World's smallest electric motor made from a single molecule:
'via Blog this'
The smallest electrical motor on the planet, at least according to Guinness World Records, is 200 nanometers. Granted, that's a pretty small motor -- after all, a single strand of human hair is 60,000 nanometers wide -- but that tiny mark is about to be shattered in a big way.
Chemists at Tufts University's School of Arts and Sciences have developed the world's first single molecule electric motor, a development that may potentially create a new class of devices that could be used in applications ranging from medicine to engineering.
In research published online Sept. 4 in Nature Nanotechnology, the Tufts team reports an electric motor that measures a mere 1 nanometer across, groundbreaking work considering that the current world record is a 200 nanometer motor. A single strand of human hair is about 60,000 nanometers wide.
September 6, 2011
Soil bacterium helps kill cancers
BBC News - Soil bacterium helps kill cancers:
'via Blog this'
A bacterium found in soil is a showing promise as a way of delivering cancer drugs into tumours.
Spores of the Clostridium sporogenes bacterium can grow within tumours because there is no oxygen.
UK and Dutch scientists have been able to genetically engineer an enzyme into the bacteria to activate a cancer drug.
Experts said it would be some time before the potential benefits of the work - presented to the Society of Microbiology - were known.
'via Blog this'
A bacterium found in soil is a showing promise as a way of delivering cancer drugs into tumours.
Spores of the Clostridium sporogenes bacterium can grow within tumours because there is no oxygen.
UK and Dutch scientists have been able to genetically engineer an enzyme into the bacteria to activate a cancer drug.
Experts said it would be some time before the potential benefits of the work - presented to the Society of Microbiology - were known.
Our brains are hardwired to fear creativity
Our brains are hardwired to fear creativity:
'via Blog this'
For humans to thrive, we often need to come up with unexpected solutions to tricky problems. Yet people are often skeptical and dismissive of creative ideas...and the reason for that is found deep inside our minds.
Anyone who considers him or herself a misunderstood genius - and I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that includes roughly 98% of those reading this - knows the experience of having a brilliant idea rejected. The narrow-minded audience is incapable of grasping the visionary concept being put forward, greeting the proposal with dismissive shrugs and petty objections when they should be showering praise and adulation. Creativity is almost universally considered a positive trait in theory, but in practice it seems to make people distinctly uncomfortable.
'via Blog this'
For humans to thrive, we often need to come up with unexpected solutions to tricky problems. Yet people are often skeptical and dismissive of creative ideas...and the reason for that is found deep inside our minds.
Anyone who considers him or herself a misunderstood genius - and I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that includes roughly 98% of those reading this - knows the experience of having a brilliant idea rejected. The narrow-minded audience is incapable of grasping the visionary concept being put forward, greeting the proposal with dismissive shrugs and petty objections when they should be showering praise and adulation. Creativity is almost universally considered a positive trait in theory, but in practice it seems to make people distinctly uncomfortable.
Expert Opinion Is Changing on Having Wisdom Teeth Extracted
Expert Opinion Is Changing on Having Wisdom Teeth Extracted - NYTimes.com: "g able to successfully "
'via Blog this'
Each year, despite the risks of any surgical procedure, millions of healthy, asymptomatic wisdom teeth are extracted from young patients in the United States, often as they prepare to leave for college. Many dental plans cover the removal of these teeth, which have partly grown in or are impacted below the gum.
But scientific evidence supporting the routine prophylactic extraction of wisdom teeth is surprisingly scant, and in some countries the practice has been abandoned. “Everybody is at risk for appendicitis, but do you take out everyone’s appendix?” said Dr. Greg J. Huang, chairman of orthodontics at the University of Washington in Seattle. “I’m not against removing wisdom teeth, but you should do an assessment and have a good clinical reason.”
'via Blog this'
Each year, despite the risks of any surgical procedure, millions of healthy, asymptomatic wisdom teeth are extracted from young patients in the United States, often as they prepare to leave for college. Many dental plans cover the removal of these teeth, which have partly grown in or are impacted below the gum.
But scientific evidence supporting the routine prophylactic extraction of wisdom teeth is surprisingly scant, and in some countries the practice has been abandoned. “Everybody is at risk for appendicitis, but do you take out everyone’s appendix?” said Dr. Greg J. Huang, chairman of orthodontics at the University of Washington in Seattle. “I’m not against removing wisdom teeth, but you should do an assessment and have a good clinical reason.”
September 2, 2011
The Biological Model of Addiction
The Biological Model of Addiction:
'via Blog this'
In the continuing search for the causes of addictive behavior, various models have been proposed. These are similar to theories, but instead of trying to explain addiction, a model tries to put it in a larger framework so that useful therapies can then be developed. So a model is a more general statement that gives guidance for treatment and suggests useful areas of research.
The biological model of addiction suggests that addiction is an inherited trait, similar to a genetic disease. It largely eliminates the idea that morality or societal influences are the main drivers of addiction. Rather, it suggests that addiction is inborn and when exposed to the opportunity, those vulnerable will take up the behavior. Other addiction models usually accept that there is some biological component, but don’t give it first place in the mix.
'via Blog this'
In the continuing search for the causes of addictive behavior, various models have been proposed. These are similar to theories, but instead of trying to explain addiction, a model tries to put it in a larger framework so that useful therapies can then be developed. So a model is a more general statement that gives guidance for treatment and suggests useful areas of research.
The biological model of addiction suggests that addiction is an inherited trait, similar to a genetic disease. It largely eliminates the idea that morality or societal influences are the main drivers of addiction. Rather, it suggests that addiction is inborn and when exposed to the opportunity, those vulnerable will take up the behavior. Other addiction models usually accept that there is some biological component, but don’t give it first place in the mix.
Drug waste harms fish
Drug waste harms fish : Nature News:
'via Blog this'
Consumers who flush unwanted contraceptives down the drain have long been blamed for giving fish more than their fair share of sex organs. Drugs excreted by patients can also taint rivers, even after passing through wastewater-processing facilities.
But evidence is accumulating that the effluent coming from pharmaceutical factories could also be carrying drugs into rivers. Many ecotoxicologists had assumed that water-quality standards, along with companies' desire to avoid wasting valuable pharmaceuticals, would minimize the extent of bioactive compounds released by factories into wastewater, and ultimately into rivers.
'via Blog this'
Consumers who flush unwanted contraceptives down the drain have long been blamed for giving fish more than their fair share of sex organs. Drugs excreted by patients can also taint rivers, even after passing through wastewater-processing facilities.
But evidence is accumulating that the effluent coming from pharmaceutical factories could also be carrying drugs into rivers. Many ecotoxicologists had assumed that water-quality standards, along with companies' desire to avoid wasting valuable pharmaceuticals, would minimize the extent of bioactive compounds released by factories into wastewater, and ultimately into rivers.
Breastfeeding Tied To Kids' Brainpower
Breastfeeding Tied To Kids' Brainpower | FoxNews.com:
'via Blog this'
In a new study from the UK, kids who were breastfed as babies had higher scores on tests of vocabulary and reasoning at age 5 than those who weren't breastfed.
Breastfeeding seemed to make the biggest difference for babies who were born early and therefore had more catching up to do in their brain development.
Though the practice has been tied to a range of health benefits early in life, such as lower infection risks, researchers aren't quite sure what about breastfeeding might boost brainpower. But they have a few theories.
'via Blog this'
In a new study from the UK, kids who were breastfed as babies had higher scores on tests of vocabulary and reasoning at age 5 than those who weren't breastfed.
Breastfeeding seemed to make the biggest difference for babies who were born early and therefore had more catching up to do in their brain development.
Though the practice has been tied to a range of health benefits early in life, such as lower infection risks, researchers aren't quite sure what about breastfeeding might boost brainpower. But they have a few theories.
Alien Life More Likely on 'Dune' Planets, Study Suggests
Alien Life More Likely on 'Dune' Planets, Study Suggests - Yahoo! News:
'via Blog this'
Desert planets like the one depicted in the science fiction classic "Dune" might be the most common type of habitable planet in the galaxy, rather than watery worlds such as Earth, a new study suggests.
And that's not the only surprising result.
The study also hints that scorching-hot Venus, where surface temperatures average 860 degrees Fahrenheit (460 degrees Celsius), might have been a habitable desert world as recently as 1 billion years ago.
'via Blog this'
Desert planets like the one depicted in the science fiction classic "Dune" might be the most common type of habitable planet in the galaxy, rather than watery worlds such as Earth, a new study suggests.
And that's not the only surprising result.
The study also hints that scorching-hot Venus, where surface temperatures average 860 degrees Fahrenheit (460 degrees Celsius), might have been a habitable desert world as recently as 1 billion years ago.
Space debris: Time to clean up the sky
BBC News - Space debris: Time to clean up the sky:
'via Blog this'
The US National Research Council's report on space debris is not the first of its kind.
A wide range of space agencies and intergovernmental organisations has taken a bite out of this issue down the years.
The opinion expressed is always the same: the problem is inescapable and it's getting worse. It's also true the tone of concern is being ratcheted up.
'via Blog this'
The US National Research Council's report on space debris is not the first of its kind.
A wide range of space agencies and intergovernmental organisations has taken a bite out of this issue down the years.
The opinion expressed is always the same: the problem is inescapable and it's getting worse. It's also true the tone of concern is being ratcheted up.
Half of US Adults Due for Mental Illness, Study Says
Half of US Adults Due for Mental Illness, Study Says - Yahoo! News:
'via Blog this'
Half of the adults in the United States will develop a mental illness during their lifetime, a new report says. The most common are depression and anxiety.
About 16 percent of adults report suffering depression at some point, and 11 to 12 percent report an anxiety disorder, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first compilation of data from several national surveys and information systems.
The report included data collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "This new CDC study, combined with SAMHSA’s latest surveillance data, provides a powerful picture of the impact of mental illness on public health," said SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde.
'via Blog this'
Half of the adults in the United States will develop a mental illness during their lifetime, a new report says. The most common are depression and anxiety.
About 16 percent of adults report suffering depression at some point, and 11 to 12 percent report an anxiety disorder, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first compilation of data from several national surveys and information systems.
The report included data collected by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "This new CDC study, combined with SAMHSA’s latest surveillance data, provides a powerful picture of the impact of mental illness on public health," said SAMHSA administrator Pamela S. Hyde.
September 1, 2011
Colleges tell smokers, 'You're not welcome here'
Colleges tell smokers, 'You're not welcome here' - CNN.com:
'via Blog this'
This summer, a group of University of Kentucky students and staff has been patrolling campus grounds -- scouting out any student, employee or visitor lighting a cigarette.
Unlike hall monitors who cite students for bad behavior, the Tobacco-free Take Action! volunteers approach smokers, respectfully ask them to dispose of the cigarette and provide information about quit-smoking resources available on campus.
'via Blog this'
This summer, a group of University of Kentucky students and staff has been patrolling campus grounds -- scouting out any student, employee or visitor lighting a cigarette.
Unlike hall monitors who cite students for bad behavior, the Tobacco-free Take Action! volunteers approach smokers, respectfully ask them to dispose of the cigarette and provide information about quit-smoking resources available on campus.
Would Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn be diagnosed mentally ill and drugged?
Would Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn be diagnosed mentally ill and drugged?:
'via Blog this'
Imagine if the beloved young characters in Mark Twain's classic, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," lived today. Based on current psychiatric criteria, Tom and Huck could be designated mentally ill and prescribed mind-altering drugs. Quiet, listless and numb, their legendary adventures would be over.
Describing a day in school, Twain wrote: "The harder Tom tried to fasten his mind on his book, the more his ideas wandered." His "heart ached to be free, or else to have something of interest to do to pass the dreary time." That's a text book so-called symptom of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). A teacher today could refer him to a psychiatrist who would dope him with stimulants. Yet like any typical boy, Tom had no trouble focusing attention on something he found interesting - like finding a hidden treasure.
'via Blog this'
Imagine if the beloved young characters in Mark Twain's classic, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," lived today. Based on current psychiatric criteria, Tom and Huck could be designated mentally ill and prescribed mind-altering drugs. Quiet, listless and numb, their legendary adventures would be over.
Describing a day in school, Twain wrote: "The harder Tom tried to fasten his mind on his book, the more his ideas wandered." His "heart ached to be free, or else to have something of interest to do to pass the dreary time." That's a text book so-called symptom of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). A teacher today could refer him to a psychiatrist who would dope him with stimulants. Yet like any typical boy, Tom had no trouble focusing attention on something he found interesting - like finding a hidden treasure.
More beans, less white rice tied to less diabetes
More beans, less white rice tied to less diabetes | Reuters:
'via Blog this'
Beans and rice are a classic combination throughout the western hemisphere, but a study in Costa Rica finds that the bean half of the equation may be better for health.
'via Blog this'
Beans and rice are a classic combination throughout the western hemisphere, but a study in Costa Rica finds that the bean half of the equation may be better for health.
Digital quantum simulator developed
Digital quantum simulator developed:
'via Blog this'
Physicists of the University of Innsbruck and the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) in Innsbruck have come considerably closer to their goal to investigate complex phenomena in a model system: They have developed a digital, and therefore, universal quantum simulator in their laboratory, which can, in principle, simulate any physical system efficiently.
'via Blog this'
Physicists of the University of Innsbruck and the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information (IQOQI) in Innsbruck have come considerably closer to their goal to investigate complex phenomena in a model system: They have developed a digital, and therefore, universal quantum simulator in their laboratory, which can, in principle, simulate any physical system efficiently.
Glowing, blinking bacteria reveal how cells synchronize biological clocks
Glowing, blinking bacteria reveal how cells synchronize biological clocks:
'via Blog this'
Biologists have long known that organisms from bacteria to humans use the 24 hour cycle of light and darkness to set their biological clocks. But exactly how these clocks are synchronized at the molecular level to perform the interactions within a population of cells that depend on the precise timing of circadian rhythms is less well understood.
'via Blog this'
Biologists have long known that organisms from bacteria to humans use the 24 hour cycle of light and darkness to set their biological clocks. But exactly how these clocks are synchronized at the molecular level to perform the interactions within a population of cells that depend on the precise timing of circadian rhythms is less well understood.
In Germany, Sex Workers Feed a Meter
In Germany, Sex Workers Feed a Meter - NYTimes.com:
'via Blog this'
The city of Bonn has begun collecting taxes from prostitutes with an automated pay station similar to a parking meter, proving again that German efficiency knows few if any bounds.
Enlarge This Image
Bonn is not the only city in Germany to charge such a tax, but it is the first to hit upon the idea of a ticket machine that prints out receipts for the nightly flat fee of 6 euros (currently about $8.65) for the privilege of streetwalking. The meter went into service over the weekend, and by Monday morning had collected $382 for the city’s coffers.
Prostitution is legal in Germany; the Reeperbahn in Hamburg is one of the largest red-light districts in Europe. Attempts are often made to regulate the industry, unionize the workers and tax the proceeds, but they are not always effective, given both the discretion and the unpredictability that are inherent in the business.
'via Blog this'
The city of Bonn has begun collecting taxes from prostitutes with an automated pay station similar to a parking meter, proving again that German efficiency knows few if any bounds.
Enlarge This Image
Bonn is not the only city in Germany to charge such a tax, but it is the first to hit upon the idea of a ticket machine that prints out receipts for the nightly flat fee of 6 euros (currently about $8.65) for the privilege of streetwalking. The meter went into service over the weekend, and by Monday morning had collected $382 for the city’s coffers.
Prostitution is legal in Germany; the Reeperbahn in Hamburg is one of the largest red-light districts in Europe. Attempts are often made to regulate the industry, unionize the workers and tax the proceeds, but they are not always effective, given both the discretion and the unpredictability that are inherent in the business.
Graphene 'could help boost broadband internet speeds'
BBC News - Graphene 'could help boost broadband internet speeds':
'via Blog this'
Graphene, the strongest material on Earth, could help boost broadband internet speed, say UK researchers.
Scientists from Manchester and Cambridge universities, have found a way to improve its sensitivity when used in optical communications systems.
Their discovery paves the way for faster electronic components, such as the receivers used in fibre optic data connections.
'via Blog this'
Graphene, the strongest material on Earth, could help boost broadband internet speed, say UK researchers.
Scientists from Manchester and Cambridge universities, have found a way to improve its sensitivity when used in optical communications systems.
Their discovery paves the way for faster electronic components, such as the receivers used in fibre optic data connections.
Apple blasted for alleged pollution by suppliers
Apple blasted for alleged pollution by suppliers - Yahoo! News:
'via Blog this'
Apple is defending itself against a fresh barrage of criticism from Chinese environmental activists over alleged pollution by the manufacturers who make its iconic iPhones, iPads and other products.
In a report issued Wednesday, a group of nongovernmental organizations accused the technology giant of violating its own corporate responsibility standards by using suppliers it said its investigations found are violating the law and endangering public health by discharging heavy metals and other toxins.
Responding to the report, Apple said Thursday that it was committed to "driving the highest standards of social responsibility" in its supply chain.
'via Blog this'
Apple is defending itself against a fresh barrage of criticism from Chinese environmental activists over alleged pollution by the manufacturers who make its iconic iPhones, iPads and other products.
In a report issued Wednesday, a group of nongovernmental organizations accused the technology giant of violating its own corporate responsibility standards by using suppliers it said its investigations found are violating the law and endangering public health by discharging heavy metals and other toxins.
Responding to the report, Apple said Thursday that it was committed to "driving the highest standards of social responsibility" in its supply chain.
Higgs particle could be found by Christmas
BBC News - Higgs particle could be found by Christmas:
'via Blog this'
The hunt for the Higgs particle is well ahead of schedule, say researchers at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
Earlier this year they said they would either discover the Higgs or confirm it does not exist by the end of 2012.
Now, because the machine is working so well, an LHC spokesman, Professor Guido Tonelli, has told BBC News that the search could be completed much sooner.
'via Blog this'
The hunt for the Higgs particle is well ahead of schedule, say researchers at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
Earlier this year they said they would either discover the Higgs or confirm it does not exist by the end of 2012.
Now, because the machine is working so well, an LHC spokesman, Professor Guido Tonelli, has told BBC News that the search could be completed much sooner.
Self-cleaning fabrics now even cleaner
Self-cleaning fabrics now even cleaner:
'via Blog this'
US scientists have made a self-cleaning fabric that lasts longer, shows better antibacterial action and is more comfortable to wear than current materials.
Fabrics treated with certain compounds such as N-halamines can produce oxidative species, which kill pathogens and degrade toxic chemicals. However, the compounds either degrade rapidly under sunlight or are only used to coat the fabric's surface so are easily washed off.
'via Blog this'
US scientists have made a self-cleaning fabric that lasts longer, shows better antibacterial action and is more comfortable to wear than current materials.
Fabrics treated with certain compounds such as N-halamines can produce oxidative species, which kill pathogens and degrade toxic chemicals. However, the compounds either degrade rapidly under sunlight or are only used to coat the fabric's surface so are easily washed off.
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