The invention world never sleeps, no pun intended, and a new pill to treat jet lag that could be on store shelves within five years is a prime example of why. Thanks to a discovery that allowed scientists to seemingly reset the human body clock, a new invention might be helping people fight their dreaded travel woes.

Researchers at Manchester University have found a mechanism that manages how people react to long-distance travel or irregular work hours.

To get a better understanding of the work that is being put into this invention, it might make sense to first understand what causes the tiredness, insomnia and other symptoms that go hand-in-hand with jet lag. The answer is the circadian rhythm otherwise known as the body clock. When your circadian rhythm is out of sync with nature’s light and dark hours, it causes the confusion. This temporary sleep disorder commonly occurs in those who are flying across multiple time zones and their body clock is often ahead of or behind their end location.

According to scientists at the Kyoto University that are led by Yoshiaki Yamaguchi, it takes about one day for the body to readjust to every one-hour change in environmental time.

The tests that have been conducted thus far on this invention have been done on specially-bred mice. Their research revealed an enzyme that controls how the body’s clock can be reset.

Within the research, they deleted the gene in the mice, in order for them to stop producing the enzyme, which is called casein kinase 1, epsilon.

The mice were then studied for changes by timing the light switches in their cages to imitate a weekend flight to New York.

What was found was that the mice without the important enzyme adapted a lot easier to the new day-night pattern and showed much smaller metabolic disruption.

Although deleting the gene isn’t possible in humans, the findings have allowed pharmaceutical firms to investigate a pill that would block the enzyme instead.

It looks as though the enzyme is the key to the winding backwards or forwards of the body clock. Although there is a “lag” on the invention of the enzyme-blocking pills hitting the market, we definitely think this is a step in the right direction for spring breakers and business men and women alike!

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2585340/Getting-rid-jet-lag-soon-simple-taking-pill-Scientists-way-reset-body-clocks-long-flights.html

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/travel/pill-jet-lag-f8C11336456

Images:

http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1863342,00.html

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Where would America be without the sewing machine and New York City’s marketing machine? It’s hard to imagine our industrial progress in textiles without envisioning black and white film footage of well-coifed women seated in rows upon rows turning out well-crafted clothing behind sewing machines. Such images allude to an America buzzing with city commerce. Isaac Singer was the perfect marriage of textile ingenuity and big-city commercialization.

Although many other sewing machines existed in the late 1890s, Singer was the most successful at marketing his, due to his machines practicality for home use and its installment basis payment plan. Celebrate the man and city that gave America the sewing machine by taking a trip to New York City.

There’s a lot to do and see in New York, but the best thing to do is eat. New York is a city of homemade fast food. Stop by almost any deli or pizzeria and you will be treated to some of the best bagels and pizza in the country. The worst bagel in New York is still better than the best bagel anywhere else, so a good one is not hard to find. There’s not one specific place to get bagels and pizza, but they’re available on almost every block. Some notable locations for pizza include Grimaldi’s in Brooklyn and Lombardi’s in Lower Manhattan. Another popular eatery is Shake Shack, which serves delicious burgers, fries and shakes at a handful of locations around the city — Madison Square Park and The Upper West and East sides.

After you’ve carbed up, it’s time to see some of the finest museums in the world. Start at the Museum of Modern art in midtown, which you can get through relatively quickly as compared to the Metropolitan Museum of art, the Whitney and the Guggenheim. Make sure to make a stop by the American Museum of Natural History.

No trip to New York would be complete without seeing the tourist destinations. The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Central Park are all exciting locations, no matter how many times you’ve seen them. Unless you are hell bent on standing on Liberty island, you can save yourself the price of The Statue of Liberty tour ticket by getting on the Staten Island Ferry for free. The views are just as good. The Empire State building offers trips to the top for about 15 dollars, but the waiting line can be long and the visibility from the top varies, so pick your times carefully. You can’t miss with any locations in Central Park, but the best place to start is the southeast corner. From there you have access to the Plaza Hotel, FAO Schwarz and the picturesque Central Park pond.

You can’t do any wrong in New York City. Every inch of it offers a piece of American history that can be stitched into a great trip without having to use one of Singer’s machines.

Images:

http://gotoes.org/sales/SingerSewingMachineManuals/index.pl

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“Wonder Bread was originally produced by the Taggart Baking Company of Indianapolis, Indiana and debuted on May 21, 1921, after a blind promotion with ads that only stated a “Wonder” was coming on May 21, 1921. When it was launched, the new brand was named by vice president for merchandising development Elmer Cline, who was inspired by the International Balloon Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Cline was filled with “wonder” by the scene of hundreds of balloons creating a kaleidoscope of color resulting in the iconic red, yellow and blue balloons featured on the Wonder Bread logo…In the 1930s, Continental Baking began shipping Wonder Bread in sliced form, one of the first companies to do so, a significant milestone for the industry and for American consumers…” – Wikipedia

After years of enjoying delicious white-bread sandwiches, it’s time to give back to the city that gave us pre-packaged sliced bread. As you visit the birthplace of sliced bread, make sure to grab some delicious diner food and maybe some duckpin bowling.

The Fountain Diner has both, and is located in the Fountain Square Theatre Building at 1105 Shelby Street in what was once the luncheonette of a F.W. Woolworth store. According to Fountain’s website, “After the Fountain Square Theatre closed in 1959, Woolworth’s occupied the ground floor of the building until it also closed in the late 1960’s. The space then housed a variety of other businesses including an office furniture store and a thrift shop until it was renovated in 1994 as part of the restoration of the Fountain Square Theatre Building. The diner was reopened using the original soda fountain, grills, counter and stools obtained from another local Woolworth’s store that closed in 1994. The pink, green and blue mosaic tile background is original to the space as well as the diamond motif that runs along the grill area.”

To work off that malt and burger, head over to White River State Park, Indiana’s only urban state park filled with attractions and entertainment. The park houses an IMAX theatre, The Indiana State Museum, Victory Field (home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Triple A affiliate), The Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens just to name a few.

Cap your day of touring Indianapolis off with a hearty steak. St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902. It is the oldest Indianapolis steakhouse in its original location, and has earned a national reputation for its excellent steaks, seafood, chops and professional service. Founded by Joe Stahr, the restaurant was named after the patron saint of sailors, St. Elmo. Starting out with a beautiful tiger-oak back-bar purchased in Chicago, the restaurant was simply a small tavern with a basic menu. Through the years, its classic turn-of-the-century Chicago saloon decor has changed very little, beyond the inevitable expansions.

There’s a bevy of other things to do in and around Indianapolis, including the Indianapolis Speedway and the NCAA Hall of Champions. Remember that much like a bologna and white bread sandwich, when visiting Indianapolis; it can be precarious to try to cram too many ingredients into one day.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonder_Bread
http://www.fountainsquareindy.com/diner/
http://www.stelmos.com/about/history/

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You can celebrate one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in beautiful North Carolina. According to the park’s website, visitors are treated to a full-scale reproduction of the 1902 glider, a full-scale reproduction of the 1903 flying machine, an engine block from the original 1903 Flyer, and a reproduction of the Wright’s first wind tunnel. Additional exhibits, movies and educational programs are available in the Centennial Pavilion.Visitors can also climb Big Kill Devil Hill for a breathtaking view of the area from sound to sea. Atop the Hill, stands the 60 ft. Pylon — the site where Wilbur and Orville conducted their glider experiments. A large granite boulder marks the spot where the first plane left the ground.

Much like the current state of American flight, you probably left the memorial hungry and unfed. Lucky for you, Wilbur and Orville picked not only a scenic location for their first flight but a region teaming with delicious seafood options. Nestled in the Outer Banks, I Got Your Crabs Seafood Market & Steam Bar offers a full eat-in menu packed with appetizers, sides and beverages, along with crabs to go from one peck to an entire bushel.

After seriously contemplating the skill and craft that it took to build the first working aircraft, you’re going to need some levity. Check out The Comedy Club — the longest running seasonal comedy club in the nation. “Our history includes having hosted such internationally renowned artist as Ray Romano, Drew Carey, and Sinbad when they were simply plying their trade on the comedy circuit. Make some vacation memories with us. This is your chance to see nationally touring comedians who have appeared on shows such as Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, and HBO. Many of our comedians are headliners in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and on the cruise lines! Shows are approximately ninety minutes long and include an emcee, a feature comedian, and a headline comedian.”

Before you retire for the night, you’re going to need dessert. Check out The Belgian Chocolate Company, which specializes in handmade bon-bons and truffles that are visual and mouth-watering delights. Truffles are generously filled with an assortment of flavored chocolate ganache ranging from Latte Macchiato to Viennese Amaretto to Grand Marnier.

The beauty of the North Carolina coast is enough to keep you entranced with Kitty Hawk, and by adding any of the surrounding area’s sun-soaked entertainment spots like those mentioned above, your trip is sure to take flight.

Sources:
http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm
http://igotyourcrabs.com/
http://comedyclubobx.com/
http://thebelgianchocolateco.com/

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Remember the days of having to share a boating experience with an annoying relative or work colleague? No. You probably don’t. Because in 1965, a banker by the name of Clayton Jacobsen II bestowed us with the ultimate in water recreational freedom, eliminating the need to ever again have to force small talk while boating.

According to MIT.com: “The invention of both major types of PWC [personal watercraft] is usually credited to Clayton Jacobsen II of Arizona, originally a motocross enthusiast. The general public was introduced to such vehicles with the mass-marketing of Kawasaki’s Jet Ski® in 1973. The original stand-up model, with a powerful 400cc engine and handlebar steering, allowed a person to virtually water-ski without the need of a boat. However, staying aboard the device was a challenge, especially in choppy water; so for some years, despite improvements in control and stability, PWCs acquired a very loyal but also fairly limited following.”

There are a lot of beautiful cities to visit in Arizona, but we think the biggest bang for your buck is Lake Havasu City. Where else can you celebrate Jacobsen’s invention on over 30 square miles of pristine water surface while taking in some flavor from across the pond?

Your fist stop in Lake Havasu should be the London Bridge. We know it sounds weird, but the London Bridge was relocated from the River Thames in London in 1967. After two years and $7 million dollars, the London Bridge was reassembled in Lake Havasu over a man-made canal. After admiring some British engineering with your mates, it’s time hit the water Jacobsen style. Located at 507 English Village under the London Bridge, Adventure Center rentals is your source for fun on Lake Havasu.

After enjoying an activity so distinctly American, as selfish boating tends to be, why not grab some of the best American fare Lake Havasu has to offer? Place to Be at 171 Swanson Ave. has a splendid mix of American comfort food as well as re-imagined classics.

For a brief time in American history, let’s call it 1995, Lake Havasu was home to MTV’s annual spring break festivities. So while you don’t have to guzzle light beers,  dance around with Eric Nies or do a back-flip off a pontoon boat, it would behoove you to sample some of Lake Havasu’s engaging nightlife. Try Kokomo Havasu for a raucous good time or for a more relaxing time try Sandbar & Grill, 1340 McCulloch Blvd N Lake Havasu City.

Any way you cut it, you’re going to have a good time slicing through the wake of everything Lake Havasu has to offer. Just remember to tip your glass in memory of Clayton Jacobsen.

Sources:
http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/watercraft.html
http://www.londonbridgeresort.com/Marina/WaterSportRentals.aspx
http://www.placetobelhc.com/

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Since this blog celebrates inventions and the inventing community, we recommend that your first stop be a testament to American ingenuity and grit. And, what better place to be shrouded in grit — as well as motor oil and leather — than the Harley-Davidson Museum? Located at the crossroads of 6th and Canal Streets, the museum features more than 450 motorcycles and artifacts, dating back to Serial Number One, the oldest known Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, stories of extraordinary products, people, history, and Harley-Davidson culture, never-before-seen archives you can tour, a 20-acre museum campus on the Milwaukee riverfront, with views of the city skyline and Motor Bar & Restaurant.

In keeping with American classics, why not take in some of America’s pastime at Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers? Miller Park, which was completed in 2001, features North America’s only fan-shaped convertible roof, which can open and close in less than 10 minutes. The Brewers have only been to the World Series once (1982) when they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals. But much like the grittiness held dear by citizens of Brew City, the Brewers are frequently in the hunt for the National League Central Division title.

Less than two miles from the park, you can find its namesake — the Miller Brewery, which offers free tours of its facilities. According to the Miller website the tour “begins with a video depicting Frederick Miller’s historic arrival in Milwaukee to the company’s transition to modern day brewing. Get up-close views of our packaging center, shipping and distribution warehouse, brewhouse and one-of-a-kind historic Miller Caves where you will have the opportunity to meet Fredrick Miller himself! Soft drinks are available for guests under 21 or upon request.”

If you’re looking for activities that are a bit more sober, check out some German Expressionism at the Milwaukee Art Museum, take in a show at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater or enjoy some haute cuisine while enjoying views of Lake Michigan at Pier Wisconsin.

For the outdoors enthusiast, Milwaukee invites you to stroll the grounds of the Basilica of Saint Josaphat, a Franciscan parish located in the Historic South Side of Milwaukee, or lush foliage of Kettle Moraine State Forest, which offers more than 22,000 acres of glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests.

No matter what you do in Milwaukee, the great people of the Midwest always guarantee a pleasant time. Just remember to pack your chaps, helmet and riding gloves.

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