US Stimulus Benefits Nearly Over

The huge $787 billion US stimulus program that was launched in 2009 is peaking without providing the big jumpstarts needed in the job market and overall economy. The Obama administration's "Summer of Recovery" will see thousands of temporary jobs created due to large highway improvement, water, and home weatherization projects, not to mention those thousands of "census" jobs.

But after that, it's all downhill for the stimulus-based recovery. And unfortunately the US economy will almost definitely still be in serious trouble. Some global economic and financial experts say that the stimulus has provided very little if any significant long-term benefits.

The only hope for a real recovery is that private companies will see profit levels increase and will therefore begin to hire Americans in large numbers once again. Until then, the United States and the world as a whole will continue to sputter along with little real economic growth.

Learn some mo': Stimulus: The big bang is over

New Peptide Gel Kills Cavities, Regenerates Teeth (and Green Tea Protects)

Researchers have developed a special new gel that appears to be able to regenerate tooth enamel, allowing cavities to be heeled without painful drilling or root canals. Some experts believe that the gel may eventually be used to heal bones and other tissues inside of the body.

The gel contains a powerful peptide -- called MSH or melanocyte-stimulating hormone -- that causes cells inside of teeth to regenerate within a month. The peptide can also be integrated into a thin film that can be attached to teeth over a period of time. It may eventually eliminate the need to do all kinds of painful dental work, including drilling, filling, and root canaling!

Oh, and here's some more good news for people who want to avoid the dentist: drinking green tea every day appears to protect the teeth significantly. Scientists think that powerful anti-oxidant and antimicrobial compounds found in green tea called catechins provide the protection. Just one cup of sugar-free green tea per day appears to be enough to provide long-term protection.

Learn some mo': Tooth Regeneration Gel Could Replace Painful Fillings and Green Tea May Strengthen Your Teeth

Blindness Can Be Cured With Stem Cells

Transplanting a person's own stem cells appears to cure blindness caused by caustic chemicals such as heavy-duty cleaning products. Dozens of blind or partially-blind people had their site restored in a study performed in Italy.

In one case a man who suffered severe eye damage over 60 years ago had the stem cell procedure done and now enjoys near-normal vision. According to top ophthalmologist Dr. Ivan Schwab of UC Davis:

"This is a roaring success!"

We should say so. Stem cell transplant procedure now offer a great deal of hope to the thousands of people around the world who lose their sight in industrial and home accidents every year. There is also some evidence that stem cell treatments may help people with other forms of blindness so stay tuned for more encouraging research in the near future!

Learn some mo': Stem cell breakthrough for blind patients 'after treatment restores vision'

Landon Donovan Scores Miracle Goal in World Cup

Landon Donovan has scored the biggest and most important goal in US Soccer history and one of the greatest goals in World Cup history!


Donovan, who has long been considered the best US player in the world, lived up to expectations by putting in an incredible goal in the final moments of the game. It not only gave them the win over Algeria but it also put them into the 2nd round of the tournament!

Learn some mo': Donovan rescues U.S. World Cup dream with goal in 91st minute

Nevada Now Has Highest Unemployment Rate

The state of Nevada now boasts the highest unemployment rate in the US, finally beating out Michigan and it's dying manufacturing industries. Statistically, the official number is 14% unemployment. Unofficially, the "real" unemployment rate is probably much higher in Nevada and especially in the Las Vegas area.

There are about 190,000 Nevada residents without jobs, according to state figures. Yet the true figure is much, much larger due to the large number of Nevadans who have stopped filing for unemployment benefits.

The economy in Southern Nevada is probably the worst in the entire country and has yet to experience any of the recovery taking parts in most of the rest of the United States. It's kind of ironic since not too long ago Las Vegas boasted the fastest-growing economy, job market, and population of all major US cities.

Nevada's jobless rate has skyrocketed since the Great Recession began in 2007, jumping nearly 9 percentage points. With an economy that's nearly completely based around gaming, hospitality, and construction -- 3 of the worst-hit industries -- it's obvious the Nevada is going to have to take some big steps toward diversifying itself in order to create new jobs.

Learn some mo': Nevada leads the nation in unemployment