Bloom – Mini Facility for Home Electricity Generation

An India-born rocket scientist has lifted the veil off Bloom Box fuel-cell, a revolutionary new technology that holds the promise to supply the world with abundant clean, cheap energy.

"The core of our technology is simply sand," said K.R. Sridhar, 49, founder of the Silicon Valley clean tech start-up Bloom Energy at Wednesday's unveiling of his invention in San Jose, California on the campus of eBay, one of Bloom's first customers.

The sand is the raw material used to make wafers that can make electricity. Sridhar has persuaded some big names that by making them out of sand he can make fuel cells that are efficient and inexpensive.

Whereas other fuel cells contain polymers and platinum that make them prohibitively expensive, Sridhar said Bloom's consist of specially coated ceramic squares made from a common sand-like substance.

Bloom's fuel cell works like this: Oxygen is pumped in on one side and natural gas on the other. The two combine inside the cell to create a chemical reaction that produces electricity. No burning, no combustion, no power lines from outside, as CBS puts it.

"The proof of the pudding is the reaction from the business people," said former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, who joined Bloom's board last year, said at Wednesday's event that also included an appearance by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"Will it work for 10 or 20 years without something going wrong? We'll find out," he added.

Bloom Energy says the best proof that its fuel cells work is in the ones already working like those at eBay's headquarters.

A half-dozen big companies have already bought Bloom Boxes at a cost of $700,000 to $800,000. But Sridhar's goal is a $3,000 box that anybody can use to power their home though he says home use is 10 years away.

"Don't start signing up for orders yet," said Sridhar. "This is a product of the future."

"We believe that we can have the same kind of impact on energy that the mobile phone had on communications. Just as cell phones circumvented landlines to proliferate telephony, Bloom Energy will enable the adoption of distributed power as a smarter, localised energy source," Sridhar said.

It will allow customers, he said, to "lower their energy costs, reduce their carbon footprint, improve their energy security".

"What people need to understand is we are not building a company, we are building an industry," said Sridhar

Physiognomy – Reading the Face (the index of the mind)

Time for us to think about this art/ science??

The Pakistani delegation coming to India to take part in the foreign secretary-level talks on February 25 also includes a 'physiognomy' expert, who will read the faces of the Indian officials and predict what they 'actually' intend to say.

Pakistan's 'treasured guide' Director-General for South Asia Afrasiab Hashmi is said to be an expert in judging a person's character by reading his/her facial structure.

Though Hashmi has not received any special training in this unique art, many believe he harboured the skill right from birth.

Hashmi had previously served as Pakistan's deputy high commissioner in India, China, Austria and the United Nations in New York.

According to sources, he not only has the ability to read faces, but can also predict the immediate future.

Hashmi first came into the limelight when he predicted that then Pakistan President General Zia-ul-Haq would not be able to attend the United Nations General Assembly in August 1988.The very next day, General Zia's plane crashed.

According to some accounts, General Zia knew about Hashmi's skills and is believed to have sent him a huge portrait of himself to know about his future. However, it is not clear what Hashmi told Zia at that time.

One of the officials who worked with Hashmi in India revealed that a top army officer of the Indian Army [ Images ] consistently enquired about his future from Hashmi.

According to the official, during a party, Hashmi had told the Indian Army official that his wife suffered from severe migraine, just after shaking hands with her.

"He had also told her that the pain was due to her habit of excessive reading, which surprised her husband, who dashed to his residence the next day for further information about his own home affairs," The News quoted the official as saying.

Research on Scorpion Poison, as a pain killer!!

Scorpion venom is notoriously poisonous but it can potentially replace dangerous and addictive painkillers like morphine, says a new study.

Michael Gurevitz, professor, Tel Aviv University's (TAU) Department of Plant Sciences, is investigating new ways for developing a novel painkiller based on natural compounds found in scorpion venom.

These compounds have gone through millions of years of evolution and some show high efficacy and specificity for certain components of the body with no side-effects, he says.

Peptide toxins found in scorpion venom interact with sodium channels in nervous and muscular systems - and some of these sodium channels communicate pain, says Gurevitz.

"The mammalian body has nine different sodium channels of which only a certain subtype delivers pain to our brain," adds Gurevitz.

"We are trying to understand how toxins in the venom interact with sodium channels at the molecular level and particularly how some of the toxins differentiate among channel subtypes."

"If we figure this out, we may be able to slightly modify such toxins, making them more potent and specific for certain pain mediating sodium channels," Gurevitz continues.

"With this information, engineering of chemical derivatives that mimic the scorpion toxins would provide novel pain killers of high specificity that have no side effects.

In his research, Gurevitz is concentrating on the Israeli yellow scorpion, one of the most potent scorpions in the world. Its venom contains more than 300 peptides of which only a minor fraction has been explored.

The reason for working with this venom, he says, is the large arsenal of active components such as the toxins that have diversified during hundreds of millions of years under selective pressure.

During that process, some toxins have evolved with the capability to directly affect mammalian sodium channel subtypes whereas others recognise and affect sodium channels of invertebrates such as insects, says a university release.

This deviation in specificity is a lesson on how toxins may be manipulated at will by genetic engineering, he says.

Hydro Therapy (Ushah Paanam)

 

Correct timing to drink water, will maximize its effectiveness on the Human body.

   Two (02) glass of water - After waking up -  Helps activate internal organs

One (01) glasses of water  - 30 minutes before meal - Help digestion

One (01) glass of water - Before taking a bath - Helps lower blood pressure

   One (01) glass of water - Before sleep  - To avoid stroke or heart attack

Aspects of Bio-Diversity in Vedic Texts

Preamble:

Since time immemorial, human intelligence was looking out for various aspects of life forces around him. From time to time, this casual look out led to finer observation and transformed into classification. This kind of Classification paved way for further research to be stated as theorem in order to benefit Human Benefits. Even the research, that appeared beneficial to other species of creatures, had its roots in the anticipated benefits to humans, by domestication or otherwise.

References and Objective

The earliest recorded statements of our ancestors in respect with these observations are found aplenty in many of the Vedic Verses. Broadly, these references pertain to ritualistic Utility. However, this classification is a pointer towards the fine intelligence we inherited from the previous generations.

Another oft – overlooked doctrine imbibed in these observations; is the dictum to preserve the ecology and bio-diversity. Instead of dealing with these references, from a myopic purview of nomadic life style, under-development of agrarian practices and stone-aged non-vegetarianism; it could be highly rewarding for a true researcher to look out for the connection with the past, apart from the main objective of unearthing the neglected benefits from these species enlisted in the scriptures. In addition, an element of rapid deterioration of bio-diversity (or lack of it) could also be determined, from the perspective of ecological perspective.

Classification

The references can be classified into the following categories.

1. Species of Animals in the Fifth and Sixth Chapters in the Fifth Section of Yajurveda Samhita

2. Physical Characteristics of Animals and subsequent benefits; in the First Chaper in the Second Section of Yajurveda Samhita

3. Microbial references

4. Species of Grains in 7^th Chapter in the 4^th Section of Samhita and in Ashwamedha Episode (8^th and 9^th Chapters in the 3^rd Section of Brahamana)

5. Metals and Metallurgy in the 7^th Chapter in the 4^th Section of Samhita

6. Benefits arising out of different states and locations of water isotopes in Aaruna Ketuka Chayana (1^st Chapter of Aaranyaka) and Ashwamedha Episode (4^th Chapter of 7^th Section and 8^th and 9^th Chapters in the 3^rd Section of Brahamana)

7. Types of Darbha Grass and the effects on Human Body during various types of rituals (Daivika – Shrouta, Smaarta & Paitruka)

8. Animal Anatomy as discussed in Soutraamani Episode (6^th Chapter in the Second Section of Braahamana)

9. Application of Plants, Herbs, Roots and Germs/ Bacterium to induce physical reaction during rituals, explained by Sutrakaras, especially Aapastamba, apart from Aayurvedic Proponents such as Charaka etc. with specific intent.

10. Organic Chemical Reaction arising out of ingredients used in daily Puja, Homa, Cooking

11. Choice of Wood for combustion and non-combustive usage during rituals, for specific benefits

12. References contained in ancillary Texts such as Vruksha Aayurveda, Gaja Aayurveda etc.

Scope

The academic background coupled with the practical experience of the researcher/ observer is certain to play a significant role in dealing with these references. However, the examination of these aspects are bound to result in enchanting kaleidoscopic findings, as the generations are exposed to newer realms of scientific advancement.

Absence of Correlation between Nomenclature and Description

Nomenclature and Description (Naama – Roopa) are inseparable aspects in defining the identity of any being. The issue of Linguistic Antiquity, and absence of Common parameters, (connecting strings) to correlate the available references with the modern terminology is crippling the efforts by the miniscule community of (Indology) researchers.

ü To bridge the gap, Department of Aayush, Department of Science and Technology along with Academics in Public Sector or Private Sector should join hands to establish an International platform to share the findings.

ü Establishment of standards to compile the references to correlate with the current day Latin Terms is the first priority.

ü Constitution of a group of scholars from Linguistics, Biology and allied fields, is deemed as the first step in the right direction, apart from compiling the information about Research, undertaken in this direction so far.

Stage for Professional Research

ü Setting up this stage could enable serious professional research to examine the references for their utility towards betterment of Humanity.

मंगळं महत्

The author may be contacted at sarvaveda@gmail.com

PUROHITA – An Excellent Feature of Indian Society

Jaya Guru Datta

It is my pleasure to convey the blessings of Avadhoota Datta Peethadhipati Jagadguru Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji to the holy congregation of Purohits to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Arcot Purohita Sangham. I trust that this celebration conducted with the incessant grace of Aachaaryas will rejuvenate the association and its activities and wish the best for the future activities.

प्रब्रवाम शरदश्शतम्, अजीतास्स्याम शरदश्शतम्।

Preamble

The word PUROHITA is a grand nomenclature, intended to bring harmony to the society. It has another synonym called PURODHAS. An inspection at the etymology, gives us the deep insight propounded by Vedas in myriad texts. I deem it appropriate to delve into this topic, on this joyous occasion.

Choices of Life Hitam - Priyam

In life, we find two important choices, often contrary to each. Sages have categorised them as HITAM and PRIYAM. Hitam is the better of the two as it seeks to promote absolute welfare of the person in this life as well as next births, and even in the achievement of salvation. However, Hitam may be hard to follow, as common trait of the mortals is to jump for short term gain, rather than concentrating on long term eternal benefit.

Where as Priyam (temporary comfort) is the obvious choice for most of the people, as it gives happiness instantaneously in short term. But, it is bound to lead to a chaotic situation, which could be horrendous.

Let us illustrate an example to explain the difference. A child always likes to spend time in play (PRIYAM) and dislikes the strict rigorous discipline in studies and ethics (HITAM). But, parents and guardians do not allow him to spend all the time in casual Play, as it will jeopardise his career and affect his life later.

Hitam, though seems the harder choice of the two; is not that difficult, as it is appears at the entry level. Let us consider the fact that, once attuned to the rigorous study schedules and moral ethics, the child will start relishing it too. Therefore, all the mortals require a person to advise them to choose the better choice of life, at all times.

Who is a PUROHITA?

In light of the above explained scenario, the Vedic Tradition devised the system of PUROHITA, which can be correlated as the conscience keeper of the society, at large. Explaining the term further – PURAS means Forward. Hitam is the welfare. If you need to get ahead continuously, you need to adhere to path of Dharma. (Dharma Aacharanam alone could ensure the competitive edge, required to achieve ever lasting stupendous success. (For an example: By luring gullible people to invest in unrealistic high interest yielding deposit scheme, one may mobilise lots of money to dispense with. Failure to honour the commitment could land him in serious trouble, later).

The synonym PURODHAS further explains the purpose beautifully. It is not only sufficient to achieve one time success, but the more important goal is to maintain it all times to achieve respect and dignity. (DHA – is the root Dhaatu, which is translated as: to hold, maintain or nourish.) For this, the society requires an essential conscience keeper, called PUROHITA. In order to make us realise this importance, VEDA starts with the first hymn:

अग्निमीळे पुरोहितम्। यज्ञस्य देव मृत्विजम्।

As mortals, are bound to die at some time, it is essential to know the eternal PUROHITA who is none other than AGNI. He is the primordial RITWIK (a partner) of our YAGNA and its fruits. As it is difficult to stipulate a blanket rule and implement it by mere oral instruction at macro level; micro level consultation and assistance is necessary for smooth implementation. Hence, the society is categorised with several nuclei such as Gender, Family, Clan, Race, Family and Sect for easier implementation of DHAARMIKA JEEVANA (Righteous living) that is to opt for HITAM in life.

It is very important to realise, that this categorisation in done with a great bonafide intention of ensuring success for all the humans. Further classifying the duties of the society, Vedic tradition stipulated that a BRAAHMANA, as representative of AGNI shall undertake this sacred and honorary duty as PUROHITA, with nil expectation of any dividend. To qualify as a PUROHITA, a person is required to be scholastic in Dharma Saastra (Ethical Code), Karma Kaanda (Rituals) and Jyotishya (Astrology). Last but not least, a PUROHITA needs to set an example by overcoming the personal temptations to jump for unscrupulous interim benefits and should practise Dharma at personal level through out life.

It is mutually convenient to seek/ provide consultation at personal level, to meet individual requirements. Hence, the duties for PUROHITA are envisaged as under:

1. To assist and support a family (Client) in Personal Rites

2. To fix the Muhoortam for several rituals

3. To advise the family, as a guide during entire life cycle from birth to death (in 16 Samskaaras (Rituals to shape and invigorate important stages of life)

4. To advise at times of adversity such as defeat, ailments and calamities; by diagnosing the symptoms; analysing the causes and suggesting remedies enlisted in Dharma Sastra.

5. Consultation and Implementation partnership, at micro level

6. To fix dates for Rituals and course of action for the welfare of the society

7. To advise rulers and administrators in determining best practices of Dharma and judging righteous actions.

It is a gracious fact, that PUROHITA was a necessary component of society, requiring each family to have a dedicated PUROHITA for life. It even extended from generations to next generations, inventing the term KULA PUROHITA.

We can draw the reference to several instances in our epics, where Great Sages such as Vasishtha, Garga etc have supported rituals in many incarnations such as Rama and Krishna. Brahma, himself conducted many rituals himself and accepted to be PUROHITA at many instances. Dakshina (Money/ Emoluments) offered to PUROHITA, as a courtesy represented their respect towards the scholar.

Current Status

With changing times, the stark reality is that this respected honorary Profession of PUROHITA has started to become derogatory, due to the decline of ethics and morality in society. In changing circumstances, Scholarly persons have declined to be PUROHITA, as it was being associated with connected with unjustified gains. Dwindling income from the profession was another important reason, for knowledgeable persons avoiding this profession.

Due to the paucity of qualified scholars as PUROHITA, the dynamics of demand supply have led to an unhealthy proposition. Thus, the remaining few Purohitas have lesser time for their clients and underserved families are either ignorant of this necessity or could not afford for the services of a Purohita. In this reprehensible process, the profession of Purohita, started to be depicted as inferior at many important forums of the society such as literature, drama and it continues till date, as Purohita is lampooned as buffoon in movies. All these factors are dissuading youngsters to yearn for other jobs.

Conclusion

To revitalise the institution of PUROHITA, an effort has to be made to enlighten and educate the professionals about its purpose and importance. On the other hand, it is also pertinent to sensitise the society in honouring the Professionals, whom it requires at all times. May God amply bless all of us, in this direction!!

I Trust that this Golden Jubilee will serve as a launch pad for this endeavour in this part of the country. Jaya Guru Datta

River Kaveri

Tips to protest our Heart from Dr.Devi Shetty

A chat with Dr.Devi Shetty (Heart Specialist),
Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore was arranged by WIPRO for its employees .
The transcript of the chat is given below. Useful for everyone.
Qn: What are the thumb rules for a layman to take care of his heart?
Ans:
1. Diet - Less of carbohydrate, more of protein, less oil
2. Exercise - Half an hour's walk, at least five days a week; avoid lifts and avoid sitting for a longtime
3. Quit smoking
4. Control weight
5. Control blood pressure and sugar
Qn: Is eating non-veg food (fish) good for the heart?
Ans: No
Qn: It's still a grave shock to hear that some apparently healthy person gets a cardiac arrest. How do we understand it in perspective?
Ans: This is called silent attack; that is why we recommend everyone past the age of 30 to undergo routine health checkups.
Qn: Are heart diseases hereditary?
Ans: Yes
Qn: What are the ways in which the heart is stressed? What practices do you suggest to de-stress?
Ans: Change your attitude towards life. Do not look for perfection in everything in life.
Qn: Is walking better than jogging or is more intensive exercise required to keep a healthy heart?
Ans: Walking is better than jogging since jogging leads to early fatigue and injury to joints
Qn: You have done so much for the poor and needy. What has inspired you to do so?
Ans: Mother Theresa , who was my patient
Qn: Can people with low blood pressure suffer heart diseases?
Ans: Extremely rare
Qn: Does cholesterol accumulates right from an early age
(I'm currently only 22) or do you have to worry about it only after you are above 30 years of age?
Ans: Cholesterol accumulates from childhood.
Qn: How do irregular eating habits affect the heart ?
Ans: You tend to eat junk food when the habits are irregular and your body's enzyme release for digestion gets confused.
Qn: How can I control cholesterol content without using medicines?
Ans: Control diet, walk and eat walnut.
Qn: Can yoga prevent heart ailments?
Ans: Yoga helps.
Qn: Which is the best and worst food for the heart?
Ans: Fruits and vegetables are the best and the worst is oil.
Qn: Which oil is better - groundnut, sunflower, olive?
Ans: All oils are bad .
Qn: What is the routine checkup one should go through? Is there any specific test?
Ans: Routine blood test to ensure sugar, cholesterol is ok. Check BP, Treadmill test after an echo.
Qn: What are the first aid steps to be taken on a heart attack?
Ans: Help the person into a sleeping position , place an aspirin tablet under the tongue with a sorbitrate tablet if available, and rush him to a coronary care unit since the maximum casualty takes place within the first hour.
Qn: How do you differentiate between pain caused by a heart attack and that caused due to gastric trouble?
Ans: Extremely difficult without ECG.
Qn: What is the main cause of a steep increase in heart problems amongst youngsters? I see people of about 30-40 yrs of age having heart attacks and serious heart problems.
Ans: Increased awareness has increased incidents.. Also, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, junk food, lack of exercise in a country where people are genetically three times more vulnerable for heart attacks than Europeans and Americans.
Qn: Is it possible for a person to have BP outside the normal range of 120/80 and yet be perfectly healthy?
Ans: Yes.
Qn: Marriages within close relatives can lead to heart problems for the child. Is it true?
Ans : Yes, co-sanguinity leads to congenital abnormalities and you may not have a software engineer as a child
Qn: Many of us have an irregular daily routine and many a times we have to stay late nights in office. Does this affect our heart ? What precautions would you recommend?
Ans : When you are young, nature protects you against all these irregularities. However, as you grow older, respect the biological clock.
Qn: Will taking anti-hypertensive drugs cause some other complications (short / long term)?
Ans : Yes, most drugs have some side effects. However, modern anti- hypertensive drugs are extremely safe.
Qn: Will consuming more coffee/tea lead to heart attacks?
Ans : No.
Qn: Are asthma patients more prone to heart disease?
Ans : No.
Qn: How would you define junk food?
Ans : Fried food like Kentucky , McDonalds , samosas, and even masala dosas..
Qn: You mentioned that Indians are three times more vulnerable. What is the reason for this, as Europeans and Americans also eat a lot of junk food?
Ans: Every race is vulnerable to some disease and unfortunately, Indians are vulnerable for the most expensive disease.
Qn: Does consuming bananas help reduce hypertension?
Ans : No.
Qn: Can a person help himself during a heart attack (Because we see a lot of forwarded emails on this)?
Ans : Yes. Lie down comfortably and put an aspirin tablet of any description under the tongue and ask someone to take you to the nearest coronary care unit without any delay and do not wait for the ambulance since most of the time, the ambulance does not turn up.
Qn: Do, in any way, low white blood cells and low hemoglobin count lead to heart problems?
Ans : No. But it is ideal to have normal hemoglobin level to increase your exercise capacity.
Qn: Sometimes, due to the hectic schedule we are not able to exercise. So, does walking while doing daily chores at home or climbing the stairs in the house, work as a substitute for exercise?
Ans : Certainly. Avoid sitting continuously for more than half an hour and even the act of getting out of the chair and going to another chair and sitting helps a lot.
Qn: Is there a relation between heart problems and blood sugar?
Ans: Yes. A strong relationship since diabetics are more vulnerable to heart attacks than non-diabetics.
Qn: What are the things one needs to take care of after a heart operation?
Ans : Diet, exercise, drugs on time , Control cholesterol, BP, weight.
Qn: Are people working on night shifts more vulnerable to heart disease when compared to day shift workers?
i
Ans : No.
Qn: What are the modern anti- hypertensive drugs?
Ans : There are hundreds of drugs and your doctor will chose the right combination for your problem, but my suggestion is to avoid the drugs and go for natural ways of controlling blood pressure by walk, diet to
reduce weight and changing attitudes towards lifestyles.
Qn: Does dispirin or similar headache pills increase the risk of heart attacks?
Ans : No.
Qn: Why is the rate of heart attacks more in men than in women?
Ans : Nature protects women till the age of 45.
Qn: How can one keep the heart in a good condition?
Ans : Eat a healthy diet, avoid junk food, exercise everyday, do not smoke and, go for health checkup s if you are past the age of 30 ( once in six months recommended) ..

World's most accurate timepiece

Physicists have built the world's most accurate timepiece, based on an advanced version of an experimental atomic clock relying on a single aluminum atom.

It is more than twice as precise as the previous pacesetter based on a mercury atom. The new aluminum clock would neither gain nor lose one second in about 3.7 billion years, according to measurements.

The new clock is the second version of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) "quantum logic clock," because it borrows the logical processing used for atoms storing data in experimental quantum computing.

"This paper is a milestone for atomic clocks" for a number of reasons, says NIST postdoctoral researcher James Chou, who developed most of the improvements.

In addition to demonstrating that aluminum is now a better timekeeper than mercury, the latest results confirm that optical clocks are widening their lead - in some respects - over the NIST-F1 cesium fountain clock, the US civilian time standard, which currently keeps time to within one second in about 100 million years.

Because the international definition of the second (in the International System of Units, or SI) is based on the cesium atom, cesium remains the "ruler" for official timekeeping, and no clock can be more accurate than cesium-based standards such as NIST-F1.

The logic clock is based on a single aluminum ion (electrically charged atom) trapped by electric fields and vibrating at ultraviolet light frequencies, which are 100,000 times higher than microwave frequencies used in NIST-F1 and other similar time standards around the world, says a NIST release.

Optical clocks thus divide time into smaller units, and could someday lead to time standards more than 100 times as accurate as today's microwave standards. Higher frequency is one of a variety of factors that enables improved precision and accuracy.

These findings are slated for publication in Physical Review Letters.