Monthly Archives: August 2012

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover to get software upgrade (+video)

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As NASA's Curiosity Mars rover prepares for its surface mission, it will download the latest version of its operating system.

With NASA's Mars rover Curiosity safely on the Red Planet, mission controllers are now preparing the robotic explorer to begin its mission on the Martian surface.

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Engineers have been testing theCuriosity rover's instruments and systems ever since the spacecraft touched down on Mars on Sunday (Aug. 5 PDT; Aug. 6 EDT). So far, Curiosity is performing flawlessly, NASA officials said, and the next major procedure is to send the rover new software for its transition from its landing phase into the two-year long haul on the surface of the Mars.

"We're about to upgrade our software on the rover," Mike Watkins, Curiosity mission manager Mike at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., told reporters in a news briefing Thursday (Aug. 9). "Just like we upgrade our operating system on our home computer or laptop or something, we're going to do the same thing."

The new software will help mission controllers drive the $2.5 billion Mars rover, use its science instruments and operate its robotic arm.

"We want to switch to this new flight software that's optimized for surface operations," Watkins said.

Mission managers count Curiosity's days in "Sols," which are the number of full Martian days the rover has spent on the Red Planet. [Gallery: 1st Mars Photos by Curiosity Rover]

Curiosity will begin this software transition on Sol 5, which translates to Saturday (Aug. 11) on Earth. The software upgrade process is expected to last roughly four days, Watkins explained. During this time, all other activities, including science, will temporarily be put on hold.

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NASA's Curiosity Mars rover to get software upgrade (+video)

NASA's 'Green' Test Lander Crashes

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Earlier this week NASA safely landed a robotic rover on Mars about 150 million miles away. But on Thursday here on Earth, a test model planetary lander crashed and burned at Kennedy Space Center in Florida just seconds after liftoff.

The spider-like spacecraft called Morpheus was on a test flight at Cape Canaveral when it tilted, crashed to the ground and erupted in flames. It got only a few feet up in the air, NASA said.

NASA spokeswoman Lisa Malone said it appears that the methane-and-liquid oxygen powered lander is a total loss. Nobody was hurt in the unmanned experiment and the flames were put out, she said.

NASA suspects a mechanical device that is part of its GPS navigation system, spokeswoman Brandi Dean said.

So far NASA has spent $7 million on the Morpheus program, but that includes parts for a still-to-be-built second lander.

Morpheus is a prototype for a cheap, environmentally friendly planetary lander. Thursday was the first time it had been tested untethered in a free flight. It had performed 19 flights at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where it was designed and made, and one more in Florida, but it was always tethered to a crane, Dean said.

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The testing moved from Texas to Florida last week and Morpheus had a successful tether test on Friday. NASA had planned to run tests for three months. The plan was for flights over a specially created field designed to mimic the surface of the moon, with boulders, rocks, slopes and craters.

The lander was built mostly with low-cost, off-the-shelf materials. It was an attempt by NASA to use cheaper, more readily available and environmentally friendly rocket fuel. The space agency was considering it as a potential lander for places like the moon or an asteroid, figuring it would carry a human-like robot or small rover.

NASA promoted Morpheus as a "green" project because methane is more environmentally friendly than the toxic rocket fuels it uses. Methane, which is the main component of natural gas, is also cheaper and could even be made from ice on the moon or Mars, NASA figured.

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NASA's 'Green' Test Lander Crashes

State of Education: Nanotechnology studies

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At the UAlbany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, students and residents from across the state spent their summer doing nanotechnology research. Vince Gallagher has a look at what went on.

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"That shape allows it to combine to certain proteins on the cancer cell surface and then we can use that to deliver drugs directly to those cancer cells," explained Brad Sutliff, a student from Syracuse.

Another worthy project is brain tumor research

"I found there's a barrier that surrounds the brain, it's actually a fluid that filters out the toxins in the blood, and certain toxins are thought as drugs so the brain rejects them," said Patricia Massa, a Clifton Park student.

So a solution is in the works. There's also a common theme between three students: nano-economics.

"The first student has focused on the aspects of entrepreneurial technology development, looking at incubation, funding, and other aspects of it. The second student looked at how does that compare to other universities, and what are the factors as to why certain universities succeed and others don't do quite as well," said Michael Fancher, nano-economics associate professor.

The third student applied that knowledge to smart cities technology. But regardless of the project, whether it's nano-engineering, nano-science, or nano-bioscience, this field of study is practically a necessity for the 21st century student.

It's something that puts a point on it to basically to help the economy by using all these researchers and basically help us come up with new products, said Sina Shahrezai, a student.

"You can definitely see the differences in all the posters around here, everybody is very specific about what they're doing, but without and understanding of the broad topic, it becomes very difficult to actually narrow it down," said Massa.

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State of Education: Nanotechnology studies

Nanotechnology-enhanced DNA analysis

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European researchers enhanced the selectivity of state-of-the-art genetic sequencing methods using nanotechnology. Immediate application in detection of strains of Salmonella and Staphylococcus should facilitate speedy identification and treatment of related illnesses.

The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003 after 13 years of collaborative research, was one of the most ambitious scientific undertakings in the last 50 years. Scientists mapped the entire human genome, identifying all of the genes present in human deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Completion of the project resulted in the creation of a genetic database and analysis tools for researchers that spurred the genomic bioscience revolution as well as innumerable medical advances.

One of the latest tools used by genetic scientists is called a DNA microarray, or DNA chip. It consists of a solid surface on which thousands of various DNA sequences (probes) are attached as DNA spots.

Sample genetic material is squirted onto the DNA chip. Only complementary forms of the same sequences (target sequences) bind strongly, much like a lock and key. So, the DNA microarray can be used to identify which genetic sequences are present in samples and to what degree.

European researchers initiated the Nano-biotechnical components of an advanced bioanalytical microarray system (Gensensor-Nanoparts) project to enhance the robustness and reliability of DNA chip techniques.

Among the many achievements, scientists used computer simulations to identify unique DNA sequences highly specific to five different microorganisms including strains of Salmonella and Staphylococcus that can cause health problems in humans.

Locked nucleic acids (LNAs), so called because they are forms of nucleic acids whose structures are sort of locked in place, are often used to increase sensitivity and specificity in DNA microarray experiments.

Project scientists used nanotechnology to develop LNA-coupled magnetic nano-beads for selective extraction of target DNA sequences.

Gensensor-Nanoparts investigators thus enhanced the selectivity and robustness of DNA microarray technology in identifying strains of Salmonella and Staphylococcus. The technology should prove useful not only in identifying specific organisms but in gene expression analysis as well.

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Nanotechnology-enhanced DNA analysis

Canadian police ban tattoos, piercings

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Published: Aug. 10, 2012 at 12:07 PM

MEDICINE HAT, Alberta, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Tattoo advocates are decrying a policy imposed on police officers in an Alberta town requiring them not to have any visible tattoos or piercings.

Medicine Hat Police Chief Andy McGrogan said policy, which was put in place after a Medicine Hat police officer asked for permission to display a tattoo while on duty, is based on the results of a 2011 survey in the town that indicated residents prefer police officers not to display tattoos, piercings or unnaturally colored hair, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported Friday.

"It's not what I think, it's what members of the community think," McGrogan said. "At the end of the day, our community has spoken and we just changed our policy to reflect that."

Samantha Barron, who owns a Medicine Hat tattoo shop, said she does not agree with the policy.

"I think it's pathetic that the police officers with tattoos now have to hide who they are," she said. "And it makes them less a part of our community."

McGrogan said the policy may be revisited in the future.

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Canadian police ban tattoos, piercings

Medicine Hat police must hide tattoos, piercings

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A new policy banning visible tattoos and piercings for police officers is creating a stir in Medicine Hat, Alta.

Chief Andy McGrogan says he's pleased with the changes, which prohibit his officers from revealing any tattoos, piercings or wearing unnaturally coloured hair.

The changes are well researched thanks to a 2011 community survey that showed residents favoured appearance standards for police, McGrogan said.

Its not what I think, its what members of the community think, McGrogan told CBC News. At the end of the day, our community has spoken and we just changed our policy to reflect that.

McGrogan says the force already has a policy that requires members to cover tattoos, but this new rule ups the restrictions placed on officers.

The biggest change will be for women who wear earrings any piercings around the face, including ears, have been determined to be unsafe.

The policy change stemmed from a tattooed officer requesting to display his tattoos.

Staff Sgt. Brent Secondiak said staff were not surprised by the new policy.

I would say most of the members probably have a small one at one place or another. Very few have sleeves or exposed tattoos on their arms, Secondiak said. Were OK with it. Were really here to serve the community.

In Ontario, the provincial police attempted to place restrictions on tattoos, but that decision was later overturned.

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Medicine Hat police must hide tattoos, piercings

Grant to benefit Columbia-Bassett Medical School student

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August 9, 2012 Grant to benefit Columbia-Bassett Medical School student

Anonymous The Cooperstown Crier Thu Aug 09, 2012, 10:20 PM EDT

The Central New York KeyBank Foundation Committee has awarded Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network a four-year grant of $120,000 to provide scholarship support for one student over the course of their four year Columbia-Bassett Medical School experience beginning this fall, according to a media release from Bassett.

Innovative ways of attracting highly skilled physicians to practice in rural areas are crucial given the changing health care environment, Stephen D. Fournier, president of KeyBanks Central New York District said in the release. The Columbia-Bassett program goes well beyond that by also preparing medical school students to lead the health systems of the future, and thats why KeyBank felt it was important to demonstrate the Foundations support of the program in such a meaningful way.

Columbia-Bassett Assistant Dean for Education Dr. Henry Weil said in the release that the KeyBank grant will be life changing for the student who receives it.

Young physicians coming out of medical school face educational debts that can exceed $200,000, which forces them to make career decisions based upon maximizing their earning potential, Weil said. Our goal has been to make rural practice a more attractive and viable option by limiting future debt through substantial financial assistance, like the scholarship KeyBank will provide to one deserving medical school student.

The Columbia-Bassett Medical School Program is a collaborative endeavor of Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown and the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York City. The program annually recruits 10 exceptional students with an interest in providing care in underserved rural communities and learning how to manage health care systems that promote both quality and cost-effective delivery of care. Bassett Medical Center underwrites the cost of education for the students, providing $30,000 in scholarships per year per student. The students spend their first 18 months learning the basic science curriculum with the rest of their class in New York City, but their clinical training for the following two-and-one-half years is based at Bassett Medical Center.

According to the release, this unique program attracts more than 750 applicants each year for the 10 slots. Applicants are from across the country and are among the most qualified of those applying to medical school.

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Grant to benefit Columbia-Bassett Medical School student

Neglected dogs, horses found at Liberty County home recovering

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The malnourished animals found packed inside a Liberty County home, where 15 dogs, two horses and a 1-year-old baby were discovered living in filth this week, are getting medical attention as they await future court proceedings to decide their fate.

On Tuesday evening , a 1-year-old baby was found in a dirty, hot house after Liberty County Sheriff's Office officials responded to an animal cruelty report at 105 County Road 2802 in Cleveland. A horse was found dead and other sickly animals were found on the property.

The Houston SPCA rescued the dogs, four of which were puppies, and two horses from the property on Wednesday. Tara Yurkshat, Houston SPCA vice president of animal welfare, said Thursday that each animal is now on an individual medical plan. Many were under-weight, some were heart-worm positive and many had general eye and skin infections. One of the recovered horses has an injury to a hoof.

The animals were visibly underfed when the crews took them from the house, which reeked of a foul stench, with their ribs showing.

Read more: Couple from filthy home on probation over kids

The SPCA is taking care of the animals, now considered wards of the state, while the courts decide the fate of the animals. They are not available for adoption at this time.

"Basically, we are their caretakers until we know the next step for them," Yurkshat said. "They are resting, comfortable, getting food and water and TLC. That's what they really need."

The little girl was also found in the rural house, among trash, roaches, drinking from a dirty bottle with spoiled milk. Her parents were already on probation for a previous injury to a child charge, and had five children taken from their care.

Captain Rex Evans with the Liberty County Sheriff's Office said deputies still consider the child's father Aaron Parker a person of interest and would like to talk to him about the house and his baby. Parker is not considered a suspect at this time. The child's mother Mabel Larsen is in custody facing an animal cruelty charge, with additional charges pending.

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Neglected dogs, horses found at Liberty County home recovering

Group seeks to get Libertarian Party's presidential candidate on Oklahoma's ballot

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Copyright 2010. The Associated Press. Produced by NewsOK.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson could be on Oklahoma's presidential ballot this year. But he won't be listed as being with the Libertarian Party.

Oklahoma members of the newly formed American Elect party met recently and they agreed to have Johnson and his vice presidential running mate, James Gray, listed as their party's nominees.

But officials with the national Americans Elect party aren't happy about the development. They have notified Oklahoma election officials that the party will not have a presidential or vice presidential candidate or any other candidates on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Kahil Byrd, a director of the Americans Elect party, said the party wrote election officials Monday that the party is withdrawing its ballot line on the Nov. 6 ballot and is terminating its status as a qualified party in Oklahoma.

Tuesday, Rex Lawhorn, Oklahoma chairman of the Americans Elect Party, submitted his party's seven electors for the presidential election, putting state Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax in a quandary.

This is a very unusual situation, so we are seeking legal advice from our counsel at the attorney general's office about how to proceed, Ziriax said.

Ziriax won't comment further. Regardless of how the attorney general's office advises, it's expected either the national or state group will file a legal challenge.

Ziriaz said he expects to get a legal recommendation in the next couple weeks. State election officials have to send ballots by early September to printers in order to get them mailed to military members and others living in other countries by Sept. 21, or 45 days before the Nov. 6 election, to comply with federal law.

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Group seeks to get Libertarian Party's presidential candidate on Oklahoma's ballot

Islands spat flares up between South Korea and Japan

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The Dokdo, or Takeshima islands are rich in fish and maybe gas, but lie in disputed waters almost slap-dash in the middle between South Korea and Japan.

It is a long-simmering dispute. South Korea insists the Dokdo are theirs, and now the head of state has made an unprecedented visit, and ambassadors have been recalled.

If its true, that would run counter to Japans stance on Takeshima and it would be extremely regrettable. We strongly urge South Korea to call off this visit. We are now already strongly asking South Korea to call off the visit, said Japanese cabinet secretary Osamu Fujimura on hearing the news.

In Seoul, just hours before their national football side plays Japan in the Olympic final, some people feel like they are one-nil up already.

Its our territory. So its quite natural that our president visits there. If other countries say anything against it, it should be an infringement of sovereignty, said one man.

Its natural that President Lee Myung-bak visits the islands and hes doing the right thing, agreed another man. However, from the diplomatic point of view, Japan might take actions against us economically or there might be diplomatic problems, he added.

South Korea controls the islands with a coastguard station. The visit also comes shortly before the anniversary of the end of Japanese colonial rule.

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Islands spat flares up between South Korea and Japan

Japan and South Korea Lock Horns Over Islands, China Steers Clear

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Just because most Americans can't tell them apart doesn't mean the South Koreans and the Japanese don't have their differences. This Friday, Japan recalled its ambassador to South Korea after South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak paid an official visit to a small group of islands located smack-dab in the middle of the Sea of Japan. Or the East Sea of Korea, as the South Koreans call it.

Absent from this territorial dispute is China, who has been known, of late, to engage in naval disputes wuth neighbors over territory it claims as its own.

The islands, called the Dokdo Islands in Korean, the Takeshima Islands in Japanese, and Liancourt Rocks in English, have been part of a territorial dispute between South Korea and Japan since Korea gained its independence from Japan after World War Two.

South Koreans are reportedly passionate about the issue, and claim the islands have always been part of their motherland.The only current residents of the island are an old woman, her husband, and the South Korean Coast Guard. But the islands are also home to an abundance of fish, in which Japan is extremely interested, and to recently discovered reserves of natural gas, which would be worth billions of dollars.

Territorial disputes are common in this region, given the vast number of tiny islands, according to Harvard Professor of Japanese History David Howell. "These disputes are more visible now that China is exerting a naval influence," he said. "For most Japanese people, the status of some islands in the southern Okinawa is a much more powerful issue [than the Takeshima islands]."

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Howell said he'd be surprised if China got involved with these islands. China, after all, is busy disputing Ieodo Island with South Korea, and a whole host of other islands between China and Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan."

Howell also said China might be staying out of this spat strategically: "Getting involved one way or the other would highlight the ambiguity of these territorial claims in general," he said, "and that might undermine some of China's other claims to other islands."

But howell also does not think things are likely to get too hot between Japan and South Korea. "Recalling the ambassador is not a big deal," he said. "In South Korea this issue is a big deal, but from the Japanese side, they wouldn't want relations with South Korea to get sour over this."

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Japan and South Korea Lock Horns Over Islands, China Steers Clear

Japan recalls envoy after South Korea's Lee visits disputed islands

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SEOUL (Reuters) - Japan recalled its ambassador to South Korea on Friday after South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visited disputed islands believed to contain frozen natural gas deposits potentially worth billions of dollars. Lee is the first South Korean leader to make the trip to the islands that have been a persistent irritant in relations between the two countries even after they moved on ...

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Japan recalls envoy after South Korea's Lee visits disputed islands