Mars Hoax Day On August 27, 2012

Mars Hoax Day

August 27, 2012 is said to be a "Mars Hoax Day."

During this day, many people will reportedly receive an email claiming that on August 27th Mars will approach Earth, swell to the size of a full Moon and "will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye."

The Mars Hoax email was first sent in 2003 and it contains the following: 

The Red Planet is about to be spectacular! This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can only be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again.

The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles (55,763,108 km) of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification

Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye. Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10 p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m.

By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30 a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month. Share this with your children and grandchildren. NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN

Mars really did swell to unusual proportions in 2003. On August 27th of that year, Mars came
within 56 million km of Earth—the nearest it has been in 60,000 years. However, the hoax stemmed from a misinterpretation of the sentence "At a modest 75-power magnification Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye". The message was often quoted with a line break in the middle of this sentence, leading some readers to mistakenly believe that "Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye" when, in reality, this sentence means that Mars enlarged 75 times will look as big as the moon unenlarged.

It is quite obviously scientifically incorrect that Mars, normally never more than a dot in the night sky, could suddenly become visibly large due to normal variations in orbit. If Mars did appear as large as the moon it would be so close that it would cause catastrophic gravitational effects—Mars has about twice the diameter of the moon, and hence would be about 2 times as far away for the same apparent size; it has 9 times the mass of the moon, and would have over twice the gravitational effect (9 times larger mass divided by relative distance (2) squared). Source: Wikipedia

California Earthquakes August 26, 2012

California Earthquakes August 26, 2012

A series of moderate earthquakes struck California on Sunday, August 26, 2012, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said .

The strongest registered at magnitude 5.4 and was recorded at 1:57 p.m. local time (20:57 UTC).  Its epicenter was located at 5 km (3 miles) North of Brawley, California.

The USGS recorded more than two dozens of earthquakes that jolted California on Sunday, mostly originating from Brawley. Their Richter Scale readings ranged from magnitude 3.0 to 5.4.

Below were the preliminary magnitude counts of some of the quakes:

Magnitude 4.0 12:16 p.m - 6 km (4 miles) N of Brawley, California
Magnitude 4.6 12:20 p.m. - 5 km (3 miles) N of Brawley, California
Magnitude 5.3 12:31 p.m. - 5 km (3 miles)  N of Brawley, California
Magnitude 4.9 12:33 p.m. - 3 km (2 miles) NW of Brawley, California
Magnitude 4.3 12:40 p.m. - 6 km (4 miles) WNW of Brawley, California

There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries from the earthquakes.

Maria Lourdes Sereno Appointed As New Chief Justice

Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno

Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has been appointed by President Benigno Aquino III as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

"The President is confident that Chief Justice Sereno will lead the judiciary in undertaking much-needed reforms." Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. "We believe the Judicial Branch of government has a historic opportunity to restore our people’s confidence in the judicial system."

Sereno, 52, is the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. She was appointed as Associate Justice to the court in August 2010, and was the youngest to be appointed to the court in this century.

Despite her family’s humble means, Justice Sereno’s parents were able to nurture in her a passion for learning and personal excellence during her formative years. Her father, a native of Siasi, Sulu, and her mother, a public school teacher, saved what little money they had to buy second-hand books that she would eagerly read. Her appetite for literature and reflection served her well during her primary schooling and enabled her to graduate with honors at the Kamuning Elementary School and Quezon City High School. She was then awarded generous scholarships by the government and several private institutions that allowed her to earn an Economics degree at the Ateneo de Manila University, and a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of the Philippines. 

Sereno graduated valedictorian from the UP College of Law in 1984. She worked as professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law for nearly 20 years. She likewise served as the Deputy Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and helped bring about the organizational plans for the Commission.

Sereno received in 1992 a De Witte Fellowship and a Ford-Rockefeller Scholarship to pursue her Masters of Laws at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Tony Farmer, High School Basketball Star, Collapses After Receiving Prison Sentence

Tony Farmer (Fox News)

Tony Farmer, an Ohio high school basketball star, collapsed in court Tuesday after hearing the judge's verdict regarding his case.

The 18-year-old Garfield Heights High School senior student is accused of kidnapping, assaulting and threatening his ex-girlfriend, Andrea Lane, last April after she didn't want to reconcile their relationship.

On Tuesday, Farmer was told by Judge Pamela Barker he has to serve three years in prison. While hearing his sentence, he fainted and remained on the floor briefly before being pulled to his feet by a sheriff's deputy.

In an odd twist, the victim, who was among the people in the gallery, was sobbing in reaction to the judge's decision.

The 6'7'' forward was ranked among the top 100 high school players in the country and was being recruited by several major colleges.

Watch the court video below courtesy of Fox News:

Face-kini, Face Mask Bathing Suit, Trends Among Beach-goers In China

Face-kini (Youtube)

Face-kini, a full head mask, is the latest fad being used by beach-goers in China to beat the sun's harmful rays.

The Face-kini, which completely covers the swimmers' heads, revealing only their eyes, noses, and mouths, is being preferred by many Chinese women who prefer a fair-skinned complexion over a suntan.

"It definitely has to do with the history of China, which is largely an agricultural society," Alina Zhao, a college student in the U.S. who grew up in Zhejiang, told NBC News. “Getting tanned means you work outside in the fields a lot, so skin color is like an indicator of your social status. The fairer you are, the wealthier or more respected you seem."

Some Face-kini users also don other protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants to cover every inch of their skin.

The clothing, which was invented about seven years ago, is now being mass produced and is being sold at swimwear stores along the beach. It costs 15 to 25 yuan ($2.4 to $4) each.

The Face-kini is also extremely effective at repelling insects and jellyfish.

Pit Bulls Attack Car In Bid To Get Hiding Kitten (Photo)

Pit Bulls Attack Car

Four pit bulls destroyed a minivan while trying to get to a kitten hiding in the engine compartment of the car.

The pit bulls flattened a tire and left numerous scratches across the front bumper of the vehicle due to the attack.

After changing the tire on Monday, the minivan's owner, who also owns the dogs, drove 25 miles to work in Palm Springs before discovering the 7-week-old kitten, which had moved into a hollow part of the front bumper.

The kitten was rescued by a Palm Springs animal control officer, who spent 40 minutes trying to remove the bumper.

The resilient kitten, dubbed Fender Lynx, will go up for pre-adoption this Saturday.

Teen Sues Burger King After She Was Fired For Wearing Skirt Instead Of Pants

Teen Sues Burger King

A Texas teen filed a lawsuit against Burger King as she was purportedly fired on her first day of work because of her religion.

Ashanti McShan was 17 years old when she applied as cashier at the Grand Prairie, Texas Burger King in August 2010, as stated on the suit filed on her behalf this week by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

McShan, a member of the Pentecostal Church, informed the Burger King branch that she would need to wear a skirt instead of the uniform pants as her religious beliefs forbid women to wear men's clothing. The employee she spoke to during the interview "assured her that she could wear a skirt to work."

However, as she arrived at orientation, she was told by store management that her skirt was an unacceptable alternative and subsequently sent home. McShan’s calls to higher management went unreturned and she was never asked to return to work.

Such alleged conduct is in violation of the Title VII of the American Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits religious discrimination in the workplace. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. The EEOC seeks back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and injunctive relief to ensure that no further discrimination takes place.

"Accommodating Ms. McShan’s religious beliefs would have been simple and cost the company nothing," said EEOC Trial Attorney Meaghan Shepard. "Management’s failure to comply with federal law deprived this teenage girl of the opportunity to work during her senior year of high school."

Regional Attorney Robert A. Canino of the EEOC’s Dallas District Office added, "We haven’t come far enough in our respect of religious liberties at the workplace if we have employers saying that uniform policies trump a religious observance without articulation of any hardship posed by letting an employee ‘hold the pickles’ and ‘hold the lettuce’ while wearing a skirt."

In fiscal year 2011, more than 4,000 charges of religious discrimination were filed with the EEOC.

$1.7 Billion Parking Meter Suit Filed By California Woman

A California woman filed a $1.7 billion parking suit against the city of Santa Monica, Calif.,

Denise Barton is claiming she is suffering health complications from "smart" parking meters around the city.

"In April, they started turning on the new smart meters downtown and I started getting sick," Barton told ABC News. "I figured that’s the value of my life and health considering how much I had to go through as a child,"

Barton said the radiation from the wireless signals emanating from the meters is causing ringing in her ears, ear infections and tightness on the back, left side of her neck.

A city spokesperson said, "The meters use basic wireless technology that is commonly available and utilized in WiFi and cellular communications."

The meters use a cell phone network to communicate for 2 to 4 seconds when a sensor detects a vehicle or when a sensor detects a vehicle leaving, according the the ABC report.

Santa Monica's liability adjuster has reportedly launched an investigation into the merits of the lawsuit. Pending an investigation, the $1.7 billion suit may result in either a payout or a rejection of the claim.

'X Factor Philippines' August 19, 2012: Another Contestant Sent Home

"The X Factor Philippines" aired its third results show on Sunday, August 19, 2012, live from the PAGCOR Grand Theater in Paranaque City.

"Pinoy Dream Academy" champion Yeng Constantino, "Pilipinas Got Talent" winner Jovit Baldivino, and the remaining 10 contestants opened the show with a performance dedicated to judge Pilita Corales, who will be celebrating her 73rd birthday on Wednesday.

After the commercial break, the Top 10 finalists were with their mentors on stage and waited for host KC Concepcion to tell them their fate. KC then announced the following as safe: Take Off, KZ Tandingan, Modesto Taran, Jeric Medina, Gabriel Maturan, Joan Da, Kedebon Colim, and Allen Jane Sta. Maria. That left us with the two groups under judge Gary Valeciano and two of the best performers last night, A.K.A. Jam and Daddy's Home, in the bottom two.

During their showdown, Daddy's Home performed Rey Valera's "Maging Sino Ka Man" while A.K.A. showcased their soulful rendition of Brandy's "Missing You."

When it was time for the judges to vote for the act they want to send home, they were divided again. Judges Charice and Martin Nievera chose Daddy's Home while judges Pilita and Gary V. said A.K.A. Jam should go home, leaving the decision to the text votes which revealed A.K.A Jam as the lowest vote-getter.

"X Factor Philippines" returns next weekend for another performance and elimination episodes.

Miss World 2012 Winner To Be Crowned Tonight (Results)

Miss World 2012 Winner

The coronation night of the 2012 Miss World will be held tonight, August 18, 2012, at the Dongsheng Fitness Center Stadium in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China. Miss World 2011 winner Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela will crown her successor at the end of the event.

There are 116 candidates vying for the coveted title this year, marking the biggest turnout in the pageant's history.

For nearly a month now, the contestants have been rehearsing for the big night and competing in several challenge events.

The first Miss World winner was Kiki Hakansson of Sweden, while Hollywood actress Halle Berry was a finalist in 1986 and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai took the crown in 1994.

Venezuela has produced the most number of Miss World title holders, 6, while India and Great Britain claim five titles each.

Check out the results of the 2012 Miss World below:

MISS WORLD 2012 WINNER: Miss China PR FIRST RUNNER-UP: Miss Wales SECOND RUNNER-UP: Miss Australia TOP 7 FINALISTS Miss Jamaica Miss South Sudan Miss India Miss Australia Miss Brazil Miss China PR Miss Wales TOP 15 SEMI-FINALISTS: Miss South Sudan Miss India Miss Mexico Miss Australia Miss Jamaica

Miss China PR Miss Wales Miss England Miss Brazil Miss Spain Miss Philippines Miss United States Miss Netherlands Miss Indonesia Miss Kenya FAST TRACK WINNERS: Miss World Top Model: Miss South Sudan Miss World  Beach Fashion: Miss Wales Multimedia Award: Miss India Miss World Sports Woman: Miss Sweden Beauty with a Purpose: Miss India Miss World Talent: Miss China World Fashion Designer Award: Miss Philippines

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo's Plane Crashes Off Masbate

Jesse Robredo Plane Crash:

A private plane carrying DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo reportedly crashed in the sea off Masbate City Saturday afternoon, said radio and television reports.

"At the present time, search and rescue operations are ongoing for the aircraft carrying Secretary of the Interior Jesse Robredo, an aide, and the pilot of the plane," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. "The aircraft was off the coast of Masbate when contact was lost earlier today. We will be updating the public as details are confirmed: speculation is not useful at this point."

The story is still developing and there are no other information available as of posting time.

Update: According to People's Television (PTV), Secretary Robredo was with two pilots and aide named Jun Abrazado. Abrazado has been found alive.

Rescuers are still searching for the pilots and Secretary Robredo.

PTV reported that Sec. Robredo was on board a Cessna 172. It added that one of the pilots sent a distress call to Masbate Airport at around 5pm requesting for an emergency landing. The plane did not make it to the airport as it crashed 3 kilometers from the airport in Masbate Bay.

Below are more updates from PTV:

7:43 p.m. - Masbate Gov. Lanete reported that rescue ops for Sec. Robredo temporarily halted due to visibility, "too dark to continue"

7:46 p.m. - Visual search will continue despite diving rescue temporarily halted

9:01 p.m. - JMRobredo 9pm Update. Recd &accepted offer of help via US Naval Attache Capt Jack Sutherland - USG has a Fleet Survey team presently at Site

9:02 p.m - Site is 200m from shoreline. Surface SaR ongoing. Also Diving search resumed using compressors. They have obtained compressors fm the area..

Children Dying In Hot Cars: 8 Deaths Reported In 1 Week

Children Dying In Hot Cars

During the first week of August, eight children in the United States reportedly died after being left by their caregivers inside hot cars.

According to statistics, there have been more than 550 of such incident across America since 1998. Twenty-three of which occurred this year.

Children died from hyperthermia after being in hot cars, trucks, vans and SUV's. More than half of these reported heat stroke deaths occurred when a distracted caregiver forgot their child was in the car or truck. Other fatalities happened when a child was playing in an unattended vehicle and became trapped or when a child was intentionally left unattended by an adult "for just a few minutes."

Here are safety tips from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to prevent hyperthermia:

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open or with the engine running and the air conditioning on.
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
• If you are bringing your child to daycare, and normally it's your spouse or partner who brings them, have your spouse or partner call you to make sure everything went according to plan.
• Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare. Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as:
  • Writing yourself a note and putting the note where you will see it when you leave the vehicle;
  • Placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle; or
  • Keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.
• Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of children's reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle first, including the trunk.
• If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Warning signs may include: red, hot, and moist or dry skin, no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea or acting strangely. Cool the child rapidly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Texas Quintuplets Born In Less Than 5 Minutes, Hospital Says

Texas Quintuplets:

A rare set of quintuplets were delivered in less than 5 minutes in Texas, a Dallas hospital said Monday.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center stated the quintuplets, three boys and two girls, are in stable condition in St. Paul University Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where they will remain for the next several months until they reach weight, post-birth age, and health markers.

Born at 27 weeks and five days, on August 9th, Will Edward, David Stephen, Marcie Jane, Seth Jared, and Grace Elise weigh between 1 pound, 12 ounces to 2 pounds, 11 ounces.

“We praise God for His mercy and love in bringing these five new lives into ours,” said the parents of the quintuplets, Carried and Gavin Jones, who are Christian missionaries. “The whole delivery went flawlessly from beginning to end. The doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, respiratory therapists, and everyone else on the UT Southwestern team were amazing.”

Carrie and Gavin, 35, also have an 8-year-old son named Isaac.

“For all the anxiety that a quintuplet pregnancy generates, Carrie and Gavin are the perfect couple to have held it together,” said Dr. Santiago-Munoz, who had helped with the delivery of two sets of quintuplets before coming to UT Southwestern. “A birth like this takes a village.”

The rare quintuplet births are the first delivered at St. Paul Hospital and the third quintuplet delivery by specialists in the Ob/Gyn Department at UT Southwestern.

On average, only about 12 sets of quintuplets are born each year in the United States. In 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 16 sets of quintuplets. - Via the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Photo credit: Mr. and Mrs. Carried and Gavin Jones

August 20, 2012 Holiday Declared By Malacañan

August 20, 2012 Holiday Declared

August 20, 2012 will be a regular holiday in observance of a Muslim holiday which marks the end Ramadan, the Eid'l Fitr.

Malacañan released Proclamation No. 455, s. 2012 declaring the date as a regular holiday throughout the country.

"Whereas, to promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr; and wheares, in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Monday, 20 August 2012, as a regular holiday throughout the country," reads the proclamation which was signed by President Benigno S. Aguino III.

A "4-day weekend" awaits Noypis this week since August 20 falls on a Monday and August 21 will also be a special non-working holiday ("Ninoy Aquino Day").

2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony Gathers Britain's Biggest Stars

2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony (Photo: SM)

The 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony gathered Britain’s biggest international stars and emerging talent to celebrate the achievements of the world’s greatest athletes during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

A galaxy of world-famous musicians and fashion icons performed at the spectacular ceremony including The Who, The Spice Girls, Take That, Tinie Tempah, George Michael, Fatboy Slim, Madness, Jessie J, Annie Lennox, Kaiser Chiefs, Taio Cruz, Beady Eye with lead vocalist Liam Gallagher, Ray Davies, Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, Pet Shop Boys, One Direction, Muse, Elbow, Emeli Sandé, Eric Idle, Julian Lloyd Webber, Ed Sheeran, Richard Jones, Mike Rutherford and Nick Mason.

Singers Jessie J, Taio Cruz and Tinie Tempah emerged from three limousines to sing their numbers. The Spice Girls entered the Stadium in five black cabs for renditions of ‘Spice Up Your Life’ and 'Wannabe’, and Russell Brand performed ‘Pure Imagination’ and ‘I Am the Walrus’ atop a psychedelic bus.

Eric Idle led a singalong of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," from the film Monty Python’s "Life of Brian," the Kaiser Chiefs covered The Who’s "Pinball Wizard" and The Who led a triumphant rendition of "My Generation" to close the show.

A tribute to British fashion was soundtracked to songs by David Bowie and featured appearances from supermodels Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Lily Donaldson, Stella Tennant, Karen Elson, Lily Cole, Georgia May Jagger, Jourdan Dunn and David Gandy. 

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge, declared the Games of the 30th Olympiad closed just before midnight: 'We will never forget the smiles, the kindness and the support of the wonderful volunteers, the much-needed heroes of these Games.

The grand finale of the Games saw the Olympic Flame extinguished in a spectacular sequence.
Each participating team will receive one of the Olympic Cauldron's petals to take home with them.

The closing ceremony, which was directed by Kim Gavin, also looked forward to the next summer Olympic Games in 2016, as the Olympic Flag was handed over to the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes.

A volunteer cast of 3,500 rehearsed on average for 60 hours each in a total of 135 rehearsals during evenings and weekends at two east London rehearsal sites. Some 350 child volunteers were drawn from 10 schools in the six east London Host Boroughs.  - Via London2012.com

Perseid Meteor Shower August 2012: Upto '100 Meteors An Hour' To Dazzle Skywatchers

Perseid Meteor Shower August 2012

The annual Perseid meteor shower will fill pre-dawn skies with hundreds of shooting stars from August 11-13, 2012, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said.

"We expect to see meteor rates as high as a hundred per hour," says Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office.  "The Perseids always put on a good show."

NASA said that the Peseid meteor shower can be seen any time after 11 p.m. but the best time to look is during the dark hours immediately before dawn. It further said that the brightest planets in the solar system are also lining up right in the middle of the display.

"Jupiter, Venus, and the crescent Moon are gathering together just as the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak." NASA wrote. "The alignment occurs in the eastern sky before sunrise on the three mornings of highest meteor activity."

Cooke also said NASA has developed "Meteor Counter," a free app for Android and iPhones to help amateur sky watchers count meteors in a scientific way and report the results to it.

Check out this NASA video describing the August 2012 Perseid Meteor Shower:

Suspension Of Classes August 13, 2012

Suspension of Classes Advisories For August 13, 2012:

Most of classes in NCR and other areas affected by flooding last week will resume on Monday, August 13, 2012 except in the following schools where classes will remain suspended:

Pasig Catholic College Kalawaan Elementary School Pasig City Science High School Schools in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig Marikina City - Public Preschool to High School only Tipas ES Main - Preschool & Kinder only Tipas ES Annex Tipas National HS La Immaculada Concepcion in Pasig - Preschool to Grade 5 only

CP Tinga ES Papa HS Main and Annex Ususan ES Napindan ES Benigno Aquino ES in Quezon City Dampalit ES in Malabon Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina National Teacher's College - Preschool only Hagonoy, Bulacan - Kinder to HS both public and private

Mummy Had Lung Infection At Time Of Death, Novel Method Reveals

Mummy Lung Infection

Scientists discovered that an ancient Incan mummy suffered from a bacterial lung infection at the time of its death, as revealed by a novel proteomics method that shows evidence of an active pathogenic infection in an ancient sample for the first time.

The lung infection was identified after swabbing the lips of a 500-year-old frozen mummy of a 15-year old girl, called "The Maiden."

The scientists then used proteomics, which focuses on protein rather than DNA remains, to profile immune system response from degraded samples. They found that the protein profile from the mummy was similar to that of chronic respiratory infection patients.

DNA analysis also revealed the presence of probably pathogenic bacteria in the genus Mycobacterium, responsible for upper respiratory tract infections and tuberculosis.

"Pathogen detection in ancient tissues isn't new, but until now it's been impossible to say whether the infectious agent was latent or active," said lead researcher Angelique Corthals of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York. "Our technique opens a new door to solving some of history's biggest mysteries, such as the reasons why the flu of 1918 was so devastating. It will also enhance our understanding of our future's greatest threats, such as the emergence of new infectious agents or re-emergence of known infectious diseases."

The study was recently published in the open access journal PLoS ONE.

"Our study is the first of its kind since rather than looking for the pathogen, which is notoriously difficult to do in historical samples, we are looking at the immune system protein profile of the "patient", which more accurately tells us that there was indeed an infection at the time of death." or "Our study opens the door to solving many historical and current biomedical and forensic mysteries, from understanding why the plague of 1918 was so lethal, to finding out which pathogen is responsible for death in cases of multiple infections," Corthals said.

GE Dishwasher Recall 2012: 1.3 Million Units Recalled Due To Fire Hazard

GE Dishwasher Recall 2012

GE has announced a voluntary recall of 1.3 million dishwasher units due to fire hazard.

"GE has determined that an electrical failure in the dishwasher’s heating element can pose a fire hazard," the company wrote on its website. "GE will provide a free repair to all consumers with units affected by the recall."

The recalled dishwashers include Hotpoint®, GE® and GE Profile™, GE Eterna™ and GE Adora™ plastic tub dishwashers, manufactured between March 2006 through July 2006, and November 2006 through April 2008. These dishwashers are plastic tub dishwashers with front controls. They were sold in black, white, bisque, stainless steel and CleanSteel™ exterior colors and finishes.

Model number of units begins with GLC4, GLD4, GLD5, GLD6, GSD61, GSD62, GSD63, GSD66, GSD67, GSD69, GLDL, PDW7, PDWF7, EDW4, EDW5, EDW6, GHD4, GHD5, GHD6, GHDA4, GHDA6 and their serial number starts with FL, GL, HL, LL, ML, VL, ZL, AM, DM, FM, GM, HM, LM, MM, RM, SM, TM, VM, ZM, AR, DR, FR, GR. Recalled Hotpoint machines have model numbers starting with HLD4.

"We ask that you not use your dishwasher until it is repaired and to disconnect the electric supply by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker controlling it and inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of fire," the company said.

It added: "Consumers who instead wish to replace their dishwasher with a new model can use a GE rebate of $75 for the purchase of a new GE front-control plastic tub dishwasher or a GE rebate of $100 for the purchase of a new GE front-control stainless tub dishwasher or GE Profile top control dishwasher."

According to GE, they have received 15 reports of dishwasher heating element failures, seven of which resulted in fire and smoke damage beyond the unit. No injuries have been reported, it said.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which will also monitor the effectiveness of the recall program.

For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (866) 918-8760 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Fattest State In America Is Mississippi, CDC Says

Fattest State In America

Mississippi is the fattest state in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

CDC said that the prevalence of adult obesity in Mississippi was 34.9 percent during the past year, the nation's highest.

Apart from Mississippi, 11 other states had an obesity rate of 30 percent or more. They are Louisiana (33.4%), West Virginia (32.4%),  Alabama (32.0%),  Michigan (31.3%), Oklahoma (31.1%), Arkansas (30.9%), Indiana (30.8%), South Carolina (30.8%), Kentucky (30.4%), Texas (30.4%), and Missouri (30.3%).

Colorado is the slimmest state, with 20.7 percent of its residents falling into the obese category.

CDC added that the South had the highest prevalence of adult obesity (29.5 percent), followed by the Midwest (29 percent), the Northeast (25.3 percent) and the West (24.3 percent).

In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight.

Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death.