Trans-Future: Biotechnology - Upcoming stories

Vancouver Orthodontist

Harug — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:39:14 GMT

General and cosmetic dental services in Kitsilano, Vancouver BC. New patients get an instant discount of $200 on teeth whitening. Visit us now.

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Phage: The Virus that Cures

worldpeace — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:39:14 GMT

With MRSA threatening to infect huge numbers of patients who make even short trips to the hospital, and the gradual increase in the number of bacteria that are resistant to all known antiobiotics, scientists are turning to new ways to conquer the killer bugs. The emergence of dangerous antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria is most prevalent in the USA where antibiotics are available over the counter and are often mishandled. The answers to these problems may be locked in the science of the former Soviet Union, and whether this potential can be unlocked depends on subtle aspects of intellectual property and patent law, since pharmaceutical companies must be able to control the revenues from a discovery.

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Broad Use of Brain Boosters?

transfuture — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:39:14 GMT

Off-label use of stimulants, such as Ritalin, is on the rise among college students. Studies show that 5 percent to 15 percent of students use prescription drugs as study aids, and surveys suggest the practice may be common among academics as well. The trend has sparked debates over how and when these cognitive enhancers should be used. Military personnel routinely use stimulants while on active duty, but should that practice also be permitted among surgeons working long shifts? What about scientists working late nights in the lab? Or students taking exams?

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Our Robotic Future

transfuture — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:39:14 GMT

When thinking about the future of robotics, it is important to understand how fast the field is progressing. To this end, I’d like to share with you two recent articles and a video. The first article explains how researchers are training robotic helicopters to perform complicated aerial maneuvers. What is in interesting about the work is that robots can study video footage and then learn these maneuvers in about 30 minutes. The second article highlights how a new robot can catch a baseball with a .750 fielding percentage.

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