SAN FRANCISCO AIRPORT FLOODED BY THE SEA IN A DECADE - sea levels rapidly rising

As global temperatures continue to rise, the ice in the North and South poles are melting rapidly and this reflects on the rate of rising sea levels everywhere on Earth. Our world is not monolithic and different coasts have different rates of rising sea levels depending on factors such as ocean salinity, ocean temperature, and ocean currents. In the US, the Northeastern coasts are hit the hardest with rates three to four times faster than the global average. Californian sea levels are also rising faster than the global average and if this keeps up, San Francisco International Airport will flood in a decade.

In a wider view, scientists predict that the global rising sea level average will be nine inches higher in 2030, 1.5 feet higher in 2050, and 5.5 feet higher in 2100.

From popsci article, http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2012-06/study-says-california-sea-levels-will-rise-more-five-feet-century

UNIVERSAL ALLERGY VACCINE FOR EVERYTHING - suppressing immunoglobulin E (IgE)

All allergies are caused by the same immune system reaction. The only difference is the allergen that causes the allergic reaction and the severity. For various reasons, allergies are becoming more and more common these days compared to the past and many of us have to take allergy medications daily or have to carry around an epi-pen. Fortunately, a few years from now, such allergies can be a thing of the past. Scientists at the University of Eastern Finland have developed a universal allergy vaccine (which means for all allergens) and hope to have it on the market in 5 - 7 years time.

Most allergy treatments currently either suppress and weaken the immune system or target the allergic response on the surface by suppressing symptoms. The drug that the Finnish team of scientists have developed stops the allergic process altogether and so far have not been found to weaken any other aspects of the immune system.

The main cause of allergic reactions is a chemical released by white blood cells called histamine. White blood cells only release this chemical when the antibody, immunoglobulin E (IgE), is activated by allergens. The team of Finnish scientists, led by Professor Juhu Rouvinen, have developed a drug that prevents the activation of IgE by allergens while still allowing allergens to bind with IgG, the body's natural allergy counter that prevents the formation of the IgE-allergen complex. The end result is a greatly diminished allergy reaction that will spell good news for everyone that suffer from allergies, mild or severe. 

The scientists have already formed a bio-tech company named Desentum to produce and sell the drug once it passes a multitude of medical tests to make sure there are no serious, adverse side effects. 

DEATH OF RAREST CREATURE IN THE WORLD - Pinta Island tortoise "Lonesome George"

The Galapagos Islands today are a popular tourist site because of its tropical climate, beaches, and the abundance of wildlife. Historically, the islands are famous for inspiring and providing proof for Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution.

Isolated from the rest of the world, animal species from the Galapagos that are originally from mainland South America have evolved separately into new species with unique traits each catering to the island they live on and their lifestyle. One such unique species is the giant tortoise. Because of the many islands in the Galapagos (many with different environments), tortoises on each island have evolved into different subspecies and the most outstanding aspect that defines each species is the different shell shapes and patterns. 

At the beginning of the 16th century, the estimated population of all giant tortoises on the Galapagos was 250 000. However, after uncontrolled hunting for its meat, as well as capturing for zoos, the population was greatly reduced and it is only from recent conservation efforts that giant tortoise population has reached over 20 000 individuals. With such a decline, it is not surprising that many subspecies have suffered and some have gone extinct. Just last Sunday, what is believed to be the last member of the giant tortoise subspecies, Pinta Island giant tortoise, passed away. The animal is a male aptly named Lonesome George. He was estimated to be over 100 years old and time of death.

"...in his last years, has been known as the rarest creature in the world"

Lonesome George was discovered on the island in 1972 when it was largely believed that his species has gone extinct. Since then, he has become iconic for the conservation efforts on the Galapagos and, in his last years, has been known as the rarest creature in the world. Scientists have repeatedly tried to breed him with female giant tortoises of another subspecies so to preserve his genotype anyway possible. However, eggs produced have all been in-viable.

The cause of death for George is unknown. The scientists caring for George stated that it is unusual for him to die so early as members of the species can live up to 200 years old. Currently, George's corpse is being preserved in a cold chamber and a necropsy is planned to figure out the cause of death. 

George's death has brought wider attention towards conservation efforts in the Galapagos and according to the Galapagos National Park, "[t]he plight of Lonesome George provided a catalyst for an extraordinary effort by the government of Ecuador to restore not only tortoise populations throughout the archipelago but also improve the status of other endangered and threatened species".

Not all Hope is Lost

In 2009, a giant tortoise from the Galapagos named Tony in the Prague Zoo is suggested to be a purebred Pinta Island giant tortoise. Tony was hatched in 1960 and resided in the zoo since 1972. Peter Pritchard, one of the world's foremost authorities on tortoises, has found Tony's shell very similar to a Pinta Island giant tortoise's. Research is underway to validate this claim. 

Even if the Pinta Island giant tortoise population has gone extinct, Lonesome George's DNA will be stored in gene banks around the world and one day might be used to recreate the animal. 

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT APPLE STORES - retail store success

A good product sells itself, and Apple has many. However, in Apple's retail stores, the company does not just rely on the quality of their products for sales. It uses the same innovation and user-dedicated design in their Apple retail stores worldwide. Apple opened it's first retail store in May of 2001. 11 years later, Apple operates 363 stores world wide, is the most profitable store on the planet, makes $5 600 per square foot in the average store, and attracts more than 20 000 customers per store on average.

Apple's success in retail is the result of it's exceptional trait of being able to figure out and home in on what it's customers want and like. Almost every detail is taken care of to make sure customers leave Apple stores with a sense of satisfaction.


The principle that each Apple store operates with is to encourage customers to loiter in the store and use their products. Given Apple's high quality products, theoretically, the longer a customer uses it, the more they will want to buy it.

How does Apple keep their customers satisfied and engaged?

1. Hardware Accessibility: Apple products on display in their stores are readily accessible and usable. Products are not bolted down and there are no passwords. They are constantly powered on and you'll be hard pressed to find one with a dead battery. Apple doesn't stop there. They make sure the customer has something to do on the products. In many other electronic retail stores, I find that on the rare occasion I get access to try out a product, I can't do anything with it as there are no apps/software and no internet access. Apple makes sure basic software are on their products (e.g. iWork and Microsoft Office on their Macbooks and iMacs) and all are connected to the store's Wi-Fi network
2. Staff: Not surprisingly, Apple puts a high priority in hiring top quality staff. Not only are they looking for people that are knowledgeable of the product, they are looking for proactive, outgoing, and just all around happy people. Whenever you go to an Apple store, a customer service rep. is never far away and you'll most likely find yourself being approached by one even if you don't ask. 
3. Environment: Apple stores are clean and brightly lit. Isles are wide and ceilings are high (if possible). There are plenty of stools and chairs for customers to relax on

A MAN AND A CROCODILE AS BEST FRIENDS - Pocho's story

"Pocho" is the name given to a crocodile by a Costa Rican named Gilberto Shedden, or "Chito". Chito found Pocho greatly wounded on the shore of the Parismina River in 1989. Pocho was suffering from a gun shot wound in the left eye from a cattle farmer. Chito, having a soft heart for animals, decided to bring this animal to his house. For several months, he stayed by the crocodile's side nursing him back to health. When Pocho was finally strong enough to return to the wild, he refused and insisted on following Chito. From then on, a deep bond was allowed to develop between man and beast.

For more than 20 years, the duo performed together amidst awe-struck crowds in a 100-square-meter artificial lake at Finca Las Tilapia. Chinto could command Pocho to do tricks such as winking, rolling over, and letting Chito put his head in Pocho's massive jaw. Their acts, not surprisingly, drew international attention. A crocodile, often seen as an unforgiving killing machine, is now a man's best friend.

Keeping a crocodile as a pet is no easy feat and Chito had to work with a vet and a biologist to make sure the needs of Pocho are met. Pocho ate a whopping 30 kg of fish and chicken a week.

Unfortunately, on October 11, 2011, Pocho passed away due to natural reasons. An elaborate funeral was held for him as visitors from all over the country came to say their good byes.

Poncho's carcass will be embalmed and placed on display in a museum in Finca Las Tilapia.

When asked whether Chito will train another "Pocho", Chito replied,

"Pocho is Pocho, there is only one. Much of the public and all the people of Siquirres responded to him. There is no more Pocho. He will be the only Pocho there ever was."