CIA Following Twitter And Facebook To Analyze Public Opinion, Predict Major Events:
'via Blog this'
In an anonymous industrial park in Virginia, in an unassuming brick building, the CIA is following tweets – up to 5 million a day.
At the agency's Open Source Center, a team known affectionately as the "vengeful librarians" also pores over Facebook, newspapers, TV news channels, local radio stations, Internet chat rooms – anything overseas that anyone can access and contribute to openly.
From Arabic to Mandarin Chinese, from an angry tweet to a thoughtful blog, the analysts gather the information, often in native tongue. They cross-reference it with the local newspaper or a clandestinely intercepted phone conversation. From there, they build a picture sought by the highest levels at the White House, giving a real-time peek, for example, at the mood of a region after the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden or perhaps a prediction of which Mideast nation seems ripe for revolt.
November 4, 2011
Fluoride: Calcifier of the Soul
Fluoride: Calcifier of the Soul | GreenMedInfo | Blog entry | Natural Medicine | Alternative Medicine | Integrative Medicine:
'via Blog this'
Research published in 2001 showed that fluoride (F) deposits in the pineal gland with age and is associated with enhanced gland calcification. Eleven aged cadavares were dissected and their pineal glands assayed:
"There was a positive correlation between pineal F and pineal Ca (r = 0.73, p<0.02) but no correlation between pineal F and bone F. By old age, the pineal gland has readily accumulated F and its F/Ca ratio is higher than bone." Source
What Is The Pineal Gland?
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain, and is sometimes called the "third eye" as it is a light sensitive, centrally-located organ with cellular features resembling the human retina.
'via Blog this'
Research published in 2001 showed that fluoride (F) deposits in the pineal gland with age and is associated with enhanced gland calcification. Eleven aged cadavares were dissected and their pineal glands assayed:
"There was a positive correlation between pineal F and pineal Ca (r = 0.73, p<0.02) but no correlation between pineal F and bone F. By old age, the pineal gland has readily accumulated F and its F/Ca ratio is higher than bone." Source
What Is The Pineal Gland?
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the vertebrate brain, and is sometimes called the "third eye" as it is a light sensitive, centrally-located organ with cellular features resembling the human retina.
China Hospital Under Investigation For Disposing Of Live Baby
China Hospital Under Investigation For Disposing Of Live Baby | Fox News:
'via Blog this'
Health authorities in southern China said Friday they were investigating a hospital medical team for mistakenly diagnosing a stillbirth and disposing of a baby that was alive.
The investigation is taking place at the Nanhai Red Cross Hospital in the Guangdong provincial city of Foshan where the incident occurred Oct. 26, the Nanhai district health bureau said in a statement.
According to the statement, Liu Dongmei—who was eight months pregnant—had been rushed to the hospital with internal bleeding and stomach cramps.
'via Blog this'
Health authorities in southern China said Friday they were investigating a hospital medical team for mistakenly diagnosing a stillbirth and disposing of a baby that was alive.
The investigation is taking place at the Nanhai Red Cross Hospital in the Guangdong provincial city of Foshan where the incident occurred Oct. 26, the Nanhai district health bureau said in a statement.
According to the statement, Liu Dongmei—who was eight months pregnant—had been rushed to the hospital with internal bleeding and stomach cramps.
Nanotubes in environment 'rob' green algae of space and light
Nanotubes in environment 'rob' green algae of space and light:
'via Blog this'
Nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), which are found in an ever-increasing number of products, are ending up more and more frequently in our surroundings. If and how they affect aquatic ecosystems are questions which are still unanswered. An Empa study shows that while CNTs do not have toxic effects on green algae they do inhibit its growth by depriving the plant of light and space.
'via Blog this'
Nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), which are found in an ever-increasing number of products, are ending up more and more frequently in our surroundings. If and how they affect aquatic ecosystems are questions which are still unanswered. An Empa study shows that while CNTs do not have toxic effects on green algae they do inhibit its growth by depriving the plant of light and space.
November 3, 2011
Greek government on brink of collapse
Greek government on brink of collapse | Reuters:
'via Blog this'
The Greek government teetered on the brink of collapse on Thursday over plans for a referendum on a euro zone bailout with turmoil in the ruling party casting grave doubt on whether Prime Minister George Papandreou can survive a confidence vote.
Conservative opposition leader Antonis Samaras demanded that a transitional government be formed immediately to run the country until snap elections, with the current parliament ratifying the financial rescue for debt-choked Greece.
'via Blog this'
The Greek government teetered on the brink of collapse on Thursday over plans for a referendum on a euro zone bailout with turmoil in the ruling party casting grave doubt on whether Prime Minister George Papandreou can survive a confidence vote.
Conservative opposition leader Antonis Samaras demanded that a transitional government be formed immediately to run the country until snap elections, with the current parliament ratifying the financial rescue for debt-choked Greece.
Tibetan Self-Immolation: Nun Qiu Xiang Dies After Setting Herself On Fire
Tibetan Self-Immolation: Nun Qiu Xiang Dies After Setting Herself On Fire:
'via Blog this'
A Buddhist nun died after setting herself on fire Thursday, Chinese state media reported, in the 11th case of self-immolation among Tibetans in western China in recent months.
The official Xinhua News Agency said it was unclear why the woman, about 35 years old and identified as Qiu Xiang, killed herself along a road in Sichuan province's Garze prefecture.
But the nine other men and one women who have set themselves on fire since March were seen as having acted in protest to Chinese restrictions on the Tibetan religion and culture.
'via Blog this'
A Buddhist nun died after setting herself on fire Thursday, Chinese state media reported, in the 11th case of self-immolation among Tibetans in western China in recent months.
The official Xinhua News Agency said it was unclear why the woman, about 35 years old and identified as Qiu Xiang, killed herself along a road in Sichuan province's Garze prefecture.
But the nine other men and one women who have set themselves on fire since March were seen as having acted in protest to Chinese restrictions on the Tibetan religion and culture.
November 2, 2011
Low Levels Of Vitamin D Linked To Teen Delusions, Hallucinations
Low Levels Of Vitamin D Linked To Teen Delusions, Hallucinations | Fox News:
'via Blog this'
Researchers have shown before that low vitamin D levels are linked with psychiatric disorders like major depression.
Now, a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry signals the importance of testing those who suffer from psychotic symptoms—delusions (fixed and false beliefs) and hallucinations—for vitamin D deficiency.
A group of researchers led by Dr. Barbara L. Gracious, a psychiatrist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, presented data at that meeting showing that adolescents who were vitamin D deficient showed a fourfold (400 percent) increased rate of psychotic symptoms, compared to other adolescents with normal vitamin D levels who sought psychiatric treatment at the University of Rochester, in New York.
'via Blog this'
Researchers have shown before that low vitamin D levels are linked with psychiatric disorders like major depression.
Now, a presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry signals the importance of testing those who suffer from psychotic symptoms—delusions (fixed and false beliefs) and hallucinations—for vitamin D deficiency.
A group of researchers led by Dr. Barbara L. Gracious, a psychiatrist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, presented data at that meeting showing that adolescents who were vitamin D deficient showed a fourfold (400 percent) increased rate of psychotic symptoms, compared to other adolescents with normal vitamin D levels who sought psychiatric treatment at the University of Rochester, in New York.
Workings of molecular motor revealed
Workings of molecular motor revealed:
'via Blog this'
The structure and function of a 'molecular motor' critical to the functioning of human organs and, when malfunctioning, implicated in cancer, kidney failure, and osteoporosis, has been revealed in unprecedented detail.
'via Blog this'
The structure and function of a 'molecular motor' critical to the functioning of human organs and, when malfunctioning, implicated in cancer, kidney failure, and osteoporosis, has been revealed in unprecedented detail.
Do Animals Know Right from Wrong? New Clues Point to 'Yes'
Do Animals Know Right from Wrong? New Clues Point to 'Yes' - Yahoo! News:
'via Blog this'
In a famous YouTube video, Tank the dog sure does look guilty when his owner comes home to find trash scattered everywhere, and the trash can lid incriminatingly stuck on Tank's head. But does the dog really know he misbehaved, or is he just trying to look submissive because his owner is yelling at him?
In another new video from the BBC "Frozen Planet" series, Adelie penguins are seen gathering stones to build their nests. One penguin stealthily steals a stone from his neighbor's nest every time the neighbor goes a-gathering. Does the penguin thief know its covert actions are wrong?
These are some of the scenarios that interest ethologists, or scientists who study animal behavior. For years, these scientists categorically ruled out the possibility that animals might have a sense of morality — that they know right from wrong. Lately, though, the tide is turning.
'via Blog this'
In a famous YouTube video, Tank the dog sure does look guilty when his owner comes home to find trash scattered everywhere, and the trash can lid incriminatingly stuck on Tank's head. But does the dog really know he misbehaved, or is he just trying to look submissive because his owner is yelling at him?
In another new video from the BBC "Frozen Planet" series, Adelie penguins are seen gathering stones to build their nests. One penguin stealthily steals a stone from his neighbor's nest every time the neighbor goes a-gathering. Does the penguin thief know its covert actions are wrong?
These are some of the scenarios that interest ethologists, or scientists who study animal behavior. For years, these scientists categorically ruled out the possibility that animals might have a sense of morality — that they know right from wrong. Lately, though, the tide is turning.
November 1, 2011
Meditation improves the immune system, research shows
Meditation improves the immune system, research shows - Telegraph:
'via Blog this'
The practice - an essential part of Buddhist and Indian Yoga traditions - has entered the mainstream as people try to find ways to combat stress and improve their quality of life.
Now new research suggests that mindfulness meditation can have benefits for health and performance, including improved immune function, reduced blood pressure and enhanced cognitive function.
The study, published in the latest issue of the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, draws on existing scientific literature to attempt to explain the positive effects.
'via Blog this'
The practice - an essential part of Buddhist and Indian Yoga traditions - has entered the mainstream as people try to find ways to combat stress and improve their quality of life.
Now new research suggests that mindfulness meditation can have benefits for health and performance, including improved immune function, reduced blood pressure and enhanced cognitive function.
The study, published in the latest issue of the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, draws on existing scientific literature to attempt to explain the positive effects.
Raising The Chance Of Some Cancers With Two Drinks A Day
Raising The Chance Of Some Cancers With Two Drinks A Day | Fox News:
'via Blog this'
Regularly drinking, even in moderation, raises the long-term risk of many kinds of cancer, according to a new study.
A burgeoning body of research links alcohol to cancers of the breast, liver, colon, pancreas, mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus. A large new study last week added lung cancer to the list—even for people who have never smoked cigarettes.
'via Blog this'
Regularly drinking, even in moderation, raises the long-term risk of many kinds of cancer, according to a new study.
A burgeoning body of research links alcohol to cancers of the breast, liver, colon, pancreas, mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus. A large new study last week added lung cancer to the list—even for people who have never smoked cigarettes.
Believing in "Bad Vibes"
Believing in "Bad Vibes": Scientific American:
'via Blog this'
Imagine that your co-worker has just moved into a new office. The woman who used to work there spent many unhappy months in the office complaining about her job. In fact, she ended up quitting in a fit of rage. Upon moving into the office, your co-worker tells you that she senses some “bad energy” leftover from the previous employee. Would you believe her? Or would you think she’s a tad crazy?
'via Blog this'
Imagine that your co-worker has just moved into a new office. The woman who used to work there spent many unhappy months in the office complaining about her job. In fact, she ended up quitting in a fit of rage. Upon moving into the office, your co-worker tells you that she senses some “bad energy” leftover from the previous employee. Would you believe her? Or would you think she’s a tad crazy?
Taking stock of schizophrenia
BBC News - Taking stock of schizophrenia:
'via Blog this'
David Strange had an enviable life to look forward to.
A winner of the prestigious Wellcome Prize he was completing his doctoral thesis at Oxford University, and contemplating a career as a biomedical research scientist, when those hopes for a bright future were cruelly dashed.
"It was truly terrifying how quickly everything fell apart," he says. "It really was a case of one day talking to my doctoral supervisor and suddenly seeing a bunch of nasty, hairy, disgusting rat-like things running around all over the office, and over my feet. I was sure they were coming to get me and eat me alive. My time at Oxford simply imploded."
'via Blog this'
David Strange had an enviable life to look forward to.
A winner of the prestigious Wellcome Prize he was completing his doctoral thesis at Oxford University, and contemplating a career as a biomedical research scientist, when those hopes for a bright future were cruelly dashed.
"It was truly terrifying how quickly everything fell apart," he says. "It really was a case of one day talking to my doctoral supervisor and suddenly seeing a bunch of nasty, hairy, disgusting rat-like things running around all over the office, and over my feet. I was sure they were coming to get me and eat me alive. My time at Oxford simply imploded."
Mozart's Lost Opus, A Little Colonoscopy Music
Mozart's Lost Opus, A Little Colonoscopy Music - Yahoo! News:
'via Blog this'
It probably wasn't what Amadeus intended. Doctors performing colonoscopies might be able to find and remove more polyps if they are listening to Mozart during the procedure. These polyps are tiny growths that can lead to colon cancer.
The study will be presented today (Oct. 31) at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting in Washington.
And there is indeed a logical connection here, should you be worried that these gastroenterologists next will be subjected to listening to the Beastie Boys while maneuvering their colonoscopes. The study is based on a credible theory called the Mozart effect. Mozart's music may temporarily improve a person's ability to visualize spatial patterns, a phenomenon first reported in the journal Nature in 1993.
'via Blog this'
It probably wasn't what Amadeus intended. Doctors performing colonoscopies might be able to find and remove more polyps if they are listening to Mozart during the procedure. These polyps are tiny growths that can lead to colon cancer.
The study will be presented today (Oct. 31) at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting in Washington.
And there is indeed a logical connection here, should you be worried that these gastroenterologists next will be subjected to listening to the Beastie Boys while maneuvering their colonoscopes. The study is based on a credible theory called the Mozart effect. Mozart's music may temporarily improve a person's ability to visualize spatial patterns, a phenomenon first reported in the journal Nature in 1993.
Nasa examines 'tractor beams' for sample gathering
BBC News - Nasa examines 'tractor beams' for sample gathering:
'via Blog this'
US space agency Nasa has funded a study of "tractor beams" to gather samples for analysis in future missions.
The $100,000 (£63,000) award will be used to examine three laser-based approaches to do what has until now been the stuff of science fiction.
Several tractor-beam ideas have been published in the scientific literature but none has yet been put to use.
'via Blog this'
US space agency Nasa has funded a study of "tractor beams" to gather samples for analysis in future missions.
The $100,000 (£63,000) award will be used to examine three laser-based approaches to do what has until now been the stuff of science fiction.
Several tractor-beam ideas have been published in the scientific literature but none has yet been put to use.
Mathematically detecting stock market bubbles before they burst
Mathematically detecting stock market bubbles before they burst:
'via Blog this'
From the dotcom bust in the late nineties to the housing crash in the run-up to the 2008 crisis, financial bubbles have been a topic of major concern. Identifying bubbles is important in order to prevent collapses that can severely impact nations and economies.
A paper published this month in the SIAM Journal on Financial Mathematics addresses just this issue. Opening fittingly with a quote from New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley emphasizing the importance of developing tools to identify and address bubbles in real time, authors Robert Jarrow, Younes Kchia, and Philip Protter propose a mathematical model to detect financial bubbles.
'via Blog this'
From the dotcom bust in the late nineties to the housing crash in the run-up to the 2008 crisis, financial bubbles have been a topic of major concern. Identifying bubbles is important in order to prevent collapses that can severely impact nations and economies.
A paper published this month in the SIAM Journal on Financial Mathematics addresses just this issue. Opening fittingly with a quote from New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley emphasizing the importance of developing tools to identify and address bubbles in real time, authors Robert Jarrow, Younes Kchia, and Philip Protter propose a mathematical model to detect financial bubbles.
Technical aptitude: Do women score lower because they just aren't interested?
Technical aptitude: Do women score lower because they just aren't interested?:
'via Blog this'
Boys do better on tests of technical aptitude (for example, mechanical aptitude tests) than girls. The same is true for adults. A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, describes a theory explaining how the difference comes about: the root cause is that boys are just more interested in technical things, like taking apart a bike, than girls are.
'via Blog this'
Boys do better on tests of technical aptitude (for example, mechanical aptitude tests) than girls. The same is true for adults. A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, describes a theory explaining how the difference comes about: the root cause is that boys are just more interested in technical things, like taking apart a bike, than girls are.
Putting the body back into the mind of schizophrenia
Putting the body back into the mind of schizophrenia:
'via Blog this'
A study using a procedure called the rubber hand illusion has found striking new evidence that people experiencing schizophrenia have a weakened sense of body ownership and has produced the first case of a spontaneous, out-of-body experience in the laboratory.
'via Blog this'
A study using a procedure called the rubber hand illusion has found striking new evidence that people experiencing schizophrenia have a weakened sense of body ownership and has produced the first case of a spontaneous, out-of-body experience in the laboratory.
Live longer with fewer calories? Key enzyme involved in aging process found
Live longer with fewer calories? Key enzyme involved in aging process found:
'via Blog this'
By consuming fewer calories, aging can be slowed down and the development of age-related diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes can be delayed. The earlier calorie intake is reduced, the greater the effect. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have now identified one of the enzymes that hold the key to the aging process.
'via Blog this'
By consuming fewer calories, aging can be slowed down and the development of age-related diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes can be delayed. The earlier calorie intake is reduced, the greater the effect. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have now identified one of the enzymes that hold the key to the aging process.
Invasion Of The Mind-Controlling Zombie Parasites
Invasion Of The Mind-Controlling Zombie Parasites : NPR:
'via Blog this'
A few months back, something terrible happened to millions of flies around Washington, D.C.
"We were getting literally hundreds of reports of these crazy dead flies everywhere — on vegetation, on sign posts," says Mike Raupp, an entomologist at the University of Maryland.
He says the flies were attacked by a mind-controlling fungus.
"It basically zombie-izes them. In other words, it manipulates their behavior," Raupp says. "[The fly] moves to a high point, let's say the tip of a blade of grass."
The fly freezes at the tip of the leaf, and the fungus spews more mind-controlling spores into the wind.
'via Blog this'
A few months back, something terrible happened to millions of flies around Washington, D.C.
"We were getting literally hundreds of reports of these crazy dead flies everywhere — on vegetation, on sign posts," says Mike Raupp, an entomologist at the University of Maryland.
He says the flies were attacked by a mind-controlling fungus.
"It basically zombie-izes them. In other words, it manipulates their behavior," Raupp says. "[The fly] moves to a high point, let's say the tip of a blade of grass."
The fly freezes at the tip of the leaf, and the fungus spews more mind-controlling spores into the wind.
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