New Genetic Testing

Recently, a Silicon Valley start-up company introduced a test to sell to couples that are possible carriers of a number of diseases, including cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and sickle cell disease. Once informed, these couples will be able to use vitro fertilization with genetic testing of the embryos, to avoid having children with such diseases, which are often incurable and fatal in childhood.

Obama's State of the Union Address: Successful?

During his recent State of the Union address, President Obama reiterated many of the themes from his campaign; calling for change and condemning partisanship in Washington, while still maintaining a confidence in America's future.
The President stated:

I campaigned on the promise of change, change we can believe in...Right now, I know there are many Americans who aren't sure if they still believe we can change, or that I can deliver it. But remember this: I never suggested that change would be easy or that I could do it alone.

Although some were encouraged by his words, many were left skeptical about the promise of change. Recent polls suggest that much of Obama's popularity has faded. However, I believe that he still has a good chance of reclaiming the support he once had. After all, there is only so much one person can do alone-even the president. We must all take account for our actions, and do our part to help.

Is the Economy Finally Stabalizing?

According to a recent report by CNN, the US economy grew at the fastest pace in more than 6 years, during the fourth quarter of 2009. The broadest activity was seen in the nation's GDP, which rose at an annual rate of 5.7% in the last quarter. Economists are speculating about another 4.7% growth.

Space: The Final Frontier

For an assignment for school, I am required to engage in a community service project. This will involve not only doing a certain amount of community service, but also tracking my progress and relating my project to a larger national or world issue/topic. As I am very interested in science, and am looking into majoring in physics in college, I decided that doing a project that involved a scientific theme would be both entertaining and educational. The Chabot Space and Science Center has numerous volunteer opportunities, for a wide age range. I have recently contacted the organizer for volunteers and am waiting to learn when and where the orientation (mentioned in the instructions) will take place.

(Image used from the observatory and astrophotography section)

New Health Standards on the Rise

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new standards on smog-causing pollutants. Although this will help substantially with health benefits for millions of Americans, it will also create large costs on industry and local governments. This new standard would replace one that President Bush administrated in March 2008. This proposal would set a standard for ground-level ozone of no more than 0.060 to 0.070 parts per million, and would be introduced over a two-decade period.

New Gay Rights Bill Failed

New Jersey's state Senate recently defeated a bill that proposed the legalization of gay marriage. Only 14 out of the required 21 required senate votes were for the bill. Gay rights activists had worked hard to get the bill passed before January 19th, when Republican Chris Christie will become the new governor of New Jersey, as Christie stated that he would veto the bill. Currently there are five states that allow gay marriage-Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

The Day the First Fish Walked On Land

New fossils found in Sweden are suggesting that the first fish that stepped out of the water were actually much more ancient than first thought.

The 17 Deadliest Climate Killers

Finally, there is a group of people we can blame climate change for. Well, maybe not. This group, however, who includes Warren Buffett, Rupert Murdoch, and the infamous John McCain,are leading efforts to change and ultimately stop climate control efforts.