Tiny 'alien' skeleton: Atacama Skeleton a human (Photo)

Tiny 'alien' skeleton
Credit: YouTube
The Atacama tiny 'alien' skeleton is creating more questions rather than providing answers to medical scientists.

This mummified remains of the tiny 'alien' was discovered in the Atacama Desert ten years ago.

After thorough examination, researchers are quite convinced that the skeleton belongs to a human that is about six to eight years old.

53 King Cobras in Car Seized in Vietnam

King Cobra
Credit: National Geographic
About 53 King Cobras in a car was seized by Vietnam authorities in Hanoi on Monday, April 22, 2013.

Reports say that after being stopped by authorities, the driver of the car said that he was paid to deliver the snakes that were placed in a bag. He reportedly received $50 for the transport service.

However, no further details on where and to whom the 53 King Cobras will be transported. The driver was taken into police custody.

Japan Earthquake at 7.0 Magnitude

Japan was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on Friday, April 19, 2013 that shook buildings in Tokyo.

The epicenter of the quake was determined at the islands off northern Japan.

There was no tsunami alert issued according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The US Geological Survey registered a 4.6 magnitude quake at 37km North of Yonakuni, Japan at 04:04:34.73 UTC. It was reportedly located near Su-ao, Taiwan.

Last Wednesday, Japan's Miyake islanda was hit by a series of earthquakes that reaches up to 6.2 magnitude.

No immediate details of the damage was provided by authorities.

More information about the earthquake in Japan will be provided on this website when they are made available.

6.8 Earthquake Hits Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea was hit by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS said that the shallow quake's epicenter was located about 19 kilometers (11 miles) from the northern town of Aitape.

There was no tsunami alert issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The Papua New Guinea quake comes less than a day after a major quake hit Iran. The USGS reported that a 7.8 magnitude quake hit Iran on Tuesday, April 16.

As of posting, no immediate report on damages was provided by authorities.

More updates will be provided on this site once they are made available.

Beer Brain Study Suggests Alcohol Taste Releases Dopamine

A recent beer brain study suggests that the taste of beer trigger the brain to release Dopamine. The result of the beer brain study was published online at Neuropsychopharmacology journal on Monday, April 15, 2013.

Researchers conducted a study on 49 male volunteers whom they asked to take a little amount of any beer they want. To compare their result, the researchers asked their volunteers to take sports drink or water.

Using Positron Emission Tomography, the brains of the volunteers were scanned. A 3D image of the brain showed that their was a higher level of increases in dopamine after the men tasted beer compared with tasting the sports drink or water.

Neuroscientist David Kareken from Indiana University School of Medicine explained that "this is the first experiment in humans to show that the taste of an alcoholic drink alone, without any intoxicating effect from the alcohol, can elicit this dopamine activity in the brain's reward centers."

Dopamine is a chemical from the brain that is associated with pleasure. The brain chemical is also being linked to sensory cues — such as tastes, smells or the sight of a bar — that elicit cravings to drink.

Professor Peter Anderson from Newcastle University concludes that "This paper demonstrates that taste alone impacts on the brain functions associated with desire." Anderson noted that “With regard to the family history effect, this is quite difficult to assess and know what it means so we can’t be too sure of an effect or how strong it might be."

Anderson also believe that alcohol may still have an effect on the brain and not just its taste.

Iran Earthquake 2013: 7.8 Magnitude Quake Hits Iran, USGS says

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a 7.8 magnitude earthquake was registered near Zaheda, Iran on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. Earlier reports say that the quake was at magnitude 8.0.

Authorities warned residents of expected aftershocks with lesser magnitude. However, this may result to further damages to weak structures caused by the initial quake.

All residents near the coastal areas are being alerted for possible tsunami.

As of posting, there was no clear report on damages to properties or any casualty.

Below is the earthquake alert, as provided at ready.gov website.

Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
Be aware of possible tsunamis if you live in coastal areas. These are also known as seismic sea waves (mistakenly called "tidal waves"). When local authorities issue a tsunami warning, assume that a series of dangerous waves is on the way. Stay away from the beach.

Be careful when driving after an earthquake and anticipate traffic light outages.

America thinnest city is still Boulder, Colorado

The thinnest city in America retained its crown for the third consecutive year. Latest Gallup data showed that Boulder, Colorado is still America's thinnest city.

Being the least obese city in America, they registered a low obesity rate of 12.5%. The national average rate is recorded at 26.2%.

Reports say that Boulder's low obesity rate can be attributed to the city's "mostly outdoor lifestyle, young population, and commitment to sustainable and healthy living."

Annual obesity rate in the US is being recorded and evaluated through the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. Americans were asked to submit their individual height and weight so that their Body Mass Index (BMI) scores can be computed.

Health experts say that a person is considered obese if their BMI score reaches 30 or higher.

PAGASA monitors LPA near Mindanao - January 3, 2013

Residents of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental area were alerted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) due to a low pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Mindanao on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.

PAGASA said that the LPA has a "very low probability of developing into a tropical cyclone." However, residents in the mentioned areas were advised by the weather bureau to "take all necessary precautionary measures."

According to the latest PAGASA weather forecast:

The LPA is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains (2.5-10.0 millimeters per hour) and thunderstorms to Mindanao and the provinces of Samar and Leyte and may trigger flash floods and landslides.

As of 2 a.m. today, the LPA was located approximately in the area of Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur.

Gale warning was issued by PAGASA as of 5 a.m. on Thursday. PAGASA said:

Strong to gale force wind is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao.

PAGASA Weather Forecast for January 2: 1st Official Working Day of 2013

It's business as usual in the Philippines today, Wednesday, January 2, 2013. Many Filipino employees are expected to be early for work today.

It has been a belief by many, that getting up early for work at the start of the year may bring luck to them.

A lot of business establishments and manufacturing companies are set to resume operations today.

Generally, the whole country will experience a good weather condition, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The weather bureau, however, spotted at 2:00 a.m. today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) in the Mindanao area.

PAGASA's latest weather forecast indicates that:

At 2:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 1,020 KM Southeast of Mindanao (5.0°N, 136.0°E) embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.

For more Philippine weather updates, you may visit the PAGASA official website or you may follow their Twitter and Facebook accounts. The latest weather news can also be obtained by calling call PAGASA's 24-hour hotline at 433- ULAN (433-8526).

SMART Mobile users can also receive the latest weather announcements and advisories through SMS.