Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Ship constructed in 1773 discovered under the former World Trade Center

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Researchers from Maryland and the University of Columbia in the United States, discovered the remains of the boat found in the ruins of the World Trade Center in 2010, belong to an oak forest near Philadelphia, also in the United States, which was cut around 1773.

Four years ago, the construction of the Ground Zero, the site of the former World Trade Center in New York, was stopped when workers found a huge wooden boat, about 6.7 meters below the surface of the street. At the time, the work was delayed for weeks while the boat was removed from the site and taken to a Maryland archaeological laboratory and later to Columbia University.

After examining the boat, this latter institution scientists came to the conclusion that the oak was cut in 1773. "At that time, in Philadelphia, there were still large forests, and many of them were cut to build boats and other infrastructure," explained the Live Science Dario Martin-Benito, of the laboratory.

Archaeologists believe that the ship was active between 20 to 30 years, before it is sent to the current Greenwich Street in Manhattan. At the end of the 18th century, the ship was placed alongside other trash.

The ship was completely buried in 1818 and discovered, by chance, during the post-September 11 2011. The boat is very well maintained and was discovered alongside other artifacts relating to the 18th century â€" including dishes and ceramic bottles or shoes.

This fantastic story leads us to think about what is beneath our cities â€" cities with the past of Coimbra, Braga, Lisbon or Porto, with a timeless past, can have untold riches. Ever see?

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Portuguese investigators seek solution to the chronic pain at sea

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Three researchers and an economist, all Portuguese, are working on the development of a new drug from the national coast marine species meant to combat chronic pain, a syndrome that affects approximately 1.5 billion people around the world and for which there is not yet a proper treatment.

To develop the project, was created the biotech company Sea4Us, dedicated to the study of components of marine animals to develop new medicines and developing activity in Sagres and the laboratory in Lisbon, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa.

The company has already achieved funding for various stages of the development of future analgesic, but still unable to garner support for collecting marine samples. As such, the Sea4Us launched a campaign of crowdfunding to collect funds that allow the collection of samples.

The research developed by biotech company discovered that certain species of national sea invertebrates present a great potential for the treatment of chronic pain. The funds raised will allow taking samples at sea in Sagres during a month and a half, which is scheduled for the end of this summer, season with better weather conditions to that end.

Foto:  rschnaible / Creative Commons

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Cure for Ebola may have been found

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Two American doctors working in missions on the African continent and who were infected with the Ebola virus have been saved with a "miracle treatment". This "secret weapon" had never been tested on humans only in monkeys. However, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), u.s. regulatory authority, will have opened an exception under a mandate authorising the use of untested medicines.

CNN and the Atlantic report the story. Kent Brantly is doctor and saw hundreds of people already dying of the Ebola virus. As such, there was a cold in her diagnostic foresight made last week: "I'm going to die".

The condition of this American doctor was serious and his fate most likely would have been death, as did the hundreds of Africans. However, last Saturday, American televisions showed the Brantly's return to New York, so that he could receive a better service. What you saw was the doctor to return to American soil and to walk only with a minimum aid, since the ambulance to the isolation unit at Emory University Hospital.

"One of the doctors said it was a miracle," said Sanjay Gupta, who is a doctor at the hospital of Emory and special correspondent from CNN for medical affairs. "It's not a term that doctors like to use lightly", he stressed, citing the Atlantic.

Once the Ebola virus is a disease without a cure and fatal in 90% of cases, the case of Kent Brantley is intriguing. On reporting for CNN, Sanjay Gupta has indicated that it will have been a secret serum saved Brantley and Nancy Writebol, another American doctor infected with the virus.

According to the account of Gupta, three bottles of a secret experimental serum stored at freezing temperatures, were sent into Liberia, where were the doctors, in the last week, in a last attempt to save them.

Brantly was working for the Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse as medical director of Ebola Consolidation Case Management Center in Monrovia, Liberia. The Group has confirmed that the doctor received secret treatment before leaving the country and returning to the United States.

Brantly is almost fully recovered thanks to secret treatment. Nancy Writebol recovery already was not so amazing, but enough to also be able to be transported to the United States.

The secret serum

The secret serum used is known for zMapp and is produced by Mapp Biopharmaceutical. However, the medicine had not yet been tested in humans, only in monkeys, and as such had not yet been approved by the FDA. However, under a rule that allows the use of medicinal products not tested on humans only in exceptional situations, the medication may be administered to two doctors infected with the Ebola virus.

The secret medicine it is a monoclonal antibody. The administration of such antibodies is becoming increasingly common and time has shown that it is an effective solution. This type of antibody is produced as follows: Guinea Pigs are exposed to a virus and your immune system develops antibodies against the virus. Subsequently, the lymphocytes are isolated in the laboratory and multiplied in cell cultures. In the case of zMapp were separated three cell lines that produce specific antibodies effective against Ebola. The antibodies are then added to a solution. According to the pharmacist who developed the medicine, it is possible to produce these antibodies in tobacco plants, which speeds up the process the process of production, since the cell cultures are slower.

In spite of the application of zMapp have been a success, yet little is known about their effect on humans. In tests conducted with animals, the Mapp Biopharmaceutical administered the medicine to eight monkeys with Ebola virus that survived. All were given the medicine until 48 hours after they have been infected. A monkey that has been treated with the serum after 48 hours did not survive. This means that little is known about the safety and effectiveness of this treatment â€" and that extreme circumstances like this, the FDA would not have allowed their application. Gupta suspects that the FDA authorized the use of the zMapp under the compassionate use exemption.

The current outbreak of Ebola virus is the biggest in the history of the disease, both in terms of the number of infected as related deaths â€" approximately 729 since the end of 2013.

Foto: EU Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection / Creative Commons

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9 foods that should consume in summer

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We know that this time of year combines as barbecues, picnics and parties on the beach ... But before putting French fries or beer on the table, think about the effect that these foods may have on your health.

"The Sun is not the only factor of skin aging," explained the Huffington Post Paula Simpson, a biochemist and nutritionist specializing in supplements for skin health. "The diet influences the skin at the cellular level, and once the skin is the largest organ, is also the first to show nutritional deficiencies," he said.

So you can maintain a healthy glow inside and out during the summer, Simpson recalls that it is essential to eat and hydrate yourself correctly, in addition to using sunscreen, of course. And lists the foods that will help you feel better and that your skin will be perfect throughout the bathing season, referred to the portal my well-being.

1. Watermelon

This summer symbol contains approximately 90% water, essential to hydrate the body. "It is also loaded with vitamin C, necessary for the production of collagen," says Simpson. Their antioxidant properties make it a "neutralizer of free radicals", which helps to prevent the signs of aging.

2. red fruits

In addition to the blackberries, blueberries, strawberries or raspberries tastiness, Simpson mentions that these fruits are full of antioxidants, which protect the skin from the harmful effects of the Sun.

3. Pineapple

In addition to vitamins and minerals, this tropical fruit contains Bromelain, which acts against inflammation, which may be beneficial also to help people who have suffered sunburn, says Simpson.

4. citrus fruits

Oranges, Grapefruits, lemons, limes and. .. Any one of these citrus fruits is good for the skin, explains the expert. Its contents in vitamin C and amino acids such as PROLINE and lysine, play an important role in the production of collagen that keeps skin younger.

5 cucumber

Heard that cucumber is used for swollen and tired eyes. Simpson points out that, in addition, the cucumber is also good for the skin. The cucumber mainly consists of water, which hydrates the body and skin.

6 tomatoes

According to Simpson, the tomatoes are "the perfect food to protect skin cells", thanks to lycopene, which not only facilitates the production of collagen, but also fight expression lines and wrinkles.

7. dandelion Leaves Leão 

The salad and season, if the leaves of dandelion Leão is still not part of their usual ingredients should start to include them in your meals. Simpson explains that the leaves of dandelion Leão provide a good daily dose of vitamins A and K, plus they contain vitamin C, responsible for own natural collagen production. Are also used for some skin problems such as acne or eczema.

8. Salmon

Simpson recommends eating salmon, if you want your skin has a fresh and smooth appearance. Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish is a key ingredient for skin cells that regulate the production of fat.

9. coconut water

Instead of opting for sugary sports drinks, Simpson suggests that opt for electrolytes coconut water. "The coconut water helps maintain youth and skin elasticity", thanks to its moisturizing properties and its high potassium content, which improves circulation, making reach more nutrients and oxygen to the skin, explained the nutritionist to Prevention.

Foto:  § Vera § / Creative Commons

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Tuesday, August 5, 2014

African cocoa producers prove chocolate for the first time

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It is a sad fact and indicator of the inequality of global society, since many of those who work never enjoying the fruits of your labor. This is the situation of many African producers who never get to enjoy what they grow so that your income can be increased.

However, recently, a group of producers of cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire had the opportunity to taste the fruits of their work and were able to enjoy chocolate for the first time in my life. A Metropolis television channel TV correspondent visited these farmers and offered them chocolate bars. The reaction of farmers can be seen here.

Although it is a small country in West Africa, the Ivory Coast is the world's largest producer of coffee and cocoa is also more cultivated products. The cocoa Plantation is made for decades, but many of the farmers never tasted chocolate. And why?

According to a report from CNN, cocoa producers are at the base of the world chocolate production chain â€" that is strongly against farmers, whether in the form of traders, exporters and manufacturers above them that require the most profit possible. This gives little or no bargaining power and very little money to farmers to sustain their families, much less to buy chocolate.

One of the farmers interviewed, who earns just over € 5 per day, says that doesn't know the fate of their grain after leaving the plantation and you can't buy a chocolate bar, which costs about € 2 in your community. Once you have tasted chocolate for the first time said he "didn't know that cocoa was so tasty". Later, the farmer has dished out the bar with his colleagues who also tasted chocolate for the first time. In the end, the farmer said: "we complain because cocoa farming is hard work. Now we can enjoy the result. And that privilege is being able to prove it, "cites the Inhabitat.

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Aljustrel offers free entries in the municipal swimming pool in Exchange for food

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During this month, at which point if marks the international day of solidarity, the municipality of Aljustrel promotes an innovative initiative to support the Food Bank Social shop.

According to municipality, every Tuesday in August, entries at the Municipal swimming pool of Aljustrel will be free through the supply of non-perishable foodstuffs.

On arrival in the pool and enjoy free of charge the experience users have only to "swap" the entry by a package of sugar, milk or cereals, for a bottle of oil or by a tin of baked beans, grain, among other foodstuffs.

The assets raised through this action of social solidarity, which will be in place in days 5, 12, 19 and 26 August, will revert entirely in favour of Social Shop of municipality of Aljustrel, explains the portal my well-being.

Photo: José P Shah/Creative Commons

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Monday, August 4, 2014

Animals with unusual coat

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In addition to having hair with colors quite many, many animals will develop standards in their bodies through the combination of different colored fuzz.

These marks are formed randomly and, certainly, by means of genetic traits, referred to Bored Panda. While for animals this phenotype trait doesn't really matter, it's impossible for the human brain does not associate those brands previously known forms.

For animals whether they walk with a mustache or a heart on the back for the rest of his life. Many of these animals with unusual coat became famous in social networks, particularly cats.

Get to know the unusual shapes of the fur of some animals here.

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