WHAT IS DNA FINGERPRINT?

With so much talk of DNA, blowing in our bolehland, I was wondering whether most us (layman) know what exactly it is, or only a vague idea. Here I did some googling and came up with some explanation. Please read it if it is of interest to you (10 mins read)…..cheers.

What exactly is a DNA fingerprint? Well, it certainly isn't an inky impression of a DNA strand. Compared to unimaginably small DNA, a fingerprint is HUGE. So what is it that we're looking at, and how is one of these fingerprints made?

DNA. It's what makes you unique. It's the stuff that tells each and every one of your body's 10 trillion cells what it's supposed to be and what it's supposed to do. And although your DNA is different from that of every other person in the world -- unless you have an identical twin -- it's the same in every cell that makes up your body.

That DNA is unique from person to person but the same from cell to cell in one person can be a handy thing, especially when it comes to DNA fingerprinting. DNA fingerprints can be used for anything from determining a biological mother or father to identifying the suspect of a crime.

The best way to understand how DNA is used to solve a crime, is to play detective. So if your game, lets start.

The crime:

On the evening of November 1, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Raja Lolipo entered his bedroom, walked over to his desk, and sat down at his computer. While reaching for the computer's switch he noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that one of the items on a typically well-organized shelf was out of place.

Raja Lolipo shot across the room for a closer examination. Sure enough, the object in question had indeed been disturbed.

The object had been sealed in an air-tight package. The package was now ripped open. The object was still inside, but it was no longer in its original condition. In Raja Lolipo 's eyes, it was now worthless.

Raja Lolipo pulled out what had been his most-valued possession -- his holographic lollipop. The confectionery treat was now a sticky mess. Someone had obviously indulged him- or herself in its sugary molecules. The lollipop's holographic image had been licked away.

The suspects:

The prime suspects in this case are Raja Lolipo 's seven sisters: Candy, Cookie, Sugar, Lolly, Honey, Brandee, and Carmela. Each one of these sisters is a notorious candy lover and is easily capable of committing this crime of confection.

The suspects have been detained. The saliva of the seven suspects are taken for a DNA sampling.

What we as the investigating detective need to do:

Fortunately for this case, a lollipop cannot be licked without leaving behind a bit of saliva.

Your task, as the investigator is to a appoint a Lab who is capable to finger print DNA, to create a DNA fingerprint from the saliva left on the lollipop. You must then use the fingerprint to single out the culprit of this crime.

Steps required to get the photo graphic image of the DNA.

1: the DNA samples from the suspects are first combined with an restriction enzyme agent.

2: then a special tray with electrodes is then taken and “agarose” gel is poured into the tray.

3: then the mixture in step 1 is poured into the special tray and the electrodes are activated for electrophoresis to begin.

4: after a certain amount time has lapsed, a special nylon membrane is placed on the mixture in the special tray.

5: another mixture called “probes” is added to the nylon membrane. I believe this agent stains the DNA seeping out of the special nylon membrane.

6: the next step is to place an X-ray film on the top of the nylon membrane.

7: the final step is to develop the X-ray film with the aid of a developer instrument. The DNA image is exposed on this film, and there you go, you have the images of the DNA strand on the X-ray film….just like you bone X-rays.

Now to catch the culprit:

Once all the seven suspects DNA has been photographed (x-ray image), the its just the simple task to compare the DNA on the lollipop to the DNA of the seven suspects.

Below I have the images of the DNA, see if you match and discover the culprit.

my bet is "Honey" was the culprit, what was you expert opinion?....cheers

thanks to nova online for this explanation.

HOW TO LOG ON TO MALAYSIA-TODAY

YES, A LOT PEOPLE CANNOT ACCESS RPK SITE.
THIS I THINK IS DUE TO SERVICE PROVIDER BLOCKING DNS OR PURPOSELY BOTTLE NECK THE BANDWIDTH.

ANYWAY IF HAVE PATIENCE YOU USE THIS DIRECT APPROACH.

ON YOU ADDRESS BAR TYPE THE FOLLOWING AND PRESS ENTER.

http://202.75.62.194/

it will take anywhere from 3mins to five mins before you can view the page.
the page is not html page(no pic) but a normal text page, as i believe RPK team are still fire fighting.
this the best they can do now. just scroll down after page loads to read latest news.

hope this helps.....leave comment if doest not help, will try figure something else....cheers

A TALIBAN LEADER KILLED BY REMOTE CONTROL DRONE?

The killing of a high profile Taliban leaders in Afghanistan, is noting new.

But in this particular case, it was done remotely.

Some ten days ago, a remote control pilot sitting in his base outside Las vegas, spotted the target thousands of miles away in southern Afghanistan.

By remote control, the put a Reaper Drone (a remote control strike plane), in the air, from its afghan base , just minutes after spotting the target.

The drone was guided via satellite link by RAF 'pilots' sitting 7,000 miles away, and was guide to the intended target, and fired lethal rockets and killed the high value Taliban target.

The attack marks a symbolic watershed in Britain's use of military airpower.

Sources at the Ministry of Defence said the strike, which took place in the last ten days, killed a 'high value' Taliban target, but officials would not confirm the insurgent's identity.

One senior insider said: 'It is a slightly strange existence for these remote control pilots.'They are intimately involved in the war in Afghanistan, but at the end of their shift they drive out of their base in Nevada, go home and live a normal life.'

So parents of gameboy and video arcade games children, who are worried about their addicted children, do not despair. The technology is now so advanced that the current generation of video addicts will have gainful employment in future!

CNG OR PETROL KILLING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE STONE

With rising cost of petrol , I was wondering whether switching to CNG would be a solution to cut cost.

So I did some research, on CNG and surprisingly found that it is indeed cheaper and safer than petrol! , AND IT ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY.

Yes, like many of us, when it comes to gas, we have this phobia of explosion and leaks. But you will be surprised by what I found out.

Just take petrol for instance:

I found out that it takes a temperature of 455 C to ignite.

Guess the temperature needed to ignite CNG?.... a whooping 700 C!

Yes almost double that of petrol….

For a comparison of how hot is 700 C , I did some research and came up with this: let take the common everyday cigarette. This is what I found out.

Temperature of a lit cigarette = 400 C (at outside) / 580 C (at the middle)

But during drawing in the smoke, the temperature will increase to 700 C (at the middle).

So looks like CNG is safe indeed! For those of you interested on some FAQ, please read on and knowledge yourself this the information. It is quite detailed , will take 10 to 15 mins of you time…….cheers!

W HAT IS CNG?

CNG is abbreviation of Compressed Natural Gas

When we compress or pressurize the Natural Gas to 250 Bar pressure then its called CNG. Natural Gas or CNG consists of at least 85% methane and 10% of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It belongs to the same group of organic fuels like crude oil and coal.

WHY MUST THE GAS BE COMPRESSED

Because at ordinary pressure, the quantity of gas filled in cylinder will not be enough for long distance running. That’s why it is compressed to 250 Bars (the pressure of Natural Gas in homes is 0.13 Bar)

IS IT GOOD ON MY POCKET

There is 40 to 50% saving to the pocket, by running car on CNG instead of Petrol.

IS IT GOOD TO THE ENVIROMENT

CNG cars give out 90% less carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas and causes global warming and climate change. Also, unlike Petrol, CNG doesn’t have lead emission, which is harmful for health. Thus, CNG usage ensures a cleaner air by reducing poisonous exhaust emissions. CNG operated vehicles can meet the highest emission standards around the world (as big as the EURO 4).

CNG is pollution free. Its exhaust emissions consist of water vapors and a small fraction of carbon mono-oxide. There are no black carbon, sulphur and other particles in the exhaust, like in Petrol.

IS CNG SAFE?

YES. There are 06 reasons that why CNG is a safer fuel than Petrol/ Diesel/ LPG.

1. CNG has specific gravity of 0.59 (lighter than air) so in case of leakage CNG just rises up and dissolves into atmosphere. On the other hand, Petrol, Diesel or LPG after leakage, will form a dangerous pool below the car, which can catch fire.
2. CNG ignites at temperature of 700 C while petrol at 455 C, which means Petrol can burn more easily and is unsafe.
3. In case of leak, if CNG concentration in air is less than 5% or more than 15%, then CNG will not burn even in presence of a spark. However, Petrol has no such limit, and it will catch fire rapidly by a spark.
4. CNG cylinders are designed and built with special materials to the highest safety specifications, which make CNG storage far safer than petrol tanks (which are generally made of plastic).
5. CNG is not poisonous and it does not contain toxic substances or other cancer causing contents.
6. In case of an accident, you are safe, because the CNG cylinder is thousand times stronger than a Petrol tank, because it is made of steel. Also, once the pressure of gas exceeds a certain limit, the valve at the cylinder automatically shuts off, thus avoiding any leakage.

CAN MY PETROL GUZZLER CAR BE CONVERTED TO CNG?

Almost every Petrol car can be converted to CNG. The conversion of carburetor vehicles is easier and can be done in 2 to 3 hours. However, for EFI Cars (Electronic Fuel Injection) conversion takes a longer time because of many electronic parts.

Converting a vehicle to run on CNG involves the fitting of a CNG Conversion Kit, CNG storage cylinder and associated equipment to allow the gas to flow into the engine.

With a switch on the dashboard you can switch between using Petrol or CNG. Therefore, the car can run on petrol if CNG is not available. By default, the car switches to CNG. When the cylinder has been depleted, it will switch to Petrol automatically.

Further more, whether you decide to use CNG or petrol is not a hustle at all. Even while you are driving, there is no need to stop or to switch off the engine. Feel free to press the switch any time.

WILL USING CNG INCREASE MY ENGINE LIFE?

YES. There are 06 reasons:

1. CNG is natural product, it doesn’t have any chemicals/ lead/ sulphur to harm the engine. The Octane Number of CNG is 130 as compared to 98 of premium motor gasoline.
2. CNG does not contaminate and dilute the crankcase (like in Petrol), so Lube oil life is extended considerably
3. CNG doesn’t have any Lead (like in Petrol) this increases the life of spark plugs preventing plug fouling.
4. Petrol or Diesel enter engine in form of spray, washing down the lubricating oil from piston ring, resulting in depreciation of engine. But CNG is gas and it does not wash off the oil, thus increasing the life of engine and reducing maintenance cost.
5. When gas fuel is used, no carbon is formed during combustion and engine stays very clean internally.
6. CNG has a good mixture distribution quality, which improves the combustion efficiency of the engine.

HOW IS THE CONSUMPTION OF CNG LIKE?

CNG consumption depends on the size of the engine. However, since 1 KG CNG has more energy than 1 Litre Petrol, the consumption of CNG is lower than that of Petrol under equal conditions.

Example: A car (1.6L) consumes about 5.8 litres of CNG per 100 KM. This cost about S$6.60 (at 1.25 SGD per kg)

Compared to petrol , a car (1.6L) consumes 7.1 litres per 100 KM. This cost about S$14.50 per 100 Km at present fuel price. More than 50% savings!

Facts:
1 kg CNG = 1,1 litres Petrol (under 200 bar pressure)

IS THERE LOST OF POWER USING CNG?

There is a narrow power loss of 5-15 % which can be minimized by proper tuning of the CNG kit (e.g. advancing the spark timing). The power loss on CNG is generally not noticeable while driving on highways.

DOES IT REQUIRE REGULAR MAINTAINANCE?

NO. The equipment is not complex and gives trouble free service for years. However, to maintain maximum efficiency it is advisable to have a routine check by an authorized technician after every 10,000 KM, just like in a petrol engine.

CNG KIT AND COMPONENTS:

Sequential Gas Injection System:

This advanced gas injection system can be installed in all fuel injected vehicles. The system is fully homologated in compliance with the latest safety standards for gas fuel systems (R110) and keeps the emission in the expectable range established by the strictest standards (EURO 4). This system has the following parts:

ECU

The ECU is controlled by a microprocessor which automatically detects the optimum combustion parameters and constantly monitors the engines operating conditions checking the various parameters like petrol injection time, gas pressure, gas temperature, regulator temperature. It also determines the right volume of gas to be injected, thus reducing emission and extending the life of the catalytic converter. Other functions are the automatic switching from gas to petrol and vice-versa.

Injector Rail

The injection unit ensures that the right quantity of gas is delivered into the intake manifold at the intake valves. The electronic injectors are opened in the right sequence and at the right time to suit the engine's ignition cycle.
The ECU provides the injector with electrical signals necessary to precisely regulate the gas flow to the cylinder.

Regulator

The regulator reduces gas pressure from 200-220 bar to 1.8 bar. The reducer unit is a water-gas heated two stage, servo-assisted membrane unit. A solenoid valve shuts off the gas flow to the engine, when the engine is not operating.

Gas/Petrol Fuel Switch

This is the electronic switch that is connected to the Sequential Gas System. The switch allows toggling between CNG and petrol and spots a 5-leds level gauge showing the amount of gas remaining in the tank.

THE GAS TANK

It is made of steel and it’s thousand times stronger than you present petrol tank. It comes in few sizes, 30liter to 99liter.

The cheaper tanks are made of lightweight steel, the you have a more expensive type made of composite material.

Potential buyers also have to keep in mind some disadvantages of the CNG conversion, is that, the cylinder or the cylinders are installed in the boot of the car, which means, that the storage capacity in the boot is reduced.

The cost?

It cost about s$3600- s$6000 to fix the system. That means, if you spend about S$450 on petrol a month, within 18 months, you recover the cost and after that you fuel bill will be 50% cheaper. But the draw back is the lack of filling stations providing CNG filling in singapore, but i believe if more cars convert to CNG, the demand will natually push regular petrol stations wanting to join the bandwagon.

WORLD SMALLEST ONE-MAN HELICOPTER

Japanese Yasutoshi Yokoyama takes a demonstration flight on the GEN H-4 helicopter, the world's smallest one-man helicopter, in Vinci (the birthplace of Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci) near Florence, Italy

FIRST LUNAR OUTPOST TO BE NAMED: ARMSTRONG MOONBASE

Report from reuters:

photo: artist concept of the moonbase

The name of Apollo astronaut Neil Armstrong is etched into U.S. history books as the first human to walk on the moon, and it may be set for an encore.

A bill has been passed in the USA, which carries an interesting caveat. If passed into law, NASA apparently MUST name its first lunar outpost after Armstrong – the first human to set foot on another world during the Apollo 11 mission on july 20 1969.

NASA plans to return astronauts to the moon by 2020 under the agency’s Vision for Space Exploration, which includes completing construction of the International Space Station by 2010.

NASA has been looking for attractive lunar locales for a future moonbase, with one front-running contender being “shackleton crater near the moon’s south pole, where water ice may hide in the constant shadows.

Wonder if Armstrong would be there for ground breaking ceremony?

IMAGES FROM THE RED PLANET

From reuters:

One of the first images from the Phoenix Mars Lander shows the surface of Mars after the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft landed successfully in the first-ever touchdown near Mars' north pole May 25, 2008.

job well done!

SPACE STATION CREW IN DANGER

Report from reuters:

File photo:

Smoke can be seen rising after the Soyuz capsule, carrying the International Space Station (ISS) crew , landed in northern Kazakhstan April 19, 2008.

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The crew of the International Space Station (ISS) could have a rough return to Earth because their re-entry capsule has the same glitch that caused problems on the last two landings, a Russian space industry source said.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of the Soyuz because the last two re-entries have not gone to plan: they were so-called "ballistic" landings where the entry into the atmosphere was steeper than usual.

In the last landing in April, the crew of U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson, South Korean Yi So-yeon and Russia's Yuri Malenchenko landed about 420 km (260 miles) off course and they were subjected to twice the expected gravitational forces.

The space industry source, who did not want to be identified, told Reuters faulty bolts were suspected of causing the last two "ballistic landings" and they are also fitted on the re-entry capsule now docked at the ISS.

"There are explosive bolts which keep two modules attached to Soyuz capsules," the source said. "They are supposed to go off right before the entry into the Earth's atmosphere."

"For some reason this didn't work (on the previous two re-entries), although the unseparated modules fell off eventually. What is bad is that another Soyuz-TMA is believed to have this faulty device and is docked at the ISS for the return trip," he said.

IS THERE LIFE ON MARS?

MIRROR:

PASADENA, California (Reuters) - A new chapter in Mars exploration opens on Sunday when a small robotic probe jets down to the planet's arctic circle to learn if ice beneath its surface ever had the right chemistry to support life, mission managers said on Thursday.

NASA approved the mission, known as Phoenix, after the Mars orbiter Odyssey found ice surrounding the polar caps on Mars in 2002.

On Earth, the arctic regions hold the history of the planet's climate changes, which are locked layer by layer into the ice core.

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"This is where the history of life is preserved in its purest form -- organic molecules and cellular bacterial microbes and so forth," Smith said.

"We're wondering if this is true on Mars," he said.

The U.S. space agency faces a formidable obstacle before its new round of Mars studies can begin.

Phoenix has to land in a process that requires it to slow itself from 12,000 mph (19,000 kph) to zero in seven minutes.

"This will be a very nail-biting time for us," said Fuk Li, the Mars Exploration program manager at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, which oversees Phoenix.

From 170 million miles (274 million km) away, flight controllers will only be able to watch and wait to learn Phoenix's fate. Radio signals from Mars travelling at the speed of light take 15 minutes to reach Earth, so by the time flight controllers learn that the probe has begun its descent it already should have landed.

Finally, Phoenix has to unfurl its solar power panels to begin collecting energy from the Sun. Otherwise its batteries will last just 31 hours.

"All of these events have to occur exactly as planned," said project manager Barry Goldstein. "The team is very confident in that we've done everything we can."

(Editing by Tom Brown and Vicki Allen)

BLACKBERRY UNVEIL LATEST SMARTPHONE

Research in Motion on Monday unveiled its latest BlackBerry smartphone with new styling and technology that aims to bite into Apple's juicy iPhone sales.

Called the "BlackBerry Bold," it is the first in the handset series to run on high-speed HSDPA networks and comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi and a "rich set of multimedia features," the Canadian-based firm said.

As such, users can faster download email attachments, stream video or render web pages. As well, its added processing power allows the BlackBerry Bold to run more sophisticated business software, said RIM, based in Waterloo, Ontario.

In the United States, BlackBerry mobile devices, which combine telephone, email and Internet capabilities, have long been strongest among business users.

"The new BlackBerry Bold represents a tremendous step forward in business-grade smartphones and lives up to its name with incredible speed, power and functionality, all wrapped in a beautiful and confident design," said RIM president Mike Lazaridis in a statement.

The new BlackBerry smartphone, which will also allow users that manage their music collection with iTunes to sync with it, will be offered worldwide in the coming months, the company said.

Some 14 million people around the world use RIM's BlackBerry....CNA