Bismarck!!!
Can’t talk about Bismarck without this:
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Certain bacteria may help ward off obesity
September 6, 2013 — xanthippaThis is not the first article I’ve read over the last few years about indicators that intestinal bacteria play a large role in obesity. Sure, personal habits and choices play a role – if a person consistently consumes high Calorie meals, several times a day, this will show up in their weight. But, not every obese person consistently indulges – yet many cannot loose the weight.
So, this is good news!
‘Gordon and a multinational group of scientists sought to isolate the gut microbiome’s effect on obesity from better-known influences such as genes, diet and exercise.
They recruited four sets of identical female twins in which one twin was lean and the other obese. Through stool samples, the researchers gathered a representative collection of the bacteria, viruses and protozoans flourishing in each woman’s gut. They transplanted that microscopic zoo into a large group of mice whose intestines were essentially a blank slate.
Almost immediately, the mix of living organisms inside a mouse’s digestive tract began to resemble the one inside its human donor. Soon the mice came to resemble more and more the women whose gut microbiomes they had adopted.
Despite eating about the same amount of the same low-fat chow, mice that got transplants from an obese twin began to gain weight and lay down fat deposits. The mice that got transplants from a lean twin remained lean.’
Down syndrome reversed in newborn mice with single injection
September 5, 2013 — xanthippaFrom abc.net.au:
‘US researchers have found a way to reverse Down syndrome in newborn lab mice by injecting an experimental compound that causes the brain to grow normally.
The study, published in the Science Translational Medicine journal, offers no direct link to a treatment for humans but scientists are hopeful it may offer a path towards future breakthroughs.
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The team at Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, in Baltimore, used lab mice that were genetically engineered to have extra copies of about half the genes found on human chromosome 21, leading to Down syndrome-like conditions such as smaller brains and difficulty learning to navigate a maze.
On the day the mice were born, scientists injected them with a small molecule known as a sonic hedgehog pathway agonist.’
Fascinating stuff!!!
Free Dominion goes to court Monday, September 9th, 2013
September 5, 2013 — xanthippaFrom Connie Fournier:
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Free Thinking Film Festival 2013
September 4, 2013 — xanthippaFrom the Free Thinking Film Society:
4th Annual Free Thinking Film Festival 2013
Brings Films on Freedom & Free Speech to Ottawa Ottawa, Canada
On October 31st, 2013, The Free Thinking Film Society will kick off its 4th annual Film Festival to celebrate liberty, freedom and democracy. The 4th Annual Free Thinking Film Festival 2014 will feature four major events, two book launches, and over 20 films & events, between October 31st – November 3rd 2013 at Library and Archives Canada. There will also be a Free Thinking Alley where attendees can buy books and DVDs, and enjoy food & drink.
“This year we pay particular attention to free speech,” says Free Thinking Film President Fred Litwin. “Get ready for four days of challenging films and discussions with absolutely no political correctness.”
The Festival will feature four major events: On October 31st, the Festival will open with the film “Collision: Free Speech and Religion” followed by a panel discussion with Danish Human Rights lawyer Jacob Mchangama. On November 1st, the Festival will present an evening with noted Canadian journalist Barbara Kay. On Saturday, November 2nd, the topic will be China Cyber-Spying, first with a film and then a panel discussion, and the Festival will end on November 3rd with a very special evening on how Muslims, Jews & Christians work together in Uganda on a coffee coop. The head of the Ugandan Jewish community will be on hand for Q&A and coffee will be served.
Other films include “Powerful as God,” about abuse of power by the Children’s Aid Societies of Ontario; “Fracknation,” presents the truth about fracking; “The Ambassador”, a dark comedy that exposes the business of selling diplomatic titles, “Jihad in America: Grand Deception” about the Muslim Brotherhood in the US; “Transcending Fear: The Story Of Gao Zhisheng” about a Christian lawyer who challenges the Communist Party in China; “Changing Lives” a documentary about the impact of economic freedom; “The Sheik and I”, about an independent film maker who tests the boundaries of free speech in the United Arab Emirates; “Broken Soldier”, a Canadian film on how our veterans struggle with PTSD and homelessness; and many other films and speakers.
In addition, two authors will be in Ottawa to launch their books. Barbara Kay, columnist for the National Post will host an evening dedicated to her book, “Acknowledgements”, and Elizabeth Nickson will present her book, “Eco-Fascists: How Radical Conservationists are Destroying Our Natural Heritage”.
Festival passes are available for $80 and can be purchased either online or at the following retailers – Compact Music (785 Bank, 206 Bank), and online here. Tickets will also be available at the door at the event. Day passes will also be available for sale.
The complete list of events can be seen at www.freethinkingfilmfest.ca
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