Breathable Liquid- Who Knew?

I just finished reading the Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. The book was interesting. It brought up several topics of debate: faith, religion, America's early history, scientific advancements, technology and family to say the least. However, it ended a little flat.

There is one concept which I found to be absolutely fascinating- Breathable Liquid. I did some research and this form of respiration has been in existence since the late 1960's. Mice were used initially in these experiments and were made to breathe in an oxygen rich saline solution. The mice would live for several weeks after exposure but then developed pulmonary complications. The saline solution did not aid in the extraction of carbon dioxide from the lungs, thus resulting in severe lung damage.

Thank goodness that by the time The Abyss was filmed in 1989, scientists had found perfluorocarbons. It helped to avoid nitrogen build up (or "The Bends") when deep sea diving. Although, these perfluorocarbons are harmful to the ozone layer, they effectively dissolve both oxygen and carbon dioxide. Today, this amazing fluid is being used in addition to respirators to help with acute respiratory problems and may one day replace blood transfusion. Cool huh?

Advent Calendar

Image provided by: http://www.aboutgerman.net/AGNimages/AdventCal400.jpg

I had never heard of Advent Calendars until last year. They are such great fun and a good way of counting down the days until Christmas. They are like little presents that prepare you for the big day. Here are some calendars that I follow:

1. For those who like drabbles- http://www.the-burrow.org/default.html
   
2. For the computer tech in you- http://24ways.org/
3. Just for kids- http://www.boowakwala.com/calendar/online-advent-calendar.html
   
4. For the space traveler- http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/12/hubble_space_telescope_advent_1.html
5. An author a day for 24 days- http://speakitsname.com/2009/11/25/speak-its-name-advent-calendar/
6. For the bloggers- http://www.moblog.net/Advent_Calendar/
7. For Facebookers- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Advent-Calendar-2009/175133159067
8. This one is interactive and fun from Great Britain- http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/calendar/
9. Make your own calendar- http://ciciartfactory.com/funstuff.html
10. Something for the whole family- http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/advent_calendar_2009.htm

And yes, I know I am two days too late to post this but better late than never!