Bios Urn - Be reborn as a Tree!!!

This wonderful innovation was put together with the minds of Martin Azua and Gerald Moline, unfortunately, their site is not is english, but nonetheless, I'm quite certain adaptations will take place in our red, white and blue neck. The product as is, is a biodegradable coconut shell, peat and cellulose, along with a tree seed of your choice, and, ahem, your remains.

Yes!!! Finally an afterlife I can get behind. Of course, being forever inquisitive my first thought was; but what exactly remains that a tree might be able to use? Followed by; is this legal? All the while quite convinced that I will be being planted as a tree no matter what.

In pursuit of my questions I discovered a number of things, cremation is a process of burning organic material, most of which dissipates, and the remaining chemicals include any metals we have amassed (lead, mercury, etc.) as well as phosphorus, carbon, and calcium (largely the remnants of bone only). This wonderful essay discusses the remnants far more knowledgeably than I. And Time also wrote an informative discussion on the topic as well.

I'm sold. Grow me up as a tree, let my yard be speckled with loved ones, let life be reborn instead of wasted in boxes-

Introducing, the Amazing Dictyostelid!

So, this week I read an awesome, stimulating book "Intelligence in Nature" by Jeremy Narby. All about the capacity of intelligence among animals and other life and what 'intelligence' actually is.

In the English language there are a few terms for mental capacity. Intelligence is used most commonly, followed by smart or smartness. Intelligence has different definitions - Webster says that intelligence is "the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new and trying situations, the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria" So, I assess, that intelligence is the capacity to store information for future use; use the information to analyze and decide; and to make self beneficial changes in the environment. This is only one version of a definition for a word, of course. The English word 'intelligence', comes from the Latin word 'intellegere' (to understand.) Intelligence has evolved to mean far more than understanding. Now its the ability to reason and think abstractedly and even complex computation (and a list of other attributes depending upon belief and specialities and opinion) Smart on the other hand, is more related to the ability to assess and decide.

Cytoskeleton, Cells Bones!!

Things are not always what they seem to be... sometimes, in our lives, the paths chosen are put into question. Sometimes, learning something new, clarifies our vision; makes us question things we thought of as fitting ~ cells are more interesting to me this week than atoms.

It's along this diversion of topic that I came across cellular structure; as another path calling my name had me reading publications on this topic, greatly to my dismay ~ as if, no matter what I know I should do, I can't do it- the other option is far to enticing.

A Cytoskeleton is like the structure of a cell, like 'bones'. These 'bones' are not solid and give the cell mobility and malleability among other things. A big difference from the basic idea of a cell being an encasing (I always imagine gelly like) with innards of floating components that do stuff (yes, that is exactly how I thought of it prior to reading these past two weeks) I never thought about the fact that cells move (thinking more in terms of a flow of liquid pushing the cells through the body - which is a childlike comprehension of both cells and cell mobility) But, now upon learning that cells actually have an internal formed structure allowing for malleability, I'm flabbergasted.

Tardinrades, the original E.T. ?

Water bears, known formally as tardigrades, are speck-sized things, less than 1.5 millimeters long. The invertebrate creatures endured 10 days in space, and upon return to Earth, scientists found that even some of those exposed to solar radiation had made it through.

Intelligence Among Species, White Brain Matter, Glial Cells

What do you think about when pondering the intellectual capacity of brains in other species? An article in Scientific American discusses how the brain of a Sperm Whale is larger than the brain of a Human; it is nearly five times the size of ours. Does size reflect intellectual capacity? Or, is it the complexity of the brain's structure? If it's complexity, how might you go about making judgments; perhaps through tests that might reflect activity or firing of neurons? hmmm.

I have thought on this significantly prior to reading this article . and have independently come to the conclusion that different species have different types of intelligence. Whereas our intelligence has lead to advances in our social applications; like communication and expression and we have the biological ability of fine motor skills; I think that other species have abilities and strengths that we lack. I certainly witness intellectual capacity in my two cats that after some affiliation is obvious. It is apparent in other species as well; like Elephants, Big Cats, Bears and Monkeys. Dogs have a social intelligence factor as well, in my opinion, in their abilities to interact so successfully.

But, past the assumptions and on to the facts; there are different ratios to take into account in this thought process; absolute size (or weight) and brain size vs. body size ratios. "The lemming. (Kicrostonyx groenlandicus), for example, has a higher ratio than man." American Naturalist. And, "The brain of a sperm whale is about 60% larger in absolute mass than that of an elephant. Furthermore, the brains of toothed whales and dolphins are significantly larger than those of any nonhuman primates and are second only to human brains when measured with respect to body size." Plos one.

RNA ~ post grew from 'A Simpler Origin for Life' (Scientific American; Feb. 12th, 2007)

I started my exploration tonight on something I had heard a few weeks back about the origin of life and how prior to DNA / RNA world of today, that life was likely all RNA based. Additionally, there are theories into a more simplistic age in which life was based on something that was neither RNA nor DNA; but, that is for another post…

When I think about DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid); what comes to mind is programming. That DNA is like the playwright of life. The intricacies of ourselves that these DNA programs control, not only outline what we are, but also explain how we are. We start out in life, depending on how you look at it, as two pieces; one peace being the Ovum (ironically the largest cell in the human body)the other being the Sperm. Each providing data, pre-programming and the materials necessary to begin the production; together they complement and initiate the replicable genetic programming that is necessary to make a new human.

What makes a Human - Human? (Philosophical)

What makes a human, human?

A human is what? Well, humans are mammals, or more specifically a bipedal primate species called Homo sapiens. We have a large brain cavity and an intellectual ability that allows us to reason abstractly, communicate in complex manners and to learn and expand on knowledge progressively (primarily through the communication of learnt or discovered information.) Humans are also emotional, creative, and singularly talented. As group behavioral aspects go; we are by far the most cooperative creature in known existence, at least in regards to information. We operate in societal structures with powerful factors such as religious collective belief and instruction; government influenced behavioral guidelines and rules, learned morals and mannerisms to dictate social behavior and regulated perceptions. This combination of forces influencing humans’ communication and coexistence is a powerful contributor to our progression. If we cared little to share or corroborate; growth in collective knowledge and discovery would be far more difficult. Our mind has not changed in size since the first known modern human (est. 200,000 yrs ago.) We had the same brain mass, but much less knowledge. Hence the benefit of information sharing… Without information already discovered – to learn, we would appear to be much less intelligent. But, we aren’t (at least compared to our earthly counterparts.) Many other species on earth show signs of intelligence. Some other animals show learned behaviors, teaching and problem solving. So, if animals have a mind capable (even minimally) of the analytical capability to problem solve (as dolphins and chimpanzees have shown) they do not lack in the intellectual ability department. As my theory goes… The ingredient lacking is the sharing of information. Many animals communicate; but can any share learned information? If so, even minimally, I would argue that it is not the mind that differentiates humans from other animals.

If it is not the mind then, is it the body?

As this article about chimps barter ability.
Or this article on a court proceeding regarding classifying another primate as human for the purpose of taking caretaking custody shows, no.

KAS

Macaque Monkey, killed for suburban convenience??

in this article about killing Macaque monkeys for infringing upon our domestic comforts, I saw another unfortunate example of the restriction of another life forms, for our self centered gain. (And the monkey was or is...) As a distant cousin (approximated at branching 25 million years ago - what was Lucy... 2.5 million and the Taung child around 7 million?) far closer in genetic relation, then the feline I coddle on a daily basis. The Macaque Monkey is noted as the most widespread strain of primate (other than ourselves, of course,) am I really reading of extermination or 'culling' for the purpose of such convenience. Ughh… Then of course, testing comes into mind; a subject I attempt to regularly exercise ignorance about – as it obviously infuriates my sensitivities (as a life form and all.) So, I read and read... and find this article about a famous infantile Macaque Monkey saved from testing named Britches. Something along the lines of testing for the progression of the lives of blind humans. Oh dear...

Atomic Structure of Water

Raindrops fall on the green leaves this afternoon and my thoughts wander to water. I have two small tomato plans, growing in the window, needing water and light alone to prosper. Little bristles of organic promises and wisps of petals to be grown to new leaves. It's scent, a musky and poignant one of fruitful promises. This life granted by drops of water, poured into dirt and absorbed through roots. Utterly fascinating, that such things happen from so little.

Here on Earth, we live on a planet covered by water. Over seventy percent of our world, is water. Over fifty percent of our bodies is water. Hydrogen, one of the only chemical elements not created in a star, has held a special spot for longevity among the cosmos and is a key component of water.

Glaciers…. what glaciers?

For an undisclosed reason, I thought it fitting to post on an environmental scientific issue today (how did I choose among the many degenerate conditions, you ask?) Well, I chose something fitting not only per the environment, but also reminiscent of this past weekends New England snow storm and the icicles I was cursing this morning while chipping away at the inch thick layer of concrete ~ I mean ice ~ on my windshield. It's also a lonely morning as the relationship front is about as stable as these icebergs... hence the source of this material. Crumbling, unsteady and volatile.

Tau Protien Munches Healthy Brain Cells, Rember acts as Criminal Protien Bounty Hunter

Now, I am loosely writing here, as I do not have many references in front of me. However, I saw on either BBC America or CNN a new drug discovered, by the name of Rember,can kill the Tau Protein in the brain, leading to an advance in the fight against Alzheimer's and Dementia. The Tau protein acts in a normal function of the brain (if I remember correctly, it usually 'eats' dead brain cells.) Apparently, as an affect of the diseases dementia and Alzheimer's, the Tau protein is re-prgammed to eat healthy brain cells instead of memory cells, among others. When these cells go awry, it obviously leads to the progression of the disease and the loss of cognitive functioning over the long term. What a horrid thought, actually eating a brain…

Though, this breakthrough cannot reverse effects, it does have the potential to pre-treat and is immediately beneficial to patients suffering it's detrimental effects as it dramatically slows down and/or eliminates the Tau protein, leading to no (or little) further damage to the brain.

As Alzheimer's and Dementia are my personal 'worst case' fears and I find the disease of the most repulsive sort; I am ecstatic at this news.

KAS

Visiting the Local 'Nature in a Box' Display

So, to enjoy the weather this past weekend, I went to my local ‘nature in a box’ display. It's close by, on an expanse of seventy two acres. Unfortunately, instead of a day of joy and wonder (as I distinctly remember it ;) this day brought me discomfort. The animals did not seem to be in enough natural space, or to be particularly comfortable in their habitats. Nor did they seem particularly well cared for. Granted, the expense of such care must be significant. But, a free, short lived life -- is better then a long confined one, don't you agree? I did still enjoy the rare ability to see such creatures up close. But, I do not think that the Zoo kept applicable space for such worthy living forms.

On a related note; I watched coverage of a small black panther trying to get into a residence last night on the news. The lady called the cops and the cops (did the only thing they know how to do, other than being prejudice and corrupt) shot the panther. Sigh… is it but with carelessness our species try’s?

In better news; the Humpback Whale is growing in numbers and almost ready to be taken off the endangered list. Hopefully, this will not be... off the list of endangered species, only to be added to a menu :(

KAS

Mako Sharks!

I found this fascinating article over on Not Exactly Rocket Science about mako sharks remaining primarily in sexual segregation throughout their lives; literally swimming separately, traveling in a horizontal highway of males in one lane and females in the other. Most interesting piece being, the aggression and risk in the mako sharks mating. The female's are often seriously injured and it is proposed in the article that the female's segregate for protection, only mingling when absolutely necessary.

Willy Wonka in Space?

Basic sugar molecules were recently found in space; near a ripe star birthing location in space that could host life due to the fact that Glycolaldehyde is a componant of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid consists of a nitrogeneous base, a ribose sugar and a phosphate)

Click title to read article source.

KAS

Not Exactly Rocket Science : Stem cells created from ALS patient and used to make neurons

Fantastic summarization or breakdown of Stem Cell research and news.

KAS

Not Exactly Rocket Science : Stem cells created from ALS patient and used to make neurons

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Words on life...

Life. We walk through it with heavy disposition. Wanting, desiring and trying to shape the next moments continuously. We live in the wake of what was, the stability of what is and the hopeful assurance of what will come. But, we fool ourselves... The actions on our part being only one small portion of how we are able to influence the future. We fret and stress and plan for all possible outcomes only to be surprised by impromptu circumstances shaped by others.

Why do we do all this? To bring sanity and clarity to the unknown, though the unknown is never actually clear. We do it because humans plan, we organize our lives, our moments, for such purpose.

But what of the contributors that affect us in ways we are unprepared to handle. What of the factors that bring us turmoil in our paths. Guiding us with a light of options, of choices we hadn't realized existed. Consequences abound.

There is nothing to do, but to continue planning. Continue trying to carve out the future though we hold little actual control. We can do nothing further, and nothing less, than to try and prepare ourselves for what may or may not come.

KAS

Another diversion... cells ~ updated 4.2

So... recently. I asked someone about their research & they answered "cell"

I have also recently asked a fellow staff member why one might be reluctant to discuss their research; and it was explained to me that the field is so competitive that researchers prefer to keep information under wraps for fear of being out-published. In a world where work published and discovered is the foundation for reference to ones credit. One is either remembered or revered as an "Einstein" or not. Not that my layman ears would put anyone at such risk. I think it's likely that such people do not feel the need to 'explain' and that it can be frusterating continiously doing so for the curiously ignorant. Like myself.

Nonetheless, I found this distressing. How can progression flow unburdened, if the burden is the progression?

Not coincidently, I also recently inquired with a professor into their work. The reply was an exuberant explanation of the particular health study; being sensitive to the above advice regarding researchers concerns with losing credit- I have the sense to not explain further. ;) But, loved it and refuse to stop asking due to this encouragement.

**Update 4.2.09

So, today, I received an email from a co-worker whom I am social with. The email was subject lined "Swooped" and was about a researcher whose work was recently "swooped" by another scientist that got access or awareness of the work and published with his own data. Quicker. Ouch!

**Back

But, on to the subject at hand. The original discourse of someone telling me 'cell' when asked for the "cliff notes" of their research.

Updated... WATER!! Phoenix Lander –@ Mars in just 12 days -- Updated

I imagine that I am not alone in the fondness and affiliation I have for our ‘sister’ planet, Mars? With it’s intertwined majestic quality and our natural drive to find similarities in our understandings of the universe; as well as our actuality of finding multiple commonalities on this red planet. To understand what may have happened, is the ever important key to this puzzle; especially if reformation is part of the goal.

The most intriguing aspect of our sister planet, is that it apparently contains the very same life granting ingredient as our own planet – Water. That we have discovered various signs of water existing on the surface, like the existing ice caps and sub terrain ice sheets as well as surface features like gullies and components like silica, should be of astounding interest to all humans. You might ask: If Mars has many of the right components for life, what is wrong with the recipe? Of particular issue is the atmosphere, or lack there of.

The atmosphere of Mars is a hundred times thinner than that of Earth. Due to atmospheric pressure differences; liquid water boils on Mars at as low a temperature as ten degrees Celsius, as is discussed in this article. To understand this in more ‘earthly’ terms – the site uses the difference in temperatures needed to boil on different altitude’s on Earth as an example. If you are at a high altitude (a mountain for instance) water boils at a lower temperature. Mars’s window of opportunity for liquid water is grossly smaller than that of Earths; because, its atmospheric pressure makes water boil at such a common temperature as the planets freezing point; as a result, water exists primarily in solid or gas form.

However, as ice exists in liquid form in our own extreme cold zones, amongst frozen ice, it is possible that the same could have taken place or could take place on Mars. If the atmosphere was only a wee bit thicker, Mars would have oceans – do I sense some human intervention possibilities? And then to Europa, and then we take over the Univerrrssse… anyway, another mentioning is the assistance sodium provides in maintaining liquid water at lower temperatures allowing a larger window of liquid formation (as is also the case on Earth.) Maybe with a little interference, this planet could start or once again harbor life.

Lastly, the discovery and analysis of the seven caves on Mars are worth following, as this find teases our hypothesis of life being under the surface, as liquid water has a higher probability of flowing if protected from the frigid surface. These caves are seen as an important revelation of possible access points into the planet's depths that may or may not reveal life or life granting/sustaining liquid water.

If this doesn't amaze you, what in the Universe can?

Update: Wow, it's landed safely!

Update: 08/01/2008

WATER!!!!! This is such a fantastic discovery! Now, we had our presumptions of course. But, what it must have been to see the signature of Water appear on the testing equipment back at NASA. What could have been, what is and what could be, is now all up for discovery.

Water is the life granting element here on earth and to find it elsewhere is not astonishing, but encouraging. I am so happy to be alive at a time when the progression of discovery is so remarkable.

KAS

Here is an article discussing the first pictures in the Times and here's another one on space.newscientist.com.

KAS