NASA Tech Briefs Insider Blog

Activation of the brain enzyme CaMKK2 is one step in the appetite stimulation pathway located in the hypothalamus section of the brain. Duke University Medical Center researchers blocked CaMKK2 in mice to tone down appetite, promote weight loss, and manage blood sugar.

The researchers blocked the enzyme with a specialized molecule inhibitor. The mice ate less food than untreated mice during the six days in which they were evaluated, and also lost body weight. Next the researchers studied a group of mice that do not make CaMKK2 and found that the molecule inhibitor did not change feeding behavior or reduce weight. The fact that blocking CaMKK2 worked in normal mice to make them eat less, but not in mice missing the enzyme, shows that CaMKK2 signaling is a requirement for appetite control.

The Duke scientists also found that blocking CaMKK2 in the brain prevents the deposits of fat in liver and skeletal muscle that are characteristic of obese, diabetic patients. The researchers are trying to understand the mechanism responsible for this protective effect, as well as to identify more potent drugs to inhibit CaMKK2.

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The Keyence PX Series rugged photoelectric sensors from Keyence Corp. of America have been selected as NTB’s Product of the Month for May. The sensors feature an IP-69K environmental rating for high pressure (1,400 psi) applications at temperatures to 176 degrees F. They feature stainless steel casings, sensor heads backfilled with epoxy under vacuum conditions, and scratch-resistant lenses. A dual-output feature enables users to see
when the sensor activates and when the low-light alarm turns on.

For more information, see page 8 of the May issue of NTB, or click here.

A process to transmit medical images via cellular phones, developed by Hebrew University of Jerusalem researcher Prof. Boris Rubinsky, could provide sophisticated radiological diagnoses and treatment to most of the world’s population lacking access to such technology. Designed to replace stand-alone medical imaging systems, the system comprises two independent components connected through cellular phone technology.

Under Rubinsky’s concept, an independent data acquisition device (DAD), situated at a remote patient site, transmits raw data via mobile phone to an advanced image reconstruction and hardware control multiserver unit at a central site. The server processes the raw data into an image for the DAD. Because the medical image is produced at a central server and not on the DAD, medical image processing advances could be continuously made available to remote global regions, which generally lack the funds for sophisticated imaging equipment but often have mobile phone communication.

According to Rubinsky, the arrangement not only reduces medical imaging costs but also eliminates the need to train personnel in advanced imaging at the patient site. “The DAD can be made with off-the-shelf parts that somebody with basic technical training can operate,” Rubinsky noted.

Read more here.

This week’’s question concerns America’’s energy crisis. The cost of oil continues to rise at an unprecedented rate. Last week the price topped $125.00 per barrel and some experts predict that within two years it could go as high as $200 a barrel. Combined with other factors, the high cost of energy is having a devastating impact on the US economy, reopening the debate about whether or not to allow drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge where it is believed significant deposits of crude oil exist. Environmentalists argue that tapping those deposits could cause irreparable damage to the environment. What do you think? Should oil drilling be allowed in Alaska’s Arctic Wildlife Refuge?

Vote here.

“You can be sure if it’s Westinghouse.”

Raise your hand if you recall that signature line from Westinghouse TV commercials, or if you grew up in a household with Westinghouse appliances. A lot of hands, I’m sure. Far fewer if I were to ask how many still used Westinghouse products today. As pieces of the business were sold off over the years, the Westinghouse brand began to disappear from our kitchens, fading along with the memory of the man who built this powerhouse and changed our society.

In preparing to write this blog, I conducted an unscientific poll of friends and family, asking them who they considered to be America’s greatest inventor. The majority chose Thomas Edison. Not a single one named Edison’s chief rival of the late 19th century, George Westinghouse. Yet Westinghouse’s resume stands up against Edison’s, and not for selling washing machines. His invention of the railroad air brake saved countless lives and speeded the expansion of the United States to the west. Alternating current powers our cities thanks to Westinghouse and the Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla. Westinghouse introduced the first practical shock absorber for automobile suspensions, and steam turbines for maritime propulsion. He even invented the modern weekend, giving his workers time off on Saturday, as well as benefits such as paid sick leave, in an age when other industrial barons were running sweatshops.

So why is Edison revered and Westinghouse largely forgotten? The answer lies in their contrasting personalities and approaches to business. While Edison was gregarious, colorful – an early master of public relations – Westinghouse was humble and reserved. Edison made sure his name was on any patents his company filed. Westinghouse was content to let his workers take credit for their creations. Edison’s inventions – the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, the kinetoscope – were exciting and captured the public’s imagination. Westinghouse’s machines, like their master, worked efficiently behind the scenes, often invisible to the casual observer.

This story has rarely been told…until now. A fascinating new documentary about the life and times of George Westinghouse shines new light on his amazing legacy. Fittingly, it was produced by Inecom Entertainment, a company in Westinghouse’s home city of Pittsburgh, the one place that still honors and appreciates his accomplishments.

Listen to my podcast interview with the writer and director of the Westinghouse documentary, Mark Bussler.

View the trailer for the Westinghouse DVD on our Web site.

Joe Pramberger, Publisher
joe@techbriefs.com