Breaking Tweets » Science

Four on Hajj killed by swine flu

Fahad Zuberi — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:06:15 +0000

The Saudi Health Ministry has announced the first four deaths from swine flu at this year’s annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

BBC reports, The Saudi government has said all pilgrims need a certificate of vaccination before they can apply for a visa. In September, the Egyptian authorities barred hundreds of Muslim pilgrims in Cairo from travelling to Mecca because of fears about the virus.

Twitter users are worried that the virus could spread and kill many more during Hajj.

mj_santos (location undisclosed) That is horrible! @AJEnglish Saudi health ministry has confirmed to Al Jazeera that four #Hajj pilgrims have died from H1N1 flu (via @omarc) 21 Nov 2009 from web

omarc (Doha, Qatar) Corrections on #Hajj #H1N1 deaths – Was a Sudanese man who died, not Algerian. He was hospitalised four days after arriving in Saudi 21 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

live_h1n1 (location undisclosed) Pilgrims Ready for Hajj, Unfazed By #SwineFlu – Islam Online : http://bit.ly/89ZYPH 21 Nov 2009 from API

MoodyMohd (Saudi Arabia) Thinking about all the people going 2 hajj mashallah 21 Nov 2009 from Echofon

somemuslim (location undisclosed) Swine Flu kills for at Hajj. Hope this isn’t part of a bigger epidemic, and that my friends and all others return safely. http://is.gd/50ur3 21 Nov 2009 from web

DavidWaldock (United Kingdom) RT @krishgm: 4 pilgrims dead from H1N1 virus in Saudi Arabia and the Hajj hasn’t even started… 21 Nov 2009 from Echofon

— this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

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Munich doctors make breakthrough in breast reconstruction

Fahad Zuberi — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:17:59 +0000

Doctors in Bavaria have become the first in Europe to test a new post-mastectomy plastic surgery procedure that uses pig tissue.

News24 reports, after giving replacement breasts made from pigskin to six women in Germany, doctors in Munich detailed the new method on Thursday, saying it results in fewer scars for mastectomy patients.

Twitter users are feeling optimistic about this breakthrough. One user is even having a little fun and warning people of the pig breast cancer flu.

AngelaSS (Royston, Georgia) Make sure you don’t catch the pig breast cancer flu! http://tinyurl.com/yfdrdfw 05 Nov 2009 from web

o_m_g_w_t_f_ (location undisclosed) Reconstructive breast surgery hope from pigs: This article generated quite a few comments, Ladies of AMA if you.. http://bit.ly/VUOyR 12 Nov 2009 from twitterfeed

yagbebi (Berkshire, UK) BREAST REGROWTH AFTER CANCER ~ A pioneering medical technique developed using pigs could allow women to re-grow br (cont) http://tl.gd/tpn3 12 Nov 2009 from Tweetie

jensbeautybytes (Atlanta, Georgia) Med. miracle out of Australia: Breast Cancer patients may be able to regrow breasts …for now, it just works in pigs: http://bit.ly/44P53h 12 Nov 2009 from web

Dynasplint (USA)Using pig skin for breast implants leaves fewer scars and less risk for developing a contracture? Who knew? http://tiny.cc/qqYCk 12 Nov 2009 from web

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Ethiopia home to potential ocean

Steph — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:09:14 +0000

A giant 35-mile long crack on Africa’s surface opened in 2005 across the desert of Ethiopia.

A recent study of this rift show that these volcanic boundaries are nearly identical to what occurs at the bottom of oceans, according to Geophysical Research Letters.

Fear did not seem evident in Twitterers around the globe:

judiemiller (Oregon) Wow! Is Moses doing his magic again? RT @current_green: Giant crack in Africa will create a new ocean: http://su.pr/7jAe1k 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

BadZen (Unknown) Giant Crack in Africa Will Become New Ocean. Keep it away from Bobby and Whitney. www.flne.ws/21031544 on Fluent News 03 Nov 2009 from web

BizzOnWeb (Unknown) Wow. And we might still see it all. RT @mireyamayor: Giant Crack in Africa Will Create a New Ocean http://bit.ly/1xbESK rt @playjt 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

MizzyB (Colorado) New beachfront property?? RT @RayBeckerman: RT @mireyamayor Giant Crack in Africa Will Create a New Ocean http://bit.ly/1xbESK rt @playjt 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

maribethdunn (Boston) A new sea? Both fascinating + scary: Giant Crack in Africa Will Create a New Ocean http://tinyurl.com/y8pgndu 03 Nov 2009 from web

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NASA successfully launches Ares I-X

Gracie Casella — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:28:08 +0000

The Ares I-X has just launched, 11:30 a.m. ET October 28, for a test flight from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is NASA’s second attempt to launch the rocket after being delayed yesterday due to weather conditions.

Ares I-X is “NASA’s first flight test for the agency’s next-generation spacecraft and launch vehicle system”

According to the Ares I-X mission website, this test launch will demonstrate and collect key data on:

Roll and overall vehicle control
Staging/separation
Vehicle integration, assembly, and launch operations
Aerodynamic thermal, and vehicle loads
First Stage reentry dynamics for recovery

A live press conference and footage of the launch can be watched at NASA TV.

NASA-connected Twitter users are tweeting about the successful launch.

egvick go go go go go go go go go go go go #Ares I-X!!!! 28 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

NASA_EDGE Way to go Ares!!!!! 28 Oct 2009 from web

Astro_Jose Beautiful launch of Ares 1-X! Good separation! 28 Oct 2009 from txt

StationCDRKelly Looks like a successful launch! 28 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter

NASA_Langley Congratulations to the entire Ares I-X team! Great to see a new rocket in flight after 30 years. 28 Oct 2009 from web

NASA_Langley Our Center director sent out congratulations to Ares I-X team after launch of “today’s critical step in future of human U.S. spaceflight.” 28 Oct 2009 from web

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TwitPics: World participates in International Day of Climate Action

Gracie Casella — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:16:36 +0000

Saturday was the International Day of Climate Action coordinated by 350.org. The mission of 350 “is to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis—to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet.”

The focus is on the number 350 because it is ”the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere.”

Thousands around the world participated in the Day of Action by incorporating the number 350 in a photo somewhere in their community and sending photos to the 350.org website.

Many Twitter users around the world showed support for the Day of Action by sharing TwitPics of their communities and themselves with the number 350.

San Antonio, Texas per @gharman

Vancouver, B.C. per @arono

New York, New York per @jwarnow

Toronto, Canada per @teamsharkwater

Sydney, Australia per @lianerossler

Tunisia per @anked

Auckland, New Zealand per @taylaakurangi

Portland, Oregon per @keen

Bayonne, France per @jeep

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Greenscape Capitol Group to enter Canadian stock exchange

Elle Eichinger — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Greenscape Capitol Group, a Canadian funding and management firm for eco-friendly companies, made a big announcement via its Twitter account, @GreenscapeCap:

GreenscapeCap (Vancouver, British Columbia) Greenscape starts publicly trading October 23rd! (TSX.V: GRN) Get the facts: http://bit.ly/Guf13 #IPO #green #environment 20 Oct 2009 from CoTweet

The company’s symbol will be GRN on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Greenscape Director Edward Wright describes the company’s mission in this an interview here.

In preparation for its emergence into the public market, Greenscape got the word out about how people could trade, also via Twitter.

GreenscapeCap (Vancouver, British Columbia) @twelpforce – curious, which mobile is phone best for mobile/online or E-trading? Any good apps u recco for stock tweeps? 14 Oct 2009 from Tweetie

BestBuyAlex (Daytona Beach, FL) @GreenscapeCap Depends on your carrier. I have been really happy with my Iphone and using it for trading. Lots of trading apps. #twelpforce 14 Oct 2009 from web in reply to GreenscapeCap

GreenscapeCap (Vancouver, British Columbia) There are more than 100 iPhone Apps for #green consumers! http://bit.ly/3EowZO (via @TreeHugger) #gogreen #environment 20 Oct 2009 from CoTweet

While news of Greenscape’s expansion is still new, at least one Canadian Tweeter shows her support:

RochelleLClarke (Vancouver, British Columbia) Loves Diplomatic Immunity and Greenscape Capital. Is your line Green Yet??? 12 Oct 2009 from web

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Medical marijuana policy a hot topic on Twitter

David Adams — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:53:07 +0000

Per The Christian Science Monitor, the Obama administration has created a new policy wherein federal officers will no longer prosecute medical marijuana users and sellers in states that have legalized the drug.

A reversal of the Bush administration policy, the Justice Department stressed that federal prosecution will only be enforced to those who abuse the amount and usage of medical marijuana in states where it is legal.

Medical marijuana advocates tweeted their feelings.

Bear082370 (Undisclosed) Medical marijuana approved under federal law as long as patients follow state laws. HUGE WIN FOR MEDICINE!!! 19 Oct 2009 from web

Druminfected (Madison, Wisconsin) Obama just passed a bill so the feds cants shut down and mess with states with medical marijuana! Such grat news, obama stepping it up 19 Oct 2009 from twidroid

PotFacts (Undisclosed) RT @legalizems @alapoet: [ACTION] Thank President Obama For Pledging To Pledging To Protect Medical #Marijuana Patients http://bit.ly/2lzZQe 19 Oct 2009 from web

DStruyk (Oregon) Good move by Obama 2 reverse stance on medical marijuana — http://bit.ly/Fciey 19 Oct 2009 from web

BazmanianDevil (Washington, D.C.) Cancer & AIDS victims rejoice today over AG’s decision to end Bush-era crackdown on medical marijuana clinics. Big win for states’ rights! 19 Oct 2009 from txt

topofthemap989 (Undisclosed) good news medical marijuana will now be untuchable by the feds for the 14 states that have that law get ready the drought is over ya dig 19 Oct 2009 from mobile web

Ozmizzle (Los Angeles, California) RT @GavinNewsom: Good move by Obama 2 reverse stance on medical marijuana — http://bit.ly/Fciey 19 Oct 2009 from Echofon

jwolf85 (Columbia, Missouri) Feds to no longer prosecute for medical marijuana use. Interesting policy change. Of course it still depends on the local and state laws. 19 Oct 2009 from web

States that have legalized medical marijuana include California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

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Orionid Meteor Shower about to peak

Lindsey Drakert — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:39:44 +0000

National Geographic reports that the Orionids Meteor Shower began Friday and viewing will be at its peak Wednesday night. Remnants from the 1986 Halley’s comet will be more visible because it is a new moon, making a darker sky.

“At this time of year, Orion rises at about 11 p.m. local time worldwide, so the best time to view the Orionids will be after midnight,” the article reports.

Onlookers can see the meteors without binoculars and Twitterers worldwide are on the lookout.

KansasStargazer (Kansas) Wed, early morning: Peak of the Orionid Meteor Shower. Start watching tonight. Meteors will appear to come from the constellation Orion. 19 Oct 2009 from web

Ginger_Kunita (Japan) Going to the beach in front of my house to see the orionid meteor shower. 19 Oct 2009 from Echofon

signalhill (Undisclosed) orionid meteor showers, just after midnight, next five days. look for the constellation orion and make a wish 19 Oct 2009 from Twitterrific

Cool_DJ_ICE (Sharon, Pennsylvania) Heads UP Literally! Strong Meteor Shower Peaks this Wed! The Orionid meteor shower, 1 of the biggest & brightest of year! http://redir.ec/44 17 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter

Boscastle_Dee (Boscastle, Cornwall, U.K.) Looking Fwd 2 seeing some of the Orionid Meteor Shower 17th-25th Oct. Peak: overnight 20/21st radiating from constellation of Hunter Orion. 16 Oct 2009 from web

This meteor shower comes after a meteor exploded over the Netherlands and Germany on Oct. 13. Amateur photographer Robert Mikaelyan was in the right place at the right time to capture several images of the meteor. This photo was taken in the Groningen, a northern Netherlands city.

Fireball Meteor Over Groningen @Tonieth

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Costa Rica sets goal to be carbon neutral by 2021

Elle Eichinger — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:11:41 +0000

Costa Rican officials announced this week that the country plans to be carbon neutral by the year 2021, making it the first country in the world to reach carbon neutrality. Maldives is the only other developing country to have set a similar goal.

According to an interview with Costa Rican president Oscar Arias, Time announced that 95 percent of Costa Rica’s energy already comes from renewable sources that do not pollute the environment.

Twitter users have been praising Costa Rica’s commitment to the environment:

innovacr (Costa Rica) Time’s Costa Rica’s President: It’s Not Easy Staying Green http://bit.ly/97pyF – una buena oportunidad para cumplir esa vision q proyectamos (a good opportunity to fulfill that vision projected)

HotUrbanGreen (San Francisco, CA)Love it RT@OceanChampions @reenymal: Already 1 of the greenest countries Costa Rica has Goal 2 be Carbon Neutral by 2021 http://bit.ly/uoupe

russwilliamsiii (Greensboro, NC) RT @OceanChampions: Awesome! RT @reenymal ne of greenest countries, Costa Rica Sets Goal to be Carbon Neutral by 2021: http://bit.ly/uoupe

GreenEconomics (London, England)@alejoint666 Costa Rica is increible.

windandthestars (New York) Go Costa Rica!! http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/opinion/12friedman.html
For once someone sees the environment as > than an economic asset!

onyxdog (Los Angeles, California) Costa Rica Sets Goal to be Carbon Neutral by 2021 http://bit.ly/26e2PG {imma movin’ to costa rica}

CNN has a video about the country’s plans to reach its goal.

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Large anti-abortion rally held in Madrid

Bryan Simpson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 02:05:34 +0000

An estimated one million people took part in an anti-abortion protest in Madrid on Saturday, backed by Roman Catholic Bishops, BBC News reports.

According to RIA Novosti, protesters were demonstrating against Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s plan to relax the country’s existing abortion laws. BBC News adds that the current law only allows abortion in cases of rape, fetal abnormality, and when the women’s physical or psychological health is at risk.

Twitterers in Spain and around the world are commenting on the rally and the issue of abortion:

jstorres2075 (Spain) Going to the prolife rally,lot of people in th bus,firts of it’s kind in Madrid http://myloc.me/14F8E 17 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter

tasos (Greece) Abortion should be legal. “Big anti-abortion rally in Spain” http://tr.im/C8RD 17 Oct 2009 from Tweetie

anastasis (Undisclosed) is europe becoming conservative? the italian parliament said no to protection of gays and lesbians, & spain, 1 million against abortion 17 Oct 2009 from Echofon

spiritheals365 (Undisclosed) Can you imagine an anti-abortion crowd like this in the U.S.? : I can’t. It’s in Spain. The AP repor.. http://bit.ly/gWj90 17 Oct 2009 from twitterfeed

jsalomonsson (Barcelona, Spain) Spain, wake up, it is 2009. Everyone has a right to choose! Anti-abortion rally in Spain http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8311824.stm 17 Oct 2009 from web

steenyweeny (Undisclosed) huge abortion protest in spain: everyone who doesnt have a uterus can immediately piss off and stop telling women what they can and cant do. 17 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

Some Twitterers posted TwitPics of the event.

“Puerta de Alcala a rebosar de gente que no queremos el aborto como solución al embarazo (Puerta de Alcala to the brim with people who do not want abortion as a solution to pregnancy)” per @Kikemb:

“Madrid capital of Life” per @Kikemb:

“SI a la vida, NO al aborto!” per @maribardaji:

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