Sports Bra to the Rescue!

Berlin, Germany

When Colorado native Jessica Bruinsma got ready for her hike through the Bavarian Alps last week, she likely packed a few safety items in case of emergency. Perhaps some bandages, maybe some food and water. She probably didn't intend to use her undergarments as emergency equipment. But when the 24 year-old athlete fell over 16 feet onto an isolated rocky ledge, she was left with little choice. With a dislocated shoulder and badly bruised leg, Bruinsma had no chance of climbing to safety. Just within reach, a line used in the timber harvesting process stretched stationary through the air, it's system stopped. Keeping her outer clothing for warmth, Bruinsma tied her sports bra to the line as a signal, in hopes that rescue workers might spot it and come to investigate. For 70 hours, she survived on the narrow ledge with only a little water from a supply box. Finally, the timber harvesting system was activated and the line carried her bra to a base, where workers who knew of the missing hiker called the police.

Once rescued, Bruinsma decided to abandon her plans to stay in Germany, choosing instead to return to her family in the states.

To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/06/23/sports.bra.ap/index.html

Special thanks to the Gander for tipping us off to this one.

For the Fritzls, Another Step Towards Normalcy

Vienna, Austria

Faithful Goose readers know that I can't resist giving positive updates, no matter how trivial, regarding the famous Fritzl family. In keeping with this tradition, I'm happy to report that the Fritzls have been watching the Euro 2008 soccer tournament on TV together from their condo on clinic grounds in Vienna. Until recently, their doctors and therapists enforced a strict television ban on the family, for fear that they might see disturbing news stories featuring themselves. However, in the spirit of sportsmanship and family bonding, the ban has been lifted for this special soccer event, hosted in part by Austria. As one source from the hospital explained, “It will take a lot of adjustment but football is something everyone can share and take part in together.” I think anyone who's attended a Superbowl party can understand that.

To read more, visit http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1321791.ece

Scientists Discover New Piece to the Alzheimer's Puzzle

Harvard Medical School, US

For quite some time, doctors and scientists have acknowledged the presence of beta-amyloid (a sticky protein) buildup in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. What has remained unknown is whether the plaque was a cause of the disease, or merely a side effect. The fact that beta-amyloid buildup can be found in the brains of some non-Alzheimer's patients pointed to the latter.

However, in a recent study led by Dr. Ganesh M. Shankar and Dr. Dennis J. Selkoe of Harvard Medical School, rats injected with a specific form of the protein exhibited Alzheimer's symptoms. Meanwhile other rats, injected with different forms of beta-amyloid, showed no symptoms. Therefor it seems that a certain strain of beta-amyloid may in fact be a contributing cause of Alzheimer's, while other harmless strains are not.

In the constant struggle to understand this mysterious disease, such tiny clarifications are priceless. Understanding the exact cause of Alzheimer's may prove to be the key to finding a treatment, and now science is one step closer.

To find out more about the study, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,370002,00.html

Rock Out: Game Programming Goes Indie

Good news for the ever-growing population gaming fans and underdogs en generale. CNN reports that more independent game designers are finding ways to create video and internet-based games, even if they don't belong to a massive in-house programmers crew. Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have all released light versions of their programming software to give designers without mega distribution deals a chance to get their ideas out there, hopefully attracting the attention of game box moguls looking to try something new for video gamers. Due to the enormous risk involved in designing a popular video game, and the financial risk of a game that flops, most new games tend to be sequels built off already popular games (like Grand Theft Auto or Halo). With the recent increase in demand for games that diverge from the usual formula of guns, gore, and guilds. By looking towards the 'indies' of the gaming industry, both the spectrum of games available and the number of people who dream of developing the industry will be allowed to grow. With liberty and justice for all!

For more info and a sneak peak at a potential Next Big Thing featuring a zombie-fighting dishwasher, check out the original link:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/06/23/indie.games.ap/index.html