Is Limb Regeneration Possible in Humans?

Not long ago, stem cell and gene research made it possible for human beings to regenerate fingertips right down to the fingerprint if an ample amount of the fingernail remained intact. An accidental discovery also showed lab mice could regenerate holes in their ears and the tips of their toes when the Lin28a gene is enabled. Both mice and human beings have this gene but it is normally disabled after the embryonic state. Further research conducted at the University College London on salamanders shows that the ERK pathway or way proteins communicate from the receptor of a cell to the nucleus is largely responsible for how salamanders can regenerate limbs and certain types of organs. Normally, the ERK pathway is not completely active in mammalian cells. When forced on, the ERK pathway produces greater potential for cell regeneration. The combination of stem cell research and genetic manipulation offers great hope that limb regeneration will eventually become a reality in human beings.

Sources:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-limb-regeneration-ins/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/musculoskeletal/extracellular-matrix.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140619125218.htm

Why Does Water Condensate on my Glass?

You're in a restaurant drinking a beverage and again as if by magic, water condensation appears on your drinking glass. While everyone is familiar with the phenomenon, few people actually realize what is happening. The reason why condensation appears is that water vapor exists all around you in the form of humidity. A vapor (or gas) has fast moving particles. The cold glass causes the molecules around the glass to slow down and become semi-obstructed. This partial obstruction forms a different state of matter known as a liquid. If the glass is cold enough, the molecules will become completely obstructed and form a solid (ice). Likewise, if you re-heat the glass, the water molecules become liberated again forming a gas. Heat it up enough and the glass itself will vaporize as the molecules break down entirely into their essential elements to produce the forth state of matter know as a plasma.

Government Inefficiency Increasing Costs

Despite probably the worst rollout in US history, it would be disingenuous for me to say the Affordable Care Act is government inefficiency at its best. Truth be told, GSA (General Services Administration) is even more challenging to deal with. Nevertheless, I just received another notice regarding the status of my healthcare policy. This time, AmeriHealth Insurance has informed me as a courtesy that the documentation I have provided the government is insufficient. After sending in documentation now several times, I have to wonder, is it me or are they just that disorganized?

How many times do I have to send Marketplace (a.k.a., Big Brother) a copy of my W2, paystub and tax return before they are satisfied of my earnings? Do I have to start digging up deceased relatives now to verify who I am? You would think they would finally realize that it would save money to provide a simple explanation why documentation is insufficient. Allowing them to reject documentation without a reason almost guarantees the problem will recur. Each time that documentation is rejected, we as tax payers pay for their lack of clarity. Noting a general message is absolutely pointless and that seems to be their standard method of handling feedback. Calling Marketplace rarely solves anything because the person who rejects the documentation never gives any information leaving the representatives answering questions based on conjecture.

A single line explaining why a person's tax return, W2, etc. are not suitable for establishing income would likely avoid repetitive processing and save tax payer money but even if this was not the case, each reoccurrence would at least provide some additional feedback leading to a solution faster. A proper system would also require that after repeated rejections, a manager would automatically be assigned to help resolve the issue. Not doing this shows poor accountability and an unwillingness to handle matters properly.

Unfortunately, Marketplace is not alone in their unproductive policies. Inefficiencies in government persist across virtually all agencies. Anyone who has a GSA schedule knows how annoying it can be to not have a way for the schedule holder to remove line items from their schedule without having to first get formal approval and then spend countless hours, days and sometimes even weeks rebuilding the schedule, checking it and uploading all the products and images via SIP (Schedule Input Program). Even government programs that have been easier in the past like the DOD (Department of Defense) EMALL are becoming difficult to work with. Initially DOD EMALL supported the use of image servers but dealers with large feeds may need to provide these images on a recordable DVD now as they are often too large to email or fit on a single CD. Trying to validate DOD security certificates can also be a hassle but all this pales in comparison to the aggravation of working with FSSI (Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative). As many applicants have found in the past, FSSI is very meticulous about whom it works with and that effort is in no way a guarantee of acceptance.

Although government programs can be a great asset when everything is working, critical thinking must be done to establish more streamlined processing. The first step though in resolving issues is listening and it is not always clear even that much is being done.

How Worried Should we be About Ebola?

Although the Ebola virus has dominated the headlines in recent months, the truth is, the outbreak has been contained almost entirely in just a few countries in Africa. Despite this, some airlines and shipping suppliers have become so paranoid that they refuse to go anywhere near these areas. With tourism down, the economic and political consequences may prove to be even more devastating over time. Africa is a large continent and such fears may be overstated. As Anders Kelto of the NPR blog notes:

"...geographically speaking, canceling a trip to Kenya is like canceling a trip to Disney World because of an Ebola outbreak in Alaska."

Nonetheless, paranoia reigns supreme making an already bad situation worse. Without proper medical assistance and sanitation, the possibility of the virus spreading increases dramatically as these countries are left to their own devices. Air drops would help but hypodermic needles are not exactly something you want to send sailing in the wind.

Without containment, refugees will flee to neighboring countries and beyond. Even a single carrier can bring the virus to the western world. Today it is "their problem" but eventually an outbreak like Ebola may become pandemic. How the international community deals with these outbreaks is a reflection on us all. Maybe this time it will not be the big one, but an uninformed person in charge of decisions can do more damage to a sinking ship than the actual hole itself.

Microsoft Blunders Again?

Rumors of Microsoft's latest naming strategy for the Windows re-launch has many befuddled. Although they clearly wish to move beyond Windows 8 ASAP, strangely, the company is reported to be considering dropping the version information from their flagship product. Instead of Windows 9, Microsoft is considering calling the next release simply, Windows. This would be extremely confusing to anyone trying to determine software compatibility especially in the case of Windows RT which does not run most Windows applications. Trying to emulate the competition, Microsoft is pondering no version information like the Apple OS X. Such a risky move could prove helpful in the long run reducing the ever-expanding group that refuses to move onto newer versions but that assumes the new version will be accepted. If the strategy backfires, Microsoft will be digging itself out of an even bigger hole than it has now.

Houdini the Spy

Most people are aware that Houdini was an amazing magician and perhaps the greatest escape artist of all time. Unbeknownst to many, he also doubled as a spy for the U.S. government. Well versed in the art of deception and a master illusionist, Houdini had many talents but espionage was a whole other thing. Considered the perfect cover for acquiring information abroad, Houdini toured Europe and infiltrated the Kaisers and Czar's inner secrets. In fact, so successful at espionage, the US and London recruited him twice for his services. Upon the untimely death of his mother, Harry Houdini also went undercover exposing mediums who claimed the ability to contact the dead. The History channel provides an inside look at the master magician in the 2-part mini-series Houdini, staring Adrien Brody and Kristen Connolly. A definite must watch for any history enthusiast though brief sexual content may be unsuitable for family viewing.

Do Allergy Medications Really Help People?

Having suffered from allergies all my life, I have come to the conclusion, I am better off without any allergy medication. For me, the side effects are often worse than the original problem. Add to this the fact that many allergy medications are either ineffective or lose their effectiveness after a while and you have to wonder, is there a better way?

If you find yourself constantly sneezing when air ducts are in operation, cleaning those ducts can help but do not forget to vacuum above door trims, under furniture and especially under your bed. Washing linens regularly is imperative and preferably should be done after vacuuming to avoid dust settlement. A vacuum with a HEPA filter can also help alleviate the unpleasantness of flying particles. Although these filters are an added cost, a vacuum that just displaces dust, does not really clean. Likewise, carpeting is notorious for trapping allergens and hardwood floors are definitely much better for controlling allergies.

Although you have less control outdoors than in your house, there some precautions that can be taken. When hiking, try to avoid being downwind of areas known to bother you. Pollen is less likely to affect you when you are not directly being assaulted by allergens. If pollen has you by the ropes when driving, try closing the window after the air-conditioner has vented. Replacing your air-filter regularly can also reduce allergens.

If pets are a problem, do not overlook the importance of a good bath and be sure to clean all parts of your home. Pet dander can be extremely irritating but a good cleaning regiment will alleviate some ill-effects. Although I am not a doctor, I know what works for me and allergy medications are certainly not for everyone. For more hygiene and cleaning tips, visit OfficeSalesUSA.com and check out our Facilities/Cleaning products, medical supplies and articles regarding healthcare.