seo focus

Minggu, 24 Juli 2011

UK SCIENTISTS have created more than 150 human-animal hybrid embryos

UK SCIENTISTS have created more than 150 human-animal hybrid embryos in British laboratories.

The hybrids have been produced in secret over the past three years by researchers looking into possible cures for a wide range of diseases.

The revelation comes a day after a committee of scientists warned of a nightmare Planet of the Apes scenario in which work on human-animal creations goes too far.

Last night a campaigner against the excesses of medical research said he was disgusted that scientists were "dabbling in the grotesque".

Figures seen by the Daily Mail show that 155 "admixed" embryos, containing both human and animal genetic material, have been created since the introduction of the 2008 Human Fertilisation Embryology Act.

This legalised the creation of a variety of hybrids, including an animal egg fertilised by a human sperm; "cybrids", in which a human nucleus is implanted into an animal cell; and "chimeras", in which human cells are mixed with animal embryos.

Scientists say the techniques can be used to develop embryonic stem cells which can be used to treat a range of incurable illnesses.

Three labs in the UK – at King’s College London, Newcastle University and Warwick University – were granted licences to carry out the research after the Act came into force.

All have now stopped creating hybrid embryos due to a lack of funding but scientists believe that there will be more such work in the future.

The figure was revealed to crossbench peer Lord Alton following a Parliamentary question.

Last night he said: "I argued in Parliament against the creation of human-animal hybrids as a matter of principle. None of the scientists who appeared before us could give us any justification in terms of treatment.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/labs-grow-human-animal-hybrids/story-e6frf7jo-1226100312444

Read more »

Posted in: sience

India and China not basically adversaries

No comments

China is focussed on the United States and “just wants to keep the Indians at arm's length,” said Lee Kuan Yew, East Asia's elder statesman, at the two-day South Asian Diaspora Convention (SADC), which concluded here on Friday.

In dialogue with the delegates at the first-ever global event held under the SADC banner, Mr. Lee said he would “not see the two countries [India and China] as basically adversaries of each other.” In economic and military terms, China and India could not also be seen counter-balancing each other.

On a key concern of the South Asian diaspora, he drew attention to “the deep-seated suspicions” between India and Pakistan and their “ever-lingering fear that there could be another war.” Asked whether the Chinese diaspora offered any lessons for the South Asian, Mr. Lee said: “When they [the Indians and Pakistanis] are out of their local animosities and when they are a minority in the western countries, say in America or Europe, then their animosities disappear. But they are a minority and that's why they tend to glue together.

But, once they go back to India or go back to Pakistan, they are [again] trapped by animosities. That is not easy to resolve. China's diaspora speak the same language with different accents. Nonetheless, the closer you get to China, the closer are some of the provincial pulls.”

Declaring the SADC open on Thursday, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong assured the 50 million people of the South Asian diaspora that the City-State “is well-positioned to be the springboard” for their engagement with the rest of Asia and the world.”

Mr. Lee said Singapore's Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS), established to turn a laser-like focus on that region, was now tracking the global activities of South Asian diaspora.

He cited the South Asian Link, an ISAS website, and the Institute's newsletter, as the initiatives already undertaken to promote Singapore as the springboard for this diaspora's activities across the world.

The idea of SADC was first envisioned by Singapore President S.R. Nathan, a proactive leader of the South Asian diaspora. Honouring him during the convention, ISAS chairman Gopinath Pillai read out a citation tracing Mr. Nathan's long and distinguished public career. ISAS Director Tan Tai Yong praised the services of Mr. Nathan who would soon be retiring as Singapore's President after 12 successive years at the helm.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2288392.ece

Read more »

Posted in: world news

Malaysia coach K Rajagobal believes World Cup hopes remain alive despite

No comments

Malaysia coach K Rajagobal believes his side's World Cup hopes remain alive despite Saturday's 5-3 loss to bitter rivals Singapore.

A second half Malaysia rally, which included goals from ace striker Safee Sali and Abdul Hadi Yahaya, had brought the score back to 4-3 before Singapore veteran Aleksandar Duric grabbed his second and Singapore's fifth on a dramatic 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Round Two night at Singapore Jalan Besar Stadium.

However, with the return leg to come at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil stadium on Thursday, Rajagobal remains optimistic that his side still has what it takes to progress to the next round.

"I am an optimistic man. If we can score two goals and we don't concede any to Singapore then we are there (in the next round), the former Malaysia international said.

"There are 90 minutes left and if we want to qualify we have to go and get the result.

"My players now have a few days before the game and we should be able to then give our best shot. I am confident and I think there will be a big difference at the Bukit Jalil."

Although upbeat about his side's chance of recovery, Rajagobal was nevertheless at a loss to explain why Malaysia, having taken a first minute lead, then found themselves 4-1 down at the interval.

"We got the best ever start and then the whole defence collapsed. We conceded goals which were both simple and sloppy," he said.

"I think my players went crazy and it looked as if they were nervous. They were lost and did not know what they were doing, it looked as if they were hypnotised. The first half was just crazy."

Malaysia's task was, however, not made any easier by the suspension handed to influential captain Safiq Rahim following his red card challenge on Hariss Harun. A fact Rajagobal was quick to recognise.

http://www.espnstar.com/football/world-cup/news/detail/item645998/Malaysia-retain-World-Cup-belief/

Read more »

Posted in: world news