Angie Burns | Sunstone Online

Controversial Scientist to (Attempt to) Clone Woolly Mammoth

The vice principal of the Sakha Republic North-Eastern Federal University has teamed up with the most controversial cloning expert in an effort to essentially resurrect a 10,000+ year old woolly mammoth.

Vasily Vasiliev and Hwang Woo-Suk signed the deal early today, stating that research may begin this year.

The specimen, preserved in Siberian permafrost, was found in outstanding condition. Mammoth fossils and other remnants are not necessarily uncommon, but this is the first to contain undamaged DNA in the form of bone marrow.

Woolly Mammoth Remains — Woolly Mammoth Tusks Found in Permafrost

Hwang Woo-Suk has a long, twisted track record in the cloning field. His research began in the late 1990’s, and he created two dairy cow clones throughout 1999. Though he had no research evidence to support this claim, Hwang was quickly accepted as a hero in the eyes of the Korean media and public. For several years, Hwang’s focus remained on modified livestock.

In 2004, Hwang’s research team announced a successful embryonic stem cell cloning. The paper, explaining the somatic cell nuclear transfer method, was published in Science. Hwang’s endeavor shocked the scientific world, as human stem cell cloning was previously considered impossible, but Hwang offered several seemingly legitimate explanations for his team’s success. A year later, the team perfected their method and created 11 human embryonic stem cells using 185 eggs. His work was considered one of the greatest genetic breakthroughs in history.

Less than two years later, after successfully cloning a dog named ‘Snuppy’, Hwang’s partner publically terminated his collaboration with the scientist. It was later revealed that the eggs used in the research had been acquired unethically. Hwang stated that he was unaware of the situation, which members of the research team confirmed. A year later, however, Hwang’s papers on embryonic stem cells were retracted under the belief that the information was contrived, and though Hwang appealed this as a conspiracy and wished to prove it, he was sentenced to two years in prison.
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Now, Hwang and South Korea’s Sooam Biotech Research Foundation await the shipment of the mammoth remains. They will be joined in their efforts by the Beijing Genomics Institute as well.

“The first and hardest mission to restore mammoth cells,” said Hwang In-Sung, also of Sooam. He explained the theorized cloning method; the nuclei of an Indian elephant’s egg cell will be replaced with those of the mammoth’s somatic cells. The embryos with mammoth DNA can then be implanted in elephant wombs for “normal” embryotic development.

“This will be a really tough job, but we believe it is possible,” he said. The Sooam team, along with Hwang Woo-Suk, has cloned numerous animals, including eight coyotes last October.

Approaches, Opinions and Debates on the Kony 2012 Video

Kony 2012 Poster — Kony 2012 Campaign Poster

For those of you who live on another planet and have not yet seen the Kony 2012 video, which, in a matter of days, has become one of the most viral media campaigns in history, do so now.

The thirty minute video uses Hollywood-quality effects and digital media tools to expose the plight of children in Uganda, revealing the war crimes and horrors they have suffered at the hands of LRA leader Joseph Kony. The Invisible Children sensation has triggered worldwide awareness, donations, support and of course, controversy.

Before focusing on the content itself, I wanted to point out the unmistakable ad-like ending of the clip, which encourages viewers to purchase the ‘Action Kit’ that includes bracelets, posters etc. The bracelets themselves are aimed at collecting more contributers; with an i.d. number on each one that unlocks the website and allows you to ‘join the mission’, as well as an extra one to share with a friend. Oh, and by the way, if you donate money through TRI, you can have the Action Kit for free.

That said, the campaign’s message is certainly admirable. Joseph Kony did commit the crimes stated in the video, and has been the source of terror throughout Uganda for many years. His actions, as part of the LRA, left long-lasting scars on the Ugandan people, and should not be ignored or forgotten. Besides, raising society to a more idealistic, more involved level is never a bad thing, and the uproar across the globe has been inspiring.

Still, reactions have been mixed. Numerous activists, bloggers, journalists and citizens of Uganda have lashed out at the video for its flashy style, pure emotional assault, and mostly accurate, though highly misleading, content. For example, Kony has not been active in Uganda for nearly a decade, nor has he been seen in over six years. The LRA still causes tremendous suffering, but has ventured outside of Uganda, and numbers at most in the hundreds.

Liz Wainwright, a photojournalist working in Uganda, shared her experiences and expressed her respect for Invisible Children. She did say, however, that “Most of the people working for Invisible Children are media professionals not development professionals. That’s important, but you need the expert input. It’s hard, I’m caught in the middle; I do admire them. They are having a great impact in northern Uganda….But then I don’t agree in the film itself. It was a little self-indulgent, emotive…”

Passionate writers have addressed this topic relentlessly over the past few weeks. Amber Ha, a blogger who focuses on similar issues worldwide, addressed Jason Russel of Invisible Children in a recent post.
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She wrote: “Last year I went to Gulu, Uganda, where Invisible Children is based, and interviewed over 50 locals. Every single person questioned Invisible Children’s legitimacy and intention. Every single person. If anything, it seemed the people saw Invisible Children as a bigger threat than Joseph Kony at the time. Why is it the very people you are trying to “help” feel more offense than relief with your aid?”

She addressed several other issues that have been expressed by Ugandan natives as well, including the dramatically simplified conflict, the inevitably violent results, and the glorifying of the American activists, as opposed to the Ugandan people.

As I mentioned above, Ha is not alone in her approach. For at least half a decade, Northern Uganda has been subject to a precarious, but slowly stabilizing, peace. Many believe that the Invisible Children’s new video, along with the U.S. military involvement, will shatter the quiet and provoke a fresh wave of attacks. The Ugandans still suffer from the aftermath of Kony’s actions, both physically and psychologically, but the situation is complex.

Michael Wilkerson, a journalist who has reported from and lived in Uganda, wrote: ““It would be great to get rid of Kony. He and his forces have left a path of abductions and mass murder in their wake for over 20 years….” He concluded, however, with a statement saying “it is unclear how millions of well-meaning but misinformed people are going to help deal with the more complicated reality.”

Ugandan blogger and journalist Rosebell Kagumire posted a video response to the Kony 2012 video, revealing another reason for aggravation which likely represents the widespread feelings of Northern Ugandans:

Several other video reponses have been broadcast on YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms, and the topic is heavily debated on every major news site today. What do you think?

Spring Cleaning (For Your Skin)

Spring is arriving and with it an awakened urge to revamp your image and general lifestyle. The first step to freshening up your look is giving your skin a boost. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it serves as a barrier between internal systems and the body’s surroundings. Which implies, of course, that the skin is exposed to harsh conditions such as heat, sunlight, wind etc.

Winter is an especially rough season for the skin, because the conditions vary greatly. You walk from indoor central heating into frigid, harsh air, stripping your skin of moisture and reducing its flexibility. Though the face is often the most sensitive, the entire body can become dull, dry, and itchy. Winter is also a time of comfort food and very little exercise, which also affects the skin and the body as a whole.

How can you fix it?

Now that spring approaches, there are a few things you can do to help your skin renew itself. The first is exfoliation.

Emma Hardie, a celebrity facialist, explains: “The skin, like all our organs, slows down during winter as the body conserves energy. The decrease in cell renewal can give the complexion a rough, lifeless appearance.”

Exfoliation means removing the layer of dead skin cells and encouraging the growth of a newer, healthier layer. Dermatologists suggest chemical exfoliants such as glycolic and salicylic acid. Many face washes and shower gels include these ingredients. Others prefer mechanical exfoliants, such as loofahs, sponges and other shower accessories that remove dead skin with their rough surfaces. Many soaps and creams come with small grains, or beads, which work in a way similar to loofahs. These often combine both mechanical and chemical exfoliants. Baking soda can be added to a regular shower gel and achieves the same result.

Next, be sure to moisturize. Many people underestimate the power of moisturizer, but the right formula can be the key element to a clear, healthy complexion. If your skin is oily and prone to blemishes, be sure to choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that is absorbed quickly. Always use a formula that serves as protection from the sun’s UV rays, and protect your eyes with sunglasses as well. The long months without sun exposure can result in a certain sensitivity, and it is important to ease your skin back into the sun in a gradual manner.

Third, the season’s cold temperatures result in slower blood circulation. This can make the skin look pale, dull, and sometimes even gives it a bluish tinge, which is especially common around the eyes. Any kind of exercise can stimulate blood flow and boost circulation, which spreads oxygen to the cells and helps eliminate toxins and inflammation. Facial massage is also an option, according to many face specialists.
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Paolo Lai, a facial reflexologist of Neville Hair and Beauty, said “Massaging the face for a few minutes a day can instantly reduce puffiness and banish dullness.

“Using your middle and index finger, firmly massage the skin and underlying muscles in circles. Work upwards and outwards, starting at the chin and moving towards the forehead.”

Lastly, keep an eye on nutrition. Starches and sugars are common winter foods, but they do little for your skin, energy levels, metabolism, immune system, and general health.

Nutritionist Susie Perry Debice recommends stocking up on seasonal fruits and vegetables.

“Stock up on vitmamin C-rich greens to boost the formation of fresh collagen. Cabbage and kale are also in season- their sulphur content helps cleanse the system and restore vitality,” Perry Debice said. Berries, strawberries, and other produce are rich in antioxidants, while omega 3-rich foods will boost the skin from within. Seaweed and green tea are also face-brightening solutions.

And, though it was mentioned before, EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE. The overall health benefits of exercise are overwhelming and too broad to list here. But remember: the healthier the body, the healthier the skin.

Top Ten Spring Destinations

Early birds can just feel spring as it creeps in on the Northern Hemisphere, and where many will wait for the summer holiday, others will take advantage of the lull in the tourism industry and plan a relaxing trip. Prices will be lower and lines will be shorter, too.

Travel Ticker, the popular online travel guide, recently published a list of the top ten spring destinations:

China
Nassau, Bahamas

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Ecuador

Puerto Rico

Barcelona

Argentina

Nassau, Bahamas

Riviera Maya, Mexico

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Redheads Immune to Local Anesthetics

The Journal of the American Dental Association recently published new research revealing that redheads are in fact impervious to local anesthetics. This explains why redheads are more wary of doctors and dentists than patients with other hair colors.

The research proposes that the phenomenon is a result of a mutation in the same gene that dictates hair color. The gene leads to melatonin production in people with blond, brown and black hair, but the redhead mutation in the MC1R gene makes a substance called pheomelanin instead. This leads to the red hair and the characteristically fair skin.

This is not the first study to address the issue. In 2004, a project revealed that redheads rProfequire an average of 20% more general anesthesia than other patients. A study in 2005 showed similar results.

The MC1R gene is part of a group of receptors responsible for pain comprehension in the brain. As a result, the mutation amplifies the body’s pain sensitivity. The mutation can sometimes be found in people of other hair colors, though not often. The latest research showed that 65 of 67 redheads had the MC1R gene variant, as opposed to 20 of 77 brunettes.

The study also mapped the participants’ anxiety and fear of the dentist, and found that those with the MC1R mutation were remarkably more wary of the dentist, and more than doubly likely to avoid any sort of dental care.

Dr. Daniel I. Sessler of the study said “The reason we studied redheads in the beginning, it was essentially an urban legend in the anesthesia community saying redheads were difficult to anesthetize. This was so intriguing we went ahead and studied it. Redheads really do require more anesthesia, and by a clinically important amount.”
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He added, “Because they’re resistant, many redheads have had bad experiences. If they go to the dentist or have a cut sutured, they’ll need more local anesthetic than other people.”

Other recent studies have revealed that although redheads are more sensitive to certain pains and more immune to anesthetics, their skin is tougher than that of other people. In fact, they are less susceptible to skin-related pain.

Professor Lars Arendt-Nielsen explained: “Our tests showed that redheads are less sensitive to this particular type of pain. They react less to pressure close to the injected area, or to a pinprick. They seem to be a bit better protected, and that is a really interesting finding.”

Redheads are also less sensitive to hot and spicy foods, and more sensitive to the cold.

Indiana’s Deadliest Tornadoes

Three days ago, on March 2^nd, several tornadoes struck southern Indiana. Washington, Jefferson, Ripley, Clark and Scott counties were affected, and more than 14 people were killed.

These were certainly not the first twisters to hit the region, nor were they the worst. Here is a list of some of the deadliest tornadoes in Indiana history:

The ‘Tri-State Tornado’ struck in March, 1925, sweeping from southern Missouri to southwestern Indiana at more than 200 miles per hour. More than 730 people were killed across the two states, while more than half of Princeton was wiped out.

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In April of 1965, Palm Sunday saw ten tornadoes strike Indiana. This disaster was the most deadly in the state’s history, causing more than 137 casualties and 1,700 injuries, as well as over $30 million in property damage. As a result, the state worked to develop more efficient tornado safety plans.

In 1974, more than twenty tornadoes struck in April, killing at least fifty citizens and injuring more than one thousand, a tragic but significant improvement on earlier crises.

Sixteen years later, in June of 1990, no less than 37 tornadoes struck Indiana, affecting 31 counties and killing at least ten people in Petersburg and Bedford.

In November of 2005, more than 22 people were killed by a tornado in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties, also in southwestern Indiana.