Month: August 2005

Uzbekistan Tells U.S. to Leave

- Adam Clare

The Uzbek government has given the American military six months to leave Uzbekistan. Infrastructure supporting the base has cost the state upwards of $160 million US, which the US has not contributed to.

The American government was going to contribute about $20 million, but withheld it because the way Uzbek government handled May protests. Troops fired on a crowd of peaceful protesters and the government has not launched an inquiry into the incident which killed 750 people. Russia and China have also called for an inquiry, hopefully China and Russia will have success where the American’s didn’t.

Removal of the air base in Uzbekistan will help ease political tension in the area since China and Russia are both rightly concerned of the American military presence. The demilitarization of the world is always good.

MRI Machines to Detect Diabetes

- Adam Clare 1 Comment

Research done at Joslin Diabetes Center and Massachusetts General Hospital has proven that is possible to detect type 1 diabetes. diabetes attacksThis is a good development because it was previously very difficult to visualize inflammation through non-invasive technology. At least in mice.

“The researchers applied the MRI-MNP technique to determine whether they could predict which mice would develop autoimmune diabetes and monitor the effectiveness of immune therapy aimed at reversing diabetes.” Reports Science Daily. The drugs the mice were given (to help the MRI technique) is similar to one currently being given to people with diabetes.

Anything is Possible!

- Vanessa King

A young woman from Canterbury, England set out to sail across the English channel this week. What makes her story so amazing is that Hilary Lister is a quadripeligic. Her solo voyage is the longest sailing record in history by a quadriplegic taking her 6 hours and 13 minutes. The mechanism used to power the sailboat is similar to one on her wheelchair with two straws connected to switches that control the sails and steer the boat with the use of her breath.

Hilary is using her voyage across the channel to raise money for sailing opportunities for others with disabilities. She is also hoping to encourage people to rethink their views about the disabled.
“We do not need wrapping up in cotton wool and can go out and do silly or dangerous things if that’s what we want to do.” She says.

With her first journey completed Hilary now hopes to sail around Britain next year.

Japan Executives do Good

- Adam Clare

Ashai.com has a groovy article about Japanese executives helping out charities. The article points out that in Japan “philanthropy is still below the levels in the United States and Europe” but that is starting to change.

Corporate talent is helping out NGOs and charities with talent and money. Japanese NGOs generally rely on membership fees and a few projects that generate revenue, so philanthropy is needed.

New Stem Cell Discovery From Skin Cell

- Adam Clare

Researchers have found a way to essentially reprogram adult skin and bone cells so they will revert to an embryonic stem cell. This new discovery may lessen the debate surrounding stem cell research since stem cells are currently generated from discarded fetuses.

Scientist hope to use stem cells to create specially made transplants; other benefits also come from stem cell research.

Thanks Lucasz!

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