Anthropocene: New dates proposed for the 'Age of Man'

The Anthropocene - a new geological time period that marks the "Age of man" - began in 1610, a study suggests. Scientists believe that the arrival of Europeans in the Americas had an unprecedented impact on the planet, marking the dawn of this new epoch. The findings are published in the journal Nature. Others say that the industrial revolution or the first nuclear tests better signal the start of the Anthropocene. While some believe the exact date for a new epoch can only be determined with the benefit of thousands or even millions of years of hindsight. An international Anthropocene Working Group is currently reviewing the evidence and will announce its favoured start date next year. Golden spikes Continue reading the main story “ Start Quote We look for these golden spikes - a real point in time when you can show in a record when the whole Earth has changed” Prof Mark Maslin University College London Geologists carve up Earth's history into chunks that reflect times of significant change on the planet, perhaps as a result of continental movement, a big asteroid strike, or a major shift in climate. We are still formally in the Holocene Epoch. It started more than 11,500 years ago as the last Ice Age came to an end-READ MORE -http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-31836233

Penduline Tits showing well today at Darts Farm

Although only 2 Penduline Tits were present, they were showing well this morning, both in the reedmace and preening in the willow tree. Interestingly they appeared to be eating the buds off the tree as well! Chiffchaff and reed buntings were also present in the morning sunshine.

First Baby Step' Toward Anti-Aging Drug

- Researchers could be closing in on a "fountain of youth" drug that can delay the effects of aging and improve the health of older adults, a new study suggests. Seniors received a significant boost to their immune systems when given a drug that targets a genetic signaling pathway linked to aging and immune function, researchers with the drug maker Novartis report. The experimental medication, a version of the drug rapamycin, improved the seniors' immune response to a flu vaccine by 20 percent, researchers said in the current issue of Science Translational Medicine. The study is a "watershed" moment for research into the health effects of aging, said Dr. Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. Rapamycin belongs to a class of drugs known as mTOR inhibitors, which have been shown to counteract aging and aging-related diseases in mice and other animals. Barzilai, who wasn't involved in the study, said this is one of the first studies to show that these drugs also can delay the effects of aging in humans. "It sets the stage for using this drug to target aging, to improve everything about aging," Barzilai said. "That's really going to be for us a turning point in research, and we are very excited." The mTOR genetic pathway promotes healthy growth in the young. But it appears to have a negative effect on mammals as they grow older-READ MORE-http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20141224/researchers-take-first-baby-step-toward-anti-aging-drug

Lykquydyzer-ben kortekaa-a interview

What inspired you? My main influences Pop Will Eat Itself, Orbital, The Chemical Brothers, Hallucinogen. I remember seeing Orbital live in their early days and thought wow I want to do that. I've been playing drums in bands since I was 16 and played gigs all over the place. I was also quite a well known DJ playing pubs and clubs in Blackburn and Leeds and also a few illegal parties. My inspiration comes from many places but a lot of it comes down to how I'm feeling when composing. What are your aims? My main aim is to play live, I love the thrill you get when you see people enjoying and dancing to your music. If the sale of the CD goes well then a limited edition vinyl Ep will be in the offing. What plans do you have for the future? I have 2 festival appearances coming up this year and hopefully more be forthcoming. Playing live will be the the major plan with merchandise being produced ive already designed the t shirt so its all go.

Boy George And Culture Club: Karma To Calamity - BBC4, 9pm

Boy George And Culture Club: Karma To Calamity - BBC4, 9pm IN the early 1980s, Culture Club were one of the biggest bands in the world. What with them and Bonnie Tyler, it was a musical pinnacle never since reached. Being part of Band Aid cemented them as stalwarts of the Eighties, a band that broke down barriers. For me personally they made it acceptable to wear lipstick in maths. But by the time disbanded in 1986 they were a band with a troubled past. Boy George had an affair with drummer Jon Moss and, when they acrimoniously split, the group fell apart, the singer descending into heroin addiction. This documentary charts the outfit's recent revival, following the members from initial recording sessions through to live performances as they attempt to overcome their tempestuous history. Read more: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/John-Woodhouse-TV-Preview-Boy-George-Culture-Club/story-26125963-detail/story.html#ixzz3TogjnW2x Follow us: @SentinelStaffs on Twitter | sentinelstaffs on Facebook

RARE DANDY COMIC FIND

I wish i had this find in my kitchen .pboard in A rare first edition of THE DANDY was found in a kitchen cupboard in GLASGOW  after spending 40 years in it ,sold for £3,000.

HOLY CROC

A holy crocodile -100 years old who was hand fed by worshippers has died of obesity in BANGLADESH.