Ways to Improve your Health Mentally and Physically

70 Ways to Increase Your Brain Power
By Steve Gillman
Excerpt from A Book of Secrets
You Want More Brainpower - Not Higher IQ Scores!
Okay, maybe you want higher IQ scores too. The American Heritage Dictionary
defines Intelligence Quotient as "The ratio of tested mental age to chronological
age, usually expressed as a quotient multiplied by 100."
Basically, it's a test of intelligence, with 100 as the average score. There are
some problems with IQ tests however.
A recent IQ test asked which of four fruits was different. It was the one with more
than one seed; but what if you were not familiar with these fruits? Obviously this
test is culturally biased. You are assumed to have certain knowledge, yet you are
being tested for intelligence, not knowledge.
Now look at these letters: "ANLDEGN." Rearrange them and you'll have the name
of a(n): Ocean, Country, State, City or Animal. This is from an IQ test I took.
Hmm... There are very few oceans, so I could eliminate those - but wait a
second! That's a test taking technique. An intelligence test shouldn't be testing
your test-taking ability. I'm bound to score higher than a person of equal
intelligence who hasn't learned simple techniques for scoring higher on multiple -
choice tests.
Real Life Results Versus Scores
Now let me ask you a question. What was Henry Fords IQ? Who cares! The man
was one of the most innovative people of the last century, and he did what he did
by surrounding himself with intelligent people.
That practice alone has to be worth more than 20 IQ points in terms of real life
results.
Real life results are what you want, right? So if you want to be more creative,
learn to use creative problem solving techniques. If you want to concentrate
better, there are techniques for that. Learn to speed-read and you'll have double
the knowledge in the same time. After you paint your first Mona Lisa, build your
first skyscraper or make your first million, what will your IQ score be? Who
cares!?
Okay, an imperfect test is better than no test at all, and it is entertaining. I just
took an IQ test, and although I don't think my IQ is really the 138 it showed, it
was fun. If you really want to, you can try a free IQ test on my website
http://www.IncreaseBrainPower.com. Of course you'll score higher on a good day
than a bad day, so try these tips to make it a good IQ test day:
70 Ways to Better Brainpower -
(In no particular order.)
1. Breath deep. More air in means more oxygen in the blood and therefore in
the brain. Breath through your nose and you'll notice that you use your
diaphragm more, drawing air deeper into your lungs. Several deep breaths can
also help to relax you, which is conducive to clearer thinking.
2. Meditate. A simple meditation you can do right now is just closing your eyes
and paying attention to your breath. Tensing up your muscles and then relaxing
them to start may help. When your mind wanders, just bring your attention back
to your breath. Five or ten minutes of this will usually relax you, clear your mind,
and leave you more ready for any mental task.
3. Sit up straight. Posture affects your thinking process. Prove it to yourself by
doing math in your head while slouching, looking at the floor and letting your
mouth hang open. Then do the mental math while sitting up straight, keeping
your mouth closed and looking forward or slightly upwards. You'll notice that it's
easier to think with the latter posture.
4. Phosphotidyl Serine (PS). This supplement has been shown in clinical
studies to increase lucidity and rate of learning. It activates cell-to-cell
communication, helps regulate cell growth, improves the functioning of the
special receptors found on cells, and prepares cells for activity. In other words, it
can help your brain power. It's also thought to reverse memory decline.
Phosphatidylserine has no known adverse side effects.
5.Vinpocetine. This extract, derived from an alkaloid found in the Periwinkle
plant, is used as a cerebral vasodilator. It increases blood flow to the brain, which
improves its oxygenation and thereby increases mental alertness and acuity.
Research suggests it may also be the most powerful memory enhancer available
to date.
6. Gingko Biloba. The leaves of this tree have been proven to increase blood
flow to the brain. The trees are often planted in parks. My friends and I used to
eat a few leaves when we wanted a brain boost. It is also inexpensive, if you buy
the capsules or tea at any health food store.
7. Saint John's Wort. This is a common weed that may be growing in your yard.
Although it's brain enhancing qualities are less documented (studies do show it's
usefulness for treating long-term depression), many people swear by it's
temporary mood-elevating effect, and our brains tend to function better when we
are happy. It is inexpensive, but I used to just collect it in the yard and make tea
of it. (Hyperacum Perforatum, if you want to look it up by it's botanical name.)
8. Good thinking habits. Just use a problem solving technique for several
weeks and it will become a habit. Redesign everything you see for a while, and
that will become a habit. You can develop many good thinking habits with some
effort, and then be more resourceful effortlessly from that point on. Use the
power of habit.
9. Use dead time. This is time that is otherwise wasted or just under-utilized.
Driving time, time spent in waiting rooms, or even time spent raking your yard
can be included in this. With a tape player and a trip to a public library, you can
start to use this time to listen to books-on-tape. You may spend 200 hours a year
in your car. What could you learn in that time?
10. Learn a language. Learning a new language has been shown to halt the
age-related decline in brain function. It also introduces your mind to new
concepts and new ways of looking at things (in English we are afraid, whereas in
Spanish we have fear). It is one of the best brain exercises.
11. Rosemary. This common herb may have an effect on the brain when the
scent is inhaled. We are waiting for the research, but some people swear that just
sniffing rosemary wakes up their brain. It seems safe, so if you have rosemary in
your spice rack, give it a try.
12. Mindfulness exercises. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less
automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy
mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them. This
might mean making a phone call you need to make, or putting things on a list so
you can forget them for now. With practice, this becomes easier, and your
thinking becomes more powerful.
13. Write. Writing is good for your mind in a number of ways. It is a way to tell
your memory what is important, so you'll recall things more easily in the future.
It is a way to clarify your thinking. It is a way to exercise your creativity and
analytical ability. Diaries, idea-journals, poetry, note-taking and story-writing are
all ways to use writing to boost your brain power.
14. Listen to Mozart. In a study at the University of California, researchers
found that children who studied piano and sang daily in chorus, were much better
at solving puzzles, and when tested, scored 80% higher in spatial intelligence
than the non-musical group. In another study, 36 students were given three
spatial reasoning tests on a standard IQ test. Just before the first test, they
listened to Mozart's sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448 for ten minutes.
Before the second test, they listened to a relaxation tape. Before the third, they
sat in silence. The average scores for all 36 students: 1st test: 119. 2nd test:
111. 3rd test: 110. A nine-point boost from Mozart!
15. Develop your intuition. Intuition can be an important part of brainpower.
Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches. See Chapter 25
for tips on how to develop your intuition.
16. Avoid foods that cause subtle allergies. These can include wheat, corn,
peanuts and dairy products. Watch yourself to see if you have a problem with any
of these. They cause digestive problems and brain fog in some people.
17. Sleep better. As long as you get a certain amount of sleep - probably a
minimum of five hours - the quality seems to be more important than the
quantity. Also, short naps in the afternoon seem to work well to recharge the
brain for some people.
The Secrets of Powerful Sleep
Sleep LESS and have MORE energy by optimizing your sleep patterns in order to
create an abundance of energy in your life. Learn more here...
18. Caffeine. The research shows higher test scores for students who drink
coffee before major exams. My chess game gets better. In other studies, it has
been shown that too much caffeine leads to poorer quality decisions. Caffeine
affects individuals differently, and has some nasty long-term side effects for some
of us, but short-term - it works!
19. Avoid sugar. Any simple carbohydrates can give you "brain fog." Sometimes
called the "sugar blues" as well, this sluggish feeling makes it hard to think
clearly. It results from the insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the
sugar rush. Avoid pasta, sugars, white bread and potato chips before any
important mental tasks.
20. Hypnosis audios. The power of suggestion is real, and one way to use it is
with hypnosis tapes, CD's or downloads. This type of brain "programing" has
more evidence for it than subliminals.
21. Speed reading. Contrary to what many believe, your comprehension of
material often goes up when you learn to speed-read. You get to learn a lot more
in less time, and it is definitely a good brain exercise.
22. Exercise. Long term exercise can boost brainpower, which isn't surprising.
Anything that affects physical health in a positive way probably helps the brain
too. Recent research, though, shows that cognitive function is improved
immediately after just ten minutes of aerobic exercise. If you need a brain
recharge, you might want to walk up and down the stairs a few times.
23. Imaginary friends. Talking to and getting advice from characters in your
mind can be a great way to access the information in your subconscious mind.
Imagine a conversation with a person who has a lot of knowledge in the area you
want advice in.
24. Develop your creativity. Creativity gives power to your thinking. Raw
computation can be done by computers now, but humans provide the creative
thought that shapes our world. See Chapter 24 for tips on developing your
creativity.
25. Learn more efficiently. When you decide to learn something, take notes
from the start. Leave each "learning session" with a question or two in mind, to
create anticipation and curiosity. Take short breaks, so there will be more
beginnings and endings to your studies (Things learned at the beginning or
ending of a class or session are remembered better).
26. Use techniques for clear thinking. Cluttered rooms and offices can
contribute to cluttered thinking. Organize a space for mental work. Sigh, stretch,
and take a deep breath before you start on a tough mental job. Plan some
distraction-free time for brainstorming.
27. Brain wave entrainment. The newest brain wave entrainment products are
powerful tools for altering your brain function. Some will almost immediately
relax you, while others will put your brain waves in a pattern that is most
conducive to analytical thinking.
Free 15-minute Brainwave Entrainment Audio
Calm your mind, reduce your stress and boost your creativity automatically with
this free MP3. Learn more here...
28. Creatine. This is a compound found in meat, used by athletes to help build
muscle. Now the evidence is here to show that it helps your brain as well.
Proceedings B , a journal published by the Royal Society reports that the research
showed improvement in working memory and general intelligence resulting from
creatine supplementation. The dose used in the study was 5 grams per day. This
is about the level used to boost sports performance, and is as much as you'd
normally get in four pounds of meat, according to lead researcher Dr. Caroline
Rae.
29. Talk. Talking is only good for the brain if you are actually exercising it, of
course. Try explaining something that you don't understand very well to a friend,
though, and you'll notice that the process of explaining will help you clarify your
understanding.
30. Do something you enjoy. This is a way to both lower stress and rev up
your brain. The key is to do something active. Watching TV doesn't count.
Whether it is playing Scrabble or building birdhouses, when you are actively
engaged in an activity that you enjoy, you worry less about things and you start
to think better.
31. Adjust your beliefs. Believe you are smarter, and you'll become smarter.
For this, affirmations may work, but even better is evidence. Make a note of your
successes. Tell yourself, "Hey, that was really creative," when you do something
creative. When you have a good idea, make a note of it. Gather the evidence for
your own intelligence and you'll start to experience more of it.
32. Brain exercises. Do math in your mind while driving. Think of a new use for
everything you see. Regular use of the brain has been shown to generate new
neuronal growth, and even halt the decline of mental function that often comes
with age.
33. Learn new things. This is another way to exercise the brain. It can also be
done with little time investment if you use books-on-tapes while driving.
34. Walk. Exercise has been shown to benefit the brain, and walking is one of
the best exercises for many. It is low impact, and the rhythmic nature of it seems
to put you in a state that is very conducive to clear thinking. In fact, carry a tape
recorder with you to take notes, and a twenty minute walk can be a great way to
solve problems.
35. Model others. Find others that are creative, intelligent, or very productive.
Do what they do, and think what they think. This is a key principle of neurolinguistic
programming. Be careful about taking their advice, though. Successful
people often don't really understand why they are successful. Do what they do,
not what they say.
36. Eat fish. Eating fish actually speeds up brain waves, and improves
concentration. Researchers have also found an almost perfect correlation between
intake of fish and lowered levels of depression in the various countries of the
world. The U.S. has 24 times the incidence of depression as Japan, for example,
where fish intake is much higher.
37. Avoid unnecessary arguments. When you defend a position too
vigorously, especially when it is just to "win" the argument, you invest our ego
into it. This is not conducive to the easy acceptance and use of new information.
In other words, you put your mind in a rut, and you dig it deeper with each
argument. Debate can be a valuable thing, but when the ego takes over, the
mind closes a little. This is not a recipe for better thinking.
38. Laugh. The release of endorphins caused by laughter lowers stress levels,
which is good for long term brain health. Laughter also tends to leave you more
open to new ideas and thoughts.
39. Play. Stimulating the brain causes measurable changes in the structure of
the brain. New connections are made and new brain cells are grown. Intellectual
play, as well as any playing that involves hand-eye coordination stimulates the
brain.
40. Do puzzles. Crossword puzzles, lateral thinking puzzles, and even good
riddles are a great way to get brain exercise. You can work on them while waiting
for a dentist appointment, or on the bus, if you are short on time.
41. Sing. When you are alone in your car, try singing about something you are
working on. This taps into and exercises your right brain. Have you ever noticed
how it is easier to rhyme when you sing than when you just speak or write? This
is because the right brain is better at pattern recognition. By doing this brain
exercise regularly you can train yourself to tap into the power of the right brain.
This will make you a more effective problem-solver. If you doubt the distinction
between the hemispheres of the brain, look at how stutterers can stop stuttering
as soon as they start singing. Try it.
42. Nuts. University students in Brazil and other South American countries often
eat several Brazil nuts before an exam, believing they are good for their mental
power. The evidence is starting to confirm this. Other nuts that have minerals and
amino acids that are beneficial to the brain include almonds and walnuts.
43. Olive oil. High in mono-unsaturated fat, olive oil has been shown to improve
memory. A cheaper alternative is canola oil, but this hasn't been studied much
yet.
44. Vitamin supplements. In studies, children scored higher on tests when on a
regimen of daily vitamin supplements. "Experts" will tell you that if you eat a
balanced diet, you don't need supplements, which, given the culture here, is
really just a sales pitch for vitamins, isn't it? Who eats a perfectly balanced diet?
45. Fiber. It isn't just what goes in, but what comes out that is important to
brain function. Toxic build-up in the body and brain can cause "brain fog." People
often report clearer thinking as one of the benefits of curing their constipation.
46. Self awareness. This may not seem important to brain power, but it is.
When you know yourself better, you can avoid the usual effects of ego and
emotion in your seemingly "rational" thinking. Or you can at least take it into
account. Watch yourself, especially as you explain things or argue.
47. Motivate yourself. Motivation is as important to mental tasks as it is to any
other. Learn a few simple techniques for self motivation. You can start with those
in Chapter 8.
48. Avoid too much stress. Neuropsychiastrist Richard Restak, M.D., form the
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Services, sums up
the research thus: "Stress causes brain damage." Long term stress has repeated
been shown to hurt the brain, not to mention the rest of the body. Learn a few
stress reduction techniques if you get stressed out often.
49. Get educated. Scientists have known for a while that the less educated get
alzheimer's more frequently. Education in any area seems to make the brain
stronger.
50. Avoid too much fat. In laboratory studies, animals consistently learn slower
when they are on a diet high in fat. Type of fat may make a difference, so you
may want to stick to using olive oil and other non-saturated fats. Saturated fats
have been shown to actually stunt the growth of brain cells.
51. Eat less. Overeating has the immediate effect of redirecting more blood to
the digestive process, leaving less for the brain. Long term, it can cause arterial
obstructions that reduce blood flow to the brain permanently. In at least one
study, rats on a restricted-calorie diet had more brainpower.
52. Avoid suspect foods. There is evidence that the following foods can be bad
for your brain: Artificial food colorings, artificial sweeteners, colas, corn syrup,
frostings, high-sugar drinks, hydrogenated fats, sugars, white bread, and any
white-flour products.
53. Eat breakfast. When kids who didn't eat breakfast started to eat it,
researchers found that their math scores went up a whole grade on average.
54. Avoid diabetes. The development of diabetes coincides with a dropping of
IQ scores. In other words, if you want to maintain your brain power, follow your
doctors dietary recommendations for preventing or treating diabetes.
55. Eat foods high in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect all your cells,
including brain cells. Some of the foods highest in antioxidants include: prunes,
raisins, blueberries, blackberries, garlic, kale, cranberries, strawberries, spinach,
and raspberries. In one test, rats had age-related mental decline reversed by
eating the equivalent of a 1/2 cup of blueberries per day.
56. Drink wine. In moderation, red wine can be good for the brain, it seems. It
is rich in antioxidants, which protect brain cells. One glass per day for women and
two for men is usually considered a safe and moderate amount.
57. Use alcohol in moderation. In a study at the University of Indiana School
of Medicine, elderly light drinkers (fewer than 4 drinks per week) scored higher
on tests of thinking abilities than non-drinkers. Those who drank 10 or more
drinks per week scored lower. It is known that alcohol can kill brain cells, so
moderation seems to be the key.
58. Folic acid. According to one study, 200 micrograms of folic acid, the amount
found in 3/4 cup of cooked spinach, alleviates depression and reverses memory
loss.
59. Potential brain foods. Other foods that may be good for your brain include:
Avocados, bananas, lean beef, brewer's yeast. broccoli, brown rice, brussel
sprouts, cantaloupe, cheese, chicken, collard greens, eggs, flaxseed oil, legumes,
oatmeal, oranges, peanut butter, peas, potatoes, romaine lettuce, salmon,
soybeans, spinach, tuna, turkey, wheat germ, and yogurt.
60. Vitamin E. Jean Carper, in researching her book, "Your Miracle Brain," found
that many brain researchers are taking 400 I.U.s of vitamin E daily. It is an
antioxidant, and reduces the clogging of blood vessels, including those going in
the brain.
61. Vitamin C. Taken in the form of orange juice in a study at the Texas
Women's University, vitamin C increased the IQ scores of children.
62. Selenium. 100 micrograms of selenium has been shown to be a moodelevator.
Your brain almost certainly functions better when you are in a better
mood. Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts and garlic.
63. Alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid (10 to 50 milligrams daily) improves
memory and protects nerve cells.
64. Inositol. This is a safe and natural substance that is often grouped with the
B-vitamins. It reduces stress and promotes clear thinking. It contributes to
energy production, and so can "wake you up." Animal studies show a measurable
increase in physical activity for up to five hours after taking it.
65. Huperzine A. This is a compound extracted from the Chinese club moss.
Researchers both in Israel and the U.S. have used it to treat alzheimer's. It
improves memory and learning an seems to be very safe.
66. Ask questions. This is a great way to keep your brain in shape. Just get in
the habit of asking questions often, even if it is only in your own mind. Why are
taller buildings better? what is the purpose of curbs? Ask anything that comes to
mind, and ponder the possible answers.
67. Sniff basil. This another of the herbs that may be good for your brain. No
studies yet, but many report a brain boost from smelling basil.
68. Temperature. Many people have noted that they think better at certain
temperatures. In general, it seems that being slightly cool, but not
uncomfortable, is most conducive to good thinking. Try experimenting on yourself
to see what temperature works best for you.
69. Use systems. From the time I was ten years old, 12 x 49 was always (12 x
50) - 12. It's easier to figure in your head this way (588, by the way). I didn't get
any credit for my personal algorithms then, but they are selling these shortcuts
on late-night TV now, because they work. You can find your own easier ways to
do mental math or other mental tasks, or read a good book on them.
70. Make a brainpower plan. It takes about twenty to thirty days of repetition
to establish new habits, many psychologists will tell you. This means that when
you create your plan for better brainpower, be sure you plan to use that new
problem solving technique, or eat those new brain foods for at least three weeks.
You can use many of the brain boosters here and get immediate results, but it is
creating new habits that will give you the most brainpower.

The Biggest Plane

There is nothing on Earth or in the air quite like the Antonov An-225. Dwarfing a Boeing 747 and out-lifting a U.S. Air Force C-5A Galaxy, it can haul an expeditionary force into combat, or carry enough food to avert a famine. Yet, oddly, the original purpose of the An-225 was neither hostile nor humanitarian. Conceived in the chilliest years of the Cold War, the plane was designed as an airborne tow truck for the now-defunct Soviet space shuttle program. Despite its lack of armaments, NATO war planners gave the An-225 a military code name, Cossack. History would reveal that the Soviet nickname for the An-225, Mriya, which is Ukrainian for "dream," was more apt.
In keeping with the Soviet penchant for building the world's biggest everything, the An-225 was designed to carry twice as much as a Boeing 747 freighter. The dimensions of the An-225 are staggering--nearly a football field from nose to tail and wingtip to wingtip. With a maximum takeoff weight of about 1.32 million pounds, it is 50 percent heavier than a fully loaded C-5A. To get so massive an aircraft into the sky, Ukrainian engineers equipped the An-225 with six ZMKB Progress Lotarev D-18T turbofan jets, each capable of pumping out 51,590 pounds of thrust.
After only 3-1/2 years in development, Mriya took its maiden voyage on Dec. 21, 1988. Less than a year later the Berlin Wall fell, and with its collapse the Soviet Union dissolved. Ukraine, home to the Antonov Design Bureau that created the An-225, split away as an independent republic. And with these changes the future of the An-225 changed as well.
Military RootsAs revolutionary as it appears, the An-225 is a derived rather than original aircraft. Basically, it is an enlarged version of the Antonov An-124 military transport. Engineers stretched this smaller plane nearly 40 ft. and added two engines. To distribute the weight of the fully loaded, 6-engine aircraft, the An-225 was equipped with an unusually configured 32-wheel landing gear. Normally, only the nose gear of an aircraft is steerable. On the An-225 there are 20 steerable wheels: four in the nose gear and 16 at the rear of the 28-wheel main gear. The result is an aircraft that is extremely maneuverable.
Making the An-225 equally agile in the air is the reason behind the plane's signature wide split-tail. While most of the An-225 follows the lines of the smaller An-124, the modified split-tail was added to maintain the plane's maneuverability when it carries large exterior loads.

The worlds Fastest Car

2003 Bugatti 16/4 Veyron The trials of the fastest road sports car in the world have been successfully completed. One of the most ambitious projects in automobile history is entering its production phase. The first Bugatti Veyron 16.4 cars, built mainly by hand, are already being completed and will be delivered to customers this year.The sports car, capable of more than 400 km/h, is driven by a 16-cylinder mid-engine, that at 710 mm long is no larger than a conventional V12 unit, and due to its lightweight construction weighs only about 400 kilos. Its compact dimensions are due to the unique arrangement of its cylinder banks in a W configuration. Two VR8 blocks, each with a fifteen degree bank angle, are joined in the crankcase to form one engine. Both eight cylinders are set at an angle of ninety degrees to each other and are aspirated by a total of four exhaust gas turbochargers. The engine delivers 1001 HP at 6,000 r.p.m. and provides a maximum torque of 1250 Newton metres at between 2,200 and 5,500 r.p.m.

To apply the power of the 64-valve unit to achieve satisfactory driving dynamics both in everyday traffic and on the racetrack, the Bugatti development team of Dr. Franz-Joseph Paefgen and Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber has realized a propulsion unit that is without parallel in its complexity. If the extreme engine power is a master stroke of genius, its conversion for road use is an equally tough challenge. As Dr. Schreiber says “For 1000 HP propulsion power, the system demands approximately 2000 HP to be additionally generated as heat energy during combustion. Half in each case is dissipated in the exhaust gas and cooling water”.

Hercules lazer Beam Most Powerfullest to record

The new amplifier of the HERCULES laser fires. The laser is now capable of producing a beam so intense scientists believe it sets a world record.

"That's the instantaneous intensity we can produce," said Karl Krushelnick, a physics and engineering professor. "I don't know of another place in the universe that would have this intensity of light. We believe this is a record."
The pulsed laser beam lasts just 30 femtoseconds. A femtosecond is a millionth of a billionth of a second.
Such intense beams could help scientists develop better proton and electron beams for radiation treatment of cancer, among other applications.

The record-setting beam measures 20 billion trillion watts per square centimeter. It contains 300 terawatts of power. That's 300 times the capacity of the entire U.S. electricity grid. The laser beam's power is concentrated to a 1.3-micron speck about 100th the diameter of a human hair. A human hair is about 100 microns wide.
This intensity is about two orders of magnitude higher than any other laser in the world can produce, said Victor Yanovsky, a research scientist in the U-M Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science who built the ultra-high power system over the past six years.
The laser can produce this intense beam once every 10 seconds, whereas other powerful lasers can take an hour to recharge.

Tech Talk Supports Endangered Species Save the Wild make a Difference Now !!!!!

Common Name

Giant panda;Panda Géant (Fr); Panda gigante (Sp);
Scientific Name

Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Habitat

Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests
Location

Southwest China (Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan Provinces) to the east of the Tibetan plateau.

Approximately 1,600 individuals in the wild

Why is this species important?Panda habitat is found at the top of the Yangtze Basin, an ecoregion shared by both pandas and millions of people whose ancestors have utilized the region's natural resources for millenia. The Basin is the geographic and economic heart of China, and is one of the critical regions for biodiversity conservation in the world. Its diverse habitats contain many rare, endemic and endangered animal and plant species, the best known being the giant panda. Economic benefits derived from the Yangtze Basin include tourism, subsistence fisheries and agriculture, transport, hydropower and water resources.The survival of the panda and the protection of its habitat will ensure that people living in the region continue to reap ecosystem benefits for many generations.

The worlds smartest Pet Robot

The Smartest Robot Pet Yet
Loaded up with sensors and motors, this robo-dino is so lifelike, you just might consider replacing your cat
By Jenny Everett Posted 04.04.2006 at 2:00 am 0 Comments

by Courtesy Mack Fraga/UGOBE, Inc.: Photo by Courtesy Mack Fraga/UGOBE, Inc.
Refer to "Pleo" as a robotic pet, and its co-inventor, Caleb Chung (of Furby fame), will quickly set you straight: Pleo is a designer life-form. That's because, on the outside, everything about the one-week-old Camarasaurus is very unrobotic. Its movements are fluid, not rigid; its actions are seemingly spontaneous and unprogrammed; and its skin is smooth, seamless and stretchy. Inside, however, the 3.3-pound Pleo is very robotic indeed. It's stuffed with 38 sensors to detect light, motion, touch and sound. They feed information about Pleo's environment to one of eight processors that can handle a collective 60 million calculations per second. A complex computer program determines what the dino does next-howl over the edge of a table, sneeze, crane its neck around 180 degrees to see who´s scratching its back, or any of thousands of other possibilities. As Pleo´s manufacturer, Ugobe in Emeryville, California, develops more sophisticated personality coding, you´ll be able to upgrade the robot through its SD-card slot or from the Web through its USB port. Pleo´s Jurassic competition, the WowWee Roboreptile, successor to the popular Robosapien, also hits shelves this fall.
Check out this video of the Pleo in action. You'll need the QuickTime plug-in to view this video. Download it here for free if you don't already have it installed. If you are having trouble with the plug-in, here is a direct link to the video.

The Worlds Smartest Cars

The world's first "smart" hire-car that knows where it is, whether it is being stolen and can even call help after an accident is unveiled at the London Motor Show.
Drivers will be able receive turn-by-turn directions should they get lost. They will also be able to dictate faxes and e-mails while on the move.
And it is not just car-drivers who will be able to lay claim to a "smart" vehicle - the system can also be installed on motorbikes and scooters.
Developed by the London-based firm Skynet 2001, it combines mobile phone technologies and what is known as global positioning system.
The package has two main components. The first part, called Skamp, is a security and vehicle tracking system