Smatterings

mmmmmmsg
I sometimes fall victim to "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome", i.e. have an extreme reaction to MSG (or whatever flavor enhancer has been poured carelessly into my meal). Why the hell do people put things in food? I mean, does it really make that big of a difference? I'd rather not have an unbelievably bloated stomach with diarreah-cramped constipation and a stabbing through my ribs that last hours just so I leave with that satisfied feeling from an appetizer. If you are also a sufferer, cross Macaroni Grill off your list of potential dining spots. Gross.
"Glutamic acid is just one of many amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. It occurs naturally in many foods such as tomatoes, milk, and mushrooms. It is also found in the cells of our bodies, including mother's milk, and involves a wide variety of brain functions since it functions as a neurotransmitter. This natural glutamate in plants and animals is known as L-glutamic acid. Our normal digestive process slowly breaks down this natural or "bound" glutamic acid and it is then delivered to glutamate receptors in our body and brain. Broken down this way, it is harmless. In a factory, however, the bound glutamic acid in certain foods (corn, molasses, wheat) is broken down or made "free" by various processes (hydrolyzed, autolyzed, modified or fermented with strong chemicals, bacteria, or enzymes) and refined to a white crystal that resembles sugar. This substance is known as monosodium glutamate or MSG. It is 78.2% glutamate, 12.2% sodium, and 9.6% water. It is odorless and has no distinct flavor, although some describe a salty/sweet flavor. Its chemical formulation has been modified and it is technically known as D-glutamic acid." [msgmyth.com]
In National Geographic News
Kitty DNA
Scientists have tentatively sequenced the feline genome. This information could help us better understand leukemia and AIDS. "...the human and the cat share a remarkable similarity in terms of the order and pattern of the way genes are laid down in chromosomes." hmm. news to me. link
Mice Think in Brainbows
In an attempt to better understand the circuitry of thought, mice were genetically modified with a chain of three different fluorescent protein genes which were then imaged.
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Poorer Soils Make Brighter Fall Leaves
I always thought it was related to moisture throughout the season; turns out it's more complex than that. link
Robot Code of Ethics a Reality in Korea
Is this scary or ridiculous? link
On The BBC
Idiots Picketing Funerals Fined $11mill
Soldiers are dying as a punishment for the US' tolerance of homosexuality? Seriously? More than one person believes this strongly enough to act on it? W o w. link
Tension in Bosnia-Hercegovina
Bosnia consists of two largely autonomous entities - the Serb's Republika Srpska and the Muslim-Croat Federation - linked by a weak central government. Each entity has its own president, government, parliament, police and other bodies. Recent proposals could weaken Serb influence so Prime Minister quits in protest. link
More on Brainbows
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