Stop, Think, Repeat!

Analyzing the beliefs of today and the discoveries of tomorrow.

Karolinska Institute researchers discovered that newborns delivered via C section experience changes in their white blood cells DNA pool. They theorize that this may explain why C section born babies have an increased risk of developing asthma, diabetes, leukaemia, and other immunological diseases later in life. Blood tests showed that of the 37 babies delivered the 16 C section babies exhibited higher rates of DNA-methylation.  After three to five days the C section babies blood returned to the levels of those delivered naturally. The question now becomes what is the long term affect of such differences and are they related to the increased risks observed?

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Amit Kagian, a graduate of TAU School of Computer Sciences, has developed a program that enabled the computer to analyze factors such as hair color, skin smoothness, and symmetry to make aesthetic judgments on an individuals attractiveness.

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Boeing has developed a laser system for use by U.S. troops. The laser system is intended to destroy explosive targets from a safe distance. While this may seem limiting it is said to be upgradable to the point that it can take down low-flying aerial vehicles.

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A new discovery of Princeton scientists investigating a particular group of proteins that help cells burn energy found evidence that evolution may not be as random as previously thought. The group of proteins called the electron transport chain which regulates cell energy were discovered to be actively correcting imbalances caused by artificial mutations in order to ensure proper operation(Mutations that break down the functional systems are being kept in check). Mathematical analysis has revealed these corrections are taking place all the time suggesting that evolution is being directed. In other words organisms are evolving ways to better evolve. 

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A new parasite has been discovered in the tropical forests of South America that transforms the appearance of its ant host into a juicy red berry to make it more appealing to birds. The birds, which normally don’t eat the ants, are tricked into eating it by its appearance and spread the roundworm to the rest of the forest through its droppings.

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A group of computer scientists with a growing concern that further advances could disrupt or endanger society are debating whether there should be limits on research that might lead to loss of human control over computer-based systems that carry a growing share of society’s workload, from waging war to chatting with customers on the phone.

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A US team of scientists have created a computer made up of E-Coli that can solve complex math problems faster than a normal silicon computer.

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Stem cells are cells that have the ability to become any cell type. They can develop into any of the organs and tissues that make up the body. In the past these cells were obtained from days old embryo’s but recently a team of Chinese scientists have shown it is possible to create stem cells from skin tissue. They have even gone as far as to take the stem cells they made from skin cells and reprogram them to look and act like embryonic stem cells which they then implanted in the womb of mice resulting in offspring. There are questions surrounding the potential drawbacks of such a birth. Will the offspring be prone to cancer?

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The new cloud class has been named Asperatus. Though there are suspicions on the cause it is still a mystery as to how they develope.

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A new material resulting from a partnership between Duke  University and Boston College absorbs both the magnetic and electrical properties of electromagnetic waves over a certain frequency range turning the light into heat. The heat can then be used to generate power.

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