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Submission + - Thoughts on the near-Earth object impact threat, UN style (unvienna.org)

alpinista writes: From: Recommendations of the Action Team on Near-Earth Objects for an international response to the near-Earth object impact threat"

"When a threatening object is detected and the threat is deemed credible by IAWN, this fact and the associated details should be presented to the Committee on
the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The Committee should assess the risk and encourage spacefaring nations to move forward to develop plans, coordinated via
the space mission planning advisory group, to deflect the threatening object. At the same time, the Committee should notify the impact disaster planning advisory group
of the threat and could establish an ad hoc mitigation mission advisory group to encourage international response activities and advise planning for and response to
the threat, including deflection (if time allows), civil defence actions and disaster mitigation."

Do we really want to leave this to a committee?

Medicine

New SARS-Like Virus Infects Both Human and Animal Cells 62

sciencehabit writes "A SARS-like virus discovered this summer in the Middle East may infect more than just humans. The pathogen, a close cousin to the one that caused the 2002 to 2003 SARS outbreak, may also be able to infect cells from pigs and a wide range of bat species, researchers report today (abstract). The findings may help public health officials track the source of the outbreak and identify the role of wild animals and livestock in spreading the virus, researchers say."

Comment Re:Probably (Score 1) 683

Why would anyone consider it responsible to have children when they don't have a year's expenses in savings?

So first you're too young to have children, then your age is fine but you're too poor, and when you're wealthy enough you are too old. The only responsible decision is thus not to have children at all and rely on others having them so that there will be someone to grow your food and wipe your ass once you're 85.

Comment Re:Orwell (Score 3, Funny) 343

I wonder if forcing every single human being to read George Orwell's 1984

I think we should force everybody. Of course, to be really sure they read it, they should do it in front of a camera. Moreover, the knowledge from the book has to be refreshed every now and then. Perhaps we should print some "Read your 1984 daily" flyers. Or force everybody to read at least a page every evening in bed. Of course, to be really sure they do it, we install cameras in their bedroom. I wonder what should do to those refusing to read it?

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