Hauschka

What time is it?

Tango by Zbigniew Rybczynski (1980)

Vimeo digest

Markus Kayser - Solar Sinter Project from Markus Kayser on Vimeo.

The Aquatic Ape

Since Raymond Dart's 1924 discovery of the first ever australopithecine fossil, Australopithecus africanus, anthropology and the course of evolution has endured a perspective dominated by the hegemonic view come to be known as the Savannah Hypothesis. As the fossil record gained momentum, the view became solidified that the transition from ape to hominid proceeded in response to climatic conditions caused by a the recession of forested area. Our ape ancestors allegedly left the dwindling tree habitat in favor of the contemporaneously widespread grasslands and savannahs. This change of habitat, it is supposed, was the impetus for the behavioral and concomitant physiological changes that led to these woodland apes eventually becoming human. However, there has been a more recent call for a paradigm shift in our anthropological understanding. The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis has gained some support, as it holds that it more deftly accounts for anthropological development while not being mutually exclusive from the Savannah Hypothesis. However, as the hypothesis was first put forth in a 1960 article by marine biologist Alister Hardy and more maturely developed by the writer Elaine Morgan (from outside the scientific community altogether), it remains largely castigated from within the academic anthropological community. Nonetheless, the Aquatic Ape Hypothesis seems to succinctly account for seven points of departure that are hallmarks of the hominid:

1. Loss of body hair
2. Subcutaneous fat
3. Tears
4. Bipedalism
5. Ventro-vental copulation
6. Swimming/diving
   
7. Speech

Our understanding of human evolution we infer from our understanding of apes, our understanding of humans, our understanding of the fossil record, our understanding of climatic conditions, and our understanding of the evolutionary process writ large. Given this criteria, the Savannah Hypothesis seems a grotesque oversimplification of hominid development. Further, the Savannah hypothesis seems to suppose the course of evolution proceeded on a bias of traits for the success of the hunter-gatherer male, with maladaptive characteristics for the nurturing female. The following will briefly assess the contrasting notions of the Savannah Hypothesis with that of the Aquatic Ape Hypothesis in regard to the aforementioned seven anomalies of the human organism.

Contrary to the claims of the recession of forest area and increase in open savannah providing the impetus for evolutionary changes in our ancestors, the picture seems rather incomplete. Our reliable fossil evidence begins with Australopithecus at about 3.5 million years ago. Prior to this, we have sparse remnants of Sivapithecus which lived between 12.5 and 8.5 million years ago, yet in-between is a great void. Our understanding of climatic conditions during this "void" indicates that sea levels rose considerably in the north of Africa, inundating expanses and isolating forested areas as islands. The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis suggests that apes marooned on these tracts of forest, with dwindling resources, very well could have taken to the sea in order to supplement their needs. This would have spawned the chain of events that would lead our ancestors on a unique path into the sea only to return upon the sea's retreat. Yet, to gain credibility, we will need to analyze how the hypothesis explains the course of hominid evolution.

1. Loss of body hair

The Savannah Hypothesis best explains the loss of body hair in the hominid as a function of two factors. The first factor is the emergence of game hunting causing a potential for overheating, leading to hair loss and sweating to keep the body cool. The second factor suggests that the problem of hair dwelling parasites and related diseases would be eliminated were hairlessness naturally or sexually selected. However, both factors have no parallels. It seems a curious state of affairs for nearly all African mammals to maintain their fur with the exception of mud and water "wallowers." This may be taken as a case in point in perpetuating the fallacy that hair only insulates heat - in fact, the hair maintains temperate air close to the body, warding off excessive heat as well as cold. It might be noted that the vast majority of "naked" mammals are those that have followed a course to becoming fully aquatic or wallowers. These would include: cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), sirenians (manatees, dugong, etc.), hippopotamuses, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Further, it may be noted that sweating is a maladaptive trait for the open savannah, depleting the body rapidly of essential water and the electrolyte sodium.

2. Subcutaneous fat

One of the instrumental factors in Alister Hardy first positing an aquatic episode in hominid evolution was the deposition of energy in subcutaneous fat - a ubiquitous characteristic amongst aquatic mammals and one particular to humans as a terrestrial mammal. The Savannah hypothesis best explains subcutaneous fat as a reaction to hairlessness; the cooling mechanism proved to be too successful, necessitating fat to keep the body warm enough. This seems rather careless when considering the fact that humans maintain all of the hair follicles and very well could re-evolve a coat for warmth. Nonetheless, subcutaneous fat is a characteristic in aquatic mammals that seems to aid in buoyancy as well as insulation against the perils of water temperatures. In fact, it seems rather maladaptive for some whale species that dive to great depths and would find the buoyant nature of the fat to be a hindrance, yet would still provide the benefit of insulating body heat effectively. It may be noted that in human newborns, the extent of their fatty tissue stands in great contrast to other primates.

3. Tears

Although all mammals have tear glands which bathe the eyeball in a protective saline solution, no other terrestrial mammals exhibit the phenomenon we can call weeping. Though other mammals may howl and whimper, even our closest primate "relatives" lack the tears we associate with it. The only phenomenological cognate amongst mammals occurs in pinnipeds (seals) which display tears in times of distress. Curiously, sea birds contain nasal glands similar to our tear glands that drain fluid. In 1956 a study was conducted in which cormorants were fed sea water via feeding tube at 6% of their body weight. The motivation for the study was to observe how a diving bird could manage incidental ingestion of sea water. As expected, the cormorants were found with higher concentrations of soduim in the urine, yet a surprising discovery was the nearly pure sodium content excreted from the cormorants' nasal glands. It isn't difficult to extrapolate that our hominid ancestors could have developed a similar, convergent evolutionary coping mechanism to rid the body of ingested excess sodium in sea water. This mechanism for dispensing waste product could have later been modified for further ridding the body of chemical wastes produced by stress responses.

4. Bipedalism

Bipedalism is often suggested as a result of leaving the hands free to carry tools and the need to see farther in the high brush of the grasslands. However, barring a counterbalancing tail, a phenomenon of locomotion emergent only one time in biological history seems suspect, surely others in the same habitat would follow some convergent evolutionary trait. Also, it seems counter-intuitive for the freeing of the hands to be any sort of evolutionary impetus. We can see from chimpanzees and other knuckle walking apes with whom we share a common ancestor, they are quite adept at maintaining a grasp on objects during locomotion. Further, the fossil record indicates that bipedalism was present in the Australopithecus yet tool-making was not mastered for nearly another two million years with Homo habilis. Although most primates seem to have a fear of water, wading upright has been witnessed specifically in different macaque species naturally in hunting for sea food or washing food in a controlled experiment. This is analogous to the claim that Alister Hardy first presented as an impulse toward bipedalism: advancing into the sea would not permit one to venture very far as a quadruped, it would be natural to proceed on two. However, when swimming, the natural reaction is to take a horizontal orientation. It is likely that this coupled with the penchant for wading would provide a natural impetus for skeletal realignment of the spinal and pelvic adaptations we see as a predisposition for bipedalism. Of course, this taking place within water would not come with the precarious question of balance on terra firma.

5. Ventro-ventral copulation

Ventro-ventral copulation, or belly-to-belly, is a practice seldom found in any other primate. Perhaps the only exception is the bonobo (though it is not a regular and common practice therein). Nonetheless, human anatomical study informs us that ventro-ventral copulation is a coital position for which humans are adapted; the vaginal canal is angled to accommodate this position, an attribute unique to hominids and no other primate. The Savannah Hypothesis proffers that the physiological and behavioral adaptation are such as to enhance pair bonding. However, many other primates practice pair bonding and yet we do not see the advent of ventro-ventral copulation. It has been observed amongst whales, dolphins, seals, manatees, and other aquatic mammals that ventro-ventral copulation is veritably the norm, one with which humans conform, particularly within the perspective that humans underwent an aquatic episode before returning to land.

6. Swimming/diving

It is often conjectured that human swimming is strictly a cultural, nurture phenomenon. However, in the same manner we now accept speech and language to be partially hardwired yet transmitted culturally, it is not far fetched to suppose the same for swimming. Many claim that primates have an innate fear of water that is distinct among mammals and swimming is not natural to humans. However, the proboscis monkey, found in the swamplands of Borneo, has been found miles out at sea. Also, the talapoin, a monkey native to central Africa dives into water as a defense strategy. Of course, there are physical and behavioral observations that aid in understanding the human penchant for water. The human nose has nostrils that differ quite remarkably from other primates. One might suppose human nostrils to present a splash shield. Also, the position of the larynx in the human permits breath control not found in other primates. The human capacity for "holding ones breath" is rather unique. The most controversial evidence stems from research begun by Russian gynecologist Dr. Igor Tjarkovsky on infants in the 1960s. Before being condemned and shut down by the USSR Ministry of Public Health, Tjarkovsky pioneered underwater childbirths, now a growing trend in natural births. Tjarkovsky's observations began on his premature daughter who barely weighed over two pounds. Putting her in warm baths, rationalizing it to be simulation of the amniotic fluid, he found that at three months, she was able to hold her breath up to three minutes under water without any adverse effects. Noting a remarkable development in his daughter, Tjarkovsky then went on to incorporate these techniques into his practice. Infants, have been found to exhibit reflexes to not breathe when submerged as well as "ipsilateral flexions" which amount to swimming motions of the arms.

7. Speech

One of few traits that are markedly distinctive of humanity is the capacity for speech and language. The Savannah Theory best accounts for the development of speech as a manner of instructive communication in the making of tools and/or a measure of coordination in big game hunting. Nonetheless, many terrestrial animals hunt cooperatively without the use of verbal communication. Also, it seems odd for communication to follow a verbal track rather than the already highly developed visual one in terms of tool-making instruction. However, we can gather primates, particularly our closest relatives to be social by nature. Upon that presumption, if we then posit the Aquatic Hypothesis, it then follows that the exigencies of locomotion in water would prevent effective visual, tactile, or olfactory communication and facilitate a need to develop a vocal form. Unequivocally, other aquatic mammals have displayed a convergent evolution to harbor vocal capabilities. Namely, dolphins, whales, and the Ross Seal all have been documented to use vocal communication and echolocation under water.

Tadanori Yokoo

Aggressive Maneuvers for Autonomous Quadrotor Flight

The Secret Powers of Time by Philip Zimbardo

Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl (1950)

Le Monde Du Silence By Louis Malle (1956)

Frankenstein's bacterium

Apprearing in tomorrow's edition of Science, we have news of considerable advances in genomics from the J. Craig Venter Institute. One team of geneticists at the institute led by Daniel Gibson succeeded in creating a synthetic genome capable of reproduction. While the genome is not a Frankenstein-esque monster, it is synthetic in the sense that it is the first ever genome constructed from raw chemicals. The process has been long and daunting, calling on years of previous breakthrough work from the institute in order to materialize the bacteria chromosomes in yeast and then transplant them successfully. Often using the analogy of computer terminology, Venter explains that once a genome has been sequenced and placed in a recipient cell's cytoplasm (devoid of genetic material), the newly inserted genome "boots up like software."

Of course this instance wasn't without some error at the outset. The genome the team attempted to synthesize was switched at one point during the course of the project. Initially using a simpler, smaller genetic sequence, the team found that the cell's phasing took so long to cycle, they needed to switch gears and use another species in order to yield results. In the end, the constructed genome was that of Mycoplasma capricolum, a bacterium containing 1.1 million base pairs. Even so, the initial trial of M. capricolum didn't yield any results as the cell remained completely inactive. The project underwent a delay of three months while software analysis checking the constructed genome indicated a single base pair was a "typo" and the team located and amended the mistake.

This research proved not only the magnitude of possibility the field holds, but also the necessity for complete accuracy in genetic engineering. Venter and his institute have plans, provided no governmental interference, to pursue wholly synthetic creations that could provide effective health, commercial and industrial applications to some of the most pressing world issues of energy, waste, and medicine. Of course, from the pitfalls in the process of this research, it logically follows that the essential components that make nature's "software" work need to be understood before completely fabricated species have their "software" engineered entirely anew.

TED provided video of J. Craig Venter's press release.

Holographic paradigm

I've resurrected some notions regarding unified theories of consciousness and the universe. The holographic paradigm is of particular interest as a perspective to account for anomalies in our material understanding of the known physical realm. In the video below, note Michael Talbot's depiction of entanglement through the prescient analogy of an aquarium. His characterization of a reduction toward some cosmic unity seems to acquiesce with the concepts that begat my introduction to the holographic paradigm. I've always found it a curious notion the manner in which quantum physics portrays the former classical model particles as energy fields. Accounting for the disparate nature of these fields must (one would think) reduce to some uniformity. Albeit a matter of perception, perhaps certain quantitative properties can be manifest in qualitative ones as is such in electromagnetic radiation. Simple adjustments in frequency is the attribute responsible for all types of electromagnetic radiation let alone the colors in the visual spectrum. This holographic hypothesis may be a univocal paradigm for the manner in which energy fields interact and formulate an interface of reality.

Null-i

In previous musings, I questioned the hegemonic notion that all life on Earth has a common ancestor. I expressed this notion as thus: "If conditions on Earth supported one biological genesis, then these conditions were such that a genesis could have been supported on multiple occasions." For whatever independently arriving at this conjecture is worth, I later found this notion to be referred to as the Shadow Life Hypothesis. The ramifications vary based upon how stringent one's claims are therein, yet the foundation of the hypothesis is simply more than one origin of life. However, published in the latest edition of Nature, life's origins were analyzed.

Douglas Theobald, a biochemist at Brandeis University, began his study by selecting 23 proteins ubiquitous across the taxonomic spectrum. Each species represents these proteins via a structure that is particular to that given species. Theobald then ran the gamut of statistical analyses in order to yield the likelihood of any model to derive these protein structures. His computational simulations indicated that the universal common ancestor hypothesis is 10^2,860 times more probable than any concatenation of multiple ancestors. In spite of the fact that many microbiologists may note that microorganisms of disparate species may swap genetic material, the computations accounted for this and still found a single ancestor to be the most efficacious solution.








*Blue dotted line represents swapped genetic material

Theobald qualifies that his study does not in any way suggest the number of times life on Earth emerged. Nonetheless, it does suggests that only one strain would ultimately reign supreme. In any case, while we may concede that this statistical analysis is perfectly cogent, it may be begging the question with regard to our taxonomic categorization. Further, Theobald's statistical analysis as a formal study is questionable; our notion of nature as a pinnacle manifestation of logical eloquence does not always prevail. Considering what we know of the human genome (and genomics writ large), the retention of archaic sequences from genetic ancestors that no longer code for active traits serves as a case in point where the precedent of logical eloquence and simplicity in nature breaks down in biology. (**EDIT** - in light of my critique, I just happened upon this article.)

Why Cecco Beppe Does Not Die

Troglodyte

Today's edition of Science includes the article, "A Draft Sequence of the Neandertal Genome." The aptly titled article not only describes this rough sequence of the neandertal genome, but offers particularly intriguing commentary on the difficulties of ancient DNA retrieval. Yet, most importantly, the article compares the genome of Homo neanderthalensis with that of five modern humans.

Only recent advances have permitted ancient DNA retrieval. In spite of this, problems persist as remains are replete with microbial colonization. The natural process of putrefaction introduces the DNA of microbes which begin to interfere. Roughly 95-99% of the samples were comprised of microbe DNA, which had to be treated with enzymes to "enrich" the samples such that the ratio of neandertal DNA was accessible. Further, a close genetic "relative" must serve as a basis of comparison to ensure the research is on track. It then logically follows that sequencing the neandertal genome would imply an analysis with respect to modern humans.

Insodoing, DNA samples were collected from 21 late Pleistocene (±38,000 year-old) bones of three neandertal women discovered in Croatia's Vindija Cave and compared to samples from five individuals from China, France, Papua New Guinea, Southern Africa, and Western Africa. The genome was analyzed across genetic "hotspots" derived from known deviations between chimpanzee and human DNA. The results suggested that neandertals fall within the degree of genetic variation found in modern humans. There were only five genes found to be distinctly modern human. Interestingly, there was greater variation amongst the neandertal genome when compared to those of the modern human genomes from both African individuals than all non-African samplings.

Considerable speculation on the potential for human and neandertal cross-breeding has circulated academia with regard to hominid evolution for some time. Nonetheless, the hope that this study could formulate a conclusive posit on the notion is unfulfilled. The article suggests that based upon the research, neandertal and human divergence from a common ancestor is too recent to confirm or deny any definitive understanding for the genomic overlap.

How Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck by Werner Herzog (1976)

New findings on AIDS non-progression

I wrote on AIDS non-progressors some time ago, yet today new information was published in Nature pertaining to the genetics behind individuals whose immune systems are seemingly miraculously able to maintain HIV from developing into full-blown AIDS.

The article explains that for some time there has been a known link between these AIDS non-progressors and the expression of the distinctive HLA B57 gene. A team of researchers led by MIT Professor Arup Chakraborty and Harvard Professor Bruce Walker observed that this gene is responsible for immune systems producing an abundance of CD8+ T cells, the killer T cells that destroy infections such as HIV. All T cells bind to foreign proteins on the surface of infected cells; they then seek out all other cells with this same particular foreign protein. The unique CD8+ T cells have the ability to not only bind to one specific protein, but seek multiple proteins and thus destroy any infections that have mutated.

The key to the function of these T cells is their interaction with self-peptides in the thymus. The variety of self-peptides in the thymus dictate the number and type of T cells that can be produced. The variety of self-peptides is a consequence of the HLA genes, including the aforementioned HLA B57.

Based on these findings that illuminate the workings of the immune system, the researchers are optimistic that this may lead to a potential "vaccine." Since all individuals possess the CD8+ T cells, the difference only being in number, they reckon they may find a way to provoke the same production of CD8+ T cells in all individuals as that of those with the HLA B57 gene. There is however one negative repercussion noted about individuals with this gene. The unique ability of these abundant T cells to bind with many proteins means it often does so with healthy cells. Individuals with the HLA B57 gene, therefore, have a high prevalence of autoimmune disease.

Om from India

Located in the West Village, Om from India is a unique shop that specializes in original lithographs of traditional Hindu religious imagery. The collection largely represents the primitive technique of limestone block prints used from the late 19th century until the 1940s. Prints can only be purchased in person and by appointment. Nonetheless, the website offers a great sampling of their compendium.

Priča Jedne Ljubavi

Stereotypes in Williams Syndrome Children

A new study (journal article here) suggests curious findings pertaining to stereotypes in children with Williams Syndrome. Williams Syndrome is a disorder caused by the deletion of about 28 genes from chromosome 7. This genetic disorder is most often manifest in cognitive delays, inimitable physiological (namely facial) features, a penchant for music, and a strikingly unrestrained social nature. Stereotypes, which the article succinctly expresses as "implicit attributions to an individual based on group membership categories such as race, religion, age, gender, or nationality," seem to have a peculiar role in our mental life. The unique social nature of individuals with Williams Syndrome posed an interesting subject for analysis. In the study, researchers contrasted a control group with that of one in which all members were children diagnosed with Williams Syndrome. The results indicated that children with Williams Syndrome lacked any racial stereotypes. Oddly, the same group did, however, display stereotypes regarding gender - in fact, gender stereotypes were uniform across children in both groups. The research concluded that heretofore no human group has ever displayed a lack of racial stereotyping. Further, causes for the formation of stereoptypes across disparate categorizations must not be acquired in a consistent manner.

Truck art of Pakistan

Triggerfish

A new contact lens from Sensimed, called the "Triggerfish," could provide great potential in learning about the relatively poorly understood condition of glaucoma, a deterioration of the optic nerve. The lens is made of a typical silicon hydrogel used for soft contact lenses, yet it contains a microprocessor and strain gauge. The strain gauge measures changes in the diameter of the cornea that are a result of variations in the amount of fluid within the eye. This fluid accumulation causes the high intraoccular pressure that has been linked to the disease. This noninvasive machine interface collects data on any fluctuation in the cornea diameter and transmits the data via radio waves, permitting a close monitoring of the progression.

Fine collection of curious sound objects

FINE COLLECTION OF CURIOUS SOUND OBJECTS from Georg Reil on Vimeo.

Polish poster art

I've long had a particular interest in Polish poster art. Initially, it was the animated and experimental film collaborations of Jan Lenica and Walerian Borowczyk that made me aware of the tradition of Polish graphic arts. Lenica having a diverse career with films that inspired the likes of Jan Švankmajer and Terry Gilliam, forrays in music, architecture, additionally he was a poster artist himself. Borowczyk also had a significant amount of training and a career in the visual arts encompassing poster art, painting, and lithography. Nonetheless, he is most known for his early animations: solo works, the aforementioned collaborations with Lenica, as well as Chris Marker, leading a surrealist aesthetic revolution into the mainstream. Yet, I digress. Eventually coming to find poster works by such names as Wiktor Sadowski, Wiktor Gorka, Andrzej Pagowski, and above all Francizsek Starowieyski (below), I became genuinely enamored with these artists that lent their craft to film, theater, opera, ballet, and even circus posters. I recently found a website that offers prints (some original) of their works, though they don't come cheap.

Dark flow

Since 2008, a research team at NASA lead by astrophysicist Alexander Kashlinsky, has been tracking a unique phenomena at the outer reaches of our known universe. Initially, the team was studying the effects of microwave background radiation on the gases of galaxy clusters. The gases scatter the radiation as any medium diffuses energy, yet when the team noticed a peculiar amount of scattering, namely from the doppler effect, they knew the gases were moving at incredibly high velocities. Thus, the NASA researchers took note of a coherent stream of galaxy clusters traveling in a pathway at more than 2.2 million miles per hour. The hegemonic view of our universe and it's distribution of mass could not account for a gravitational pull of this magnitude.

Now, after an additional two years of study, the research team has expanded their observation, tracking more galaxy clusters, all revealing more of the same phenomenon now being referred to as 'dark flow.' Kashlinsky suggests that this observation is indicative of matter beyond our universe, extending some 47 billion light years. He emphasized that this 'dark flow' would be more difficult to explain if it traversed a 2.5 billion light year expanse and simply stopped.

Personally, as attractive as the ongoing research findings may be, I find Kashlinsky's reasoning suspect. Whether the 'dark flow' extends 47 billion light years or merely 2.5, either case would have a point of termination. Nonetheless, it is a unique finding and particularly interesting if it gives credence to any number of multiverse theories.

BKK

I just came across this blog Still Life in Moving Vehicles that is all dedicated to the world surrounding Bangkok taxis. The decorum such as Buddhist monk scripts, religious symbols, and figurines are all done in a measure to ensure safe travel.

"The Weed"

I'm a little late on it, however this journal article proposes Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (that is, the agent found in marijuana, THC) has a profound impact on human glioma, a cancer of the brain and spine. The following is the abstract from the article:

Autophagy can promote cell survival or cell death, but the molecular basis underlying its dual role in cancer remains obscure. Here we demonstrate that Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component of marijuana, induces human glioma cell death through stimulation of autophagy. Our data indicate that THC induced ceramide accumulation and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphorylation and thereby activated an ER stress response that promoted autophagy via tribbles homolog 3–dependent (TRB3-dependent) inhibition of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) axis. We also showed that autophagy is upstream of apoptosis in cannabinoid-induced human and mouse cancer cell death and that activation of this pathway was necessary for the antitumor action of cannabinoids in vivo. These findings describe a mechanism by which THC can promote the autophagic death of human and mouse cancer cells and provide evidence that cannabinoid administration may be an effective therapeutic strategy for targeting human cancers.

What this means is that THC, from marijuana, caused an accumulation of a lipid molecule called ceramide, which is instrumental in regulating cell death. This accumulation induced an ER stress response, which regards the cell organelle the endoplasmic reticulum that is responsible for folding and transporting proteins for proper use within the cell . This stress response is such that too many proteins are unfolded or misfolded, triggering the cell to halt normal function such as translation (genetic reproduction) until a homeostasis is reached. When this homeostasis is not reached, it induces autophagy, essentially a form of cell death. Thus, the findings indicate that marijuana is effective in treating cancer cells.

Electra, My Love by Miklós Jancsó (1974)