Location of the Cystric Fibrosis Gene

Researchers in the U.S. and Canada found the first chromosomal mutation known to cause cystic-fibrosis in 1988. Subsequently, more than a thousand such mutations have been shown to cause cystic-fibrosis. The mutations occur on the seventh chromosome.

Torture, Sex, Killer Robots . . . Seven Fast Company Curiosities

Chris Dannen's Fast Company column this week is a recitation of "Seven Curious Things Online." Best among the dissimilar items here is a PBS Newshour segment on UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems, anti-IED robots, armed robots, etc.), which touches on some of the work in my day job.

Dangerous Denim 7

7 For All Mankind is a Los Angeles-based brand favoring upscale denin designs and an unashamedly immodest name -- here we are referring to "Sevens," not "for all mankind."

Seven U.S. Cases of Swine Flu

The CDC is worried about swine flu cases that have appeared in Mexico and the U.S. "But the seven known cases of the previously undetected strain in the United States -- five from California and two from Texas -- did not have contact with pigs. The seven people infected have all recovered from the flu."

Seven Signs a Health Plan Might be 'Junk Insurance'

Consumer Reports' story "Hazardous Health Plans" (May 2009) revealed the effects of what must be called deceptive health insurance plan descriptions. If you're recently out of work, or have had your hours cut back so much that you have lost health coverage, you may be in the market for an individual health insurance plan. If so, read this story. It's not at all obvious what coverage some plans offer, especially in states that do not mandate transparency and standardization of coverage language.

CR offers up seven potential risk areas that could help sniff out junk health insurance. These areas include limitless out-of-pocket fees, hidden catches and gotchas, ceilings on certain types of care, and complete exclusions for some procedures. The latter is the most insidious; policy language excludes items by simply omiting them, rather than identifying the exclusions.