One of China's biggest exports to U.S.: Pollution
NASA's Terra satellite has tracked the haze from forest fires, car exhaust and industrial pollution in China and other countries of eastern Asia as it makes its way to the U.S. west coast. The scientists estimate that a full 15 percent of smog blanketing Pacific coast cities such as Los Angeles and Vancouver is made in China. In fact, nearly 10 billion pounds (4.5 million metric tons) of pollution wafted over the west coast of North America from 2002 to 2005. The air stream over the Pacific carries its heaviest load during spring before dying down in summer. (NASA)

Sweet: Controlling insulin response may be key to increased life span
Could insulin be the key to longer life? Harvard Medical School researchers report this week in the journal Cell that earthworms (which have genomes similar to humans) they engineered to respond less readily to insulin lived 50 percent longer than normal worms. The researchers determined that insulin (a hormone secreted by the human pancreas that triggers the breakdown of blood sugar) inhibits the function of one of the worm's master genes, SKN-1, which controls a pathway that helps to fight off free radicals (highly reactive chemicals that can damage tissue). When the worm's response to insulin was blunted, SKN-1 kicked into gear, staving off damage and extending its life span. Insulin has also been found to inhibit the forkhead gene family FOXO, which in humans controls the body's response to various types of stress—a factor that has also been linked to accelerated aging (and heightened risk for diseases including cancer). The researchers next plan to study the relationship between insulin and the mammalian version of SKN-1. If confirmed, a drug targeting this gene could some day supplant caloric restriction as an anti-aging regimen. And wouldn't that make us all happier (and fuller)? (The Daily Telegraph)

2 Comments

1. 1. nfinitfx 04:38 AM 3/24/08

   Money makes you happy if it meets you needs and wants. So money do bring happiness.

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2. 2. Concealed Weapon 04:26 PM 3/24/08

   There is a difference between buying happiness and being free of burdens brought on by not being able to meet basic needs of security and safety because you don't have money. I grew up poor and now I have enough money to feel secure. I wouldn't say I'm any happier, but I definitely prefer having money.

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