Scientists to cook world's first in-vitro beef burger

By Kate Kelland, Health and Science Correspondent

LONDON (Reuters) - A corner of west London will see culinary and scientific history made on Monday when scientists cook and serve up the world's first lab-grown beef burger.

The in-vitro burger, cultured from cattle stem cells, the first example of what its creator says could provide an answer to global food shortages and help combat climate change, will be fried in a pan and tasted by two volunteers.

The burger is the result of years of research by Dutch scientist Mark Post, a vascular biologist at the University of Maastricht, who is working to show how meat grown in petri dishes might one day be a true alternative to meat from livestock.

The meat in the burger has been made by knitting together around 20,000 strands of protein that has been cultured from cattle stem cells in Post's lab.

The tissue is grown by placing the cells in a ring, like a donut, around a hub of nutrient gel, Post explained.

To prepare the burger, scientists combined the cultured beef with other ingredients normally used in burgers, such as salt, breadcrumbs and egg powder. Red beet juice and saffron have been added to bring out its natural colors.

"Our burger is made from muscle cells taken from a cow. We haven't altered them in any way," Post said in a statement on Friday. "For it to succeed it has to look, feel and hopefully taste like the real thing."

VIABLE ALTERNATIVE?

Success, in Post's view, would mean not just a tasty burger, but also the prospect of finding a sustainable, ethical and environmentally friendly alternative to meat production.

According to a 2006 report by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), industrialized agriculture contributes on a "massive scale" to climate change, air pollution, land degradation, energy use, deforestation and biodiversity decline.

The report, entitled Livestock's Long Shadow, said the meat industry contributes about 18 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions and this proportion is expected to grow as consumers in fast-developing countries such as China and India eat more meat.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), annual meat production is projected to rise to 376 million metric tons by 2030 from 218 million metric tons in 1997-1999, and demand from a growing world population is expected to rise beyond that.

Post cites FAO figures suggesting demand for meat is expected to increase by more than two-thirds by 2050.

Animal welfare campaigners applauded the arrival of cultured meat and predicted a great future for it.

"In vitro technology will spell the end of lorries full of cows and chickens, abattoirs and factory farming," the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaign group said in a statement. "It will reduce carbon emissions, conserve water and make the food supply safer."

A study published in 2011 comparing the relative environmental impacts of various types of meat, including lamb, pork, beef and cultured meat, said the lab-grown product has by far the least impact on the environment.

Hanna Tuomisto, who conducted the study at Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, found that growing meats in-vitro would use 35 percent to 60 percent less energy, emit 80 percent to 95 percent less greenhouse gas and use around 98 percent less land than conventionally produced animal meat.

While Monday's fry-up will be a world first and only an initial proof-of concept, the Dutch scientist reckons commercial production of cultured beef could begin within the next 20 years.

"What we are going to attempt is important because I hope it will show cultured beef has the answers to major problems that the world faces," he added.

(Editing by Andre Grenon)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/scientists-cook-worlds-first-vitro-beef-burger-132520674.html

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Brent tops $110 first time since April on robust economic data

By Jessica Jaganathan

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Brent crude futures climbed above $110 a barrel for the first time since early April on Friday, as upbeat economic data raised the prospects for better global oil demand amid supply disruptions in Africa and Iraq.

U.S. manufacturing grew in July at its fastest pace in two years, while a China industrial index beat expectations this week. European factories also snapped two years of output declines, suggesting a euro zone recession may be near its end.

A commitment to easy monetary policy by European central banks and the Federal Reserve also boosted oil prices.

Brent crude oil futures had gained 42 cents to $109.96 a barrel by 0411 GMT, after earlier hitting $110.09, its highest since April 3. Brent is track to rise 2.6 percent on the week after two weeks of losses.

U.S. crude oil futures rose 68 cents to $108.57, heading for a 3.7 percent increase for the week.

"A lot of people are expecting the quantitative easing to continue for longer than expected, so money is still going into the oil markets," said Ken Hasegawa, a commodity sales manager at Newedge Japan.

But with global inventories adequate, he added, oil prices are unlikely to remain strong.

The European Central Bank and the Bank of England on Thursday left their interest rates at record lows, a day after the Federal Reserve said the U.S. economy still needed its support and made no mention of changes to its stimulus measures.

Any pullback on the Fed's easy money policies could boost the dollar and drag on assets denominated in the currency.

Investors are waiting for a U.S. employment report due later in the day that is expected to show the jobless rate near its lowest level in more than four years, which could strengthen demand from the world's top oil consumer.

Data on Thursday showed U.S. factory activity hitting a two-year high in July and first-time applications for jobless benefits hit a 5-1/2-year low last week.

Brent's premium over West Texas Intermediate narrowed to $1.40 a barrel as the positive data and the Fed comments pushed up the U.S. crude oil prices.

"A lot of money has now seemed to have come to the U.S. crude market and I suspect some short covering is happening," said Hasegawa.

SUPPLY DISRUPTIONS

Concern over supply disruptions in Libya, Iraq and Nigeria also underpinned prices. The disruptions helped trim OPEC output to a four-month low in July, according to a Reuters survey published on Wednesday.

OPEC output averaged 30.25 million barrels per day (bpd), down from 30.38 million bpd in June, the survey found.

Iraq's production has come under pressure as Sunni insurgents target its northern pipeline, while technical problems are curbing output in the south.

Europe's biggest oil company, Royal Dutch Shell, said on Thursday that a surge in oil thefts in Nigeria contributed to a lower second-quarter profit.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/brent-tops-110-first-time-since-april-robust-085814518.html

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Agriculture sustainable way of making a living, says GBM - Daily Mail

By CHRISTINE CHISHA and KAPALA CHISUNKA
MINISTER of Defence Geoffrey Mwamba has urged Zambians to venture into agriculture as it is a sustainable way of making a living.
And Vice-President?s wife Charlotte Scott, has described this year?s 87th edition of the Agriculture and Commercial Show as an eye-opener for farmers to diversify crops and adapt to climate change.
Mr Mwamba, who pledged Government?s support towards the sector, said agriculture is the mainstay of the Zambian economy.
?Why should we allow foreigners to take over the agriculture sector when we are able to work more than them? In fact, I have been informed by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock that there are various support programmes for farmers,? he said.
Mr Mwamba was speaking in Lusaka after touring stands at the Agriculture and Commercial Show yesterday.
The 87th edition of the Agriculture and Commercial Show is running under the theme ?Business in a changing environment?.
The minister said it is time Zambia became a nation of producers to feed the entire nation and export excess produce.
Mr Mwamba, who described the exhibitions at the show as impressive, said he has been encouraged to venture into agriculture in Kasama.
Mr Mwamba expressed optimism that this year?s show will be a success and toured nine local stands.
The minister arrived at the showgrounds around 09:40 and was met by Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Bob Sichinga and other senior Government officials.
Mr Sichinga said his ministry targets to produce 150,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser for the 2013/2014 farming season.
He said 70,000 tonnes of fertiliser will go towards the Fertiliser Input Support Programme (FISP) and the rest will go to the open market.
And Dr Scott said apart from farmers adapting to climate change and conservation farming, this year?s theme will help business people to diversify in their marketing strategy.
She said she was impressed that both farmers and business people have come up with new ways of doing business.
She pinpointed companies like Zesco, who are working tirelessly to meet the demand for electricity countryside, mitigate load shedding and build more hydro-power stations.
Dr Scott was also impressed with young farmers from rural areas who she said have more information and knowledge on climate change.
She commended NIPA for coming up with degree programmes and building a modern library.
She arrived at the Show Grounds around 09:10 hours and toured eight stands in the company of show society past president Elizabeth Nkumbula.

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Source: http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/local-news/19442

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Shrapnel from imploding plant injures 5 spectators

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) ? One man had his leg severed Saturday and four others were also injured as shrapnel from the demolition of a power plant flew into a crowd of more than 1,000 spectators that had gathered in California's Central Valley to watch it come down, officials said.

The crowd gathered at 6 a.m., some sleeping in their cars overnight, in the nearby parking lot of a Lowe's Home Improvement store in Bakersfield to watch the planned implosion of the steam power plant owned by the public utility Pacific Gas and Electric that had been decommissioned for decades.

After buildings came down in a fiery crash, a police officer heard a man screaming for help and saw that his leg had been blown off.

"It was a piece of shrapnel that came flying out of the explosion and came across and went through a couple of chain link fences," said police Lt. Scott Tunnicliffe.

The 44-year-old victim also had major injuries to the other leg, and may lose it also, Tunnicliffe said. Officials declined to release his name.

Four other spectators were treated for minor injuries, said Kern County Fire engineer Leland Davis. All of the injured spectators were standing beyond a perimeter set up to ensure public safety, Davis said.

Fred Garten, 49, was standing behind the perimeter when a piece of metal roughly the size of a household door came flying at him and grazed his right leg, leaving his socks and shorts splattered with blood.

"It's a good gouge, but it's just scratches," Garten told the Bakersfield Californian, which first reported on the incident. "I just feel bad for the other guy. They took him away on a gurney, and I'm walking."

Kelly Patt, 21, who arrived five hours early to get a good view of the blast, said his girlfriend got sprayed with shrapnel but wasn't badly hurt. Patt said he was far more disturbed at seeing the man with the severed leg.

"I saw that dude's leg and I had to walk away," he told the Californian. "There was a lot of blood, a lot of blood."

Several cars were also damaged by the shrapnel.

Residents of the city about 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles were eager to see the old plant torn down to make way for new development. The plant was decommissioned in 1986 and has been idle ever since.

Pacific Gas and Electric reached an agreement with the city to clean up the property and prepare it for sale. The company hired subcontractors to handle the demolition of the plant's boiler structures and worked with local authorities to set up a safe perimeter 1,000 feet from the site, said Denny Boyles, a company spokesman.

"We are deeply saddened that this happened," Boyles said. "We're looking for answers like everyone else."

Boyles said the boiler structure consisted of two towers measuring 140 feet high that supported four 200,000 gallon tanks.

Cleveland Wrecking Co. of Covina, Calif., the main contractor on the demolition, issued a statement expressing sympathy and vowing a thorough investigation but declined further comment.

"This was a terrible accident, and our hearts go out to the individuals who were injured," the statement said. "We will be conducting a full investigation and will cooperate with the authorities."

Several subcontractors also worked on the project.

A previous accident at the same demolition site in 2012 killed a 51-year-old Cleveland Wrecking worker who was suspended in a basket and cutting beams with a torch when one of the beams hit him and he fell 50 feet to his death.

In June of this year in Philadelphia, the wall of a building under demolition collapsed onto a thrift store and killed six people. That contractor was not among those hired for the Bakersfield plant.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/shrapnel-imploding-plant-injures-5-spectators-010935362.html

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Iran supreme leader endorses Rouhani for president

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) ? Iran's supreme leader has formally endorsed Hasan Rouhani as president, opening the way for the moderate cleric to take over from outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In a ceremony broadcast live on state television Saturday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave his official approval for Rouhani. Khamenei, the ultimate authority in Iran, has final say in all key matters, including Rouhani's upcoming selections for key Cabinet posts such as the foreign and intelligence ministers.

Rouhani will take the oath of office in parliament Sunday.

Rouhani won a landslide victory in June 14 presidential elections. He has pledged to follow a "path of moderation" and promised greater openness over the country's nuclear program, which has placed it at odds with the West.

He replaces Ahmadinejad, first elected in 2005.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/iran-supreme-leader-endorses-rouhani-president-133237233.html

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SPORTS: Marathon: Q & A

Photos:

Cullen Kane

Q: Could yoga help runners as they prepare and train for the upcoming marathon? If so, in what ways?

A: Yoga is a wonderful complement to any running program. Running is a repetitive exercise and can cause excessive tightness. Tightness in one or more muscle groups can lead to weakness and instability in other muscle groups. Using yoga as a cross-training method will help the body to loosen and lengthen, creating better flexibility and stability through better alignment.

Running is a leg-dominant activity, but runners need more than strong legs. Yoga provides a full-body workout that increases overall strength, including core and upper body. A strong core and upper body allow for better running posture. This helps combat fatigue, decreases risk of injury and allows better breath control.

Breath awareness is a major component of yoga. By consciously connecting the breath to movement, a runner?s pace can become more efficient. Yoga and running are similar in that both require focus and mindfulness. A regular yoga practice gives runners experience in tuning into the body?s signals while helping them keep their mental edge.

? Kate Connor

Columbus yoga and fitness instructor

Do you have a question about running, or more specifically running a half- or full marathon? Send your question by email to running@therepublic.com and we will provide an answer.

Think your friends should see this? Share it with them!

Source: http://www.therepublic.com/view/local_story/Marathon-_1375584864

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Insurgents attack Indian consulate in eastern Afghanistan: officials

KABUL (Reuters) - A suicide bomber attacked the Indian consulate in the eastern Afghan capital of Jalalabad on Saturday, Indian officials and local police said, killing six people and wounding 22.

Gunfire resounded through the area for at least an hour following the 10 a.m. blast near the consulate entrance.

All the casualties were civilians, except for one wounded Afghan soldier, said Baz Mohammad, a senior health official in Nangarhar province.

"Explosion in front of India's Consulate in Jalalabad. All Indians officials safe," Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said on Twitter.

The attack followed a world-wide travel alert issued by the United States on Friday, saying that Al Qaeda could be planning attacks in August, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. The United States has ordered the closure of 21 embassies and consulates on Sunday, including its Kabul mission.

Nangarhar police chief Mohammad Sharif Amin told Reuters a bomber detonated a car packed with explosives outside the consulate and an adjacent mosque. The consulate was the intended target, he said, but most casualties were from the mosque.

Roads near the Indian consulate remained blocked as gunfire rattled through the area, deputy provincial police chief Masoom Khan Hashimi said.

Indian diplomatic missions have been targets of previous attacks in Afghanistan.

The eastern border province of Nangarhar, and its capital Jalalabad, have long been a hotbed of insurgent activity.

On Friday, a five-hour battle between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters in the province's Shirzad district killed dozens of Afghan police and insurgents, officials said.

(Reporting by Rafiq Shirzad; Writing by Dylan Welch; Editing by Ron Popeski)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/suspected-suicide-bombing-near-indian-consulate-eastern-afghanistan-062337631.html

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