Arm robot from iRobot

A maker of floor-cleaning automatons teamed up with a stun-gun manufacturer to arm track-wheeled 'bots for police and the Pentagon. So now, the track-wheeled automatons will be outfitted with a stun guns as an alternative to human gun handled.

iRobot says it hopes to give soldiers and law enforcement a defensive, non-lethal tool. But can they be reliable? That's the question mark here .......





More info : abcnews.go.com


Some of iRobot products:





You can see more iRobot products from their homepage.


Moon


The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. The average centre-to-centre distance from the Earth to the Moon is 384,403 kilometres (238,857 miles),a which is about 30 times the diameter of the Earth. The Moon has a diameter of 3,474 kilometres (2,159 miles) — slightly more than a quarter that of the Earth. This means that the volume of the Moon is only 1/50th that of Earth. The gravitational pull at its surface is about a 1/6th of Earth's. The Moon makes a complete orbit around the Earth every 27.3 days, and the periodic variations in the geometry of the Earth–Moon–Sun system are responsible for the lunar phases that repeat every 29.5 days.




Lunar Eclipse


Moon Halo


The gravitational attraction, and the centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the Moon and Earth around a common axis, the barycentre, is largely responsible for the tides on Earth. The energy dissipated in generating tides is directly responsible for the reduction in potential energy in the Moon-Earth orbit around the barycentre, resulting in a 3.8 cm yearly increase in the distance between the two bodies. The Moon will continue to move slowly away from the Earth until the tidal effects between the two are no longer of significance, whereupon the Moon's orbit will stabilise.




Moon craters

Moon & Venus - Close Encounter




More articles about moon on Wikipedia.

Spirulina - The earth food

There are family species of microalgae such as blue-green algae spirulina and aphanizomenon, and green algae chlorella and dunaliella. Spirulina's scientific name is arthrospira platensis. This edible algae has a long history of safe human consumption and over 30 years of safety testing. Special farms where spirulina is cultivated under controlled conditions do not allow the growth of other contaminant blue-green algae, as in lakes and waterways.

Spirulina is the common name for human and animal food supplements produced primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima. These and other Arthrospira species were once classified in the genus Spirulina. There is now agreement that they are distinct genera, and that the food species belong to Arthrospira; nonetheless, the older term "Spirulina" remains the popular name. Spirulina is cultivated around the world, and is used as a human dietary supplement, available in tablet, flake, and powder form. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries.


Earth's first food produced oxygen so life could evolve


These tiny green spiral coils harvest the energy of the sun, growing a treasure of bioavailable nutrients. This first photosynthetic life form was designed by nature 3.6 billion years ago. Blue green algae produced the oxygen in our atmosphere allowing all higher life forms to evolve. It contains everything life needed to evolve into its rich diversity today.

This immortal life form has renewed itself for billions of years. In the past 20 years it has reintroduced itself to humanity. Spirulina contains billions of years of successful evolutionary wisdom coded in its DNA.

History

Spirulina is believed to have been a food source for the Aztecs in 16th century New Spain (part of which is now Mexico), as its harvesting from Lake Texcoco and sale as cakes is described by one of Cortés' soldiers. The Aztecs called it Tecuitlatl, meaning stone's excrement. Spirulina was found in abundance at the lake by French researchers in the 1960s, but there is no reference to its use there as a daily food source after the 16th century. The first large-scale Spirulina production plant, run by Sosa Texcoco, was established there in the early 1970s.

Spirulina may have an even longer history in Chad, as far back as the 9th century Kanem Empire. It is still in daily use today, dried into cakes called Dihé which are used to make broths for meals, and also sold in markets. The Spirulina is harvested from small lakes and ponds around Lake Chad.


More nutrition per acre than any other food

It is recognized by the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and NASA combining the fact that Spirulina addresses the 5 most important health issues of this age (Strengthening the immune system; supporting cardiovascular health and lowering cholesterol; improving gastrointestinal and digestive health; enhancing natural cleansing and detoxification; reducing cancer risks with antioxidant protection). It can be grown with brackish water and non-fertile land that cannot be used by other crops. It can produce 20 times more protein per acre than soy beans.

If we can use unusable resources to grow the most powerful food on Earth, we can help stop cutting the last of the primordial forests to grow food. By bringing spirulina into our personal lives, we become part of the solution to improve the health of our planet.

Why is spirulina the most researched algae? Does spirulina contain antioxidants? Phytonutrients? Probiotics? Nutraceuticals? Yes on all counts.

It contains compounds like phycocyanin, polysaccharides and sulfolipids that enhance the immune system. Spirulina contains the most remarkable concentration of functional nutrients ever known in any food, plant, grain or herb.

No other algae, blue-green or chlorella, has been the subject of such intense research over the past 30 years. Thousands of scientific studies. Why? Unlike other algae, we can economically cultivate spirulina all over the globe.


What new discoveries are being revealed?


Several years ago, the National Cancer Institute announced sulfolipids from blue-green algae like spirulina were remarkably active in test tube experiments against the AIDS virus.

In 1993-95, research showed natural polysaccharides in spirulina increased T-cell counts, strengthened the immune system and raised disease resistance in chickens, fish and mice. The animal feed industry is embracing spirulina as a new probiotic to replace overused antiobiotic drugs in animal feeds. In 1994, a Russian patent was awarded for spirulina as a medicine for reducing allergic reactions from radiation in the Children of Chernobyl.

The oldest organisms-the ones who gave us life-are back to revitalize us. They are one of the many solutions we need for restoring our planet in the next 20 years.


The healthiest food is your best defense

The foods we eat are the first line of defense from the negative effects of lifestyle stress, pollution, radiation and toxic chemicals. Yet so many processed foods are nutritionally empty. They leave us vulnerable to poor health and low energy.

The good news is many essential nutrients recommended by experts to help protect our bodies are concentrated in Spirulina. It contains the most powerful combination of nutrients ever known in any grain, herb or food.

  • World's highest beta carotene food reduces long term health risks.
    Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots. So even if you don't eat the recommended 4 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (most people eat only 1-2, including french fries), get your natural beta carotene insurance from spirulina to help support your body's defenses.
  • 60% easy-to-digest vegetable protein without the fat and cholesterol of meat.
    People are eating less meat and dairy protein because they want to lower fat, cholesterol, and chemicals in their diet. Spirulina is the highest protein food with all the essential amino acids and has only a few calories to keep your waistline where you want it.
  • A rare essential fatty acid is a key to health.
    Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in mother's milk helps develop healthy babies. Studies show nutritional deficiencies can block GLA production in your body, so a good dietary source of GLA can be important. Spirulina is the only other whole food with GLA.
  • Iron for women and children's health.
    Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.
  • High in Vitamin B-12 and B Complex.
    Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.
  • Unusual phytonutrients for health and cleansing.
    Scientists are discovering the benefits of polysaccharides, sulfolipids & glycolipids, and the rainbow of natural pigments that give spirulina a deep green color. Green (chlorophyll), blue (phycocyanin) and orange (carotenoids) colors collect the sun's energy and power growth. Chlorophyll is a natural cleanser and is often referred to as nature's green magic.


Sources:

- Spirulina.com
- Wikipedia
- Life Research Universal

Morinda Citrifolia - Queen of herbs

Also called with its famous name “Noni Juice”, the juice of the Morinda citrifolia fruit was highly advertised during the 1990s as an anticancer agent. Also known as Great morinda, Indian mulberry, Beach mulberry, Tahitian Noni, or since recently: Noni (from Hawaiian), Nono (in Tahitian), Mengkudu (from Malay), Nonu (in Tongan), and Ach (in Hindi), is a shrub or small tree in the family Rubiaceae. Morinda citrifolia is native to Southeast Asia but has been extensively spread by man throughout India and into the Pacific islands as far as the islands of French Polynesia, of which Tahiti is the most prominent. It can also be found in parts of the West Indies.

Although most claims appear to be based on undocumented reports, Morinda citrifolia does show some properties that may fight cancer and other diseases. In laboratory and animal studies, it has shown some ability to promote immune system activity and to repair damaged cells. In separate laboratory studies, some of the compounds found in Morinda citrifolia and other morinda species, do seem to slow down the growth of the new blood vessels needed for cancer to grow and spread. Some of them may also cause blood vessels in existing tumors to break down.

Additional studies show that giving chemicals derived from morinda to laboratory animals may increase the effectiveness of certain drugs used to treat cancer. To date, none of these possible anticancer effects has been documented by well-controlled studies in humans. However, early phases of research for human cancer patients are underway.





Some additional evidence shows other potential actions of morinda species. In laboratory studies, powdered morinda citrifolia fruit has shown mild anti-inflammatory effects, possibly by blocking an enzyme that promotes pain and inflammation. Chemical analysis of Morinda citrifolia juice has shown that it may have some antibacterial and antiviral properties that may also be present in other types of morinda. In fact, several species of morinda have shown varying effectiveness in killing the organism that causes malaria. Extracts made from the leaves of different morinda species – either singly or in combination – may also be effective against other types of parasites that infect humans. Extracts are concentrated liquid preparations made by soaking plant parts in alcohol or other liquids, and then straining out the solid particles. All these possible anti-inflammatory and anti-infective effects of morinda are based on historical use and case reports. They have not been verified or disproved by clinical studies in humans.

Various parts of many morinda species are also used as medicine in tropical areas. In the islands of Polynesia, nearly all parts of various morinda species have been used to treat a wide variety of conditions that include asthma, digestive complaints, fevers, heart problems, and infections. Juice from ripe or immature fruits has also been used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and jellyfish stings. Fresh morinda leaves may be placed around joints to relieve arthritis pain or around the head to lessen a headache. If they are heated before application, fresh leaves of some morinda species become sticky, thus staying in place like an adhesive bandage would. A preparation of morinda roots may be made into a salve for wounds and the fresh leaves are also used on burns and skin wounds.

For centuries, traditional Chinese healers have used the dried roots of a related Morinda species, Morinda officinalis, as an energy-boosting tonic. Known as ba ji tian in Asia, this preparation may also be used to treat gastrointestinal and urinary tract conditions. It has shown anti-inflammatory effects that have relieved arthritis symptoms in laboratory animals and it has bone-building properties that may give it some effectiveness for treating osteoporosis. Recent studies in laboratory cultures and animals show that Morinda officinalis root may have some possible antidepressant and antianxiety properties, as well. In separate early studies of laboratory mice, Morinda officinalis has shown variable effects on blood sugar levels. Whether other species of morinda — including Morinda citrifolia — have similar properties is not yet known.




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Ganoderma Lucidum - King of herbs


Ganoderma Lucidum - King of herbs

I think many of you knew about this herbs. But there are lots more peoples still don't know about it. And also not few peoples that knew about it but still don't know of its advantages especially in medical treatment.

Ganoderma belongs to the Polyporaceae group of the Fungi family - Reishi and some formulas contain other mushrooms. It is an interesting shelf fungus that is important as a medicine in the Far East, in places such as China, Japan and Korea.

Ganoderma lucidum is of particular interest because it has been portrayed as a "fix-it-all" herbal remedy for maladies such as: HIV, cancer, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, diabetes, rheumatism, heart problems, paralysis, ulcers, asthma, tiredness, hepatitis A, B, and C, insomnia, sterility, psoriasis, mumps, epilepsy, alcoholism, and the list goes on. These claims are mostly made by the people who are selling G. lucidum herbal supplements, but G. lucidum, also known as Reishi, ling chih, and ling zhi has a long history of being used as an herbal remedy.

The word lingzhi, in Chinese, means "herb of spiritual potency" and has also been described as "mushroom of immortality". Ganoderma works in the treatment of cancer because it helps cleanse the body from toxins and it helps strengthen the immune system. It enhances liver detoxification, thus improving liver function and stimulating the regeneration of liver cells - making it a very important supplement for those who have liver cancer.




The anti-cancer agents in Ganoderma are the polysaccharides and Germanium. The polyshaccharide fraction of Ganoderma is largely responsible for its anti-tumor efficacy. Indications for Ganoderma use in cancer include supplementation a) to reduce side-effects during chemotherapy or radiotherapy, b) to prolonging survival and minimize metastasis, c) to improve quality of life, and d) to prevent occurrence or recurrence.

Ganoderma can be used as a supplement during chemotherapy or radiotherapy to reduce side-effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, bone marrow suppression and risk of infection. It can also reduce the toxic and side effects and mitigate the pains during chemotherapy and radiotherapy, in particular to cancer patients at terminal stages for prolonging their lives and improving their living quality.

Qualities of Ganoderma that help in the treatment of cancer include:

* It enhances and helps regulate the immune and endocrine system, prevent tumors, improving the circulation and eliminating harmful free radicals.

* Inhibits DNA synthesis of the cancer cells, destroys the terminal enzyme activity of the tumor cells, promotes macrophages and regulates T and B lymphocytes, thus restraining the spread of cancer cells.

* It can also reduce the toxic and side effects and mitigate the pains during chemotherapy and radiotherapy

* Enhances liver detoxification, thus improving liver function and stimulating the regeneration of liver cells.

* Helps with cancerous ascites, increases appetite and help relieve the pain of late stage cancer.

* It is especially effective with kidney diseases.



GanoJack International produces a Ganoderma product - Ganoderma Lucidum that is a 20:1 concentration of six species of red Ganoderma. According to the manufacturer, their product is very bitter and less starchy than other gamodermas. It is produced at 70 degree celcius to maintain the high quality of nutritional value rather than the hot extraction method at 400 degree celcius that others use. Ganoderma Lucidum has a history of powerfully improving the immune system and balancing the body's functions. When the body cells are repaired it potentially enables the body's functions to be enhanced and balanced. Ganoderma Lucidum contains Yin (negative) and Yang (positive) and has a history of powerfully improving the immune system and balancing the body's functions.

More infos about Ganoderma on Wikipedia and Answers.com.


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Galaksi Gelap terus menjadi teka-teki ahli Astronomi


Teleskop Angkasa Hubble sudah gagal untuk mengungkapkan jumlah bintang yang diharapkan di awan hidrogen yang dikira-kira dengan galaksi yang misteri yang dikenal sebagai VIRGOHI21. Penelitian menaikkan gagasan bahawa awan gas adalah satu-satunya contoh yang dikenali sebagai 'galaksi gelap' yang mana tidak pernah memulai kelahiran bintang.

Galaksi difikirkan untuk bergabung dari biasa, atau baryonic, jisim yang sudah berkumpul di awan jisim gelap yang hipotetis. Tetapi kajian sudah membelok ke lebih sedikit galaksi daripada yang di jangkakan, menyarankan bahawa – yang tidak diketahui sebabnya – beberapa galaksi dilahirkan mati, dan gagal untuk membentuk bintang.

Penemuan VIRGOHI21 pada 2005 kelihatannya memberikan bukti pertama bahawa galaksi gelap ada. Tetapi, sejumlah peneliti menyarankan bahawa VIRGOHI21 ditarik dari dekat galaksi NGC 4254 ketika galaksi lain memanggil NGC 4262 menembak lewat itu 900 kilometer per detik. Memang, NGC 4254 mempunyai satu lengan menonjol bintang yang melengkung terhadap VIRGOHI21, menyarankan semacam hubungan di antara keduanya.

Tetapi Robert Minchin dari Arecibo Observatory mendiskaun model "tembak dan lari" seperti itu. "Jika hidrogen di VIRGOHI21 sudah ditarik oleh galaksi dekat, interaksi sama sudah sebaiknya mengeluarkan bintang juga," kata Minchin.

Dia dan rakan-rakannya menggunakan Hubble untuk melihat ke langit melepasi 50.000 x 50.000 tahun cahaya, dipusatkan pada posisi awan hidrogen. Mereka menemukan hanya 119 bintang raksasa yang merah. Itu adalah jumlah yang ditemukan di daerah khas ukuran sama di ruangan antara galaktik dan tiga kali kurang dari diharapkan kedatangan jika awan menjadi sepotong besar pecahan celestial.

Galaksi yang amat berat

Malahan, Minchin percaya kepada lengan bintang NGC 4254 terhasil dengan graviti VIRGOHI21 sendiri. Dia mencapai kesimpulan ini sesudah belajar tentang objek ini dengan Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) di Belanda, yang mengetahui emisi dari atom hidrogen.

Ukuran WSRT yang pemecahan resolusi tinggi yang baru menyarankan bahawa VIRGOHI21 adalah memang satu benda, mengesampingkan saranan sebelumnya bahawa pusingannya adalah satu ilusi yang disebabkan oleh dua awan gas yang melewati.

Tetapi mereka mengesahkan misteri yang diangkat oleh studi sebelumnya. Berat jisim normal objek adalah beberapa ratus juta kali dari berat matahari. Tetapi ia aadlah jisim gelap – ditunjukkan dengan belajar kecepatan pergiliran awan – kelihatannya mempunyai berat sebanyak-banyaknya 100 kali.

Kadar itu begitu lebih tinggi daripada yang dijangkakan – di setiap galaksi lain, jisim gelap lebih berat dari jisim biasa oleh faktor sebanyak hanya 10 kali. "Sekalipun ini menjadi galaksi gelap, tidak adalah apa yang anda harapkan untuk diketemukan." Jumlah barion terlalu rendah, kata Michael dari Merrifield Universiti Nottingham di UK, yang mana bukan dari kumpulan Minchin.

Minchin mengakui bahawa ini adalah teka-teki. Sejumlah kajian di observatorium radio Arecibo dan lain bertujuan untuk menemukan lebih banyak contoh galaksi gelap, yang dapat memberi keterangan tentang berapa banyak jisim gelap yang terkandung pada mereka. Sampai setakat ini, walaubagaimanapun, kajian mendapati bahawa sedikit untuk padan dengan karakteristik VIRGOHI21.


Gas hidrogen neutral mengalir di antara NGC 4254 (atas kiri) dan galaksi gelap VIRGOH121 (tengah kanan) pada imej radio ini. Studi baru menyarankan VIRGOHI21 's graviti bertanggung jawab atas NGC 4254’s berat sebelah bentuk; dulunya, difikirkan untuk sudah disebabkan oleh interaksi dengan galaksi NGC 4262 (bawah kiri) (Image: R Minchin/Arecibo Observatory/Cardiff U/Isaac Newton Telescope/WSRT)

Are these a Geek culture?