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30/03/11

Eco-warriors: U.S. Air Force Tests New biofuel

In the U.S., recently, a new biofuel has been tested to determine its suitability for use in fighter aircraft. An F-22 Raptor used during a test flight from the U.S. air base Edwards, a blend of conventional jet fuel and camelina 50:50. This English "Camelina is called cruciferous plant thrives in poor soils without water or nitrogen and is insensitive to cold and drought.

CO2 emissions from fuels are biofuels Camelina, according to Sustainable oils decreased by 75% that of conventional jet fuel. That would have life-cycle analysis of the art at the University of Michigan said.As is clear from the "Edwards Air Force Base News, graduated in combat maneuvers, including a " Super Cruise "at 12,000 meters at a speed of 1.5 Mach. As Super Cruise is the ability of an aircraft to fly without afterburning faster than the sound permanently. According to Jeff Brown, director of the Alternative Fuels Division Certification of Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the test is a milestone in the achievement of the requirements of the Air Force for 2016. Then by order of President Barack Obama alternative fuels cover 50% of domestic demand for fuel for military aircraft.

The company, based in Bozeman, Montana, said it has delivered some 2,200 gallons of Camelina-based biofuels in the U.S. Army (Air Force, Navy and Army). "engine based on the false flax are among the fuels aviation testing, " says Scott Johnson.


According to the managing director of Sustainable Oils Camelina has been tested at the military air traffic as well as civil aviation. Johnson makes a point that Camelina does not compete with food production, but even they admit. The plant can cope well in rotation with wheat grown in rainfed areas. Given the high content of protein and omega-3 fatty acids are the residues from the extraction of oil seeds, approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as food for livestock and poultry.


Other benefits of camelina is that the plant would be quite readily available in large enough quantities for the production of aviation fuel. The plant also grows well in northern U.S. states. It is the quality of soil and climate does not apply to areas for growing food or fodder. Because Camelina is also much more resistant to cold than conventional biodiesel offers camelina feed especially for use in fighter aircraft.
Source: www.co2-handel.de - Thanks for making the parts available for this article!

Rescue even in bad weather: Rega pilots to practice night landings with satellite navigation

Berne - The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) has given the Air Rescue (Rega) the green light for second phase of test flights by helicopter to University Hospital in Bern. The new flights will take place at night. Rega want for helicopter flights with patients in the hospital on the island to introduce a new method that allows even in fog or low clouds landings and takeoffs. 

Today, this movement entirely by sight and therefore can be done only in good weather conditions. The new method is based on satellite navigation. It allows pilots, methods of hospital on the island to a defined point in space based on satellite data performed and then make only the last part of the approach and landing in sight.
Last October, the FOCA Rega grants approval for test flights with satellite navigation during the day and weather conditions had been published. This requirement is for the drivers, even with a navigation system failure, a continuation of flight safety permitted.

After these flight tests are successful, the FOCA has the platform of pale green for the proposed second phase. Allowed new pilots in satellite navigation and flying at night. This is especially clear if the important features and landmarks can be seen in the terrain and obstacles at night by pilots. This second phase is limited to late June 2011. If all goes as planned, the Rega, the new method is expected to soon apply in normal operation. The method of the platform is part of a foot under the direction of the FOCA national program to promote satellite-based approaches, Switzerland.

Environmentally friendly technologies "made in Switzerland" are international leaders

Dübendorf, St. Gallen and Thun - environmentally friendly technologies are playing for Economic Research and Switzerland an increasingly important role. A new study shows that a significant proportion of investment between sectors, the Swiss company to spend on energy efficiency technologies. In addition, the study concludes the report belongs to Switzerland in the world in this area most innovative countries.

Clean Technologies increasing in Switzerland. The growth potential of the technologies that contribute to efficient use and conservation of natural resources, took the first time published "Switzerland Cleantech Report, which highlights the clean technology sector Switzerland wide and from different angles. Long before the recent reactor accident in Japan, Switzerland has recognized the enormous economic potential of environmental technologies and promote.

Significant proportion of investment in clean technology applications
The Institute of Economics, ETH Zurich (KOF) has been studied in a recent scientific study of the economic mechanisms involved in the production and dissemination of energy efficiency technologies in question. She concludes that Swiss companies spend on average between 5 and 7 percent of its total investment in energy efficiency technologies. The Swiss economy is therefore already used for clean technology products to a considerable extent - and various industries. With more than 12 percent of the share of investment in the document and is in the electrical engineering industry is particularly high. Food company with a market share of 48 percent is even higher. Among the most important investment motives are - regardless of company size - the prices of energy and environmental factors.

Leading international role of innovation in Switzerland
As one of the pioneers in clean technology, Switzerland is now one of the most innovative countries in 2008 alone was 20 per million patent-pending inventions in the field of clean technologies to record. "In the field of research and development, Switzerland is in fact the world class, " said Gian-Luca Bona, manager of EMPA, the project partners in the "Report Switzerland Cleantech" involved. "But for the Swiss company in the" big business "applications of clean technologies are well positioned, we have the results of basic research in this country to more efficiently implement innovative technologies. "

Cleantech Report Switzerland "
The "Switzerland Cleantech Report is a current inventory of the Swiss clean technology, highlighted the excellent framework for environmental technologies in Switzerland in research and development, commercial application, and attractive financing options. Published the "Swiss Cleantech Report 2011 " by a number of major research institutions, companies and public sector. The project partners are in addition to the EMPA, the Swiss Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (BBT), CleantechAlps, CSEM, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, OSEC, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), SIX Swiss Exchange and swisscleantech .
Source: EMPA Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research Institute

A wooden heart - even made ​​fast!

Cute magical wooden hanger : if the spring of supporters welcome or heartwood - the puzzle, you can discover the creative potential of this natural material for themselves!
In a beautiful forest heart beginners find the perfect subject to practice. The simple and decorative, however, presents no great challenge and convicts with a good result! You need to paste in sizes 30 x 20 cm by 2 cm thick. Paint the heart shape you want. Very well have an elongated shape, as you probably have admired, even in stores. Cut the heart with a jigsaw, smooth the edges with sandpaper and painted with acrylic paint. Besides the classic red, can also work with pastel colors like spring: What if you create a heart pale yellow or lilac with white spots? With a wood drill now only a hole for hanging.
Just drag a color to match belt through it - and you have a romantic wood decoration can also use tags to make a gift or a wonderful gift!

Related Article

Create your own flashlights
Autumn lantern time! Welcome to the most comfortable time of year to send with beautiful lanterns, warm light in the dark. If lantern procession or as eye catching your own home: It's easy to make lanterns for yourself! You need a black cardboard box or a black cardboard, paper, transparent color, with a knife, glue and a lamp stand.
Fold the cardboard box apart, so that it lies ahead of you. Draw a design on each side like a moon, a star or a heart and cut with the cutter (be careful, dear children prefer to use the scissors art!). Glue the left of colored tissue paper behind the symbols. Then glue the back box and secure the bracket - ready! The sail can be attached with adhesive on the bottom of the flashlight. If you like the most sure: There are bars with lantern lights!

Confirmation and Communion Invitations Create your own
Entry into the church community is an important day in the life of a child. Vote with your offspring together in this special occasion, and make invitations for family and friends for yourself!

Even the reflection on the possible motive makes you and your child aware of the unique importance of this day. For example, select an appropriate verse from the Bible and to draw on that for the choice of a symbol. Blank cards from a bike shop that can be customized to your liking. As you raise the issue in front of the card is left to the imagination: potato printing, as a collage or painted ... You can decorate the card with ribbons and bows. The Bible verse can be written in the inside left of the card - or perpetuate tissue thin and insertion in the middle.

Tip: Do you agree with the color table decorations and symbols of their idea!

29/03/11

How much fruit and vegetables a day is the body's need?

Basically, nutritionists and doctors argue incessantly demanded that consume fruits and vegetables as natural as possible and processed under. Only in this way, the optimal care of the body with vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers can be achieved. The many secondary plant compounds may be in the most natural fruit and vegetables consumed in sufficient quantity. Moreover, as fresh fruit and vegetables in this way has no fat and very high nutrient density noted, the form of consumption is possible in the natural state is best for a healthy diet.

The recommendations of the German Society for Nutrition see a consumption of 400 grams of vegetables and 200 - by 250 g of fruit for adults. The recommended "5 a day" provides the distribution of this amount of fruits and vegetables to five portions distributed as evenly as possible in the day. To achieve an optimum supply of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, should define a range of fruits and vegetables in the diet and should be as broad as possible.

A serving of fruit or vegetables, therefore, have a weight of 100 to 200 grams. The dried fruit is 25 g, correspond to the recommended amount. Serving uncooked vegetables should be 100 to 200 g weight. Recommendations apply to the same amount of cooked vegetables. Fruits or vegetables as final dish should be in an amount of consumption of about 125 g per serving. A glass of fruit juice or vegetables (no sugar) should include the size of 100 to 200 ml, which is considered a serving.

To take the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables can be replaced easier than a serving of fruit or vegetable juice with 200 ml. But this should only be the exception. A daily replacement dose of fruit and vegetable juice is not recommended by the Nutrition Society. The bottom line is that the juices do not contain the same range of valuable nutrients. But the content of dietary fiber and phytochemicals in fruit juices is lower compared to the fruit or vegetable product. Generally well, but may be juice, in exceptional cases, a good alternative to lots of fruit.

Research Federal Research Centre for Nutrition and Food, based in Karlsruhe that may have been sustained only the addition of juices rich in carotene in the diet of the beneficial effects on metabolic function.

25/03/11

"bottle" of solar planet, the round world's largest solar boat, he crossed the Pacific!

Re happier time has come to a "bottle" of the round the world's largest solar boat in the world:

"Dear Friends PlanetSolar. After leaving the Galapagos Islands on the morning of February 7, 2011, who first moved along the coast of the island of Isabella, before Turtle had happened to their volcanic landscape, which is half under water. It was great. Although the first day was excellent, the weather, sea, smooth as glass. In the first two days of presentation, we have even met Fischer, who appeared out of nowhere in the waters Pacific Ocean.

At the end of the first week sailing conditions worsened. But from the second week we were again well disposed toward the Pacific and has led us to the west in the direction of Polynesia. With the help of the Humboldt Current and trade winds east of the Marquesas Islands, we are getting closer. Hard to believe, but during the trip, we arrived at the remarkable average speed of five knots. Now we are also solar-powered vehicle with the greater distance. Since 2004, registration of the Midnight Sun team was held, which was driven by a solar car at a distance of 15.070 kilometers of the U.S. Canada. Since then we Monaco has covered over 20,000 kilometers back. On March 3, 2011 shortly before sunset was eventually land in sight. The next morning we arrived after 25 days at sea in French Polynesia.

One outcome of our meeting with the Ecuadorian government was in the Galapagos Islands, in cooperation with our partners, Canton of Vaud and sanitary engineering school-VD a visit to the Ecuadorian Minister of Education and Science, Manuel Baldeón was held in Switzerland. The small Andean country of South America has many ideas and ambitions for renewable energy and developing environmentally friendly technologies. Hopefully this dialogue will be in the near future concrete projects in the future.

Different Marquesas Islands, and the interaction with its inhabitants, all we've been very impressed. These islands are a real piece of paradise. We should follow the example of the Polynesians who used the wisdom of their natural resources sustainably. Each island is different and has its own advantages.

We continue our journey to Polynesia continue with a west. From here, go to Tonga and New Caledonia in late April. Then we went to Australia, the gateway to the Indian Ocean.

Until next time!
Raphaël Domjan and Marchesseau Patrick "

www.planetsolar.org

24/03/11

Sensation! Swiss researchers invented tissue network that captures solar energy - cheaper solar cell production

Dübendorf, St. Gallen, Thun, 24.03.2011 - The normal market technology-based solar cells strained silicon is not suitable for the production of malleable thin film solar cells, these collected in a transparent electrode, flexible and conductive, the light and go for power. A polymer electrode-tissue Empa achieved first promising results and is recommended instead of a layer of indium tin oxide.

The shortage of raw materials and increased consumption of rare metals and more expensive electronic components and devices. They are used as transparent electrodes for touch screen mobile phones, liquid crystal displays, organic light emitting diodes and thin-film solar cells. The material of choice for this is the indium-tin oxide (ITO, oxide, indium tin Eng), an oxide conductor, made substantially transparent. Since the OIC is relatively expensive, however, is not profitable for large scale applications such as solar cells.

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While it is not transparent, free of oxides of indium, but with increasing demand are distinguished here by the shortage of supply. In addition, there remain fundamental disadvantages as the fragility of the deformation. Therefore, the alternative transparent conductive layers have been extensively studied, such as conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes or graphene.

Carbon-based electrodes, however, resistance to the surface is usually too high and therefore fewer drivers. When a metal grille integrated into the organic layer, reduced resistance, but also the mechanical stability: If the tilt of the solar cell to break the layers and are no longer performed. The challenge, therefore, is flexible, but strong substrates, conductor of producing industry, ideally in a process of low-cost deployment.

One solution: tissue electrodes
As a promising opportunity to turn a fabric transparent, flexible polymer that has developed in the EMPA Sefar the Commission on Technology and Innovation CTI project with the financial support of the AG. The Swiss company specializing in precision woven fabric can produce similar cheap and in large quantities on a roll as the deployment process for the printing of newspapers. The electrical conductivity is necessary to wire woven metal. In a second phase of the process, the tissue in a layer of inert plastic fit, without being completely covered electrically insulated metal filaments. The resulting electrode is transparent, stable and flexible. Then, the Empa researchers then applied organic solar cells in a shift system. Its effectiveness is comparable to conventional cell-based ITO, on the other hand, the electrode into the tissue deformation is much more stable than commercially available, flexible plastic substrates, the ITO layer is applied as a thin conductive .

23/03/11

Daylight Saving Time: On Sunday, the clock features an hour

Next Sunday summer schedule begins: Who does not have radio-controlled watches have, you must stop your clock manually rotate forward by one hour. The sun will rise in the morning, an hour later, but still the longest of the night bright As a reminder, the following is appropriate "home": In the spring, when everything begins to sprout, move in an hour. In the autumn, where nature is preparing for the "hibernation", everything goes slower, so the clocks back an hour.

Next Sunday it again: At 2:00, watch the clock to 3:00 advanced. For seven months in Switzerland is in the Central European summer time (CET) before the reset on Sunday 30 October, again in Central European Time (CET). This tells the Federal Office of Metrology (METAS) in, which is responsible for implementation and dissemination of official time in Switzerland.

ATL-time signal can be received at the end of the year Most of the tower, school and station clocks and traffic lights are synchronized radio-controlled. So you always have accurate time information and automatically place in or around the summer to standard time. This year DST will be the last, which is in charge of the signal transmitter HBG Swiss time. In August 2009 the Federal Council has decided to suspend the operation of the HBG time signal transmitter in Prangins (VD) in late 2011. Thereafter, on synchronized clocks and controls received HBG characters long and should become another form of broadcast time signals.

The majority of public clocks in Switzerland are already using the technique and the quality of the signal equivalent to the DCF77 time signal station German. The relatively small proportion of public clocks that are synchronized with HBG, can be converted at a reasonable cost when German mark until the end of the year. HBG clock radio commercial came after only one year on the market.

19/03/11

Continental Tyres is investing U.S. $ 210 million tire plant in Brazil


The international automotive supplier and tire maker Continental to invest 210 million U.S. dollars in expanding its production capacity in the tire plant in the industrial area of ​​Camaçari, in Bahia, Brazil.This investment is part of our strategy to expand our tire production significantly in the whole world and especially in BRIC countries. We take the production capacity at the plant in Camaçari end of 2015 nearly doubled, "said Matthias Schoenberg, CEO of Continental Tire of the Americas. 2010, Continental plant about 4.5 million cars and 350,000 tires truck tires produced.

In 2011, the capacity will increase to more than 5 million car tires and 450,000 trucks.This is the second wave of investment after it's U.S. $ 260 million in 2004. The goal is to increase production to the point that this work is in the NAFTA - the economic union between the United States, Canada and Mexico - and Latin America can meet the expected growth, "said Renato Sarzano, General Manager of Continental Tire of Latin America. "Brazil is playing an important role in this region.

With these investments, we can streamline processes, install new equipment and create 400 new jobs at the plant. The entire region will benefit, "said Pedro Matos, CEO of the plant in Camaçari. Currently in the works employed 1,150 people. The first Continental tire plant in Brazil was opened in April 2006 after only 18 months of construction and currently has an area of 800,000 m². From the beginning it was designed for expansion.

Last year, Continental's market share reached in Brazil in the replacement market for passenger cars to record levels. With 25% sales increase in 2009 in the segment of passenger cars and 38% in the commercial vehicle segment is one of the best operating results in Brazil has achieved. Continental produced worldwide and has sold over 100 million tires.



Hankook Tire to build a new research and development center in Korea


Hankook Tire is preparing a change of location for the most important research and development center of the company. As the tire manufacturer, announced today the new center will be released in Korea in Daejeon.
Seung Hwa Suh, Vice President and CEO of Hankook Tire and Hong-Chul Yum, Mayor of Daejeon Metropolitan City, have already signed a contract that reflects the relocation of Hankook Tire's website Innopolis Daedeok research.

With an area of 66,000 square meters, Hankook Tire will build Korea's largest research and development center of tires. After the completion of construction in 2013, the new center, research and development departments Hankook Tire under one roof. The current center will be renovated and used for future research on new production technologies and tests that have taken place in Geumsan.

The continued growth of Hankook tire is driven by continued investment in research and development. Our tires are among the best designers around the world to develop the tires to the highest technical level, "said Seung Hwa Suh, Vice President and CEO Hankook Tire. "We have very ambitious goals. With new research and development center, we will expand our technological superiority, so our customers around the world can continue to provide high quality tires.

Sustainable growth has always been an integral part of the business philosophy of Hankook Tire. With the new center of the tire manufacturer is entering a new Forschungs environmentally friendly materials and technologies. Continued investment is paid by other means. Globally, the innovative technologies of premium tires Hankook high performance tires are much in demand.

European Technical Center in Hanover-Langenhagen developed high-performance tires that are designed specifically for the European market. Here, too, Hankook uses advanced technologies to innovations such as new rubber compounds and optimized profiles. Everyone is in the sites of Korea, China, Japan and research centers in the U.S.. Tire manufacturers annually invests five percent of its profits in research and development. Six percent of employees are active only in research centers.

The future of electricity is in any case, no nuclear energy, "uranium resources will last only 60 to 100 years "

One wonders why it remains to invest in nuclear energy and emphatically not many years ago as he stepped power supply with renewable energy sources because in an interview with swissinfo, said Jürg Buri, director of the Swiss Foundation for Energy:

"Uranium is a finite resource, you can still stands 60 to 100 years are available. The long-term future of electricity is therefore the management in any way without nuclear energy." "If we want an orderly withdrawal of the technology of risk, we need a law requiring that run as long as power plants yet, and which provides funding measures which may be the ability to delete and renewables full efficiency, "said Buri more.

Safeguards should be established, the basis of that investment in sustainable energy systems for domestic investor interest and leave the big energy providers from the comfort of nuclear energy for themselves and to participate actively in the search for sustainable solutions.

Future energy cells or small networks?
The behavior of energy companies is a bit reminiscent of the tip of the dictators in the Arab world, which are now gradually being replaced to modern democracy. Perhaps designed for the future of energy is no longer an isolated giant, for non-profit corporations, but on self-reliance of every lie. Could each house will have its own energy or Kleinkomunen management.

What an enormous savings in infrastructure costs would result, studies show to be invested in large electrical networks in the future European large investments in order to prevent the collapse of energy by continuing population growth and consumption of electricity.

In addition, self-extraction to promote the careful use of energy. Who will get their own energy needs, contrary to worry. For as Jürg Buri said in an interview: "Every kilowatt-hour is now third lost through inefficient equipment and applications. "

So what are you waiting for: The solar panel installed on the roof, wind turbines bolted to the railing of the balcony and the computer to save energy ...

Source: swissinfo.ch
Image: www.solarzukunft.ch - solar roof tiles

14/03/11

Toyota: the safety of all employees and their families in Japan are in the foreground - the production is exposed to 3 days

Cologne. Employees of Toyota Germany and all German organizations Toyota connected to express its deepest sympathy to the Japanese people affected by the earthquake. The Japanese security cooperation, workers and their families in the hotel now stands in the foreground. The Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, production for the next three days has been exposed, to determine whether all employees and employees of subcontractors, including their families healthy and safe.

At the same time the convoys began in the most affected regions in northeastern Japan. A convoy of trucks loaded with food, among other things, blankets and portable toilets, and more vehicles with fuel supplies and water are already in place to provide people with the most essential things. In addition, shipments are planned, also a first donation of ¥ 300 000 000 previews.

For Europe, which is now no shortage of supply, as most of the vehicles sold in Europe are produced. Parts for these vehicles have made ​​Europe more than 90 percent. All vehicles produced in Japan, determined in the coming weeks to customers in Europe, have already sent. Since the ship about six weeks on the road is not expected in the coming weeks with delays in delivery.

The current situation makes available to all employees, distributors and suppliers in Japan very difficult. Once the most current information is available from there, to be published.

12/03/11

A heart attack not affiliated in to obesity

There is an argument we often hear in the community, about the relationship of heart attack and body shape. This triggers the question of whether fat people certainly have a greater risk of heart attack than people who was ideal. then so what if some people happen to hereditary factors, which already has a body fat since he childhood or young.

Some research later carried out, as did a study in the journal Lancet that says, no increased risk of heart attacks because of the fat that is concentrated in the central part of the body. study led by Professor John Danesh of Cambridge University looked at 220,000 people for 10 years. body size does not improve outcome prediction of a heart attack. especially when people are strictly supervise and control the other important factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

But that does not mean having a body fat into a suggestion. and one of the most important thing is to maintain and implement health lifestyle and a balanced diet. and as long as it applied to the risk of heart attack can be prevented, even if you have any body shape.

10/03/11

Solar Energy pays: Solar Millennium AG generates 700,000 francs profit

Solar Millennium AG today presented the Annual Report 2009/2010 as part of its annual press conference in Munich. In this context, confirmed that the company already announced preliminary figures slightly positive net operating income before interest and taxes (EBIT) of € 0.7 million.

The company generated operating income of up to € 186 400 000. Operating cash flow for the fiscal year to € 7.4 million for the first time positive (previous year: € -51,600,000). In addition, the stable balance of cash and marketable securities of € 115 900 000 and an equity ratio of 28% indicates a healthy financial position.
Blamberg Oliver, CFO of Solar Millennium AG, observed for the last fiscal year: "The operating performance of the Solar Millennium group was good. In particular, changes to project power plants in the U.S. were responsible for deviations. The outstanding financial statements, now we want to implement in the current fiscal year. "

Other major solar energy projects in 2011
For the current fiscal year, revenues of the Board of completion of Andasol 3 and commissioning of services in hybrid power plant Kuraymat Egyptian as well as financial statements and the start of construction of Ibersol. It also represents the bulk of the expected revenue in the fiscal year 2010/2011 on the financing of the two solar energy projects U.S. plant in Blythe, with a capacity of 242 megawatts.
The budget figures for fiscal year shall provide the Board announced that the detailed stages in the approval process and financing have been achieved.

09/03/11

Sensation: Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland PSI core structures see figure

While watching the light leads to obvious, a multi-step chemical process. At the end of a nerve impulse that gives the impression of light into the brain. It starts with the interaction of light with the rhodopsin protein. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute is now able to decide together with colleagues in the UK and the U.S., the exact structure of this short-term Rhodopsin moleküls excited state and to provide an accurate picture of the first stage of visual processing .

This result should provide a better understanding of hereditary retinitis pigmentosa eye disease and may indicate pathways for handling or deceleration. At the same time, provides the result is the basis for understanding many other processes in the body, based on a similar mechanism - such as the perception of odors and process control by hormones. About the results, the researchers report in the online edition of the journal Nature.

Seeing is a very complex process - a variety of chemical reactions that occur before the visit comes to our consciousness. At the beginning of this process, the light hits the retina Sehsinneszellen in the eye - the pins or rods. In the cell membranes of the rods, which are responsible for vision in low light, rhodopsin molecules are sitting - real light sensors. They consist of seven parts, rod-shaped molecule that extends from outside to inside the cell. When light from the outside of the rhodopsin, changed the arrangement of rod-shaped pieces, so that within the cell a molecule called a G protein takes place in the middle. The coupling of G protein activates a cascade of events that are activated at the end of a nerve impulse.

The pigment is very sensitive to light is the retina - a form of vitamin A - which puts a small molecule increased between the seven parties of rhodopsin. When light falls on it, it also stretches and pushes parts of rhodopsin, the creation of spaces for G-protein. Now, researchers at the Paul Scherrer managed institution, to determine the structure of rhodopsin in the activated state - in order to modify the light in the shape of the retina extended. This condition is actually very short, since rhodopsin themselves as soon as possible back to the state, in which is sensitive to light. The ISP, however, researchers have found a way to change the molecule a bit to keep the active form of more time and were able to determine its structure. The structure of the inactive form of rhodopsin, which occurs without light, was already known. With knowledge of both structures are able to understand exactly how the visual system in the eye begins at the molecular level.

For inquiries, these molecules are produced in large quantities and regularly arranged in a crystalline structure. This rhodopsin is a membrane protein very few of this kind, which can crystallize. The crystals were illuminated with synchrotron light and the deflection of light on the way through the glass, the researchers deduced the structure of molecules. The measurements were made in the SLS Synchrotron Light Source at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland and two similar facilities.

Universal mechanisms to understand life
The investigation of rhodopsin helps to a large class of similar molecules to understand -. There are over 800 of them in people, "said Joerg stand, head of the research project" The majority do not react to light, but compliant to other stimuli and thus the diversity Responsibilities: In the sense of smell, they react to substances in the air. Or that serve as receptors for hormones in the body -. such as beta-receptors, which are in central control of blood pressure in part responsible "These serve as docking site for the well-known as a beta blocker against high blood pressure. In general, these molecules are of great interest for pharmaceutical research because it can be controlled through processes in the body or block very well targeted. Therefore able to interact, such as drugs used in cardiac rhythm disorders, migraines, allergies to these receptors. The exact structure of beta-receptors was the subject of another study conducted by researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute with colleagues from Cambridge, recently published in Nature.

Improved therapies for eye disease
"Our experience with the structural study of modified rhodopsin molecules are currently spending for research into common eye disease - retinitis pigmentosa,"said Stand. In this inherited disease is often the rhodopsin in the cones of the eye is changed, not like in the good eye completely renewed regularly - always being part of the "old" molecules, which gradually poison the visual cells. This principle leads to night blindness, and for a long time in a very limited field of view. Stand, ". In the future we will be able to determine exactly has changed the way that the rhodopsin in the disease, and then examine the so tiny molecules, which are drugs, the disease can be incorporated into the rhodopsin" Could use this knowledge in the computer to optimize the structure of specific drugs.

Research International
Jörg support and the head of the Biomolecular Research Laboratory Paul Scherrer Institute, Professor Gebhard Schertler started the project in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of the MRC in Cambridge (England) and completed after his transfer to the ISP to an end. They have worked in close collaboration with colleagues at Brandeis University, USA.

Text: Paul Piwnicki

04/03/11

Family Law: SECO are the suggestions of career women in leadership positions

More women in leadership positions? This is not only possible but also in the interest of the company. The Ministry of Economy has published a collection of good practices for the business community. The initiative is supported by the Swiss Employers' Association and the Swiss business.

Latest statistics show that companies in Switzerland are women in positions of leadership in representation. The situation has not improved since about ten years. In this regard, as several studies show a balanced ratio of women in the head of the company significantly to economic success. For many executives, it is clear that mixed teams are more creative and respond to our customers more effectively.

The collection edited SECO on women in leadership positions: as can be successful "as the good practices of companies of different sizes, which have increased their proportion of women. Business leaders recognize the need to focus on women, and show how it works.

The directors of the Swiss Employers' Association and the Swiss business, Thomas Daum, Hans-Ulrich Bigler support this initiative. Thomas Daum, highlights the company would have to be aware that they are in their governing bodies can not ignore women , and wants a deliberate commitment of senior management and a fundamental change in corporate culture and strategic thinking. Hans-Ulrich Bigler encourages SMEs to their strengths in this area, such as playing out of the direct and immediate recognition talent, consistently, to win the competition for the best people.

Top 5 Best Companies to work 2011

The company is a place to work and work well. a profit or gain is the goal of the company, but not granted and what makes it so big and become the best company. Fortune magazine describes, in 2011 there are 100 companies that successfully achieve world class performance and make it so successful. Here are 5 companies so successful that Fortune magazine

1. SAS
Is a software company, and what makes it so successful not only from the performance and management factors that management is so good. Companies located in Cary, NC This was a company that is so loyal to their employees. most employees feel very comfortable and feel is considered in the company.

2. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
This one company called BCG (Boston Consulting Group). is a large company engaged in consulting. Last year the company was ranked the 8th world, and managed to become the order of the 2 world's best companies 2011. What makes it so great, is not only managed to avoid layoffs in the company's decline. but the movement
Engaged in social work deals with the UN World Food Program and Save the children, as well as support and assistance in post-earthquake field in Haiti to make this company a lot of support, and be an amazing achievement.

3. Wegman Food Markets
Managed to rank third is a company engaged in the supermarket that addresses in the city of New York, United States. What is the reason the company has become so great. was not only managed to offer a friendly service to customers, the company is also very concerned about the welfare of its employees. service was one of them is about concern for employees' health, where this year the company offers health screening services of 8000 employees.

4. Google
Being in fourth position, which is a giant company website moving company in the search engines are so well known and familiar in the internet service users around the world, not only managed to gain profits which rose 20% this year, the giant company is a company that really turns considering the welfare of its employees, various forms of care such as paying benefits every employee with a pay increase of 10%, and not only that. Allowances other allowances such as free meals and free laundry washing services provided by the company to its employees. 

5. Net APP
Is a company engaged in data storage. Is a successful company and acquire revenue surged by 33% and managed to hire hundreds of new employees.
Companies that address in Sunnyvale, CA is managed to become a company that was ranked top 5 in 2011, not only traces his success in obtaining revenue. This company is a company very concerned about their employees. various forms of caring employees to enjoy benefits such as free fruit on Tuesday, cream cheese Espresso on Friday and free all day. 

02/03/11

Make the environment for sleep

Nothing is as important to our health and general welfare as a sleep. Only those who get enough sleep every day, your body properly can relieve the night of the day's efforts. The extension of the mass obtained is well-deserved rest, to be as dependent on the sleep environment. Who sets the bedroom so harmonious, can be found at night, rest time and wakes up the next morning refreshed and strengthened to meet the challenges of the day.

Your own bedroom is not only a place to spend the night, but rather a haven to rest in the first place. The establishment of the room should be designed primarily to make us feel comfortable in this space and we like to stay there. On the computer in our bedroom with bed, cupboards and furniture Co. should be selected to match our personal tastes while promoting harmony of interior design.

Troublemakers to stay away
Rest and relaxation are not in a work still in a closet. All the elements that disturb the harmony in the bedroom, therefore, are outside if possible. For those who may be given in the middle of lots of files, ironing boards and vacuum cleaners sleep?

If the bedroom should be used as a home office, if the work area for a room divider or the like are separated from the sleeping area. So do not fall asleep constantly reminded of the work and did errands. Although it is difficult: it must be on equipment such as televisions, laptop or phone in the bedroom have not been applied.

For example, the quick succession of television images in the human body has a stimulating effect. Those who already suffer from sleeping, you can sleep after watching TV in bed, probably never.

Harmonious décor promotes wellness
As for the sleep habits of each individual is different. The happiest kind of people are probably sleeping more, anywhere. Others need quiet and dark sleeping in the first place can. With the choice of decoration, but can sleep even easier. Seems light and airy rooms, according to scientific studies, the positive impact on welfare. Who can sleep well only in a completely dark room should be dark room with blackout curtains or blinds as well. The choice of wall color is a critical factor in the harmonious design of the room should not be neglected. The bedroom is quiet and peaceful preferable wall colors are used. Bedroom walls bright orange or pink flashy invite you to relax and have fewer dreams. Also exciting wallpaper pattern should be in the bedroom, nothing more.