Shared ramblings/ findings

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Cure for HIV /AIDS

AIDS vaccine in final testing

Twenty years after HIV geneticist Bette Korber first began tackling HIV, her hard work—some would say "obsession"—may be finally paying off as she and her team gear up for the first round of human trials of an HIV vaccine.

Early tests showed powerful immune responses in animals and raised hopes around the world of finally achieving a scientific breakthrough in the AIDS health crisis.

Now the vaccine is down to the crucial greenlight/red light stage: will human reactions to the vaccine be safe and effective in treatments during this critical trial phase?

"It has been the focus of my life to make a vaccine happen," she said. "At this point, because of the results in animal studies, I'm confident this is a good approach that merits testing in humans."

Zoom in on Los Alamos science:

Korber and her team of experts used Lab funding to computationally design a set of proteins, called mosaic proteins, that when combined maximize the vaccine coverage of HIV diversity by including a few optimally designed viral proteins, instead of just one protein.

It's no surprise to those in the know that these breakthroughs occurred at Los Alamos, a research facility that pioneered AIDS research and that houses the world's largest HIV database.

source: http://www.lanl.gov/news/stories/aids_vaccine_in_final_testing.html

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Do You Need a Social Media Detox?

Do You Need a Social Media Detox?: "

I am one of those people who has found a way to find the requisite balance between social media and a private life. Sure, it has taken a lot of work to get to that point (including nearly a month off from the Internet), but it can be done. Though, it does mean that now I am not one of the 20,000 elite users who produce 50 percent of all tweets consumed.


Anyway if you want to find out if you need a social media detox, check out this fun graphic from Column Five Media.



Related content from GigaOM Pro (subscription req’d):





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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Historically Hardcore

Historically Hardcore: "

These made me laugh so much that I had to share.

Historically Hardcore

Created by artist Jenny Burrows and copywriter Matt Kappler during school for their portfolios, these fake ads for a famous museum are spot on awesome. And well done. Unfortunately, that major museum was not a fan. Jenny had to change the text at the bottom to read “Museums” and change the logo. You can read all about that here.

Historically Hardcore

Historically Hardcore


Share This: Twitter | Facebook | Discover more great design by following Design Milk on Twitter and Facebook.
© 2011 Design Milk | Posted by Jaime in Art | Permalink | 2 comments"

A Chair That Lets Your Girlfriend Sit on Your Lap Without Smushing Your Lap [Design]

A Chair That Lets Your Girlfriend Sit on Your Lap Without Smushing Your Lap [Design]: "
You know those cool guys who have their girlfriend sit on their lap? They're in pain. Maybe not that instant and maybe not tomorrow but when they get a bit older, they'll feel it. You can't move as freely, you get hot, and your leg goes to sleep. Romantic? Sure why not. Comfortable? No effing way. Laps should be a sit free zone! More »









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Infographic: How To Have A Rational Discussion

Infographic: How To Have A Rational Discussion: "

Via Brandon Scott Gorrell @ Thought Catalog





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Glue Yarn Ball Tutorial

Glue Yarn Ball Tutorial: "

This simple project might bring back memories of Elementary school, but it turns out to be not only a fun craft to do with the kids, but a darling Spring time decoration. Decorative balls like this can cost at least a few dollars each in the store, but if you make them yourself, you can make a ton of them for just a few bucks!



Supplies for Yarn Balls:


  • yarn (I used 4 different colors)
  • a bag of balloons: I used 5 inch round balloons to make smaller yarn balls
  • white craft glue: I used Elmer’s

FYI – this craft is messy! Fun and messy!





Step 1: Make a mixture of glue and water (avoid making it too watery).



Step 2: Slightly blow up one 5 inch round balloon.



Step 3: Pull out a big bunch of yarn from the yarn ball itself. It is helpful to wrap it around your hand holding onto the end as to avoid tangling of the yarn (I learned this one the hard way – what a mess!) Dunk the yarn into the glue/water mixture making it all wet. Squeeze it out before wrapping.


Step 4: Begin wrapping the wet yarn around the small balloon. There is no method here, just wrap it in every which way.



Step 5: Once you have covered up a good majority of the balloon, cut off the yarn and tuck the end under.



Step 6: Roll the yarn wrapped balloon one more time in the water glue mixture, and then squeeze out any excess.



Step 7: Once all your yarn balls are completely squeezed out, let them dry with the balloons inflated inside overnight. This is an important step.



Step 8: In the morning of the next day, the yarn should be stiff and hard. If it is still damp, I would give it a second day. If it’s dry, you can pop the balloon! You should be left with a colorful decorative yarn ball.



That’s it! Now fill a basket or a large apothecary jar or even a big glass trifle bowl would be fun too!



With these bright spring colors, it’s bound to bring a little happiness indoors.




Related Photos




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