Human Embryonic Stem Cell Treatment Approved for Trials by FDA (Temporist)

In March of 2009, President Obama issued an executive order that lifted barriers on human stem cell research. One year has passed, and the FDA has just granted orphan drug designation to the a human embryonic stem cell derived therapy.

Read the full story on Temporist.

Creature Cast: Science with a side of cute

CreatureCast Episode 1 from Casey Dunn on Vimeo.

Creaturecast.org is one of my favorite blogs right now. This is first Creaturecast video podcast, which is worth watching just for the squid scientists (who appear around 00:53). But don't stop there! It only gets more interesting.

It's amazing what can be done with some quick and dirty animation, a little bit of music, and great content.

What an interesting device. I can think of plenty of practical applications, although setting your preferences for every type of item would be time-consuming. That could be a new market: selling custom sixth sense presets that would weigh the values of each individual user. On the other hand, I can also think of plenty of ways that this technology could be used that are of questionable legality. But maybe I've just been watching too much sci-fi.

Brain-Machine Interface Technology, now with cute humanoid robots

Came across this posted on io9.com; Honda is testing new technology that allows humans to control machines using thoughts alone.

...and I have to say: NO, it would not be convenient for the climate control system to adjust itself based on my thoughts! Just because I'm warm, that doesn't mean that I want to use more energy and spend more money! I don't want my every impulse to be manifested in reality. I want to make the decisions.

But I do want one of those helmet/cute robot setups.

"How does something come out of nothing?"

Echoes from the Beginning from World Science Festival on Vimeo.

Scientists and journalists discuss the Big Bang and time at the '08 World Science Festival. There are more videos available on their website; the clips are all short, fascinating excerpts from panel discussions.

The 2009 World Science Festival hits NYC June 10, and concludes on June 14. I didn't make it to any events last year, but it's on my to-do list for this summer.