Renewable energy – the way forward for the future
Renewable energy is becoming more and more of a necessity as the reality of fossil fuel exhaustion grows increasingly apparent. New technology has made sustainable power sources such as sunlight, wind and tidal forces seem like a viable and alternative to conventional, heavy carbon-emitting fossil fuel power stations.
While there is still a long way to go before renewable energy becomes the norm rather than the exception, important moves are being made to establish large-scale sustainable power projects that are both environmentally and economically sound. Wind farms are an increasingly common sight in many areas of the UK, and tidal power generation is also being planned around the coast. The future looks bright for sustainable energy.
Categories: Energy Tags: power generation, renewable energy, sustainable power sources
How to get rid of bed bugs
It can be surprisingly difficult to get rid of bed bugs. They are tenacious little creatures, and, while they are not known to spread diseases to humans, they can cause a significant degree of irritation, and just the thought that your house is infested with them is not exactly comforting.
The best way to deal with them is to contact a professional pest control company, who will use a combination of residual surface spray, dust and ULV treatments to get rid of the little blighters once and for all.
Their small size and secretive nature means that they are often difficult to spot, but if you think you may have a problem, you should get it dealt with as soon as possible.
Categories: Health Tags: bed bug infestation, get rid of bed bugs, insect eradication
Climate change affecting birds
Scientists have recently stated that climate change has already showed signs of greatly affecting the habits and habitats of many species of migratory birds.
Oceanic and Hawaiian birds are thought to be most at risk. Threats to migratory birds include habitat fragmentation, genetic isolation, invasive species and water scarcity – all of which are greatly exacerbated by climate change.
The behaviour patterns of birds have always been a good barometer of the state of the environment, and some of the anomalous behaviour that scientists have seen in recent years are a clear pointer to the fact that climate change is really starting to affect their habitats.
Categories: Environment Tags: animal protection, birds, climate change
HIV transmission – protect yourself from infection
Preventing HIV transmission is actually relatively simple providing that you remember a few simple facts about the disease. HIV is not a very resilient virus outside of the human body, so it’s really only the transmission of bodily fluids that carry any real threat of infection.
The main mechanism of infection with HIV is through sexual contact with an infected person. To eliminate this risk, protection – such as condoms and dental dams – should be used when engaging in sexual acts with anyone whose HIV status is unknown to you.
Sharing needles with an infected person also carries a high risk of infection, so intravenous drug users should always use clean needles and discard them after a single use.
Categories: Medicine Tags: hiv transmission, sexual health, sti prevention
More and more makeup artists choose mineral makeup
In the fashion and show business industries, a new type of makeup has recently been gaining in popularity on the catwalk and the red carpets. Mineral makeup is a relative newcomer to the makeup world, but it’s fast gaining a loyal following amongst professional makeup artists thanks to its warm, natural look.
Mineral makeup is far lighter than conventional, chemical-based applications, which means that it’s easy to apply and remove, and is kinder to your skin as well. Many professional makeup artists now use nothing else but mineral-based products in their work, as they prefer its superior look and feel to traditional makeup.
Categories: At Home Tags: makeup artists, mineral makeup, style
Scientists find junk food addiction in mice
The Scripps Research Institute has recently published a study which shows that some mice respond to junk food – food that is high in calorific value – by producing chemicals similar to those found in people who take cocaine and nicotine.
The study found that laboratory mice could be turned into compulsive eaters through eating too much junk food. The high-calorie diet also caused a decreased level of a particular dopamine receptor in the mice, the same decrease that is found in human drug addicts.
Researcher Paul Kelly stated: “Obesity may be a form of compulsive eating. Other treatments in development for other forms of compulsion, for example drug addiction, may be very useful for the treatment of obesity.”
Categories: Health Tags: food addiction, mice, obesity
New rechargeable batteries stay charged for longer
Battery technology is advancing all the time, and there has now been a new type of rechargeable battery introduced to the market that is able to stay charged for much longer than its rivals.
Although rechargeable batteries are highly cost-effective and cut down on a lot of needless waste, they have always suffered from one major drawback, in that they do not retain their charge for extended periods of time.
When left uncharged, most rechargeable batteries will drain their power supply until eventually they can no longer be used. These new batteries have an extended shelf life of up to a year at 80% charge.
Categories: Energy Tags: New Technology, rechargeable batteries, stay charged
Syphilis test – simple and effective
The modern syphilis test bears no resemblance to past tests and treatment that were often invasive, embarrassing and largely ineffective.
Today’s tests can be carried out with the minimum of fuss, and the result will be known very quickly indeed. Treatment has also improved in leaps and bounds, with the disease now relatively easy to eradicate.
The best way to get tested for syphilis is by visiting one of the UK’s many GUM clinics. These are operated on a wholly confidential basis, and are designed to put patients at their ease and provide comprehensive, free STI testing and treatment. The services they provide are essential in controlling the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and their staff are trained professionals who specialise in STI treatment.
Categories: Health Tags: gum clinic, sti testing, syphilis test
Broken laptop adapter – the straw that breaks the camel’s back
I broke my laptop adapter last week, and it really is the final straw. While you can buy new adapters online, I’ve had nothing but problems with my laptop since I bought it, so I think I’m going to ditch it and buy myself a brand spanking new netbook.
All I really use my laptop for is surfing the web and using word processing software, so I don’t really need a high-spec machine at all. Plus the added portability of the machine would be very handy – my laptop won’t fit in my backpack, so I have to carry it round in its own special bag, which looks a bit silly.
Categories: Ramblings Tags: laptop adapter, mobile computing, netbook
Scottish tweeds – combining craftsmanship with style
Scottish tweeds are seeing something of a resurgence in style in recent times, thanks largely to Matt Smith, the new Doctor Who, and his penchant for the timeless textile.
Scottish tweed has always been popular since it was first developed in the early part of the 19th century. Commonly associated with the landed gentry, tweed has a long and illustrious history throughout which it has never gone out of fashion.
The new Doctor’s preference for tweed has brought the textile to a whole new generation, and it is sure to go from strength to strength as a result. A new chapter is about to be written in the history of this unique material.
Categories: Clothing Tags: doctor who, scottish textiles, tweeds
