Do viruses make us smarter?

 

Mon, 01/12/2015 - 10:36am Lund Univ. A new study from Lund Univ. in Sweden indicates inherited viruses that are millions of years old play an important role in building up the complex networks that characterize the human brain. Researchers have long been aware endogenous retroviruses constitute around 5% of our DNA. For many years, they were considered junk DNA of no real use, a side effect of our evolutionary journey. In the current study, Johan Jakobsson and his colleagues show that retroviruses seem to play a central role in the basic functions of the brain, more specifically in the regulation of which genes are to be expressed, and when. The findings indicate that, over the course of evolution, the viruses took an increasingly firm hold on the steering wheel in our cellular machinery. The reason the viruses are activated specifically in the brain is probably due to the fact tumors can’t form in nerve cells, unlike in other tissues. “We have been able to observe that these viruses are activated specifically in the brain cells and have an important regulatory role. We believe that the role of retroviruses can contribute to explaining why brain cells in particular are so dynamic and multifaceted in their function. It may also be the case that the viruses’ more or less complex functions in various species can help us to understand why we are so different,” says Jakobsson, head of the research team for molecular neurogenetics at Lund Univ. The article, based on studies of neural stem cells, shows that these cells use a particular molecular mechanism to control the activation processes of the retroviruses. The findings provide us with a complex insight into the innermost workings of the most basal functions of the nerve cells. At the same time, the results open up potential for new research paths concerning brain diseases linked to genetic factors. “I believe that this can lead to new, exciting studies on the diseases of the brain. Currently, when we look for genetic factors linked to various diseases, we usually look for the genes we are familiar with, which make up a mere two per cent of the genome. Now we are opening up the possibility of looking at a much larger part of the genetic material which was previously considered unimportant. The image of the brain becomes more complex, but the area in which to search for errors linked to diseases with a genetic component, such as neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric illness and brain tumors, also increases,” says Jakobsson. Source: Lund Univ.

Weight loss: Strategies for success

 

Make your weight-loss goals a reality. Follow these proven strategies. By Mayo Clinic Staff Hundreds of fad diets, weight-loss programs and outright scams promise quick and easy weight loss. However, the foundation of successful weight loss remains a healthy, calorie-controlled diet combined with exercise. For successful, long-term weight loss, you must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits. How do you make those permanent changes? Consider following these six strategies for weight-loss success. 1. Make a commitment Permanent weight loss takes time and effort — and a lifelong commitment. Make sure that you're ready to make permanent changes and that you do so for the right reasons. To stay committed to your weight loss, you need to be focused. It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to change your habits. So as you're planning new weight-loss-related lifestyle changes, make a plan to address other stresses in your life first, such as financial problems or relationship conflicts. While these stresses may never go away completely, managing them better should improve your ability to focus on achieving a healthier lifestyle. Then, once you're ready to launch your weight-loss plan, set a start date and then — start. 2. Find your inner motivation No one else can make you lose weight. You must undertake diet and exercise changes to please yourself. What's going to give you the burning drive to stick to your weight-loss plan? Make a list of what's important to you to help stay motivated and focused, whether it's an upcoming beach vacation or better overall health. Then find a way to make sure that you can call on your motivational factors during moments of temptation. Perhaps you want to post an encouraging note to yourself on the pantry door, for instance. While you have to take responsibility for your own behavior for successful weight loss, it helps to have support — of the right kind. Pick people to support you who will encourage you in positive ways, without shame, embarrassment or sabotage. Ideally, find people who will listen to your concerns and feelings, spend time exercising with you or creating healthy menus, and who will share the priority you've placed on developing a healthier lifestyle. Your support group can also offer accountability, which can be a strong motivation to stick to your weight-loss goals. If you prefer to keep your weight-loss plans private, be accountable to yourself by having regular weigh-ins and recording your diet and exercise progress in a journal. 3. Set realistic goals It may seem obvious to set realistic weight-loss goals. But do you really know what's realistic? Over the long term, it's best to aim for losing 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week. Generally to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, you need to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day, through a lower calorie diet and regular exercise. When you're setting goals, think about both process and outcome goals. "Exercise every day" is an example of a process goal. "Lose 30 pounds" is an example of an outcome goal. It isn't essential that you have an outcome goal, but you should set process goals because changing your your habits is a key to weight loss. Next Feb. 26, 2014 References See more In-depth página 2 4. Enjoy healthier foods Adopting a new eating style that promotes weight loss must include lowering your total calorie intake. But decreasing calories need not mean giving up taste, satisfaction or even ease of meal preparation. One way you can lower your calorie intake is by eating more plant-based foods — fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to help you achieve your goals without giving up taste or nutrition. In particular, get your weight loss started by eating a healthy breakfast every day; eating at least four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruits daily; eating whole instead of refined grains; and using healthy fats, such as olive oil, vegetable oils and nut butters. In addition, cut back on sugar, choose low-fat dairy products and keep meat consumption to a 3-ounce portion (about the size of a deck of cards). 5. Get active, stay active While you can lose weight without exercise, exercise plus calorie restriction can help give you the weight-loss edge. Exercise can help burn off the excess calories you can't cut through diet alone. Exercise also offers numerous health benefits, including boosting your mood, strengthening your cardiovascular system and reducing your blood pressure. Exercise can also help in maintaining weight loss. Studies show that people who maintain their weight loss over the long term get regular physical activity. How many calories you burn depends on the frequency, duration and intensity of your activities. One of the best ways to lose body fat is through steady aerobic exercise — such as brisk walking — for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Any extra movement helps burn calories, though. Think about ways you can increase your physical activity throughout the day if you can't fit in formal exercise on a given day. For example, make several trips up and down stairs instead of using the elevator, or park at the far end of the lot when shopping. 6. Change your perspective It's not enough to eat healthy foods and exercise for only a few weeks or even months if you want long-term, successful weight loss. These habits must become a way of life. Lifestyle changes start with taking an honest look at your eating patterns and daily routine. After assessing your personal challenges to weight loss, try working out a strategy to gradually change habits and attitudes that have sabotaged your past efforts. And you have to move beyond simply recognizing your challenges — you have to plan for how you'll deal with them if you're going to succeed in losing weight once and for all. You likely will have an occasional setback. But instead of giving up entirely after a setback, simply start fresh the next day. Remember that you're planning to change your life. It won't happen all at once. Stick to your healthy lifestyle and the results will be worth it. Previous Feb. 26, 2014 References See more In-depth

Electronic cigarettes: A safe way to light up?

 

What are electronic cigarettes? Are they safer than conventional cigarettes? Answers from Lowell Dale, M.D. Electronic cigarettes, often called e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices designed to look like regular tobacco cigarettes. Here's how e-cigarettes work: An atomizer heats a liquid containing nicotine, turning it into a vapor that can be inhaled and creating a vapor cloud that resembles cigarette smoke. Manufacturers claim that electronic cigarettes are a safe alternative to conventional cigarettes. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has questioned the safety of these products. When the FDA analyzed samples of two popular brands, it found variable amounts of nicotine and traces of toxic chemicals, including known cancer-causing substances (carcinogens). This prompted the FDA to issue a warning about potential health risks associated with electronic cigarettes. Until more is known about the potential risks, the safe play is to say no to electronic cigarettes. If you're looking for help to stop smoking, there are many FDA-approved medications that have been shown to be safe and effective for this purpose. Nov. 25, 2014 References Yamin CK, et al. E-cigarettes: A rapidly growing Internet phenomenon. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2010;153:607. FDA and public health officials warn about electronic cigarettes. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173222.htm. Accessed Sept.19, 20114. Drew AM, et al. Electronic cigarettes: Cautions and concerns. American Family Physician. 2014;90:282. Electronic-cigarettes.--U.S.-Food-and-Drug-Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm172906.htm. Accessed Sept. 26, 2014. See more Expert Answers Products and Services Book: Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!

DASH diet: Healthy eating to lower your blood pressure

The DASH diet emphasizes portion size, eating a variety of foods and getting the right amount of nutrients. Discover how DASH can improve your health and lower your blood pressure. By Mayo Clinic Staff DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet is a lifelong approach to healthy eating that's designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure (hypertension). The DASH diet encourages you to reduce the sodium in your diet and eat a variety of foods rich in nutrients that help lower blood pressure, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium. By following the DASH diet, you may be able to reduce your blood pressure by a few points in just two weeks. Over time, your systolic blood pressure could drop by seven to 12 points, which can make a significant difference in your health risks. Because the DASH diet is a healthy way of eating, it offers health benefits besides just lowering blood pressure. The DASH diet is also in line with dietary recommendations to prevent osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. And while the DASH diet is not a weight-loss program, you may indeed lose unwanted pounds because it can help guide you toward healthier meals and snacks. DASH diet: Sodium levels The DASH diet emphasizes vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy foods — and moderate amounts of whole grains, fish, poultry and nuts. In addition to the standard DASH diet, there is also a lower sodium version of the diet. You can choose the version of the diet that meets your health needs: Standard DASH diet. You can consume up to 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day. Lower sodium DASH diet. You can consume up to 1,500 mg of sodium a day. Both versions of the DASH diet aim to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet compared with what you might get in a more traditional diet, which can amount to a whopping 3,500 mg of sodium a day or more. The standard DASH diet meets the recommendation from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to keep daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg a day. The lower sodium version of the diet matches the recommendation to reduce sodium to 1,500 mg a day if you're 51 and older, black, or have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. The American Heart Association recommends 1,500 mg as an upper limit for all adults. If you aren't sure what sodium level is right for you, talk to your doctor. DASH diet: What to eat Both versions of the DASH diet include lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. The DASH diet also includes some fish, poultry and legumes. You can eat red meat, sweets and fats in small amounts. The DASH diet is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and total fat. Here's a look at the recommended servings from each food group for the 2,000-calorie-a-day DASH diet. Grains: 6 to 8 servings a day Grains include bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Examples of one serving of grains include 1 slice whole-wheat bread, 1 ounce (oz.) dry cereal, or 1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice or pasta. Focus on whole grains because they have more fiber and nutrients than do refined grains. For instance, use brown rice instead of white rice, whole-wheat pasta instead of regular pasta and whole-grain bread instead of white bread. Look for products labeled "100 percent whole grain" or "100 percent whole wheat." Grains are naturally low in fat, so avoid spreading on butter or adding cream and cheese sauces. Vegetables: 4 to 5 servings a day Tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, greens and other vegetables are full of fiber, vitamins, and such minerals as potassium and magnesium. Examples of one serving include 1 cup raw leafy green vegetables or 1/2 cup cut-up raw or cooked vegetables. Don't think of vegetables only as side dishes — a hearty blend of vegetables served over brown rice or whole-wheat noodles can serve as the main dish for a meal. Fresh or frozen vegetables are both good choices. When buying frozen and canned vegetables, choose those labeled as low sodium or without added salt. To increase the number of servings you fit in daily, be creative. In a stir-fry, for instance, cut the amount of meat in half and double up on the vegetables. Fruits: 4 to 5 servings a day Many fruits need little preparation to become a healthy part of a meal or snack. Like vegetables, they're packed with fiber, potassium and magnesium and are typically low in fat — exceptions include avocados and coconuts. Examples of one serving include 1 medium fruit or 1/2 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit or 4 ounces of juice. Have a piece of fruit with meals and one as a snack, then round out your day with a dessert of fresh fruits topped with a splash of low-fat yogurt. Leave on edible peels whenever possible. The peels of apples, pears and most fruits with pits add interesting texture to recipes and contain healthy nutrients and fiber. Remember that citrus fruits and juice, such as grapefruit, can interact with certain medications, so check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if they're OK for you. If you choose canned fruit or juice, make sure no sugar is added. Dairy: 2 to 3 servings a day Milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products are major sources of calcium, vitamin D and protein. But the key is to make sure that you choose dairy products that are low fat or fat-free because otherwise they can be a major source of fat — and most of it is saturated. Examples of one serving include 1 cup skim or 1 percent milk, 1 cup yogurt, or 1 1/2 oz. cheese. Low-fat or fat-free frozen yogurt can help you boost the amount of dairy products you eat while offering a sweet treat. Add fruit for a healthy twist. If you have trouble digesting dairy products, choose lactose-free products or consider taking an over-the-counter product that contains the enzyme lactase, which can reduce or prevent the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Go easy on regular and even fat-free cheeses because they are typically high in sodium. Lean meat, poultry and fish: 6 or fewer servings a day Meat can be a rich source of protein, B vitamins, iron and zinc. But because even lean varieties contain fat and cholesterol, don't make them a mainstay of your diet — cut back typical meat portions by one-third or one-half and pile on the vegetables instead. Examples of one serving include 1 oz. cooked skinless poultry, seafood or lean meat or 1 egg. Trim away skin and fat from poultry and meat and then bake, broil, grill or roast instead of frying in fat. Eat heart-healthy fish, such as salmon, herring and tuna. These types of fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower your total cholesterol. Nuts, seeds and legumes: 4 to 5 servings a week Almonds, sunflower seeds, kidney beans, peas, lentils and other foods in this family are good sources of magnesium, potassium and protein. They're also full of fiber and phytochemicals, which are plant compounds that may protect against some cancers and cardiovascular disease. Serving sizes are small and are intended to be consumed weekly because these foods are high in calories. Examples of one serving include 1/3 cup (1 1/2 oz.) nuts, 2 tablespoons seeds, or 1/2 cup cooked beans or peas. Nuts sometimes get a bad rap because of their fat content, but they contain healthy types of fat — monounsaturated fat and omega-3 fatty acids. They're high in calories, however, so eat them in moderation. Try adding them to stir-fries, salads or cereals. Soybean-based products, such as tofu and tempeh, can be a good alternative to meat because they contain all of the amino acids your body needs to make a complete protein, just like meat. Fats and oils: 2 to 3 servings a day Fat helps your body absorb essential vitamins and helps your body's immune system. But too much fat increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. The DASH diet strives for a healthy balance by limiting total fat to 27 percent or less of daily calories from fat, with a focus on the healthier monounsaturated fats. Examples of one serving include 1 teaspoon soft margarine, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or 2 tablespoons salad dressing. Saturated fat and trans fat are the main dietary culprits in raising your blood cholesterol and increasing your risk of coronary artery disease. DASH helps keep your daily saturated fat to less than 6 percent of your total calories by limiting use of meat, butter, cheese, whole milk, cream and eggs in your diet, along with foods made from lard, solid shortenings, and palm and coconut oils. Avoid trans fat, commonly found in such processed foods as crackers, baked goods and fried items. Read food labels on margarine and salad dressing so that you can choose those that are lowest in saturated fat and free of trans fat. Sweets: 5 or fewer a week You don't have to banish sweets entirely while following the DASH diet — just go easy on them. Examples of one serving include 1 tablespoon sugar, jelly or jam, 1/2 cup sorbet, or 1 cup (8 oz.) lemonade. When you eat sweets, choose those that are fat-free or low-fat, such as sorbets, fruit ices, jelly beans, hard candy, graham crackers or low-fat cookies. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) and sucralose (Splenda) may help satisfy your sweet tooth while sparing the sugar. But remember that you still must use them sensibly. It's OK to swap a diet cola for a regular cola, but not in place of a more nutritious beverage such as low-fat milk or even plain water. Cut back on added sugar, which has no nutritional value but can pack on calories. DASH diet: Alcohol and caffeine Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. The DASH diet recommends that men limit alcohol to two or fewer drinks a day and women one or less. The DASH diet doesn't address caffeine consumption. The influence of caffeine on blood pressure remains unclear. But caffeine can cause your blood pressure to rise at least temporarily. If you already have high blood pressure or if you think caffeine is affecting your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about your caffeine consumption.

Ductless EnclosuresTotal filtration of toxic gases, fumes, odors, and powders

 

Safety and Flexibility Erlab's innovative Flex Technology filtration can safely handle liquids, powders, or both. It is safe, easy to install, and provides the added benefit of low running costs. Add a phenolic resin work surface for high chemical and moisture resistance. The containment and filtration effectiveness of the CaptairFlex make this protective equipment a reliable, economical, flexible and environmentally-friendly solution Only Erlab offers a ductless enclosure that guarantees safety by: Adhering to the highest safety standard in the world for ductless fume hoods - AFNOR NFX 15-211: 2009 as recognized by ANSI Z9.5-2012. This standard guarantees that the emissions concentration at the filter exhaust will always be lower than 1% of the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Providing a published chemical listing with the retention capacity for our filters   Evaluation and approval of the chemical handlings performed   A Certificate of Validation verifying the chemical usage, filter type, and filter lifetime. Over 100,000 Erlab ductless fume hoods are in use worldwide without failure, click to see why. Typical Applications : Animal Perfusion Dissolution Distillation Drying Evaporation Extraction Filtration Food Analysis Food Safety Microscopy Mixture source : www.erlab.com

Wearable airbag designed to protect seniors when they fall

 

The ActiveProtective airbag (pictured undeployed) reportedly reduces impact to the hip bones by 90 percent Image Gallery (6 images) For anyone who uses a car, collisions are an ever-present danger – that's why vehicles are equipped with safety features such as airbags. For senior citizens, however, simply falling down can also result in life-changing injuries. With that in mind, Pennsylvania-based company ActiveProtective is developing a wearable airbag that deploys in the event of a fall, to protect seniors' hip bones. ActiveProtective's Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Robert Buckman, first came up with the idea when working as a trauma surgeon. He noticed how many elderly people were being brought into hospitals with broken hips due to falls, and how they often never entirely recovered from the injuries. The resulting airbag is designed to be worn like a belt, either on top of or beneath the clothing. When its onboard 3D motion sensors detect atypical motion that's unique to falling, it uses a cold gas inflator (the same type used in seatbelt-mounted airbags) to deploy a slab-like airbag that runs down the sides of the hips. When the wearer hits the ground, the bag reduces impact force to the hip bones by a claimed 90 percent. Functional testing of the device is taking place at Operative Experience, a Maryland-based business also owned by Buckman that builds human cadaver simulators used for teaching combat casualty and emergency trauma surgery. Testing of the airbag has already begun, using a replica of a 90 year-old woman. So far, the results have reportedly been very promising. The company tells us that human trials are scheduled to begin this year, with commercialization planned for the end of 2016. Source: ActiveProtective via Free Enterprise

NASA, NOAA to Announce 2014 Global Temperature, Climate Conditions

 

January 14, 2015 MEDIA ADVISORY M15-008 Climate experts from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will announce the release of new data on 2014 global temperatures during a media teleconference at 11 a.m. EST Friday, Jan. 16. The scientists also will discuss 2014's most important weather and climate events. NASA and NOAA are two keepers of the world's temperature data and independently produce a record of Earth's surface temperatures, and changes based on historical observations over oceans and land. The 2014 global temperature analyses will be issued in a news release 30 minutes before the start of the teleconference. The teleconference panelists are: Michael Freilich, director of the Earth Science Division in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Headquarters, Washington Richard W. Spinrad, chief scientist with NOAA in Washington Gavin Schmidt, director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies in New York Thomas R. Karl, director of NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, North Carolina, and chair of the Subcommittee on Global Change Research for the U.S. Global Change Research Program in Washington Media can participate in the teleconference by calling 800-593-7128 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 212-547-0144 (international) and use the passcode "globe." Audio of the briefing, as well as supporting graphics, will stream live at: http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio For more information about NASA's Earth science programs, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/earthrightnow

2015 ainda é uma criança

Estou retomando minhas atividades nos meus blogs, e aproveito para desejar a todos um ano novo com muita saúde e paz, duas coisas com as quais todos nós sonhamos. Dinheiro é secundário, com saúde conseguimo-lo.

Que 2015 seja também um ano de paz no cenário internacional, que os governantes tenham juízo e que façam da diplomacia uma arma muito mais poderosa e eficiente do que qualquer outra cuja função é destruir.

A diplomacia, o entendimento, as boas relações entre os países fazem as engrenagens deste planeta rodarem suaves, silenciosas…..

JSMelo

New Tool for Depression

 

The loss of actor and comedian Robin Williams has opened up a national conversation on depression. There are many tools available for people to try and cope with this mental illness. Recent studies show that curcumin—an active component of the spice turmeric—is gaining attention for its antidepressant qualities. Curcumin was shown in a recent study to be as effective as the antidepressant medication fluoxetine (Prozac) in patients with major depressive disorder. Patients who took 1,000 millgrams (mg) of curcumin per day fared as well as those who took 20 mg of fluoxetine. Curcumin was also well tolerated, and the study authors concluded that it was effective and safe. Lead author Ajay Goel, PhD, said curcumin may also help alleviate short-term mood issues. He added that the spice’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a good choice for everyone. A recent eight-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder who took BCM-95 Curcumin (500 mg twice daily) had significantly more relief from symptoms than those taking placebo. Interestingly, the positive results were even greater in those with atypical depression, which is generally more difficult to treat. Researchers theorize that the anti-inflammatory power of curcumen may account for this finding. Sources: "Curcumin for the Treatment of Major Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study" by A. Lopresti et al., Journal of Affective Disorders, 6/1/14 “Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Major Depressive Disorder” by J. Sanmukhani et al., Phytother Res, 7/13 “Nature’s Prozac,” Prevention, 1/14

Anthropologist Steve Lansing - ScienceLives

 

Lansing is director of the Complexity Institute at Nanyang Technological University. He also is an external professor at the Santa Fe Institute, professor Emeritus at the University of Arizona and senior fellow at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, which advances research on the governance of social-ecological systems (such as the subaks), with a special emphasis on resilience. He is author of many books, including "Perfect Order: Recognizing Complexity in Bali," "Priests and Programmers: Technologies of Power in the Engineered Landscape of Bali," "The Balinese," and "The Three Worlds of Bali."

Credit: NSF