z_Ideas

Revenge of the birds

A domestic cat in Germany has become the first European Union mammal to die of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu. The cat was found dead at the weekend on the Baltic island of Ruegen, where dozens of birds infected with H5N1 have been found. (BBC)

Now cats will pass it to dogs, and dogs will give it to dog people, who will give it to real people.

"Does the name Simpson ring a bell, cap'n?"

From the BBC website:

Forensic scientists could use DNA retrieved from a crime scene to predict the surname of the suspect, according to a new British study. It is not perfect, but could be an important investigative tool when combined with other intelligence. The method exploits genetic likenesses between men who share the same surname, and may help prioritise inquiries.

Bush has gravity issues

From the BBC website:

US President George W Bush was waving to police when he fell off his bike at the G8 summit in Scotland last July, newly published police papers reveal. Mr Bush was shouting "Thanks, you guys, for coming" when he lost control and collided with an officer, the documents obtained by Scotland on Sunday show.

Do not be still, my beating heart

From New Scientist:

"Surgeons may soon be able to operate on a beating heart. Motion compensation software that synchronises the movement of robotic surgical tools with that of the heart will make it possible to operate without stopping or even slowing the heart down. In traditional bypass surgery the heart is stopped and an artificial pump is used to keep blood flowing around the body."

This very cool technology involves special goggles that compensate for both the movement of the heart and the movement of the operating surgeon's eyes, making it appear to the surgeon like the heart is actually still. The software also controls the movement of the operating tools to synch it with the motion of the still-pumping organ.

And we're back!

Sorry it has been a month since the last post.

What's that? You hadn't noticed?

Oh. Then we're not sorry at all.