Fountain of Youth

Researchers have uncovered a human gene that might lengthen life-span but at an increased risk of cancer. This gene switches off stem cells as a person ages and is also known for its critical role in suppressing tumors. It makes a choice between the generation of new cells and the risk of death from cancer, and to reduce this risk, it gradually reduces the ability of the stem cells to divide. This finding indicates that many of the diseases common in old age are due to the cells being shut down in an active manner and are not just a passive method as was assumed earlier. The gene involved is named “p16-Ink4a” and produces two proteins that decide whether a cell must be allowed to divide. Researchers assume that increasing amounts of this Ink4 gene will cause cells to never divide again. The idea is that it will prevent damaged stem cells from developing into tumors. People looking to achieve longevity, though, will have to find a method to prevent the cancer that might come along.

Race to the stars

NASA recently awarded a multi-billion dollar contract to Lockheed Martin — that of building the next generation spaceship capable of human flight. Named “Orion,” it will replace the current space shuttles and hopes to carry human astronauts to the moon, Mars and beyond. This was a major setback for a joint venture between Boeing and Northrup Grumman, who not only built the existing space shuttles but also the Apollo vehicles in the 60s and 70s that were responsible for taking humans to the moon. The main reason why Lockheed Martin won this contract was due to the fact that their design relies on current materials and technology a lot more than the design submitted by the Boeing group. Apparently, the plan consists of space capsules with emergency escape towers and are much larger than the Apollo designs. This is an immediate priority for NASA as the shuttle fleet is to be retired in 2010 and the Orion craft is supposed to be ready and deployed by 2014.

Sweating for music

Apple recently admitted that workers in an iPod factory in China have worked more than 60 hours a week a third of the time. Apparently, they also worked six consecutive days 25% of the time. Apple found these hours “excessive,” and stated that they would now be enforcing “normal” 60-hour weeks. Apple did of course state that they found no evidence of “enforced labor” or child workers in the plants. Leading international trade unions have criticized this report, as they have not been independently verified. Apple employees were also less forthcoming about the hourly wages paid to these workers. The report also indicated that the workers “work in factories that are well-lit, clean, air-conditioned and are provided with adequate protective gear.”