Where is our humanity?

Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Sebastian Kraemer challenges assumptions and prejudices about claimants

McMinnville Habitat for Humanity: Homeownership and Resources Survey

This report outlines the overall satisfaction that homeowners feel in regards to their new homes provided through the Habitat for Humanity program. Details include the overall building experience for Habitat for Humanity homeowners, and the report also includes aspects of possible improvement in the Habitat for Humanity program

The Foetus, His Humanity and His Rights

Dr. De Marco is a frequent contributor to Linacre. His current article examines the relationship of the word human and the mode of application of that term to the foetus

Human/Humanity, Consciousness and Universe: Informational Relation

From the perspective of the Informational Model of Consciousness elaborated and reported recently on the basis of the last discoveries of the quantum mechanics and astrophysics, the meeting horizon between some ancient coherent empirical models of the humanity and our modern scientific results is analyzed. These results are discussed in terms of information, as a central axis relating the universe, the human and inter-humanity connections, and consciousness as an informational tool for the exploration of the reality. Bringing into discussion the relevant recent discoveries of quantum mechanics (Higgs’ boson, disembodiment of information from the physical particles), and matter/information properties near the black holes, it is reinforced the concept of information as one of the fundamental constituent of matter and of our universe, showing that information is actually the base fabric of matter structures, living structures and universe. The huge quantity of dynamic information engaged in the living structures, particularly in the human organism, necessary to maintain the life’s functions and to allow the adaptation requirements, differentiates the living from non-living entities. It is shown that consciousness, human and universe cannot be really understood if it is not introduced on the panoramic scene a new player – dark matter, with more than 20% contribution, besides more than 70% dark energy and only 5% observable matter from the matter total quantity. It is shown also that the Informational Model of Consciousness, consisting in an architecture of seven cognitive centers, converges with the ancient models of chakras, of etheric body and aura concepts, with dual Taoist concepts of universe and human body, contributing with answers to the “mind-body”, “nature or nurture” problems and even to Qualia “hard” problem, and supporting the Jung’s concepts on the mind. Finally, some questions are addressed to the quantum mechanics, concerning the retro-causal effect and non-locality principle

Bettering Humanity through Biology

Biology is arguably referred to as the “science of the XXIth century”. This prestigious title intrinsically contains a huge responsibility. For many centuries, Biology has contributed directly or indirectly to bettering humankind, although its obvious and objective effects have only been made evident since the XIXth century. There are three main domains to which Biology has made significant contributions: Agriculture, Environment and Medicine. Several scientific disciplines connected to Biology have been involved such as Genetics (mendelian and molecular), Cell Biology, Ecology, Microbiology, and what was known for a long time as “Natural History” (today we would include these roughly within Botany and Zoology). Agronomy, a relatively recent science, has made a tremendous impact by providing knowledge on growing plants and animals, and developing new and better crops. One specific moment in time, following WW II, known as the “Green Revolution” benefitted humanity immensely, by combating hunger in countries such as India and Mexico. The “father” of the Green Revolution, Norman Borlaug, was awarded the 1970 Peace Nobel Prize for such achievements. In the XXIth century, biologists and agronomists are working hard to develop new and better crops to feed almost 8 billion people. In the medical field, the contributions are inumerable, from the discovery and development of vaccines (Jenner and Pasteur), to antibiotics (Fleming) and combatting diseases. This has increased the average life expectancy of humans from around 30-40 in the beginning of the XXth century, to a present value of around 75 (depending on the country). These achievements have been recognized by society, through dozens of Nobel Prizes in Medicine. All these successes have been made possible through Biology. In the past 30-40 years, numerous voices have been raised alerting for the environmental degradation of our planet, its land and oceans, its biomes and ecosystems. We have been depleting our planet at an incredible rate. But today, biologists and environmental scientists have the knowledge and tools to better the planet. We know how the ecosystems function and what causes harm them. There is still time, together with a strong public opinion, to halt the damage. Once again, Biology is a principal actor

The Struggle Against the Impunity: The Contribution of the International Police Cooperation

[Excerpt] The INTERPOL General Secretariat is expanding its role in providing international coordination and support for law enforcement agencies in member countries and international organizations responsible for the investigation and prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. INTERPOL has been supporting member countries and the ad hoc International Criminal Tribunals in the location and apprehension of criminals wanted for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity since 1994, primarily through the publication of Red Notices and the provision of other investigative assistance