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(NSF) News - Genome of Extinct Siberian Cave-dweller Linked to Modern-day Humans

via nsf.gov

December 22, 2010
View a photo gallery showing the remains of the new hominin and a video interview with lead investigator Svante Pääbo.

Researchers have discovered evidence of a distinct group of "archaic" humans existing outside of Africa more than 30,000 years ago at a time when Neanderthals are thought to have dominated Europe and Asia. But genetic testing shows that members of this new group were not Neanderthals, and they interbred with the ancestors of some modern humans who are alive today.

The journal Nature reported the finding this week. The National Science Foundation's Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences Division partially funded the research.

An international team of scientists led by Svante Pääbo at the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, used a combination of genetic data and dental analysis to identify a previously unknown population of early humans, whom the researchers call "Denisovans." The name was taken from Denisova Cave in southern Siberia where archaeologists from the Russian Academy of Sciences recovered a bone in 2008.

Genetic sequencing of DNA extracted from a finger bone of a 5-10-year-old girl from the cave revealed that she was neither Neanderthal nor a modern human, but shared an ancient origin with Neanderthals. The genetic analysis also showed she had a very different history since splitting from Neanderthals, the researchers concluded.

A tooth, also found in the Denisova Cave, complemented the genetic evidence. "The tooth is just amazing," said Bence Viola, a paleoanthropologist at the Max Planck Institute. "It allows us to connect the morphological and genetic information."

Analysis of the tooth revealed a shape that falls outside normal tooth variation typically seen in Neanderthals and modern humans, providing further evidence the Denisova hominins are an evolutionarily distinct group.

Another type of analysis reported by the study's authors showed Denisovans contributed 4-6 percent of their genetic material to the genomes of present-day New Guineans. "They are ancestors of people in Papua New Guinea but not of the great majority of people in Eurasia," said David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School in Boston, who led the research's population genetics analysis.

By comparing the genetic material of the Denisovans to diverse modern humans, the authors disclose a previously uncharacterized episode of gene flow between "archaic" and modern humans.

Until last year, the mainstream view in genetics was that modern humans inherited essentially their entire DNA makeup from Neanderthal-related individuals when they migrated from Africa 40,000-55,000 years ago. It was surmised they completely replaced the humans who migrated before them, including the Neanderthals whose ancestors likely made the pilgrimage hundreds of thousands of years earlier.

But sequencing and analysis of the Neanderthal genome earlier this year showed this was not the case. Neanderthals were not completely replaced, but instead contributed 1-4 percent of their genetic material to all modern non-Africans before dying out. The finding, based on Neanderthals discovered at Vindija Cave in Croatia, showed that modern humans outside of Africa are not all descended from a single out-of-Africa migration.

"We have now found evidence for a second gene flow event as well from a different source population and into a narrower set of modern human groups," said Reich."The first gene flow event appears to have been from a population closely related to the Neanderthals, while the second gene flow event was from a population much more closely related to Denisovans."

The new research suggests rather than being an irregular occurrence, intermixing between diverged human populations may have been common. "In combination with the Neanderthal genome sequence, the Denisovan genome suggests a complex picture of genetic interactions between our ancestors and different ancient hominin groups," said Pääbo, a founder of the field of ancient DNA.

Denisovans are likely to have been widespread across a broad swath of Eurasia, since Denisovans must have existed not just in Siberia, but also thousands of miles to the south along the path of modern humans migrating out of Africa on the way to New Guinea. However, far less is known about this population archaeologically or morphologically than about the Neandertals and modern humans who were their contemporaries in western Eurasian and in Africa.

"We hope that these results will spur archaeologists and paleontologists to study sites occupied by Denisovans," said Reich. "All we have now is a finger bone, a tooth, and a genome. However, we now know that this population existed, and new archaeological discoveries should reveal much more about their morphology and material culture."

"Technically, the discovery and definition of this new population based on its DNA patterns--rather than morphology--is also fascinating," said Reich. Traditionally, hominin populations are defined based on studies of their physical form and structure. Defining them based on DNA is something made possible only by recent advances in DNA technology, and may be a harbinger for the future.

This study also involved contributions from researchers at the Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the University of California at Santa Cruz and Berkeley; the University of Tübingen, Germany; Emory University, Georgia; the University of Montana; the University of Washington; the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Barcelona, Spain; the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; and the Institute of Archaeology & Ethnography, Russian Academy of Sciences, Siberian Branch, Novosibirsk, Russia.

-NSF-

USAJOBS - Search Jobs | More hints for the kids | #chilledparentretirement ;)

Job Title: Program Specialist GS-0301-9/11 DE

Agency: National Science Foundation

Sub Agency: National Science Foundation

Job Announcement Number: DRL-2011-0002

SALARY RANGE:
$51,630.00 - $81,204.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 to Wednesday, January 05, 2011

SERIES & GRADE:
GS-0301-09/11

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-time Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
11

DUTY LOCATIONS:
few vacancies - Arlington, VA

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Any US citizen
This opportunity is also open to status candidates only under announcement DRL-2011-0003.

JOB SUMMARY:

Competitive status may be obtained through current or former permanent Federal competitive service appointment OR individuals with eligibility for noncompetitive special appointing authority OR veterans eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act.
Are you looking for a job where you can make a difference?
Interested in working in a dynamic, small-agency environment? At
NSF, every member of the team contributes to success! That's just
one of the reasons why NSF, conveniently located in the heart of
Ballston, is one of the best places to work in the federal
government. Due to its relatively small number of employees, NSF has
a unique feeling of collegiality. It is not uncommon to hear
colleagues discuss a wide variety of subjects from our newest work-
life initiatives to the latest scientific, engineering, and
education developments.
At NSF, you will use your administrative support expertise in an
exciting, challenging, and team-oriented environment. You will have
the opportunity to use your current skills to help make NSF's vision
of the future become reality. NSF also offers a variety of formal
and informal learning and development opportunities that you can use
to build new skills and advance your career. If you're seeking
variety and challenge in a collegial atmosphere, look no further
than NSF!
More about
NSF.
This position is located in the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings, Directorate for Education and Human Resources at the National Science Foundation. The Division seeks to advance both early, promising innovations as well as larger-scale adoptions of proven educational innovations. In doing so, it challenges the field to create the ideas, resources, and human capacity to bring about the needed transformation of STEM education for the 21st century.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

US citizenship

Background investigation

Preview questions at bottom of Qualifications & Evaluations--see tab above

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Duties

Additional Duty Location Info:

few vacancies - Arlington, VA

The Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings is seeking a Program Specialist to provide administrative program support end-to-end merit review and award management and oversight of (MR AM&O) processes.   Specific duties include the following:

Data Management and Analysis: Identifies areas to conduct moderately complex to complex analyses concerning the efficiency, effectiveness, impacts and outcomes of the Division activities. Gathers, analyzes and presents data for further program analysis utilizing research trends and results tracking to inform policy related to scientific content. Determines which metrics, reports, etc. to run or create to approach a problem and find effective solutions.
Program Analysis and Reports: Conducts program analysis, including GPRA reporting and supports the Program Director/Division Director in preparation of reports and presentations (e.g., internal reports, Congressional inquiries).
Proposal Review: Assists in reviewing proposals to organize into panels, researching and identifying reviewer pools, and supporting technical Primary Investigator(PI)/Reviewer correspondence (e.g. moderately complex to complex inquiries related to scientific issues).
Logistics: Assists in all technical aspects of preparing for Committee of Visitors (e.g., data collection, analysis and presentation) and assists in planning and coordinating support for site visits, outreach activities, and workshops.
Outreach and Site Visit Support: Assists in developing outreach plans (e.g., identifies cross-section of outreach targets), assists with the preparation of materials, tutorials, workshops for outreach and site visit activities, assists in making oral presentations at workshops, seminars, conferences, assists in evaluating the effectiveness of outreach and site visit activities (e.g., audience composition and identifies outreach needs from research community).
Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities for continuous improvements to databases, data gathering and analytical approaches and PI/Reviewer interactions.

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Qualifications and Evaluations

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To qualify at GS-9, you need to have one of the following:
At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7
level in the Federal service. Examples of specialized experience
include engaging in ongoing analysis of business processes to
continually identify and recommend solutions to problems, using
quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques, developing and
presenting factual evidence both in writing and before an audience
to support enhancements in the methods of performing work, reviewing
data for trends related to business processes, interpreting those
trends, and determining causes and possible courses of action.
OR
A master`s or equivalent graduate degree.
OR
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education
leading to such a degree.
OR
A combination of post high school education and experience that
together meet the qualification requirements for this position.
To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must have 1 years of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level in the federal service. Examples of specialized experience include: analyzing the effectiveness and efficiency of business operations and programmatic processes using qualitative and quantitative techniques; choosing, interpreting, or adapting guidelines for application to specific issues or subjects studied; planning and carrying out projects to improve administrative support efficiency/productivity; gathering data and analyzing/evaluating/interpreting trends to enhance work performance; completing reports and making recommendations to managers related to internal administrative operations.
Education may be substituted for experience as described
in "Qualifications."
You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire.
All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
This position is in the bargaining unit.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligibles. Based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire, you will be assigned a score. Your score will determine in which of three categories you will be placed: Excellent, Very Good, or Good. Under this process, veterans will be assigned to the appropriate category (without additional preference points) and then placed at the top of their category.
Veterans with service-connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the highest quality category.
Review your resume and responses carefully. Responses that are not fully supported by the information in your application package may result in adjustments to your score. A Human Resources Representative will validate the qualifications of those candidates eligible to be referred to the selecting official.
Applicants eligible for selection preference under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) must meet the agency definition of "well qualified." In NSF categories, this means at least "Very Good."To preview questions please click here.

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Benefits and Other Info

BENEFITS:

A GREAT LOCATION! The National Science Foundation is conveniently
located one block from the Ballston Metro Station, a few blocks from
Routes 66 and 50, and about three miles from downtown Washington.
Employees may rent parking spaces in the building garage. There are
many shops and restaurants within easy walking distance. Employees
receive the Federal benefits package and NSF offers:
    Pre-tax parking
    Public transportation subsidy
    Child Development Center on site
    Child care subsidy
    Flexible working hours
    Telecommuting
    Physical Fitness Facility on site
    NSF Federal Credit Union on site
    Health Services Unit on site
    Employee Assistance Program

OTHER INFORMATION:

Relocation expenses will not be paid.
For additional information on the NSF eRecruit system, please visit
our NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.

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How To Apply

HOW TO APPLY:

Your application should be submitted online and must be completed and all required documents successfully faxed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the closing date. You must answer all of the job-related questions to ensure full consideration for this position. For more detailed information, please review our
NSF eRecruit Applicant Guide.
If you do not have internet access or if you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Representative listed in the vacancy announcement.
WARNING! Applications submitted online must have a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full or blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

If you are eligible under a special appointing authority (e.g., veterans appointment
authorities or persons with mental retardation, severe physical disability or psychiatric disabilities), you will be required to submit supporting documentation.
At the time of application, you will be directed to a webpage which lists the available fax coversheets for any documents we require. (Veterans note: documents related to veteran's preference are requested only when you first register in NSF's eRecruit system.) Please print out the appropriate fax coversheet(s) and follow the instructions carefully. All faxing must be completed before 11:59 PM Eastern time on the vacancy closing date. Please use extreme care in dialing the fax number to assure we receive your information. You will receive an email confirmation of receipt of your faxed document(s).

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Karen Stemler
Phone: 703 292-8401
Fax: 703 292-9347
TDD: 703-292-8044
Email: kstemler@nsf.gov Agency Information:
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Blvd
Room 315
Arlington, VA 22230
Fax: 703 292-9347

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

You may check the status of your application at any time on the USAJOBS website.<

via jobview.usajobs.gov

. Gt hom frm hosp & crshd hrd. Jst wok. Breths r deep. Alive! (4 now) ._:kltr:

. Metrohealth. C. O. P. D. Breathing treatments. Trust me. Stop smoking now. ._:kltr:_.

. No sleep. Breathing is f'd. Sound like the exorcist. Sucks. Hard. Literally.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Numb ~ Blood

LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends

LCD Soundsystem - Movement | #dope

archaic device test posting with a motorola i560

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Monday, December 20, 2010

Looking West From E. 28th & Lakeside Ave.

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Untitled

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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Chris Rea - The Road To Hell strange how this track makes me miss some (where you at now?)

Untitled

: Chatroom to Bedroom : Chicago | See the video. http://ping.fm/XQonM Then buy the book. http://tinyurl.com/ylfs468 Toh-tah-lee.

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: Chatroom to Bedroom : Chicago | See the video. http://ping.fm/XQonM Then buy the book. http://tinyurl.com/ylfs468 Toh-tah-lee.

Nine of Clubbers | Mid to late 80's #Cleveland

Carla Petroski

Carla sent these scans of pictures from 1987 and 1988. Thanks so much! Lots of old familiar faces.

Anne and Jeff Ozan

Vik Taylor

Joanne & Joyce
(But isn't that Debbie on the left? -Richard)

Ad for the Nine

Vic, Stephen, Lesley

Stephen, Lesley, Carla

Debbie & Carla

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Two Little Boys- Stylophonia

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Good to know, I'm not alone. | Why does my urine sometimes smell like Cheerios?

via fluther.com

:
do you take a multi vitamin?
ever notice how vitamins smell like cereal and vice-versa. Hence the "fortified with 8 essential vitamins" lable.
pattyb (776 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

Do you eat asparagus?
segdeha (1632 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

Asparagus' unique aroma definitely doesn't smell like Cheerios. What I find interesting is how quickly the odor hits one's urine after eating the veggie. I wonder why.
gailcalled (33545 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

Nope. No vitamins or asparagus. Hmm...had thai food last night?
soethe6 (526 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

Maybe Cheerios smells like urine...hmmm
glial (2915 )“Great Answer” (2 ) Flag as…

sometimes a change in the smell of urine can be related to un-regulated levels of blood sugar... maybe mention it at your next doctor's appointment.
nomtastic (860 )“Great Answer” (1 ) Flag as…

Don’t know but definitely would have my sugar level checked just to be safe. If its only occasionally, the best way to identify if you sugar is high at that moment, would be to use a glucose meter.
The gold standard for diabetes testing is the Hemoglobin A1C as it captures your average blood sugar over the past 3 months.
Keep in mind, it may just be due to something you ate either by itself or in combination but get your sugar checked. Many people have pre-diabetes for years before actually coming down with diabetes.
wolfman (7 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

Are you svelte or, like the rest of us, a little more “solidly”” built?Diabetes is associated w. carrying “a little too much weight, ” I think. It is a disease that no one in my family has ever had.
gailcalled (33545 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

I had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Went on diet and lost 15 lbs. Was tested again and it went away, back to normal. Just tested again recently and it came in at a 6.0 (Hemoglobin A1C) and finger test taken and it came back at 83. Which is good. I felt it had returned. Getting up to urinate at night like 3 or more times. I also smell something in my urine. Don’t know what it can be. It just started about one week ago. So, I don’t know what it can be from. I do take supplements on and off. Fish oil, vit. E, etc.
sukipa (1 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

i also have urine that smells like cheerios, once every six weeks or so. i have not had a sugar test, but will be doing that. i do not take a multi vitamin but i do eat mostly healthy.
joyfullgirl (1 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

Mine smells like Rice Crispies, also once in a while maybe every 6 to 8 weeks. Don’t eat cereal, no deseases and excellent bill of health.
Big mystery but gad I am not alone.
Deedledoll (1 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

This is not even funny i cant believe you guys are serious, your urine or any other liquid will emit an odor if overly saturated with any thing other than H2O (water) meaning you simply are not drinking enough water!!!
OrlonRoseJr (1 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

I noticed this type of smell after smoking some cigarettes after a while.. I drink like 4 bottles of water a day so I know it’s not related to not having enough water.. just my two cents.
b3ck (1 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

Have you ever eaten placenta? This often leads to urine smelling what ever your baby has ever eaten. It is a mysterious phenomenon. If your baby has ever eaten anything and you ate placenta, You will die.
jdman12 (1 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

@jdman12: This is probably the wrong site for you. Untrue, uninformed, unintelligent and uninteresting answer, BTW.
gailcalled (33545 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

lol.. Ok…I have had this everyday for the last 3 weeks. I have been working out very hard and have been well hydrated. My urine is clear, basically water, and still smells like cereal…I prefer to say weaties over cheerios.
Headway (1 )“Great Answer” (0 ) Flag as…

You guys have way too much time on your hands if you’re sitting around sniffing your own pee. Get a better hobby!

Monday, December 13, 2010

: Laundry cleaned. | Led Zeppelin- Dancing Days (STUDIO VERSION)

Get your x-mas vinyl, cd, apparel groove on here! | Another Method Records | 11823 Detroit Ave. | #cleveland

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EIKO - Sad Feel | 600 pics meet stop-motion

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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Who is she?

Saturday, December 11, 2010

: Crisis Capitalism : When a company plans a disaster, with the solution prepared for profit. #BP #Halliburton

Friday, December 10, 2010

Self Plans for Self Light, Learn for good for Healing Divine | Soul's Talking Brain

FLOWing with Feeling

Posted on 10. Dec, 2010 by brain in Thoughts Drifting

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$flame-fractals$
FEEL the Energy, BE Aware of how YOU feel about ...

BEfore we even register a THOUGHT into conscious awareness, our BEingness, ALL 100 TRILLION CELLS thereof, have ALLready CREATEd the Vibration upon which our thought shall flow.

Instead of putting yOUR TRUST into yOUR THOUGHTS…..get in touch with yOUR FEELings ABOUT yOUR thoughts….let this BE yOUR ‘driving force’.

How DOes ONE decipher which of our thoughts {not ALL are our own, by the way} ARE the “BEST” to LISTEN to and thus ACT upon?

By Paying Attention to HOW they make us FEEL.

IF a thought, an IDEA that pops into yar mind makes ya feel FabYOUlous in EVERY WAY……FOLLOW IT! That’s yOUR ‘Soul’, OUR TRUTH = LOVE, talk’n.

Here’s to having ONEderFull thoughts that ALLways make us FEEL fabYOUlous in our eternal NOW.

BLISSedly BE
Radiating LOVE
Rhonda Sheryl Lipstein
roni
@radiate
@ArtWave

You might also like:

The Secret, Daily Teachings from Rhonda Byrne

Assume the Positive ~ CHOOSE LOVE

BIG NEWS!!!!

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Tags: empathy, Evolution, feeling, intuition, KNOWing, premonition, psychic, self belief, thought, trust, TRUTH, visceral

via sanctuairesoulssanctuary.com

<3

Yet Another Pair Of Great Shoes ;)

Cars R Coffins (post race)

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

Nine Inch Nails: Sin (Uncensored) (NSFW) (1990) on Vimeo

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Souls Talking Brain on USTREAM: ”Souls Talking Brain” to elucidate truth, awareness, & pondering: Speaking Truths Enlightening Minds Seeking out proo...

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This via @factortwice : The Punk Rock Advent Calendar - 25 Free Punk Rock Christmas Songs

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NASA - Like the Sound of Thunder

via nasa.gov

A sonic boom is caused by an object moving faster than sound. The shock waves created by the supersonic flight of an aircraft, sonic booms sound much like an explosion or loud thunder. The crack of a supersonic bullet passing overhead is an example of a sonic boom in miniature. New research is being performed at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland that could help alleviate the sonic boom produced by supersonic aircraft. Testing was recently completed of the Large-Scale Low-Boom supersonic inlet model with micro-array flow control in Glenn's 8' x 6' Supersonic Wind Tunnel. Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign partnered with Glenn for this testing. Rod Chima, a NASA aerospace engineer, is pictured here in the wind tunnel with the Large-Scale Low-Boom supersonic inlet model. Image Credit: NASA/Bridget R. Caswell

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Sunday, December 05, 2010

What is Interference Robustness? | Macinstruct

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What is Interference Robustness?
Arbi Karamians
Monday, September 10, 2007

Few topics have ever been more exhaustively analyzed and discussed within Internet/Macintosh based forums than the Apple AirPort feature “Interference Robustness.” The lack of information made available by Apple regarding the feature makes for a lot of confused and curious Mac users. Unfortunately the aforementioned forums appear to be the only venue through which one can find any significant information regarding Interference Robustness. In fact, I ran a quick search on “Mac Help” on my MacBook Pro and within all the documentation provided by Apple, Interference Robustness was mentioned on a single occasion. And that reference was limited to “If you are using an AirPort Extreme wireless card and are experiencing network interference, you can use the status menu to turn on Interference Robustness.” Simple enough, but several questions remain: “What does it do and how does it work? When should I use it? If it cuts down on interference shouldn’t I leave it on all the time?”

These specific questions appear to be the most common topic of discussion online, and they're specific questions that have been left unanswered. Whether it’s by design (for one Steve Jobs reason or another) or simply that they believe it’s self-explanatory, the fact remains that Interference Robustness is the Area 51 of OS X. I know it seems a bit cheeky to compare an OS X feature to a highly secure government compound which is said to host the development and testing of military aircraft, but seriously, try for yourself - Google it. After some serious scouring, I honestly believe you’d be more successful obtaining information regarding the goings on at the Groom Lake compound.

So after I’d received no sound explanation from “Mac Help,” I went one step further and ran a similar search on the Apple website and was actually surprised to find zero results on the topic. I then moved on to the Apple Support page and ran a similar query that provided me with 17 matches. The majority of the results provided instructions on how to enable the feature through your AirPort and AirPort Extreme. What they did not provide were answers to the questions people have been asking.

So what the heck is it?
In order to move forward and tackle these questions and uncover the inner workings of Interference Robustness, we first need to cover some of the basics of Wireless Local Access Networks (WLAN.) Basic home networks utilize the 802.11 standard (Wi-Fi) developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE.) To the best of my knowledge, all home networking hardware utilizes this standard. Different variations of the 802.11 standard exist, beginning with 802.11a and adding modulation ratifications of 802.11b, g, and the most recent n.

Each new modulation standard resolved issues from previous versions while also increasing range and data rate. For instance, the indoor range for 802.11a is roughly 35 meters while the range for 802.11n is roughly 70 meters. I’m sure all of you can imagine how one would benefit from using a router that supported 802.11n in your home or home/office.

The amendments to the standards changed a lot of things but what they didn’t change was the operating frequency. They operate under a 2.4-2.5 Ghz band. This is troublesome simply because most home appliances operate in the same band. For instance most home cordless phones, microwave ovens and most Bluetooth devices have an op. frequency of 2,4Ghz. So one can see how each connection may face interference.

Most wireless hardware manufacturers have already taken preemptive measures to battle interference from other sources. Interference Robustness is Apple AirPort’s insurance policy against interference caused by outside variables. It’s also important to understand that if you run a Mac and use a Linksys, Netgear, Belkin or one of the many other options one has, checking the “Use Interference Robustness” option will not work. Interference Robustness is specific to Macs connected to Apple’s AirPort Express and Airport Extreme. So with all that having been said let’s answer some questions.

What does it do? How does it work?
The 802.11 protocol was designed to essentially adjust itself to protect itself from interference. More specifically it adjusts packet size. The idea is this: send smaller packets at higher speeds, and the access point will more securely receive the packets. So when faced with interference, this option will literally adjust the transmission of packets to ensure the access point receives more packets.

When should I use it?
It really depends on the situation. Some users will experience WLAN issues based on the specific products they have in their home in this case use Interference Robustness. Others will face WLAN issues because they either live or work in a highly populated area such as an apartment building or office building. This would be an ideal time to use Interference Robustness. Basically, whenever you face WLAN interference that is caused by outside variables, Interference Robustness will help.

If it cuts down on interference, shouldn’t I leave it on all the time?
No. This is very important to understand. Using Interference Robustness will essentially slow down your wireless connection. As discussed above, if you’re looking for speed, you send a high frequency of large packets. If you’re looking to battle interference you send smaller packets at a lower frequency. So your connection will be slow but strong.

I hope this helps you better understand why it’s there and why it’s necessary – for some more importantly how it works!

Meet Your Macinstructor

Arbi Karamians is an enthusiastic and motivated 20-something who spends his time between work, play, and family. He was an unwitting PC user for nearly 15 years of his computing life who later was enlightened through his quest for higher efficiency and increased productivity. He bought his first Mac nearly 2 years ago and he's never looked back. The less time he spends looking for printer drivers the more he gets done! Email him at arbi@macinstruct.com.