Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Run Multiple Google Talk (GTalk) and Login as Multi Users







Run Multiple Google Talk (GTalk) and Login as Multi Users


Other than Windows Live (MSN) Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger, users of Google Talk (GTalk) can also let Google Talk go to polygamy, that’s running multiple instances of Google Talk and login to multiple Google accounts on Google Talk.

The polygamy trick can be done without any crack, patch or hack, with just a simple command line parameter or switch (/nomutex) appended to the Google Talk shortcut.

Ability to polygamy running multiple Google Talk is useful if users have multiple Google Talk accounts (or Google or Gmail accounts that used to login to GTalk) or multiple profiles or personalities, and don’t want to log on and off from one account to another account every time when want to switch, or want to log in to all accounts at the same time on the same computer.

You can add the /nomutex switch or parameter to existing Google Talk shortcut, or create a new shortcut with the /nomutex command line parameter. 

To edit existing Google Talk shortcut:

1. Right click on the Google Talk shortcut.
2. On the right click contextual menu, click on Properties.
3. Go to Shortcut tab on Google Talk Properties window.
4. On the Target textbox, add in the /nomutex to the end of the line so that it looks like below (or you can simply copy and paste the below syntax and replace the original). 

“c:\program files\google\google talk\googletalk.exe” /nomutex 5. Click on OK.

To create a new shortcut for Google Talk:

1. Right-click on the desktop or anywhere you want to place the GTalk shortcut.
2. Select New on the right click context menu.
3. Then select Shortcut.
4. Copy and paste the following line to the text box when prompted to type the location of the item: 

“c:\program files\google\google talk\googletalk.exe” /nomutex

5. Click on Next.
6. Give the shortcut a proper name such as Google Talk or Google Talk Multiple or Google Talk Polygamy.
7. Click OK until you are done.

If you have hex editor, you can act like a hacker and modify the bits in Google Talk program so that it will always allow multiple instances of GTalk to be launched whether the /nomutex switch is specified or not.

Launch hex editor and open googletalk.exe, then search for the following patterns in the hex editor:

004536FD . 3BC6 CMP EAX,ESI
004536FF . 75 05 JNZ SHORT googleta.00453706

Modify the string to look like the following:

004536FD . 8BC1 MOV EAX,ECX
004536FF . EB 05 JMP SHORT googleta.00453706

Read more: http://articleflix.com/index [dot] php/computer/running-multiple-instances-of-google-talk-gtalk-polygamy-and-login-as-multi-users-22042010
 [dot] html

Top 10 Unknown Google Tricks

Below is a list of our top ten Google tricks many users don't know about.

01. Definitions
Pull up the definition of the word by typing define followed by the word you want the definition for. For example, typing: define bravura would display the definition of that word.

02. Local search
Visit Google Local enter the area you want to search and the keyword of the place you want to find. For example, typing: restaurant at the above link would display local restaurants.

03 .Phone number lookup
Enter a full phone number with area code to display the name and address associated with that phone number.

04. Find weather
Type weather followed by a zip code or city and state to display current weather conditions and forecasts for upcoming days.

05. Track airline flight
Enter the airline and flight number to display the status of an airline flight and it's arrival time. For example, type: delta 123 to display this flight information if available.

06. Track packages
Enter a UPS, FedEx or USPS tracking number to get a direct link to track your packages.

07. Pages linked to you
See what other web pages are linking to your website or blog by typing link: followed by your URL. For example, typing link:http://www.articleflix.com displays all pages linking to Computer Hope.

08. Find PDF results only
Add filetype: to your search to display results that only match a certain file type. For example, if you wanted to display PDF results only type: "dell xps" filetype:pdf -- this is a great way to find online manuals.

09. Calculator
Use the Google Search engine as a calculator by typing a math problem in the search. For example, typing: 100 + 200 would display results as 300.

10. Stocks
Quickly get to a stock quote price, chart, and related links by typing the stock symbol in Google. For example, typing: msft will display the stock information for Microsoft.

Read more: http://articleflix.com/index [dot] php/computer/top-10-unknown-google-tricks-22042010 [dot] html

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

10 Design Tips For Improving Your WebSite

10 Design Tips For Improving Your WebSite

Everyone knows the importance of having a website. For any business to flourish, it has to have a strong web presence on the internet.

Your website design has to be such that it captures visitors' attention and make them stay longer. Here are some important 10 tips by which you can improve your website design.



Ten Tips For Design Website

  • Keep Your Pages Fast-Loading
Web users are impatient. Don't force visitors to wait through JavaScript-enabled introductions or QuickTime movies before they can enter your site. Always provide a "Skip" or "Stop" button when using these elements.
  • Avoid Dead-End Pages
Always offer your customers a way out of a page. This could mean including a link to the main page on every page. Users are becoming increasingly accustomed to a navigation bar that links to all the sections of a site, and company logos that act as a navigation link to the home page. You can also offer text links on each page for going to "Top of page" or "Back."
  • Facilitate Scanning
Study after study shows that most people don't read on the Web. They scan content for information that is relevant. Facilitate this process by breaking up text with headings and subheadings. Use text links that allow readers to jump from section to section. Don't expect people to scroll to find information on your site.
  • Avoid Overusing Graphics, Animation, and Multimedia
If they don't add functionality, don't use graphics, animation, movies, sounds, and so on. Only use these features if they enhance your customers' experience. Product photos are often valuable additions to your site, but you might want to minimize the delays they could cause in load times by using thumbnail (small) images. You can link these thumbnail images to larger, more detailed images for customers who are interested in having a closer look. You can even include technology that allows viewers to zoom in on features or rotate the view of the product. Limit the number of images on each page for faster load times. If pages or files will take some time to download, it's best to forewarn your customers by noting the file size next to the link to them. If anything, users have less patience for state-of-the-art technology these days as the Web becomes dominated by new users, and the upgrade speeds for new browsers and plug-ins decline.
  • Don't Assume That Everyone Uses the Same Browser
Avoid designing for a certain browser or trying to force a certain look. Some Web authors make extensive use of elaborate formatting tricks in a determined effort to coerce a client program into creating a specific visual rendering. These pages look good when viewed with the author's browser of choice, but look bad in most or all other browsers.
  • Provide a Text Option
Browser preferences allow users to turn off graphics if they choose, and those who are using older browsers may not have the ability to view all images. So provide text links or alternative text tags in addition to graphics, including navigational buttons or bars.
  • Delay Registration
There are many reasons for asking visitors to register at your Web site, but don't put your registration form on the first page. Show your content first; demonstrate that registration has its rewards before you ask visitors to spend their time on it.
  • Make Your Forms Flexible
Online forms are often necessary and useful for placing an order or setting up accounts. But try to make your forms flexible by limiting the number of required fields. Also, make errors easy to find and correct. If users have incorrectly entered a phone number, they shouldn't need to complete the entire form again. Just have them correct the portion with the error, which should be highlighted to make the mistake obvious. Include a "Help" link in case customers run into problems while filling out a form. It's just not worthwhile to people to take time to figure out how to make something work on your site when there are 5 million other sites to visit.
  • Avoid "Under Construction" Signs
By definition, Web documents change over time. Either your pages are useful to people (in which case you need not apologize for them) or they're not - in which case, you aren't ready to show them to the world and shouldn't be making them public.
  • Provide a Clear Path for Customers to Make a Purchase
Display your products, descriptions, and prices prominently. If you're going to talk about a product your company sells, explain how to order it. Many Web sites are guilty of not fully disclosing product and pricing information or making it clear how to buy their products. Even if you are not yet prepared to process transactions online, you can let customers know how to buy your products by including a telephone number or retail location where they can complete a purchase, or a date when the product will become available online. 


Extracted from :
http://articleflix [dot] com/index [dot] php/web-design/10-design-tips-for-improving-your-website [dot] html

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Body massage at home

Body massage at home


Massage is a great experience and it feels heavenly. But some people think that it is a luxury to be enjoyed only once in a while.

Massage has great bodily benefits by massage your body stretches and loosens muscles to relieve tension.

A good massage can increasing circulation and lymph flow to eliminate toxins; resulting in boost in your immune system; lowering your heart rate; and stimulating the release of "feel-good" endorphins. So give your partner a massage today and enjoy it every week to stay fresh.

A massage is gathering all the massage supplies and create a relaxing atmosphere. If you are not expecting an important call then turn off your phones. Create an atmosphere by turning down the lights and put on some soothing music.

Light some Aromatherapy candle and choose massage oil or massage lotion which helps your hands to glide over skin during massage. You can use Aromatherapy massage products which are consists of essential oils to enhance your experience, helping ease muscle tension, soothe your senses or even invigorate your spirit.

Take lotion or oil between your hands and rub it to make it warm. Make sure your partner is in a comfortable position and then place your hands at the base of your partner's neck and move them down the length of his or her back, with one hand on either side of the spine.

Glide your hands back up to the neck, and gently knead the shoulders and other fleshy areas. Finish by applying a little drop of Aromatherapy oil over your partner's temples and circling your middle fingers over the area a few times.

Article Extracted from :
http[semi colon][slash][slash]articleflix[dot]com[slash]index[dot]php[slash]beauty[slash]body-massage-at-home-24032010[dot]html

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Windows RUN Commands

Windows RUN Commands...

Wanted to Browse fast in windows. Remember these commands. This will really save a lot of time of your. There are many commands which you might have never seen or never knew. There are certain properties of windows which you hardly know exist in windows. Here is a list of 112 run commands.

Windows Run Commands

Accessibility Controls------- access.cpl
Add Hardware Wizard------- hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs------- appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools------- control admintools
Automatic Updates------- wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard------- fsquirt
Calculator------- calc
Certificate Manager certmgr.msc
Character Map charmap
Check Disk Utility------- chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer------- clipbrd
Command Prompt------- cmd
Component Services------- dcomcnfg
Computer Management------- compmgmt.msc
timedate.cpl------- ddeshare
Device Manager------- devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*------- directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter------- dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility------- cleanmgr
Disk Defragment------- dfrg.msc
Disk Management------- diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager------- diskpart
Display Properties------- control desktop
Display Properties------- desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)------- control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility------- drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility------- verifier
Event Viewer------- eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool------- sigverif
Findfast------- findfast.cpl
Folders Properties------- control folders
Fonts------- control fonts
Fonts Folder------- fonts
Free Cell Card Game------- freecell
Game Controllers------- joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)------- gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game------- mshearts
Iexpress Wizard------- iexpress
Indexing Service------- ciadv.msc
Internet Properties------- inetcpl.cpl
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration)------- ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)------- ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)------- ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections)------- ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)------- ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS)------- ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)------- ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)------- ipconfig /setclassid
Java Control Panel (If Installed) jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed)------- javaws
Keyboard Properties------- control keyboard
Local Security Settings------- secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups------- lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows------- logoff
Microsoft Chat------- winchat
Minesweeper Game------- winmine
Mouse Properties------- control mouse
Mouse Properties------- main.cpl
Network Connections------- control netconnections
Network Connections------- ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard------- netsetup.cpl
Notepad------- notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed)------- nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager------- packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator------- odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard------- osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed)------- ac3filter.cpl
Password Properties------- password.cpl
Performance Monitor------ perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor------- perfmon
Phone and Modem Options------- telephon.cpl
Power Configuration------- powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes------- control printers
Printers Folder------- printers
Private Character Editor------- eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed)------- QuickTime.cpl
Regional Settings------- intl.cpl
Registry Editor------- regedit
Registry Editor------- regedit32
Remote Desktop------- mstsc
Removable Storage------- ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests------- ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof)------- rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras------- sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks------- control schedtasks
Security Center------- wscui.cpl
Services------- services.msc
Shared Folders------- fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows------- shutdown
Sounds and Audio------- mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game------- spider
SQL Client Configuration------- cliconfg
System Configuration Editor------- sysedit
System Configuration Utility------- msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately)------- sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)------- sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot)------- sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)------- sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)------- sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)------- sfc /cachesize=x
System Properties------- sysdm.cpl
Task Manager------- taskmgr
Telnet Client------- telnet
User Account Management------- nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager------- utilman
Windows Firewall------- firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier------- magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure------- wmimgmt.msc


Accessibility Controls --------- access.cpl
Accessibility Wizard --------- accwiz
Add Hardware Wizard --------- hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs --------- appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools --------- control admintools
Adobe Acrobat (if installed) --------- acrobat
Adobe Designer (if installed) --------- acrodist
Adobe Distiller (if installed) --------- acrodist
Adobe ImageReady (if installed) --------- imageready
Adobe Photoshop (if installed) --------- photoshop
Automatic Updates --------- wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard --------- fsquirt
Calculator --------- calc
Certificate Manager --------- certmgr.msc
Character Map --------- Charmap
Check Disk Utility --------- chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer --------- clipbrd
Command Prompt --------- cmd
Component Services --------- dcomcnfg
Computer Management --------- compmgmt.msc
Control Panel --------- control
Date and Time Properties --------- timedate.cpl
DDE Shares --------- ddeshare
Device Manager --------- devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)* --------- directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter --------- dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility --------- cleanmgr
Disk Defragment ------- dfrg.msc
Disk Management -------- diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager --------- diskpart
Display Properties ----------- control desktop
Display Properties ----------Desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected) --------- control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility ------------ drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility ------------ verifier
Minesweeper Game -------- winmine
Mouse Properties --------- control mouse
Mouse Properties ---------- main.cpl
Nero (if installed) --------- nero
Netmeeting ------------- conf
Network Connections ---------- control netconnections
Network Connections --------- ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard ---------- netsetup.cpl
Notepad --------- notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed) ------- nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager ---------- packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator ------ odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard --------- osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed) --------- ac3filter.cpl
Outlook Express ------------- msimn
Paint ------------ pbrush
Password Properties -------- password.cpl
Performance Monitor ------- perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor --------- perfmon
Phone and Modem Options ------- telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer --------- dialer
Pinball Game --------------- pinball
Power Configuration --------- powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes ------- control printers
Printers Folder --------- printers
Private Character Editor --------- eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed) --------- QuickTime.cpl
Quicktime Player (if installed) ------------- quicktimeplayer
Real Player (if installed) ------------- realplay
Regional Settings ----------- intl.cpl
Registry Editor --------- regedit
Registry Editor -------- regedit32
Remote Access Phonebook -------- rasphone
Remote Desktop --------- mstsc
Removable Storage --------- ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests --------- ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof) ---------- rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras ------------ sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks ----------- control schedtasks
Security Center ----------- wscui.cpl
Services -------------- services.msc
Shared Folders ----------- fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows ------- shutdown
Sounds and Audio ------------ mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game -------- spider
SQL Client Configuration --------- cliconfg
System Configuration Editor --------- sysedit
System Configuration Utility --------- msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately) ---------- sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot) ---------- sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot) -------------- sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting) ----------- sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache) ------------ sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x) ------------ sfc /cachesize=x
System Information ----------- msinfo32
System Properties --------- sysdm.cpl
Task Manager ------------ taskmgr
TCP Tester ------------ tcptest
Telnet Client --------- telnet
Tweak UI (if installed) ------------ tweakui
User Account Management ------------ nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager --------- utilman
Windows Address Book --------- wab
Windows Address Book Import Utility ----------- wabmig
Windows Backup Utility (if installed) ------------ ntbackup
Windows Explorer ------------- explorer
Windows Firewall ---------- firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier ------------- magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure ----------- wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player ----------- wmplayer
Windows Messenger ------------ msmsgs
Windows Picture Import Wizard (need camera connected) --------- wiaacmgr
Windows System Security Tool ------- syskey
Windows Update Launches -------------- wupdmgr
Windows Version (to show which version of windows) --------- winver
Windows XP Tour Wizard ------------- tourstart
Event Viewer ----------- eventvwr.msc
Files and Settings Transfer Tool ---------- migwiz
File Signature Verification Tool -------- sigverif
Findfast ---------- findfast.cpl
Firefox (if installed) -------- firefox
Folders Properties ---------- control folders
Fonts ---------- control fonts
Fonts Folder ------------ fonts
Free Cell Card Game ------- freecell
Game Controllers --------- joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof) --------- gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game ----------- mshearts
Help and Support ------- helpctr
HyperTerminal ----------- hypertrm
Iexpress Wizard ---------- iexpress
Indexing Service ---------- ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard -------- icwconn1
Internet Explorer ---------- iexplore
Internet Properties --------- inetcpl.cpl
Internet Setup Wizard ------- inetwiz
Java Control Panel (If Installed) --------- jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed) --------- javaws
Keyboard Properties ----------- control keyboard
Local Security Settings --------- secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups ------------- lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows ---------- logoff
Malicious Software Removal Tool ----------- mrt
Microsoft Access (if installed) ------------- access.cpl
Microsoft Chat ------------- winchat
Microsoft Excel (if installed) ----------- excel
Microsoft Frontpage (if installed) ----------- frontpg
Microsoft Movie Maker ----------- moviemk
Microsoft Paint ------------ mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint (if installed) --------- powerpnt
Microsoft Word (if installed) ---------- winword
Microsoft Syncronization Tool ---------- mobsync

Thursday, May 17, 2012

The Mother's Day Facts

Mothers' day, as we are all aware of, is one of the largest card-selling holidays celebrated worldwide. It is the day, when children express their love and respect for their moms. The day gives children with the opportunity to let moms know how special and precious they are to them. It's interesting to learn about some mother's day facts. These facts about mother's day will not only enable you to gain some knowledge, but will also astonish you. Read further to explore interesting facts about mothers.

Mothers Day Trivia:

1) In most languages the word for mother starts with the alphabet ‘M".

2) The Chinese family names usually start with signs associated with motherhood.

3) The trend of celebrating mother's day can be attributed to the ancient Greeks, who celebrated this holiday in the spring season to honor Rhea, the mother of the gods.

4) About 500 years ago, there was a prophetess named mother Shipton, who had predicted that queen Elizabeth would be the next to sit on the throne.

5) The meaning of Greek word "meter" and the Sanskrit word "mantra" is both mother and measurement.

6) In the catalog of popular children entertainment, books by Mother Goose are on the top hot list.

7) The ancient Egyptians always had a belief that "Bast" was the mother of all cats on Earth.

8) The Carnation is the flower that is associated with mother's day. The red carnation meant to honor moms who are alive while white carnation is to honor a mom who has deceased.

9) In early Christianity, mother's day was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, to honor Mother Mary.

10) The Bible honors Eve as the "Mother of all Living."

11) In Ireland and the United Kingdom, mother's day is known as Mothering Sunday which is observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, or three weeks before Easter Sunday.

12) Elizabeth Ann Buttle holds a record for taking longest interval between the births of two children. Her first child was born in 1956 while her second child was born in 1999.

13) Jayne Bleackley holds a record for the shortest intervals between the births of her two children. Her first baby was born on September 3, 1999 and her second baby was born on March 30, 2000. The two babies were born 208 days apart.

14) Although most of South America celebrates mother's day on the second Sunday in May, Argentina celebrates mother's day on second Sunday of October.

15) The wife of Russian Fedor Vassilyev made it to the Guinness Book of Records in 1997 for giving birth to most children. She delivered 69 children, which included 16 pairs of twins, seven sets of triplets, and four sets of quadruplets.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

What to do when you are trapped in a lift?

We never know when and where accidents will happen to us OR people around us.

Read on and hope this piece of information may help any when things do happen to ourselves, our friends and our loved ones.

One day, while in a lift, it suddenly broke down and it was falling from level 13 at a fast speed.
Fortunately, one person remembered watching a TV program that taught you must quickly press all the buttons for all the levels.
Finally, the lift stopped at the 5th level.

When you are facing life and death situations, whatever decisions or actions you make decides your survival.   
If you are caught in a lift breakdown, first thought in mind may be 'waiting to die'...

But after reading below, things will definitely be different the next time you are caught in a lift.
First – Quickly press all the different levels of buttons in the lift.
Second – Hold on tight to the handle (if there is any).
Third – Lean your back and head against the wall forming a straight line.
Fourth – Bend your knees
Reason – When the lift falls, you will not know when it will hit the ground, and it may result in whole body bone fracture.

Point 1 – When the emergency electricity supply is being activated, it will stop the lift from falling further.
Point 2 – It is to support your position and prevent you from falling or getting hurt when you lost your balance.
Point 3 – Leaning against the wall is to use it as a support for your back/spine as protection.
Point 4 – Ligament is a flexible, connective tissue. It can be attached to the bone part of the activities, but limit the scope of their activities in order to avoid injury.
Thus, the impact of fractured bones will be minimised from the severe pressure during fall.

Soil Bacterium helps Kill Cancers

By Caroline Parkinson
Health editor, BBC News website
Clostridium sporogenes cannot grow where there is oxygen

Soil bacterium found in soil is a showing promise as a way of delivering cancer drugs into tumours.

Spores of the Clostridium sporogenes bacterium can grow within tumours because there is no oxygen.
UK and Dutch scientists have been able to genetically engineer an enzyme into the bacteria to activate a cancer drug.

Experts said it would be some time before the potential benefits of the work - presented to the Society of Microbiology - were known.
The work is being presented to the society's autumn conference at the University of York.

The spores grow only within solid tumours, such as breast, brain and prostate tumours and not in other tissue in the body, where oxygen is present.

Healthy tissue 'unscathed'

Researchers have been investigating the possibilities of clostridium "vectors" to deliver cancer drugs for decades.

This is a totally natural phenomenon, which requires no fundamental alterations and is exquisitely specific
Professor Nigel Minton
University of Nottingham

The scientists from the University of Nottingham and Maastricht University were able to genetically engineer an improved version of an enzyme into C.sporogenes.
In animal tests, a drug was also injected into the bloods tream which becomes active only when it is triggered by this enzyme.
It then destroys only the cells in its vicinity - the tumour cells.

Professor Nigel Minton, who led the research, said: "Clostridia are an ancient group of bacteria that evolved on the planet before it had an oxygen-rich atmosphere and so they thrive in low oxygen conditions.

"When Clostridia spores are injected into a cancer patient, they will only grow in oxygen-depleted environments, ie the centre of solid tumours.
"This is a totally natural phenomenon, which requires no fundamental alterations and is exquisitely specific.

"We can exploit this specificity to kill tumour cells but leave healthy tissue unscathed."
The team are now planning to work with other researchers on patient trials, due to start in 2013.

Nell Barrie, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "Finding ways to target treatments to cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed is a key aim of researchers around the world.

"But it's a difficult problem to solve, especially because every cancer is different. This particular approach hasn't yet been tested in patients so it will be some time before researchers know whether it will offer real benefits."

Saturday, May 12, 2012

A drink a day is good for older women's health

By Michelle Roberts
Health reporter, BBC News


A sherry before bedtime may be advisable

Women who enjoy an alcoholic drink in the evening tend to be healthier as they move into old age, research shows.

This nightcap could be a pint of beer, a glass of wine or a single measure of spirit, PLoS Medicine journal reports.

A study of 14,000 women concluded that those who drink in moderation were far more likely to reach 70 in good health than heavier drinkers or abstainers.
Spreading consumption over the week is better than saving it for the weekend, the researchers say.

Women who drank little and often fared better than occasional drinkers.

Compared with non-drinkers, women in their mid-50s who drank 15-30g of alcohol (one to two drinks) a day had a 28% greater likelihood of achieving what the US researchers call "successful ageing", meaning good general health free of conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease in their 70s and beyond.

"Moderate amounts of alcohol may offer some protection against heart disease, especially for women who have gone through the menopause, but it's very important not to go overboard"

Natasha Stewart of the British Heart Foundation

And women who drank on 5-7 days of the week had almost double the chance of good overall health in old age compared with complete abstainers.
Experts are not sure whether it is the alcohol itself that is conferring the benefit or whether it simply goes hand in hand with other things in the lives of the women that makes them healthier.

The Harvard School of Public Health researchers said they tried to control for factors like smoking that might have affected the results.
Other studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption - no more than the recommended two to three units a day for women in the UK - is linked with a lower risk of heart disease and some other health conditions.

And research has shown alcohol can have a positive impact in the body, reducing insulin resistance, inflammation, high cholesterol and other harmful processes.
However, drinking has been linked to other conditions, such as breast cancer.

Experts welcomed the findings, saying they supported current recommendations concerning alcohol limits.

Natasha Stewart of the British Heart Foundation said: "Moderate amounts of alcohol may offer some protection against heart disease, especially for women who have gone through the menopause, but it's very important not to go overboard.

"Drinking too much doesn't offer any heart health protection at all and may actually lead to heart muscle damage, stroke and high blood pressure. And if you don't already drink alcohol, there is certainly no need to start now.

"Clearly there are much better ways to look after your heart than drinking alcohol, like eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting active and by not smoking."

8 Reasons To Learn A New Language


Learning a new language is a gratifying enterprise. Motivation often depends on having a clear purpose. The reasons below may help you find the stimulation you need. 


1. Moving to a new country


Learning the local language will make your integration in the local community a whole lot easier. Maybe many people in your new country speak English. Don't let that become the excuse not to learn the local language. It will allow you to integrate and connect with the local community in a whole other way. You also demonstrate an involvement and dedication to your new country that will be noticed. 

2. Relatives and friends

If you are around people who has a different first language from you learning their language will open up a whole new level in your relationship. Learning a language is also learning how to think and feel in a whole different way. Your relationships will change for the better. 

3. At work

Being able to speak more languages will increase your chances of getting a transfer, finding a new job, getting a promotion or going on business trips. When you work with people who from a different culture speaking their language will grease the skids for partnership and socializing. Maybe you deal with children and older people in you job. Speaking their first language will make their (and your) day a whole lot better. 

4. Travel

Even if you can get by with English, speaking the local language will change your travel experiences dramatically. Imagine being able to ask locals for restaurant tips, travel away from the tourist crowds, getting to know the locals and being able to read signs. It will really add another dimension to your vacation 

5. Study abroad

Speaking the local tongue will serve you well, even if the courses are in English. Living in a foreign country is the best way to learn a new language well. Don't let the opportunity get away. If you spend some time in advance learning the language you can be a part of the social scene from day one. 

6. Get in touch with your roots

Your family might have spoken a particular language in the past. If you have children you can learn it together as a family project. Once you have some proficiency try contacting relatives in the "old country" and plan a vacation. You will be treated like kings and see parts of the culture that would be otherwise closed to you. 

7. Food

Let say you enjoy the food or wine of a particular region. Speaking the language will make you a priced guest at any restaurant. If you enjoy making the food yourself all the best cookbooks will be available to you. 

8. Personal development

Learning a language is a personal challenge. It will also show you that there are different ways to view the world. The structure of your language determines how you think. A second language will offer you a different way to think about the world. You will also view you own culture and language through a new lens. 

Whatever reason resonates with you, hope you will take on the challenge of learning a new language. It will be rewarding in more ways than you can think of and open up a larger part of the wold for you. Good luck!

Extracted from [ Bhagyalakshmi Sundaran / bsundaran (at) yahoo (dot) com]