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Engineers Develop Plastic Textile To Keep You Cool

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Plastic textileA recently released Stanford study contains research from engineers which may change the type of seasonal clothing individuals choose to wear. The low-cost textile has the potential to cool the body more efficiently than natural fibers when woven into articles of clothing.

When the researchers described their work in Science, they suggested that the innovative fabric family could help keep us cool without using air conditioning. With the new material, the human body will be allowed to discharge heat and allow the wearer to feel cooler. As perspiration evaporates through the material, the fabric also allows heat emitted from the body to pass through. That brings with it the potential to save energy and money at the same time.

The total energy consumption in the United States which is contributed by cooling and heating spaces accounts for just over 12 percent. While modern technology has made an impact on reducing energy usage, being able to cool one person at a time is treading on new territory. The innovative research on textiles brings with it the potential to change how individuals wear everyday clothing. Merging fashion with technology opens a new world of possibilities.

While modern workout garments do work to wick away sweat and moisture, they do not work to keep a person continually cool. In addition to the wicking properties, the new textile is also providing a way of escape for heat. Since the human body emits heat even when sitting, the research paves the way for a practical and versatile line of apparel not only for the athlete, but for everyone.

Organic fabrics absorb sweat and wool offers a wicking effect, but these materials still hold in infrared radiation. By allowing infrared radiation to pass through the “kitchen wrap”, the team then went step-by-step to create a useful idea. The Stanford engineers used their knowledge in chemistry and nanotechnology, in conjunction with experiments done with plastic wrap, to add a coating and cotton mesh before testing the cooling effect. They found that it cooled more effectively than both polyethylene fabrics and traditional cotton. The team then filed a patent for the technology.

The addition of colors and textures has the potential to change how the average person feels in his or her own clothing. And although the materials, which the researchers have termed the textile nanoPE, short for nanoporous polyethylene, may still be far off into the future, it does offer a promising alternative to traditional garment design. The future for the team includes the development of a version which would feel natural against the skin and still keep the cooling properties.

Apart from clothing, there is also the potential to use the innovative fabric in other areas of life. Fabric used for tents and vehicles could also benefit from the advanced science, and the research team is hoping to open up new ways to heat and cool without the extensive use of outside energy. In as little as just a few years, the way clothing works for the wearer could change in ways everyone can appreciate.

23AndMe Shuts Down Advanced Gene Sequencing Project

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23AndMe Advanced Gene Sequencing Project

Photo Credit: Morten Amundsen via Flickr

23AndMe, the genetic-testing company, has made the decision to cut back on advanced gene sequencing and focus on their current business.

Currently, 23AndMe offers a “spit kit” for $199 that will show people what their ancestry is and what health risks they have based on a small amount of their genes. The company also offers a kit that only shows ancestry.

For several years, 23AndMe was getting ready to go further with their gene-testing by introducing next-generation sequencing to show people a comprehensive list of what diseases and conditions they have a chance of getting or carrying.

However, CEO and cofounder Ann Wojcicki has pulled the plug on 23AndMe’s next-generation sequencing. Wojcicki has stressed that this decision does not stem from financial issues, FDA regulations, or consumer demand. Rather, the problem with next-generation sequencing is that it is so complex and comprehensive, that it might not be of any use to consumers.

One example that Wojcicki has given, is that next-generation sequencing could reveal to someone that they have a five percent chance of getting breast cancer. Now that they have this information, should the person take action and seek medical help? Do they need to do anything at all?

Wojckicki worries that next-generation sequencing would not be very helpful to consumers. She also believes that this form of genetic-testing is also still very much in its earliest phases, and not much is known about it.

“Genetics is complicated,” Wojcicki said. “As a company, we are really focused on direct to consumer. Without a doubt we are a consumer product. We’re not going through a physician. There is no other company out there that is direct to consumer.”

23AndMe is also the only genetic-testing company that has FDA approval to provide genetic information directly to customers without a medical professional is an in-between. 23AndMe didn’t always have the FDA’s support though.

In 2013, the FDA investigated into 23AndMe’s practices after the company told customers about their health without going through a doctor. However, 23AndMe proved to the FDA that they were providing information in a safe and accurate manner. The company also restricted itself to only provide health information on a handful of rare medical conditions.

23AndMe will now focus on what it already does well, and will strive to become even better at offering its current genetic-tests.

This decision to stop researching next-generation sequencing is the complete opposite of what 23AndMe’s competition is doing, however. Similar gene-testing companies such as Helix, Color Genomics, and Veritas are all throwing their money into next-generation sequencing to offer highly comprehensive data to consumers.

Although Wojckicki is currently doubtful of next-generation’s sequencing usefulness to customers, back in 2012 her 23AndMe company was completely on board with the next step in genetic-testing.

In 2012, 23AndMe created a successful pilot project on gene sequencing and wrote a blog explaining how it works. After that, 23AndMe hired several next-generation sequencing professionals. However, these professionals and an entire Salt Lake City team have been let go by the company.

Resources:  https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniemlee/23andme-anne-wojcicki-next-generation-sequencing?utm_term=.lq8YnavrX#.pm6DyER9a

https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/26/23andme-stops-next-gen-gene-sequencing/

http://www.biospace.com/news_story.aspx?StoryID=437033&full=1

Controlling Wild Horse Population in the U.S.

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Wild horse populationIn an attempt to control the number of wild horses spread across the country, the United States government has made a proposal to euthanize the off-range animals.

The recommendation came from the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board to the Bureau of Land Management; the board said the best course of action would be to euthanize or sell excess horses which are currently in off-rage corrals and pastures.

The total number of unadoptable horses and burros is over 45,000; these animals are around 5 years old and less appealing to buyers and adopters.

According to The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act of 1971, wild horses and burros are to be “protected from capture, branding, harassment, and death” by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The agency may humanely destroy old and sick animals, as well as humanely capture and remove the animals in order to restore the land.

If an “overpopulation exists on a given area of the public lands,” the proper action can be taken in order to protect natural resources from deterioration.

Wild horse and burro herds have the potential to double in size every four years or so, and as of now there is no effective method of fertility control in order to manage the population.

The largest population of off-range horse and burros is currently on Nevada land, while the smallest group remains in Montana. The total population of roaming animals number over 67,000 and stretches across western ten states.

In fiscal year 2015, the BLM spent almost $50 million in care of off-range animals, making up two-thirds of the wild horse and burro budget.

In response to the government’s ruling, the Humane Society of the United States has launched a petition which aims to call for the protection of the animals. The petition is directed toward the Secretary of Interior and the director of BLM. In a release dated September 9, the senior VP of Programs and Innovations with the organization stated that “the decision…is a complete abdication of responsibility” and pointed to “long-term mismanagement” within the BLM as a contributing factor to the current situation.

In addition to the Humane Society, other animal rights groups have spoken out against the proposal, including In Defense of Animals.

The president of that animal welfare organization stated that “this is the final straw” and “we call on the government to immediately halt the mass horse slaughter plans and revoke BLM’s right to manage public lands” due to ineptitude and failures to properly protect horses.

According to the BLM website, the Bureau’s advisory board is made up of local ranchers, public land users, state and local government officials, and environmental groups. One board member had taken to social media in order to justify the decision and further explain the “plight” of mustang horses while also welcoming feedback and ideas.

News outlets have incorrectly stated that the government “voted” to have the horses euthanized, but this is incorrect. The action currently stands as a recommendation to the BLM and no decision has been made as of yet. 

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