MIT Devised New Brain Circuits for Learning and Memory Pathway

Scientists of the ‘Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT have been successful in creating a mechanism to record the effects of blocking and unblocking the single neural circuit in a living animal for the first time.

Susumu Tonegawa, Professor of Biology and Neurosciences devised this revolutionary mechanism to observe the effects of bypassing one of the major memory-forming circuits in the brain and its impacts on the learning and memory capacities in mice. Details of this research have been published in this week’s online edition of the journal “Science”.

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Baby Products Give Rise to Reproductive Problems

“Baby products” like shampoos, lotions and powders may render exposure to infants to certain chemicals which already have a proven association with reproductive problems, a small study gives alarming news. This has thrown a new insight into the indulgence the contemporary parents display while using these baby products.

“Phthalates”, a component commonly used in these products is a group of chemical compounds which are mainly used as plasticizers, substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility. These are profusely used in cosmetics, toys and medical supplies. They are also used to stabilize fragrances of these products.

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MIT Devised New Brain Circuits for Learning and Memory Pathway

Scientists of the ‘Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT have been successful in creating a mechanism to record the effects of blocking and unblocking the single neural circuit in a living animal for the first time.

Susumu Tonegawa, Professor of Biology and Neurosciences devised this revolutionary mechanism to observe the effects of bypassing one of the major memory-forming circuits in the brain and its impacts on the learning and memory capacities in mice. Details of this research have been published in this week’s online edition of the journal “Science”.

…click here to read more

Chad clashes 'killed 100' people

At least 100 civilians were killed in last weekend's fighting between rebels and government forces in Chad, according to aid agencies.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said up to 700 were wounded in the capital N'Djamena during the attempted coup.

The Red Cross estimate was higher and the death toll was expected to rise as aid workers continued to collect dead bodies left on the streets.

Chad's president earlier declared a "stunning victory" over rebel forces.

Guilhem Molinie, head of the MSF mission in Chad, said: "In the three main hospitals of the town we have counted 100 civilians dead... We are arriving at something like 700 wounded."

Meanwhile, the Red Cross says at least 160 people were killed and 1,000 injured as rebels fought troops for control of the Chadian capital.

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Monique Lhuillier: Cyber Cabaret

New York - Monique Lhuillier may be best known for her bridal collections, but her fall/winter collections as of late have offered a wilder, more decadent fashion story, well-suited for the single party girl on the social circuit or the recently divorced peacock on the prowl.

They're also gorgeous, attention-grabbing, richly baroque choices for one of Lhuillier's many celebrity fans looking for something beyond the usual bias cut, understated satin numbers.

For her Fall 2008 collection, shown in Bryant Park on Tuesday, Feb. 5, Lhuillier presented of vision of 21st century flappers. From the beginning, you knew it was going to be populated by sumptuous fabrics and rich details, from the opening look's softly folded exaggerated ruffle, which swept around the back like a golden wave, to the regal, velvety blue and gold embroidered coat with oversized crystal embellishments.

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Georgia loses major water ruling

WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out an agreement that Georgia reached with the Army Corps of Engineers for water rights to a major federal reservoir outside Atlanta, handing Alabama and Florida a major victory in the states' long-standing water wars.

The ruling comes amid tense negotiations among the states' governors over water sharing during a record drought.

The 2003 agreement with the Corps would give Georgia about a quarter of Lake Lanier's capacity over the coming decades and is the foundation of Georgia's long-term plans for supplying drinking water to the rapidly growing Atlanta region.

Alabama and Florida challenged the pact, arguing that Georgia doesn't have any legal right to the federal reservoir, which was initially built for hydropower. The withdrawals would dry up river flows into their states that support smaller municipalities, power plants, commercial fisheries and industrial users like paper mills.

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Clinton lends her campaign $5 million

WASHINGTON - Hillary Rodham Clinton loaned her campaign $5 million late last month as Barack Obama outraised and outspent her in the Democratic presidential race.

"The loan illustrates Senator Clinton's commitment to this effort and to ensuring that our campaign has the resources it needs to compete and win across this nation," Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said.

Obama, riding a wave of fundraising both from large donors and small Internet contributors, collected a stunning $32 million in January. Clinton campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe said the Clinton campaign raised only $13.5 million for the month. The $5 million was in addition to that amount, Wolfson said.

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