Stem cells from human embryos proven safe

The longest trial on stem cells from human embryos showed that the cells do not cause problems worrying scientists, such as forming a tumor, and partial blindness reversing the eye that received a transplant.

The study, published in The Lancet that could help revive the controversial effort to harness stem cells, which have the capacity to turn out 200 types of human cells to treat disease. In the preface to the report accompanying the study, Dr. Anthony Atala of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, called the results of the study as "a major accomplishment."

Stem cells implanted into the eye were found to be safe and even beneficial for vision. (Picture from: http://nydn.us/1t1nYur)

After the excitement among scientists and the public about stem cells are promising and debate ethical issues regarding the destruction of the human embryo to obtain cells, the field was tripped when a large trial of spinal cord injury therapy by Geron Corp. halted in 2011 and the interest of other companies preparing.

The main purpose of the study was to assess the safety of cell transplantation. Cells called the retinal pigment epithelial cells are created by taking stem cells from day-old embryos in fertility clinics and stimulating them to differentiate into specialized cells. 

Stem cell colonies developed using the SCNT method. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1nwQXp3)

The study "provides the first evidence in humans that suffer from the disease, about the long-term safety and the possibility of biological activity" of cells taken from fetuses, said one of the study's authors, Dr. Robert Lanza of Advanced Cell Technology, which produces cells and funded the study. 

Nine patients with Stargardt disease (which causes macular degeneration in childhood) and nine other patients who experience dry age-related macular degeneration (the leading cause of blindness in adults) received a transplant of retinal cells in one eye. The other eye was maintained as a control. 

Four eyes had a cataract and the two become inflamed, the possibility for the influence of patient age (average 77 years) or the use of immunosuppressive drugs for transplant. Retinal cells that help the function of the rods and cones eye can survive and function in all patients, most of his eyesight improved. 

In patients with macular degeneration, eye treated on average see 14 additional letters on a standard eye chart after a year of receiving the cells, with one patient saw 19 letters. Eyes that did not receive treatment worsened it. The results were similar in patients with Stargardt. 

In fact, other patients who could not see the object with a height of less than four meters can now see normal-sized adults. Eye of a 75-year-old farmer who was blind (20/400) improved so 20/40, enough to ride again, Lanza said. The others so can use the computer, watch the clock, go to the mall or take a trip to the airport alone for the first time in many years. 

Dusko Ilic stem cell expert from Kings College, London, who was not involved in the study cautioned that even if clinical trials are planned later this year is also successful, "it will take many years before the treatment can be done."  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | REUTERS]

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Scientists managed to reveal the origin of HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is still a scourge. Attention to the virus peaked in 1980, and until now has infected nearly 75 million people in the world. It has long been known, the virus has a longer history in Africa, however, where the pandemic originated is still a heated debate.

Kinshasa, pictured in 1955, was at the centre of the pandemic, scientists say. (Picture from: http://bbc.in/1nSWNS5)

To uncover the mystery, an international team trying to reconstruct the genetics of HIV. To find out where its oldest ancestors originated spreading on human. The findings in the virus archeology is used to find the origin of the pandemic. Similarly, the team reports in the journal Science. Experts using archival samples of HIV's genetic code to track the source. And in fact, the origin of pandemic traced from the 1920s in the city of Kinshasa is now part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The spreading description of HIV virus, which began in Kinshasa in the early 1920s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1t1j5BD)

Their report said, the sex trade is rampant, rapid population growth, and not sterile needles are used in clinics suspected of spreading the virus. Creating 'perfect storm' conditions. Meanwhile, the railroads were built with the support of Belgium - in which one million people across the city each year - carry the HIV virus to the surrounding area. Then on to the world.

The team of scientists from the University of Oxford and the University of Leuven, Belgium trying to reconstruct the 'family tree' of HIV and found the origins of the virus ancestor. "You can see the traces of history in today's genome - the recorded data, signs mutations in the HIV genome can not be removed," said Professor Oliver Pybus of the University of Oxford, told the BBC on Friday, October 3, 2014. By reading the signs of mutation the team could reconstruct a family tree and trace its roots.

HIV is a mutated version of the chimpanzee (pictured a Chimpanzee) virus, known as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVcpz) - which might make the leap the species, to humans, through contact with infected blood. (Picture from: http://bbc.in/1nSWNS5)

HIV is a mutated version of the chimpanzee virus, known as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVcpz) - which might make the leap the species, to humans, through contact with infected blood. This virus was first spread on the chimpanzees hunters when handling the animal meat. The first case was reported in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1930. The virus makes the jump on several occasions. One of them leads to HIV-1 subtype O is spread in Cameroon. Then, the HIV-1 subtypes M that infect millions of people worldwide.

In the 1920s, Kinshasa - formerly called Leopoldville until 1966 - was part of the Belgian Congo. "The city was very large and very fast growing. Medical records show a high incidence of the colonial era a number of sexually transmitted diseases," said Professor Oliver Pybus.

At that time, male workers flowing into the city, triggering a gender imbalance, with the male and female ratio of 2:1 - that triggered the rise of sex trafficking. Plus factor with disease treatment practices through non-sterile injections were effectively spread the virus.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system. (Picture from: http://bbc.in/1nSWNS5)

"Another interesting aspect is the transportation network that makes people move easily." Approximately 1 million people use the rail network of Kinshasa in the late 1940s. "And the virus was spread, first to the neighboring city of Brazzaville, and extends to a province area which ​​their economy is sustained on mining, Katanga. The 'perfect storm' conditions, only lasted for a few decades in Kinshasa. But when it ended, HIV is already spreading to the rest of the world.

Jonathan Ball of the University of Nottingham said, the findings was attractive because it provides a new insight into the early phase of the HIV-1 pandemic. "The suspect who made the virus to gain a foothold in humans - is transportation, the population increases, health practices, and prostitution," as he told the BBC. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BBC]

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Weird monster car

Youabian Puma was first present in the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show is a monster in all definitions. Made of a combination of many different parts, has an unusual shape and large dimensions. A plastic surgeon named Dr. Kambiz Youabian who has designed a car with a unique design and can be ridden in all terrain and named Youabian Puma.

Youabian Puma. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Cars are made in Los Angeles, beginning of its life as a Volvo C70 convertible, body shape without the roof is still maintained until now, but now it has reached six meters in length with an additional aluminum frame.

These cars use rear-wheel drive system and has a wheel size to 44 inches, making it truly like a monster! By using a 7.0-liter V8 engine that derived from the Chevrolet Corvette, the car claimed able to spray a power of 505 hp and 637 Nm of torque.

Right side view of Youabian Puma with its retractable roof. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Those big engine power is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission chanelled to drive its rear whells and makes the car can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 5.9 seconds with fuel consumption by 9 kpl.

Rear three quarter of Youabian Puma. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Unfortunately, this Youabian Puma car can not be put into any car category, starting from sports cars to trucks. If you are interested to buy this car, then you are required to provide a deposit of US $250 thousand.

Its body was refreshing, Fox News said the Puma has undergone plastic surgery. Currently, at least three units were built, Youabian accept the Puma orders which offered at fantastic prices, US $1,1 million (almost Rp. 12.8 billion), plus 12-18 months to produce one unit. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YOUABIAN PUMA | AUTOBLOG ]

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Kawasaki 'futuristic' ZZR-X concept

Once at the beginning of October, the famous Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, Kawasaki officially introduce their newest motorcycle is the Kawasaki Ninja H2R in the International Motorcycle, Scooter and E-Bike Fair (Intermot) 2014 in Cologne. Long before it, turns Kawasaki has also been introduced the motorcycle concept which has a unique, interesting, and futuristic design known as Kawasaki ZZR-X.

Kawasaki ZZR-X concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1vraPeU)

Kawasaki ZZR-X motorcycle concept was first introduced at the Milan Motorcycle Showwhich which held in 2003. This motorcycle concept uses an in-line four, four stroke engine which has a capacity of 1,164 cc and coupled with shaft drive (cardan) transmission system.

Front three quarter of Kawasaki ZZR-X concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1ntKzPx)

The ZZR-X was billed as a high speed tourer, but its ingenuity lies in the adjustable riding mode mechanisms which allows the rider to adjust the ZZR-X to suit road conditions and riding styles. This bike concept can be changed to suit low speed touring, with raised screen and protective fairing, all the way up to full-on sport mode, where the screen and fairing move into their most aerodynamic position.

Left side view of Kawasaki ZZR-X concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1vIUT98)

Rear left side view of Kawasaki ZZR-X concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1vraPeU)

The bike's windshield can be raised or lowered are somewhat helped the bike's aerodynamic system. For example, when you want to ride a motorcycle at high speed, the windshield is lowered and causes the airflow could flow freely such as motor sport aerodynamic systems. And when we want to slow down, we can raise the windshield that cause airflow hit the front in large quantities makes the motorcycle speed to be reduced.

Kawasaki ZZR-X concept has other clever design solutions, including: radical cone-shaped, rim-mounted disk brakes designed for maximum cooling efficiency, a mass-centralised fuel tank, a large storage space in front of the seat, a silencer built into the curvaceous bodywork, and also capable suspension system to support the motorcycle's plump body. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DISENO-ART | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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H2R finally revealed

The Japanese renowned two-wheeler manufacturer, Kawasaki finally unmasked their latest model of sport bike in the Intermot 2014 event. The motorcycle nicknamed Ninja H2R was become one of the prima donna at the motorcycle leading exhibition. As reported by Asphalt and Rubber on Teusday, September 30, 2014, the motorcycle is ready to market start from 2015 that uses an inline-four, liquid-cooled supercharged engine which has a capacity of 998 cc.

Kawasaki Ninja H2R officially revealed at the Intermot 2014 and predicted to be the world's fastest bike. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rLpD1H)

Although there has been no official information from the power produced by the engine is capable of, which certainly the Ninja H2R's engine claimed has an output 296 hp of power. The supercharger component that mounted in the engine designed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) Group. And according to Kawasaki, these components help in generating performance and higher acceleration.

Right side view of Kawasaki Ninja H2R. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rLpD1H)

The motorcycle which inherited the racing gene was said to be capable of racing up to 337 kph. Thanks to the roar of the engine that powered 268 hp. As reported by Visordown, on Wednesday, October 8, 2014. "This bike is capable of going up to 337 kph today. The wings are there really work," said Jeremy Toye, a test rider for Kawasaki.

The supercharged component on the Kawasaki Ninja H2R engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rLpD1H)

Kawasaki Ninja H2R comes with a wheelbase that is longer, and allow better handling, as well as a carbon fiber fairing to enhance stability. Not escape also, its swing arm and frame are also made of steel to provide strength and are able to absorb the excessive vibration when a motorcycle traveling at a high speed.

An ergonomic seat design on the Kawasaki Ninja H2R. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rLpD1H)

The H2R comes with wheel size of 120/600R17 on the front, while the rear wheel use the 190/650R17. Motorcycle for the professional rider is also not allowed to run outside the circuit. Further, the type of tires should not be used carelessly, in addition to the slick type.

Not just rely on the ability of the KHI Group to deliver the Ninja H2R, Kawasaki Aerospace Company also deployed in the making of carbon fiber based body. No wonder if the motorcycle is predicted to have the best aerodynamics, as well as the optimization of cooling through the fairing and design curves that are designed to have little wind resistance with air suction holes on the front.

Meanwhile, the streets version of Kawasaki Ninja H2R will also be brought to the public in the near future. Kawasaki will presented it on the EICMA 2014 in November, by setting up a model that fitted an engine with an output of 200 hp. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASPHALT AND RUBBER | VISORDOWN]

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After 2 years of wandering in the outer space, finally the plane going home

On Friday morning, October 17, 2014, the United States military unmanned space shuttle return to Earth after 674 days of secret missions in space. The plane, called the Orbital Test Vehicle or X-37B, which has a shape similar to a space shuttle miniature landing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California on Friday morning at local time.

U.S. Air Force X-37B. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1D65ziZ)

"I am very proud of the success of the team, who together perform this third landing safely," said Col. Keith Balts, the 30th Space Wing commander in a statement cited from SPACE. However, the commander did not explain what the X-37B doing in space for so long. Also the details of the mission carried out - including what was set forth therein. Everything is kept confidential.

Artist's concept of the U.S. Air Force's X-37B space plane in orbit. The solar-powered spacecraft spent 675 days in orbit as part of the military's secret OTV-3 mission, which launched in December 2012. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1vq6bxx)

Since its launch until now, what was the plane mission and its purpose still remains unclear. Still a mystery. US Air Force officials only told the media that, "the X-37B is an experiment in risk reduction and concept of operations development for the space vehicle technology can be used repeatedly," such as quoted by BBC on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Or in other words, becomes a technology test that could be used for the future satellite missions.

The U.S. Air Force's robotic X-37B
space plane is a miniature space
shuttle capable of long, classified 
missions in orbit. (Picture from: 
 http://bit.ly/1vq6bxx)

This flight is the third mission of the program, which began in 1999, and is currently implementing by the U.S. Air Force - Rapid Capabilities Office. The first aircraft was launched on Thursday, April 22, 2010, and returned to Earth after 8 months. Meanwhile, the second mission taking off on March 2011, and wandering outside of the Earth up to 15 months later.

The aircraft that used in the third mission is a Boeing-made, which was launched in December 2012. The plane was equipped with solar panels as its power source while in orbit. And has a length of 9 meters and a wingspan of nearly 15 feet, while its weight reaches 4,989 kilograms. And the X-37B's fourth mission is scheduled for launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 2015.

The program was originally headed by NASA - for wearing second-hand aircraft belonging to the space agency. However, it was later taken over by Pentagon's research unit which then delegate it to the U.S. Air Force secret unit. The X-37B was built by Boeing's Phantom Works Division in Seal Beach, California, and has a weighs approximately 11,000 lbs (5,000 kg).

When launched, only a handful of U.S. military officials who know exactly what is in the unmanned aircraft which has a white color on the top surface along the 8.8 meter. There are two allegations about the usefulness of X-37B.

The first allegation, the X-37B being tested as a space-based weapons platform. If true, it is contrary to international agreements. The Pentagon has denied the allegations. Analysts tend to agree with the denial. Analysts said the plane could not be part of a dangerous weapon delivery systems. One reason it only got with a low-power engine for orbital maneuvering capabilities - which reduces their ability to move quickly when the crisis. However, the simple fact that it was a cargo plane could carry anything that fits into outer space, from small missiles to nuclear weapons - and make the rebuttal was not satisfactory.

Another allegation, there is also the possibility that the X-37B launched to undergo the intensive durability tests as did with other robotic aircraft last year, ie the United States Navy X-47B which was take off and then landed on an aircraft carrier for the first time. Then it underwent a number of tests - even though no one knows for what.

U.S. Air Force spokesman Gary Payton, scoffed at the speculation that the X-37B is the pioneer of space weapon fleet. According to him, the main purpose of the launch is to the space technology test, not orbiting the United States weapons. "I do not know how this could be called the space armed," he said in 2010. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPACE]

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The first Italian electric supercar by Tecnicar

Italy will soon have a fully electric-powered supercar that is currently being developed by Tecnicar named Tecnicar Lavinia and will be the first Italian electric supercar.

Rendered image of Tecnicar Lavinia SE. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1DhvNze)

Tecnicar is an experienced company in the field of electric drive based on the Siracusa-Sicily, Italy, and has already had success with building small electric vehicles and mobility scooters, but this latest venture marks the first time the company has ventured into the automotive segment with a supercar.

Front view of Tecnicar Lavinia SE. (Picture from: http://on.fb.me/1wd10zl)

Tecnicar has created one other electric car prior to the Lavinia, but it was a small microcar called the Genius.

Right side view of Tecnicar Lavinia SE. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1DhvNze)

The details about Lavinia is still limited to only refer to the ability of the engine and acceleration over the following distance 300 km (180 miles) on a full charge. As qouted of Inhabitat on October 14, 2014, Lavinia is called will be equipped with powerful engine which claimed can spewed 786 hp of power and accelerate from 0-100 kph in 3.5 seconds, and top speed of 300 kph (186 mph).

Rear view of Tecnicar Lavinia SE. (Picture from: http://on.fb.me/1wd10zl)

The development has been made ​​since last year but there is no information about when it will launch Lavinia. Being the car was not finished completely and only displayed through rendering results. The company hopes to have a prototype of the Lavinia ready for the Top Marques show in Monaco next April. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TECNICAR SRL | INHABITAT]

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