Tag Archives: technology

Yet More Adult Stem Cell Advances

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bLogicus has a few posts on recent advances in adult stem cell technology, namely that some Taiwanese scientists have isolated stem cells from placentas, that rats injected with human umbilical cord stem cells after having heart attacks regained nearly normal function, and Stem Cells Inc. has filed with the FDA to start a study on using adult stem cells to treat Batten disease, which affects children’s central nervous systems. To judge from Stem Cell Inc.’s website, it looks like this program would only help recover neurons destroyed by Batten’s disease, not eradicate the root cause itself.

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Bubble Burst

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Tests reveal strongest brands of condoms

A melon-colored model [condom] distributed by Planned Parenthood performed the worst [in independent testing by Consumers Union], bursting during a test in which the latex condoms were filled with air.

Oh, the irony. 😉

Poking fun at Planned Barrenhood aside, I’m not sure the test CU used, though widely accepted for condom testing, is really representative of the repetitive stresses put on the latex during intercourse. How is inflating a condom like a balloon similar to poking it repeatedly and subjecting it to friction from rubbing?

“Zero Energy” Homes

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Check out this neat article on “zero-energy
homes” that can produce as much electricity as they consume.
Now while
this assumes that you live in a particular climate (e.g., the
Southwest), that includes
some areas most in need of more sustainable design, given California’s
chronic power
shortages and the extended drought the West is experiencing. The
materials are already
on hand and commercially available, so I hope to see more of these
intelligent,
sustainable invents to be used.In reality, the houses don’t always
produce as much
electricity as they use, the savings may still be significant, and the
savings will
no doubt draw more homeowners to this philosophy of design.

An Earful

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I’ve been a heavy-duty cell phone user since late ’98. This kind of story doesn’t give me warm fuzzies.

Study finds cell phones could cause noncancerous tumors
By Nancy McVicar

People who have used cell phones for at least 10 years might have an increased risk of developing a rare brain tumor, according to a study published Wednesday in the international journal Epidemiology.

It’s Called Vibrate Mode

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Cell phones ringing during Mass is a major pet peeve. Worse yet is when someone
either lets it ring without turning it off or actually answers it and proceeds to
talk and not leave the room. Mexican churches are disregarding
law to avoid these problems. I’m not sure two wrongs make a right here, but
I can’t help but cheer the churches on.