Aug 1, 2014
Selfie Toast
Here is a company that will produce and
deliver a reasonably priced personal toaster that will create toast
with your picture etched on every piece. More designs also
available. LINK
Fun stuff to impress your guests.
High Tech Meets Low Tech
An inexpensive diagnostic test
made from paper has been developed that can assess liver health in
15 minutes and for only pennies a test. The test uses a single drop
of blood from a finger prick to measure the presence of liver
enzymes, and doesn't require the presence of a laboratory,
instruments, or syringes. If liver enzymes are present in the blood,
wells within the paper will show a color change, which are be color
matched to a scale to determine approximate degree of concentration.
A color change indicates the concentration range of enzymes present.
Though this can be checked by eye, greater accuracy could be
achieved by scanning the paper with a smartphone, which are
incredibly prevalent throughout regions in which the kit would be
used.
Liver damage can be a consequence of taking antiretroviral drugs, which are prescribed to HIV patients. Because of the high HIV infection rates in poor countries, liver problems are on the rise, so the ability to cheaply monitor blood is important to prevent potentially fatal side effects of the drugs meant to save people’s lives.
The paper uses patterns, channels, and assay zones (or wells) of water-repellent materials on a piece of paper about the size of a postage stamp. Biological and chemical assay reagents are then deposited in the wells. When blood, urine, saliva, sweat or other biological samples are applied to it, the paper wicks the sample through the channels to the assay zones, without external pumps or power. Upon contact, the assay zone quickly changes color and results are then easily read by comparing the color change with a printed reference scale. After use, it can be easily disposed of by burning.
These patterned paper-based devices can be embedded with electrical circuitry to enable resistive heating, electrochemical assays, or initial processing of assay results. Multiple sheets of patterned paper can be stacked to generate three-dimensional devices capable of automatically performing a variety of complex fluid operations such as splitting, filtration, mixing, and separations.
The postage stamp-sized paper diagnostics system was developed in the laboratory of Harvard Professor George Whitesides seven years ago. With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Professor Whitesides started the non-profit organization, Diagnostics For All., and looked to improve the health of the poorest areas of the world. The team is also working on malaria and dengue fever tests.
An ink jet printer using wax ink prints a pattern on two sheets of paper. One sheet contains reagents that react with liver enzymes, the other dyes that change color if a reaction occurs. The two sheets are fused together by heating, so that channels or wells that can be used as miniaturized test tubes for reactions are produced. A plasma filter is added and the three are laminated together, and cut into postage stamp size squares. The rest of the world could also benefit from this low cost efficient healthcare.
Liver damage can be a consequence of taking antiretroviral drugs, which are prescribed to HIV patients. Because of the high HIV infection rates in poor countries, liver problems are on the rise, so the ability to cheaply monitor blood is important to prevent potentially fatal side effects of the drugs meant to save people’s lives.
The paper uses patterns, channels, and assay zones (or wells) of water-repellent materials on a piece of paper about the size of a postage stamp. Biological and chemical assay reagents are then deposited in the wells. When blood, urine, saliva, sweat or other biological samples are applied to it, the paper wicks the sample through the channels to the assay zones, without external pumps or power. Upon contact, the assay zone quickly changes color and results are then easily read by comparing the color change with a printed reference scale. After use, it can be easily disposed of by burning.
These patterned paper-based devices can be embedded with electrical circuitry to enable resistive heating, electrochemical assays, or initial processing of assay results. Multiple sheets of patterned paper can be stacked to generate three-dimensional devices capable of automatically performing a variety of complex fluid operations such as splitting, filtration, mixing, and separations.
The postage stamp-sized paper diagnostics system was developed in the laboratory of Harvard Professor George Whitesides seven years ago. With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Professor Whitesides started the non-profit organization, Diagnostics For All., and looked to improve the health of the poorest areas of the world. The team is also working on malaria and dengue fever tests.
An ink jet printer using wax ink prints a pattern on two sheets of paper. One sheet contains reagents that react with liver enzymes, the other dyes that change color if a reaction occurs. The two sheets are fused together by heating, so that channels or wells that can be used as miniaturized test tubes for reactions are produced. A plasma filter is added and the three are laminated together, and cut into postage stamp size squares. The rest of the world could also benefit from this low cost efficient healthcare.
Toilet Paper Origami
Speaking of low tech, I was floored
when I came across a site on Pinterest that is dedicated to making
origami figures from toilet paper. It has everything from flowers to
boats, and more. Almost was afraid to share this, but couldn't help
myself. If you really want to waste some time, here is the LINK.
Email and Productivity
If you want to be efficient, do not
open your email until at least 10am. Do not peek. Do not IM. Do not
check Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, or Twitter, or anyplace else on
the web.
Productive people get up and get on with doing the things they have decided are important. Reacting to someone else is not productive, nor is it efficient or effective. It is difficult to read an email without reacting and you are reacting to someone's priority, not yours.
Next, decide the clock time and a certain amount of action time to read and react to email. Quickly scan your inbox and prioritize, file, or delete as necessary. This should take no longer than ten minutes. Then go back and react to the priority items and attack them. When one hour has elapsed, go back to your priorities.
You might need to get into your email to finish some of your most important to-dos, but can you get 80 or 90 percent done before you go into email and waste your time on other people's priorities
Research shows email: Creates stress, can be more addictive than alcohol and tobacco, and checking email frequently is the equivalent of dropping your IQ ten points. It also interrupts your progress. Happiness is also important, so after you have finished your high priority projects, reward yourself by reading my Friday Thoughts.
Productive people get up and get on with doing the things they have decided are important. Reacting to someone else is not productive, nor is it efficient or effective. It is difficult to read an email without reacting and you are reacting to someone's priority, not yours.
Next, decide the clock time and a certain amount of action time to read and react to email. Quickly scan your inbox and prioritize, file, or delete as necessary. This should take no longer than ten minutes. Then go back and react to the priority items and attack them. When one hour has elapsed, go back to your priorities.
You might need to get into your email to finish some of your most important to-dos, but can you get 80 or 90 percent done before you go into email and waste your time on other people's priorities
Research shows email: Creates stress, can be more addictive than alcohol and tobacco, and checking email frequently is the equivalent of dropping your IQ ten points. It also interrupts your progress. Happiness is also important, so after you have finished your high priority projects, reward yourself by reading my Friday Thoughts.
Real Credit Score Report
Finally, here is a site that provides
your actual credit score for free. That is no credit card info
required to sign up. No fees. It does ask to link your cards and
offers other add ons for fees, but you can get the basic info,
including your credit score for free. There are free credit reports
from each of the big three, transunion, etc., but they only give
transaction info once each six months, and do not provide the credit
score.
I never could understand how companies could take my information from wherever they choose, then try to sell that information about me to me. This one is different. CreditKarma.com.
I never could understand how companies could take my information from wherever they choose, then try to sell that information about me to me. This one is different. CreditKarma.com.
Uses for Aloe Vera
A friend recently dropped off some Aloe
Vera for the garden. I knew it had some great medicinal properties,
but found more on the web. Also found it survives the winter in
Texas. It is antibacterial and contains vitamins and minerals. Here
are a few topical and other uses.
- Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower
- Rub on to treat burns from grease splatters or hot utensils
- Rub on to reduce sunburn sting
- Rub on to eliminate sting or itch from insect bites and allergic skin reactions
- Rub on to fight Athlete's Foot
- Rub on as moisturizer for dry skin, remove makeup, or for
shaving
- Soothe Psoriasis, Rosacea, Eczema, blisters, bruises, and
rashes
- Prevent scarring and stretch marks
- Reduce facial wrinkles
- After washing, apply to eliminate acne
- Decrease skin pigmentation and dark spots
- Drink to relieve indigestion, but not too much or can cause
diarrhea
- Take aloe orally to relieve heartburn, arthritis, and rheumatism pain
- Boil leaves in a pan of water and breathe in the vapor to reduce affects of asthma
Jul 25, 2014
Happy Friday
Laughter is the only music with no sour notes.
Music is like smiling out loud while enjoying a Happy Friday!
Music is like smiling out loud while enjoying a Happy Friday!
Placebo and Color Affect
Researchers found the
color of a package and a pill makes a difference in how it works.
In one study, every patient was given the exact same sedative, but
some patients received it in a blue pill and others in an orange
pill. The blue pill takers reported falling asleep 30 minutes
faster, and sleeping 30 minutes longer, than the orange pill
takers.
You likely know that you can give a person with a headache a Tic Tac, say it is medicine, and it may eliminate a headache just like an aspirin would, for reasons science doesn't completely understand. This phenomenon is also affected by color. In other words, how you perceive effectiveness affects effectiveness and color matters.
Subjects, in another study were told they would get a sedative or a stimulant, when they were actually getting placebos. Sixty six percent of the subjects who took blue pills reported feeling less alert, compared to only twenty six percent of those who took pink pills. It is because we have been conditioned to think that blue is tranquil.
In yet another study, when researchers put various fake medicine packages in front of subjects, the subjects picked certain colors of boxes over others. Warm colors like brown and red were perceived as more potent, especially if the shades were darker. This is why heart medicines are often red and brown, while skin medicines are yellow, and sleeping pills are often blue. Painkillers are most often white. All carefully chosen to match our perceptions.
The majority of fast food chains have red and yellow or orange in their logo, because these are stimulating colors. Lowfat containers, more often than not have blue on the package.
Color associations are also cultural. In America blue is a calming and peaceful color, but in Italy it is associated with the national soccer team. Researchers found that, rather than making him drowsy, a blue pill might send an Italian singing into the night.
You likely know that you can give a person with a headache a Tic Tac, say it is medicine, and it may eliminate a headache just like an aspirin would, for reasons science doesn't completely understand. This phenomenon is also affected by color. In other words, how you perceive effectiveness affects effectiveness and color matters.
Subjects, in another study were told they would get a sedative or a stimulant, when they were actually getting placebos. Sixty six percent of the subjects who took blue pills reported feeling less alert, compared to only twenty six percent of those who took pink pills. It is because we have been conditioned to think that blue is tranquil.
In yet another study, when researchers put various fake medicine packages in front of subjects, the subjects picked certain colors of boxes over others. Warm colors like brown and red were perceived as more potent, especially if the shades were darker. This is why heart medicines are often red and brown, while skin medicines are yellow, and sleeping pills are often blue. Painkillers are most often white. All carefully chosen to match our perceptions.
The majority of fast food chains have red and yellow or orange in their logo, because these are stimulating colors. Lowfat containers, more often than not have blue on the package.
Color associations are also cultural. In America blue is a calming and peaceful color, but in Italy it is associated with the national soccer team. Researchers found that, rather than making him drowsy, a blue pill might send an Italian singing into the night.
Sugar Stops Hiccups
This remedy is no placebo. Hiccups
occur when a spasm contracts the diaphragm, a large sheet of
muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.
This spasm causes an intake of breath that is suddenly stopped by
the closure of the vocal cords. This closure causes the 'hiccup'
sound.
Hiccups are irritating, but it is possible to stop them within sixty seconds or so by swallowing a teaspoon filled with dry sugar or honey. Specialists believe the abrupt sweetness on the tongue overloads the nerve endings in the mouth and blocks the hiccup spasm.
Hiccups are irritating, but it is possible to stop them within sixty seconds or so by swallowing a teaspoon filled with dry sugar or honey. Specialists believe the abrupt sweetness on the tongue overloads the nerve endings in the mouth and blocks the hiccup spasm.
Joseph Lister
The idea of clean operating rooms did not
exist until Joseph Lister began his practice of antisepsis in the
1860's. He introduced washing surgical instruments in carbolic
acid, and keeping the operating area clean and sterile. He used it
on the incision wound, dressings, and instruments. It was a
revolutionary change for hospitals. Lister discovered that the
infections in wounds which caused so many surgical deaths were not
caused by the miasma in the air, but by something entirely
different.
In his article in The Lancet of 21 September 1867 and his book 'Antiseptic Principle of the Practice of Surgery' he explained the cause was microorganisms that traveled from the surgeon’s hands onto the wound. Because of his miraculous results in operative and post-operative infection, Lister is considered to be one of the founders of modern surgery.
In 1893 Dr. J.C. Bloodgood (his real name) insisted on surgical glove use by his entire surgical team. This was followed by W. Steward Halstead's adoption of surgical gloves at Johns Hopkins that gained national exposure. Halstead is generally credited with the glove's discovery, which is not true.
Listerine was formulated by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1879. Joseph Lister had nothing to do with it, other than it was named after him.
In his article in The Lancet of 21 September 1867 and his book 'Antiseptic Principle of the Practice of Surgery' he explained the cause was microorganisms that traveled from the surgeon’s hands onto the wound. Because of his miraculous results in operative and post-operative infection, Lister is considered to be one of the founders of modern surgery.
In 1893 Dr. J.C. Bloodgood (his real name) insisted on surgical glove use by his entire surgical team. This was followed by W. Steward Halstead's adoption of surgical gloves at Johns Hopkins that gained national exposure. Halstead is generally credited with the glove's discovery, which is not true.
Listerine was formulated by Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Jordan Wheat Lambert in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1879. Joseph Lister had nothing to do with it, other than it was named after him.
Bad Breath Eliminators
If you do not have any
Listerine handy, here are a few other options. Sugar may cure
hiccups, but it also can cause plaque, which is one cause of bad
breath. Bad breath usually results from poor oral hygiene and
gastrointestinal health. Breath odors originate inside the mouth
and also from the digestive tract. The cause in both is mostly
bacteria.
Coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and cardamom are all good for fighting bad breath, either by chewing, or steeping in hot water, as a tea.
Research also shows that live microorganisms in sugar free yogurt may reduce levels of bad breath germs. A serving of yogurt each day reduces the level of odor-causing hydrogen sulfide in the mouth. It also reduces bacteria in the mouth as well as reduces plaque and gum disease.
Apples, carrots, celery, and any fiber-rich fruits or vegetables also help fight halitosis. Plaque build-up causes odors and eating foods that increase saliva production keep the mouth moist and rinsed. Eating berries, citrus fruits, melons and other vitamin C foods create an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth and prevent gum disease and gingivitis.
Coriander, spearmint, tarragon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and cardamom are all good for fighting bad breath, either by chewing, or steeping in hot water, as a tea.
Research also shows that live microorganisms in sugar free yogurt may reduce levels of bad breath germs. A serving of yogurt each day reduces the level of odor-causing hydrogen sulfide in the mouth. It also reduces bacteria in the mouth as well as reduces plaque and gum disease.
Apples, carrots, celery, and any fiber-rich fruits or vegetables also help fight halitosis. Plaque build-up causes odors and eating foods that increase saliva production keep the mouth moist and rinsed. Eating berries, citrus fruits, melons and other vitamin C foods create an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth and prevent gum disease and gingivitis.
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