For a long time now stem cell research has been scrutinized and labeled as highly controversial by critics, but now two stem cell researchers have been granted the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. John Gurdon of the U.K. and Shinya Yamanaka of Japan, shared this year’s Nobel Prize for their work in so-called cellular reprogramming, which has led to many advances in everything from cloning to the possible treatment of diseases, using stem cells. The researchers’ experiments showed how mature cells could be turned back to an embryonic-like state, and then be influenced into becoming any other cell of the body. The discovery of cellular reprogramming, has significantly advanced the possibility of using a patient’s own mature cells, to create fresh tissue and treat disease. It also allows scientists to create human embryonic stem cells without having to destroy actual human embryos. Big congratulations to Gurdon and Yamanaka, for their hard and extremely important work.
Hugo Chavez’ revolution keeps triumphing in Venezuela, as he gets reelected with over 54% of the vote, ousting his rival Henrique Capriles, who got 45% of the vote. This is Chavez 3rd re-election of nearly 14 years in office. Months before the election Chavez unleashed a spending spree to build public housing and boosting social programs. The new six-year term will let Chavez consolidate his control over Venezuela’s economy, possibly by extending a wave of nationalizations, and continue his support for left-wing allies in Latin America and around the world. Despite the massive the support, there are issues, like crime, blackouts and corruption, Chavez has not tackled yet, but he does promise to be a better president over the next 6 years, probably by nationalizing the whole country. The morale of the story? It’s always good to have a lot of oil!
In an additional attempt to keep the North under control, South Korea has been permitted to possess longer-range missiles capable of hitting all of North Korea, under a new agreement with the United States. Under a previous 2001 accord with Washington, South Korea had been barred from deploying ballistic missiles with a range of more than 186 miles and a payload of more than 1,100 pounds, because of concerns about a regional arms race. The restriction has made South Korea’s missile capability inferior to that of rival North Korea, and some key military installations in the North have been out of South Korea’s missile range. Now South Korea has been allowed to have ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500 miles to better cope with North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. North Korean state media didn’t immediately respond to these new developments, but analysts expect they are not gonna be too happy about it.
For a long time now stem cell research has been scrutinized and labeled as highly controversial by critics, but now two stem cell researchers have been granted the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. John Gurdon of the U.K. and Shinya Yamanaka of Japan, shared this year’s Nobel Prize for their work in so-called cellular reprogramming, which has led to many advances in everything from cloning to the possible treatment of diseases, using stem cells. The researchers’ experiments showed how mature cells could be turned back to an embryonic-like state, and then be influenced into becoming any other cell of the body. The discovery of cellular reprogramming, has significantly advanced the possibility of using a patient’s own mature cells, to create fresh tissue and treat disease. It also allows scientists to create human embryonic stem cells without having to destroy actual human embryos. Big congratulations to Gurdon and Yamanaka, for their hard and extremely important work.
Hugo Chavez’ revolution keeps triumphing in Venezuela, as he gets reelected with over 54% of the vote, ousting his rival Henrique Capriles, who got 45% of the vote. This is Chavez 3rd re-election of nearly 14 years in office. Months before the election Chavez unleashed a spending spree to build public housing and boosting social programs. The new six-year term will let Chavez consolidate his control over Venezuela’s economy, possibly by extending a wave of nationalizations, and continue his support for left-wing allies in Latin America and around the world. Despite the massive the support, there are issues, like crime, blackouts and corruption, Chavez has not tackled yet, but he does promise to be a better president over the next 6 years, probably by nationalizing the whole country. The morale of the story? It’s always good to have a lot of oil!
In an additional attempt to keep the North under control, South Korea has been permitted to possess longer-range missiles capable of hitting all of North Korea, under a new agreement with the United States. Under a previous 2001 accord with Washington, South Korea had been barred from deploying ballistic missiles with a range of more than 186 miles and a payload of more than 1,100 pounds, because of concerns about a regional arms race. The restriction has made South Korea’s missile capability inferior to that of rival North Korea, and some key military installations in the North have been out of South Korea’s missile range. Now South Korea has been allowed to have ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500 miles to better cope with North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. North Korean state media didn’t immediately respond to these new developments, but analysts expect they are not gonna be too happy about it.