Nerdy Science Blog

This is the evolution of apples!

(pic [via])

Popularity: 1% [?]

BERNAMA:

Malaysia Sees Potential In Tissue Banking

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) — The development of the science of tissue banking in Malaysia will contribute substantially to the biotechnology sector as it could lower the cost for Malaysian patients in need of such care.

Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood, chief executive officer of Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (BiotechCorp), said today that for the development of tissue banking, Malaysia needs to industriously complement the efforts of the National Tissue Bank and Nuclear Malaysia in stepping up commercialisation of tissue banking.

The Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Technology Report 2007 published by Visiongain estimates the market for future tissue engineered products, including regeneration of bone, cartilage and other connective structural treatments, at US$5 billion globally, he said.

“The market value of tissue banking could contribute to the Malaysian economy even though there are no definitive numbers as yet for Asia or the Asia Pacific, but the growth of the business in key markets in India and China is more than positive,” he said.

According to NovaSterilis, a US company which provides sterilisation technology for medical devices and human tissue, indicated that the US tissue bank market was worth US$400 million last year, he said.

“Tissue banking offers exciting possibilities in managing complex bone and cartilage diseases, spinal cord injuries and other serious injuries. It also prolongs life and adds meaningful years of freedom and mobility not only for the elderly but also for our children and youth by crippling diseases,” he told a press conference here on the forthcoming 5th World Congress on Tissue Banking.

Malaysia’s National Tissue Bank is recognised for producing safe, high quality tissue grafts in a wide field of application for burns, orthopaedic, microsurgery, facial, dental and paediatric surgery, according to Iskandar.

The National Tissue Bank’s research & development activities had achieved outstanding international work, with more than 40 research findings in amniotic membranes, bone grafts, trauma and reconstruction.

“Integrated research is also conducted in bio-materials, tissue engineering and stem cells,” he said.

Meanwhile Iskandar said that with the contribution of Nuclear Malaysia and other Malaysian participants, the 5th World Congress on Tissue Banking here on June 3-5 will feature speakers from 20 countries including the US, Cuba, UK, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Russia, India, Korea and Hong Kong.

– BERNAMA

Popularity: 2% [?]

Based on my observations, most successful blogs (in term of having large amount of traffic) have great contents. “Content is king” is an old saying. What kind of contents that actually drive a blog to the peak? I categorized them into four types of posts and two classes. The two classes are long-term and short-term traffic posts. “Case history” and “tutorial” types are belonged to long-term traffic class, whereas the “issue” and “news” types are the short-term class.

1. Case history.

A timeless post that can be read anytime by anyone (people still quote Aristotle today). Case history type of posts can be successful story of a person, or the discovery and invention of a product, the application of certain knowledge.

Example: the myth of two-headed snake

2. Tutorial posts.

Tutorial posts also known as how-to posts. These posts teach readers new skills or knowledge. They also help readers to perform something better and solve their problems. Readers tend to bookmark this kind of posts and share with their friends. They will turn to you when they are in need.

Examples: How To Perform Plate Streaking, How To Make A Bouncy Egg

3. Issue posts

Being controversial is one of the ways that popularizes a blog. Writing current hot topical and controversial issues can peak your traffic in a short time, but such traffic also go as fast as it came. You can also interact with readers by asking questions, such as “should evolution be taught in school?” This can bring out the conversation and makes readers stick to your blog.

Examples: The PCR Song, The Job Perspective of Forensic Science Graduates in Malaysia

4. News.

A quick update of news in your niche fields also help to bring visitors to your blog. These readers might not have time to read through every piece of news, but their life become easier with your help to filter the news.

Examples: Finding of ManPig, The Helmet That Makes You Smart

Good contents make your blog become a good blog, but you need to market your blog to convert it to a great blog.

[pic]

Popularity: 1% [?]