New Chromecast, Chromecast Audio want to stream everything for you

The new Chromecast comes in different colors (Credit: Google) On Tuesday, Google announced that it has sold over 20 million Chromecasts the past few years and now hopes to sell more by launching an improved second generation HDMI streaming dongle alongside a streaming audio-only version. The company introduced the new Chromecast and the Chromecast Audio at its big media event alongside new Nexus phones and a new Pixel convertible tablet The new, circular Chromecast is even smaller and more compact than the first generation and for some reason it comes in new colors – lemonade and coral – despite the fact that it should always be hidden out of sight behind your TV. Besides the snappy new look, the improvements in Chromecast 2.0 are basically incremental on the hardware side. Google's Chromecast head Mario Queiroz talked about improved antennas, better WiFi connectivity and showed a few graphs demonstrating the new Chromecast's ability to deliver higher throughput, even from a weak WiFi signal. That was about it. The new Chromecast gets improved WiFi antennas The more interesting piece of new Chromecast hardware is the new Chromecast Audio, which is similar in concept and look to its namesake, but instead plugs into your existing home speakers via 3.5 mm, RCA or optical ports. Like the original Chromecast with video, the idea here is to take whatever audio you control via your phone or tablet and "throw" it to a Chromecast Audio-connected speaker via WiFi. Get a sense of how both pieces of new hardware work in the below promotional video: Chromecast and Chromecast Audio enabled apps enclude Google Play Music, Pandora, TuneIn and most notably, Spotify, which has long been lacking the Chromecast support that was finally announced at the Google event. Like with the video Chromecast, the audio dongle supports guest access so there's the potential for new DJ battles, including from connected Android Wear devices. For apps that aren't Chromecast compatible, Chromecast Audio can also simply mirror whatever audio is playing on a connected device. It connects pretty simply once everything is powered up and there's also the ability to play the same audio simultaneously on multiple Chromecast Audio-connected speakers, possibly creating a poor man's solution to the multiple-room wireless audio system a la Sonos. In addition to the Spotify news, Google announced that Showtime programming is launching on the video Chromecast today and Sling TV is coming in the next few weeks, with support for NBA and NHL apps in the near future as well. A new and updated pair of apps for Chromecast Audio and Chromecast, respectively, were a big focus of the presentation. The revamped Chromecast app focuses on content discovery, acting as a sort of TV Guide for the available programming from the Cast-friendly apps installed on your device. There's also new programming search functions and playback controls, which guests can also control, built right into the app. The new app also pre-loads apps onto a connected Chromecast as soon as that app is open on the mobile device and Google says it is also working on a content pre-loading function that will attempt to predict what you want to watch and start to cache it before you even press play to reduce initial buffering. Google is also apparently excited about Chromecast's potential for gaming, providing an extended central display for games that can then use the connected phone as a controller or second screen for gaming. A demonstration of Angry Birds Go on stage was particularly compelling in displaying the casual group gaming potential. Both Chromecast and Chromecast Audio are available for online purchase today from the Google Play store for US$35 each. Source: Google http://www.gizmag.com/new-chromecast-chromecast-audio-details-2015/39639/

Endocrine Society releases scientific statement on endocrine-disrupting chemicals

 

Known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA) found in food can linings and cash register receipts, phthalates found in plastics and cosmetics, flame retardants and pesticides. The chemicals are so common that nearly every person on Earth has been exposed to one or more. Credit: © Voyagerix / Fotolia Emerging evidence ties endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure to two of the biggest public health threats facing society -- diabetes and obesity, according to the executive summary of an upcoming Scientific Statement issued today by the Endocrine Society. The statement's release comes as Society experts are addressing a global meeting, the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4), in Geneva, Switzerland, on the importance of using scientific approaches to limit health risks of EDC exposure. The statement builds upon the Society's groundbreaking 2009 report, which examined the state of scientific evidence on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the risks posed to human health. In the ensuing years, additional research has found that exposure is associated with increased risk of developing diabetes and obesity. Mounting evidence also indicates EDC exposure is connected to infertility, hormone-related cancers, neurological issues and other disorders. EDCs contribute to health problems by mimicking, blocking or otherwise interfering with the body's natural hormones. By hijacking the body's chemical messengers, EDCs can alter the way cells develop and grow. Known EDCs include bisphenol A (BPA) found in food can linings and cash register receipts, phthalates found in plastics and cosmetics, flame retardants and pesticides. The chemicals are so common that nearly every person on Earth has been exposed to one or more. An economic analysis published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in March estimated that EDC exposure likely costs the European Union €157 billion ($209 billion) a year in actual health care expenses and lost earning potential. "The evidence is more definitive than ever before -- EDCs disrupt hormones in a manner that harms human health," said Andrea C. Gore, Professor and Vacek Chair of Pharmacology at the University of Texas at Austin and chair of the task force that developed the statement. "Hundreds of studies are pointing to the same conclusion, whether they are long-term epidemiological studies in human, basic research in animals and cells, or research into groups of people with known occupational exposure to specific chemicals." The threat is particularly great when unborn children are exposed to EDCs. Animal studies found that exposure to even tiny amounts of EDCs during the prenatal period can trigger obesity later in life. Similarly, animal studies found that some EDCs directly target beta and alpha cells in the pancreas, fat cells, and liver cells. This can lead to insulin resistance and an overabundance of the hormone insulin in the body -- risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological studies of EDC exposure in humans also point to an association with obesity and diabetes, although the research design did not allow scientists to determine causality. The research offers insights into factors driving the rising rates of obesity and diabetes. About 35 percent of American adults are obese, and more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Society's Endocrine Facts and Figures report. The Scientific Statement also examines evidence linking EDCs to reproductive health problems, hormone-related cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer, prostate conditions, thyroid disorders and neurodevelopmental issues. Although many of these conditions were linked to EDCs by earlier research, the number of corroborating studies continues to mount. "It is clear we need to take action to minimize further exposure," Gore said. "With more chemicals being introduced into the marketplace all the time, better safety testing is needed to identify new EDCs and ensure they are kept out of household goods." In the statement, the Society calls for: Additional research to more directly infer cause-and-effect relationships between EDC exposure and health conditions. Regulation to ensure that chemicals are tested for endocrine activity, including at low doses, prior to being permitted for use. Calling upon "green chemists" and other industrial partners to create products that test for and eliminate potential EDCs. Education for the public and policymakers on ways to keep EDCs out of food, water and the air, as well as ways to protect unborn children from exposure. The statement also addresses the need to recognize EDCs as an international problem. Society members are currently meeting in Geneva for the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4). Attending members, including Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, MD, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Liège in Belgium, emphasize key principles of endocrinology that are confirmed by recent research need to be taken into account when developing policies for identifying and regulating endocrine-disrupting chemicals. "Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during early development can have long-lasting, even permanent consequences," said Bourguignon. "The science is clear and it's time for policymakers to take this wealth of evidence into account as they develop legislation."   http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150928124400.htm

Akiak The Adventure Dog

 

Posted: 26 Sep 2015 10:00 AM PDT

Henrik Vikse fait partie de ces aventuriers qui ont quitté leur travail pour partir vivre la vie en plein air. Accompagné de son fidèle Husky prénommé Akiak, Henrik explore des contrées sauvages de la Norvège. Pour immortaliser sa nouvelle vie, Henrik a choisi de photographier son chien au jour le jour, à travers les paysages vastes et enneigés. Plus sur son Instagram.

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A walk around the office can reverse vascular dysfunction caused by hours at a computer

 

The findings of this study indicated that blood flow in the popliteal -- an artery in the lower leg -- was greatly reduced after sitting at a desk for six hours, but that there is a simple way to reverse this. Credit: © StockRocket / Fotolia Across the country, many employees are seated at desks for the majority of an eight-hour workday. As technology creates an increase in sedentary lifestyles, the impact of sitting on vascular health is a rising concern. Now, researchers from the University of Missouri School of Medicine have found that when a person sits for six straight hours, vascular function is impaired -- but by walking for just 10 minutes after a prolonged period of sitting, vascular health can be restored. "It's easy for all of us to be consumed by work and lose track of time, subjecting ourselves to prolonged periods of inactivity," said Jaume Padilla, Ph.D., an assistant professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at the MU School of Medicine and lead author of the study. "However, our study found that when you sit for six straight hours, or the majority of an eight-hour work day, blood flow to your legs is greatly reduced. We also found that just 10 minutes of walking after sitting for an extended time reversed the detrimental consequences." During the study, the researchers compared the vascular function of 11 healthy young men before and after a period of prolonged sitting. The findings indicated that blood flow in the popliteal -- an artery in the lower leg -- was greatly reduced after sitting at a desk for six hours. Researchers then had the participants take a short walk, and found that 10 minutes of self-paced walking could restore the impaired vascular function and improve blood flow. "When you have decreased blood flow, the friction of the flowing blood on the artery wall, called shear stress, is also reduced," Padilla said. "Moderate levels of shear stress are good for arterial health, whereas low levels of shear stress appear to be detrimental and reduce the ability of the artery to dilate. Dilation is a sign of vascular health. The more the artery can dilate and respond to stimuli, the healthier it is." Many workplaces are sedentary environments, and the researchers said it's important that people understand the effects of sitting on their vascular health. By breaking up desk time with a short walk, workers can offset the harm caused to vascular blood vessels. "Studies have shown that sitting less can lead to better metabolic and cardiovascular health," Padilla said. "However, more research is needed to determine if repeated periods of reduced vascular function with prolonged sitting lead to long-term vascular complications." Story Source: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by University of Missouri-Columbia. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal Reference: Robert M. Restaino, Seth W. Holwerda, Daniel P. Credeur, Paul J. Fadel, Jaume Padilla. Impact of prolonged sitting on lower and upper limb micro- and macrovascular dilator function. Experimental Physiology, 2015; 100 (7): 829 DOI: 10.1113/EP085238   http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150928155906.htm

How To Fix a Computer That Won't Turn On

 

What To Do When Your Desktop, Laptop, or Tablet Won't Start It's an awful way to start a day... you press the power button on your computer and nothing happens. Few computer problems are more frustrating than when your computer won't boot. There are many reasons why a computer won't turn on and often very few clues about what might be the problem. The only symptom is usually the simple fact that "nothing works" which isn't much to go on. Add to this the fact that whatever is causing your computer not to start could be an expensive part of your PC to replace - like the motherboard or CPU. Do not fear because all may not be lost! Here's what you need to do: Read #1 below (it'll make you feel better). Pick the best troubleshooting guide (#2 - #9) based on how your computer is acting or #10 if your PC stops at any point because of an error message. Note: The "computer won't start" troubleshooting guides below apply to all PC devices. In other words, they'll help if your desktop or laptop won't turn on, or even if your tablet won't turn on. I'll call out any important differences along the way. Also, all are applicable no matter what Windows operating system you have installed on your hard drive, including Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7,Windows Vista, and Windows XP. Steps 1 through 5 even apply to other PC operating systems like Linux. Blend Images/Hill Street Studios/Vetta/Getty Images 1.  Don't Panic! Your Files are Probably OK When faced with a computer that won't start most people tend to panic, worried that all the data on their PC is gone forever. It's true that the most common reason a computer won't start is because a piece of hardware has failed or is causing a problem but that hardware isn't usually ahard drive, the part of your computer that stores all of your files. In other words, your music, documents, emails, and videos are probably safe - just not accessible at the moment. So take a deep breath and try to relax. There's a good chance you can figure out exactly why your computer won't start and then get it back up and running. Don't Want to Fix This Yourself? See How Do I Get My Computer Fixed? for a full list of your support options, plus help with everything along the way like figuring out repair costs, getting your files off, choosing a repair service, and a whole lot more. © Acer, Inc. 2.  Computer Shows No Sign of Power Try these steps if your computer will not turn on and is showing no sign at all of receiving power - no fans running and no lights on the laptop or tablet, nor on the front of the computer's case if you're using a desktop. Important: You may or may not see a light on the back of your desktop PC depending on the kind of power supply you have and the exact cause of the problem. This goes for the power adapter you may be using for your tablet or laptop as well. How To Fix a Computer That Shows No Sign of Power Note: Don't worry about the monitor yet, assuming you're using a desktop or an external display. If the computer is not turning on because of a power issue then the monitor certainly can't display anything from the computer. Your monitor light will likely be amber/yellow if your computer has stopped sending information to it. More » 3.  Computer Powers On... and Then Off Follow these steps if, when you turn your computer on, it promptly powers back off. You'll probably hear the fans inside your computer turn on, see some or all of the lights on your computer turn on or flash, and then it will all stop. You won't see anything on the screen and you may or may not hear beeps coming from the computer before it shuts off by itself. How To Fix a Computer That Turns On and Then Off Note: As in the previous scenario, don't worry about the state your external monitor is in, if you have one. You may have a monitor issue as well but it's not possible to troubleshoot it quite yet. More » © Dell, Inc. 4.  Computer Powers On But Nothing Happens If your computer seems to be receiving power after turning it on but you don't see anything on the screen, try these troubleshooting steps. In these situations, the power lights will stay on, you'll likely hear the fans inside your computer running (assuming it has any), and you may or may not hear one or more beeps coming from the computer. How To Fix a Computer That Turns On But Displays Nothing This situation is probably the most common in my experience working with computers that won't start. Unfortunately it's also one of the most difficult to troubleshoot. More » © Dell, Inc. 5.  Computer Stops or Continuously Reboots During the POST Use this guide when your computer powers on, shows at least something on the screen, but then stops, freezes, or reboots over and over again during the Power On Self Test (POST). The POST on your computer may happen in the background, behind your computer maker's logo (as shown here with the Dell laptop), or you may actually see frozen test results or other messages on the screen. How To Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During the POST Important: Don't use this troubleshooting guide if you encounter an issue during the loading of the operating system, which occurs after the Power On Self Test is complete. Troubleshooting Windows related reasons why your computer won't turn on begin with #6 below. More » 6.  Windows Begins to Load But Stops or Reboots on a BSOD If your computer begins to load Windows but then stops and displays a blue screen with information on it then try these steps. You may or may not see the Windows splash screen before the blue screen appears. This kind of error is called a STOP error but is more commonly referred to as aBlue Screen of Death or a BSOD. Receiving a BSOD error is a common reason why a computer won't turn on. How To Fix Blue Screen of Death Errors Important: Choose this troubleshooting guide even if the BSOD flashes on screen and your computer restarts automatically without giving you time to read what it says. More » 7.  Windows Begins to Load But Stops or Reboots Without an Error Try these steps when your computer powers on, starts to load Windows, but then freezes, stops, or reboots over and over again without generating any kind of error message. The stopping, freezing, or reboot loop may happen on the Windows splash screen (shown here) or even on a black screen, with or without a flashing cursor. How To Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During Windows Startup Important: If you suspect that the Power On Self Test is still going on and that Windows has not yet started to boot, a better troubleshooting guide for why your computer won't turn on might be #5 above. It's a fine line and sometimes hard to tell. Note: If your computer won't start and you see a blue screen flash or remain on the screen, you're experiencing a Blue Screen of Death and should use troubleshooting guide #6 above. More » 8.  Windows Repeatedly Returns to Startup Settings or ABO Use this guide when nothing but the Startup Settings (Windows 8 - shown here) or Advanced Boot Options (Windows 7/Vista/XP) screen appears every time your restart your computer and none of the Windows startup options work. In this situation, no matter which Safe Mode option you choose, your computer eventually stops, freezes, or restarts on its own, after which you find yourself right back at the Startup Settings or Advanced Boot Options menu. How To Fix a Computer That Always Stops at Startup Settings or Advanced Boot Options This is a particularly annoying way in which your computer won't turn on because you're trying to use Windows' built-in ways to solve your problem but you're getting nowhere with them. More » 9.  Windows Stops or Reboots On or After the Login Screen Try this troubleshooting guide when your computer powers on, Windows shows the login screen, but then freezes, stops, or reboots here or anytime after. How To Fix Stopping, Freezing, and Reboot Issues During Windows Login The stopping, freezing, or reboot loop may happen on the Windows login screen, as Windows is logging you in (as shown here), or any time up to Windows fully loading. More » NTLDR is Missing. 10.  Computer Doesn't Fully Start Because of an Error Message If your computer turns on but then stops or freezes at any point, showing an error message of any kind, then use this troubleshooting guide. Error messages are possible at any stage during your computer's boot process, including during the POST, at any time during the loading of Windows, all the way up to the Windows desktop appearing. How To Fix Errors Seen During the Computer Startup Process Note: The only exception to using this troubleshooting guide for an error message is if the error is a Blue Screen of Death. See #6 above for a better troubleshooting guide for BSOD issues. More » More "Computer Won't Turn On" Tips Still can't get your computer to turn on? See Get More Help for information about contacting me for more help on social networks or via email, posting on tech support forums, and more.   http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbysymptom/tp/computer-wont-turn-on.htm

Why Is Junk Food So Popular? Here Are Three Reasons

 

Dwight Eschliman/Getty Images Updated November 01, 2014. Question: If junk food is so bad for the body and bad quality overall, why is it so popular? You'd think no one would touch it." Mimi -- About.com User Answer: That's a really good question, and I certainly can't say that I have the answer. I do have some thoughts on the subject -- and maybe one or more are correct, so here goes: First, let me back up and define 'junk foods.' Basically, it's the stuff you eat that has little to no nutritional value, usually combined with ingredients that are bad for you, or is high in calories, when consumed in excess. So that means candy, chips, cookies, cake, sugary soft drinks, greasy burgers, hot dogs, French fries, ice cream, and most things that served at fast food restaurants qualify as junk foods. So why do so many people eat junk foods? Here's three possible reasons: #1 It's Cheap I think one big reason junk food is popular is because a lot of it is cheap to buy. I mean you can go to most any fast food restaurant and order something off a 'dollar' menu of some sort. If you have a couple of bucks in your wallet you can buy a full meal.  Same story at the grocery store. Cheap snacks, inexpensive high-sodium and high-fat meals can be found on the shelves. Healthier foods -- like fresh fruits and vegetables -- tend to be more expensive. Those bags or cups of instant ramen noodles cost less than 50 cents, whereas an orange costs a dollar.  Although a lot of junk food is cheap to buy up front, I think the argument can be made that cheap junk foods end up being more expensive in the long run due to their negative impact on health. #2 It's Easy This reason goes along with the being cheap part. Junk food is lurking in vending machines, convenience stores, and even stores that don't normally sell food items might have snacks and sodas near the cashiers. And those instant meals I already mentioned? They're easy to prepare, and you can store a bunch of them in your kitchen cabinets for a long time.  Of course, fast foods live up to the name. You can order a fast food meal and then eat it a minute or two later. Or you can order your meal from your car to can save time by wolfing it down while you drive away. That drive-thru thing isn't good, though. Not only is the food bad for your health, but dropped fries can accumulate in your car, under the seat. And that gets kind of gross. #3 It's Sweet, Fatty or Salty (Or All Three) Rarely do junk foods tempt you with delicate or complicated flavors. They pretty much hit you hard with sweet, fatty and salty flavors. I think those simple flavors might be preferred by people who are picky eaters -- it could be the slightly bitter flavor of many vegetables turns some people off, especially kids.  But it's more than flavor. Various combinations of sugar and fat make for textures people like. Fat makes foods feel smooth and creamy, like ice cream. Starchy potato and corn chips cooked in hot oil have a satisfying crunch. That's not to say that healthy foods don't have a nice texture, but sometimes the textures of fresh fruits and vegetables take a little getting used to. Then It Becomes a Habit Since junk foods are easy to find, easy to make, and a lot of them just flat out taste good, consuming them becomes a habit. That's the real problem. I mean eating a candy bar now and then or snarfing down a bag of fries once in awhile isn't all that big a deal. But when junk foods make up a big part of your daily diet, then you run the risk of becoming overweight and obese, plus you're not going to get enough of the nutrients and fiber your body needs for good health. So, next time you find yourself standing in line at a burger joint or staring at a vending machine, think about how your choice could affect your health. Then walk away and find something better. http://nutrition.about.com/od/recipesmenus/fl/Why-Is-Junk-Food-So-Popular-Heres-Three-Reasons.htm

Cientistas explicam mistério dos raros fumantes de pulmões saudáveis

 

James Gallagher Correspondente de Saúde, BBC News Predisposição genética das pessoas é chave inclusive para desenvolver novos medicamentos Por que algumas pessoas parecem ter pulmões saudáveis apesar de fumarem muito e por muitos anos? Após analisarem mais de 50 mil casos, cientistas britânicos chegaram à uma conclusão. O estudo, feito pela equipe da agência de pesquisa do governo Medical Resarch Council, mostrou que mutações no DNA das pessoas aprimoram as funções pulmonares e mascaram o impacto mortal causado pelo cigarro. Segundo os cientistas, a descoberta pode culminar na criação de novos medicamentos para melhorar as funções pulmonares. No entanto, eles fizeram questão de ressaltar que não fumar será sempre é melhor opção. Usando dados de condições de saúde e informações genéticas de voluntários, os pesquisadores analisaram problemas como a chamada doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC), que pode causar falta de ar, tosse e infecções. Ao se comparar fumantes e não fumantes, e também pessoas com e sem DPOC, os pesquisadores descobriram trechos do DNA que reduzem o risco da doença. Assim, fumantes com "bons genes" tinham um risco menor de desenvolver DPOC do que os que tinham "genes ruins". Pesquisadores fizeram questão de ressaltar que não há nenhuma solução mágica que vá garantir proteção contra o tabaco Segundo o professor da Universidade de Leicester Martin Tobin, um dos pesquisadores do estudo, os genes parecem afetar a maneira com que os pulmões crescem e respondem aos danos. "Não há nenhuma solução mágica que garanta proteção contra o fumo. Essas pessoas ainda terão pulmões menos saudáveis do que teriam se não fumassem", disse Tobin à BBC. "A melhor coisa que alguém pode fazer para evitar a DPOC e outras doenças relacionadas ao cigarro, como o câncer, é parar de fumar." O hábito de fumar também aumenta o risco de doenças do coração e de vários tipos de câncer – nada disso foi analisado no estudo. Os cientistas também descobriram parte do código genético que é mais comum em fumantes do que em não-fumantes. Ainda é necessário mais pesquisa, mas os cientistas afirma que essa diferença parece alterar as funções cerebrais e o grau de facilidade que cada um se vicia em nicotina. "(A descoberta) traz fantásticas novas pistas sobre como o corpo trabalha, em áreas que tínhamos pouco conhecimento antes. São descobertas que podem culminar em incríveis progressos em termos de desenvolvimento de novos remédios", afirmou Tobin. O estudo foi apresentando em um encontro da European Respiratory Society e publicado na revista científica Lancet Respiratory Medicine. O chefe de pesquisas da British Lung Foundation, Ian Jarrold, afirmou à BBC: "Essa descoberta representa um passo significativo para obtermos uma visão mais clara sobre o fascinante e intrincado funcionamento dos pulmões." "Entender a predisposição genética é essencial não apenas para nos ajudar a desenvolver novos tratamentos para pessoas com doenças no pulmão, mas também nos ensina sobre como pessoas saudáveis podem cuidar melhor de seus pulmões."   http://www.bbc.com/portuguese/noticias/2015/09/150928_genetica_fumantes_mdb.shtml

Well, Hello There

 

Aug 23, 2015 Photograph by Laura Keene, National Geographic Your Shot “It was a surreal experience to be in the presence of these magnificent creatures,” writes Your Shot member Laura Keene of photographing this seemingly approachable pair of bears in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Keene says they stood and appeared to wave in greeting when a nearby pair of cubs captured their attention. Polar bears, she says, “congregate on the barrier islands off Kaktovik in northern Alaska every fall to partake of leftovers from Inupiat whaling [activity] before the Beaufort Sea freezes and they move on to hunt seal.” http://photography.nationalgeographic.com/photography/photo-of-the-day/polar-bears-waving-alaska/

10 Things to Know About Thyroid Disease, Foods and Drinks

 

Lori Andrews/Moment/Getty Images Written or medically reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Policy. Updated December 20, 2014. (Links are in blue =CTRL+Click to open them) For people with thyroid disease -- whether hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid), Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease, or other conditions, there are some important things to know about foods and drinks, and their interaction with your health and medications. Here are ten things to know about thyroid conditions and your diet, food and beverages. 1. About Goitrogenic Foods Goitrogens are substances -- occurring naturally in certain foods -- that can cause the thyroid gland to enlarge, which is called a goiter. Goitrogenic foods can also function like an antithyroid drug and actually slow down the thyroid and make it underactive (hypothyroidism.) The main goitrogenic foods are cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage, among others, as well as soy foods. Here is a more detailed list of common goitrogens. If you still have a functional (or semi-functional thyroid gland), and are hypothyroid, you should be careful not to overconsume raw goitrogenic foods. If you are hyperthyroid, you may want to talk to a nutritional practitioner about incorporating more goitrogenic foods into your diet. If you are hypothyroid, you don't need to avoid goitrogenic foods entirely. The enzymes involved in the formation of goitrogenic materials in plants can be at least partially destroyed by heat, allowing you to enjoy these foods in moderation if they are steamed or cooked. If you are hypothyroid, you don't need to avoid goitrogenic foods entirely. The enzymes involved in the formation of goitrogenic materials in plants can be at least partially destroyed by heat, allowing you to enjoy these foods in moderation if they are steamed or cooked. 2. Coconut Oil You may hear coconut oil recommended for thyroid patients, and while it can be a healthful option, it's not a cure-all or treatment for thyroid disease. It's just a thyroid-friendly option to replace other fats and oils in your diet. 3. Soy May Be a Problem Soy both acts as a goitrogen, and inhibits thyroid hormone absorption. Don't overconsume soy, especially processed and high-phytoestrogen forms of soy, like shakes, powders, soy milk, bars, and supplements. You may want to eliminate soy, or limit soy consumption to fermented forms, like tempeh, in small quantities as a condiment, and not as a primary protein replacement. If you are hyperthyroid, you may want to talk to a nutritional practitioner about incorporating more soy into your diet. 4. Coffee And Thyroid Medication You should not take coffee until an hour after you've taken your thyroid hormone replacement medication. Otherwise, the coffee can affect absorption, and make your thyroid medication less effective. (Note: if you absolutely must have both your thyroid medication and coffee at the same time, talk to your physician about the liquid, capsule form of levothyroxine, which is apparently not affected by coffee.) 5. Calcium-Fortified Orange Juice And Your Thyroid Medication You should not take calcium-fortified orange juice with your thyroid medication. Wait at least three to four hours after taking your thyroid medication before taking calcium-fortified juice, calcium supplements, or iron supplements, as they can interfere with your absorption of thyroid medication. 6. Iodized Salt In some areas of the world, iodized salt is an essential way to prevent iodine deficiency, cretinism and retardation due to iodine deficiency in pregnant women. In the U.S., however, many people have limited their salt intake, or stopped using iodized salt. Keep in mind that about one-fourth of the U.S. population is now somewhat deficient in iodine, and that percentage appears to be on the rise again, after years of stable iodine levels (due to iodized salt intake.) You need enough iodine -- but not too much -- for the thyroid to function properly. 7. Celiac, Gluten and Wheat A subset of autoimmune thyroid patients have dietary-triggered autoimmunity, due to celiac disease, or a wheat/gluten intolerance. For these patients, going on a gluten-free diet may eliminate antibodies, and cause a remission of their autoimmune thyroid disease. Even for some patients who do not have celiac disease, going on a gluten-free diet may reduce antibodies, reduce bloating, and help with energy and weight loss. 8. High-Fiber Foods Many thyroid patients struggle with constipation, and extra weight. One of the key tactics that can help is increasing fiber intake, particularly from foods. Here is a list of high-fiber foods for thyroid patients. Keep in mind, however, that if you switch to a high-fiber diet, you should get your thyroid rechecked in eight to twelve weeks to see if you need a dosage readjustment, as fiber can affect absorption of medication. 9. Mini-Meals Many people hear that to raise metabolism, you should eat "mini-meals" -- or "graze" all day on smaller meals. But this may be exactly the wrong thing to do for thyroid patients who are trying to lose weight. The reason why fewer meals, spaced further apart may be more effective for thyroid patients than mini-meals and grazing is in helping to manage the leptin and insulin levels. 10. Water One of the most powerful things thyroid patients can do to help their health and metabolism is to drink enough water. Water helps your metabolism function more efficiently, and can help reduce your appetite, get rid of water retention and bloating, improve your digestion and elimination, and combat constipation. Some experts even say that we should drink one ounce of water per pound of scale weight.   source :http://thyroid.about.com/od/thyroidbasicsthyroid101/a/10-Things-To-Know-About-Thyroid-Disease-Foods-And-Drinks.htm

What powers the pumping heart?

 

Led by University of Toronto Physiology Professor Anthony Gramolini and his collaborator, Professor Thomas Kislinger in the Department of Medical Biophysics, the team used high-throughput methods to identify more than 500 membrane proteins on the surfaces of cardiac contractile cells, which are likely to have a critical role in normal heart function. Credit: Image courtesy of University of Toronto Researchers at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research have uncovered a treasure trove of proteins, which hold answers about how our heart pumps -- a phenomenon known as contractility. Led by University of Toronto Physiology Professor Anthony Gramolini and his collaborator, Professor Thomas Kislinger in the Department of Medical Biophysics, the team used high-throughput methods to identify more than 500 membrane proteins on the surfaces of cardiac contractile cells, which are likely to have a critical role in normal heart function. The proteins may also play a part in heart failure and abnormal heartbeat patterns known as arrhythmias. "In addition to providing a new understanding of what makes our hearts pump, these findings could also help researchers uncover new information about how heart disease affects the signal pathways in our hearts. That might pave the way to find ways to prevent or reverse those changes," says Gramolini. During the study, the researchers found about 500 novel molecules that have been conserved throughout evolution. These molecules haven't been studied in the heart and little is known about what they do in other tissues. The group's research focused on a protein called transmembrane protein 65 (Tmem65). By studying human stem cells and zebrafish using cell imaging and biochemical techniques, the researchers discovered that Tmem65 is involved in communication and electrical processes known as electrical coupling and calcium signaling. The team showed that Tmem65 regulates the connection point between adjacent cardiac contractile cells where it contributes to making the heart contract normally. Removing the protein had fatal consequences. The team also identified Tmem65 as the first critical tool for stem-cell researchers to monitor the maturation of cells in the heart's two main chambers, known as ventricles. "These proteins are theoretically targetable for intervention as well as basic study. In this study, our focus was on Tmem65, but there are 555 proteins that we identified and showed that they are present throughout many species and are conserved throughout evolution-- at least in the mouse and the human -- in the heart's membrane-enriched contractile cells. Tmem65 was only the number-one candidate in our study, but theoretically, we have 554 other proteins to work through," says Gramolini. The study, published in Nature Communications, also provides the first resource of healthy human and mouse heart-cell proteins that will help scientists develop a better understanding the mechanisms involved in cardiac disease. Gramolini says the findings are essential for understanding cardiac biology and hopes they open the door for further study into health and disease in his lab and others. "We need to figure out what all of these molecules are doing. My team and I hope our research sets the stage for other people to begin to pick up some of this work," says Gramolini. "These are molecules that haven't been studied, but must play some role in heart function. If a protein is conserved in evolution, generally it must have a critical function. We are very excited to look at the role of a number of these new proteins." Story Source: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by University of Toronto. The original item was written by Erin Howe. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. Journal Reference: Parveen Sharma, Cynthia Abbasi, Savo Lazic, Allen C. T. Teng, Dingyan Wang, Nicole Dubois, Vladimir Ignatchenko, Victoria Wong, Jun Liu, Toshiyuki Araki, Malte Tiburcy, Cameron Ackerley, Wolfram H. Zimmermann, Robert Hamilton, Yu Sun, Peter P. Liu, Gordon Keller, Igor Stagljar, Ian C. Scott, Thomas Kislinger, Anthony O. Gramolini.Evolutionarily conserved intercalated disc protein Tmem65 regulates cardiac conduction and connexin 43 function. Nature Communications, 2015; 6: 8391 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9391 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150925131425.htm