British scientists have created human kidneys from stem cells in a breakthrough which could result in transplant patients growing their own organs. The artificial organs were created in a laboratory using human amniotic fluid and animal foetal cells.
They are currently half a centimetre in length - the same size as kidneys found in an unborn baby. Scientists at Edinburgh University hope they will grow into full-size organs when transplanted into a human.
Scientists create human kidneys from stem cells
Study: Gas from ‘fracking’ worse than coal on climate
Cornell University professors will soon publish research that concludes natural gas produced with a drilling method called “hydraulic fracturing” contributes to global warming as much as coal, or even more.
The conclusion is explosive because natural gas enjoys broad political support – including White House backing – due to its domestic abundance and lower carbon dioxide emissions when burned than other fossil fuels.
Red Cross Survey Finds Young Americans Unaware of Rules of War
80% of youth ages 12-17 think there should be more education about these rules before they are old enough to vote and enlist in the military
A new American Red Cross survey reveals that only 1 in 5 American youth is familiar with the Geneva Conventions, while 4 in 5 think that the U.S. should better educate young people before they can vote and enlist in the military. These rules protect civilians in conflict zones, allow safe passage for the sick and wounded and promote humanitarian treatment of prisoners.
Industry’s war on nature: ‘What are the bees telling us?’
While industries continue to pollute the planet with their toxic chemicals, toxic waste and toxic spills, Earth’s pollinators sing a swan song that leaves no doubt as to the folly of modern civilization. Our ability to hear and appropriately respond to the crisis of declining pollinators will determine humanity’s survival.
“In 1923, Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian scientist, philosopher and social innovator, predicted that in 80 to 100 years honeybees would collapse.” Queen of the Sun
Christian conservatives discuss strategy for fighting war against gays: Start with semantics
The first step for Christian conservatives to win the war against the gay movement is to rebrand the terms, said a few panelists at this weekend’s The Awakening conference at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
“‘Gay’ is a left-wing socio-political construct designed to create grounds for fundamental rights [based on] whimsical capricious desires,” said Ryan Sorba, chairman of the Young Conservatives of California. “Gay identity does not exist.”
Chris Hedges: Why the United States Is Destroying Its Education System
A nation that destroys its systems of education, degrades its public information, guts its public libraries and turns its airwaves into vehicles for cheap, mindless amusement becomes deaf, dumb and blind. It prizes test scores above critical thinking and literacy.
It celebrates rote vocational training and the singular, amoral skill of making money. It churns out stunted human products, lacking the capacity and vocabulary to challenge the assumptions and structures of the corporate state. It funnels them into a caste system of drones and systems managers. It transforms a democratic state into a feudal system of corporate masters and serfs.
Bradley Manning: UN rights expert denied WikiLeaks suspect visit
A U.N. torture investigator says he is frustrated at being denied an unmonitored visit to a U.S. Army private suspected of giving classified material to WikiLeaks. Juan Mendez says the U.S. government "has not been receptive to a confidential meeting" with Pfc. Bradley Manning.Mr Mendez said in a statement on Monday that a monitored conversation would be counter to the practice of his U.N. mandate.
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Higher vitamin D dose could help elderly protect eyesight
A study of older women found that those who had the highest levels of the vitamin, found in oily fish and eggs as well as dietary supplement pills, were nearly 60 per cent less likely to contract age-related macular degeneration.
Scientists believe it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent the incurable condition by stopping the eyes being damaged. Their research indicates that taking in more Vitamin D through food or tablets, rather than sunlight, can help protect against developing AMD.
Rally against 'fracking' draws environmental groups to Albany
Environmental groups from across New York rallied at the state Capitol on Monday, calling on lawmakers to protect the environment and the public against potential hazards related to high-volume hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale region that spans the southern half of New York and parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
The technology, commonly called "fracking," involves the high-pressure injection of chemically treated water into a gas well to crack shale about 8,000 feet underground to release trapped natural gas. The industry says fracking is well-regulated and safe but opponents fear it could contaminate water supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency is conducting a scientific review of the practice.
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