Paris, France
A condition known as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy robs young adults of their sight by destroying the optic nerve. In Paris, Marisol Corral-Debrinski and her team at the Pierre and Marie Curie university have created a treatment which may be the light at the end of the tunnel for potential sufferers of the disorder.
The experimental treatment involved implanting functional copies of the ND4 gene, which is irregular in Leber patients, into lab rats with the disease. Electric impulses were used to temporarily open the cells' surface pores. Among treated rats, most of the optic nerve cells survived. Untreated rats lost 40% of their optic nerve cells within eight weeks.
Though the current treatment has only been tested in lab rats, the solution to Leber is beginning to come into focus.
To read more, visit http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mg19926735.000-hereditary-blindness-therapy-within-sight.html?feedId=online-news_rss20
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Assistance Dog Calls 911, Saves Man's Life
Phoenix, AZ, USA
The frantic sound of a dog whining and barking may not be what Chriss Trott is accustomed to hearing when he answers 911 calls, but it was enough to save the life of Joe Stalnaker on Wednesday when he suffered a seizure.
Stalnaker's home is flagged in the 911 database as having a trained assistance dog who may call for help in an emergency. Buddy, Stalnaker's faithful German shepherd, has been trained since puppyhood to recognize the symptoms of a seizure, get the telephone, and press specially programmed numbers that contact the 911 emergency hotline.
"It's pretty incredible," says Scottsdale police Sgt. Mark Clark "Even the veteran dispatchers — they haven't heard of anything like this."Clark further reports that Mr. Stalnaker spent a couple of days in the hospital, making a full recovery from his seizure thanks to Buddy. Man's best friend, indeed.
To read more, visit http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jeDqeOQlgzwM4VjSCR1TETh6rM4AD936NST82
Thanks going out to Papa Goose for this story!
The frantic sound of a dog whining and barking may not be what Chriss Trott is accustomed to hearing when he answers 911 calls, but it was enough to save the life of Joe Stalnaker on Wednesday when he suffered a seizure.
Stalnaker's home is flagged in the 911 database as having a trained assistance dog who may call for help in an emergency. Buddy, Stalnaker's faithful German shepherd, has been trained since puppyhood to recognize the symptoms of a seizure, get the telephone, and press specially programmed numbers that contact the 911 emergency hotline.
"It's pretty incredible," says Scottsdale police Sgt. Mark Clark "Even the veteran dispatchers — they haven't heard of anything like this."Clark further reports that Mr. Stalnaker spent a couple of days in the hospital, making a full recovery from his seizure thanks to Buddy. Man's best friend, indeed.
To read more, visit http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jeDqeOQlgzwM4VjSCR1TETh6rM4AD936NST82
Thanks going out to Papa Goose for this story!
Junkyards Go Green
New Hampshire, USA
How green can garbage get? A new campaign in New Hampshire has been inspiring-and requiring-salvage lots to clean up their act. Junkyards are particularly difficult areas to keep in line with environmental law due to the increasing number of regulations regarding the disposal of mechanical leftovers. Cars alone have 13 parts with specific regulations pertaining to their storage.
Both local communities and the Federal government were concerned over water contamination from spilled gas and oil, but the real impetus for change came from within the industry itself: the New Hampshire Auto & Truck Recyclers Association reached out to the Department of Environmental Science in 2003 for advice and help on cleaning up junkyards and staying in compliance. Now over 160 yards across the state of New Hampshire are involved in a nationally recognized and governmentally lauded program called New Hampshire Green Yards.
"We have wonderful compliance from the junkyards as far as this town is concerned," said Dee Voss, manager for the building inspector's office in Plaistow, which has three salvage yards. "They get surprise visits from us almost quarterly and they are quick to act when we ask something of them."
Turning over a new leaf hasn’t been easy. ASAP Auto salvage yard owner Ken Chapman points out the difference between the old days and the new, greener ones:
"Every time you turn around there's a new law," he said. "Junkyards used to pour the used oil on the ground just to keep the dust down, and it was fine."
That is precisely one of the ways in which the Green Yard program supports those they oversee is by helping them to cope with the continually expanding list of disposal regulations. Together they have compiled its Best Management Practices: with recommendations and guidelines along with free training videos and site assessments by state experts.
"Our members all feel positive about the whole thing," Ken reports. "At first some didn't feel that way, but now that they've been through it and have seen how it works, they are finding that it works well for them."
The Green Yard project has even inspired some salvage yards to go above and beyond by taking voluntary precautions. Some are only draining fluids indoors and using water-soluble degreasing solvents. In response, taking such self-starting measures is specially recognized by the state’s official Green Yard Certification, a sort of gold star rating for salvage yards. The recognition comes complete with official flags and magnetic truck door signs which are displayed with pride. It’s great to see another example of green practices sprouting up, even amongst scrap metal and old carburetors.
How green can garbage get? A new campaign in New Hampshire has been inspiring-and requiring-salvage lots to clean up their act. Junkyards are particularly difficult areas to keep in line with environmental law due to the increasing number of regulations regarding the disposal of mechanical leftovers. Cars alone have 13 parts with specific regulations pertaining to their storage.
Both local communities and the Federal government were concerned over water contamination from spilled gas and oil, but the real impetus for change came from within the industry itself: the New Hampshire Auto & Truck Recyclers Association reached out to the Department of Environmental Science in 2003 for advice and help on cleaning up junkyards and staying in compliance. Now over 160 yards across the state of New Hampshire are involved in a nationally recognized and governmentally lauded program called New Hampshire Green Yards.
"We have wonderful compliance from the junkyards as far as this town is concerned," said Dee Voss, manager for the building inspector's office in Plaistow, which has three salvage yards. "They get surprise visits from us almost quarterly and they are quick to act when we ask something of them."
Turning over a new leaf hasn’t been easy. ASAP Auto salvage yard owner Ken Chapman points out the difference between the old days and the new, greener ones:
"Every time you turn around there's a new law," he said. "Junkyards used to pour the used oil on the ground just to keep the dust down, and it was fine."
That is precisely one of the ways in which the Green Yard program supports those they oversee is by helping them to cope with the continually expanding list of disposal regulations. Together they have compiled its Best Management Practices: with recommendations and guidelines along with free training videos and site assessments by state experts.
"Our members all feel positive about the whole thing," Ken reports. "At first some didn't feel that way, but now that they've been through it and have seen how it works, they are finding that it works well for them."
The Green Yard project has even inspired some salvage yards to go above and beyond by taking voluntary precautions. Some are only draining fluids indoors and using water-soluble degreasing solvents. In response, taking such self-starting measures is specially recognized by the state’s official Green Yard Certification, a sort of gold star rating for salvage yards. The recognition comes complete with official flags and magnetic truck door signs which are displayed with pride. It’s great to see another example of green practices sprouting up, even amongst scrap metal and old carburetors.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Child Mortality Rate Down 27% Since 1990
WORLD
UNICEF reports that child mortality rate, that is, the number of live-birth children who die before the age of five, is down 27% since 1990. The organization noted particular progress in Laos, Bangladesh, Bolivia and Nepal. Factors contributing to the good news include healthier breast feeding practices, measles vaccination, vitamin A supplementation, the use of insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria, and prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. While much work remains to be done, particularly ins Sierra Leone, which has the highest child mortality rate in the world, the decrease is viewed as very good news. The latest numbers indicate that the rate continues to decrease, as it has fallen more than 60% since 1960.
To read more, visit http://news.aol.com/article/unicef-child-mortality-down-27-percent/172520?cid=14
UNICEF reports that child mortality rate, that is, the number of live-birth children who die before the age of five, is down 27% since 1990. The organization noted particular progress in Laos, Bangladesh, Bolivia and Nepal. Factors contributing to the good news include healthier breast feeding practices, measles vaccination, vitamin A supplementation, the use of insecticide-treated nets to prevent malaria, and prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. While much work remains to be done, particularly ins Sierra Leone, which has the highest child mortality rate in the world, the decrease is viewed as very good news. The latest numbers indicate that the rate continues to decrease, as it has fallen more than 60% since 1960.
To read more, visit http://news.aol.com/article/unicef-child-mortality-down-27-percent/172520?cid=14
Friday, September 12, 2008
New York's Fashion Week Boasts Healthier Models
NY, USA
Fashion Week in New York: It's all about expression. Top-notch designers from around the world converge to unveil their latest and most exclusive creations in the form of runway fashion shows. The glitterati are in attendance, along with a slew of fashion correspondents who distill new trends from the cutting-edge pieces that glamorous models flaunt down the runway. And, sitting in front of their TV screens or flipping through magazines, young girls all over the globe begin to dream of one day becoming fashion models.
For decades, there has been a public outcry against the stick-thin women who, as they strut down the catwalk, set the standard for fashion and beauty. Young women and the people who love them have lamented the spread of eating disorders and psychological problems that too often accompany a little girl's journey towards professional modeling. With designers supplying their clothing in sizes 0 and 2 (that's "emaciated" and "waifish," for those of you who may be unfamiliar with women's sizes), it has long been impossible for any woman, no matter how beautiful, to realize the dream of modeling during fashion week without sticking to an extreme, and often unhealthy diet.
That's why it is good news indeed that this year, Fashion Week has finally jumped on the ever-expanding bandwagon of putting healthier women in the spotlight. According to Nian Fish, who chairs a fashion designers health initiative, models were up to size 4 (read: "thin") this year, and there wasn't a size 0 in sight. Furthermore, designers turned away from modeling their clothing on prepubescent 13 year-old girls.
"I think a lot of the direction from the designers has been a much healthier approach," said James Aguiar, co-host of Ultra HD's "Full Frontal Fashion." Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper's Bazaar, agrees: "We're obviously going through a season of a less cookie-cutter look."
To my own (fashion-blind) eyes, this years models still look impossibly thin. But if there has been a step, even a tiny one, away from the skin-and-bones ideal that I've grown up with, I see it as a step in the right direction. Who knows, maybe next year we'll have the pleasure of seeing a nice rack or a juicy booty on New York's high profile stage!
To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/homestyle/09/11/thin.models.fashion.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Fashion Week in New York: It's all about expression. Top-notch designers from around the world converge to unveil their latest and most exclusive creations in the form of runway fashion shows. The glitterati are in attendance, along with a slew of fashion correspondents who distill new trends from the cutting-edge pieces that glamorous models flaunt down the runway. And, sitting in front of their TV screens or flipping through magazines, young girls all over the globe begin to dream of one day becoming fashion models.
For decades, there has been a public outcry against the stick-thin women who, as they strut down the catwalk, set the standard for fashion and beauty. Young women and the people who love them have lamented the spread of eating disorders and psychological problems that too often accompany a little girl's journey towards professional modeling. With designers supplying their clothing in sizes 0 and 2 (that's "emaciated" and "waifish," for those of you who may be unfamiliar with women's sizes), it has long been impossible for any woman, no matter how beautiful, to realize the dream of modeling during fashion week without sticking to an extreme, and often unhealthy diet.
That's why it is good news indeed that this year, Fashion Week has finally jumped on the ever-expanding bandwagon of putting healthier women in the spotlight. According to Nian Fish, who chairs a fashion designers health initiative, models were up to size 4 (read: "thin") this year, and there wasn't a size 0 in sight. Furthermore, designers turned away from modeling their clothing on prepubescent 13 year-old girls.
"I think a lot of the direction from the designers has been a much healthier approach," said James Aguiar, co-host of Ultra HD's "Full Frontal Fashion." Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor at Harper's Bazaar, agrees: "We're obviously going through a season of a less cookie-cutter look."
To my own (fashion-blind) eyes, this years models still look impossibly thin. But if there has been a step, even a tiny one, away from the skin-and-bones ideal that I've grown up with, I see it as a step in the right direction. Who knows, maybe next year we'll have the pleasure of seeing a nice rack or a juicy booty on New York's high profile stage!
To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/homestyle/09/11/thin.models.fashion.ap/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Cat Survives 16 Mile Journey Under the Hood of a Running Car
Irvine, CA
After driving 16 miles from Anaheim to Irvine, CA, an anonymous driver pulled her Honda over when she heard odd noises issuing from under the hood. When she got out of the car, she realized that the loud wailing sounded just like a cat. After popping her hood, the driver was stunned to find an adult black cat who had somehow wedged himself behind her right headlight, beneath the hood. The woman immediately called 911.
When rescue workers arrived, the car's engine was still so hot that they were unable to access the trapped kitty. Eventually, loosening the car's headlight gave way to a crack wide enough for rescuers to tranquilize and, eventually, extract cat.
Miraculously, "Miles," as the cat has now been named, survived the ordeal without a scratch or even a burn. Miles is micro chipped, however thus far his owners have not come forward. He is currently up for adoption in Irvine.
For the full story, visit: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/09/11/dnt.ca.cat.wedged.in.engine.kcal
After driving 16 miles from Anaheim to Irvine, CA, an anonymous driver pulled her Honda over when she heard odd noises issuing from under the hood. When she got out of the car, she realized that the loud wailing sounded just like a cat. After popping her hood, the driver was stunned to find an adult black cat who had somehow wedged himself behind her right headlight, beneath the hood. The woman immediately called 911.
When rescue workers arrived, the car's engine was still so hot that they were unable to access the trapped kitty. Eventually, loosening the car's headlight gave way to a crack wide enough for rescuers to tranquilize and, eventually, extract cat.
Miraculously, "Miles," as the cat has now been named, survived the ordeal without a scratch or even a burn. Miles is micro chipped, however thus far his owners have not come forward. He is currently up for adoption in Irvine.
For the full story, visit: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/09/11/dnt.ca.cat.wedged.in.engine.kcal
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
eHusbandry Matches Mates Across the World
COLUMBIA, S.C.
Online dating is becoming more and more commonplace in today's cyber-centered world. The latest development brings good news in the heretofore neglected area of animal husbandry! Zookeepers will soon have access to the profiles of 'single' animals all over the world looking for prospective mates. Until know, discussions and descriptions of animals in captivity were exchanged on an individual basis, over the phone or email. By using a Facebook-esque social networking called the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), 150 zoos and aquariums around the world will be able to play match maker for animals in captivity. Also known as 'studbooks', the web-based data will be more easily accessible, faster in pairing up matches, and will contain information on the animals looks and personalities-- just like sites geared towards humans. This way, even species more hesitant to breed in captivity (such as the panda or African elephant) can be set up with compatible mates.
"Studbooks are the key to our long-term breeding plans," said John Lehnhardt, animal operations director at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Fla. "We want to ensure that these endangered species are here for the future and that's really what the studbooks are all about. What we're trying to do is maintain a savings account in species."
"Big populations out in the wild breed randomly," added Ed Diebold, director of animal collections at Riverbanks Zoo. "In captivity, usually these populations are considerably smaller than wild populations, which is why you can't afford to allow animals to inbreed or breed along closely related lines. That's why you have the studbooks."
For more information and some titillating examples of animal mating habits, check out the original link:
http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,419603,00.html
Online dating is becoming more and more commonplace in today's cyber-centered world. The latest development brings good news in the heretofore neglected area of animal husbandry! Zookeepers will soon have access to the profiles of 'single' animals all over the world looking for prospective mates. Until know, discussions and descriptions of animals in captivity were exchanged on an individual basis, over the phone or email. By using a Facebook-esque social networking called the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), 150 zoos and aquariums around the world will be able to play match maker for animals in captivity. Also known as 'studbooks', the web-based data will be more easily accessible, faster in pairing up matches, and will contain information on the animals looks and personalities-- just like sites geared towards humans. This way, even species more hesitant to breed in captivity (such as the panda or African elephant) can be set up with compatible mates.
"Studbooks are the key to our long-term breeding plans," said John Lehnhardt, animal operations director at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Fla. "We want to ensure that these endangered species are here for the future and that's really what the studbooks are all about. What we're trying to do is maintain a savings account in species."
"Big populations out in the wild breed randomly," added Ed Diebold, director of animal collections at Riverbanks Zoo. "In captivity, usually these populations are considerably smaller than wild populations, which is why you can't afford to allow animals to inbreed or breed along closely related lines. That's why you have the studbooks."
For more information and some titillating examples of animal mating habits, check out the original link:
http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,419603,00.html
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