See-Through Frogs, Alien Salamanders, and Spiny Bugs

A salamander that looks like E.T., a micosized frog smaller than a fingernail, and a spiny-crested grasshopper. Who says the age of exploration is dead?

It's definitely not for Conservation International (CI). Their scientists have come back with some startlingly vivid images of endangered and never-before-seen critters from a whirlwind trip to the Nangaritza Protected Forest in Ecuador, near the Peruvian border. CI researchers came across at least 15 species of creatures and plants "unknown to science."

One of the most remarkable creatures is the Hyalinobatrachium pellucidum, also called a glass or crystal frog because you can see through its transparent flesh (right down to its guts). This guy's not new, but he's definitely endangered, so the find is heartening for environmentalists.

Glass Frog

The purpose of the three-week biodiversity study was to identify species and make conservation recommendations for ecotourism possibilities, which the Ecuadorian locals are entertaining. It also turns out that frogs and insects yield medicinal properties, and a proper population survey is needed to see what else is out there in the forest.

According to Bloomberg, out of 14 million plants and animals in the world, human beings have been acquainted with only about 1.8 million. Below are more images of new friends; you can find other photos and expedition details at CI's site.

Nicknamed the "ugly salamander," Genus Bolitoglossa (photo by Jessica Deichmann)
Itty-bitty frog, genus Pristimantis (photo by Luis A. Coloma)
Spiny-crested katydid, genus Diacanthodis (photo by Holger Braun)
Poison-arrow frog, genus Dendrobates (photo by Jessica Deichmann)

Prototype Nokia phone recharges without wires

Pardon the cliche, but it's one of the holiest of Holy Grails of technology: Wireless power. And while early lab experiments have been able to "beam" electricity a few feet to power a light bulb, the day when our laptops and cell phones can charge without having to plug them in to a wall socket still seems decades in the future.

Nokia, however, has taken another baby step in that direction with the invention of a cell phone that recharges itself using a unique system: It harvests ambient

radio waves from the air, and turns that energy into usable power. Enough, at least, to keep a cell phone from running out of juice.

While "traditional" (if there is such a thing) wireless power systems are specifically designed with a transmitter and receiver in mind, Nokia's system isn't finicky about where it gets its wireless waves. TV, radio, other mobile phone systems -- all of this stuff just bounces around the air and most of it is wasted, absorbed into the environment or scattered into the ether. Nokia picks up all the bits and pieces of these waves and uses the collected electromagnetic energy to create electrical current, then uses that to recharge the phone's battery. A huge range of frequencies can be utilized by the system (there's no other way, really, as the energy in any given wave is infinitesimal). It's the same idea that Tesla was exploring 100 years ago, just on a tiny scale.

Mind you, harvesting ambient electromagnetic energy is never going to offer enough electricity to power your whole house or office, but it just might be enough to keep a cell phone alive and kicking. Currently Nokia is able to harvest all of 5 milliwatts from the air; the goal is to increase that to 20 milliwatts in the short term and 50 milliwatts down the line. That wouldn't be enough to keep the phone alive during an active call, but would be enough to slowly recharge the cell phone battery while it's in standby mode, theoretically offering infinite power -- provided you're not stuck deep underground where radio waves can't penetrate.

Nokia says it hopes to commercialize the technology in three to five years.

Iowa woman's photo sparks push for new cloud type

By: karl brian utar

DES MOINES, Iowa – Looking out the 11th floor window of her law office, Jane Wiggins did a double take and grabbed her camera. The dark, undulating clouds hovering outside were unlike anything she'd seen before.

"It looked like Armageddon," said Wiggins, a paralegal and amateur photographer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "The shadows of the clouds, the lights and the darks, and the greenish-yellow backdrop. They seemed to change."

They dissipated within 15 minutes, but the photo Wiggins captured in June 2006 intrigued — and stumped — a group of dedicated weather watchers who now are pushing weather authorities to create a new cloud category, something that hasn't been done since 1951.

Breaking into the cloud family would require surviving layers of skeptical international review. Still, Gavin Pretor-Pinney and his England-based Cloud Appreciation Society are determined to establish a new variety. They've given Wiggins' photo and similar pictures taken in different parts of the world to experts in England, and are discussing the subject fervently online.

"They (the clouds) were the first ones that I noted of this type and I was unsure which category to put them under," said Pretor-Pinney, author of "The Cloudspotter's Guide." "When we put pictures up online we list the category, and I wasn't sure how to categorize it."

Some scientists are skeptical. They argue that researchers who have long watched the sky haven't seen anything distinctly new for decades.

There are three main groups of clouds: cumulous, cirrus and stratus. Each has various sub-classifications built on other details of the formation.

Brant Foote, a longtime scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., said the clouds photographed by Wiggins already fit into the existing cumulous classification.

But Pretor-Pinney, who never studied meteorology, believes the clouds merit their own cumulus sub-classification. He proposes they be called altocumulus undulatus asperatus. The last word — Latin for roughen or agitate — is a reference to the clouds' undulating surface.

"Not necessarily gentle or steady, but quite violent-looking, turbulent, almost twisted in its appearance," he said.

The group has compiled several photographs documenting the formations from the billowy, rolling clouds shot by Wiggins in Iowa to ones from New Zealand that were much more menacing, hanging lava-like in the sky.

Foote said it would be "very unusual" for such a formation to be recognized as a new variety of cloud.

"People have been looking at clouds for hundreds of years and the general cloud classification is well defined," Foote said. "It's not as if someone discovered a new plant in the Amazon. It's what you've seen every day. There was no atmospheric condition that caused a new kind of cloud to form."

Pretor-Pinney is working with the Royal Meteorological Society in Reading, England, to prepare his case. If that group signs off, the proposal will go to the United Nation's World Meteorological Organization in Geneva.

Society executive director Paul Hardaker said a small panel within the society is gathering evidence to review. Their efforts include talking with those who took the submitted photos to determinine when, where and amid what weather they were taken. Hardaker said meteorologists tend to be skeptical of such proposals.

"We like to believe that just about everything that can be seen has been, but you do get caught once in a while with the odd, new, interesting thing," Hardaker said. "By this stage we think it's sufficiently interesting to explore it further and we're optimistic about the information we've got."

5 Secrets to Preserve Your Eyesight

By: Karl Brian Utar

More than ever we are using our eyes to stare at small type and images on computer screens, televisions, and cellphones—a modern trend that leads to eye fatigue and an increase in age-related eye problems. But diminished eyesight does not have to be an inevitable part of living long. Use these 5 secrets to promote and preserve the health of your eyes.

1. A juice to brighten your eyesight
An age-old Chinese folk remedy for clearing the vision is a blended juice made from celery, peppermint, and Chinese parsley. Research has caught up with this wisdom, and we now know that luteolin, an antioxidant bioflavonoid found in these three ingredients, has been found to provide the best protection of cell DNA from radiation. Some evidence shows that luteolin helps protect the eye from UV radiation damage, as well as from glycation, a process in which sticky sugar molecules bind up protein, potentially damaging the retina. Luteolin also promotes healthy blood sugar levels and regulates insulin sensitivity. Blend together celery, peppermint, and Chinese parsley in a blender with a little water or a juicer. Drink this fresh juice daily to see well into the future!

2. Eat for eye health
Let nature help you maintain vision health with its bounty of beneficial foods for eyesight. Spinach is full of lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that protect your retina from the macular degeneration that comes with age. Don't forget: fat increases lutein absorption, so remember to sauté your spinach in a little olive oil. (More leafy greens for a long life.) Other lutein and zeaxanthin vegetables include spinach, kale, turnip greens, collards, mustard greens, squash, green peas, broccoli, pumpkin, and corn. Chlorophyll-rich algae like spirulina, chlorella, and blue-green algae possess nutrients that are beneficial for the eyes. Carrots, loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, are also a great help to your eyes. Bilberry, a cousin of blueberry, boosts blood flow to eye nerves and is also rich in antioxidants. Goji berry is used to strengthen the eyesight, so snack on them in between meals.

3. Stay hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for good eye function. So drink filtered water regularly to stay hydrated. A slow and regular intake of water creates a constant supply of water to lubricate and nourish our eyes. Drink 8 glasses of water every day.

4. Eye exercises to fight floaters
These simple exercises improve and maintain good vision and may also get rid of those pesky floaters in your eyes.

• Rub your palms together to create heat, and then place them against your eyes for five seconds. Repeat this three times.
• Roll your eyes in circles, starting at the top and slowly circling 10 times clockwise and 10 times counterclockwise.
• Hold a pen at arm's length, focus your eyes on it, and slowly bring the pen closer until it's about six inches away from your nose. Then slowly move it back, keeping your eyes focused on the pen, 10 times in all.
• Using your thumb knuckles, massage your temples in small circles, 20 times in one direction and 20 in the other. Repeat the same actions above the mid-point of the eyebrows at the forehead, then below the eyes on both sides of the bridge of the nose.
• Take a nap on the job! Put your head back, close your eyes, and relax for three minutes.

After a month you will notice an improvement in vision and a decrease in floaters. Try to do these exercises first thing in the morning, just before bed, or whenever your eyes feel tired, like after computer use. Make sure your hands are clean and that you are relaxed. The key to progress is daily practice, so make it a habit! Additionally, take care of your eyes by wearing UV-protective sunglasses.

5. Instant eye remedies
Try these dietary and herbal remedies for overall eye health:

• To nourish your eyes, follow Popeye's lead. Boil 4 ounces of fresh spinach in 4 cups of water. Drink this spinach tea daily to give vital nourishment to your eyes.
• Grape seed extract (OPC) and bilberry extracts contain potent antioxidants for eye health.
• Taking ginkgo on a daily basis has been shown to improve circulation to the eyes. Find it in a health food store.
• When your eyes feel tired, lie down and place slices of cucumber on your eyelids to soothe the eyes and restore moisture.
• As a general rule of thumb, eye exams should be done once every 2 to 4 years for everyone under age 40 and once every 2 years after. This way, you can detect issues before they become severe.

You can find these eye health secrets and many others in my newest book Second Spring.

I hope these help you maintain good vision well into your golden years! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Top Ten Beaches in the Philippines

compiled by:
karl brian utar

With more than 7,000 islands comprising the archipelago, it does not come as a surprise that the Philippines has some of the best beaches in Asia, if not the world. Choices vary from the commercialized to the exotic, to the simply breathtaking. Here are the ten best beaches in the Philippines that are definitely worth sunbathing in.

1. BORACAY ISLAND

Characterized by its fine sand and crystal clear waters, Boracay comes as a no-brainer in this list. Currently it is still the most famous and the most visited beach in the country; the destination of foreigners and Filipinos alike during summer. Boracay locals work hard to maintain the island's prestige as the number one summer getaway in the Philippines. Now highly commercialized, the island not only boasts of its beaches, but is also packed with bars, hotels, shopping areas, and other establishments. Boracay satisfies those urbanites who do not want to get away from the conveniences offered by the city, yet are longing for a relaxing summer by the beach.

2. BACUIT ARCHIPELAGO, PALAWAN

Palawan has always been a favorite getaway to the adventure-hungry traveler, for the province offers not only heavenly beaches, but also possesses breathtaking vistas and exciting biodiversity. One of these places is the Bacuit Archipelago in El Nido, inarguably one of the best beach landscapes in the world. Also awaiting the audacious traveler are features such as Miniloc Island's Big Lagoon, the most photographed sight in Palawan; and Matinloc Island's Secret Beach, only accessible by swimming through a keyhole slot.

Trivia: The American reality game show Amazing Race shot one of their episodes in Bacuit.

3. PANGLAO ISLAND, BOHOL

Panglao Island is a recent favorite among bakasyonistas, for who will not be enticed with some of the Philippines' clearest waters, paired with rich marine biodiversity and sands as fine and white as Boracay's? More importantly, Panglao Island is rarely visited by the volume of people that troop to Boracay, so your dream of a quiet summer by the beach can become a reality.

4. PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE

Pagudpud is hailed as the “Boracay of the North,” sans the gazillion tourists. The secluded Maira-ira Beach brings the vacationer a most sought-after relaxation, as there are hardly any visitors on these fantastic shores. One can also see a view of the Bangui Windmills, the magnificent power generators situated in Bangui Bay.

5. SIARGAO ISLAND

Siargao, a rare gem found in the province of Surigao del Norte, is steadily gaining popularity as one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Cloud 9, the venue for the yearly surfing competition called Siargao Cup, boasts of waves that can rival those of Hawaii's. Less adventurous tourists can enjoy the sand strip in General Luna, while spelunkers can explore the island's tunnels and caves.

6. MALAPASCUA ISLAND, CEBU

Until recently, this stunning island north of Cebu was not even on the municipal map. Now, Malapascua Island is hailed as one of the country's best beach destinations. It offers the curious tourist white-sand coasts, great food, and a no-fuss, low-key approach to tourism. Divers will surely be spoiled with the fascinating wreckage beneath the marine sanctuary of nearby Gato Island, as well as a rare treat of the appearance of the thresher shark off Monad Shoal.

7. NORTH PANDAN ISLAND, MINDORO OCCIDENTAL

Although Mindoro usually brings to mind the famous Puerto Galera, it is North Pandan Island that takes centerstage in our list. This tropical island gives the relaxing tourist complete escape from the busy city life. The island's laidback lifestyle together with the white sand beaches, prime diving spots, and sumptuous buffets are real treats for any vacationer. The costs are not too pricey, so even the traveler with the strictest budget can enjoy a good vacation.

8. CORON ISLAND, PALAWAN

Hailed as the most beautiful island of the Calamian group in Palawan, Coron Island gives tourists the best of inland and coastal swimming and diving experiences. Its main attractions are Lake Kayangan and Lake Barracuda, which are crystal-clear lakes filled with interesting features. The island also boasts of white sand beaches already typical of the coastlines of Palawan.

9. CAMIGUIN

Camiguin is a volcanic island located north of the main island of Mindanao. Because of its location, Camiguin is often overlooked as a tourist destination. But little do people know that this volcanic paradise offers some of the Philippines' best sceneries. Aside from its powder-like white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, one can enjoy the island's beautiful geography, which include the active Mount Hibok-Hibok and the scenic Katibawasan Falls.

10. ROMBLON ISLAND

Romblon is the must-see destination for one who has a taste for remote yet beautiful places. North of Boracay Island, Romblon boasts its own set of idyllic beaches, but with a more relaxed and simplified atmosphere. It is also a historic province, with its capital, also called Romblon, the site of 17th century fortifications, churches, and lighthouses.