Why do mosquitoes like to fly around the human head?

Mosquitoes listed as one of the deadliest animals in the world with the number of casualties up to 2 million people per year. However, that's not what make people irritated, but the habits of mosquitoes flying around their heads.

Image source.

So what causes the strange habits of mosquitoes? Whether the mosquito only wants to tempt people? Apparently not, the mosquito has its own reasons to always fly around the human head. Interestingly, it has nothing to do with the 'experiment' of sucked our blood.

According to Rick Pollack, an entomologist from the United States, the reason why mosquitoes like to fly around the head, particularly the face and ears as they interested in the carbon dioxide that had exhaled by human. Interestingly, the female mosquito who do such strange habits.

However, when there are the male mosquitoes that flew also around our head, it means the male mosquitoes trying to mark a mate. Yes, it sounds strange indeed. However, the male mosquitoes often mark their mass mating location, such as at around trees, and the human head.

Therefore, we often saw a crowd of mosquitoes flying over the human head. All of that is due to the male mosquitoes were dancing attract the female mosquitoes attention to enter the crowd. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | QOURA]

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BanLec, anti-viral protein of Bananas

Bananas are one of the good food from all sources of vitamins and minerals. Bananas can also overcome depression, counteracting muscle cramps, lower blood pressure and protect against heart attacks. And now, the bananas can provide a new resistance against the virus.

According to a study recently published, a protein found in banana known as lectins - or, known as BanLec - are in the process of investigation into a drug that could someday be used to fight viral infections.

A protein called BanLec, which is found in bananas, has been shown to disarm a number of aggressive viruses. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1NxzSok)

Shown against a number of aggressive viruses, BanLec protein attached to the sugar molecule which excrete the virus from the cells, preventing infection.

But when scientists isolated a protein for therapeutic trials, BanLec also causes irritation and inflammation, so the international team relearn these proteins, identify parts that cause side effects.

A little tinkering with the genetic, they developed a version BanLec, the remaining of the anti-viral protein but without responding immune.

As reported in the journal Cell, a team of researchers said, if BanLec could be one of the first broad-spectrum antiviral agent to treat a variety of viruses, including HIV, Hepatitis and even Avian flu.

David Markovitz, Co-senior author of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, warns that you can not get the benefits of BanLec to eat a bunch of bananas.

"Remember, when you eat a banana, then the protein that does not change, the natural protein - it may be chewed by stomach acid. So we very much doubt that eating bananas will help you," said Markovitz.

Markovtiz also said the new and improved version of BanLec to be injected. Initially, Markovitz said banana protein was being investigated as a microbicide. Women can use before sex, as a cream or gel to protect them against HIV infection.

But BanLec is directed against a number of viruses, which cause them to be destroyed if they can not infect cells. At this point, Markovitz said there are no plans to conduct clinical trials in humans.

"We try to help improve the health of people, not hurt them. So, it's good to be careful where next we go. You know, we are also very ambitious to make something successful and to bring this to clinical outcomes, but we have not to there. We are still in the early stages," he said.

Sugar molecules contained in BanLec can be used as a unique strategy to combat the virus. Scientists say, if BanLec could be used to develop other antiviral drugs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VOA NEWS]

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5 Unnatural-shaped Cars at the SEMA Show 2015

SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show 2015 is an event featuring the latest trends in the aftermarket community. Among the popular aftermarket companies, you can expect to witness some of the vehicles as well.

One of the eccentric and unnatural-shaped cars at the SEMA Show 2015, named Valyrian Steel. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Pe2YfT)

For the automotive world, they will move on custom cars. This means you will be treated to a display of eccentric and inclined unnatural-shaped vehicles. Well, something like what the eccentric car look? Let's take a look the video below!
Here we have selected the 5 car models with the eccentric design, might be inspired by the post-apocalyptic era that shown in the Mad Max movie:

1. Super Jeep

Well, after saw its shape, what do you thing? If likened to a human, it looks like this car can be defined as people who suffer from elephantiasis. Why not, just look at the tires used by the Jeep.

Super Jeep. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1Pe1r9D)

The Super Jeep use 4 tires measuring 54 inches which is designed for large vehicles like Hoover Dam. Most likely, this car is perfect for crossing the desert.

2. Six-Pack 

This car is called Six-Pack. You do not ask why it was named so. But clearly, the Six-Pack has super powers. What is that?

Six-Pack. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1Qicz4o)

On the Six-pack custom built car mounted a giant turbo engine and NOS were helped to speeding. Now, by embedding the machine like that, may be enough to tear a banner on the road when the car passed by. Because the resulting output power is 1000 hp. Wow!

3. Mad-Maxxis Off-Roadrunner

The winner of the car punniest at SEMA Show 2015, Mad-Maxxis Off-Roadrunner is another perfect car for driving at high speed on the desert. This is caused by embedding the Cummins 5.0 liter V8 diesel engine that taken from the new Nissan Titan.

Mad-Maxxis Off-Roadrunner. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1LTL4Lz)

Unnatural display seen on the off-road suspension part that makes the wheels always tread on the ground whatever the terrain was.

4. River Rock Rat

This car is very unnatural in terms of its makeup. River Rock Rat was more suitable for use as a combatan car. But it is true that the car used to fight. It's just fighting the flood.

River Rock Rat. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1Pe1r9D)

By using of 4 giant tires like that, it seems to be easy to hit flood despite unfavorable field conditions. River Rock Rat claimed will conquer any obstacles in the way. Partly thanks to 1400 lb-ft of torque.

5. Valyrian Steel

Valyrian Steel has a body that is more similar to an irregular roller coaster trajectory. Make no mistake, this design turned out to take a lot of attention of the SEMA Show 2015 visitors. In addition to its unique and unnatural design, many people ask how to driving it.

Valyrian Steel. (PIcture from: http://bit.ly/1MmP9cr)

Valyrian Steel more suitable to use as a vehicle in fantasy movies driven by an evil queen with many followers in tow. In spite of it all, the concept of such a design is completely unique and unlike any other cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FOURWHEELER NETWORK | AUTOGUIDE]

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Nissan's Autonomous Car Concept

Nissan Motor finally showed off the physical form of their autonomous powered electric concept car called 'Nissan IDS' at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015. Nissan IDS Concept car equipped with advanced features that can learn and adapt to the driving style of the driver.

Nissan IDS concept car is equipped with a 60 kWh battery and can take the car long distances as far as 500 km. It is certain, as a vehicle that can drive itself without being controlled, the car is able to read the conditions in the surrounding streets.

Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motor poses with Nissan IDS Concept Car at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Q1riSa)

The software in the car will study and record the driver's style of driving, such as when pressing the gas pedal, braking, cornering, and so on. Then the software will imitate when the car is setup in a position autopilot or Piloted Drive mode.

Of course, the software will also receive information about road conditions from sensors and cameras, so this car safely drove though the driver's hands never touch the steering wheel and his foot did not step on the pedal.

Right side view of Nissan IDS Concept Car with its suicide doors open. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Q1riSa)

Here are several interior pictures of Nissan IDS Concept car. (All pictures taken from: http://bit.ly/1PfNVR9)

Nissan calls the IDS software with the term "to communicate as peers who had attention". That is, this car can gather information about traffic conditions in accordance with the agenda of the driver's needs.

Rear side view of Nissan IDS Concept Car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1P5viRp)

This technology also monitors the driver's behavior so they can learn the habits on the road. Later even this technology can tell the driver the right location to stop because they know the driver's favorite places.

To switch from manual to the autopilot drive, the driver simply presses a button. Although the car is controlled manually, laser devices, sensors, and cameras, to keep working. This is to increase road safety.

"So if you stuck in traffic jams, you can hand over the wheel to the car," said Carlos Ghosn CEO of Nissan Motor at the Tokyo Motor Show on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. "You could use the time more productive by checking e-mail or participating in a video conference," he added.

Meanwhile, in the manual driving mode, the driver retains full control over the car. Nissan Intelligent Driving (NID) technology will play a more passive but still monitor the potential danger. "This is to compensate for human error that cause most accidents," said Carlos further.

Ghosn said the first phase of the Nissan IDS development is the launch of Piloted Drive 1.0 in 2016. After that will be developed Piloted Drive 2.0. "Our target is the pursuit of zero accidents and zero emissions," he said fusther. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLEAN TECHNICA]

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Kawasaki's future motorcycle concept

The Tokyo Motor Show 2015 seems to be a suitable and appropriate event for Kawasaki to sharing their futuristic motorcycle concept. After informs that Ninja H2 and Ninja H2R will be re-produced in limited numbers for 2016, Kawasaki also showed off a sketch of their future motorcycle concept named 'Spirit Charger Concept SC01'.

Kawasaki's sketch of the Spirit Charger Concept SC01, a potential new direction for the supercharged product line-up. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1MBhAFz)

It is said that the plan, Kawasaki SC01 Concept will offer malignant performance like Ninja H2, but although equipped with malignant performance specifications, SC01 Concept also designed as a daily vehicle that is comfortable to use. What is certain SC01 Concept will be equipped also with luxury and high-quality materials.

The engine mockup for the SC-01 uses a 
600cc-size inline-four with a gear-driven 
centrifugalsupercharger similar to the H2/
H2R. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1MBhAFz)

By design SC01 Concept has a very aggressive design which can even say its design is similar to the jet. The design can be seen from the muzzle pointed and two large holes on either side. Then the windshield design now made higher and ramps is identical to the design of the cockpit. For its own name that carries the name of Spirit Charger, this means that the motorcycle is ready to reflect the spirit of Kawasaki.

The aggressive design of SC01 Concept also looks at the tail sector, where Kawasaki displays a classic design that tends to stern, as well as dominant as similar to a bee tail shaped on the cafe racer design in general.

2016 Kawasaki Ninja H2 at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1MBhAFz)

"SC-01 is a future motorcycle that inherits the past," Kawasaki said in a statement. Despite having the impression of sport motorcycle, but for SC01 Concept fairing design was not built with a full fairing design, but rather adheres half fairing design. The SC01 Concept also displays a strong impression through the fat legs and accentuate the ferocity through its very tight engine block.

2016 Kawasaki Ninja H2R at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1NLEI1q)

Currently Kawasaki is still showing the SC01 Concept in the form of a simple sketch, but the Tokyo-based motorcycle manufacturer is also not denies if the SC01 Concept will be produced as Kawasaki's future motorcycle. For the specification itself, the SC01 Concept will be installed a superchargered 650 cc engine with the latest technology that could save fuel consumption to the maximum. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GIZMAG]

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Fruit Flies as the Treatments for brain conditions like Autism & Schizophrenia

Fruit flies are sometimes disturbing may hold the key to new therapies to help those with disorders of brain conditions, such as autism and schizophrenia. A group of Australian scientists studied protein of what is known as "vinegar fly". They found that fruit flies and humans have some genes in common. Not only that, there is also a relationship between genes growth and brain development.

Drosophila melanogaster, or "vinegar" fly. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1LI6A5G)

This discovery is expected to know exactly how the human brain works. "There are about 75 per cent of fly genes similar to human genes. So many genes in flies that have the same capability with our genes," said Professor Coral Warr, one of those involved in the study.

Researchers have found that a protein in genes responsible for cell damage that is infected with a virus or cancer. The same protein in flies also serves to control the release of cells important to the growth of head and tail.

"That is really interesting, protein in humans helps the immune system if there are damaged cells being infected with the virus. Meanwhile, on the fly, this protein has no effect on their immune system, but rather the development of the head, including brain development, "said Dr. Michelle Henstridge from Monash University.

"So, we are using the fruit fly to understand the development of this protein, which could provide clues to how these proteins work in humans," he added.

So clearly, in fruit flies, these proteins do not act in the defense, and not in development. A group of related proteins in humans has been shown to be associated with brain development and brain disorders.

Need more advanced research to test this theory. However, scientists believe that the study could help explain how the same protein in humans and flies can function in human brain development, including benefits for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia.

Not only that, Professor Coral Warr hopes the findings could develop a kind of new treatments for disorders of the development of the human brain.

"If we can understand how these genes work in brain development, including brain disorders, such as autism, then we can find potential therapies and treatment," he said. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ABC.NET.AU]

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