WALKING SEAL FOSSIL

FOSSIL OF A WALKING SEAL FOUND
Remains of a previously unknown mammal could represent a missing link in pinniped evolution By Solmaz Barazesh Web edition : Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 Text Size
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NEW BONESResearchers discovered remains of a previously unknown pinniped in the Canadian Arctic. (Inset shows bones that were found.) The fossilized skeleton was about 65 percent complete. (Illustration fills in the missing pieces.)Photo by Martin Lipman. Illustration by Alex Tirabasso, copyright Canadian Museum of Nature.
A fossilized skeleton of what researchers are calling a walking seal has been uncovered in the Canadian Arctic. The remains of this previously unknown mammal could shed light on the evolution of pinnipeds, the group that includes seals, sea lions and walruses, researchers report in the April 23 Nature.

The animal, named Puijila darwini, had a long tail and an otterlike body with webbed feet and legs like a terrestrial animal, the researchers report. But P. darwini also had a pinniped-like skull.



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The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.

- William James



/////////////////////33 MN DOSES OF TAMIFLU STORED IN VK


//////////////////////10L PPL AIRBORNE IN WORLD ON ANY DAY


//////////////////////.........A thermodynamic basis for prebiotic amino acid synthesis and the nature of the first genetic code

Paul G. Higgs, Ralph E. Pudritz
(Submitted on 2 Apr 2009)
Of the twenty amino acids used in proteins, ten were formed in Miller's atmospheric discharge experiments. The two other major proposed sources of prebiotic amino acid synthesis include formation in hydrothermal vents and delivery to Earth via meteorites. We combine observational and experimental data of amino acid frequencies formed by these diverse mechanisms and show that, regardless of the source, these ten early amino acids can be ranked in order of decreasing abundance in prebiotic contexts. This order can be predicted by thermodynamics. The relative abundances of the early amino acids were most likely reflected in the composition of the first proteins at the time the genetic code originated. The remaining amino acids were incorporated into proteins after pathways for their biochemical synthesis evolved. This is consistent with theories of the evolution of the genetic code by stepwise addition of new amino acids. These are hints that key aspects of early biochemistry may be universal.



//////////////It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him."
– John Steinbeck




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Statin Use Linked to Reduced Risk for Prostate Cancer


Men who use statins may be at lower risk for prostate cancer, according to an industry-supported study presented Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association.
Researchers in Minnesota enrolled some 2400 men between the ages of 40 and 79 and without histories of prostate cancer; about one fourth were using statins at baseline.
During 14 years' follow-up, prostate cancer was diagnosed in 5% of statin users — corresponding to a 60% risk reduction compared with those not using the drugs. Statin users were also less likely to have elevated prostate-specific antigen levels or to undergo prostate biopsy.
The researchers "cautioned that [the results] are from an observational study and not robust enough to recommend statin therapy to aid in prevention of prostate cancer," the Wall Street Journal reports.



///////////////////////Chapter XIV: The Yoga of the Division of the Three Qualities of Nature

XIV.11. SARVADWAARESHU DEHE'SMIN PRAKAASHA UPAJAAYATE;
JNAANAM YADAA TADAA VIDYAA DVIVRIDDHAM SATTWAMITYUTA.

(Krishna speaking to Arjuna)
When, through every gate (sense) in this body, the wisdom-light
shines, then it may be known that Sattwa is predominant.

XIV.12. LOBHAH PRAVRITTIR AARAMBHAH KARMANAAM ASHAMAH SPRIHAA;
RAJASYETAANI JAAYANTE VIVRIDDHE BHARATARSHABHA.
Greed, activity, the undertaking of actions, restlessness,
longing-these arise when Rajas is predominant, O Arjuna!

XIV.13. APRAKAASHO'PRAVRITTISHCHA PRAMAADO MOHA EVA CHA;
TAMASYETAANI JAAYANTE VIVRIDDHE KURUNANDANA.
Darkness, inertness, heedlessness and delusion-these arise when
Tamas is predominant, O Arjuna!



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