be

Guns smuggled from the US are blamed for a surge in killings on more Caribbean islands




be

U.S. serviceman finally laid to rest, more than 50 years after being killed in Vietnam




be

White Emperor: China reveals mysterious jet that could be its first 6th-gen fighter




be

Bituminous sands of northern Alberta Township 92 ranges 9.10 and E1/2 11 Township 93 ranges 9.10 and E1/2 11

Re-release; Canada Mines Branch. 636, 1925, 1 sheet, https://doi.org/10.4095/307817
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/cmb_636.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/cmb_636.jpg" title="636, 1925, 1 sheet, https://doi.org/10.4095/307817" height="150" border="1" /></a>




be

Beehive Mountain, Alberta and British Columbia, 82j/2 e1/2

Re-release; Norris, D K. no. 58-5, 1958, 25 pages (1 sheet), https://doi.org/10.4095/101214




be

Fernie map-area, east half, Alberta and British Columbia, 82G E1/2

Re-release; Price, R A. 61-24, 1962, 65 pages (1 sheet), https://doi.org/10.4095/101249




be

Surficial geology, Quyon, Quebec and Ontario 31F/9 E1/2

Re-release; Richard, S H. 1976, 1 sheet, https://doi.org/10.4095/129465
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/of0363.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/of0363.jpg" title=" 1976, 1 sheet, https://doi.org/10.4095/129465" height="150" border="1" /></a>




be

In a cancel culture, anonymity must be a civil right

Anonymity, in ordinary times, is a tough topic to wrestle with. These days, however, it’s easy: Dissent, and thus democracy, will only survive in today’s culture if anonymity is preserved.




be

Yes, critical race theory is being taught in public schools

While we all debate what critical race theory is and whether lawmakers should ban it from public schools, every honest person should agree on one thing: This theory is behind the curricula in school districts all over the country, shaping the minds of unsuspecting, malleable children.




be

Appreciating van Leeuwenhoek: The Cloth Merchant Who Discovered Microbes

Appreciating van Leeuwenhoek: The Cloth Merchant Who Discovered Microbes

Imagine trying to cope with a pandemic like COVID-19 in a world where microscopic life was unknown. Prior to the 17th century, people were limited by what they could see with their own two eyes. But then a Dutch cloth merchant changed everything.

His name was Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, and he lived from 1632 to 1723. Although untrained in science, Leeuwenhoek became the greatest lens-maker of his day, discovered microscopic life forms and is known today as the “father of microbiology.”

Visualizing ‘animalcules’ with a ‘small see-er’

Leeuwenhoek opened the door to a vast, previously unseen world. J. Verolje/Wellcome Collection, CC BY

Leeuwenhoek didn’t set out to identify microbes. Instead, he was trying to assess the quality of thread. He developed a method for making lenses by heating thin filaments of glass to make tiny spheres. His lenses were of such high quality he saw things no one else could.

This enabled him to train his microscope – literally, “small see-er” – on a new and largely unexpected realm: objects, including organisms, far too small to be seen by the naked eye. He was the first to visualize red blood cells, blood flow in capillaries and sperm.

Drawings from a Leeuwenhoek letter in 1683 illustrating human mouth bacteria. Huydang2910, CC BY-SA

Leeuwenhoek was also the first human being to see a bacterium – and the importance of this discovery for microbiology and medicine can hardly be overstated. Yet he was reluctant to publish his findings, due to his lack of formal education. Eventually, friends prevailed upon him to do so.

He wrote, “Whenever I found out anything remarkable, I thought it my duty to put down my discovery on paper, so that all ingenious people might be informed thereof.” He was guided by his curiosity and joy in discovery, asserting “I’ve taken no notice of those who have said why take so much trouble and what good is it?”

When he reported visualizing “animalcules” (tiny animals) swimming in a drop of pond water, members of the scientific community questioned his reliability. After his findings were corroborated by reliable religious and scientific authorities, they were published, and in 1680 he was invited to join the Royal Society in London, then the world’s premier scientific body.

Leeuwenhoek was not the world’s only microscopist. In England, his contemporary Robert Hooke coined the term “cell” to describe the basic unit of life and published his “Micrographia,” featuring incredibly detailed images of insects and the like, which became the first scientific best-seller. Hooke, however, did not identify bacteria.

Despite Leuwenhoek’s prowess as a lens-maker, even he could not see viruses. They are about 1/100th the size of bacteria, much too small to be visualized by light microscopes, which because of the physics of light can magnify only thousands of times. Viruses weren’t visualized until 1931 with the invention of electron microscopes, which could magnify by the millions.

An image of the hepatitis virus courtesy of the electron microscope. E.H. Cook, Jr./CDC via Associated Press

A vast, previously unseen world

Leeuwenhoek and his successors opened up, by far, the largest realm of life. For example, all the bacteria on Earth outweigh humans by more than 1,100 times and outnumber us by an unimaginable margin. There is fossil evidence that bacteria were among the first life forms on Earth, dating back over 3 billion years, and today it is thought the planet houses about 5 nonillion (1 followed by 30 zeroes) bacteria.

Some species of bacteria cause diseases, such as cholera, syphilis and strep throat; while others, known as extremophiles, can survive at temperatures beyond the boiling and freezing points of water, from the upper reaches of the atmosphere to the deepest points of the oceans. Also, the number of harmless bacterial cells on and in our bodies likely outnumber the human ones.

Viruses, which include the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, outnumber bacteria by a factor of 100, meaning there are more of them on Earth than stars in the universe. They, too, are found everywhere, from the upper atmosphere to the ocean depths.

A visualization of the human rhinovirus 14, one of many viruses that cause the common cold. Protein spikes are colored white for clarity. Thomas Splettstoesser, CC BY-SA

Strangely, viruses probably do not qualify as living organisms. They can replicate only by infecting other organisms’ cells, where they hijack cellular systems to make copies of themselves, sometimes causing the death of the infected cell.

It is important to remember that microbes such as bacteria and viruses do far more than cause disease, and many are vital to life. For example, bacteria synthesize vitamin B12, without which most living organisms would not be able to make DNA.

Likewise, viruses cause diseases such as the common cold, influenza and COVID-19, but they also play a vital role in transferring genes between species, which helps to increase genetic diversity and propel evolution. Today researchers use viruses to treat diseases such as cancer.

Scientists’ understanding of microbes has progressed a long way since Leeuwenhoek, including the development of antibiotics against bacteria and vaccines against viruses including SARS-CoV-2.

But it was Leeuwenhoek who first opened people’s eyes to life’s vast microscopic realm, a discovery that continues to transform the world.

By Richard Gunderman, Chancellor's Professor of Medicine, Liberal Arts, and Philanthropy, Indiana University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

 

sb admin Tue, 04/06/2021 - 10:49
Categories




be

Bernie Sanders tests positive for COVID-19 amid nationwide spike

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) revealed Thursday that he contracted COVID-19 during the Senate's holiday break amid an increase in infections nationwide.




be

Housing starts rose in November despite high mortgage rates

The number of housing starts jumped in November despite pressure from high mortgage rates, an indication of relatively resilient demand for new construction.




be

Washington's streak of 718 days without snow unlikely to be broken despite East Coast bracing for storm

Washington, D.C.'s streak of 718 days without heavy snow will not likely be broken anytime soon, even as the rest of the East Coast prepares for a winter storm this weekend.




be

This Is the Best Place to Live in Virginia

The number of Americans who relocate each year has been trending downward for decades. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 28.2 million people moved to a new home in 2022, down from 41.1 million 20 years earlier. Of those who did move in 2022, the vast majority - an estimated 78% - stayed within the same state.




be

Outbreak of neurotoxin killing unprecedented number of sea lions along California coast

Unprecedented deaths of sea lions along California's Central Coast




be

Kratom regulations shelved in California amid battle between advocacy groups

A California bill that would have imposed regulations on kratom products has been shelved. Kratom is a substance derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia that is sold in the U.S. in powder, capsule and extract form.




be

Growing need. Glaring gaps. Why mental health care can be a struggle for autistic youth

Autistic people and their families say they can't find adequate help in their communities before they reach a crisis point.




be

The new COVID vaccine is here. Why these are the best times to get immunized

The CDC says September and October are generally the best times for most people to get a COVID shot, though there are other factors to consider.




be

Scientists become a source of hope and information on TikTok, Instagram

Instead of waiting years for their studies and work to be published in academic journals, some climate scientists use social media to extend their reach — and their brand.




be

Why AI is better than humans at talking people out of their conspiracy theory beliefs

An AI chatbot was able to persuade people to reconsider their beliefs in conspiracy theories about the JFK assassination, the moon landing and election fraud.




be

My town became environmentally conscious and so did I

With the environment constantly changing due to global warming, future generations will have a chance only if the current population takes sustainable actions.




be

Number of California dairy herds infected with H5N1 bird flu rises to 17

With 17 dairy herds in California now infected with bird flu, the state is upping its surveillance.




be

Opinion: The evidence shows women make better doctors. So why do men still dominate medicine?

Research suggests that the patients of female physicians' fare better on average. But old-fashioned sexism is still a barrier to their success in the profession.




be

Former Caltech and Google scientists win physics Nobel for pioneering artificial intelligence

John Hopfield dreamed up the modern neural network while at Caltech. Geoffrey Hinton built on it, creating an AI firm that Google bought for $44 million.




be

Opinion: Don't be stupid: Skipping your COVID booster could reduce your IQ

Recent research suggests that the disease can diminish intelligence even years after symptoms resolve. It's one more reason to get the latest vaccinations.




be

As bird flu outbreaks rise, piles of dead cattle become shocking Central Valley tableau

Although California dairy farmers had heard about the H5N1 bird flu before it hit, none was prepared for the devastation it would cause in some herds.




be

Medicare drug plans are getting better next year

Every year, Medicare officials encourage beneficiaries to shop around for their drug coverage. Few take the time. This year, it might be more important than ever.




be

A wave of major listeria recalls shows food safety will 'never be perfect'

The safety of mass-produced food has improved dramatically in recent decades, but listeria, a common type of bacterium, presents unique hurdles.




be

Key takeaways from our investigation into the science behind an alternative autism therapy

Here are the key takeways from The Times' yearlong investigation into the science behind magnetic resonance therapy, or MERT, as a therapy for autism.




be

Opinion: I'm a doctor in East L.A. and Beverly Hills. I want to treat obesity the same way in both places

In under-resourced parts of Los Angeles, people develop life-altering, preventable diabetes complications related to obesity. These patients rarely live to grow old.




be

Berkeley startup wins government award to develop radiation and lead poisoning treatment

Few drugs are available to treat heavy metals that enter the body, either from lead poisoning or nuclear fallout. A UC Berkeley startup hopes to change that.




be

Jim Williams: Tennis legend Chris Evert believes Serena Williams will take home French Open trophy

In the long storied history of the French Open, few men or women has been more successful on the red clay of Roland Garros than Chris Evert. She holds a record nine French Open titles: seven singles championships and two in doubles. Evert's 94-15 record at the French Open is the best winning percentage in the history of the event.




be

Jim Williams: John McEnroe breaks down challenges of French Open, looks at who can beat Rafael Nadal on clay

As a player, John McEnroe was not a fan of the French Open. He has few fond memories of the dark red clay on the courts of Roland Garros. As brilliant a career as McEnroe had, he was never able to win a French Open title. He spoke with me by phone from Paris, where he is preparing for his job as a television analyst for the Tennis Channel. We talked about the 2013 French Open and the red clay at Roland Garros.




be

WATCH: Nationals make it up to girl snubbed from baseball catch

A Virginia girl will receive a gift in place of a baseball that was tossed to her but was snatched by another man in the crowd at a Nationals game last week.




be

House GOP leaders concerned for slim majority with Trump poaching members

House Republican leaders are preparing for temporary losses to their slim majority as President-elect Donald Trump recruits members to serve in his Cabinet, chipping away at the party’s already narrow margins in the lower chamber.  So far, Trump has nominated two House lawmakers to service in his administration: House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), […]




be

House Republicans learn from Trump’s first-term mistakes to be ‘ready on day one’

House Republican leaders are learning from their mistakes during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term to be “ready on day one” to implement their aggressive agenda plans filled with policy changes during the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency.  House leaders have been in conversations with Trump for nearly a year to discuss policy proposals and […]




be

House swears in two new members to cushion GOP majority before spending fight

The House welcomed two new members to its ranks on Tuesday, putting the chamber at near-full capacity as lawmakers prepare for another spending fight and Democrats look to pass any final pieces of legislation before Republicans take control of Congress next year.  Reps. Tony Weid (R-OH) and Erica Lee Carter (D-TX) were sworn into office […]




be

New House members descend on Capitol Hill for orientation as majority remains in play

New members-elect arrived on Capitol Hill for orientation on Tuesday eager to jump in and get to work as the House prepares for fresh faces to join their ranks with a majority still in play. With most races in the 2024 election called, both Democratic and Republican representatives-elect participated in forums, meetings, and orientation classes […]




be

Freedom Caucus chairman says Speaker Johnson should be challenged to avoid ‘Soviet-style’ election

Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD) believes there should be more than one person in the race for House speaker to avoid a “Soviet-style” election following reports that hardline conservatives are hoping to find a challenger for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). So far, Johnson is the only person seeking the speaker’s gavel after alerting his […]




be

Caps center Mike Ribeiro looks towards free agency

The Capitals don’t have many decisions to make this summer. When NHL free agency opens on July 5 the two key players they have headed to the open market are center Mike Ribeiro and winger Matt Hendricks.




be

Bradley Beal, Cartier Martin have face-to-face collision in practice

With the Jordan Crawford situation taken care of, the Wizards can turn their attention back to the court, where Bradley Beal and Cartier Martin both aren’t expected to miss any time following a yucky face-to-face collision during Thursday’s practice.




be

Bradley Beal crisp in return after six-game absence

Bradley Beal looked like himself again in his first minutes back on the court in a 127-105 victory over Phoenix on Saturday following six missed games with a sprained left ankle.




be

Bradley Beal proud of rookie season despite injuries

Bradley Beal wasn’t going to let some discomfort in his ankles keep him off the court. But that determination to play through the pain probably helped to end his rookie season prematurely.




be

Bradley Beal finishes third in NBA rookie of the year race

After it looked for a time like Bradley Beal might just threaten Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard for 2013 NBA rookie of the year, the Wizards shooting guard ultimately finished third after the latter portion of his season was racked by injuries.




be

Hakeem Jeffries endorses David Trone in divided Maryland Senate race to succeed Ben Cardin

Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and his deputies in the House endorsed Rep. David Trone's (D-MD) run for Senate on Monday, further dividing the party in what has become a two-person race in Maryland.




be

PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger being investigated by DOJ: Report

The Justice Department will reportedly review the planned merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.




be

Trump says he believes LIV-PGA merger will go through: 'Very good for golf'

Former President Donald Trump spoke favorably of the controversial merger between LIV Golf and PGA Tour.




be

LIV-PGA agreement deadline expected to be extended: Report

A deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is not expected by Dec. 31, but the deadline is expected to be extended as the two entities reportedly appear within sight of making a deal.




be

To find masked mob members who attacked UCLA camp, police are using Jan. 6 tactics

Campus police are scanning hundreds of images and using facial-recognition technology to identify the attackers. Similar tools were used to identify Jan. 6 attackers.




be

How YouTube became must-see TV: Shorts, sports and Coachella livestreams

YouTube said more people are watching live events like Coachella and short form videos on TV sets. Sports, including the NFL, are also boosting viewership.