Solar farms and Banned iPods

[dracodraconis]

Source: ABC News Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method for repairing, at least partially, a spinal cord that has been severed. Until now, such injuries lead only to paralyzation, but a recent experiment on a pair of mice demonstrated that they could restore at least partial function, and do so without surgery. The key is to use nanostructures that contain chemicals which trigger axonal, rather than glial cell, growth. This works because, when the spinal cord is injured, glial cells form scar tissue which prevents axonal growth through the injured area. As a result, a nerve connection between the severed portions is never achieved and the person remains paralyzed. The new treatment method, if applied immediately, circumvents that process and prevents scar tissue from being built while encouraging neurons to cross the injury site.

Source: ABC News When I gave exams, I banned cell phones, knowing that they could be used to store or text-message answers. It now appears that iPods and other digital media players are being added to the list. Students have been found storing notes in song titles and recording them as music. It appears the only way to be sure of no cheating is to require all exams to be written in the nude. Of course, that presents other problems, but at least it could provide some entertainment for those spending hours monitoring exams.

Source: BBC News A London medical team have just performed the first gene therapy to treat an eye disorder. The patient had a faulty RPE65 gene which prevents the cells at the back of the retina from detecting light. The procedure appears to have worked on animals, so 12 individuals are being given the treatment to see if their sight can be at least partially restored.

Source: Globe and Mail The Ontario government has agreed to allow OptiSolar Farms to build what could be North America's largest solar farm in Sarnia. As expected, critics are up in arms for various reasons but none of the complaints seem to hold much weight. The project should be completed by 2010 and will generate more than 40 megawatts of power.

Source: BBC News An analysis of preserved collagen from T.Rex bones reveals that the proteins in the bones are similar to those found in chickens, strengthening the theory that modern birds evolved from dinosaurs.