Uncover the longevity secrets of Bowhead Whales

Bowhead whales, which live in the Arctic that can live more than 200 years, and could be crowned as the longest lifespan mammals in the world.

Genome, or the chromosomes in each of the cell nucleus, belonging to these big animal may hold the longevity secret, according to a new study that describes the complete structure of genes.

This is a bowhead whale underwater. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1wS0Tas)

Bowhead whales are the biggest, strongest and live year-round in the Arctic. They use their big head to penetrate the ice sheet, in order to breathe. However, why this whale can live so long? This question is tried to be answered by Joao Pedro Magalhaes, a scientist from the University of Liverpool.

"I am interested to learn how long the various species can live. For example, why is the process of human aging more slowly than other primates. Why mouse's aging process faster than a human or a whale? And why bowhead whales live longer than human, and apparently protected of the diseases caused by age such as cancer? "he said.

It continues to be a mystery, he says, but by examining the whale's genome, scientists look for patterns and comparing whale bowhead whale with other similar but shorter-lived, such as Minke whales.

"We are particularly looking for genes that have a distinctive mutation contained on bowhead whales. We are looking for genes in duplication, which is lots of bowhead whales, but not on a similar species. The result is very interesting," he said.

In the Cell Reports journal, Magalhaes and colleagues explain various changes in bowhead whales gene that associated with cell division, DNA repair, cancer and aging.

Magalhaes said any long-lived species using different tricks with other species. He wanted to find a natural mechanism that triggers this process. 

"If I could find the tricks that exist on the bowhead whale is, and what makes them live longer and are protected against diseases, we could try it in humans, possibly with the use of drugs or chemicals that are directed to the specific genes. Can also use gene therapy. Many possibilities will emerge," he said.

Magalhaes said, the next step is to breed the mice that their genes are mixed with bowhead whales genes, to see the impact on the age and age-related mutations.

However, this study can also be applied to other things, he said. Understanding population dynamics and genetic diversity could help conservationists, to protect endangered species due to habitat damaged, or exposed to toxins found in natural surroundings. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCIENCEDAILY]

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Classic Elegance on Wheels: The Studebaker Golden Hawk Phenomenon

The LEGENDS - In 1956, the automotive world witnessed the emergence of a true icon—the Studebaker Golden Hawk. Representing the pinnacle of performance during that era, this marvel was born from the collaboration of two automotive giants, Studebaker and Packard, after their merger in the same year. The 1956 models marked the inception of a legendary lineage, setting the stage for the Golden Hawk's prominence.

The esteemed Studebaker Golden Hawk (in pictured 1956 model) marked the inception of a legendary lineage, setting the stage for the Golden Hawk's prominence. (Picture from: OldCarsWeekly)

The production spanned from 1956 to 1958, with a limited number of production. Among the Hawk family were notable models such as Flight Hawk, Power Hawk, Sky Hawk, and the esteemed Golden Hawk. Characterized by a sleek, long profile and an assertive upright radiator, adorned with subtle fiberglass rear fins, these cars exuded a captivating charm. The Flight and Power models boasted pillared coupes, while the Sky and Golden Hawks flaunted pillarless hardtop designs.

The Studebaker Flight Hawk (in pictured 1956 model) boasted pillared coupes with by a sleek, long profile and an assertive upright radiator. (Picture from: AlphaCoders)

In 1957, a pivotal change occurred as the engine was replaced by a lighter, belt-driven, supercharged V8 Packard engine. This alteration significantly elevated the car's top speed, solidifying its status as the best-performing Hawk until the arrival of the Gran Turismo Hawk in 1963 with the Avanti's R2 supercharged engine.

The Studebaker Power Hawk (in pictured 1956 model) boasted pillared coupes with a sleek, long profile and an assertive upright radiator. (Picture from: STLToday)

The Studebaker Golden Hawk's allure extended beyond its aesthetics, finding its essence in a robust powertrain capable of producing up to 256 horsepower. This deliberate design emphasized the car's prowess for high-speed driving. The 352 cubic-inch Packard V8 engine, a powerplant often associated with sports car models like the Renault Megane, further accentuated its performance credentials.

The Studebaker Sky Hawk (in pictured 1956 model) flaunted pillarless hardtop designs with a sleek, long profile and an assertive upright radiator. (Picture from: STLToday)

As the calendar flipped to 1958, the Golden Hawk underwent subtle yet impactful changes. The transition to 14-inch wheels, lower ride height, and a new round Hawk medallion in the grille signaled a commitment to both style and functionality. Optional 15-inch wheels provided enthusiasts with customization choices, and the introduction of contrasting-color paint on roofs and tailfins added a touch of flair. Noteworthy interior upgrades included a vacuum gauge on the instrument panel and standard padded dashboards.

The esteemed Studebaker Golden Hawk (in pictured 1958 model) known as one of the final high-end cars from a once legendary marque. (Picture from: Gooding&Company)

Despite its undeniable appeal, the Golden Hawk faced the harsh realities of the late-1950s recession, resulting in a mere 878 units sold in 1958. This economic downturn led to the discontinuation of the Golden Hawk, leaving the Silver Hawk as the sole remaining model, eventually renamed the Studebaker Hawk in 1960.

Reflecting on it, the Studebaker Golden Hawk stands as a testament to an era of automotive innovation, seamlessly combining style, performance, and resilience. Its legacy reverberates through the pages of automotive history, symbolizing a bygone era where speed and sophistication converged on the open road. Considering these aspects, it comes as no surprise that the Golden Hawk commands prices soaring into the hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars. A truly awe-inspiring phenomenon! *** [EKA [09022015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MILESTHROUGHTIME | OLDCARSWEEKLY | BARN FINDS | STLTODAY | GOODING&COMPANY ]

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Organisms without evolution of more than 2 billion years found

An international team of scientists has found evidence of the greatest lack of evolution ever reported. It happened on one type of microorganisms in the sea in seemingly not evolved more than 2 billion years.

But the researchers say, the lack of evolution in organisms actually supports the Charles Darwin theory of evolution. The findings published in the journal the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The scientists examined 1 billion years old sulfur bacteria and preserved in rocks of coastal waters in Western Australia. By using advanced technology, they discovered that it looks the same bacteria as bacteria from the same area of 2.3 million years ago. And both are a set of bacteria that can not be distinguished from modern sulfur bacteria found in the mud of the beach in Chile.

1.8 billion year old fossilized bacteria preserved in rock. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1BVgr0d)

"It is surprising that life did not evolve to more than 2 billion years; almost half of Earth's history," said J William Schopf, UCLA professor and the study leader. He is a professor of earth science, planetary and space in the UCLA College.

Scientists say that a type of deep-sea microorganism has not evolved in more than 2 billion years. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1BVgr0d)

"Given that evolution is a fact, the absence of evolution need to explain," he said. Charles Darwin's writings on evolution more focused on species that have been changed repeatedly from the non-evolved. So how do scientists explain that species evolve longer live without?

A section of a 2.3 billion-year-old rock bearing fossils (the dark areas) that are essentially identical to ones that are 500 million years younger, and to modern microorganisms that live in seawater mud. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1BVgr0d)

"The rules of biology are living beings did not evolve unless the physical environment or its biological change, which is consistent with Darwin," said Schopf, who is also Director of the UCLA Center for the Study of Evolution and the Origin of Life.

"The environment in which these microorganisms live, basically unchanged for 3 billion years," he said.

"These microorganisms can adapt well to their environment that is simple, very stable physically and biologically," he said.

"If they exist in an environment that does not change, but however they evolve, then it would indicate that our understanding of the evolution of Darwin's really flawed."

Schopf says his findings provide further scientific evidence on Darwin's theory. "It fits perfectly with the ideas of Darwin," he said.

Schopf analyzed fossils come from the increase in the earth's oxygen levels are quite large, known as the Great Oxidation Event, which scientists believed to be between 2.2 to 2.4 billion years ago.

The event also produced a dramatic increase in sulfuric and nitric --satu only the nutrients needed for the survival of microorganisms in environmental water mud laut-- who say scientists allow bacteria to grow and multiply.

Schopf use several techniques to analyze fossils, including Raman spectroscopy (allowing scientists to look into the rocks to determine their composition and chemistry) and confocal laser scanning microscope that makes the fossils in 3D. He pioneered the use of two techniques to analyze the microscopic fossils preserved in ancient rocks. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCIENCEDAILY | GIZMAG]

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Magnum looked more eye catching

Victory brings a new range of 2015 bagger models motorcycle edition, the new model of Cross Country variants family showing reliability of a product from custom motorcycle manufacturer and given a name 'Magnum'. Its custom paint can hypnotize each eye of the beholder, because it seemed so neatly until details and has a blend that is perfect in every color.

2015 Victory Magnum motorcycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uhePek)

Victory also pinned a diameter 21-inch front wheels. And closed fender with a triple layer of paint, appear so eye-catching because of visible contrast that combines dark fused with a metal layer on the outside. Using middle-sized ape hanger handlebar models that attached behind the front cover of LED lighting.

LED lighting of 2015 Victory Magnum motorcycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uhePek)

V-twin Freedom engine on 2015 Victory Magnum motorcycles. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uhePek)

This fairing is also equipped with a 100W audio system to accompany the rider comfort. On the technology side, the 2015 Victory Magnum  equipped with a 1,731 cc V-twin Freedom engine, and coupled 6-speed transmission with a belt final drive. Its front braking components adopt floating discs with multi-piston calipers and ABS as optional completeness.

2015 Victory Magnum priced from US. $21,999 (€16,370) comes with 4 choice of colors, ie Sunset Red over Supersteel Grey, Plasma Lime, Metasheen Supersteel Black over Grey and Ness Midnight Cherry. Are you interested to have it? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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Two new premium SUV from the UK

When the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2015 was held, where many of the world's automotive industries trying to attract the attention of visitors.

No exception the 2 British premium car's brands, namely Bentley and Jaguar could steal the show by announcing the official name of their new SUVs at the event. Let's discuss one by one below:

1. Bentley Bentayga

According to Autoevolution, allegedly the Bentayga name is a combination of the name Bentley and Taiga, a forest in Russia. Bentley believed the Taiga forest is very special because it was a very extreme forest and always covered with snow all the time.

Teaser image of Bentley Bentayga. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1C93PnY)

"Bentayga is a name that reflects the strength of the SUV that we want. This car will have capabilities while another car not. Additionally, Bentayga combines performance and luxury," said Wolfgang Durheimer, CEO of Bentley.

The 'ultimate luxury' Bentley will carry the Bentayga badge to production. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1C93PnY)

Bentley's plan, Bentayga will produced officially later this year. Once produced, Bentayga will not find a rival because until now another supercar manufacturers, such as Rolls-Royce has not yet decided to build a similar car.

Although the name has been announced, Bentley has not given an official statement regarding the Bentayga technical specifications. The rumor said, that the car will be use a V8 or W12 engine that has been used by Bentley in their luxury sedans.

2. Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar is building its first 4x4 – and there’s plenty of room for the kids. This week Jaguar announced about 1,300 job vacancies in the UK to make the F-Pace, their first SUV with five doors and five seats based of Jaguar C-X17 concept car.

Teaser image of Jaguar F-Pace. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1x41I1i)

As reported by IOL Motoring, It was more practical than the sleek saloons and supercharged sports cars that Jaguar is known for, it is also designed to appeal to busy mums on the school run – for whom it has been dubbed the ‘She-Type’ Jaguar.

Jaguar has confirmed it will put the C-X17 concept car into production in 2016 – and it will be called F-Pace. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1x41I1i)

And F-Pace scheduled to go on sale in 2016 as a rival to the Porsche Macan and BMW X4. "The car will be the most innovative Jaguar ever developed," said Andy Goss, Global Sales Director of Jaguar Land Rover in Detroit.

F-PACE uses a four-cylinder gasoline engine and a new generation of 2L diesel engine. There is also a 3L V6 engine that is used for the Jaguar F-Type. The vehicle uses all-wheel drive system with the extra grip technology for all conditions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | IOL MOTORING]

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Ford-engined trike

Restoration on the entire body is a vehicle that is worn to make it as new, will be complicated. Especially if you want to use original body parts or spare parts. But there was a modifier willing to take a long time to completely overhauled the Ford flathead concept with V8 engine. So the engine is is expected to generate power ranging from 100 to 150 hp.

Custom trike with 1946 Ford Flathead V8 engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/16EcwNG)

Although it is not known exactly the engine capacity, but by putting it in the middle section of trike was not in vain. Yet the results are pretty good and balanced between the engine and the trike's body overall. Unlike the case of motorcycle with Lamborghini engine as reported some time ago.

Right side view of Custom trike with 1946 Ford Flathead V8 engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/16EcwNG)

To build from scratch, the body and frame appropriate for the old-car engine, certainly not easy. The unnamed modifier was actually started building this trike since 2006. That means he had 8 years to build the trikes so it looks perfect as it is now.

Rear view of Custom trike with 1946 Ford Flathead V8 engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/16EcwNG)

The concept is more resembles a Harley-Davidson three-wheeled motorcycle. However, the trike that uses the car's engine looks much more longer on the engine section. So the trike framework also have to adjust, this means that the framework be more wider.

Furthermore, the bike features homemade handlebar with internal throttle, hidden turn signals at the end of the grip, leaf spring mounted custom seat, jet hot coated exhaust and custom dual fan aluminum radiator. The Ford V8 powered trike runs on 17” Goodyear Eagle F1 wheels wrapped in 285/40ZR17 tires, while upfront is 21” wheel is covered in Metzler tire.

Even more special is the reverse gear is retained, so the vehicle can still running backwards like a trikes in general. To build from scratch, of course, all parts of the vehicle was built with caution. Some parts which took from the aftermarket components are the shock absorbers on the front and rear.

To the suspension, on the rear of constrained rigid. As the replacement is the suspension allocation is under the trikes rider seat. So it looks more macho because the design undisturbed by the suspension that mounted on wheels. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCHUNK]

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