Headline News (Page 3,118)

Scientists may have discovered a biological mechanism that causes distortion of memories, especially when fear is involved. The August 17, 2000 issue of science journal Nature contains a description of a study suggesting that, every time a memory is drawn into consciousness, the brain actually updates it and then makes new proteins (used for memory storage by the brain) when returning it to held memories. Changes can take place during this process. It has been known for 100 years that newly formed memories are initially unstable, and that the formation process can be distorted by trauma, both physical and emotional. It has also been possible to block fear memory in rats by injecting them with a drug that blocks protein synthesis just after the memory is acquired.
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An ultra-high strangeness DNA mystery emerged in Australia when fingerprints found on a mirror were tested for their DNA content and found not to contain human DNA at all. This case developed after a woman who had found a cross delicately scratched on her arm contacted Australian UFO researcher Barry Taylor. The cross was offered as evidence, along with some strange prints preserved on a bedroom mirror. Taylor initiated a full DNA sampling of the prints with the assistance of Phenomena Research Australia. This sampling revealed an unusually high level of bacteria and the presence of canine DNA.read more

Los Angeles-based search engine company Do-Mode.com has published a list of specific absorption radiation, or SAR, for most brands of cellphone. This revealing list was compiled from Federal Communications Commission information. The cellphone that puts out the most SAR radiation is the Ericsson T28 World model, which emits 1.49 watts per kilogram. Motorola’s Star-Tac Model 7860 has the lowest SAR out put, at 0.24 watts per kilo. It is believed that the 1.6 SAR output level has a substantial safety margin built into it, but there are also serious questions about cellphone safety that remain unanswered. The FCC itself is preparing a report on the health effects of cellphones, due out in 2004.
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In 1999, Australia engaged in the most massive gun control effort in history. Nearly seven hundred thousand guns were turned in by citizens, under a new and stringent gun control law. This is the first national experiment in serious gun control, in a society in which guns have previously been relatively freely available.

Initial statistics reveal the following new trends in this previously low-crime society:

Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2%

Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6%

Australia-wide, armed-robberies are up 44%

In the state of Victoria, homicides-with-firearms are up 300%
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