Genentech Inc.'s discovery of two new genes linked to lupus raised hopes of earlier diagnosis and better targeted treatment of the autoimmune disease, which affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans.

Genentech Finds Lupus-Linked Genes - WSJ.com

WOW - now *this* is what i want to see at PN - not just a tesla coli - but tesla coils AND crazy people - mixed together....serious fun (and science)!

Photos of Australian Tesla coil enthusiasts - Boing Boing

How is regulating our citizens more staunchly helping against terrorism?

/me starts to file paper work for updating her passport, which will now include an RFID chip:(

The Post-9/11 Driver's License - TIME

Scientists have identified a key mechanism necessary for bird flu to morph from a rare but deadly infection into a pandemic that could kill millions of people.

This is a very important find...with this kind of information, it may be possible to generate a preventative medication against pandemic flu.

Scientists Find Key to What Could Make Bird Flu a Human Pandemic

I am definitely checking back on christmas day just to ensure of its validity. Anyway - a bit of christmas fun:) I love how subtle it is...

And now....time for christmas antics...

Dehydration is one of the main concerns related to caffeine over consumption. Caffeine affects the kidneys by acting as a diuretic, which increases urine production and therefore increases loss of water from the body. Numerous studies have provided evidence linking this loss of fluid with high levels of caffeine consumption, often 600 milligrams or more per day. There is little indication of a diuretic effect for individuals who consume moderate amounts of caffeine, less than 300 milligrams, or 2-3 cups, of coffee per day. Also, there is some evidence that people who regularly consume larger amounts of caffeine have a higher tolerance to the diuretic effect.

Ok, so here is my final answer...apparently, it depends on how much you drink...back in the Pepsi days, you were probably drinking so much that you were unaffected by the diuretic effects of caffeine.:)

The effects of caffeine on hydration and bone loss

Well, here is me, playing devils advocate:) Although, to be fair, I found papers with evidence for both caffeine being a diuretic and caffeine not affecting hydration, so apparently, science is crap:)

Diuretic potential of energy drinks. [Amino Acids. 2006] - PubMed Result

Addictive game....it is possible to win though...just try try again.

Chat Noir - Flash game

ahem...gee...I wish a holiday was coming up in which people exchange gifts to show that they care. Because if there was, then I am positive that geeky chicks everywhere would want a set of these. Hint.

ThinkGeek :: Periodic Table Refrigerator Magnets

A $7.86 billion lawsuit was filed Wednesday in New York on behalf of nearly 400 Colombian families who say Chiquita Brands International should be held responsible for the "torture and murder" of their loved ones.

I had no idea bananas had a dark side like this.

Colombian families' suit says Chiquita liable for torture, murder - CNN.com