Microsoft researchers in Cambridge, England are proposing to “solve” the “cancer puzzle” in ten years. How Will They Do It? Treating cells as “programs” rather like software. The result will be turning cells into “living computers” that can be reprogrammed – to treat cancer or any other illness. Work has commenced on a Bio Model Analyzer, […]
Is Your Brain Like a Muscle?
Grow your muscle, grow your brain. For decades it’s getting clearer – physical activity leads to more brain cells. But how? And why? A recent paper in Cell Metabolism, ably reported by Gretchen Reynolds, shows the advantages of cross-species research. Work with mice, monkeys and humans demonstrated something jocks sensed long ago – your legs talk […]
The Boob in the Boob Tube
Watch What You Watch Does watching television lead to cognitive decline (i.e., make you stupid?) Can watching television lead to Alzheimer’s? Now that the term boob tube is marching on near its 50th anniversary, informed citizens want to know. Some of them, anyway – and the answer comes before the commercial break. What Leads to […]
The Creative Body (5/26/14)
Creativity In a knowledge economy, creativity is key. For employees it may represent the difference between rising at work or losing a job; for entrepreneurs the gap between building – or losing – a company. So how to increase it? One quick answer – use your body physically. In simple terms, take a hike. Moving […]
A Modest Proposal to Save Countless Lives (6/11/13)
Liberating Health(y) Surveillance The American public has been shocked, shocked to learn the NSA has potentially tapped every phone and email account in the U.S. – for national security. Yet Facebook, Google and others have for years tracked your cat photos and car interiors, love affairs and esteemed nude self portraits, selling bits and bytes […]