Brains as Clear as Jell-O of Scientists to Explore

     Scientists at Stanford may have made the biggest scientific discovery of the decade. These scientists have created something which enables them to see into the deepest part of the brain with no damage and no long term side effects. This process called Clarity uses a liquid like substance called Hydrogel that penetrates the brain and connects to most of the molecules within. Clarity has made entire mice brains and a large portion of a human brains completely transparent. This new technique allows scientists to study the brain on the level of neurons to see how they travel and how they act. This technique is safer than previous techniques used and provides medical professionals a deep look into the inner workings of mental diseases such as autism, post traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. This program was designed as a stepping stone to the Obama administration's initiative to probe the secrets of the brain.

     This is an outstanding discovery. With these new developments scientists can help so many more people suffering from a number of debilitating mental illnesses. What's even better is that with the accuracy of the Clarity device, they can run numerous tests on the same patient with no ill side effects and no change in the clarity of the picture and cause no harm to the fragile biochemistry of the human brain. With the information gained from an infinite number of possible tests, the likelihood of scientists discovering ways to treat, cure, and possibly even prevent these diseases from childhood skyrockets drastically. I hope these tests get of the ground quick and they create a better life for numerous people.

Guard Rails Couldn't Hurt

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/man_slips_off_platform_hit_by_nj_Ynx5eGQN28MTRs2Uk7u2gI


     Early Sunday morning a man in New Jersey was hit by a transit train when he fell off the platform and landed on the tracks. The Red Bank, New Jersey transit system spokesperson, John D'Urso said the man simply slipped and fell down onto the track. The man, whose name has not been released was hit by North Jersey Coast Line Train number 7208. Thankfully he suffered only a broken leg. No passengers or crew members were injured during this incident. Our mystery man was brought to the hospital and is in stable condition.
     This story doesn't concern any of us (unless you're related to this man and if you are then I apologize.) But what is concerning about this article is the lack of safety measures on train platforms. Even though this was just an accident it could have been avoided with a fence as simplistic as ones found in petting zoos. If there was even just one bar dividing the edge of the platform from the area where people mill about waiting for their trains most if not all accidents like this could be avoided. Just imagine if instead of a busy New Jersey business man who slipped up this article was about a curious child who thought he saw a shiny quarter down on the tracks. Now you're hoping this article is short enough that you can get to the comics without crying. As far as I'm concerned there is only one completely safe train platform in the world, platform 9 and 3 quarters at king's crossing. a brick wall sure is tough to get through. But in conclusion even the most simplistic safety measures can help us avoid more of these accidents.

R.I.P. Chris Kyle

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/02/03/chris-kyle-navy-seal-dead/1887327/

     Chris Kyle was an American hero. He was a sniper for the Navy SEALs and served four tours of duty.  Chris Kyle and his friend were gunned down at a gun range near Fort Worth, Texas. Kyle and his friend Glen Rose were shot and killed Saturday by Eddie Ray Routh. Mr. Routh served in the military as well. At the time of the shooting Eddie was unemployed and could potentially have a mental illness. Routh used a semi automatic handgun and fled the scene shortly after he committed this terrible crime. He returned to his home in Fort Worth and was pursued by the police and then apprehended.

     This is despicable. Shooting down a national hero for no good reason? Eddie Routh is a piece of work! Now I've tried to stay out of all this gun control law mumbo-jumbo, but this act of incredibly stupid violence is the straw that broke the camel's back. This horrible crime is proof that we need gun control laws! I don't care if you're the most die hard NRA member out there, you cant't argue this. ANYONE can get a gun. Routh has a mental illness and was able to just waltz in and buy a firearm. Now these gun reforms don't need to be insane, but something needs to happen. My biggest concern is what i previously vocalized, there need to be more in-depth background checks. I don't want to walk into any gun store and just be able to ask for a gun. I hope you're all able to see my side.

Talking, Walking Objects

     http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/opinion/sunday/our-talking-walking-objects.html?ref=global-home      
Simon is going to be one of the best inventions of all time! He is a humanoid Robot being designed by the Georgia Institute of Technology. He is being used to help show how people and machine could work side by side and even as coworkers in the near future. Simon understands speech and uses hand signals and social skills as well as speech to respond appropriately. Although Simon is only being used as a research tool as of right now there are promising signs that there can be tools similar to him available on the open market in the future. This article also states how some technology in Simon is already found in everyday tools that we can't live without such as coffee makers. some interesting items they say may be possible in  the near future include lamps that would follow items that you move around on your desk, and even washing machines that will send you a text when the laundry is finished. These changes wont happen overnight, but when the time finally comes to have a fork that vibrates when your eating too fast, I'll be the first to buy one.
     Now this article may seem a bit pointless, but there are some interesting points that it brings up. First off, how cool would it be to someday share a cubicle with a robot? I'd love to have one! Also these inventions will help people with simple everyday tasks. But on a more serious note these creations could be a huge contribution to our society. Imagine the ease of mind adults might find knowing that their parents don't have to worry about remembering to take their medication or refilling their prescription when the pill bottles remind them and even send a message to the pharmacy. These robot helping hands will help in countless ways without interfering or harming anyone like is commonly portrayed in movies. Sure this may be the rise of the machines, but it definitely puts it in a better light.                      





                                                                                 

Asteroid Mines Want $20 Million

Asteroid mining firms aim to raise $20 million in funding. http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-asteroid-miners-20130122,0,5601691.story


     A group of private entrepreneurs is hoping to raise $20 million to launch private craft to study and mine on close to 9,000 asteroids close to earth. These asteroids are packed with rare earth metals that are used in everyday products on earth and could greatly increase industry if this enterprise goes off without a hitch. DeepSpace Industries, located in McLean Virginia, plans to launch three "fireflies" by 2015 to investigate and take photos of asteroids closest to earth. By 2016 they hope to launch three "dragonflies" that will mine and collect materials and bring them back to earth for analyzing. If these missions are successful, larger crafts will be built to actually tow some asteroids into earth's orbit to be mined even more extensively.

     At first glance this article seems like a load of bologna, who on earth would ever donate any amount of money for "asteroid mining"? It appears to be a pyramid scheme at its finest. But as you dive deeper into the story, it starts to make a bit more sense and not seem so absurd. Sure $20 million is quite a lofty sum, but within the first few years of actual mining and excavating this project could pay itself off. If I were a wealthy businessman I would throw in some money to get this enterprise off the ground (literally). But as I am just your everyday 15 year old high school student, me donating any bit of money is only a distant thought. I do hope this mission is successful and helps out the US' industry and economy.

About Myself

 My real name is John Mitchell Ursick. My confirmation name is St. Longinus who was a Roman Centurion who stabbed Jesus and then converted. I play football and I’m on the wrestling team. I have one sister who goes to the University of Missouri at Columbia. I have one dog named Fergie who is overweight. I like all types of music. I am very bad at art related things (drawing, painting, etc.) I enjoy watching all sports and I am currently learning how to play the banjo.