A drug based on the active ingredient in a Tibetan shrub makes cells think they are starving, priming a response that fights inflammation and possibly ageing
From Gizmodo: The Miraculous NASA Breakthrough That Could Save Millions of Lives
From Gizmodo: Playing In the Sand Could Make You Pay On the Toilet
Some people go to the beach but eschew going into the water because it’s “gross”. If that’s you, then you are a sucker. According to a new EPA study, playing in the sand more than doubles your chances of getting sick. More »
from Gizmodo
From Gizmodo: Woman Who Assembles iPads Shown iPad for First Time in Her Life
From DailyTech Main News Feed: Woman Receives World’s First Complete 3D Printed Lower Jaw Implant
She will receive a follow-up surgery later this month
From Popular Science – New Technology, Science News, The Future Now: Cool Plasma Torch Kills Germs on Raw Chicken
Plasma Versus Chicken Breast Dirks et al., Journal of Food Protection
We’ve seen the plasma beam toothbrush, where a blast of room-temperature plasma destroys plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Now researchers at Drexel University have applied the technology to raw chicken and found that the gentle blue blast of ionized matter effectively removes pathogens on the poultry’s surface.
When raw chicken breasts had a normal amount of pathogens (Salmonella enterica and Campylobacter jejuni were the culprits that were tested), the plasma almost completely eliminated them. The technology is still too expensive to fit into the highly streamlined production lines that bring skinless, boneless, sanitized poultry to your table, but — not least because it is equally effective on antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria — the proof of concept is an intriguing one.
The researchers suggest that the treatment could significantly increase the shelf life of raw meat by removing microorganisms responsible for spoilage. They don’t mention, though, the first idea that popped into my mind: delicious chicken sashimi.
from Popular Science – New Technology, Science News, The Future Now
From Lifehacker: Bake an Egg in an Avocado for a Fast and Healthy Breakfast Treat
Avocados are amazing things—they’re delicious on their own, but they also have a lot of healthy fats, dietary fibers, and vitamins, and despite their high caloric value, they’re remarkably easy to prepare. If you have an avocado that’s too firm to use for something else, or you’re just in the mood for something new and healthy for breakfast, slice it in half, remove the pit, and carve out a little space in the center. Crack an egg where the pit was, and bake. In a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious, protein and vitamin-packed breakfast treat that’s rich enough to keep you going all morning. More »
from Lifehacker