The latest research indicates certain amino acids and nucleobases—the building blocks of our genetic material—reach the Earth on meteorites in greater diversity and quantity than previously thought. Amino acids are used to make proteins, the workhorse molecules of life. Proteins are used in everything from structures such as hair to enzymes, which are the catalysts that speed up or regulate chemical reactions.          more »

Econontersect:  Economist Mark Perry (Carpe Diem) pointed out last week that the New York Fed inflation risk gauge is stuck on zero.  This is a metric which uses the slope of the yield curve (from the 3-month rate out to the 10-year rate) to determine the probability of recession within the next twelve months. more »

By Sanjeev KulkarniEconintersect: Located 80 kilometers north of Pune India, the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) is one of the world's largest array of Radio Telescope antennae. Now Australia plans to build an even larger array telescope, which… more »

On July 13, 2011 Aquamarine Power announced the completion of the next generation machine, Oyster 800, which will generate electricity powered by ocean wave action. The device uses wave motion power to pump water at high pressure into an on-shore hydro-powered turbine, of the same type used to generate electricity from water and gravity with water reservoirs stored behind dams. more »

In the fall of last year most credit card companies refused to process any more payments for Wikileaks or its payment provider, DataCell. Forbes has obtained a copy of a document prepared to file a complaint by DataCell to the European Commission that charges the actions by Visa, Mastercard and others violates the EU Treaty. more »