Month: October 2005

Weed Helps You Think

- Adam Clare 2 Comments

Is this good weed?Marijuana doesn’t only get you high, it may also help to re-grow brain cells. A Canadian researcher has proposed this.

“In mammals, new nerve cells are constantly being produced in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is associated with learning, memory, anxiety and depression. Other recreational drugs, such as alcohol, nicotine and cocaine, have been shown to suppress this new growth. Xia Zhang of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, and colleagues decided to see what effects a synthetic cannabinoid called HU210 had on rats’ brains”

An increase in HU210 results in more nerve cell growth. Maybe this shows that smart societies are the ones that allow recreational enjoyment of marijuana.

Resilin to the Rescue

- Adam Clare

good rubberInsects have helped us all once again by providing scientists with a novel way to produce rubber. By analyzing the DNA of fruit-flies they have been able to figure out how to simulate the material (resilin) their wings are made of. Previous attempts at this failed because they looked at different parts of the DNA.

Since a fly’s wings have to bend a lot resilin can be used for bionic parts and other things that require a lot of bending. It is also more resilient than normal rubber.

Tyco Executives Denied Bail

- Adam Clare

Former Tyco International executives L. Dennis Kozlowski and Mark Swartz were recently denied bail.

“They were convicted in June on charges of first-degree grand larceny and other charges related to accusations they stole $180 million outright and improperly made some $430 million by manipulating Tyco’s stock value.”

It is good to see that the American justice system still applies to people of every walk of life.

Solar Power Ready to Roll Out

- Adam Clare

Solar Panels have met resistance because they are somewhat hard to install, some people have challenged that notion. A new form of photovoltaic cells being tested now (and expected to be in mass production in two years) are based on a fancy solar ink.

This new form of solar power generation will allow for cheaper, and more widely used, solar panels. The experimental cells can even be easily incorporated into clothing.

Thanks, Colin!

UN Congratulates Angelina!

- Vanessa King 69 Comments

Actress Angelina Jolie has recently been presented with the Global Humanitarian Award from The United Nations Association of the U.S.A. for her work in aiding refugees all over the Globe.

She first became involved with the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) after travelling to the small African country of Sierra Leone, which has been devastated by years of civil war. After witnessing the suffering and challenges that refugees face she chose to use her noteriety as a highly popular actress to aid in their cause.

Angelina has visited more than 20 countries to talk personally to refugees and has also become highly regarded for her activism before senior political and economic leaders in arguing the protection of refugees. She has served as a voice for millions of displaced people all over the Globe.

UN High Commisioner for refugees António Guterres said in his congratulatory message “The depth of your dedication and commitment inspires many others, especially the legions of young people who admire you, to think about how they too can help to make the world a better place.”

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