Update: Taking Easter off with family. Will return on Monday, April 12.
Yup .... took a little vacation. Will be back soon.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
US Launches Agency To Monitor Evereyone
Army Biometrics U.S. Army Staff Sgts. Jerrod McClure, foreground, and Aaron McFarland, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, input Iraqi's data into a biometrics system Dec. 15, 2008, in Nimrud, Iraq, as part of the application process for Iraqis applying to work on a road repair project in the city. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. JoAnn S. Makinano U.S. Government Launches Official Agency to Manage Biometric Database -- Popular Science
All hail BIMA, the new U.S. biometrics agency.
Collecting fingerprints and other biometric data has long allowed law enforcement and the military alike to track down wanted individuals, solve cases, or just keep tabs on people. Now what was a U.S. government task force under the U.S. Army has officially become a full-scale national security agency in charge of biometrics, according to the Secrecy News blog run by the Federation of American Scientists.
Read more ....
Picking Our Brains: Can Ee Regenerate The Brain?
The nervous system has 10,000 different types of neuron (Image: Jean Livet)From New Scientist:
YOU were born with all the brain cells you'll ever have, so the saying goes.
So much for sayings. In the 1990s, decades of dogma were overturned by the discovery that mammals, including people, make new neurons throughout their lives. In humans, such "neurogenesis" has been seen in two places: neurons formed in the olfactory bulb seem to be involved in learning new smells, while those born in the hippocampus are involved in learning and memory.
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Bats Could Inspire New Radar Systems
Bats emit high-pitched sounds to locate obstacles and prey as they fly Photo: CORBIS From The Telegraph:
Bats which have evolved to avoid having their echo signals blocked by interference could help scientists develop more efficient sonar and radar systems.
Bats emit high-pitched sounds to locate obstacles and prey as they fly, but when travelling in packs there is a risk the noises might overlap and interfere.
A similar problem arises when a bat chases a moth through thick foliage. Signals bouncing off the leaves can overlap and set up interference.
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Could Toads Be Used To Warn Humans Of Impending Natural Disasters?
Man's best friend? Scientists believe toads have a sixth senseFrom The Daily Mail:
The toad has long been a favourite magical companion of witches and wizards. Now it seems that the humble amphibians may have picked up some magical skills of their own.
Scientists have discovered that common toads have a sixth sense about natural disasters - and can predict when an earthquake is about to strike.
Read more ....
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