The Daily Flash -Eco, Space, Tech (7/2)

Salamander Discovery Could Lead to Human Limb Regeneration

By tracking individual cells in genetically modified salamanders, researchers have found an unexpected explanation for their seemingly magical ability to regrow lost limbs. Rather than having their cellular clocks fully reset and reverting to an embryonic state, cells in the salamanders’ stumps became slightly less mature versions of the cells they’d been before. The findings could inspire research into human tissue regeneration.

The Great American Bubble Machine

In the opening paragraph of The Great American Bubble Machine, Rolling Stone reporter Matt Taibbi writes: "The first thing you need to know about Goldman Sachs is that it's everywhere. The world's most powerful investment bank is a great vampire squid wrapped around the face of humanity, relentlessly jamming its blood funnel into anything that smells like money. In fact, the history of the recent financial crisis, which doubles as a history of the rapid decline and fall of the suddenly swindled-dry American empire, reads like a Who's Who of Goldman Sachs graduates.

Disorderly Genius-How Chaos Drives the Brain

In reality, your brain operates on the edge of chaos. Though much of the time it runs in an orderly and stable way, every now and again it suddenly and unpredictably lurches into a blizzard of noise. Neuroscientists have long suspected as much. Only recently, however, have they come up with proof that brains work this way. Now they are trying to work out why. Some believe that near-chaotic states may be crucial to memory, and could explain why some people are smarter than others.

India Will Reject Curbs on Its CO2 Emissions

India will not accept limits on its greenhouse gas emissions at climate talks later this year and instead will focus on economic growth and lifting its people out of poverty, according to Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh. He said that a legally binding emissions target would endanger India’s food security and transport, adding, “India cannot and will not take emission reduction targets because poverty eradication and social and economic development are first and overriding priorities.” India has low per capita greenhouse gas emissions, but its population of 1 billion and the country’s rapid economic development now make it the world’s fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

The Comfort Respirator

This respirator mask design by Elijah Stillson is meant to have comfort AND function, ensuring that when a biological attack does hit, you won't even notice that you're wearing a mask. You will notice the dead bodies, however.

Does Iran’s Green Movement Need U.S. Aid?

Iran’s clerical regime has forcefully reasserted its power, and the authorities in Tehran are now trying to sweep recent election protests under the carpet. The streets are now quiet, and Iran’s top cop says that many of those arrested in the recent crackdown now face prosecution in Tehran’s public and revolutionary courts.

Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics: Nokia is Tops, Nintendo Flops

Greenpeace's 12th edition of the quarterly Guide to Greener Electronics shows Nokia keeping its top spot for its polyvinyl chloride-free phones and voluntary cell phone takeback program, while Nintendo remains in last place for its ever-increasing greenhouse gas emissions and PVC-filled products.

Ocean researchers developing robotic laser network to map the seabed