey (or causing allergic reactions). I feel that this could really become useful in the future once perfected. It's easier to train hundreds of bees than dogs!

Pain Free Mammogram: Digital tomosynthesis

According to an article in Science Daily radiologists have recently devised a better way to perform a mammogram. The digital tomosynthesis, is helping find cancer as small as 2 millimeters. This machine uses an xray tube that moves around the breast at at least 11 different angles taking multiple images.A computer then puts the information together to create a 3-D image. A traditional mammogram only used 2 angles and can be difficult to read due to dense breast tissue that looks similar to cancer. Elizabeth Rafferty, a radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital states, " I think for many radiologists the prospect of interpreting a mammography is very scary." comparing it to Where's Waldo she says ".....I'm trying to find the thing I'm interested in but it looks like everything else in a sea of normal structures." Another benefit of this new method is it uses less compression, making it less painful for the patient.

I think this is a great advancement and will hopefully save more women's lives with early detection. Many women put off getting mammograms done due to fear. Hopefully this method will give the radiologists a better look and detect cancer before it spreads.

New study finds that low doses of aspirin also may reduce Cancer deaths.

Found on ScienceDaily.com, An Oxford University Study finds that a daily low dose of aspirin may now also prevent cancer deaths. The study showed that cancer deaths dropped about 20%. As commonly known aspirin is usually taken to reduce heart disease, with a small risk of stomach bleeds.

"It took about 5 years to see a benefit in taking aspirin for oesophagus, pancreatic, brain, and lung cancer; about 10 years for stomach and bowel cancer; and about 15 years for prostate cancer. The 20-year risk of death was reduced by about 10% for prostate cancer, 30% for lung cancer, 40% for bowel cancer and 60% for oesophagus cancer." (quoted from the article on ScienceDaily.com)

The article also mentions that these findings do not mean everyone should now take aspirin. Because we ultimately do not know how aspirin can effect someone in 30 or more years. But the benefits of aspirin are extremely positive which outweighs the small risks of taking it.

I think its a really great find. Something so simple people already take for heart disease could also help reduce cancer. But I also agree with the warning that we don't really know the effects it could have on someone 30 years down the road. So even though its good news, its still not the ultimate medicine that will help prevent cancer.

Why the Hope Diamond is So Blue

According to an article in the Smithsonian, the Hope Diamond was taken from the National Museum of Natural History's gem hall for an overnight stay in the mineralogy lab. Geologists held an experiment to figure out why the Hope Diamond is so blue. The deep ocean blue color is rare in diamonds, occurring in only one out of several hundred thousand diamonds. The Hope is 45.52 carats, and is the largest known deep blue diamond. On November 21st, 2010 there was a documentary about the Hope Diamond on the Smithsonian channel which showed parts of this experiment. Geologists know that the main "ingredient" that makes the Hope Diamond so blue is boron. After many hours of experimenting, the results read that boron, carbon, hydrogen and possibly some nitrogen were present. According to the article it will be months before scientists can publish full results from the experiment.

I think it's really interesting the things that scientists can do. Just by putting a diamond into a machine they can figure out what elements made up the Hope Diamond. I also find it interesting that they are allowed to "borrow" something so rare and worth so much money. I wasn't aware that the Hope Diamond was the largest known deep blue diamond. If I got the Smithsonian channel I may have considered watching the documentary because this is a very interesting experiment in my opinion.

Painkiller Ziconotide Could Increase Suicidal Ideation

According to ScienceDaily.com the painkiller Ziconotide could increase suicidal ideation. 6 years ago it was confirmed a safe alternative to morphine. But now it is under the suspicion that it could cause some to commit suicide.

Its ideal target is to reduce pain, but there is suspicion is can also reduce anxiety and impulse control, and change the frame of mind. This is not in all patients, but more likely those with a history of depression or are prone to depression.

Ziconotide was created so that it would not have any of the side effects like opioids, such as respiratory depression.

There isn't much to the article itself, so it was a little hard to write. But I think its a really important article. I can only assume that screenings for depression would now soon be required (or strongly recommended) before someone is given this painkiller. But of course it is only a suspicion and hopefully more research can help the problem.

Newfound planet stirs old debate

Astronomers who have spotted three large planets orbiting around a single star have just found another one, that seems to be larger than Jupiter. It seems to be very close to the star HR 8799. The astronomers are wondering how all four planets were formed. The newly-found planet lies only 130 light-years from the Earth, and 14.5 astronomical units from its sun. "The planets orbiting HR 8799, with masses estimated at between five and 10 times that of Jupiter, form a scaled-up version of the planets in the outer solar system, according to codiscoverer Christian Marois of the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics in Victoria, Canada, and his colleagues."

The astronomers are also wondering how the gas giant arised. The astronomers believe that if the other three planets were formed right where they are they must have been formed by gravitational instability, and the new planet is believe to be formed by core accretion. There is also a belief that the planets have migrated after they were formed. They are still discussing this issue, and are hoping to find out how these planets were formed.

I found this very interesting. Especially how new planets are continuously found in space. It makes me wonder how many more are out there that have not been found yet, and how many are forming at this very moment.

How Many Stars? Three Times as Many as We Thought, Report Says

According to the New York Times article How Many Stars? Three Time as Many as We Thought, Report Says, by Kenneth Clang, we may have underestimated by three times the amount. Scientists believe that by under counting the dim dwarf stars in certain galaxies astronomers may have a false understanding on how galaxies form and grow over the eons.

The problem is that astronomers cannot actually count the dwarf stars, which have masses less than a third on the Sun, in the galaxies outside the Milky Way. So alternatively they counted the brighter sun-like stars and assumed that there were about 100 unseen dwarf for each of the larger sun-like stars, since that is how the Milky Way is.

Researchers do not think every galaxy is like the Milky way. Dr. van Dokkum and Dr. Conroy used a new technique to establish the number of dwarf stars in elliptical galaxies. Dwarf stars are cooler so the fingerprint of certain colors they emit and absorb is different from that of larger stars. So without actually seeing individual stars astronomers could calculate the number of dwarf stars required to produce the telltale color fingerprint they detected in the light coming from the whole galaxy. Their finding showed that in eight elliptical galaxies the ratio of dwarf stars to sun-like was 1,000 or 2,000 to 1 opposed to 100 to 1 in the Milky Way.

"We may have to abandon this notion of using the Milky Way as a template for the rest of the universe," Dr. van Dokkum said. If the findings are correct, an undercount of dwarfs would mean astronomers have underestimated the masses of galaxies, and that would mean that galaxies developed earlier and faster than currently thought.

Although these findings seem astonishing, many are skeptical. For one, the research assumes that the stars in an elliptical galaxy are made of exactly the same stuff as those in spiral galaxies, which is an assumption that cannot be tested yet.

So for now, I think further information is needed to believe these findings.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/science/space/02star.html?_r=1&ref=science

Microbe that can use arsenic as nutrient found

Science may have found new forms of life on Earth and beyond. Strange bacteria that can use arsenic as one of its nutrients widens the scope. Scientists are studying this new bacteria and it shows that it has life beyond. One scientists stated, "This organism has dual capability. It can grow with either phosphorous or arsenic. That makes it very peculiar, though it falls short of being some form of truly 'alien' life," commented Paul C. W. Davies of Arizona State University, a co-author of the report appearing in Thursday's online edition of the journal Science. This makes me wonder what could possibly be out there. It is such a mystery how science finds something new each day

Arsenic and Old Bacteria

It is common knowledge that the element arsenic can be very deadly to most living life forms. Surprisingly, there have been new studies that show that arsenic can actually help certain bacterium survive, and in some cases, reproduce.
According to Biology News Net, research began on this subject when Mono Lake in California was examined closer. The lake has high levels of dissolved arsenic concentrations, and it is believed to have been formed from neighboring volcanic eruptions. The study done by Lawrence Liverpool National Laboratory, which was led by NASA, found that a bacterium isolated from Mono Lake can substitute phosphorus with arsenic to sustain its growth.
The six building blocks of living matter are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, which are all made up of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. These new studies show it is possible to replace one of the building blocks of life with something that is considered a poison. That shows that it is possible for organisms to live and survive on non-typical elements, so scientists have used this idea for the subject of life on other planets.

I thought this article was very interesting and thought provoking. If it is possible for bacteria to live off of this dangerous element, who’s to say that there aren’t other life forms who can live out in space on those uncommon elements.

Scientists Find Fountain of Youth ... in Mice

Although it is a very small step in age reversal, scientists have found they can rejuvenate organs in older mice back to their younger state, says AOL News. The experiment was held at Harvard University's Medical School.

The enzyme telomerase was used during this experiment. It is an enzyme that makes small units of DNA that seal the tips of chromosomes. They act like the plastic caps at the ends of a shoelace, preventing chromosomes from fraying and genes from unraveling. When scientists increased levels of telomerase in the mice, their organs began to rejuvenate. Harvard stated that shriveled testes grew back to normal and allowed the mice to be fertile again along with other organs that recuperated from their degenerated state.

In humans, however, this experiment could hold extremely different results. The main problem is the fact that the enzyme telomerase stops generating in humans so that cells do not over replicate themselves causing cancer; the risk of cancer would dramatically increase.

I found this article extremely interesting. It is amazing how far along scientists are coming on a day to day basis. Imagine what this experiment, once made accurate for humans, could do for our society today? It sort of reminds of stem cell research except this experiment is a lot less controversial. Obviously this is just a small step in this research, but at least it's something!

Cockroach Brains May Be a Source of Antibiotics

New research has shown that cockroaches may be a new source of antibiotics. That these insects have a defense mechanism that may be capable of fighting against drug resistant bacterias. Scientist have found that tissues from their brains and nervous systems can kill 90% of E. Coli and MRSA. Simon Lee a researcher that led the study explains how insects develop ways to protect themselves from germs, because they live in unsanitary conditions. 9 molecules capable of killing bacteria have been found in the tissue and they are currently testing to see if they can fight against Acinetobacter.

I think this is great progress in science. Finding ways to fight these drug resistant bacteria can help people that already have low immune systems protect themselves from these infections that cause them to get sicker than they already are.

Real Life Avatars?

In an article posted be the New York Times, reacher's are coming out with new technology called Cybertherapy. This new form of therapy, is designed to help people who have gone through difficult experiences or are in need of a professional to talk to, with out actually having to sit down and talk to them. This is being tested a on veterans who suffer from PTSD, for most, it is hard to sit down with a stranger and talk about their feelings and what bothers them about the traumatic experiences they went through over seas. So by using Cybertherapy it allows them to rein act the experiences they have been though, by putting them back in the "war" mentality as well as simulating a "war" environment. Then they talk to a cyber therapist on the screen about what they just saw and went through on the simulation. Experts say this is proven to be very effective and that it is easier for people to talk to the cyber therapist then it is for people to talk to a "real life" therapist mostly because they don't feel like they are being judged and the cyber therapist can look how ever the person controlling it wants it to look. For example if they are dealing with a veteran the cybertherapist can be dressed in army fatigues and be the color or race of the person they are dealing with, or if your dealing with a young girl with an eating disorder the cybertherspist can look like a young girl with the same color or race. This allows the individual to feel more comfortable and be able to open up easier. Cybertherarpy is also being used to help cure people of there fears and phobias by simulating what bothers them and having them confront those fears in a controlled situation to hopefully allow them to be able to overcome their particular fear.

I think this was a very interesting article, and great tool to help people who are in need of therapy, i think it will allow more people to be open and honest without feeling uncomfortable.

Scared to Death

According to The Press of Atlantic City you can actually be scared to death. It turns out that a good-enough scare can cause your demise, but probably not if you're of normal health.

Brian J. Hurlbut who teaches psychology at Southern Connecticut State University states "If it were to happen it would be someone with a precondition, a weak heart or an aneurysm in the brain." He continues by saying, "When you're scared a part of the nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system, prepares your body for violent activity." This is commonly known as the fight-or-flight reflex.

There have been cases in which criminals have been charged with murder or manslaughter because their victims have died from heart attacks.

When there is a sudden threat of danger, your system "dumps adrenaline into your bloodstream," so that it goes to your muscles. At the same time, blood vessels in the skin and digestive system constrict so blood will also be directed to your muscles. That's partly why people lose their appetite when they are nervous or scared.

This article caught my eye because I am easily scared of things. Now I have an excuse as to why I can't go to haunted houses or ride roller coasters!

Blueberries, a Very Healthy Fruit

In an article in WebMD (the magazine), it is said that Native Americans used blueberries to treat coughs. Blueberries have the highest amount of antioxidants, and "one cup delivers 14% of the recommended daily dose of fiber." They are also very low in calories. Blueberries are high in anthocyanin which gives them their blue hue. North America produces 90% of the world's supply of blueberries. This fruit is so popular that it's celebrated throughout the month of July, "National Blueberry Month." The reason behind this is because blueberries are at the peak of their harvest in July.
I knew that blueberries were healthy and good for you, obviously because any fruit is. I wasn't aware of all the antioxidants and fiber they have. It's interesting that Native Americans used them to treat coughs. If more people knew this, then maybe there wouldn't be such a high need for cough drops and medicines. I also think it's kind of interesting that there is a whole month dedicated to blueberries.

New Blood Test Can Determine Age

According to Comic Log at msnbc.com, crime investigators that have no more than a drop of blood can use it to find out the age of the person the blood is from. The blood does not have to be moist. It will even work on dry blood stains as well as those revealed by a heat-vision camera. "The molecules used are residues of the immune system known as sjTREC molecules. These special DNA molecules are released in blood cells as a result of the adaptations that have to be made by newly formed specific immune cells -- T cells -- to recognize bacteria, viruses, parasites or possibly cancer cells. Their number decreases with age," as reported by TG Daily Reports. This test will be very helpful on the search for criminals or missing people. I am suprised everyday to see what our scientists are able to do. They just keep finding more and more way to help,and this will hopefully help find lots of criminals.

Studies About HIV Antibodies

An article from Biology News Net has brought to the attention of the public why there are antibodies in the body which fail to protect against the HIV infection. Researchers have been confused for years about why people who are infected with the AIDS virus produce antibodies in response to the infection, if those antibodies are ineffective in blocking the infection. Now, they think they may have found their answer.
Some of the earliest and most abundant antibodies that are available to try and fight the infection cannot actually “see” the virus until it has already invaded, and is too late. These scientists have done a series of biochemical and crystallography experiments which showed them what specific molecular structures different types of antibodies need in order for them to hold an effective defense. Now that it is known what kind of structure is needed, researchers have a better understanding of what an immune system needs to have an effective defense against HIV.
The subject of preventing and treating HIV/AIDS is one that is very important and urgent. These studies are a big milestone in the process of figuring out this disease. I think it is great that scientists are getting farther towards a way to help people who have been infected with this dangerous illness.

Help for High Cholesterol

The Press of Atlantic City reports that there's help for high cholesterol. An experimental drug called anacetrapib boosted good cholesterol so high and dropped bad cholesterol so low in a study that doctors were stunned and voiced renewed hopes for an entirely new way of preventing heart attack and stroke.

Dr. Christopher Cannon of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston led the study of the novel drug for Merck & Company, saying "This could be the next big thing." Anacetrapib will not be on the market anytime soon. It needs more testing to see whether its effects on cholesterol will translate into fewer heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. Merck says to answer that question could take several years.

Anacetrapib would be the first drug of its kind. It helps keep fat particles attached to HDL (good cholesterol) which carries them in the bloodstream to the liver to be disposed of. It is too soon to estimate the cost of the medicine, but the maker stands to make billions.

The new drug looks more potent, without the serious side effects that led to the failure of other drugs. The large changes seen during the study have never been seen before. The improvements persisted for at least another year as the study continued.

This is great news to those who suffer from high cholesterol. Hopefully the medicine will be available sooner than later to prevent any more people from having a heart attack or stroke.

Mining the Seafloor for Rare-Earth Minerals

In the New York Times article "Mining the Seafloor for rare-earth minerals", it states that for decades people have been trying to become rich by gathering up rocks which carpet the sea floor. These rocks, about the size of potatoes, are plentiful in nickel, copper, and cobalt. They also contain manganese and other elements, but lie down in the inky darkness. Using vacuum machines to collect these stones is not considered economical, therefore other methods are being considered.

They are now finding that these specimens may contain so-called rare-earth minerals (elements that have wide commercial and military application). China, which controls some 95 percent of the world’s supply, had blocked shipments, sounding political alarms around the globe and a rush for alternatives.

“People are quite intrigued,” said James R. Hein, a geologist with the United State Geological Survey who specializes in seabed minerals. Depending on China’s behavior and the global reaction, he said, “rare earths may be the driving force in the near future.”

The value of these stones is increasing as people realize there worth. Scientists plan to evaluate some 5,000 stones to assert there worth. The elements known as rare earths number 17 in all and range from cerium and dysprosium to thulium and yttrium. This element can be used in many technologies, such as magnets, lasers, fiber optics, computer disk drives, fluorescent lamps, rechargeable batteries, catalytic converters, computer memory chips, X-rays tubes, high-temperature superconductors and the liquid-crystal displays of televisions and computer monitors.

Due to strict mining laws established through environmental protection makes it difficult to mine these stones. China is the biggest area for mining to to there less strict laws. Scientist such as Dr. Hein of geological surveys said dwindling supplies of terrestrial copper — a key ingredient of industrialization used in everything from wires and switches to pipes and roofs — have forced miners on land to go after increasingly low grades of ore and have raised interest in seabed resources.

These finding have caused a global interest in these stones and finding new ways to harvest them.

May Beer Have Helped Lead to the Rise of Civilization?

“Beer is sacred stuff in most traditional societies,” described Bryan Hayden, archeologists at Simon Fraser University in Canada. According to LiveScience.com, beer could have possibly led to the rise of civilization. Research has shown that Stone Age peoples would domestic cereal grains, not to fill their stomachs, but to lighten their heads.

This whole idea came about due to the fact that there was a good amount of work that had to be done to make the grains edible enough to eat and this would be done usually for a feast of some sort. The feasts were important community gatherings and having beer sparked interest to the other people.

"It's not that drinking and brewing by itself helped start cultivation, it's this context of feasts that links beer and the emergence of complex societies," Hayden said.

Beer was usually made to impress guests, make them happy, and alter their attitudes favorably towards the host. The idea was that the people who held the feast would get reciprocated for their work. For example, they would be invited to someone's feast and get the same hospitality.

Although there is significant amount of evidence pointing to the correctness of this theory, there still needs to be more exploration.

I'm not going to lie, the first thing that caught my attention to this article was the word “beer.” I thought to myself, 'How does beer relate to science?' After reading the article I was quite stunned to realize that this could really be true. It's funny to relate Stone Age people to our society today. Clearly, nothing has changed.

Reducing Greenhouse Emissions

President Obama announced plans in October to put solar panels on the White House in order to set an example for the world, according to an article in Newsweek Magazine. Because the U.S. Senate didn't pass a climate bill which required manufacturers, utilities, oil refiners, and others who emitted carbon dioxide to pay taxes or buy permits for their emissions, many businesses and even the government are trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Being energy efficient can save a company up to $4.4 million a year. Matt Arnold, head of the sustainability practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers says, "No company wants to wind up on a list of 'top-10 worst polluters," and, "reducing your footprint helps with some investors and with recruiting." CEO of the Carbon War Room, Jigar Shah says that things could get worse, but that "solar is inevitable not because of carbon but because it is the most effective way to reach the un-electrified poor." Reducing greenhouse emissions will not be "climate changing" as long as these new ideas are being expanded. 90 percent cuts of today's levels are expected to be cut by 2050, according to Daniel Kammen of the World Bank. He says, "Without a price on carbon, we're fighting with only one hand, but at least we're fighting."

I think it's a great thing that different sources of energy are being discovered and used. Although the ideas aren't expanding quick enough to cut down greenhouse emissions tremendously, at least predictions of 90 percent have been made for 2050. I also think that in this day and age, people are more interested in companies or businesses that are "green". Many people have made changes in their own homes to reduce their carbon footprint.

Researchers Aim to Harvest Solar Energy

According to an article published in Science Daily, researchers from the University of Rhoad Island are looking at methods to harvest solar energy. They feel that solar energy can be used to do many things including powering streetlights, melting ice, heating buildings and for other important purposes. Their aim is to save on fossil fuels and reduce global warming. The team has found four potential methods and are currently producing research projects to make it possible. Some of these methods are simple while othes are more complex and costly. The first method could be implemented today because the technology needed currently exists. It involves wrapping flexible photovotic cells around the tops of Jersey barriers. This electricity can be used to power streetlights. They are currently running a pilot program using this method to light lamps on their campus. Another method is to put water filled pipes underneath the asphault letting the sun heat the water. This heated water can melt the snow reducing the need for road salt. Some of the other methods mentioned in the article are considered more futuristic and would require changing the road ways, which could also be very costly.

I think that this research is a great way to help us reduce global warming and save on our fossil fuel use. If these methods can be used in the future it will use better methods to do the same things that are already being done but helping the enviornment.

Smoking chimp rescued in Lebanon, sent to Brazil

The Associated Press, reported that in Lebanon several animal rights workers came across a zoo that has trained animals smoke to entertain guests. An animal that they were particually interested in was a chimpanzee. He goes by the name of Omega, and he is 12 years old and weighs 132 pounds.

When Omega was younger he was kept at a resteraunt to entertain people by smoking, as well as serving them water pipes, but for the past ten years he has been stuck in a cage. Omega was able to continue his habit because people that would visit the Lebanon Zoo would throw cigarettes into his cage and he would continue to smoke. Lebanon is one of the few countries that do not have animal protection laws. There have also been several other animals that were found at the Lebanon Zoo including baboons, hyenas, as well as different species of birds. Omega is being sent to Sao Paolo, Brazil and they are planning on finding the other animals a different place to live. The zoo has been shut down considering what the workers were allowing to happen.

Personally, I find this crazy. I don't see as to why anyone would want to have any type of animal smoke just for entertainment, or at all. If I were to go to a resteraunt I would be completely shocked if I saw an animal smoking. I believe that Lebanon should have laws to protect animals from such a thing.

Spots or Strips?

What makes these wild cats have strips and what makes them have spots and is one better then the other? Well according to Science Daily there are several factors that contribute to whether or not a wild cat have strips or spots. They found that cats living in dense habitats, in the trees, and active at low light levels, are the most likely to be patterned, or spot like. They think its because over time the coats of the cats evolved for camouflage to help them adapt better in there environment, as well as provide protection. Analysis of the evolutionary history of the patterns have made it quite clear that there is a definite link between environment and patterning, how ever for tigers this doesn't hold true, and we don't have a definite reason why. Only tigers always have vertically elongated patterns and these patterns were not associated with a grassland habitat, as might be expected. However, tigers seem to be very well camouflaged so this raises the question why vertical stripes are not more common in cats and other mammals (University of Bristol)? So you decide are spots better then strips?

Help for Lung Cancer Patients

The Press of Atlantic City reported some promising news for lung cancer patients. A study shows that a CT scan is more effective than X-ray screening for detection of cancer. Screening heavy smokers with a special type of CT scan modestly reduces lung cancer deaths, the National Cancer Institute announced, the first clear evidence that a screening test may help fight the nations top cancer killer.

At issue are controversial spiral CT scans, where a rotating scanner views lungs at various angles to spot growths when they're about half the size that a standard chest X-ray can detect. X-ray screening hasn't proved powerful enough to reduce lung cancer deaths. Previous studies suggested that CT scans might go that next step, even as other research questioned whether they'd do more harm than good by spotting too many benign growths.

The National Lung Screening Trial enrolled 53,000 current or former heavy smokers with no initial symptoms of cancer to try and settle the debate. It found 20 percent fewer deaths from lung cancer among those screened with CT's than among those given X-rays. The difference was so significant the study was ended early.

I found this to be very interesting. It's amazing what modern technology can do to help people. For those getting tested for lung cancer they should feel relieved that a CT scan is available to help increase their chance of survival.

Reducing the Risk of Peanut Allergies

On Biology News Net, there is an article that claims that researchers have made some connections that show if pregnant women eat a lot of peanuts during their term, it is more likely that their infant will have a peanut allergy. All of the scientists’ research on this subject is recorded in the November 1 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
There were researchers in five United States study sites who evaluated 503 infants between the ages of three to fifteen months, who had likely milk or egg allergies, which are factors that are associated with an increased risk of peanut allergy. The infants whose mothers ate peanuts during the pregnancy had blood tests that showed a stronger sensitivity to the peanuts compared to the infants whose mothers did not eat peanuts. The researchers acknowledge that the test results only show that there is a potential risk factor, and once they further the studies, maybe they could develop a risk reduction.
Peanut, milk, and egg allergies are very dangerous, so I think that any kind of research that could maybe prevent them or reduce the risk of developing them is very beneficial. The article said that these allergies are potentially fatal and they are becoming more prevalent. These studies may have seemed like a small step, but I think it was an important step towards reducing the impact of these allergies.

How the Ozone Layer is in Jeapordy.

The Ozone layer is a big part of our life in this World. It helps us humans get the right amount of light and energy from the sun(Ultraviolet Rays), without getting harmed. The O3 oxygen is what blocks the Ultraviolet Rays. As well, there are always consequences to what products we make, and how we dispose of our wastes. Chloroflorocarbons (CFC) are what we use in everyday products such as, refrigerators, freezers, hairspray cans, asthma inhalers, and even car conditioners. And they are the problem that will destroy the Earths future. With the amount of these products that we use, we will destroy the ozone layer in a few hundred years. The CFC's are emited into the sky, and when they reach the Ozone Layer, they form a different chemical reaction then the one that is natural occurence in the Ozone (O3). With the normal reaction, (O3 )is split by ultraviolet rays being absorbed, and O2 + O is formed. Normally they would rejoin quickly to form Ozone, but bad part about the CFC's is when absorbed they altar this reaction because of a strong chlorine atom, and forms (CIO) in the Ozone instead of (O3). Now the ultraviolet Rays are flying through the Ozone Layer and we are absorbing harmfull rays. This is a nother demonstartion

North Pole

South Pole

As you can see the Ozone Layer is much thin and the Chlorine levels are sky high, this is going to become a huge threat to us and our wildlife. The Ozone layer is a big part of our living, and many people do not understand that. The era must be started, and there must be some way to cut back the usage of CFC's. If we don't start to help, there will be no future.

New DNA tests could detect Colon Cancer early.

According to the NY Times there are new DNA tests aimed at reducing Colon Cancer. It costs an estimated $14 billion to treat Colon Cancer and effects 150,000 people a year in the US. As of right now colonoscopies are suggested to those over 50, for the testing of Colon Cancer.

The two new tests are DNA testing from the blood then stool samples. The one test looks in to stool samples for four altered genes that are diagnostic of colon cancer. This would help detect the cancer early on. The other is a blood test for changes in a gene called Septin 9.

Both tests would be less expensive than colonoscopies. Colonoscopies can also be very uncomfortable. And the new tests would be less stressful. If its tested positive, then the go on to receiving a colonoscopy. Even if the test sets of a false alarm of Colon Cancer, the worst would be the patient receiving a colonoscopy to be told they do not have the cancer.

Both tests could be used within two years.

This is definitely a great idea. The new tests could be done younger than 50 years old and could help detect the cancer at earlier stages. As colonoscopies are not exactly something people are willing to get, these tests are more simpler and will appeal to people more. If the test comes positive for the cancer, then it proceeds to a colonoscopy. It eliminates all people getting the colonoscopy, which saves a lot of money as well.

Newly Discovered Snub-Nosed Monkey Sneezes in the Rain

According to ScienceDaily, a new species of monkey was discovered in Northern Myanmar. It was discovered during the Hoolock Gibbon Status Review in 2010. They started investigating when hunters started seeing monkeys with prominent lips and upturned nostrils.

The species, Rhinopithecus strykeri,is unlike any other snub-nosed monkey ever reported. It has a a long tail, and black fur everywhere except for around the face and ears. The species is very new to scientists, but when interviewing the locals, they knew exactly what the scientists were talking about. They could tell what kind of monkeys they were because when it rained, the water would get stuck in their noses, causing them to sneeze. It was said that they could be found sitting with their heads in-between their knees when it rained to keep the water out.

Just like the other types of snub-nosed monkeys, this species along with the rest are all endangered due to hunting and new developments.

I found this article very interesting. It is always really cool to read about new species being discovered. It just goes to show how much we do not know about our own planet! (I also thought it was sort of cute, in a weird way)

"Pill Poppers" May Face Consequences Down the Road

According to an article in U.S News and World Report magazine, 61% of adults use at least one drug to treat a health problem. One in four senior citizens take at least five medications each day. Because of this, "a spike in diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis related to obesity" has taken place. Medications have been life saving, but according to experts many people are taking drugs they don't need, which will cause major consequences later. "Usually new drugs are tested for just three or so years," "a drug's serious side effects might only show up after months or years on the market." Steven Nissen, head of cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic says that "doctors shouldn't be prescribing any drug without considering whether a patients personal risks exceed his or her clear benefits." In 2009, 22% of nursing home residents in Massachusetts were taking antipsychotics without conditions calling for this medication. According to Steven Cummings, director of San Francisco Coordinating Center, "for every 1,000 patients that we treat for 10 years, we'll prevent 100 major fractures." Speaking of those taking medicine for osteoporosis. Changes are planned that by the year 2012, the FDA will install surveillance system which periodically scans medical records for adverse drug effects.

In my opinion, I believe that doctors will prescribe medication to any one without thinking about the side effects. People believe that a pill can solve any of their problems, medical or not. Because it is to easy for people to get a prescription, I agree there's going to be consequences for frequent pill takers. I also think that because of not knowing the side effects over a long period of time, there should be more intense testing done.

New Species Encased in Amber

In Western India scientists have made an astonishing discovery as more than 700 ancient insects, arachnids, and crustaceans, and many plant, floral and fungal remains have been found in an amber excavation. These species are said to be from 50 to 53 million years old. At that time it is believed this area in Western India was a tropical rain forest. This would explain the type of specimens found. Researchers from the US, Germany and India found that there were similarities between these specimens and those found in Mexico and Central America.

Dr. Grimaldi, an entomologist at the American Museum of Natural History said that 100 Million years ago India, Madagascar, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka broke off from Gondwana, a landmass that also encompassed the land that became Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and South Africa. After India separated from present day Africa it drifted and in about 50 million years it collided with Asia creating the Himalayas. This show how the shifting of the landmasses affected the climate and species which lived there.

There were also remains of mammals found. Among them, Primates, Bats, and primitive rabbits remains were found. Plant remains were also discovered. There needs to be further study of these to establish their precise types.

I found this article to be very intriguing. It is very interesting to discover the different species which once lived on this earth that we share with so many creatures. Finding living things from the past can give us a perspective on evolution and how species adapted to the changing climates on their time. It amazes me that after all the years of discovering different species on earth there is still so many to be revealed.

Information found:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/26/science/26obamber.html?ref=science

Cancer Patients May Be Making You Radioactive

According to The Press of Atlantic City, Thyroid cancer patients who swallow radioactive iodine to shrink there tumors are unwittingly exposing the public to radiation. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission eased requirements that had patients remain in the hospital for a few days after swallowing doses of the radioactive iodine.

About 40,000 people a year develop Thyroid cancer. Treatments can include by swallowing radioactive iodine, or iodine-131. It concentrates in the thyroid, but small amounts are excreted through urine, saliva, and sweat.

Patients have been known to contaminate hotel rooms and set off alarms on public transportation, a congressional investigation has found.They have also come into close contact with vulnerable people, including pregnant women and children, and the household trash from their homes has triggered radiation detectors in landfills.

Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., blames weak NRC regulations, ineffective oversight of those who administer the medical treatments, and the absence of clear guidance to patients and to the physicians. There is a meeting scheduled to examine the issue further.

Rather than putting people in harms way the patient should follow their physicians instructions on how to minimize exposure to others. Most of the radiation is gone in about a week. Staying home until the week is over would eliminate causing harm to innocent people.

Positive and Negatives of Wind Farms

An article released by Matthew L. Wald discusses the controversial issue about wind farms and whether or not putting one along the Atlantic Seaboard will be a positive thing, allowing us to produce more energy and lower coat or is it just a wast of money and time. The article talks about the positives and negatives about the wind farms, some of the positives that were discussed were that once completed it will help produce energy and electricity at a faster rate and as a whole will coast less for consumers long term. However some people believe the negative effect out way the positive, some of the negative effects are that its going to coast billions of dollars to complete, also that the market price of offshore wind energy is about 50 percent higher than that of energy generated on land. Most people believe the wind farms are a good idea in theory, however they don't believe it is worth the coast.

Children's Best Friend:Dogs Help Autistic Children Adapt, Study Shows

An article released by ScienceDaily reports of a new study done by the Universite' de Montreal, that shows that dogs may have an effect on the lives of special needs children. According to the study children with Autism Syndrome Disorders can benefit from trained service dogs; that these dogs can reduce their anxiety and improve their social skills. In the study levels of cortisol where measured in the saliva of children with autism. The levels where tested before the presence of the dog, during and after.Parents completed a questionnaire during these times about their child's behaviors. 33 problematic behaviors where present before the dog and 25 where present while living with the dog. This was the first study that measured the physiological impact, researcher Sonia Lupien said, and that the results support the benefits of service dogs with children with autism. This finding may give families with autistic children a way to cope with autism's challenges.