A flip switch for binge-eating.

A flip switch for binge-eating.Researchers have identified a subgroup of neurons in the mouse brain that, upon activation, immediately prompt binge-like eating. The repeated stimulation of these neurons over time caused the mice to gain weight. The zona incerta (ZI) is a relatively understudied part of the brain.Intriguingly, patients receiving deep brain stimulation of the subthalamus, which includes the ZI, for the treatment of movement disorders can exhibit characteristics of binge eating. The researchers found that stimulating ZI GABA neurons with axons extending into the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) prompted immediate binge-like eating, just two to three seconds after stimulation. Within ten minutes of continuous ZI GABA stimulation, mice rapidly consumed 35% of their daily high-fat food store, meant to be eaten over a 24-hour period. continue

Dogs help in breast carcinoma research.

Dogs help in breast carcinoma research. Cancer of the mammary glands in dogs is very similar to human breast carcinoma. For this reason, treatment methods from human medicine are often used for dogs. Conversely, scientific knowledge gained from canine mammary tumors may also be important to human medicine. Researchers were able to show how similar these tumors are in both dogs and humans. A study performed at the University of Zurich has now shown how similar mammary tumors are in both people and dogs. more

How to convert a raised garden bed to a mini greenhouse.

How to convert a raised garden bed to a mini greenhouse.A raised garden bed can easily be converted into a mini greenhouse using inexpensive, common items, allowing you to grow veggies, flowers, and plants year-round. Adding this type of structure to your property will allow you to grow plants, flowers, and veggies all year round. This type of structure can also easily be removed if you live in non-stable climate areas where the weather changes are harsh and frequent. The design is also beneficial because allows you to remove the cover whenever you need to weed the garden or want to plant new seeds. Depending on what your intentions are, some days you may need to remove the tarp entirely, while other days you may only need to remove the end pieces. Even though this mini greenhouse design may appear small, you can still install a standard irrigation system for easy watering, or you can take advantage of the removable tarp to access the plants with a garden hose.more

How to build your own greenhouse.

How to build your own greenhouse.While building your own greenhouse is a significant amount of work, its still doable and a cheaper alternative.Once you've selected a suitable space and the dimensions of the greenhouse, you have to decide what to build it out of. There are several choices, depending on your budget, your needs, and your skill-set. Strong greenhouses are built using galvanized steel, aluminum, or wood framing. Wood is probably the most familiar, and constructing a greenhouse from standard lumber is much like building any other structure. Of course, the wood will be subjected to high humidity on the interior, and constant sun exposure on the outside, so use pressure treated lumber and paint or seal it properly. Aluminum can be fitted together similar to wood and is lighter and more durable, but it is also more expensive. Steel is the strongest, most durable option, but it is also the most expensive and requires knowledge of welding and other metalworking skills. Although a less expensive alternative, plastic (PVC) pipes often can't provide the structural strength to stand up against wind and snow loads. Coverings There are a wide range of possible covering materials including glass, rigid fiberglass (plexiglass), double wall plastics, or plastic film. continue

How to make money growing Habanero pepper.

How to make money growing Habanero pepper.The habanero chili pepper is a warm seasoned crop. That means that it requires relatively higher temperatures to thrive well. For that matter, if you’re in areas that experience bright sunlight in most part of the day, then you might be successful growing the habaneros. You’ll require a well-drained loamy soil that has s good water holding capacity. The second important point is to ensure the soil PH is in the range of 5.7-6.5. You can measure the soil PH yourself with the aid of a specialized PH meter, or send to a soil’s lab near you. Once, satisfied with your soil properties, till your land accordingly to get a proper tilt. If possible add some composted manure into the soil to improve its structure. Compost also guarantees that the soil has a good water holding capacity and enhances a better cation exchange capacity (C.E.C). Habanero peppers grow extremely well in raised beds. Use raised beds spaced 1.5 to 2 meters apart from their centers and cover them with a black plastic mulch.Whenever possible, install a drip system which has proven to utilize water efficiently and increase the yields. more

The Ultimate Ikea Hack: A Hydroponic Farm.

The Ultimate Ikea Hack: A Hydroponic Farm. Thinking of starting an hydroponic farm? this simple set up is all you need. A vertical hydroponic system built from metal Omar shelves, plastic Samla storage boxes, and LED Växer lights, The Farm aims to demonstrate that it’s possible to grow edibles anywhere—theoretically, in the furniture stores’ cafés—thereby ensuring freshness and reducing the environmental impact of long-distance shipping. more

How 25 kilos of cow dung gives cheap cooking gas.

How 25 kilos of cow dung gives cheap cooking gas. Rehau Home Gas is a low maintenance unit made up of a cylindrical, mini-biogas unit running on cow dung and water It is the desire of every household to access cheap and clean energy. Researchers from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have developed a cheap and reliable form of energy that will cut use of firewood. The Rehau Home Gas is a low maintenance unit made up of a cylindrical, mini-biogas unit running on cow dung and water. To power, it only needs 25 kilos of cow dung mixed with 25 litres of water per day to give more than four hours of continuous clean cooking gas. “Rehau home gas is designed for rural and semi-urban households. The equipment is made using a special black polymer material imported from Germany...more