First of all, had a little glitch the past couple of days, but I think I fixed it. If you happen to notice that something is amiss, please email an admin, and hopefully they can take care of it.
Evolution:
The TimeTree is a wonderful graphical representation of evolution, so please go here and get this book! As a matter of fact, get multiple copies and donate it to schools and libraries!
I also found this "Toolbox for reaching creationists" on a squiddy site. In many cases, I have found it difficult to reach them considering the entrenched denial inherent in their position, but just maybe it will work.
And this article highlighting that evolution can happen in relatively short time-frames will probably only serve to confuse the uneducated, but it is still cool.
Vaccines:
Well, the WHO did me no favours in my ability to find out anything about vaccines outside of the H1N1 arena. I was amused by the fact that respectable journals are now referring to it by H1N1 as opposed to "Swine Flu" since it IS so easy to confuse the public and the swine flu name generates a lot of hysteria and unfounded fears...
But in the "We told you so" department, more measels in Wales... The article even states, "Some of those affected have been so ill that they have been admitted to intensive care units." It's just a matter of time before we start seeing deaths from a perfectly preventable disease. I'm sure that will make the anti-vax pro-disease movement just joyful, won't it?
Again, another "vaccine" for a disease that seems to be more a "condition". This time for Coeliac disease! I suppose this will work on the same mechanism that the Type I diabetes vaccine would work on.
Autism:
The lengths some parents will go to, and the unethical bilking of money that some people will perpetrate are just amazing. Hyperbaric chambers are NOT a cure to autism! I sincerely hope that someone puts a stop to this nonsense before another innocent victim is added to the What's the Harm website...
Keep in mind there are treatments that do work, but they are lenthy and involve a great deal of effort. They are more behavioral therapies really. The earlier you start though, the more effective they are. ZThat's why I have also been posting a lot of the articles involving earlier detection.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Today's Belated News (June 10, 2009)
Evolution
Here is an interesting report from Science Daily (June 9, 2009) on the woolly mammoth:
Mobile DNA Elements In Woolly Mammoth Genome Give New Clues To Mammalian Evolution
Click on the above link to continue.
Here is an interesting report from Science Daily (June 9, 2009) on the woolly mammoth:
Mobile DNA Elements In Woolly Mammoth Genome Give New Clues To Mammalian Evolution
The woolly mammoth died out several thousand years ago, but the genetic material they left behind is yielding new clues about the evolution of mammals. Scientists have now analyzed the mammoth genome looking for mobile DNA elements, revealing new insights into how some of these elements arose in mammals and shaped the genome of an animal headed for extinction.
Interspersed repeats, also known as transposable elements, are DNA sequences that can "jump" around the genome, causing mutations in the host and contributing to expansion of the genome. Interspersed repeats account for a significant fraction of mammalian genomes, and some of these elements are still actively mobile. In humans, interspersed repeats account for approximately 44% of the entire genome sequence. Even more extreme is the opossum genome, where more than half of the sequence is composed of repetitive elements. [...]
Click on the above link to continue.
Today in the News (10 Jun 09)
Vaccines:
Okay, this is not strictly a vaccine related story, but it relates in that many people who deny vaccines turn to "alternative" methods. Well, that's about as effective as doing nothing! I was particularly amused by Dr. Plait's write up on it.
Since I am on the vein of being amused, how about a vaccine for "Montezuma's Revenge"? Okay, not exactly that, but you get the idea. Maybe it's just a story that appeals to my juvenile side. Although, all in all this probably is more a convenience vaccine that something that is as lifesaving as the vaccines we here at Facts, not Fantasy encourage.
Surprisingly, today I was able to find numerous stories that are not about the swine flu pandemic, so here are a couple more quick blurbs for you to check out:
- Possible Type I Diabetes vaccine shows promise.
- This is a pay site (New England Journal of Medicine after all): Discussions on the Vaccine Injury Court Cases.
- Having taken the Anthrax vaccine, I am encouraged to hear that the series may be reduced in number.
- And yet ANOTHER entry in the vaccines STILL DON'T cause autism flood. With this interesting follow up blog.
Evolution:
While not strictly evolution, this is an interesting article on the field of abiogenesis. While the article speaks to many of the commercial applications, you really need to key in on the part that talks about self replicating molecules. That's the start of it all ladies and gentlemen.
Cancer may be related to our higher cognitive evolution according to this mainstream media article. I think the most surprising thing really is that this article was in the mainstream media! Although it isn't nearly as in depth as I would like, it's still a good start. Besides, there is a nice link to an interactive guide on some sure signs of evolution.
Autism:
So I reported on this study on the last post. Amusingly the age of autism loons have picked up on the phrase that "nothing is off the table" which includes vaccines. So what will they say when this one also shows no link between autism and vaccines? I think these people have the same thinking disorder that creationists have.
In general, people who aren't trained to observe like a scientist are very bad at it. But with the proper training and knowledge what to look for, they can help with subjects they know intimately. Such as parents helping in the detection of autism early in childhood. Of course, the thing that needs to be prevented is parents projecting something on a child because of a sort of Münchhausen by proxy phenomenon that seems to be prevalent in the "My child is special" crowd.
Okay, this is not strictly a vaccine related story, but it relates in that many people who deny vaccines turn to "alternative" methods. Well, that's about as effective as doing nothing! I was particularly amused by Dr. Plait's write up on it.
Since I am on the vein of being amused, how about a vaccine for "Montezuma's Revenge"? Okay, not exactly that, but you get the idea. Maybe it's just a story that appeals to my juvenile side. Although, all in all this probably is more a convenience vaccine that something that is as lifesaving as the vaccines we here at Facts, not Fantasy encourage.
Surprisingly, today I was able to find numerous stories that are not about the swine flu pandemic, so here are a couple more quick blurbs for you to check out:
- Possible Type I Diabetes vaccine shows promise.
- This is a pay site (New England Journal of Medicine after all): Discussions on the Vaccine Injury Court Cases.
- Having taken the Anthrax vaccine, I am encouraged to hear that the series may be reduced in number.
- And yet ANOTHER entry in the vaccines STILL DON'T cause autism flood. With this interesting follow up blog.
Evolution:
While not strictly evolution, this is an interesting article on the field of abiogenesis. While the article speaks to many of the commercial applications, you really need to key in on the part that talks about self replicating molecules. That's the start of it all ladies and gentlemen.
Cancer may be related to our higher cognitive evolution according to this mainstream media article. I think the most surprising thing really is that this article was in the mainstream media! Although it isn't nearly as in depth as I would like, it's still a good start. Besides, there is a nice link to an interactive guide on some sure signs of evolution.
Autism:
So I reported on this study on the last post. Amusingly the age of autism loons have picked up on the phrase that "nothing is off the table" which includes vaccines. So what will they say when this one also shows no link between autism and vaccines? I think these people have the same thinking disorder that creationists have.
In general, people who aren't trained to observe like a scientist are very bad at it. But with the proper training and knowledge what to look for, they can help with subjects they know intimately. Such as parents helping in the detection of autism early in childhood. Of course, the thing that needs to be prevented is parents projecting something on a child because of a sort of Münchhausen by proxy phenomenon that seems to be prevalent in the "My child is special" crowd.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Today in the News (8 Jun 09)
I made a post about the UBC Freethinkers, and got a message from them. Seems they wish to chat with me for their podcast. Just wanted to mention this, and I will make sure to keep you all updated on this. I also want to thank contributor IVAN3MAN for picking up some slack for me as I was off cavorting at Disney World this weekend. Okay, on to the news:
Evolution:
I found this entry about "Constructual Theory of Evolution" interesting. Not particularly because I agree or disagree with it (immaterial) but because I can see how creationists will lie and make a mountain out of this... Again, this in no way makes any theory invalid, or any of our previous work or understanding. It just refines our understanding, yet creationists will insist that the theory of evolution is coming apart at the seams because of our refinement...
Vaccines:
Here goes that evil WHO trying to keep children from needlessly dying. I know that when my daughter actually had the RotaVirus, I was very concerned. After having lived through that, now that there is a vaccine for it, I would have had no hesitation about giving it to her when she was in danger from it.
I also found another follow up article on the Wakefield fiasco. I particularly enjoyed the bit of psychology that went into this article as well as the summation at the end.
Autism:
I'm not sure if this CACNA1C revelation is a culmination of several other articles pointing to the underlying genetic component of autism, or if this is just more and more information becoming digestible by the public. Either way, it's always good to be armed with good information.
And again, here go those pesky scientists collecting data. And there is even a chance for people to follow this even more closely by going to the research website. If you live near Philadelphia, Baltimore and northern California, are pregnant, and already have a child diagnosed with autism (or perhaps even a family history of autism), please give the site a look.
Evolution:
I found this entry about "Constructual Theory of Evolution" interesting. Not particularly because I agree or disagree with it (immaterial) but because I can see how creationists will lie and make a mountain out of this... Again, this in no way makes any theory invalid, or any of our previous work or understanding. It just refines our understanding, yet creationists will insist that the theory of evolution is coming apart at the seams because of our refinement...
Vaccines:
Here goes that evil WHO trying to keep children from needlessly dying. I know that when my daughter actually had the RotaVirus, I was very concerned. After having lived through that, now that there is a vaccine for it, I would have had no hesitation about giving it to her when she was in danger from it.
I also found another follow up article on the Wakefield fiasco. I particularly enjoyed the bit of psychology that went into this article as well as the summation at the end.
Autism:
I'm not sure if this CACNA1C revelation is a culmination of several other articles pointing to the underlying genetic component of autism, or if this is just more and more information becoming digestible by the public. Either way, it's always good to be armed with good information.
And again, here go those pesky scientists collecting data. And there is even a chance for people to follow this even more closely by going to the research website. If you live near Philadelphia, Baltimore and northern California, are pregnant, and already have a child diagnosed with autism (or perhaps even a family history of autism), please give the site a look.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Weekend News (June 7 2009)
Evolution
Here is an interesting report from Science Daily (June 7 2009):
Geography And History Shape Genetic Differences In Humans
Click on the above link to continue.
Here is an interesting report from Science Daily (June 7 2009):
Geography And History Shape Genetic Differences In Humans
New research indicates that natural selection may shape the human genome much more slowly than previously thought. Other factors -- the movements of humans within and among continents, the expansions and contractions of populations, and the vagaries of genetic chance – have heavily influenced the distribution of genetic variations in populations around the world.
The study, conducted by a team from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the University of Chicago, the University of California and Stanford University, is published June 5 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics.
In recent years, geneticists have identified a handful of genes that have helped human populations adapt to new environments within just a few thousand years—a strikingly short timescale in evolutionary terms. However, the team found that for most genes, it can take at least 50,000-100,000 years for natural selection to spread favorable traits through a human population. According to their analysis, gene variants tend to be distributed throughout the world in patterns that reflect ancient population movements and other aspects of population history. [...]
Click on the above link to continue.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Weekend News (6 June 2009)
Evolution
Here is an interesting and amusing report from BBC News:
Tickled Apes Yield Laughter Clue
Click on the above link to continue.
Here is another interesting story on evolution from Science Daily (June 2, 2009):
New Hominid 12 Million Years Old Found In Spain, With 'Modern' Facial Features.
Click on the above link to continue.
Here is an interesting and amusing report from BBC News:
Tickled Apes Yield Laughter Clue
New research that has given credence to the idea that laughter evolved in a common ancestor of the great apes and humans.
Researchers tickled 22 young apes and three humans -- [Editor's note: Though probably not creationists, since they lack any sense of humour] -- and acoustically analysed the laughing sounds that resulted.
Though the vocalisations varied, the team found that the patterns of changes fit with evolutionary splits in the human and ape family tree.
The research in Current Biology also suggests that gorillas and bonobos have some control over their breathing.
Primate researchers have long guessed that many of the social behaviours that are seen in humans have a basis in our primate lineage.
Studies have noted that vocalisations that some apes make while being tickled are similar to those made when they are playing, and acoustically they share some characteristics with human laughter. [...]
Click on the above link to continue.
Here is another interesting story on evolution from Science Daily (June 2, 2009):
New Hominid 12 Million Years Old Found In Spain, With 'Modern' Facial Features.
Researchers have discovered a fossilized face and jaw from a previously unknown hominoid primate genus in Spain dating to the Middle Miocene era, roughly 12 million years ago. Nicknamed "Lluc," the male bears a strikingly "modern" facial appearance with a flat face, rather than a protruding one. The finding sheds important new light on the evolutionary development of hominids, including orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and humans.
In a study appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Salvador Moyà-Solà, director of the Institut Català de Paleontologia (ICP) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and colleagues present evidence for the new genus and species, dubbed Anoiapithecus brevirostris. The scientific name is derived from the region where the fossil was found (l’Anoia) and also from its "modern" facial morphology, characterized by a very short face. [...]
Click on the above link to continue.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Today in the News (4 Jun 09)
First of all, I will not be posting again until June 8th. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I am taking some time away from the computer to be with the family and just enjoy myself. Hopefully I can catch you all up on Monday.
Evolution:
If you accept evolution, then you are probably familiar with RNA. Hopefully only those who are willing to accept evolution are also the only ones willing to accept any benefits from it.
The Society for the Study of Evolution, the Society of Systematic Biologists and the American Society of Naturalists are all getting together in Moscow, Idaho to have a conference. Sounds like a busy time. I look forward to hearing more from the 600 presentations!
Vaccines:
I particularly enjoyed this article from the Telegraph, and I agree with the sentiments.
Also, there are tests on-going for a Malaria vaccine. Again, the nearly one MILLION deaths that could be prevented by this is just staggering! I bet they won't be fooled by non-doctor celebrities spouting lies!
Autism:
I was pleasantly surprised by this article talking about how kids can possibly recover from autism. Read the article though! A lot of questions just don't have answers yet. Also, this is a small percentage. For instance, my daughter's neurologist predicts that by the time she grows up, most people will have no idea that she has Asperger's Syndrome. But is that a recovery, or is that a new learned behaviour? I guess only time will tell.
Evolution:
If you accept evolution, then you are probably familiar with RNA. Hopefully only those who are willing to accept evolution are also the only ones willing to accept any benefits from it.
The Society for the Study of Evolution, the Society of Systematic Biologists and the American Society of Naturalists are all getting together in Moscow, Idaho to have a conference. Sounds like a busy time. I look forward to hearing more from the 600 presentations!
Vaccines:
I particularly enjoyed this article from the Telegraph, and I agree with the sentiments.
Also, there are tests on-going for a Malaria vaccine. Again, the nearly one MILLION deaths that could be prevented by this is just staggering! I bet they won't be fooled by non-doctor celebrities spouting lies!
Autism:
I was pleasantly surprised by this article talking about how kids can possibly recover from autism. Read the article though! A lot of questions just don't have answers yet. Also, this is a small percentage. For instance, my daughter's neurologist predicts that by the time she grows up, most people will have no idea that she has Asperger's Syndrome. But is that a recovery, or is that a new learned behaviour? I guess only time will tell.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Today in the News (3 Jun 09)
Evolution:
I just found this article about the "Future Evolution of Man" that was interesting. All too often in the debate, people totally forget that we ourselves are animals of a type, and that we are also responding to our environment. The article does a good job with a historical perspective, but I am always weary of anything that attempts to predict too much.
And while evolution is generally a slow gradual change, sometimes something really big happens, and if you don't evolve quickly, you become extinct. Just goes to show that again, there are so many facets to evolution, that it's sometimes no wonder folks just don't seem capable of understanding it.
Vaccines:
Today Dr. Plait had a couple vaccine related blogs. One asked if vaccines should be compulsory. While I fully support vaccines, and I think that everyone should strive to get vaccinated, I am not fond of the idea of making it compulsory. It is a hard question to contemplate though.
And Dr. Plait also reported on Newsweek slamming Oprah. While I appreciate that Oprah is a self made woman, and she has a great deal of empathy, she does embrace a lot of woo. And a lot of that woo can hurt you. Good reporting there Newsweek!
Also, if your child doesn't have vaccines, it may also impact their education as well as their health. So while the vaccines themselves aren't mandatory, they are a condition for entrance to school.
Autism:
And yet again, the case can't even be made in a court that vaccines cause autism (where the standards of proof are much less than in the arena of science). One has to wonder how often unfounded myths need debunking before they are wholly refuted? Apparently even a few more times.
I would also like to present this well written article where the reporter speaks to a top autism researcher.
I just found this article about the "Future Evolution of Man" that was interesting. All too often in the debate, people totally forget that we ourselves are animals of a type, and that we are also responding to our environment. The article does a good job with a historical perspective, but I am always weary of anything that attempts to predict too much.
And while evolution is generally a slow gradual change, sometimes something really big happens, and if you don't evolve quickly, you become extinct. Just goes to show that again, there are so many facets to evolution, that it's sometimes no wonder folks just don't seem capable of understanding it.
Vaccines:
Today Dr. Plait had a couple vaccine related blogs. One asked if vaccines should be compulsory. While I fully support vaccines, and I think that everyone should strive to get vaccinated, I am not fond of the idea of making it compulsory. It is a hard question to contemplate though.
And Dr. Plait also reported on Newsweek slamming Oprah. While I appreciate that Oprah is a self made woman, and she has a great deal of empathy, she does embrace a lot of woo. And a lot of that woo can hurt you. Good reporting there Newsweek!
Also, if your child doesn't have vaccines, it may also impact their education as well as their health. So while the vaccines themselves aren't mandatory, they are a condition for entrance to school.
Autism:
And yet again, the case can't even be made in a court that vaccines cause autism (where the standards of proof are much less than in the arena of science). One has to wonder how often unfounded myths need debunking before they are wholly refuted? Apparently even a few more times.
I would also like to present this well written article where the reporter speaks to a top autism researcher.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Not Today in the News (2 Jun 09)
Due to personal time constraints, I am unable to comb for interesting stories. I shall endeavour to catch up as soon as possible.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Today in the News (1 Jun 09)
Sorry, I am a little behind on things today, so this will be a short entry.
Evolution:
Okay, not strictly evolution, but interesting non the less since it makes the whole 6000 (or even 10,000) year old earth rather difficult to reconcile. Pottery over 17,000 years old!
And just another clue to evolution in the teeth of a pre-historic hippo type creature. You'd thing that the mountains and mountains of evidence would eventually just crush them...
Vaccines:
Ah, all those evil vaccines fighting melanoma now! If you have ever known anyone who has fought melanoma, you can appreciate the advance!
Apparently the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV) even benefits older women. Although I would tend to take this particular study with quite a large grain of salt considering the source (see, we can be skeptical about claims that warrant it!).
And I have to include this story from The Independent. Read the last section!
Autism:
Again, in brief; a study shows that anti-depressants do NOT help autistic children. Speaking as a parent of a child with autism spectrum, I must say it took us nearly 7 years to find what worked for her. It's a LONG and DIFFICULT process. The key is not to give up and not to be satisfied with just a simple answer.
Again, with all the news of genetic links to autism, it can help in the early detection, and better treatment. Even though we know quite a bit about autism, there is still quite a bit that we need to figure out on the neurological level.
Evolution:
Okay, not strictly evolution, but interesting non the less since it makes the whole 6000 (or even 10,000) year old earth rather difficult to reconcile. Pottery over 17,000 years old!
And just another clue to evolution in the teeth of a pre-historic hippo type creature. You'd thing that the mountains and mountains of evidence would eventually just crush them...
Vaccines:
Ah, all those evil vaccines fighting melanoma now! If you have ever known anyone who has fought melanoma, you can appreciate the advance!
Apparently the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV) even benefits older women. Although I would tend to take this particular study with quite a large grain of salt considering the source (see, we can be skeptical about claims that warrant it!).
And I have to include this story from The Independent. Read the last section!
Autism:
Again, in brief; a study shows that anti-depressants do NOT help autistic children. Speaking as a parent of a child with autism spectrum, I must say it took us nearly 7 years to find what worked for her. It's a LONG and DIFFICULT process. The key is not to give up and not to be satisfied with just a simple answer.
Again, with all the news of genetic links to autism, it can help in the early detection, and better treatment. Even though we know quite a bit about autism, there is still quite a bit that we need to figure out on the neurological level.
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