The CBC reports that a study put up by the Canadian Recording Industry Association may be showing that music downloading is not harmful to the recording industry. The study shows that the largest music downloading demographic is also the largest music buying demographic, among other interesting results.
The interpretations are being debated over by recording industry heavyweights. I think the real good news here is that the question is being earnestly considered.
Scientists at the Massachusets Institute of Technology were able to restore sight to rodents blinded by brain damage. They grew brain cells on a nano-scale artificial scaffolding, which later dissolves away.
It is hoped that this technology can one day be developed enough to treat human patients who have suffered vision loss due to stroke, spinal cord injuries or other nervous ailments.
Hundreds of doctors from all around the World have added their signatures to a letter condemning doctors in Gunantanamo for force feeding inmates on hunger strike. The letter is published in the Lancet Medical Journal and states that techniques such as restraints and the use of force to feed prisoners by nasal tube should be prohibited.
The principles of the World Medical Assiciation represent physicians in the US as well as countries all around the globe and specifically ban the use of force feeding as it is seen as cruel behaviour.
Some 500 prisoners are still being held in Guantanamo, however, several prominent groups, such as Amnesty International and the UN, are presently urging the U.S. to close down the facility. Since Amnesty’s initial involvement in letter writing campaigns 15 detainees have been released from US custody, 8 of which have been freed indefinately.
Care to send a letter to the U.S. to speak out against torture and injustice in Gunatanamo?
Follow the link to good action!
In 1995, an Indian doctor named Madan Kataria started a club in India which prescribes a healthy dose of humour to prolong and enrich life, and the idea (like the laughter) is contagious.
They begin by limbering up and relaxing their muscles, and then laugh with each other for hours! The club members report, not surprisingly, decreased stress and increased happiness. American researchers corroborate the story with evidence that laughter prolongs life, boosts the immune system and reduces stress.
Over 5000 laughing clubs have sprung up in India, Halifax, Illinois, and around the world. Why not start a laughing club in your area?
Segway Scooter inventor Dean Kamen is at it again. But this time instead of helping those in rich countries to get off of their feet, he wants to help poor countries get back on their feet!
He’s developed two washing-machine sized devices: one that filters 1000 litres of water per day; and one that continually produces a kilowatt of energy, powered by cow dung.
Kamen has partnered with Iqbal Quadir, of Bangladeshi company Grameen Phone (see our previous coverage of Grameen Bank). Their business model encourages entrepreneurs in developing nations to offer power and water as services to local populations.
CNN.com has the full story.