NEWS

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• Scientific Search of Life after Death

  Jun 23, 2016 by Admin / 379 Views

  What happens after we die remains one of the great unanswered questions, whether you opt for the optimistic view, or subscribe to the bleaker view of yawning emptiness. But scientists have revealed that our genes may continue to fizz with activity for days after death. Evidence suggests that more than 1,000 genes are active post-mortem, some of which only grind into gear 24 hours after the event. As well as redefining our understanding of death, the discovery could have implications for improving organ transplants.

  The study found evidence of increased activity in 1,063 genes after animals had died. The majority of the genes kick into action half an hour after the animals die, but some only seemed to ramp up after 24 or even 48 hours.

  But rather than a random flicking on and off of genes, the analysis revealed those associated with stress response, some of which point to the animal trying to kick-start homeostasis, as well as those involved in embryonic development. Scientists believe this flurry of post-mortem activity may be the system shutting down and packing up. As the tightly packed DNA loosens after death, it uncovers genes which were previously kept quiet and under wraps. The findings shed new light on a question which scientists have long pondered – whether gene activity trails off gradually, or just stops after an animal dies.

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  Scientists have revealed that our genes may continue to fizz with activity for days after death (stock image).

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• Iraq: The battle for Fallujah shows the US needs Iran

  Jun 23, 2016 by Admin / 274 Views

  Iran, the US and Iraqi militias are locked in a menage-a-trois that now defines the region's geopolitics.

  While Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi recently declared victory in Fallujah, there are still pockets held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in the city. Regardless of these final military operations, there are two significant political dynamics that have been established.

  First, the United States has had an uneasy relationship with the Iraqi Shia militias, otherwise known as the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMUs), since it began its air campaign against ISIL, yet close to exactly two years into conflict, it is these Iranian-sponsored forces that have become integral to Washington's efforts.

  Second, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in his capacity as a respected cleric, has become embedded in Iraq's domestic politics. Yet the battle for Fallujah shows how he has leveraged his position to dictate military strategy and tactics.

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  Iraqi forces' lorries advance during a military operation in western Fallujah [EPA]

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• Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Ranked 143rd on Mercer’s Cost of Living Survey of 209 Cities

  Jun 23, 2016 by Admin / 401 Views

  Hong Kong leads as Kinshasa makes big jump up the ranking ladder in Mercer’s 22nd annual Cost of Living Survey

  Despite volatile global markets and growing security issues, organizations continue to leverage global expansion strategies to remain competitive and to grow. Yet, few organizations are prepared for the challenges world events have on their business, including the impact on cost of expatriate packages. Mercer’s 22nd annual Cost of Living Survey finds that factors including currency fluctuations, cost inflation for goods and services, and instability of accommodation prices, contribute to the cost of expatriate packages for employees on international assignments.

  “Despite technology advances and the rise of a globally connected workforce, deploying expatriate employees remains an increasingly important aspect of a competitive multinational company’s business strategy,” said Ilya Bonic, Senior Partner and President of Mercer’s Talent business. “However, with volatile markets and stunted economic growth in many parts of the world, a keen eye on cost efficiency is essential, including a focus on expatriate remuneration packages. As organizations’ appetite to rapidly grow and scale globally continues, it is necessary to have accurate and transparent data to compensate fairly for all types of assignments, including short-term and local plus status.”

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• Chinese man has been walking with a 40kg rock on his head for four years to lose weight

  Jun 22, 2016 by Admin / 362 Views

   

  A 54-year-old man from Jilin, China, is making waves in his hometown, for his Iron Man-worthy exercise routine: daily walks with a 40kg rock balanced on his head.

  According to CCTV News, it's a common sight for locals to see Cong Yan walking on the streets with the heavy burden. He told reporters that he's been training this way for the past four years.

  Cong adopted the routine when he hit 115kg — an unhealthy weight for his 1.63 metre tall frame.

  "At the very beginning, I just wanted to try [the exercise] because I think it’s healthier than taking diet pills. And it worked," he said.

  Determined to swap his old lifestyle for a healthier one, Cong started with a 15kg rock and slowly built up to the current 40kg weight.

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