New Generation Reproductive Technologies (stem Cell-nanotechnology)

I. Advances in Embryonic and Placental Development

1.Abstract:

Early embryonic development needs detailed investigations if we have to reduce embryonic mortality. Embryonic mortality details have been reviewed (wani, 2005). The reproductive abnormalities have been discussed and a sequential photographic presentation of embryonic mortality have recently been published (Khatoon et al 2007). The critical period when maximum embryonic losses go unnoticed is the period before attachment. Losses before actual union of foeto-maternal tissues can be missed and calculations of embryonic mortality estimates remain unaccounted for. Some recent studies of (Wani 2006, Khatoon et al 2006) have paved a new innovative model for investigation on foeto-maternal development and its attachment. This paper describes the detailed embryonic development, blastocyst elongation, formation of cotyledons within elongated blastocyst, their ramifications and networking of vasculature and formation of foetal placental unit. Conversely, a detailed photographic evidence of uterine receptivity, formation of a multicoated immunological barrier- the beginning of foeto- maternal- barrier mechanism along with caruncle formation, uterine milk formation and finally union of cotyledous with caruncles has been photographically documented.
2.Introduction:

Second and 3rd generation animal biotechnologies as reviewed (Wani, 2005) are multiple ovulation, embryo-transfer, preservation, cloning, micromanipulation splitting of embryos and nuclear transfer. The 4th Generation reproductive technologies have advance beyond our imagination and now we do have transgenic goats giving milk rich in insulin. (Wani 2007). The stem cell technology, embryonic cell culture, pronuclear micro-injection along with sperm-mediated, transgenesis have been in use and are precisely reviewed and discussed (Wani 2005, 2007).

The application of this advancement for diagnostic, therapeutic and economic uses especially its transfer to human medicine or for field application in animal industry needs further research and evaluation.

The another fact which can be of importance is the number of cells per embryos. During first day these may be two cells but after 8 days the cell number increases to 120 or more. It takes 32 hours for the oocyst after fertilization to reach the two cell embryo. Another 13 hours are needed to develop it into a four cell embryo. In another 15 hours 8 cell stages is reached. It is from here onwards that it takes 30 hours for a embryo to be converted into a Morula. This has been one of the most critical periods of embryonic development in ovine. A genematic diagram of various stages of follical maturation of oocytes development and further development has been reported (Wani 2005a) figure from web site is also show that the protein content after fertilization of 16 day old embryo increased by 7500 times. Morphologically the embryo size varies from spherical ovid to elongate after day 13th past coitus. New protein synthesis per unit of embryo is maximum during 8-13th day old embryos. Similarly phosphorylation per unit of embryo is also ten times more in 8 day old embryos than the later stages. Glucose and lactose production increased up to day 16th and the maximum metabolic weight is up to 14th day past coitus. For increased productive synthesis, aminoacid requirements are made, through production of allanic and glutonic acids by the embryos. The matobolic products get rid of amines. The signal transduction from maternal to foetal controls have been discussed (Moris et al 2001).
3. Dominant follicle dynamics

The new animal , products, medico-Veterinary packages, profitable genetic (trait) improved DNA Chips, more resistance giving gene make ups shall have a new role in future. For the next coming super advanced technology driven century, we must be prepared to use the 4th generation technologies for animal Welfare and Protective mechanisms. We thought and used Laparoscopy and ultrasonography 30 year ago (Wani et al, 1979, Wani 1981,1982), which has now become a “buzz” word and further sophisticated and modernized by my students across the world (Aggarwal, 2006, Wani, 2006). Our concept of DNA finger printing of cashmere goats in 1990’s (Khatlani et al, 1995) has now crossed the barriers of technology advancement. Today, in these pages, we shall be presenting our own results on

1. Embryonic development, formation of cotyledons, blactocyst development ramification of vascular system, net working of blood vessels to form initial placenta, their union and attachment processes. We shall describe morphological physiological, endocrinology, histochemical and receptor analysis to support our observations. This is 5th generation reproductive technology base for development of in-vitro-foeto models.

For 6th – 10th generation reproductive scientists we shall present theoretical hypothesis a vision -2050 in the form of.

2. Use of stem-cell, germ-cell and Nano- technologies for production of disease free, highly prolific reproductive gametes, their preservation and conservation. The use of these and other molecular and new-generation DNA-related bio-diagnostics shall also be discussed.

4. Uterine morphological changes:

The early pregnancy uterine morphological land marks were described only externally per rectum in bovine (Zamznis, 1976) some of its significant features have been summarized in a booklet (Wani, 1986). It describes easy palpable signs of early pregnancy in bovine and compares its observations with equines, sheep and goats. Some of the earliest indications of pregnancy by physical examination were:

i) Presence of corpus luteum of pregnancy early 15 day post-coitus

ii) Asymmetry of uterine horns 30-35 days post coitus

iii) Fluctuation around 40-49 days in cattle. Thereafter the advanced pregnancy signs like foetal membrance feel and slips. Palpation of placentomes and full foetal are known foetal membrane .

Various developments of foetal signs have been described (Wani, 1986) . The month wise morphological assessment of foetus in sheep has been reported (Mufti, 1995, Mufti et al, 1997) . Various reviews reports and books now describe events in development of foetus (Wani, 2005, 2006, 2007).
5. Development of conceptus-in vitro foetus

Pregnancy is an intimate association between mother and foetus. The protective covering on maternal caruncles and over wrap of foetal cotyledons with Blastocyst membranes, transformed into foetal membranes give the “Homograph” status to foetus. The mechanism of ruminant uteri has been discussed (Gray et 2002). Its more recent findings and attachments are the topic of one of our students.

We have tried to univel many obscure mechanism on blastocyst formation, plancentation and development of cotyledons. The protective mucin coverings over uterine caruncles and their union with cotyledons has been snaped.

The internal changes have been correlated with biochemical, morphological and histochemical and histoanatomic feature of the gravid and non-gravid uteri.
6. Foeto-maternal interaction:

The estrogen, progesterone in foetal and maternal blood have been estimated along with estrogen progesterone receptor concentrations in the pregnancy and non pregnant states.

Endometrial receptivity has been discussed (Huct-Hudson, et al 1989, Wani 1996, Wani, 2003, 205, 2006). Proliferation of uterine cells is influenced by E2 and P4. These hormones have their receptors in uteri called as E2 (ER) , P4 (PR) receptors (Lee and Demyo 2004) we have also investigated the same and are being analysed. Our studies indicate certain changes which project a new mechanism of foeto-maternal unions (Khatoon and Wani, 2007).

Various growth factors described (Wani 2006) may be helpful in future for invitro-foetal growth.
7. Reproductive management

The reproductive management strategies to enhance meat production could safely be divided into two kinds:

i. Traditional management: Animal are still managed under zero- input/ migratory /tribal or extensive management system. The application of above described methods will be limited. They may indirectly help in this system by better sire availability.

ii. Modern management: Zero-grazing, stall-fed or semi-intensive, commercial goat farming system may use the above methods more and more to produce high quality germplasm. They may use variety of improved reproductive technique or reported (Wani,1996; Wani et al., 200a; Wani et al., 1998; Mufti et al., 1997; Wani and Sahani, 1981; Wani et al., 1986, 1987, 1988; Wani and Buchoo, 1991; Buchoo and Wani, 1991; Wani, 1989, Wani, 1995; Wani, 1984a and b; Wani and Sahani, 1980a).
8. Enhancement of fertility

Desired fertility objectives have been discussed (Wani, 2001). Increased prolificacy, early rebreeding, safe/clean parturition, set-time animal crop, elite gene introduction are some of the desired fertility enhancement goals. The constraints in achieving desired objectives in small ruminant livestock sector are the problems of inbreeding, reproductive losses (Wani, et al., 1980; 1981; 1994), pre-pubertal mating, indiscriminate or illicit mating, venereal diseases, nutritional and other stresses. These above referred factors reduce fertility status of our ruminants especially under transhumane migratory systems.

These constraints mentioned could overcome by adopting enhancement strategies (Wani, 2001), which include exchange of sires by tribal, Gujjar, Bakarwals and Chopans to reduce inbreeding. This could be ensured through legislature or forced castrations and introduction of sires from outside the flock. The pregnancy detection methods described (Wani, 1981) and later on used extensive in J&K under farm condition (Wani et al., 1998; Wani, 1989) needs adoption as a routine in each flock for better care of offspring and dam.
9. Corpora luteal biosensitivity.

Corpus luteum growth and development is the first earliest pregnancy signal along with maternal recognition factors discussed (Wani, 1996). The corpus luteum development and receptivity to PGF2 alpha is now known. The ascending and descending corpora lutea are insensitive to PGF2 alpha. What makes them insensitive and what resurges their sensitivity need exploration. May be in future, CL insensitivity might have direct effects on survival of the conceptus. Does conceptus make CL more sensitive to PGF2 alpha? Or in other words, does the gravid CL and non-gravid CL behave similarly or differently to PGF2 alpha. Many such questions vis-à-vis the ovarian morphology, uterine environment and behavioral patterns need to be studied and co-related to develop a manipulative and curative safe system. In some species CL of pregnancy is necessary till delivery, in others it is needed only till placenta develops. Its complete genesis and biostimulation and bioregulatory roles are obscure and needs further research.
10. Dominant follicle dynamics

The dominant follicle dynamics may be in focus for ovulation control. Dominant follicle or would be bride at each ovulation appears around day 7 of cycle in women. It occurs much earlier on day- 1 to 0 in ruminants (cow, sheep,goats). This time point may be the focus to try future selective interferences in ovulation control. Antagonist use during this phase has shown decreasing levels of estrogens in serum thereby indirectly hinting at dominant follicle alteration, as it is one of chief source of this hormone during this phase (Fraser, 1987). Dominant follicle in its sojourn to freedom and release at ovulation seems to attain some specific qualities. Why? It alone releases itself from bondages in ovary (ovulation) and rest of its competitors are hindered through the process as atretic follicles. What make this dominant follicle to attain these qualities among a vast pool of follicles needs further study. In coming 50 years one shall possibly understand and interlock a pre-determined messenger system triggering dominance in one or few follicles destined to become the new offspring of that species. This system when decoded shall offer new opportunities in controlling ovulation both for contraception (women) or augmentation (animals). New genepool of dominant follicles from dead high yielding animal ovaries would help to propagate and multiply the elite.

Over stimulatory effect during superovulation could be avoided by use of antagonists, as dominant follicles seem to evade suppression, thus follicular selection will prevent excessive stimulation and cystic follicles. Follicular fluid constituents containing occyte awaiting for biochemical signals to resume (meiosis ) growth and development to ensure timely and healthy ovulation need more exploration (Lenton et al., 1988). The specific signals triggering occyte release might help in in vitro occyte maturation success rate.

11. Development of conceptus-in vitro foetus

The lean meat production needs more studies on development of conceptus. The prenatal development undergoes in three stages. The early pregnancy signals, skeletal & nervous tissue growth, on priority. During mid-gestation the hind and fore-limbs develop. During late gestation muscular development along with peripheral extremities including hair develop. In order to increase lean meat production, research in needed to investigate relations between hard and soft tissues. Maternal and foetal interactions needs a probe. Some basic studies (Mufti, 1996) indicated prospects of manipulating lean meat production (Wani, 2001, 2002 a) by bio-stimulators during late gestation, which may help, the production of muscular lambs/kids at birth, besides, increasing birth weight. More details have been described (Wani, 2001, 2002a) Fig.1-5). More studies in future are needed to reveal the exact mechanism involved in critical transition of power control from maternal to embryonic genome. Application of recent techniques of reverse transcription, PCR and others may reveal the details (Schultz et al., 1990).

12. Slaughter house follicle pool

A good number of our endangered species die where climatic conditions are hard and harsh. Under temperate climatic conditions dead bodies are entrapped in snow for long. It gives a hope to revive their follicular pool. Our studies on resumption of life using follicles from slaughtered sheep and fertilizing them with epididymal semen was an pioneering attempt in this direction (Wani, 1996) (Fig 6-8). The protein content of unfertilized ovum is around 100 mg in rabbit, 27 mg in mouse (Brinister, 1967, 1971). The small genetic material needs extensive analysis to unveil vast informations in its codans and anticodans. Further ovum maturation or resumption of meiosis is initiated during birth or shortly before birth and thus the pool of follicles remains fixed at birth. Therefore, foetal ovary has to be the subject of further manipulations especially in view of its immunological insensitivity (Guraya, 1985).
13. Gamete biosafety

Bacterial counts in semen in unprecedented numbers effect semen fertility (Kher, and Dholokia, 1985), The contaminational hazards have increased due to environmental pollution, water and air contamination. Above all the development of resistance of known bateria and other micro-organism to antibiotics (Gupta and Maurya, 1993). We have examined the semen of about 40 bulls maintained at the Frozen semen bank, Rambirbag, Kashmir for bacterial loads in semen and tested antibiotic sensitivity (Koul, 2002).

Presence of bacteria in large numbers in semen, effects its quality and fertility (Kher and Dholokia, 1985). The source of contamination of semen vary from inflammatory foci and lesions on penile apparatus, contaminations on equipments, appliances, diluters, extenders, air and laboratory environment. These contamination hazards have increased with environmental pollution. Many bacteria having developed resistance to routine antibiotics used (Gupta and Maurya 1993) in semen extenders has made inseminations more critical and vulnerable. More studies in this direction are needed to develop a bio-safe and infection free germplasm pool of frozen and fresh semen in future.

14. Foeto-maternal interaction

The role of endometrial stromal cells during pre-implantation stage needs further research. Some studies on ultrastructure of endometrium (Brinsfield et al., 1974) are still not sufficient to answer the questions. What is the role of immune cells and endometrial cells in building of the immunological barrier to protect the foetus. Foetal biology is abarren field of research in the world. After few initial steps by Dr. Moris Young in UK and D. Srivastava in India, only scattered information is available on the subject (Wani and Buchoo, 1990; Mufti, 1996) . Much is still to be unveiled by 2050. The placental hormone influence mammary development and milk production of the dam. Foetal membranes serve as Chief source of nutritive exchanges. The arrangement of cotyledons, caruncles, positioning of single and twin conceptus, indicate complex mechanisms with common roots. (Mufti et al., 2000) These mechanisms of foeto-maternal interactions and relationships emphasize proper foetal number diagnosis and corresponding materno-nutritional management strategies.

15. Nanotechnology:

In the proceeding pages we have seen the role of biotechnology in animal reproduction. The coming generations will harvest the gains in the form of more micron-level-accurate technology being replaced with nanogram-level-invisible technology- the nanotechnology. Now even converging technologies are shaped resulting from merger of Nano- science and Nanotechnology with biomedicine, bio-sciences, biotechnology, genetic engineering and information technology.

The cognitive sciences like Neuro- sciences, computing, communication combined with nanotechnology may be so mystic and deterministic that science shows will appear as “Majic shows” . This new technology wave” may define our spiritualistic wavelengths. Many unsolved or resolved facts on birth and genetic make up shall send such messages as was known of Sagic saints, peers and Fakirs.

The birth of a technology needs patience of public and policy makers. In the past “Michael Farady” – the inventor of electric generator, was asked by the then Chancellor of Exchequer, as to what use is the electricity you are generating. He argues but no argument convinced the accountant. Finally, he promised him that the day will come when you can tax it. Today a remote destination on this earth demands 24 hr electricity. They never argue its price, but its availability as savoir to life be it medical, veterinary or any other field. Thus like Farady I profess and advocate experiments on use of nanotechnology in animal reproduction today. It may sound strange, but yes in my life I shall fore see a role of nanotechnology in Animal reproduction.

16. What is Nanotechnology:

Technology related to features of nanometer scale. Thus we will unveil gametes in minute details; sperm head colliding zona-pellucida shall be filmed. The radial blast of cortical reaction shall be known. All chemical messengers shall be unveiled at nano-level.

The shape of gamete, Zygote, embryo and foetal development at nanolevel shall bring forth new additions to our knowledge. The use of such information through use of computer languages, both hard and soft shall make this knowledge dispensable and useable at remote-corners of the Universe. Combing cognitive, mythical and mysterious happening within womb could be registered and translated via nano-ultra-sonography.

Thus futuristic view of nanotechnology will be nanographic follow of information and has been described ( Mordini, E, 2007).

Nanotechnology may allow us to send tiny nano microprocessors into the animal womb to send us signals which we wish to know for prevention of diseases. The stem-cell-germ-cell technology combine with Nanotechnology shall bring new hope and future for the propapagation of Gene-technology-ETT- A-I Combine. It may sound like sending a wave of spirit to fertilize an “egg” – thus proving the “God Word in Quran of creating the Chirst through mystic spirit. This and other convergence of known reproductive technologies are challenge to us in future

Nanaoparticels developed can be agents which would use blood and carry durgs for curing disease at molecular levels. Thus a new mechanism of targeting infective agents of smaller dimension could be a possibility.
17. Stem-cell-Technology:

Stem- cells are undifferentiated cells. The embryo at morula stages have undifferentiated blastomeres. These cells can transform themselves into 200 or more cell type, which could be used to repair or regenerate new desired cells. This advanced cell research may help diseased people like those suffering from cancer, Alzheimer’s disease syndrome, Parkinsons disease and even paralysis.

The stem cells are derived from 4-5 day old embryos or fertilized cells. The stem-cell-technology has a new role to play in Animal reproduction.

Firstly, the stem-cell source could be pooled out of slaughter-house oocytes or from the vast pool of embryos hatching out in many animal species.

Secondly, the cell source could be obtained from foetal culture and if new-grown-immunoprotectant cell of foetus could help or provide germ-cell specific to any particular organ, the repair of organs could be a new revolution.

Introduction to Science Fiction

Science fiction is simply a story that is based on speculative or plausible scientific ideas. Good examples of science fiction in pop culture include Transformers, Terminator Salvation, Jurassic Park,  A.I., Star Trek, and Resident Evil. All of these films deal with technologies that make seemingly amazing things possible. Notice that Lord of Rings and Nightmare on Elmstreet do not fall under the Sci-Fi category. Although amazing things happen in these movies, they are not scientifically based. Instead, they rely on supernatural ideas.

Science fiction does not have to be purely scientific in terms of accuracy; however, it must at least have a scientific theme. For example, if someone wrote a story about how a kid made a type a goo out of toxic waste and paint and then stuck electricity in it to produce a super hot woman, that would be sooooo unscientific for obvious reasons, but it is playfully a scientific theme, so that would be a sci-fi story  – probably a comedy.

Now that we know what science fiction is, let’s explore its history briefly and talk about its resulting genres. The genres may overlap in some cases where there is more than one theme. We will talk mostly about science fiction cinema (movies science fiction take place) because it is something more people can relate to.

First, there is hard Sci-Fi, which is about hardcore emphasis on science. It is also very strict on scientific detail to make the story as real as possible. All theories, even if unconfirmed, are carefully thought out based on what we know. Arthur C Clarke is one such famous writer of hard SF. He wrote A Fall Of Moondust.

Soft Sci-Fi on the other hand does not really mean lack of scientific accuracy. It actually means a lighter focus on science. The focus instead is usually exploring the aspects of the human condition in terms of psychology, economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology. V for Vendetta is a good example of soft Sci-Fi with its look into political science, sociology, biological warfare, futuristic electronic media/surveillance, and psychology.

Cyberpunk emerged in the 80′s and was especially popular around that time with films such as Blade Runner and Robocop. It features a pessimistic outlook on future society as corporations or an authoritative organization takes over society. Themes usually include a full reliance or immersion into information technologies, artificial intelligence, and prosthetics. The reason why the word punk is in it is because there is usually some kind of punk-attitude rebellion against such evil authoritative forces. This is shown especially in the 1995 film Hackers.

Time travel is also another Sci-Fi theme that is very popular. The Butterfly Effect and The Time Traveler come to mind. It is simply the exploration about the possibly of time travel as a central theme in the movie. Often, the question of the past affecting the future is explored. It also deals with the ethics of changing the past if indeed it were possible.

Alternative Sci-Fi is a very interesting subcategory in which time travel or alternate universe themes are used to ask what if history as we know it was changed. For example, in The Man In the High Castle, it explored the idea of what if the Allies had lost WWII and the Germans and Japs won. An intriguing thought indeed!

Military Sci-Fi explores conflicts between national, interplanetary, or interstellar armed forces. The details of the armed forces are seen in great detail usually from the perspectives of the soldiers themselves. Although Star Trek has overlapping themes in it, it can be considered a military Sci-Fi.

Superhuman is another sci-fi genre that has become very popular recently. It is about humans with exceptionally great strength. Examples are found in Superman, The Hulk, Fantastic Four, and Spider Man. These figures usually find themselves in alienation from the rest of society because they are different.

Finally, the last popular genre of Sci-Fi is the apocalyptic theme of the world ending. Apocalyptic films include Armageddon and of course 2012. It deals with mankind’s reaction to all that he knows coming to an end. It forces people to find meaning in something greater than themselves – whether it be about love or religion.

Other genres in Sci-Fi worth mentioning are Space Westerns, Space Operas(super-dramatic in space), Feminist SF(gender role exploration), New Wave(experimental crazy ideas), and Steam Punk(steam machines theme).

As you can see, science fiction genres are very broad in terms of their variety. These ideas should help you structure your ideas for your own original science fiction if you are going to write one. Remember, it’s not about whether the theme has been done a billion times. It’s the execution that tells whether you have bought your own depth to it. If you are serious about writing science fiction, then you should also get some science fiction reading in as opposed to just watching science fiction cinema.

History of Forensic Science

Various questions, principally of interest to the legal system are now answered by Forensic Science. Often referred to as forensics, Forensic Science is the perseverance of different aspects of science in accordance to a civil action or a crime. Forensic Science has been in practice since 212 BC and has become very instrumental in today’s times. The word “Forensics” is a synonym for “related to courts” or “legal” and fits perfectly to the use of Forensic Science in recent years. Forensic Scientists use the very best and the latest technology to find evidences, convert small clues that were recovered from a crime scene to form admissible evidence in the legal proceedings.

A victim found on a crime scene is analysed by the Forensic Scientists and all the evidence found on the victim is compared with the suspects. The expert testimony of a forensic scientist is extremely valued in the court of law. The evidence that is usually found on the crime scene includes hair, fingerprints, saliva, traces of blood, other body fluids, tyre impressions, footwear, explosives, poisonous specimens, urine etc. These are examined by the Forensic scientists and out of these specimens they are able to determine facts. These facts are formulated into a report which is then presented in the court as evidence to the crime. They have to work hand in hand with the police to be able to deliver admissible evidence to the court. For people who are very inquisitive and have a knack for adventure, Forensic Science will be a very interesting and challenging line of work. The course enables candidates to apply their knowledge of science in to practical investigation of a crime. Apart from being a crime laboratory based profession, even civil cases sometimes require the expertise of a forensic professional. This could be in cases where they have to testify about the validity of a signature on a will, to check whether a particular industry is working in accordance to the environmental rules and sometimes to claim the liability of a product.

Forensics cannot be defined by one branch of science and can neither be categorised as one branch or one discipline of science, but is a combination of many branches taken together. It can be broadly classified into three: Field Science, Laboratory and the most important Medical. Forensic Medicine is a broader medical subject and comprises of odontology (dentistry), pathology, psychology, forensic medicine and psychiatry. Chemistry, toxicology, biology, ballistics, questioned documents, fingerprints, marks and impressions are included in the Laboratory Sciences. The Field sciences are usually related to crime scene investigations, clandestine drug laboratories and explosion scenes.

A recent addition to the forensic sciences is Forensic Speech Science which takes up the responsibility of analysis of voice samples which is performed using a spectrogram. The results from the spectrogram are used to identify the speaker and then this evidence is used in the court against people facing the charges like corruption and other criminal offences. Telephone Calls are a considered as very important evidence for voice analysis. A few specialities of the Forensics include: Forensic Economics, Forensic Accounting, Forensic Engineering, Forensic Document Examination, Forensic Origin and Cause, Forensic Linguistics, Forensic Photography, Forensic Biology, Forensic Entomology, Forensic Meteorology, Forensic Pathology etc.

Psychology- Science Vs Pseudoscience and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as Treatment

The definition of pseudoscience has defeated many and also its distinctions from real science are what many wonder. This article will address this issue.  It is vital to know the definitions of the two fields so as to be able to distinguish them. It will also focus whether this pseudoscience assists in the medical field and what kind of disorders this form of science can be applied. In addition it will look at CBT and its effectiveness medical field an d especially the kind of disorders it handles.

Science versus Pseudoscience
Pseudoscience

Pseudo means fake or not real.  Pseudoscience therefore refers to a process which attempts to take the attributes of science (Lower, 2008).  According to Still & Dryden (2004), the concept of pseudoscience is applied to the activities, claims and ideas that are commonly seen as wacky and peculiar, have a large following for a short period (Still & Dryden, 2004).On  the other hand science is a Latin word which means a process of acquiring knowledge. This process uses observation and experimentation to be able to give explanation of any natural phenomenon.

Characteristics that distinguish pseudoscience from “real” science

As compared to science, Pseudoscience is not based on facts. It is not based on research and investigation; instead it is based on subjective validation. Finn et al., (2005) suggest of time which does not progress. They fail as actual science. It’s falsifiable and calls “pseudoscience” that the first, and most convincing, sign of pseudoscience is that it claims that the results of the treatments are not testable rather they are measured by direct observation (Finn et al., 2005).Pseudoscience starts with a hypothesis which appeals emotionally and that has no scientific validity, reliability and is not backed by facts but it is rationalized with beliefs (Park, 2000). They support their ideas based on unverifiable stories, eyewitness accounts, and rumors. Pseudoscience is illogical and based on principles of human culture, religion, and traditions which vary from country to country, for instance (astronomy and fortune telling) (Nolen, 2008).  In addition pseudoscience also concerns itself with ideological as well as cultural objectives yet science is basically based on achievement of complete and constant understanding of the world.

Science on the other hand takes into action intense research before coming up with a conclusion yet pseudoscience has not done much ever since it came into place. When there are disputes about any data, the scientists do not stop but go ahead and research the more. Yet in the field of pseudoscience, if there is any inconsistence, they normally ignore or suppress the idea. Scientific information is usually, clear with no ambiguity yet pseudoscience is normally characterized by vague as well as ambiguous terms (Lower, 2008). On the contrary still, science is based on research and experiment. It is based on factual data that can be tested for validity and reliability. Reliability is when an individual gets consistent results if the experiment was to be repeated many times. Real science is progressing. It is objective and is a product of research and experiment and not elementary fallacy.

Concerns about pseudoscientific psychological treatments

Since pseudoscience is a fake science and it is mostly based on believe, religion, history and fairy tales, it is possible that instead of being helpful and beneficial it proves harmful and malignant. The issue is critical specially when applied to a medical setting. It is possible that a patient can be severely harmed if pseudoscience is the main force behind the treatment and the treatment protocol is not experimentally verified to be harmless. As well, in a society the excessive use of pseudoscience in many walks of life can be toxic.   Still et al, 2004, suggests that pseudoscience pollution may destroy our physical environment even prior to industrial and traffic pollution.

Example of a pseudoscientific psychological treatment

According to Nolen-Hoekesema& Neil (2008), during the Stone Age if a person displayed abnormal behaviour, it was believed that the evil spirit had infiltrated the brain of the person. For treatment, they cracked a hole in the skull of the person and were believed that the evil spirit will leave through the hole. This treatment was called trephination (Nolen-Hoekesema, & Neil 2008, p. 10). It is apparent that this pseudoscientific ritual was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people. Today we know by real scientific experiments and commonsense that cracking someone’s skull open does not help with any psychiatric treatment, rather it kills them by infection.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behaviour therapy is a psychological therapy which consists of cognitive and behaviour. The goal of CBT is to assist clients in recognizing their irrational maladaptive negative thoughts that are affecting their thoughts and emotion. CBT will teach clients strategies and techniques to alter and overcome their maladaptive thoughts. According to Nolen-Hoekesema, & Neil (2008), cognitive behaviour therapy is helping a client replacing maladaptive thinking behaviour with more adaptive way of thinking (Nolen-hoekesema, & Neil, 2008, p. 145).

Techniques that are used in CBT

Several techniques are used for cognitive behavioral therapy such as: Behavioral assignment, taking control, exposure (exposure and response prevention, modeling, flooding, repeated exposure), systematic desensitization, and systematic positive reinforcement. Each of the mentioned treatment is applied differently according to the disorder the therapist has diagnosed. For example “exposure therapy”; for obsessive compulsive disorder is to expose the person by touching the areas that client feel is dirty such as touching the washroom door or commode without washing their hands; for phobia the client is exposed to the object or anything that the client is fearful of. For example someone who is scared of the spider is either introduced to the spider slowly or all at once. There are different ways of treating phobias. One treatment doesn’t work for everyone so trying out different treatments and being flexible is important.

For what psychological disorders is CBT effective on average?

According to the literature review done by Munro, et al., (2005) it suggests that CBT is a helpful way of treatment. Also it is perceived as an acceptable intervention by most clients (Munro, et al., 2005).Panic disorder, Anxiety disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, Stress disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Somatoform and dissociate disorder, Mood disorder, Childhood disorder, Eating disorder and communication disorder are examples that CBT has helped in their treatment (Finn,  et al., 2005). Insomnia in men is also reported to have been treated   succefully by use of CBT (Tyagi, 2007).   On the contrary, there are patients suffering from bulimia who do not respond to CBT. These categories of individuals are those that suffer from personality disorders. It is important therefore for a therapist to find out why a patient is not responding to CBT after which he or she can apply axis II condition (Michael, 2000).

The distinction line between Pseudoscience is evident from the characteristics that the two fields possess. Science is an important way of explaining natural phenomena as it has valid reasons to any idea it gives. Pseudoscience has also been a source of several disputes especially in its application in the medical field. CBT is portrayed by research that it has assisted in the treatment of several disorders and has been very effective though there are few cases of it being ineffective.

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You can opt for technology degrees online depending upon your field and interest. The popular ones being in information technology, communication technology and system engineering. At the same time you could opt for an associate degree, bachelor’s, masters or even doctorates in technology too.

When being taught for technology degrees online, you will be on par with the latest in technology platforms, with constant interactions with distinguished faculties and have to be involved in degree program. As they have flexible schedules and are quite accommodating to your working hours too.

While thinking on those lines, it would be an ideal option if you arm yourself with an Technology MBA program which covers and educates you in important programs such as enterprise strategy, team building, project management which is what is needed at these times for gaining a good job. The technology degrees will be of great value in your resume, accelerate your career and at the same time prove to be very useful in delivering the best out of you.

The University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Program, Master of Business Administration/Technology Management, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership/Educational Technology, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Software Engineering which could be suitable to opt for in case you are from a business background, education background or an Information Technology background respectively.

Similarly the Westwood college Online, offers a host of technology degrees online especially related to Information Technology such as a Bachelor’s in game art and design, bachelor’s in web design and multimedia, a bachelor’s in computer network management.

So, study your options carefully and opt for a technology degree online as soon as possible from an accredited college to move swiftly ahead in your career and earn good money as well.

Middle School Science Fair Projects Made Fun and Easy

However, just because it is your transition stage does not mean that you have to be ambivalent about your middle school science experiments, far from it. Instead, you should show off your accumulated knowledge and passionate interest in science by adopting any of the following projects. Just remember that before you choose one, you should have assessed in which field of science you are most interested in. This way, you will be more motivated to do your research, conceptualize your project and then accomplish your vision.

Renewable Energy

One of the hottest topics for middle school science fair projects today is renewable energy in the form of solar power and wind turbines. You can tap into this interest by constructing a model of how solar panels and/or wind turbines work to provide energy and electricity to home and industries. This is probably one of the easiest and yet most eye-catching middle school science fair projects for many reasons. For one thing, you can purchase ready-made, easy-to-assemble and easy-on-the-pocket kits for solar energy and wind power science projects. For another thing, you can make it as eye-catching as possible with the addition of houses and buildings complete with lights.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car

You may also purchase a ready-made kit for the hydrogen fuel cell car, which provides for 30 distinct experiments. You will be able to demonstrate the workings and benefits of the energy-efficient car, which is one of the more notable inventions technologies of the century. Among the experiments contained in the kit are the uses of solar power for vehicle power, the utilization of fuel cell to separate the oxygen and hydrogen atoms in water, and demonstration of electrolysis. Well, of course, you can always make your own experiments just so your middle school science fair projects stand out from the rest of the competition.

Magnetic Levitation Train

Now this is one science fair project that is absolutely possible! You will, of course, need to do your research about the principle behind the magnetic levitation train, purchase the necessary materials like ceramic magnets for the lifter-rails, wood for the guide rails and model cars, and then execute your drawings and plans. You can then perform experiments with the completed Maglev train set such as using gravity to push the car forward and using the car itself to move something along its path. You can be very creative, maybe even perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of your experiments.

Resurrecting the Dead

Fishes, that is. You are basically recreating the technology of cryonics where dead fishes are placed in a state of suspended animation, which is used in Japan to preserve the freshness of the day’s catch. As part of your middle school science fair projects, you can follow the example of two brothers who supposedly resurrected a dead goldfish by using Mountain Dew, water and a 9-volt battery. Of course, you have to do it on a trial and error basis but that’s where the fun of discovery lies. However, conduct your research before you go about killing all the goldfishes in your home’s aquarium.

With these ideas for middle school science fair projects, you will definitely get the attention of the judges and do yourself, your parents and your teachers proud.

For more middle school science fair projects and step-by-step instructions, visit http://www.easy-kids-science-experiments.com. Be sure to check out the site for tons of simple science projects elementary science experiments, middle school, and high school science.

© Copyright 2009. Feel free to reprint this article on your site as long as the article is not modified in any way and the resource information (about the author) is listed as above.

 

7 Technology Transfer Officer Tips For Tough Economic Times

There is no doubt that these are tough economic times. Unemployment is high and credit is tight. Key indicates show that is the worse economy in a generation. Many technology transfer offices have seen potential business partners reduce their innovation portfolios and expenditures. This coupled with a reduction in funding sources, from grants and investors to university sources are blowing the technology transfer research commercialization efforts into the perfect storm.

There are difficulties and challenges, but these times also create opportunities. Here are seven tips to help your technology transfer office succeed in these tough economic times.

1. Maintain a list of problems that are relevant to the research and technologies in the pipeline.

Technology transfer offices typically get involved in research commercialization efforts late in the research and testing process. Get involved earlier in the process and start developing a list of problems of which the research can be applied.

This is really an early brainstorming exercise. Don’t just talk to the researchers. Get business input from those who are not involved with the research or the research teams. Independent ideas can be worth their weight in gold.

2. Develop long-term business relationships.

”Dig the well before you are thirsty.”
-Chinese Proverb

Start developing business relationships with business leaders from a wide range of industries. Do this even before you have any applicable research or solutions for them. These relationships will pay off in two ways.

• You will have a better understanding of the types of challenges that these businesses face.
• When you do have promising research technologies and solutions you already have a relationship with the business or their contacts.

3. Pair researchers with business mentors.

Researchers think like researchers. Business people think like business people. Getting the two to communicate with each other versus talking to each other is a common technology transfer office challenge.

Providing a business mentor to promising research leaders will help alleviate this common problem. This continuous conduit will go a lot further than a long forgotten entrepreneurial seminar.

4. Develop alternative commercialization strategies early.

Good business people know that there is always a chance that their efforts may fail. Technology transfer officers know this too. Unfortunately, many researchers and inventors do not think about this, much less plan for it.

Most inventors think that their invention is world changing and worth millions. They have visions of establishing a company based on their research or technology, selling it for millions, and retiring in the lap of luxury.

The truth of the matter is that nine out of ten spin offs and startups will fail. You, can as the technology transfer officer can improve these odds.

I sit on the advisory board for some start up focused investment funds. One of the strategies that we have developed recently is to go for the big distribution partnering deal with large companies. When that doesn’t work – we find out why and have alternative proposals available.

This alternative could be limited distribution agreements on licensing deals. It really doesn’t matter what the alternative is. What does matter is that you get to stay in the game and get a return on the sunk costs.

5. Reduce risks for all involved.

It wasn’t that long ago that many universities shunned the entire technology transfer process. They wanted their faculty teaching and doing research, not commercializing their intellectual property. My, how times have changed.

Now universities love the revenue that comes from royalties and equity distributions and sales that are associated with intellectual property commercialization. Businesses are always looking for a competitive advantage and right now innovation is the soup de jour, except for one thing …RISK!

In order to get more businesses interested in potential technology look for new ways to reduce their potential risks. Right now cash is king. Instead of negotiating a lower royalty percentage, offer your potential licensor a deferred royalty agreement at a higher percentage. This is the business innovator’s version of “no interest payments for 3 years”.

This approach allows the business to conserve cash today and the university to reap more money in the long run. It’s better than the technology sitting on the shelf waiting to become obsolete.

6. Teach bootstrapping to your startups.

All technology startups need money. That is a known fact. The truth is that many could get by with less money than they think that they need. There in lies the art of bootstrapping. Bootstrapping basically means to start and operate a business without lots of investment funds. It requires the entrepreneur to focus on sales and to hold fixed costs to an absolute minimum.

Bootstrapping requires a unique mindset that few lead researchers turned entrepreneurs can relate to. It takes a special entrepreneur to be able to successfully bootstrap a business.
Help your lead researchers and startup teams. Get some experienced bootstrappers on your advisory and consulting teams and pass the knowledge on to your startups.

7. Partner with other technology transfer offices.

Technology transfer offices provide a valuable service to both the university and their research communities. They play a vital role in the economic development of their respective communities and states. Unlike many organizations involved in the invention commercialization process they do not compete.

Some technology transfer offices such as Stanford and MIT are the envy of their peers, however most technology transfer offices do not reside in a geographic area that harbors entrepreneurship in its DNA.

Partnering with other technology transfer offices offers many unique benefits that cannot be found though other means. It opens up dialogue and support for represented research and technologies to new areas and new commercialization ideas. It develops relationships with other potential business partners and fosters potential research synergies.

Targeted TTO partnerships can lead to specific research pairing with higher degrees of commercialization potential. This focused effort will, in the long run, yield a high degree of return on investment.

These 7 technology transfer officer tips can help you reduce your operating costs and increase your revenue generation success rate. It’s a win for society, the researcher, the business community, the university, and YOU!

Is The Science Of Medicine In The U.S. Pure Science Or Merely Drug Company Propaganda?

In the United States so-called science in regard to medicine is nothing more than a propaganda machine designed to sell more of big drug company’s products.  The clinical trials which the FDA uses to make decisions about drug approvals are almost completely conducted by the drug company selling the product.  Big pharmaceutical companies hire (scientists?) to design and implement studies which will produce the exact result that the drug company needs to sell their product.  If a scientist has too much integrity to use fraud and deception to manipulate testing they are quickly fired and sometimes even blackballed from the drug industry altogether.

It is common practice in the U.S. to manipulate drug tests in order to receive a favorable result (for drug company’s products) which then makes it possible to champion the most ludicrous claims imaginable by these poison pushers.  They then pick the exact studies which favor the particular drug they want to sell (discarding that which is not favorable) and these are sent over to the FDA for approval.  The FDA approves countless drugs based on this farce. 

This Same Bad Science Is Used To Discredit Natural Cures

The science falsely so-called which is used to promote synthetic chemicals that are proven dangerous and for the most part absolutely ineffective is also used to discredit vitamins, nutrition, and natural medicine as cures for disease.  If nutrition, supplements, herbal treatments, exercise, pure water, and common sense were able to be patented you can bet your last dollar that drug companies would be touting their benefits.  As of this writing, however, they still can’t find a way to make money on natural remedies, so they will continue to be shunned by the medical community, the FDA, and mainstream media, in favor of synthetic drugs made in a laboratory.

Most of the science in relation to food, medicine, and the environment in the United States is nothing more than a propaganda machine for big business.  Scientists in these areas are more like magicians who through the use of fancy slight of hand tactics provide the illusion that a product sold by the corporation is actually good or even a miracle product.  This so-called science has no concern whatsoever for your health or the environment but only for the bottom line of the corporation who has payed them handsomely to produce favorable results.

Why Has A Cure For Cancer Not Been Found?

Thousands and thousands of people have been working in the field of cancer research for decades in the “search for the cure.”  What have these many years and multiplied billions of dollars dumped into this “search” provided cancer patients?  Absolutely nothing!  There is no cure now and there is no cure on the horizon.  It is a multi-billion dollar money making machine that is utterly corrupted by greed.  There will never be a cure for cancer from this scientific community because cancer is very big business.  There is big money in treating cancer and managing it but the money supply would dry up quickly if a cure were ever found.  It would put too many folks out of business so do not look for a cure any time soon or even in your lifetime. 

That’s why the FDA outlaws any claims of healing through nutrition, (raw fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds) vitamin supplements, herbs, and lifestyle changes such as exercise, while championing the benefits of statin drugs promoted by the drug industry and at the same time downplaying the horrible side effects to include the worst side effect of all — DEATH.  They will never tell you that natural remedies actually prevent cancer in the first place and often cure cancer in the sufferer because these natural remedies are inexpensive and can be used by all. 

It is all too clear when unbiased facts are weighed in the balances that the so-called science of today is nothing more than the whore of big industry.  This science is dedicated to conning people out of their hard earned paychecks and in this game cures do not pay the piper.  In this high stakes game a cure is a bad thing.  If the tremendous amount of money and resources dumped into the cure for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and  osteoporosis (just to name a few) have never produced a cure than we either have the stupidest scientists on planet earth, or they have an agenda to keep drug companies churning out one new statin drug after another which cannot cure any disease but merely manage it.  This science falsely so-called does not spend any of our hard earned money researching the cause of the disease but only the disease itself.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that if you know what causes something you can then eliminate it. 

A Simple Cure For Cancer

One of the best cures for cancer according to much unbiased research is the sun.  Yes, the sun!  Vitamin D from the sun or from good supplements has been shown to eliminate the risk of cancer in up to 75 percent of the population.  Since the sun cannot be patented, this true science about the miracle of vitamin D is widely suppressed.  Tests are even manipulated to not only downplay the roll of vitamin D but to also scare us to death so that if we ever do get out in the fresh air and sunshine we must be covered from head to toe in expensive sunscreen.  In addition the ridiculously low levels of vitamin D that the medical community touts as reasonable and safe is a joke.  That is why over 80 percent of the population is suffering from a lack of vitamin D which is also why the above named diseases are running rampant in the United States.

Science Needs To Step Away From Big Industry And Seek True Answers

The scientific community will never provide a cure for anything as long as they are on the payroll of big industry.  In this writer’s opinion true science should seek knowledge about the wonders of the universe apart from the influence of big business or politics.  It is my personal opinion that the only true function of a human scientist is to discover how God made it and what are it’s true properties.  This is pure science and has no agendas except the discovering of truth.  Pure science is an impossibility, however, when the scientific community in this country are merely the corporate whores of big business who manipulate testing in favor of their pimps. 

Until there is a major reform as to how science is conducted in America, and even it’s reason for being, we will continue to suffer the highest disease rates of any developed country in the world and these diseases will continue to ravage our society to the bankrupting of this great land which many including myself proudly call home.  May this scenario which is well on it’s way never be brought to fruition!

Technology Ventures Company Appoints MD

A company set-up to take bright new ideas in the energy industry off the drawing board and into the market place has appointed a managing director.

George Lilley heads-up newly-formed EA Technology Ventures, created as a launch-pad to get off the ground some of the most exciting new ideas in energy-related products and services.

The North West Business Investment Scheme (NWBIS) – a funding programme for businesses managed by YFM Private Equity on behalf of the NWDA (Northwest Regional Development Agency) has already made a significant investment into the company.

This will allow EA Technology Ventures to fund the commercialisation of a portfolio of opportunities – including innovative systems that can help reduce the nation’s dependence on coal-generated power and state-of-the-art electrical protection devices.

EA Technology Ventures is an offshoot of the EA Technology Group, a leading-edge power asset management company with a world-class reputation for delivering innovative business solutions to companies which supply, distribute and use energy. Set up in the 1960’s as the R&D centre for the UK electricity industry, EA Technology is now independent and has 140 employees in the business.

EA Technology Ventures will be based within EA Technology’s headquarters, at Capenhurst, Chester.

Robert Davis, CEO of EA Technology, said: “The support EA Technology Ventures will enjoy through its association with EA Technology, combined with George’s leadership, creates an exciting opportunity to nurture and develop innovative new ideas across the energy industry.”  

George, 49, has more than 15 years of Board experience. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, his key areas of expertise include corporate development and planning, financial control, management, strategic marketing and business development.

His career has included driving a company from a turnover of £2 million up to £40 million and George has also overseen a business from initial start-up to its sale to a major PLC.

George said: “This is a new, challenging role and one I’m really looking forward to.

“Through EA Technology Ventures, EA Technology now has the opportunity to release some of the pockets of ideas it currently holds, but has not previously had the resources to commercialise.

“As well as taking these concepts forward, we intend to reach out to the inventor community to identify and support some of their new ideas too.”

 

ENDS

 

Notes To Editors

EA Technology Ventures is a company established as a vehicle to seek out, invest in and work with new ventures across a wide range of traditional and emerging energy related sectors, including energy efficiency, smart grid and new energy distribution and storage technologies.

EA Technology Ventures is an offshoot of the EA Technology Group, a leading international power asset management company with a world-class reputation for delivering innovative business solutions to companies which supply, distribute and use energy. Set up in the 1960’s as the R&D centre for the UK electricity industry, EA Technology is now independent and has 140 employees in the business.

It delivers unrivalled technical and scientific experience, with customers operating across a spectrum of industries, notably the electricity, rail and industrial sectors.

EA Technology Ventures is based within EA Technology’s headquarters, at Capenhurst, Chester.

Further information please contact;

Soo Turnock, Marketing Manager, EA Technology Ventures

Soo.Turnock@eatechnology.com

0151 3472131

Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR. Contact 01538 308685/308099 Mobile 07985 129315    www.shepherd-pr.com

 

Disruptive Technology

It comes, leaves an impact and changes everyone’s perception, view and thought! The world is all different. That’s disruptive technology.

Human wants for coziness compels the market to get innovative and from out of nowhere a disruptive technology or concept pops up. Disruptive technology is a technology or concept that have features which very few and generally new segment of the customers value. Products built or developed using this technology are usually cheaper, simpler, smaller and better performing. One of the most popular examples that qualify for this is the transistor that totally replaced the well known Vacuum tubes.

We have seen this happen for countless time in various fields. It might be in the automobile sector, music industry, or a simple VCD, DVD renting business.

In the automobile industry, who can even imagine in their hind sight that GM will be filing for bankrupt protection? This is all because of foreign company’s compact vehicles and hybrid engine technologies. GM has lost its monopoly in the US market only because of the disruptive technologies adopted by foreign companies.

More recently in the music industry, Apple left every other competitor way behind by just combining functionality, stylishness and price on their iPod player with an accessible online iTunes music store. Nobody would have dreamt of the combo of all these features at such a price.

Let’s check an example out which will show how a disruptive concept compel one business following the sustaining technology model, completely out of business. We all are very well known to the business house “Blockbuster” who deals in renting DVDs and VCDs. They are really doing very well until there arrives a business of same kind but with different concept called “Netflix”. They just change the life of a Blockbuster visitor by just making the whole process online. That’s called disruptiveness. Blockbuster tried to remain in the business by making their business online, but alas it’s too late dear. There’s an unconfirmed news too that suggest Netflix bought all of the Blockbuster business and provided some respite to their employees! Do not quote me on that.

“Honey, do you want to see a movie tonight? We can have the kids at my mom’s!”

Telephone is considered as a disruptive discovery. Nowadays we are so dependent on this technology that it is difficult to imagine that when it was first introduced in 1877, people had to be convinced that it was useful. Despite its simple design and seemingly obvious value, it took 75 years for the telephone to reach 50 million users, and it wasn’t until the 1960s that users saw a residential phone as a necessity.

A disruptive technology always has at least one advantage over existing technologies that despite its disadvantages the idea allows it to find a niche, and therefore survive. If the technology is able to improve, typically more rapidly than the existing technology, and also starts performing equally with the existing technology, or at least sufficiently for the market needs, but with the added advantages that it had that allowed it to survive then as a result the existing market steps over to the new technology and the old one literally dies.

Disruptive is the word that has a changing and impacting effect on our life. So remain open to it and embrace the technology gleefully to make the life easy and smooth. Get that iPod off your ears as you read and comment on this – that’s the most recent disruptive wonder we have had in popularity!