Weekly Round-up 30th June 2014 (Return of the Round-up)

Today after a short break the weekly link round-up is back! As well as looking at the things I've found interesting online I thought I would add on a little nod to the things I'm currently enjoying in the form of books, games, music and TV.

1. Super Cool Livers for Super Transplants
   The New Scientist Reports that an experiment to see if cryopreservation of livers allows them to maintain function after days in storage. At the moment a liver may only remain functional for half a day, meaning distance can effect who receives the organ. However, by freezing livers treated with chemicals to keep cell fluids liquid and protect cell membranes, researchers found that a liver transplant within 3 days of freezing maintained function in all rat tests. The researchers are now working to see if they can repeat their results in a large animal model, with a comparable to human liver size. Fingers crossed this advance will make it easier to transport organs to the people who need them.
2. Gravitational Waves or Dust?
   After a huge media storm around the discovery of gravitational waves, two independent analyses have concluded that the observed results could have been caused by dust in space. Interestingly, the discovery was initially revealed before the research paper had been peer reviewed, a process the initial study is currently undergoing. It will be interesting to see if the paper makes it through to a journal, but whatever happens it looks like we may need further data to conclusively prove the existence of gravity waves.
3. NASA Tests Their New Flying Saucer
   NASA have been testing a new form of landing craft which may be a key stepping stone on our journey to the red planet. The NASA flying saucer test was designed to examine the performance of a pair of technologies designed to slow a craft down in order to land on a planet. The key driver in doing this is to make it possible for heavier vehicles to be able to land safely. Fingers crossed this test and the tests planned later in the year help pave the way for our first manned missions to our nearest neighbour. 

And finally... The clock strikes 12... 

It's coming! The BBC have finally announced that Doctor Who will return on 23rd August (bank holiday Saturday) with the feature length episode "Deep Breath" ushering in the Capaldi era. Check out the explosive teaser below.

Currently Reading: Stray Souls by Kate Griffin, a fantasy novel set in modern day London where underground tickets have magical properties and sorcerers draw power from the rhythms of the city (the same world initially introduced in Griffin's Matthew Swift books). It's a fantastic book on its own, but I'd read the previous Matthew Swift books (starting with a Madness of Angels) to get the most out of it.

Currently Watching: Avatar: The Legend of Korra, the sequel series to the Last Airbender, which for my money, far surpasses the original series. It follows the story of new avatar Korra and her struggle to bring balance to Republic City. I'm motoring through the first series so I can't wait for the second to come out on DVD!