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Assorted news articles
Mar. 9th, 2008 11:07 amSea slug "body armour" replicated for medical uses - The skin of the common sea slug has the ability to go from flexible to stiff in response to environmental threats. Scientists have managed to create a material that duplicates this feat, and it may have applications in treating Parkinson's disease. The material consists of a polymer in which cellulose nanofibres, harvested from sea squirts, are embedded. The nanofibres are initially rigid, but when exposed to water they turn flexible. One use of this material is to make electrodes that are initially stiff when implanted, but soften to avoid damaging the jello-like consistency of the neurons in which they are embedded. They are investigating using electricity to stiffen material for use in bullet-proof vests.
Terror attacks on other countries a sign that US approach is working - according to the Secretary of Homeland Security, in increase in terrorist attacks on European countries is a sign that US anti-terror efforts are making the US a more difficult target. As a result, terrorist are apparently targetting Europe because it's easier.
Paint-on solar cells - U.K. researchers are developing a paint that can be applied to steel sheets such as are commonly used on large buildings. The paint contains a dye-based material that allows it to act like a giant solar cell that is less efficient than silicon but should be easier to apply.
Was Moses on drugs? - An Israeli professor of cognitive psychology says that Moses was probably on drugs when he received the ten commandments. He says that two types of plants that produce psychoactive compounds grow in the region, and that the descriptions in the Book of Exodus are very much like what someone on a psychoactive drug would describe.
Tippling may be better than tea-totaling - A recent study of life-long tea-totalers who decided to start drinking in moderation revealed that they reduced their risk of heart disease by 38 percent. The results came as a side-project in a larger study following more than 7,000 life-long non-drinkers, of which 6 percent began to imbibe in moderation during the course of the study. When compared to the group of persistent non-drinkers, their occurrence of cardiovascular incidents among drinkers was 38 lower than among the non-drinking group.
Terror attacks on other countries a sign that US approach is working - according to the Secretary of Homeland Security, in increase in terrorist attacks on European countries is a sign that US anti-terror efforts are making the US a more difficult target. As a result, terrorist are apparently targetting Europe because it's easier.
Paint-on solar cells - U.K. researchers are developing a paint that can be applied to steel sheets such as are commonly used on large buildings. The paint contains a dye-based material that allows it to act like a giant solar cell that is less efficient than silicon but should be easier to apply.
Was Moses on drugs? - An Israeli professor of cognitive psychology says that Moses was probably on drugs when he received the ten commandments. He says that two types of plants that produce psychoactive compounds grow in the region, and that the descriptions in the Book of Exodus are very much like what someone on a psychoactive drug would describe.
Tippling may be better than tea-totaling - A recent study of life-long tea-totalers who decided to start drinking in moderation revealed that they reduced their risk of heart disease by 38 percent. The results came as a side-project in a larger study following more than 7,000 life-long non-drinkers, of which 6 percent began to imbibe in moderation during the course of the study. When compared to the group of persistent non-drinkers, their occurrence of cardiovascular incidents among drinkers was 38 lower than among the non-drinking group.