Moving Nuclear Materials by Kurt Garrett

Infrared image of train transporting nuclear materials

Security of various types is being employed by a consortium of countries moving nuclear materials to secure storage sites. The rising disruptive activities of radical international militia groups like Al Qaeda could be the reason for concern, concealment and encrypted schedules. It is an ominous task for the UN and others to ensure the nuclear materials stays out of the hands of villains who could misuse it, the worse of which might be to build nuclear weapons.  The recent transport of nuclear materials across Europe is a hotbed of interest. On the one hand relocation efforts are being protested by some organizations and on the other hand moving the materials to new locations is dangerously attractive to criminal-minded factions. Seeing the glowing infrared images reminds us of how scary nuclear materials can be and even when properly stored they still appear vulnerable. We’ll hold our breath and pray.See related story link: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/01/pictures/110119-nuclear-waste-train-castor-antinuclear-protest-germany-power-energy-pictures/?source=link_tw20110127news-train

Rats are 44% more accurate than conventional tests diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB)...with more than 9.4 million cases in 2009 the benefit is remarkable. See link for details:

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-01/giant-rats-can-detect-tuberculosis-greater-accuracy-microscope-test

DEAD BIRDS MYSTERY IN ARKANSAS  by Kurt Garrett

National Geographic reported this story. What do you think happened: 1. hail storm 2. environment suffocation 3. sudden impact eg. airplane 4. illness 5. heart attack 6. other? An investigation is underway to figure this out.






http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/01/photogalleries/110103-dead-birds-fall-from-sky-arkansas-pictures/?now=2011-01-03-00:01

Hey parents and aunts and anybody else: your kid could win $10,000 by coming up with ideas for backyard games Check the link for details.

http://www.inventorsdigest.com/?p=5161

KSO: Testing The President's Science Advisor by Kurt Garrett

I think it's great, actually gutsy to allow Joe E. General Public to ask the President's Science Advisor a question, any question. The Office of Science and Technology posted the announcement/invitation on May 05, 2010 at 02:34 PM EST. So, KSO put it to the test. We are awaiting an answer to a question mainly about hospital acquired infections. We are on standby for a reply. Track the response with us.

Science and technology today permeate all facets of our lives and have a great bearing on our Nation’s interests across a wide range of issues. It is the job of the President’s Science Advisor, OSTP Director John Holdren, to know ... Dr. Holdren’s opinion on, say, technological aspects of pop culture or the relevance of sci-fi? Is there a random query lumbering around in your head, the answer to which you absolutely must have directly from the President’s Science Advisor? Well, wait no longer, because this week OSTP is unveiling “Ask the President’s Science Advisor.” To ask a burning question of Dr. Holdren, send an e-mail to AskDrH@ostp.gov or tweet your short question to @whitehouseostp with hashtag #Ask ...

PCAST - Obama's Continued Commitment to Science and Nonfederal Participation by Kurt Garrett

I have been following President Obama's inauguration promise to "restore science to its rightful place". Reports like the following are encouraging and demonstrate the intent of the President to engage science-minded individuals for White House advisement. The following excerpt defines the establishment of the Council posted April 21, 2010 at 05:51 PM EST:

Establishment . The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is hereby established. The PCAST shall be composed of not more than 21 members, one of whom shall be the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (the "Science Advisor"), and 20 of whom shall include distinguished individuals and representatives from sectors outside of the Federal Government appointed by the President. These nonfederal members shall have diverse perspectives and expertise in science, technology, and innovation. The Science Advisor shall serve as a Co-Chair of the PCAST. The President shall also designate at least one, but not more than two, of the nonfederal members to serve as a Co-Chair of the PCAST with the Science Advisor.

KOS: Bed Bugs, Unwanted Holiday Traveler!

Alberta Health Services says there are some tips the public should be aware of in order to help avoid bringing bedbugs into your home over the holidays.

http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20101221/edm_bedbugs_101221/20101221/?hub=EdmontonHome

KOS: Watch this national Bed Bugs VIDEO

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/bed-bugs-biting/1d22a7v9c?q=bed+bugs

KOS: Bed bugs are everywhere. Some organizations declare them to be a national epidemic. Have you seen any?