Anyone who has obeyed nature by transmitting a piece of gossip experiences the explosive relief that accompanies the satisfying of a primary need.
— Primo Levi
Anyone who has obeyed nature by transmitting a piece of gossip experiences the explosive relief that accompanies the satisfying of a primary need.
— Primo Levi
Stayed-up-too-late-watching-election-results-edition
A genetically altered AIDS retrovirus that impairs the replication of the HIV virus has shown encouraging results in a small clinical trial, US researchers said in a paper published Monday.
Doctors are launching a trial to see if patients can be treated using injections of their own stem cells within five hours of a heart attack. Early evidence suggests bone marrow stem cells can be used to repair the damage to the heart muscle which is inflicted during a heart attack. That could help prevent subsequent heart failure, which is more of a threat than the initial attack itself. And blind mice have had their sight restored by injection of “late-stage” stem cells into their retinas, potentially leading to a cure for the leading causes of blindness in humans – age-related macular degeneration and diabetes-related blindness.
A report launched at the UN Nairobi, Kenya climate conference complains that the discussion of global warming to date has focused on science and economics, with no mention of ethics. It points out that the effects of global warming disproportionately fall on poor nations, violating the human right of people to not be harmed by others without their consent.
Natural compounds derived from a sea anemone extract and a shrub plant have been found to block the autoimmune disease response in type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers.
A breakthrough finding on the mechanism of myelin formation could have a major impact on the treatment of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and demyelination as a result of spinal cord injuries.
Atmospheric scientists have reported a new and potentially important mechanism by which chemical emissions from ocean phytoplankton may influence the formation of clouds that reflect sunlight away from our planet. Discovery of the new link between clouds and the biosphere grew out of efforts to explain increased cloud cover observed over an area of the Southern Ocean where a large bloom of phytoplankton was occurring. Based on satellite data, the researchers hypothesized that airborne particles produced by oxidation of the chemical isoprene – which is emitted by the phytoplankton – may have contributed to a doubling of cloud droplet concentrations seen over a large area of ocean off the eastern coast of South America. This effect was previously only believed important for terrestrial plants.
A ship bearing 141 sealed containers filled with toxic waste arrived Tuesday in the French port of Le Havre from Ivory Coast, where the waste was dumped in August and blamed for killing 10 people. The containers hold toxic liquids and dirt gathered by a French company on contract with the Ivorian government to clean up the waste, which will be chemically neutralized and incinerated.
Just as Hurricane Katrina woke America up to climate change, a drought now in its fourth year is having the same effect on Australians. The drought could be the worst there in 1,000 years.
Oooh, it’s sort of a medical miracles edition today! Cool. 🙂
groggy too.
Supreme Court takes up the abortion case
do you suppose they got the message?
Understatement of the year.
Love the Billmon quote.
think he could be asked at his 1:00 PM presser?
and looks like he’ll announce Rumsfeld resigns, AP
Ah Oh,,, Halliburton can run, but it can’t hide…
[snip]
In the House:
Henry Waxman (D-Calif.): Described as “a pit-bull with a fantastic staff,” Rep. Waxman is in place to take over as chairman of the powerful House Government Reform Committee. Insiders look for this to become the powerhouse investigating committee “where the action is at.” Expect Rep. Waxman to start by issuing subpoenas for top Halliburton and KBR executives. Others issues will include Iraq war contracting and Katrina and Gulf Coast re-building.[snip]
Jane Harman (D-Calif.): As a possibility for Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Harman is eager to pursue the ties between convicted Congressman Duke Cunningham and defense contractors.[snip]
George Miller (D-Calif.): Rep. Miller is slated to take over the Education and the Workforce Committee. Expect a full rehearing of allegations involving convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, the Northern Marianas Islands and Tom Delay.
John Conyers (D-Mich.):Rep. Conyers is in line to take over the Judiciary Committee. While one top hill staffer says, “His appetite for true investigation is untested,” his new book takes on President Bush for violating the law on Iraq and secret prisons. Internet blogs are hyperventilating about possible impeachment hearings.
John Dingell (D-Mich.): In line for the Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, Rep. Dingell’s office says he plans to hold oversight hearings on Medicare and energy policies. His first goal would be to push through a bill aimed at lower prescription drug prices for Medicare.
I can’t wait.
Right now I can hear Nader on DemocracyNow! droning on and on and on about the Democrats. You know what? I’m just not in the mood for Nader’s negativity. Today I’m doing the happy dance, no matter how fiery Nader’s hairdo is. 🙂
The 2 Senate seats that’s claimed too close to call:
MT: Tester (D) claims victory(h/t: Thinkprogress) as AP confirms with this victory,we’re tied with GOP
VA: Webb still ahead with 99.88% counted – about 8,000 vote lead.
is the place that keeps on giving. First it was Foley, then State Rep. Arza, the “Bitchifier,” and now it’s the Pansy Priest caught “in” a half-baked Nelson, as it were, on the Web.
Okay — so first it was Jack Abramoff being involved in the Carnival Cruise gang-slaying.