WASHINGTON: Severe depression or chronic stress
can cause your brain to shrink and lead to emotional and cognitive
impairment, a new study has claimed. A team of researchers led by Yale
scientists discovered that one reason for this condition is a single
genetic switch that triggers loss of brain connections in humans and
depression in animal models.
The findings, published in the
journal 'Nature Medicine' , show that the genetic switch known as a
transcription factor represses the expression of several genes that are
necessary for the formation of synaptic connections between brain cells,
which in turn could contribute to loss of brain mass in the prefrontal
cortex of the brain.
Archive for 2012
Gamera II hits new high with unofficial human-powered helicopter altitude record (video)
Depression and stress can shrink your brain
"We show that circuits normally involved in emotion , as well as cognition, are disrupted when this single transcription factor is activated ," Duman said.
Scientists analysed tissue of depressed and non-depressed patients donated from a brain bank and looked for different patterns of gene activation. The brains of patients who were in depression exhibited lower levels of expression in genes that are required for function and structure of brain synapses.
Lead author and postdoctoral researcher H J Kang discovered that at least five of these genes could be regulated by a single transcription factor called GATA1
Inactivity 'killing as many as smoking'
A lack of exercise is now causing as many deaths as smoking across the world, a study suggests.
The report, published in the Lancet to coincide with the
build-up to the Olympics, estimates that about a third of adults are not
doing enough physical activity, causing 5.3m deaths a year.That equates to about one in 10 deaths from diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and breast and colon cancer.
Researchers said the problem was now so bad it should be treated as a pandemic.
And they said tackling it required a new way of thinking, suggesting the public needed to be warned about the dangers of inactivity rather than just reminded of the benefits of being active.
Continue reading the main story
Exercise can...
- Help with insomnia
- Strengthen bones
- Help you to manage stress, anxiety and even depre
- make your lifestyle more healthy
Steampunk laptop maker ready to take preorders
Originally built for fun, Datamancer says the steampunk laptop is ready for production almost five years later.
(Credit: Datamancer.net)
Now that you have the opportunity to own your own Victorian-era steampunk laptop, you can finally compute like it's 1899.
Richard "Doc" Nagy, who describes himself as a "steampunk contraptor, technical artist, and jackass-of-all-trades" first built a steampunk Windows XP laptop for fun nearly five years ago. Lately he's been busy shopping around his Victorian-era keyboards at CES and elsewhere, but now he says he's ready to make that sweet steampunk silicon action available to the public.
This week Nagy announced that he is ready to start taking preorders on a batch of steampunk laptops that will be updated and redesigned to reflect numerous technological advancements, both in laptop systems and in Nagy's own workshop.
These new versions will be better and faster than my original prototype, featuring cutting-edge internal components capable of running any of today's games and other software. They will also be much lighter and slimmer, so as to actually still be "portable" and as convenient as a standard laptop, and have a much more refined and professional design while retaining the elegant Victorian styling of my other work.
Nagy says he says he'll start with PCs for the new batch (for now, he's only speculating about their weight), but will consider giving Macs the steampunk treatment as well.
He's setting a preorder price of $5,500 per laptop, but says he expects "the anticipated retail price for future batches will probably be $7,500 or more." He says several customizations will be available, including recessed gold foil maps, and different wood stains and key fonts. But what about matching accessories, you ask? Don't worry, Doc's got you covered:
"I also plan to include a key-shaped USB flash drive with every laptop that will also open a brass lock on each machine. "
While Nagy is knocking two grand off the preorder price for the first batch, he is looking for a 50 percent deposit. All in all a small price to pay for the ability to host the coolest "City of Lost Children" watch party ever. Here are a couple more shots of Nagy's original protoype:
(Credit: Datamancer.net)
(Credit: Datamancer.net)Gamera human-powered helicopter can hover for nearly a minute
Looks like we are on our way to human powered helicopters and students from the University of Maryland are leading the charge. They have successfully hovered their first human-powered helicopter. The Gamera is a pedal-powered helicopter. They hope to win the AHS Sikorsky Prize, named for helicopter pioneer Igor Sikorsky. It looks like they just may do it.
The AHS Sikorsky Prize awards $250,000 to teams who can build and fly a helicopter that is completely powered by a human. The project began last summer when the Gamera I was able to hover for 11 seconds. Now with improvements in the design, they hope to finally reach the required 60 seconds.
The AHS Sikorsky Prize awards $250,000 to teams who can build and fly a helicopter that is completely powered by a human. The project began last summer when the Gamera I was able to hover for 11 seconds. Now with improvements in the design, they hope to finally reach the required 60 seconds.
The Gamera II is a lighter and stronger version of the Gamera I, that will handle longer flights. Earlier this week the Gamera II hovered for 35 seconds. Then yesterday, they reached 40 seconds. They are almost there.
Amazing remodeling of a simple flat
ordinary
The chances of finding the perfect home, readymade and just waiting for you to move in, are quite slim. It would be especially rare in a dense metropolis like Seoul, where efficiency, rather than beauty, often dictates construction plans. You could spend a lifetime hunting for that ideal house, or—like this resourceful homeowner—you could just make it yourself. With a bit of imagination and whole lot of guts, he remodeled an ordinary flat into the loft of his dreams, complete with a bonus attic.
And bold they were—going so far as to completely transform the apartment’s structure, something few homeowners in Seoul are willing to do. The process ended up being far more arduous than he had bargained for, but the result is a knockout. After several months of deconstructing and rebuilding (then deconstructing and rebuilding again) and scouring the market for the proper furniture and accessories, they ended up with a place that is equal parts sleek and cozy. There are still a few details here and there that need to be perfected, but for the most part, it’s a finished project. And thanks to an outstanding amount of creativity and ingenuity, it’s even better than he dreamed it would be.
Don’t be afraid to mix different shades of wood. It shows panache and feels more organic. The ladder and the globe pendants draw the eye up and show off the geometric ceiling.
This display wall is the first thing you see when you walk into the apartment, so it serves as a welcome sign and sets the tone with personal knick knacks.
The attic turned out to be the perfect spot for friends to hang out, drink wine, play some board games, and even crash if need be at the end of the night. It’s a favorite among visitors.
Punches of bright colors like the orange bolster pillows on the sofa lend personality and a focal point to the mostly masculine feel of the office.
A risky purchase that turned out to be the star of the living room. Modern felt rectangles add a tactile quality, making it the perfect statement piece (not to mention, it feels oddly pleasing to step on it).
The chances of finding the perfect home, readymade and just waiting for you to move in, are quite slim. It would be especially rare in a dense metropolis like Seoul, where efficiency, rather than beauty, often dictates construction plans. You could spend a lifetime hunting for that ideal house, or—like this resourceful homeowner—you could just make it yourself. With a bit of imagination and whole lot of guts, he remodeled an ordinary flat into the loft of his dreams, complete with a bonus attic.
For this media personality, signing on the dotted line was a no-brainer. In any normal circumstance, just because an apartment occupies the top floor doesn’t mean that you get any extra ceiling height. Even if there are striking architectural elements above, you wouldn’t know it because they would be obstructed by a flat ceiling. However, this homeowner was lucky enough to see his top floor digs before the ceiling was put in place, so he knew the potential that lay above the builders’ plans. He was immediately sold.
Finding the right designer came by happenstance when he inquired about a handful of unique recording studios he had visited. It turned out that they had all been worked on by the same person from a design firm called Inis Orm (이니스 오름). Even though the company doesn’t usually take residential clients, they agreed to take him after he reassured them that he would be willing to make some bold moves.
And bold they were—going so far as to completely transform the apartment’s structure, something few homeowners in Seoul are willing to do. The process ended up being far more arduous than he had bargained for, but the result is a knockout. After several months of deconstructing and rebuilding (then deconstructing and rebuilding again) and scouring the market for the proper furniture and accessories, they ended up with a place that is equal parts sleek and cozy. There are still a few details here and there that need to be perfected, but for the most part, it’s a finished project. And thanks to an outstanding amount of creativity and ingenuity, it’s even better than he dreamed it would be.
Don’t be afraid to mix different shades of wood. It shows panache and feels more organic. The ladder and the globe pendants draw the eye up and show off the geometric ceiling.
This display wall is the first thing you see when you walk into the apartment, so it serves as a welcome sign and sets the tone with personal knick knacks.
The attic turned out to be the perfect spot for friends to hang out, drink wine, play some board games, and even crash if need be at the end of the night. It’s a favorite among visitors.
Punches of bright colors like the orange bolster pillows on the sofa lend personality and a focal point to the mostly masculine feel of the office.
A risky purchase that turned out to be the star of the living room. Modern felt rectangles add a tactile quality, making it the perfect statement piece (not to mention, it feels oddly pleasing to step on it).
Indian boy solves 350-year old math puzzle set by Newton
LONDON: A 16-year-old Indian origin schoolboy in Germany has managed to crack puzzles that baffled the world of maths for more than 350 years, it was reported here on Saturday.
Shouryya Ray, from Dresden, has been hailed a genius after working out the problems set by Sir Isaac Newton.
Ray solved two fundamental particle dynamics theories which physicists have previously been able to calculate only by using powerful computers, Daily Mail reported.
His solutions mean that scientists can now calculate the flight path of a thrown ball and then predict how it will hit and bounce off a wall.
Ray only came across the problems during a school trip to Dresden University where professors claimed they were uncrackable, the newspaper said.
"I just asked myself, 'Why not?'," explained Ray.
"I didn't believe there couldn't be a solution," he added.
Ray began solving complicated equations as a six-year-old but says he's no genius.
After arriving from Kolkata four years ago without knowing any German, Shouryya is now fluent in the language.
His intelligence was quickly noted in class and he was pushed up two years in school - he is currently sitting his exams early, the Mail said.
Shouryya Ray, from Dresden, has been hailed a genius after working out the problems set by Sir Isaac Newton.
Ray solved two fundamental particle dynamics theories which physicists have previously been able to calculate only by using powerful computers, Daily Mail reported.
His solutions mean that scientists can now calculate the flight path of a thrown ball and then predict how it will hit and bounce off a wall.
Ray only came across the problems during a school trip to Dresden University where professors claimed they were uncrackable, the newspaper said.
"I just asked myself, 'Why not?'," explained Ray.
"I didn't believe there couldn't be a solution," he added.
Ray began solving complicated equations as a six-year-old but says he's no genius.
After arriving from Kolkata four years ago without knowing any German, Shouryya is now fluent in the language.
His intelligence was quickly noted in class and he was pushed up two years in school - he is currently sitting his exams early, the Mail said.
It Seems That Aliens Are Living Under the White Sea
The White Sea is an inlet of the Barents Sea, in the northwest coast of Russia. Its waters are cold and apparently devoid of life—until you do deep and discover an alien world full of colorful creatures that look from other planets.
These amazing shots were captured by the head of the diving department of Moscow State University, who works at their White Sea biological research station. [Leprosorium via English Russia]
Full size
Full size
Full size
Full size
Full size
Full size
Full size
Full size
Full size
Bottle Drip Irrigation
It’s time to water your plants frugally. I fill my bottle drippers with the garden hose. This is quick and saves time.
The used bottles are buried between plants. They take seconds to fill.
All water gets to the roots of each plant unlike sprinklers which allow much of the water to be trapped in the foliage.
“One of the best ways to provide a steady water supply to your plants without your constant attention is the gradual watering system or drip irrigation.
“Through this method a device is employed that slowly delivers water into the soil directly around the roots.
“Commercial watering spikes can be purchased from you local garden centre however, using recycled materials you can make your own drip irrigation system for free.” 1
Select one of these topics below
How To Make It - Step-by-Step
I prefer to have the bottle standing right-way-up as I think it looks nicer and it keeps debris out of the bottle thus keeping the holes from blocking.
The materials:
* 2 litre plastic soft-drink bottle or water bottle * Sharp small screwdriver, pointed hole-maker or drill
This can be used in container gardening, raised bed gardens and open vegetable gardens.
Using your pocket knife, make 2 small slits in the bottom of your bottle. Make two more small slits half way up your bottle. Then fill your dripper bottle with water to test it. Does it drip slowly? Or empty too quickly?
Dig a hole next to your tomato plant. Place the bottle right-way-up in the hole. Fill the bottle with water from the hose. Add liquid fertilizer from time to time.
This will slowly deep-water your tomato plants and most other vegetable plants.
You can learn more about this on another website.
Only two very small holes are needed at the lowest place on the bottle.
I prefer to leave the lids off. This means I can fill them in a shorter time each day without removing the lids. If you replace the lid on the bottle after filling with water it will release the water more slowly. You might like to experiment with this.
Place bamboo stakes next to each bottle. As the plants overgrow the bottle, you will still find it by seeing the stake.
Here I am making another hole slightly higher up the bottle. If I screw the lid on, this hole acts as a breather. Water will not come out. Air will go in. Try this.
However, if I remove the lid, water will come out this hole as well as the holes in the base. 
You can make larger holes, and partly fill the bottle with coarse-sand or soil to slow the flow.
Fast fill. Slow release.
Funnel Orientation
Some people like the bottles upside down, like a funnel. Here is the upside-down orientation for your consideration.
“Drill 4-8 small holes into the cap of the plastic bottle. If you want it to drip slower use less holes, faster use more holes. Don’t make holes that are too small, they will become clogged up by debris. Remove the bottom of the bottle by cutting across with a sharp knife. I find a serrated knife works well. Removing the bottom of the bottle creates a funnel for you to easily pour water into. The wide mouthed opening will also catch some water when it rains.” 1
“Dig a hole next to a plant or in between a grouping of plants that is deep enough to bury at least one third to one half of the bottle. If you position the bottle in amongst a grouping of plants it will be hidden from view. Place the bottle in the hole with the cap side down and secure it into the hole by pressing dirt around it. This will ensure that your bottle stays in place. Pour water into the bottle until it is full. You can add fertilizer to the bottle every few weeks so that your plants are fertilized right at the roots.” 1
I prefer to remove the plastic lid altogether and stuff a small rag stopper tightly in the lid hole. This prevents the holes blocking up.
“You will need to fill your bottle when it is empty, once a day or less depending on how much direct, hot sun your plants receive. Make several bottles to place in all your large containers or next to plants in your garden such as tomatoes that require a lot of water.” 1
How this plant dripper saves your time
Auto-fill Drip Irrigation System
