Shares Climb as Oil Prices and Supply Concerns Ease

Follow the link http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/business/26markets.html?_r=1&scp=10&sq=economic%20growth&st=cse to read my article.

Shares Climb as Oil Prices and Supply Concerns Ease

Mark Flannery wrote the article, ``Shares Climb as Oil Prices and Supply Concerns Ease `` on the New York Times on February 25, 2011. My interest in this article comes from my major, economics. It deals with changes in one of the biggest determinants of economic growth, oil price; therefore making it very informative and appealing.

The article elucidates the effects of rising oil prices on different giant corporations and on the U.S. economy. The writer mentions that war and unrest in Libya, 5^th biggest oil producer in Africa, is taking a toll on many other countries and businesses. The writer specifically draws the examples of Boeing, which has suffered a 2.8% decline in its share prices. Economic analysts think the major reasons behind the decline are rising oil prices and proportionately smaller rise in sales. The writer also discusses about the effects of increasing oil prices on the U.S. economy. Analysts calculated the US economy grew at a rate of 2.8% last year compared to the predicted rate of 3.2%.

However, the author only refers to the short-term consequences of an increase in oil prices. In the long run many other factors come into play. For example, an alternative to oil as a non-renewable resource to power industries. Thus I am left with a major question; what are the long-term effects of such an increase in oil prices?

Anyone Need a new limb?

The FDA has approved of this new replacement limb for people who have undergone amputations, had a stroke, or spinal injuries. These new arms have near natural movement and are controlled by a chip implanted on the surface of the brain, learning how the brain works and the responding to the signals that the brain sends.

This is interesting because people who have had those diseases or have had an accident and fell that people treat them differently because of how they lack the limb or can't move it as effectively will feel less of a stare when they have that function again through this prosthetic.

article

No More Flu anyone?

In this article, talks about a break through in the flu vaccine earlier this month. Doctors in Oxford's Jenner Institute have found a way to create a universal flu vaccine. Previously, flu vaccines were made using a proteins on the shell of the flu virus to destroy it. The problem arises because those proteins mutate all the time, thus giving us the swine flu, bird flu and many others. Each flu had to be taken in to guess the strain and taken through a 4 month process to get vaccines off the production lines and into stores.

Now, Dr. Sarah Gilbert and her team have used activated T-cells (part of our immune system, the main component of our body learning to fight new diseases, these are the first soldiers at the battle scene scoping out the weakness of the enemy) to target common proteins inside the flu virus common to almost all strains of flu, called nucleoproteins. How this vaccine differs from normal seasonal flu vaccines are seasonal flu vaccines use weakened or killed flu viruses with the protein still left in them, and are injected into our body for OUR body's T-cells to get the information to defend itself, which takes a bit of time. On the other hand, this new activated T-cell vaccine, injects T-cells that already know how to kill the flu virus into our body, this alerts our body, and cuts the time our body has to learn the virus and preparing for it out. After vaccinating the Dr.'s saw an increase in the bodies immune system, but most importantly, it has the intelligence needed and is ready to fight, before the virus even enters the body.

The reason I chose this article is because I saw the it was cool for researchers to finally find a more efficient way to fight the flu, although it is not a 100% protection it is still a step up from the regular seasonal vaccines that we have to get a shot every year to get protected against, this is you get vaccinated once, and you are set for life.

With the seasonal flu vaccines, adults over 50 have a 30%-40% effectiveness, I wonder (as well as the researchers) if the effectiveness for older adults who have weakened immune systems would increase.

Pet stores see healthy sales of organic food; Independent shops are stocking more of the premium-priced brands

In this article they discuss the pet food movement. Lately more organic and holistic choices have been appearing on the selves of pet food stores. As the years go by, pets are becoming less as our property and more as our family members. This also is influencing how we take care of them. BY providing our pets with natural pet foods, people are hoping that this will help extend the lives of our pets, as eating healthier would extend our lives as humans. But with increased value comes increased prices. One reporter predicted a 15% increase on this multibillion-dollar industry.

This makes a lot of sense to me as a pet owner. You would not feed a child a mystery food, so why would you feed your pet a food you knew nothing about? Dogs are omnivorous and need a completely balanced diet in order to keep their internal structures running smoothly. Cats on the other hand are carnivores, so they should not have any corn or wheat products in their diet, yet many cat foods use these as fillers. So even though these foods come at an increased cost, it would be worth it to keep your pet at their optimal health.

Article

The Home With No Energy Bills

This article is about Colorado University's Solar Decathlon house. The house employed energy efficient appliances, lighting, windows and most importantly employed solar panels to generate energy for the home. In using all these technologies, they were able produce more energy then they could use and were actually paid by the power company.

The article was interesting to me because it showed a practical approach to building green by using materials that can be easily found and used a house that was actually a mobile home.

After reading the article would you say that the Colorado University Solar Decathlon team approached the project in a way that was in fact practical?

www.servicemagic.com/articles.show.The-Home-with-No-Energy-Billss.14002.html

FDA Clears iPhone, iPad, Radiology App

Recently, the FDA approved software that runs on the iPhone and iPad to be used by doctors to aid in medical diagnoses. The benefit of this software is that it allows doctors to view medical images immediately at any location. This eliminates the need for a doctor to use valuable time traveling to a lab to view films.

I was interested in using this article for this Biz Buzz assignment because it is different from articles I used in the past. This is the first time software has been approved by the FDA for use by doctors to aid in medical diagnoses.

What measures should be taken to ensure patient’s privacy? What would prevent an unauthorized person from taking the iPhone/iPad and viewing private medical records? Do you think the benefits out-weight the risks?

http://www.lexisnexis.com.proxy.library.oregonstate.edu/lnacui2api/auth/checkbrowser.do?rand=0.7990547490848645&cookieState=0&ipcounter=1&bhcp=1

Green Water House Costing Portland Residents

This article was about Portland’s Water House, which is a green home built by the Portland Water Bureau. The bureau spent over $400,000 to build the house, and is designed to showcase some of the features residents can use in their homes. The Water House will also be the first EPA Water-Sense certified home in Oregon.

The problem with the project is that it is increasing costs for Portland residents, who pay the fifth highest utility bill in the country. The large bill is affected in part by the Water House and other similar projects. The article provided a link to the original story, and the article states that the Water Bureau has a history of working on projects that are in some views removed from the bureau’s mission and services, and may not provide benefits for residents. Because they are a public agency, the Water Bureau doesn’t have to prove that its projects are “used and useful” according to its mission, leaving them free to spend money on these controversial projects. Should public agencies be able to spend money on projects that may not be beneficial to the public?

Article: http://www.earthtechling.com/2011/02/portland-water-house-a-green-housing-dream/

Original Story: http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/01/as_big_construction_projects_d.html

iPS cells

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20110224/Progeria-derived-iPS-cells-may-treat-aging-related-disease-in-children.aspx

To start with, the human aging process for 8 decades or more has been difficult for people to study. At the Salk Institute for Biological studies they have replicated premature aging in the lab, where they are able to study aging related disease in a dish.

Juan Carlos, PH.D a professor at the Salk Institute and and his team have reported that they successfully generated induced pluripotent stem( iPS) cells from skin cells, that are obtained from patients that have Hutchinson- Gilford Progeria Syndrome, which is when people age 8 to about 10 times faster than the rest of the human population.

It goes on to say that people that face this disease, features resemble the aging process that are put on fast foward and afflicted people which they live rarely beyond 13 years. Almost all people that suffer from this, die from complications of arteriosclerosis, which is clogging of that hardening of arteries, or the blood vessles caused by plaques which then lead to either heart attacks or stroke.

For a Sharp Brain, Stimulation

In this article from The New York Times, it was found that Alzheimer’s, which affects around 1/8 of adults over the age of 65, is considered one of the scariest diseases in the U.S. The number of the affected is rising, but there are few treatments and they only slow it down, but do not cure the disease. However, doctors are now more hopeful, after discovering that older brains actually can produce new nerves, as opposed to the long-standing belief that people are born with as many nerve cells as they’ll ever have. So the question is, are there really things people can do to help their brain make new nerve cells?

Studies have shown that older people that retain their mental alertness usually have active social lives and connections. Also, they tend to engage in intellectually stimulating or challenging activities. Furthermore, a research team studied the effects of aerobic versus anaerobic exercise on cognitive functioning. Their findings indicated that after six months, the 60-70 year olds had improved their memory, decision-making ability and attention/focus by 15-20%. Other studies have shown that just staying cognitively active by learning new things, traveling, and reading can help keep the brain healthy. Some things experts suggest include learning a new language, picking up a hobby like painting or playing an instrument, and volunteering in the community. Furthermore, doctors say that a person’s diet should be well-balanced, along with their attitude, which can have a surprising effect. Being able to handle stress is a big part of staying healthy in all ways, not just cognitively.

This article is interesting because it shows the ways that small changes can have a large impact on brain functioning and health. I wonder, f every American knew how these little things could help prevent scary diseases like Alzheimer’s, would they actually make an effort to maintain their cognitive functioning?

Not so low cost fines for Wal-Mart

On May 24, 2004 federal officials filed an agreement to fine Wal-Mart a total of 3.1 million towards storm water runoff violations. This fine of 3.1 million is a record civil penalty. These violations were cited at 24 sites in nine different states including: California, Colorado, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Utah. Assistant attorney general Thomas L. Sansonetti states that “Complying with the storm water portion of the regulations is not that difficult it requires some low-cost technology, and these contractors, on behalf of Wal-Mart, weren't doing it”.

In response Wal-Mart has stepped forward stating that they hope to be a trendsetter in environmental compliances moving forward. They will be requiring their contractors to attend educational sessions addressing compliance with storm water management. They also plan to spend $250,000 on an environmental project in one of the nine states where they failed to comply with storm water regulations.

This is not the first time Wal-Mart has been fined for the inability to comply with storm water regulations, in 2001 they were fined 1 million for violations at 17 different sites. The Federal Government feels the more specific assurances from Wal-Mart for how they plant to go about correcting problems will provide a greater chance of continued implementation.

According to the EPA, less than half of all commercial construction companies do not obtain proper storm water permits or undertake all of the necessary actions needed for adequate storm water mitigation approaches.

Article: http://www.lexisnexis.com.proxy.library.oregonstate.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/?

Vitamin D deficiency linked to lung disease, poor lung function

This study was published on February 1, showed that Vitamin D deficiency in the body is linked with reduced lung function and lung disease. Researchers from Perth’s Telethon Institute did the study on two week old mice with vitamin D deficiency. Compared to normal mice the deficient mice's lungs were substantially different. The airway gave more resistance with a smaller lung capacity. A closer look at lung tissues under the microscope showed reduced lung function. This research is the first direct link showing that low levels of vitamin D affects lung development. With more research changes in treatments for patients with asthma and COPD could take place and could maybe cure the diseases.

The reason I was interested in this article is because, my brother and I both have asthma. Asthma causes a lot of limitations to the body of the bearers and seeing new research breakthroughs gives me hope of getting cured from the disease. In the US last year, CDC statistics show that there are over 24 million people suffering from asthma, 7 million of those being children. This breakthrough could help those children return to normal lives and not have to be dependent on inhalers and restrictions from the effectiveness of their lungs.

Portland is great place to visit

Saburo- Saburo is the probably best Sushi place at Portland. This place is famous about their big portion of Sushi. There is a huge line before open every day. Saburo is open for only dinner.

1667 SE Bybee Blvd
Portland, OR 97202

(503) 236-4237

Marin Police-Famous Sushi land we can see all over the Oregon. I believe Portland one is the best one since they have good quality and most of stuff is from Japan.

Portland - Pearl
138 NW 10th Ave.
Portland OR 97209

(503) 546-9933

Henry's-This restaurant is located at 12^th Ave of Portland, they serve great burger and other good food. You sometime have difficult to time to get your seat since this place is so popular.

10 NW 12^th Ave Portland OR 97209

(503) 227 5320

Isabel- Great place to eat breakfast I was surprised quality of food and their commitment for their food. I highly recommend coming here if you are in Portland.

330 NW 10th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503-222-4333

(503) 222-4333

Article

http://www.foodtacular.com/2010/saburos-portlands-very-big-very-little-sushi-restaurant/

Portland is great place to visit. Every time I visit Portland I enjoy a lot. If you have time I highly recommend visiting restaurants I introduced here.

Alaskan Way Viaduct Tunnel

The SR99 Alaskan Way Viaduct is in dispose and City of Seattle officials have proposed a new tunnel under down town to reroute traffic off the busy surface streets. Citizens of Seattle are apposed to the project due to the high costs and for the way that funding was obtained for the project.

The article discussed how a tunnel would provide citizens with an enhanced downtown environment, a place for them to recreate, and a place where business would thrive. The project would not only redirect traffic but would include new transit lines that could further reduce traffic on the busy streets of Seattle. The article also discusses how it is the only option that would significantly reduce traffic loads on surface streets now and into the future.

After reading the article do you feel that a tunnel sounds like a good idea for Seattle? Keep in mind that it will be the largest diameter tunnel ever bored and there are no American contractors with the necessary experience in large diameter tunnels.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008610476_opin11phillips.html

Adam Smith, Marriage Counselor

Jenny Anderson wrote the article on ``Adam Smith, Marriage Counselor`` on the NY Times on February 11, 2011. My interest in the article emerged from my major, economics. However, I found the article particularly engaging because the author applied economics out of the generic realms of national budgets, consumption, and markets. She applied basic economic theories and ideologies in marital life. In an unorthodox approach, she urges readers to consider marital disputes from an economists` point of view.

She focuses on issues such as child-care and balance between professional and personal lives. Anderson elucidated why marriages don’t work out and tried to offer solutions that exhort readers to employ different techniques in offering ``incentives`` to their partners. She also explored the ostensible ignorance and indifference people show to their partner’s words and feelings. All the while she used technical economic jargon to draw connections between everyday situations and economic ideas.

However, she leaves one basic question unanswered; how accurate is it to classify humans as forces of market? Do we really behave like Adam Smith’s ``invisible hand of market? ``

Please follow the link http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/13/fashion/13Cultural.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&sq=economics&st=cse&scp=3 to read the article.

Animal Lovers, Beware Of Ownership Costs

This article talks about the heavy costs of owning a pet. Whether it is a cat or a horse, they caution against impulse buying. According to the article the cost per year for a large dog is $875 for basic needs and for a cat the yearly cost is around $670. These prices however do not include emergency trips, which can cost thousands of dollars or the cost of owning during their first year. This is important for people to realize before buying a pet because while you may want the pet for its company, a low budget may hurt the animal later on. Maybe animals are relinquished every year because their owners do not take care of them and their expenses. People can also choose to euthanize their animals because they cannot afford emergency veterinary costs – even if it is for a simple fix.

As an owner of two dogs I can relate with this article when they say it is not cheap to own a pet. As an owner you want to provide the very best for your animals to ensure they stay healthy and fit. Skipping out in one aspect may lead problems in another area. For example, buying cheap food may lead to severe digestive problems or obesity. Do you think more people would reconsider buying a pet if they knew how much it actually costs to take care of them?

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/27/your-money/27wealth.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Animal%20Lovers,%20Beware%20Of%20Ownership%20Costs%20%20%20%20%20&st=cse

Cell origin of for childhood muscle cancer

http://www.breakthroughdigest.com/medical-news/scientists-discover-cell-of-origin-for-childhood-muscle-cancer/

This article is from Portland, Oregon actually the Oregon Health and Science University Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, they have defined a cell or origin for a kind of cancer called sarcoma. It goes on to say that childhood muscular cancer is a condition in which spreads throughout the body which has a low survival rate in just 20 to 40%. Researchers are now able to show where the tumors arise and what makes them grow and spread in the body.

They cancer should be cut out, burned out, or killed. Another way to help patients is by giving them drugs that can convert the muscle cancer into a non cancerous muscle fiber. The survival rate for children that have this cancer have been unchanged for the last 40 years. Increasing the intensity of chemotherapy, raditaion, and surgery is having no effect on people with this cancer .

Doernbecher travles through out Oregon and southwest Washington to provide specialty care to some 3,000 than 154 outreach clinics in 13 locations. Overall I thought this article was good, it is always good when people, no matter if they are payed or not are willing to help little boys and girls feel better, and become healthier, because no one wants to see children suffer.

Microsoft Aquires Hospital IT Software From GCS

Microsoft has acquired software from Global Care Solutions (GCS). Microsoft because the demand for IT in the medical field is growing. Many health care systems around the world are turning to IT to make their health systems more efficient. The software Microsoft acquired is used in the health care industry to automate tasks such as patient record keeping, billing as well as clinical work-flows. This software is used by 1.2 million people. In Bumrungrad hospital in Bangkok it reduced the wait time of patients by 17 minutes.

I was interested in this article because it is a good example of the utilization of information technology in the medical industry. I was also interested in this article because it is an example of a large corporation showing interest in information technology in health care.

What do you think of Microsoft’s involvement in the health care information systems? Do you think they should be required to meet higher quality standards for health care IT systems than operating systems?

Article: http://www.lexisnexis.com.proxy.library.oregonstate.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/?

BIM and Green Construction

I had mentioned BIM (Building Information Modeling) in my first post, and how it helps people in the construction industry build projects more effectively and efficiently. BIM is now being used more often in green construction projects as well. The article talks about SMARTBIM and ecoSCORECARD, two companies that recently joined to provide modeling services on green construction projects. BIM will allow project personnel to view "green data" such as impact on the environment and the green building rating of materials and components of the project.

I thought the article was interesting because as the article states, green construction is more than just using green materials, it's becoming more of a whole process. BIM gathers data on materials and their green rating in one place and makes keeping track of documentation for green certification easy. Do you think advances in technology such as BIM will make green construction standard? I think it will. Green construction is becoming more and more common, and technology like this will make the transition easier for anyone involved in construction projects.

Article: http://www.constructech.com/news/articles/article.aspx?article_id=8754&SECTION=1

Explaining Epilepsy

This article from the Washington Post describes the experiences of Alyssa Genna, a sixth grader that has dealt with epilepsy throughout most of her childhood. Some of the consequences of being a child with epilepsy include teasing and being excluded from activities because others think you are incapable. Alyssa has been on many different drugs, which have helped control her seizures and let her be a normal kid.

Epilepsy used to be thought of as a type of insanity, or even possession by evil spirits. Now, doctors know that it is a medical condition in which people have recurring seizures that are caused by abnormal electrical brain activity. Complex-partial seizures can make people fumble and feel confused, while grand mal seizures are the kind that last for a while and can make people fall down and shake. Some of the causes of epilepsy include strokes, brain tumors, lead poisoning, and brain injuries. Currently, epilepsy and seizures can usually be controlled by medication, and in some instances, brain surgery has been shown to cure the disorder.

This article is very interesting because it describes a relatively simple neurological disorder that, though not necessarily harmless, does not merit the amount of fear people usually ascribe to it. What I want to know is, could epilepsy have anything to do with genetics or other factors that affect the brain besides damaging strokes, tumors and injuries?