Thursday, January 31, 2013
Prostate Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Expect them, regardless of whether surgery and/or radiation was used.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Keep Risks In Perspective
Even showering poses risks. One shouldn't be showerphobic, nor radiophobic.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
If You Live On The U.S. Coast, You Will Encounter Climate Change Effects
And they are described here.
Atomic Ideologies Promotes Psychic's Perspective
On the history of the regulation of nuclear power.
It's obvious that Rod Adams has a bromance with Ted Rockwell, but fails to mention Rockwell is also a psychic.
And sadly Adams promotes the pseudo-science associated with last year's ANS meeting.
That's anti-science propaganda.
It's obvious that Rod Adams has a bromance with Ted Rockwell, but fails to mention Rockwell is also a psychic.
And sadly Adams promotes the pseudo-science associated with last year's ANS meeting.
That's anti-science propaganda.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
U.S. Falling Behind In Overall Health
Compared with 16 other high-income countries.
Though the report doesn't state this, I think the reason is due to the higher stratification between rich and poor in the U.S. coupled with our lack of public health services. The U.S. rich probably would compare favorably against the other countries, but it's those in poverty who are suffering the most.
Though the report doesn't state this, I think the reason is due to the higher stratification between rich and poor in the U.S. coupled with our lack of public health services. The U.S. rich probably would compare favorably against the other countries, but it's those in poverty who are suffering the most.
N. Hampshire - You Have Improvement
In Keene. They have a new linear accelerator for cancer treatment which delivers less radiation dose faster.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Is Religion Outdated In The 21st Century?
Yes.
It was also outdated in the 20th century, but for many people ignorance is bliss.
P.S. A bit odd that this is being discussed at the World Economic Forum, until you consider how much money goes in support of willful ignorance.
P.S.S. Krauss sure is outnumbered!
It was also outdated in the 20th century, but for many people ignorance is bliss.
P.S. A bit odd that this is being discussed at the World Economic Forum, until you consider how much money goes in support of willful ignorance.
P.S.S. Krauss sure is outnumbered!
Friday, January 25, 2013
"Future Generations Will Be Roasted, Toasted, Fried, & Grilled"
If more urgent action isn't taken on climate change according to the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde.
Tumor's Low pH Helps Promote Cell Invasion
The low ph is a byproduct of a low oxygen microenvironment.
Radiation Hormesis Is Rubbish Too!
As is homeopathy. But people support nonsense anyway (see the comments in the article).
Epigenetics & Cancer
Epigenetics plays a role in at least some cancers, as this study found in prostate cancer.
Global Warming May Be Less Extreme
According to one study, but it's premature to say that it is conclusive.
New Mutations Found Which Drive Melanoma
What makes the find particularly interesting is that the DNA mutations are in the non-protein coding region.
Don't Drink The Fracking Wastewater
Here's an article about a guy who is sick and thinks his illness is associated with fracking wastewater. The article informs us that the EPA limit for radium in drinking water is 5 pCi/l and that the wastewater average radioactivity concentration is 8,433 pCi/l.
Don't drink the frackin' wastewater.
Don't drink the frackin' wastewater.
Pandora's Promise
A documentary due out later this year, which will highlight some environmentalists who switched from anti-nuclear power to pro-nuclear power:
Thursday, January 24, 2013
New Class Of DNA Damage Prone Regions
Traditionally called Common Fragile Sites, a new-found region is called Early Replication Fragile Sites.
This Should Make The Anti-Vaxxers' Heads Spin
The anti-vaxxers are a group of morons who claim vaccines cause autism. Most of the hype came from the discredited Dr. Andrew Wakefield. But Wakefield's demise hasn't stopped the movement.
Now there's a study showing autism is a genetic disease. How many times will their heads spin?
That's Jenny McCarthy...anti-vaxxer.
Now there's a study showing autism is a genetic disease. How many times will their heads spin?
That's Jenny McCarthy...anti-vaxxer.
Contaminated Japanese Fish
I mentioned a recent "whopper" previously. HuffPo has more, including an embedded video.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
ATP Synthase Exists, So An Intelligent Designer Exists
It's those cherry-picking whackos at the Discovery Institute making stuff up on ATP synthase:
Hey, what about cancer, warts, myopia, encephalitis, cleft palate, and on and on?
Some intelligent design.
Hey, what about cancer, warts, myopia, encephalitis, cleft palate, and on and on?
Some intelligent design.
"The Revisionaries" On PBS
It's a documentary about the Texas anti-evolutionary school board headed by right-wing dentist Don McLeroy.
Here is a trailer:
Here is a trailer:
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Game On. Obama Addresses Climate Change
From his inaugural speech, yesterday (the god reference shows he really could use more education):
More here.
More here.
Cancer & Evolution
I have a separate webpage on "Radiation, Evolution, Cancer & Aging" (see upper right of this webpage).
The Evolutionary Applications journal has a free-access issue on cancer and evolution.
The Evolutionary Applications journal has a free-access issue on cancer and evolution.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Enzyme Helps Cancer Cells Avoid Genetic Instability
Cells that have a mutant gene, BRCA1, also reduce output of the protein 53BP1. That protein helps promote non-homologous end joining, a DNA repair mechansim which is very error prone. So by cutting back, the mutated cell is more likely to remain viable. The protease (an enzyme that destroys proteins) cathepsin-L is employed to reduce the 53BP1.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Conca & Lack Of Integrity (Science & Jurisprudence)
Science is a process of acquiring knowledge, jurisprudence of acquiring justice, both of which benefit ALL OF US. Each system deserves reverence and respect because of their value to society. Both invoke fairness of opportunity but no guarantee of result. Some ideas fail in the science arena just like some parties fail in the court room.
Since our best knowledge is reflected in the scientific consensus, we agree to respect that authority. In jurisprudence, we agree to respect the rule of law. Anyone is free to garner consensus for alternate ideas if they think the ideas within the existing consensus are lacking. Simply provide the physical evidence to shift the consensus to the new ideas within the scientific arena. Within the legal system, there are legal appeals processes.
We should all feel profoundly angered when someone tries to weaken or corrupt the integrity of either of these successful and august systems.
If someone tries to convince you the existing scientific consensus is wrong, tell them to take their argument to the scientific arena and garner a new consensus. That person isn't doing so because his idea has either already failed there or isn't worthy of introduction in the first place. If the consensus hasn't been convinced, there's no reason for you to be. You are being victimized.
Conca has yet another blog post which reflects on his lack of scientific integrity. The errors in his blog show he doesn't understand the consensus health physics of the last 60+ years (I posted in the comments as "Anon"). That's not good, but even worse, he shows contempt for scientific enterprise by abdicating his responsibility to support the consensus, even if he doesn't understand it. This is scientific misconduct.
You should be outraged at his attempt to victimize you. Don't temper that outrage just because you pity him for being relegated to a business magazine blog.
If anyone has questions on the scientific consensus, I'll try to explain it, but I won't debate it.
Since our best knowledge is reflected in the scientific consensus, we agree to respect that authority. In jurisprudence, we agree to respect the rule of law. Anyone is free to garner consensus for alternate ideas if they think the ideas within the existing consensus are lacking. Simply provide the physical evidence to shift the consensus to the new ideas within the scientific arena. Within the legal system, there are legal appeals processes.
We should all feel profoundly angered when someone tries to weaken or corrupt the integrity of either of these successful and august systems.
If someone tries to convince you the existing scientific consensus is wrong, tell them to take their argument to the scientific arena and garner a new consensus. That person isn't doing so because his idea has either already failed there or isn't worthy of introduction in the first place. If the consensus hasn't been convinced, there's no reason for you to be. You are being victimized.
Conca has yet another blog post which reflects on his lack of scientific integrity. The errors in his blog show he doesn't understand the consensus health physics of the last 60+ years (I posted in the comments as "Anon"). That's not good, but even worse, he shows contempt for scientific enterprise by abdicating his responsibility to support the consensus, even if he doesn't understand it. This is scientific misconduct.
You should be outraged at his attempt to victimize you. Don't temper that outrage just because you pity him for being relegated to a business magazine blog.
If anyone has questions on the scientific consensus, I'll try to explain it, but I won't debate it.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Insight Into Autophagy
Autophagy is the process of a cell "eating" itself. It is a check on cancer...normal cells will self-destruct rather than become cancerous. Here is some insight into the process.
Mice - Man's Other Best Friend
We owe them plenty for their "contributions" to science.
This study supports my separate page on "Radiation, Evolution, Cancer & Aging".
This study supports my separate page on "Radiation, Evolution, Cancer & Aging".
Friday, January 18, 2013
TSA To Remove X-Ray Scanners
Primarily for privacy reasons, but reducing radiation dose is another benefit.
Former NASA Employee Not So Intelligently Designed
A proponent of the pseudo-science of intelligent design (which makes him an IDiot), his ability to win court cases rivals his science.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Global Warming Causes Cancer
Via increasing the spread of a carcinogenic mold that can lead to liver cancer if ingested.
Global Warming: A Fair & Balanced Debate?
What debate? Oh, of course, it by the science-denying Heartland Institute:
The physician should not have entered this debate. Scientific matters are debated in the scientific arena using peer-reviewed studies. There is a democracy of process (anyone can participate) but not of outcome (the best ideas win).
There is no reason to pay attention to the HI. They either need to accept the consensus or get to work on producing evidence, not holding debates. They have failed on both accounts. If the experts don't accept their ideas, if you are a non-expert, why should you?
The physician should not have entered this debate. Scientific matters are debated in the scientific arena using peer-reviewed studies. There is a democracy of process (anyone can participate) but not of outcome (the best ideas win).
There is no reason to pay attention to the HI. They either need to accept the consensus or get to work on producing evidence, not holding debates. They have failed on both accounts. If the experts don't accept their ideas, if you are a non-expert, why should you?
Religion May Not Survive The Internet
Wishful thinking! The Internet is certainly helping in the battle against religion, but very informed, very intelligent people still cling to religious mythology. Let's keep up the fight!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Texas & Missouri - You Have A Problem
In Texas it's the teaching of creationism in public school Bible classes.
In Missouri it's proposed legislation.
In Missouri it's proposed legislation.
Fukushima: Fallout Of Fear
Good job, Dale Preston! I never met the man, but his statement reflect our best understanding of the health effects of low doses of radiation:
“I think it’s likely that there will be increased cancer risks, but they will be very, very small,” says Dale Preston, an independent statistician who has studied atomic-bomb survivors. “If you did a large study, I think your chance of observing a statistically significant radiation-associated risk would be pretty low.”
Whether you are pro- or anti- nuclear power...what Dale said reflects the science.
“I think it’s likely that there will be increased cancer risks, but they will be very, very small,” says Dale Preston, an independent statistician who has studied atomic-bomb survivors. “If you did a large study, I think your chance of observing a statistically significant radiation-associated risk would be pretty low.”
Whether you are pro- or anti- nuclear power...what Dale said reflects the science.
CO2 Has An Ally In Promoting Global Warming
Not only methane and water vapor, but also black carbon.
IL - Stupid Headline, Good Info
Potassium iodide pills are available for free for certain IL residents living near nuclear plants.
The pill are not "anti-radiation" pills, they saturate the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine, so that when radioactive iodine is released during certain nuclear plant accidents, it is not absorbed by the thyroid.
The pill are not "anti-radiation" pills, they saturate the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine, so that when radioactive iodine is released during certain nuclear plant accidents, it is not absorbed by the thyroid.
Cancer Biology: Keeping Bad Company
It's always fun to learn things are more complex than they appear.
This article describes the p53 gene which is commonly found to be mutated in cancers.
It describes a protein, NRD1, which binds with only with the mutated form, not the normal form.
We don't know why, but when NRD1 binds with mutated p53 in the presence of a particular chemical signal HB-EGF (a growth factor which plays a role in heart development & wound healing), the tumors become more invasive. And typically in tumors, there is abnormal production of HB-EGF.
This article describes the p53 gene which is commonly found to be mutated in cancers.
It describes a protein, NRD1, which binds with only with the mutated form, not the normal form.
We don't know why, but when NRD1 binds with mutated p53 in the presence of a particular chemical signal HB-EGF (a growth factor which plays a role in heart development & wound healing), the tumors become more invasive. And typically in tumors, there is abnormal production of HB-EGF.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
A Cancer Type Can Arise From Multiple Mutation Pathways
This article is about a woman with a hemangiopericytoma.
It shows that even though this tumor usually arises in expected ways, it can also arise in an unexpected way.
It shows that even though this tumor usually arises in expected ways, it can also arise in an unexpected way.
What To Ask The Next Science Denier You Encounter
The subject matter doesn't really matter. But the next time you come across someone whose opinion differs from the scientific consensus, try this:
1. Ask the person if he/she has expertise in the subject, ie. is the person representing himself (I'll just stick with male pronouns for brevity) as an authority.
2. If not, then tell the person you respect expertise and since the person isn't an expert, he may want to learn why the experts differ. The person is lacking knowledge.
3. If the person represents himself as an expert, then as an expert who differs with consensus, there can only be 3 possibilities (there may be more,
a. This person is lacking knowledge the consensus has, so he really isn't an expert.
b. This person has the knowledge, but for religious, ideological or political motivations can't agree with the consensus. In this case the person really isn't an expert because real experts don't let those things interfere with their science, and regardless we're back to a.
c. This person has knowledge the consensus is unaware of. Ask the person when and where he'll be publishing his information so you can track it and so how it plays out in the scientific community.
So ask the person which of these categories he falls into.
See what happens.
If the discussion sinks into a conspiracy theory, tell him you don't do conspiracy theories.
1. Ask the person if he/she has expertise in the subject, ie. is the person representing himself (I'll just stick with male pronouns for brevity) as an authority.
2. If not, then tell the person you respect expertise and since the person isn't an expert, he may want to learn why the experts differ. The person is lacking knowledge.
3. If the person represents himself as an expert, then as an expert who differs with consensus, there can only be 3 possibilities (there may be more,
a. This person is lacking knowledge the consensus has, so he really isn't an expert.
b. This person has the knowledge, but for religious, ideological or political motivations can't agree with the consensus. In this case the person really isn't an expert because real experts don't let those things interfere with their science, and regardless we're back to a.
c. This person has knowledge the consensus is unaware of. Ask the person when and where he'll be publishing his information so you can track it and so how it plays out in the scientific community.
So ask the person which of these categories he falls into.
See what happens.
If the discussion sinks into a conspiracy theory, tell him you don't do conspiracy theories.
Is Nuclear Energy The Best Way To Fight Climate Change?
One can argue if it's the best way or not, but it is one way.
Meanwhile the nuclear construction industry is pessimistic.
More on renewables.
Meanwhile the nuclear construction industry is pessimistic.
More on renewables.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Fukushima - Struggling With Decon Efforts
It's a balance between getting areas restored quickly and taking time to train people well so that the restoration is done efficiently. More struggles here.
HP Denial At Atomic Ideologies Again
It seems to be an emotional, religious fixation for some in their quest to proselytize.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Some Fukushima Workers Not Monitored For Extremity Doses
Probably not a problem. The article mentions beta ray dose, but I would think the workers would have worn boots and gloves which would shield the beta (though some wouldn't be and some would be converted to bremsstrahlung).
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Summary Of National Climate Assessment Report
Which was released yesterday, can be found here.
Did you catch that no such report (first started in 2000) was released while George W. Bush was President?
Did you catch that no such report (first started in 2000) was released while George W. Bush was President?
Odd Rad Waste Storage Bill Advances
It's to allow the temporary storage of HLW from nuclear power plants based in Wyoming.
But there are no operating Wyoming nuclear plants.
If someone is planning on building a plant in Wyoming, this is putting the cart before the horse.
Maybe the real motivation is to get it passed for Wyoming only, wait a few years, and then modify to allow acceptance of out-of-state wastes. Nuke plants could get rid of their on-site wastes (good for them), Wyoming could charge a tax (good for them), and the company would make $ (good for them).
Time will tell.
But there are no operating Wyoming nuclear plants.
If someone is planning on building a plant in Wyoming, this is putting the cart before the horse.
Maybe the real motivation is to get it passed for Wyoming only, wait a few years, and then modify to allow acceptance of out-of-state wastes. Nuke plants could get rid of their on-site wastes (good for them), Wyoming could charge a tax (good for them), and the company would make $ (good for them).
Time will tell.
James Conca Remains A HP Denier
He writes at the science journal (HA!) Forbes about an upcoming United Nations report. I've pointed out his errors before, just search his name here if you are interested. I also mentioned that upcoming report before.
I commented at the Forbes website (under Anon, because for some reason the software didn't accept my name):
I commented at the Forbes website (under Anon, because for some reason the software didn't accept my name):
Friday, January 11, 2013
Radiation Hormesis: Where Lack Of Evidence = Evidence
I'm referring to this abstract and its related paper (click on paper on right hand side). Basically, the author is saying that if he adjusts the ERR curve a particular way, then it looks like radiation hormesis is evident from the atomic bomb survivor data. Why should the curve be adjusted that way? He provides no evidence, other than it gives him the result he wants.
Of course, this was published in the pseudo-science journal of the InternationalHormesis Dose Response Society.
This is just another denialist repeat.
Of course, this was published in the pseudo-science journal of the International
This is just another denialist repeat.
Global Warming Deniers Remain In Denial
They think of themselves as skeptics, but they're not. They are deniers. In this case they don't like the concept that in light of new data, old data is revised, whatever the outcome. That's how science works.
But, since the outcome isn't what the deniers want it to be, they feel compelled to attack the science. That's how denialism works.
But, since the outcome isn't what the deniers want it to be, they feel compelled to attack the science. That's how denialism works.
Death Rates Spike Amongst Elderly Fukushima Evacuees
Not from radiation...but issues associated with the evacuation itself.
Radiation evacuation limits should be adjusted based on age and other factors. For example, most cancers won't develop until decades after the exposure. An elderly person isn't likely to live that long anyway, why endanger them by forcing them to evacuate?
Radiation evacuation limits should be adjusted based on age and other factors. For example, most cancers won't develop until decades after the exposure. An elderly person isn't likely to live that long anyway, why endanger them by forcing them to evacuate?
The Guardian On The Fukushima 50
Fairly lengthy article with a focus on one of the nuclear engineers.
"No Global Warming Over Last 16 Years"
That's what some global warming deniers claim:
But those that do, don't understand climatology:
Global Warming Isn't Just About Global Temperature Increases
It's also about what effect the global temperature increase has on local weather conditions. The weather is less moderated, it is more extreme!
Speaking Of Epigenetics....
If you aren't familiar with the topic, this is a timely and easy to understand article.
Using Computer Models To Understand Cancer
Computer modeling of climate change is tough. I think modeling cancers will be much tougher, because there are so many more genetic and epigenetic differences between individuals, cancer types, and progression pathways, than there are regions of climate on a single planet.
But it seems to be the only way forward to understanding mechanistically what is going on.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Fukushima & Japanese Environmental Minister
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Alone In A Nuclear Zone
Some guy in Fukushima who isn't concerned about his health. That was obvious, you rarely see him without a cigarette:
Fukushima - More Decontamination Data Needed
According to a Japanese newspaper editorial.
I can't argue with that! But it may be that those in government have data that the writer is unaware of.
I can't argue with that! But it may be that those in government have data that the writer is unaware of.
Atomic Ideologies & Ideological Toxicology
Rod Adams tries to advance the anti-health physics agenda by quoting a stupid paper by Ed Calabrese (search his name here to see how moronic he is). I've pretty muched addressed Calabrese's points in earlier posts, so I won't repeat here.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Radiation & Lack Of Reason
It's Wade Allison (author of a book called "Radiation and Reason") whining pontificating again (see his webite and read article dated January 3, 2013).
It's a bit ironic because he doesn't like ALARA, which stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable".
So both ALARA and his book have the word "reason" in it ("reasonably" is close enough).
It's a bit ironic because he doesn't like ALARA, which stands for "As Low As Reasonably Achievable".
So both ALARA and his book have the word "reason" in it ("reasonably" is close enough).
Fukushima - Crooked Cleanup
This link is to one of a series of articles by reporters for a Japanese newspaper.
Friday, January 4, 2013
I'll Skip That Fukushima Symposium
Even though there are a couple of objective scientists (Mousseau & Buesseler), the rest....not so much.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Many People Unaware Of CT Rad Risk
At least based on a study at one location, but fortunately the benefits usually outweigh the risks.
WHO Misses Fukushima Health Effects Report Deadline
If you look at their website (lower right) it states that it will be available in 2012.
More Pseudo-Health Physics
Courtesy of the blog, Atomic Ideologies Insights.
Same, tired old people (Cuttler, Rockwell, Adams) spreading the same tired, old nonsense.
Same, tired old people (Cuttler, Rockwell, Adams) spreading the same tired, old nonsense.
Bushehr - The Next Chernobyl?
Here's an op-ed about the hazards associated with Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. One of the authors is Khosrow Semnani, the former owner of the low level radioactive waste disposal site which was know as Envirocare of Utah and today is called EnergySolutions.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Brazilian Liquor Aged With Radiation
It's called cachaca and is a fermented sugarcane liquor found in the popular cocktail called caipirinha (in which lime and sugar are added to the cachaca).
Infinities
Here's a good article on infinities. Some people are baffled by the concept of multiple infinities but it should be quite obvious that if we think of only whole numbers there are an infinite number of them. Now if we think of how many real numbers can exist between any two whole numbers, there are infinities of those.
For example:
1,2,3,4...goes on infinitely.
But between 2 & 3 we have 2.001, 2.002, 2.003...which also goes on infinitely.
And then there's 2.01, 2.02, 2.03...which also goes on infintely.
For example:
1,2,3,4...goes on infinitely.
But between 2 & 3 we have 2.001, 2.002, 2.003...which also goes on infinitely.
And then there's 2.01, 2.02, 2.03...which also goes on infintely.
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