The light-harvesting states of photosynthesis are highly efficient in many species, and happen extremely fast |

Inspired by nature | Through billions of years of evolution, life on Earth has found intricate solutions to many of the problems scientists are currently grappling with. Physicists at the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory are trying to unravel nature's secrets to develop new energy-generating technologies for a more sustainable future. "The light-harvesting states of photosynthesis are highly efficient in many species, and happen extremely fast – within a nanosecond, if not picoseconds," said Chin. "We're very interested in that efficiency and how it's managed. Biology has evolved phenomenally subtle systems to funnel light energy around and channel it to the right places. It has also become incredibly good at building tiny devices that work with high efficiency, and at replicating them millions of times." Read More:

How algae may one day cure parkinson’s disease |

Ever see a green film form on a still pond? It happens because alga needs sunlight to complete the photosynthesis cycle, the process it uses to convert carbon dioxide and water into the sugar it "eats." It’s that drive to seek the light that makes Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a single-celled alga, a brain research superstar and the core of optogenetics technology--which uses light-sensitive proteins to study how neurons employ electrochemical signals to produce memories, thoughts, and behaviors. It is helping scientists research brain diseases and disorders such as Parkinson's, schizophrenia, depression, stroke, PTSD, addiction, some forms of blindness, and more:   Read More

It's Not Socialism .. Is It?

"It's been said that democracy is the worst form of government
except all the others that have been tried.” ~ Sir Winston Churchill 

Much the same can be said for capitalism, particularly the form of capitalism that has been practiced over the past 20 years.  However, the alternatives to capitalism have all been tried and all been found wanting -- some, like communism or socialism, catastrophically so.  So capitalism, with all its faults, is the only game in town. The task confronting the present generation of leaders is to improve on it, to build on its strengths and eradicate its weaknesses. The challenge is to hold on to the energy, enterprise and creativity that characterize capitalism at its best, while doing away with its destructive elements.
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If a picture is worth a thousand words..

you might say photographer Matt Hoyle's book of comedian portraits is worth thousands of laughs.

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You can buy the book on Amazon here.

"Comic Genius: Portraits Of Funny People" is Hoyle's epic new compendium featuring 200 pages of beautiful, 9 x 11 in. photos of comedians both legendary and of-the-moment. Hoyle worked closely with each of the comedians to capture their spirit with costumes, props and facial expressions unique to each one.

Even better, Hoyle will donate his net proceeds from the sale of the book to Save the Children.