New Clean Energy Production Method Might Lower Carbon Dioxide Levels Too!

Scientists may have discovered a new technique that solves many of the world's energy problems, and a few of its environmental problems too. A new report from researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory describes a way to produce ultra-clean hydrogen fuel while capturing CO2 and neutralize ocean acidification... all at the same time.

The potential giant leap in clean energy production involves mixing salt water and silicate minerals and then running an electrical current through the solution (aka "electrolysis"). By using a novel and relatively simple technique, all kinds of good things happen, including increasing the carbon content of the water greatly while simultaneously creating acid-reducing bicarbonate.

Experts say this technique produces "super-green" hydrogen because, unlike most methods (which are "carbon neutral" at best), it actually consumes CO2. The biggest obstacle will be lowering the cost and scaling the technology up in a way that makes real-world production economically viable. Also, technological hurdles like hydrogen gas storage and transportation problems must be overcome to make this a long-term clean energy solution.

Still, there is great hope that this new technology will lead to an abundance of clean fuel as well as a possible reduction in greenhouse gases. According to Greg Rau, study co-author:

"We think this suggests a process that is significantly cheaper and safer than other chemical air capture methods that have been proposed."

Learn some mo': Scientists Invent Super-Clean Hydrogen Fuel Technique That Could Save Us All

Marijuana: The Anti-Obesity, Anti-Diabetes Wonder Drug?

Compounds found in the marijuana plant appear to help control blood sugar levels, increase "good cholesterol" in active smokers/users, lower the risk of diabetes, and keep people thin... according to new research published in the American Journal of Medicine. Harvard scientists found that consuming cannabis seems to protect against obesity and diabetes -- while lowering overall body-mass-index (BMI) -- despite the fact that users tend to consume more food calories due to the well-known "munchies" effect of the drug.

What is the reason for this perplexing conundrum? According to lead Harvard researcher Murray Mittleman:

"...[marijuana users] appeared to have better carbohydrate metabolism than nonusers... Their fasting insulin levels were lower, and they appeared to be less resistant to the insulin produced by their body to maintain a normal blood-sugar level."

The cannabinoid receptors in the human brain are very involved in hunger and metabolism. But researchers still aren't exactly sure how cannabis compounds change the interaction between appetite, eating, and the body's insulin response. The diet drug rimonabant acts on cannabinoid receptors in a very different way than THC, leading to a decrease in fasting insulin levels and weight loss. (Unfortunately, rimonabant has the nasty side effect like making you want to kill yourself, so it's never been legal to buy in the US.)

We say: Awesome! More good news about a plant that is obviously some kind of miracle drug store from nature!

Learn some mo': Marijuana: The next diabetes drug?

Xbox One "Highlights" Video Gets LOTS of Views

Someone made a funny video showing the "highlights" from the strange announcement for the new Xbox One video game console. It has has managed to get over 4 million views in just a couple of days. Check it out below...




We say: That's pretty good... :)

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What do you think about the video and the new Microsoft Xbox 1??

That Sexy Red Lipstick Might Be Full of Toxic Metals

Watch out how you make yourself beautiful. Many types of lipstick may contain toxic metals, according to a new report from UC Berkeley's School of Public Health. A team of researchers tested 32 popular lipstick and lip gloss makeup products and found a lot of lead, aluminum, chromium, and cadmium -- among other not-so-healthy chemicals -- in many of them.

Back in 2011 an FDA investigation found lead in some brands of lipstick but, at least according to the government "experts," not enough to pose serious health risks. The Berkeley study searched for many more compounds beyond lead and, obviously, the findings we're very good.

According to head researcher Katharine Hammond:

"Just finding these metals isn't the issue. It's the levels that matter... This study is saying, 'FDA, wake up and pay attention' ."

We way: Toxic crap in makeup and cosmetics is nothing new. That's why, increasingly, we're attracted to "natural-look" women who don't use too much deodorant and who never get Black Henna tattoos.

Learn some mo': Lipstick study opens up concerns about carcinogen