Dinosaurs might once again roam the Earth

Dinosaurs might once again roam the Earth

If scientists have their way, dinosaurs might once again roam the Earth, with the possibility arising after the DNA of the extinct Tasmanian tiger was injected and brought back to life in a mouse embryo.

In the world-first experiment, DNA was extracted from baby Tasmanian tigers, which had been pickled in alcohol at Melbourne's Museum Victoria for a century.

The tigers were babies in their mothers' pouches when they were killed and preserved.

Tasmanian tigers have been extinct in the wild for about 100 years, with the last one of its kind dying in captivity in Hobart Zoo in 1936.

Part of a nine-year experiment conducted by Melbourne University zoologists Andrew Pask and Marilyn Renfree, the experiment proved the tiger DNA was able to grow cartilage and bone in the mouse, showing the extinct gene could be brought back to life

"This is the first time that DNA from an extinct species has been used to induce a functional response in another living organism," said Dr Pask.

"Up until now we have only been able to examine gene sequences from extinct animals. This research was developed to go one step further to examine extinct gene function in a whole organism," he added.

According to Dr Pask, the same technique could now be used with other extinct species such as the dinosaur, mammoth and neanderthal, all of which scientists had large amounts of DNA available.

The suggestion that dinosaurs could be revived from samples of their DNA was popularised by the best-selling book and hit movie Jurassic Park.

Dr Pask said that while the technique could recreate only a single extinct gene, with technology advancing all the time, it could one day be possible to bring whole creatures back to life.

"I have no doubt the whole creature could be brought back to life in the future," he said.

The study proved for the first time that it was possible to resurrect the function of an extinct gene, according to Professor Renfree.

"This study has proved you can use DNA material from extinct animals and see what function they have," she said.

As well as paving the way to recreate extinct species in the future, the research could also have potential bio-medical therapeutic outcomes.

"It gives us the ability to unleash the potential of extinct species," said Dr Pask.

Robots

Robots



Honda Motor's first generation humanoid robot Asimo (L) looks at the second generation Asimo (R) at a Tokyo science museum on February 18, 2006. The new version of Asimo, announced last December, runs at a speed of six kilometres (3.7 miles) per hour. Reuters

Honda Motor Co.'s new version of the humanoid robot Asimo runs past the audience for its first appearance outside Honda's facilities. Reuters

Honda Motor's new version of humanoid robot Asimo (R) runs past the audience. Reuters

Humanoid robot Asimo waves to the audience. Reuters
Another shot of humanoid robot Asimo as it runs past the audience. Reuters

HEALTH & SCIENCE

HEALTH & SCIENCE

LONDON: Scientists at Gladstone Institutes of Cardiovascular Disease (GICD) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), have uncovered the genetic determinants responsible for fat storage in cells.

This discovery may further help researchers better understand obesity, diabetes, and heart disease and in finding their potential treatments as well.

It's long been known that lipid droplets are involved in building up fats in cells and the researchers have been focussing a lot on the genes involved in droplet biology.

In this study, scientists in the laboratories of Drs. Robert V. Farese, Jr., of Gladstone and UCSF, and Peter Walter, of UCSF, have come up with a genetic screen which may help in determining the genes contributing to fat storage in cell of fruit flies, and potentially other species.

"For some time, we have been studying the enzymes that make fats. But clearly, we need to know a lot more about the most basic processes that regulate cellular fat storage to be able to make progress on some very serious human diseases," Nature quoted Dr. Farese, senior investigator, as saying.

GICD scientist Dr. Yi Guo, and Dr. Tobias Walter kicked off a major discovery project in order to identify novel genes involved in fat storage. In the project, they first used RNAi screens for specifically inactivating all the genes in cells from fruit flies.

After completing the initial survey, Drs. Guo and Walther, have now started studying in detail the genes that have the most striking effects on fat storage in cells.

To their surprise, the researchers discovered that approximately 1.5 percent of all genes contribute towards lipid-droplet formation and regulation. Al these genes came out to be determinants of the size and number of lipid droplets in cells.

The researchers investigated a number of these in detail and it they were seen to profoundly affect droplet morphology and lipid utilization. After deleting the individual genes, it was possible to separate the resulting cells into five distinct phenotypic classes, on the basis of the number and appearance of the lipid droplets. Later, the most interesting genes will be utilised for functional studies in flies and mice.

These new studies will not only lead to significant advances in understanding the processes that regulate fat metabolism in cells, but it will also help the researchers to find novel therapeutic targets for treating diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.

In addition, the results of the study have implications for engineering plants and microorganisms to maximize seed oil production and biofuels, respectively.

"With this screen completed, the work turns now to many fascinating questions. How are lipid droplets formed" What regulates their size, numbers, and cellular locations" Do they help to traffic lipids within the cell" How does this cell biology relate to physiology and disease" These are early days in this area of biology, and the field is wide open," said Dr. Guo.

History of Gold

History of Gold


Gold jewellery adds the finishing touch to any outfit and, whatever the occasion, it makes the perfect gift. There are several things to consider when you're choosing your jewellery.

Firstly, aim to build a wardrobe of key pieces - small earrings, large earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants. It's a good idea to invest in a set of classic jewellery that never dates. However, buying jewellery in the latest fashion styles is a great way of quickly updating any outfit.

Look through magazines to see what's in fashion and what the celebs are wearing. You don't have to spend a fortune.

Whatever the fashion, adapt it to suit you. The shape of your face, the colour of your skin, the clothes you wear and your personality should all be considered if you want your jewellery to really look good.

Men are increasingly wearing gold jewellery. For a classic look, go for a simple chain or bracelet and add a stylish ring. If you're a little more daring, wear an earring or two.

At H.Samuel, you'll find a wide range of jewellery in classic styles and fashion designs straight off the catwalk. You'll also find a large choice of jewellery especially for him.

Your next step is to decide which colour gold jewellery you want to wear.

Although pure gold is yellow, it can be made into a variety of colours. This is done by changing the types and proportions of metals mixed with it during a process called alloying. The only exceptions to this are 22ct and 24ct gold which are always yellow.

In the UK, white and rose coloured gold are becoming increasingly popular, although choice should come down to personal taste. Also, take into consideration your skin tone and the clothes you are wearing. Many people prefer to wear yellow gold with cream, camel and rustic colours. A combination of yellow, white or rose coloured gold - two or three coloured gold - makes for very versatile jewellery.

White gold jewellery first became popular in the 1920s as an alternative to platinum jewellery. Over the past few years, white gold has become more and more fashionable.

White gold is made by mixing pure gold with other metals, such as silver and palladium, in the alloying process. The white gold you see in jewellery is actually an off-white gold alloy.

Most white gold items are enhanced with rhodium plating, giving a highly reflective white surface. Over time, this surface may experience some loss of brightness. This is perfectly normal, especially with rings that receive more wear and tear. If you prefer the highly reflective rhodium finish, we advise that you have your white gold jewellery periodically rhodium plated. We will re-rhodium plate any white gold jewellery that was bought from H.Samuel free of charge within 12 months, as long as you have proof of purchase. After a year, a small charge will be made. Please contact your local store details.

Caratage is an important factor in buying goldCaratage is an important factor in buying gold jewellery as it indicates how pure the metal is.

Pure gold is very soft which makes it unsuitable for most jewellery. To make it stronger, it is mixed with other metals, such as silver, copper, zinc and palladium. This is called alloying. The gold you see in jewellery is actually gold alloy.

The carat (ct) tells you how may parts of gold and how many parts of other metal are in the gold alloy. Don't confuse this with the carat weight of diamonds and gemstones.

One carat is one part of 24, or 41.66 parts of a thousand. 9ct gold is 375 parts gold per thousand parts. 18ct gold is 750 parts per thousand. 24 carat gold is pure gold.

Preference for a certain caratage is often based on cultural factors. In the UK, 9ct and 18ct is most commonly sold, while in America, 14ct is more popular. In India, 22ct gold is preferred. 24ct gold tends to be used for exchange and investment.

British hallmarking was introduced over 600 years ago and was probably the first example of consumer protection law.

When you're buying gold jewellery, make sure it has a hallmark. This is a quality control mark placed on gold, silver and platinum and provides a safeguard to purchasers. The hallmark on an article shows that it has been tested (assayed) by an independent body (the Assay Office) and guarantees that the metal is of one the legal standards of fineness, or purity. You therefore know exactly what you are buying.

A hallmark also allows your jeweller to quickly identify what carat your jewellery is if you have to take it for repair or alterations. It is illegal for most articles of precious metal above a certain minimum weight to be described, or sold, as gold, silver or platinum, unless they carry an approved hallmark.

• The Sponsor's Mark - This indicates the manufacturer, or sponsor of the item. This consists of the initials of the person or firm who sent in the item for assaying.
• The Fineness Mark - This indicates what the metal is and its standard of purity in parts per thousand.
• The Assay Office Mark - This identifies the Assay Office at which the item was tested and marked.

There are also optional marks:

• The Common Control Mark - This contains the standard of purity. The shape of the shield indicates what the metal is.
• The Pictorial Quality Symbol - This indicates the metal by picture.
• The Date Letter - This indicates which year the item was submitted for hallmarking.

Earrings

Earrings

Owing to the complete revival of the traditional styles in jewelry designing, the buyers are getting more inclined towards the contemporary designs of jewelry. The extremely talented Indian artisans understand the taste of customers worldwide and design exquisite jewelry items keeping in view both the traditional and contemporary styles.

Pure Jewelry
The astonishing variety and aesthetic composition of earrings made of gold & silver and studded with precious stones looks very elegant and clearly speaks of the fine Indian workmanship. The Kashmiri brahmin women wear jewels on long strings, hanging from the inner soft cartolage of the ears that is locally called, the atteroo. In India, the social significance attached to gold jewelry, is immense. Gold jewelry given to a bride, is considered “Streedhan” ( a woman’s wealth) and will stand her in good stead in times of adversity.

Costume/Imitation Jewelry
A wide range of elegant costume/imitation jewelry provides an enduring personal accomplishment and satisfaction to the buyers. These highly stylized and swanky earrings truly capture the onlookers attention and are available in variety of embellishments and combinations using Glass, Plastic, Horn, Bone, MOP, Wood, Leather, Brass, Aluminium, EPNS, Resin, Thread and Semi-precious stones

Chokers

Chokers

Chokers are tight-fitting necklaces or collars which are meant to be worn high on the neck. It may be one or more bands encircling the neck which are made from inexpensive and semiprecious materials. In earlier times, chokers were worn by people during ceremonies to display their wealth and rank. Traditionally every material that was used to make the choker had a religious and social significance though now they just have an ornamental value. These function as flashy but less expensive jewelery & therefore are very much in vogue.

Chokers display fine craftsmanship & the dazzling effect created on them makes them more appealing which are completely unmatched.

Materials
In usage since time immemorial, chokers fit in easily with any kind of attire, be it formal, casual or ceremonial. They are found as costume chokers, imitate chokers & are quite popular among buyers simply because of their cheap price, attractiveness and style.

• Bone Choker
• Gold Choker
• Silver Choker
• Brass Choker
• Beaded Choker
• Metallic Choker
• Leather Choker:
• Glass Choker
• Plastic Choker
• Lac Choker

Design and Finish
Chokers come with distinct designs and finishes & each differ as per their usages & the different occasions they are meant for. Varying from crystal chokers to semiprecious gem chokers, from embroidered leather chokers, to beaded and metallic chokers, these handmade jewelry items are often stringed together with beads, stones and shells & a set of other embellishing materials to impart a unique design to each item. These are chic and trendy & often gold plated & comes with finishes like oxidized or matte finish.

Necklaces

Necklaces

Necklace refers to any continuous band or chain, worn around the neck as an ornament. They are made in variegated designs and distinct styles that have been brought forth to the international markets by Indian manufacturers. The Indian jewelry industry is marked by diversity and an endless choice of designs.
These necklaces can belong to the category of both:

Pure Jewelry
The necklaces in this category are made of gold & silver and studded with a variety of precious and semi-precious stones. In India, typical forms of necklaces are considered extremely auspicious for marital bliss. A manglasutra, a necklace made of black beads and gold, is a must for the married woman. The necklaces are often adorned with gold and precious stone work, fashioned into plain as well as caved necklaces.

Costume Jewelry
Exquisite necklaces as costume jewelry items are highly popular among the fashion conscious generation of today. Embedded with luxurious beads, glitters and other decorative accessories, necklaces are made in a variety of metals like:

Brass EPNS Aluminium Leather

Shell Wood Horn

Bangles

Bangles

Bangles are typically bracelets that are made without clasps or closures. They can be elegantly worn singly or in bunches. The importance attached to bangles by a married woman is almost paranoic. Along with gold, glass bangles are considered a symbol of the well-being of her husband abd sons in certain communities.

These days, Bangle bracelet are now worn by fashion conscious young girls with as much style as their mothers and grandmothers wore as part of ritual and tradition. With bold flashes of color and wonderful motifs like anchors and flowers, the bangles are perfect accessories to spruce up any outfit. Click here to view unique range of Silver Bangles.

Pure Jewelry
In India, gold has a religious connotation and a deep social significance. Exquisite bangles are made of gold or silver and studded with precious diamonds for an enhanced appeal. These bangles are created in eye-catching and magnificent designs, earning the patronage of discerning clients, worldwide. These gold and silver jewelry from all parts of India draw the inspiration of patterns from flowers, leaves, fruits, fish, stars and the moon.

Costume/Imitation Jewelry
There is no place for stagnation in Indian art and craft, for although forms are repeated, they are free from imitative intent.The casual, fun and swanky styles of bangles as important costume jewelry items are made of a variety of materials like:

Lac Metal Beads Stone Conch Terracotta

Wooden Horn Bone MOP Pearl Plastic

Jewellery

Jewellery Design Collections

Jewelery has been part of the Indian civilization since ancient history. They were in fashion since ancient civilizations as Harappa and Mohanjodaro. Made out of almost any material, jewelry is basically adorned to highlight nearly any body part. Be it the traditional jewelry or the latest ones which are increasingly in demand, i.e. the costume & imitation jewelery. There is no dearth when it comes to accentuating the beauty with varied imaginative & stunningly designed jewelry items.

When it comes to defining the materials used for shaping jewelry items, then anything under the roof of the sky can be transformed into breathtaking ornamental items. Such as, metals such as gold & silver, copper, ivory, woods, precious gemstones as diamonds & pearls, beads, shells, leather, plastic, glass, bone & others. They help define varied intricately designed shapes adding on to the beauty of these adorning items.

Jewelry are perfect for any occasion, be it a formal or ceremonial occasion or casual ones. They do not need any particularly specified occasion for exhibiting the beauty. Wide array of jewelry items which can beautify the varied body parts are :

• Bangles
• Anklets
• Nose pins
• Hair pins
• Necklaces
• Rings
• Earrings
• Armlets
• Bracelets
• Toe Rings

With growing demand of Art jewelry, very much in vogue, artisans are coming up with innovative ideas & designs to give an ethereal look to a persona easily available & quite cost effective. Nowadays, new variations are hitting the showrooms such as wire sculpture (wrap) jewelry which are being created using anything from base metal wire with rock tumbled stone to precious metals and precious gemstones.

Jewelry designs can vary from vintage and antique designs to ethnic designs to very flashy and chunky jewelry. Often stone studded, engraved, electroplated and designed using various colors for creating an eye catching effect, these jewelry items are designed for different occasions including bridal jewelry, formal and informal jewelry. The intricate motifs still holds the same charm as they did centuries ago simply because of their absorbing styles.

Hair Styles