The Scientist's Mind

LAVIV - Wrinkles

2011-11-15T15:33:00.001-08:00

LAVIV is the first FDA approved cellular therapy to treat the wrinkles of the laugh lines of the smile lines. LAVIV is unlike the facial fillers made of hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. The Miami Institute in Brickell is the first practice in South Florida to start using this novel treatment.The cost for LAVIV treatment is between $3,000 and $3,500.

Proprietary Name: LAVIV®

Established (USAN) Name: azficel-T

Indication: LAVIV® is indicated for improvement of the appearance of moderate to severe nasolabial fold wrinkles in adults.

Product description

The active ingredient in azficel-T is autologous cultured fibroblasts. The fibroblasts are cultured, using standard methodologies, from three 3-mm punch biopsies (dermal and epidermal layers) taken from a patient’s post-auricular area. Fibroblasts, due to their proliferative nature, expand more rapidly in culture than the other dermal cell types present, such as keratinocytes. Fibroblasts represent more than 98% of the final product. Following in vitro expansion, the fibroblasts are harvested and quality control tests are performed. The cell suspension is cryopreserved in protein-free media containing DMSO at a defined cell concentration. When required for clinical use, a dose of cells is thawed, washed, formulated to 1.0–2.0 x 107 cells/ml and shipped to the clinical site at 2-8°C by overnight delivery for use within 24 hours of final formulation. The cells are injected intradermally into the nasolabial folds in three separate doses given four to six weeks apart.

No preclinical studies were conducted with azficel-T.

Approximately 1100 subjects received azficel-T at 110 clinics during the 4-year period when the product was marketed in the US (see section 2 Background above). The applicant states that no serious adverse events were reported during this time. Considering this previous commercial experience in humans, and due to the lack of an appropriate animal model for wrinkles, no preclinical studies using azficel-T were necessary.

Efficacy
The co-primary efficacy endpoints for the two pivotal trials were:

Proportion of subjects with at least a two-point improvement, from baseline to six months post-treatment, in wrinkles in both nasolabial folds, using the Evaluator Wrinkle Severity Assessment, a blinded, live assessment using a 6-point ordinal scale (Lemperle scale).

Proportion of subjects with at least a two-point improvement, from baseline to six months post-treatment, in the Subject Wrinkle Assessment, a global 5-point self-assessment of the lower part of the face.

SOURCE:

Summary Basis for Regulatory Action, Date: June 20, 2011, BLA/ STN#: 125348/0

New Facial Filler Available in Miami NBC Miami, Nov 9, 2011

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/New-Facial-Filler-now-available-in-Miami-133393038.html

Thunder God Vine

2011-11-11T17:36:00.001-08:00

Thunder God Vine has been applied in relieving autoimmunedisorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, andfor treating cancer. [4]

In the past four decades, the anticancer activities of theThunder God Vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) extracts from this medicinal herbhave attracted intensive attention by researchers worldwide. The diterpenoidepoxide triptolide and the quinone triterpene celastrol are two importantbioactive ingredients that show a divergent therapeutic profile and can perturb multiple signal pathways.[1] Triptolide, a chemical from Thunder God Vine, was found to have anti-canceractivity. In a study, it inhibited proteasomal activity and induced apoptosisin human breast and prostate cancer cells. [2] Celastrol, another chemicaloriginally identified from Thunder of God Vine, it is generally used for thetreatment of inflammatory and auto-immune diseases. Celastrol has potentialbenefits of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. The anti-inflammatoryeffects of this triterpene have been demonstrated in animal models of differentinflammatory diseases, including arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, andsystemic lupus erythematosus. This triterpene has also been found to inhibitthe proliferation of a variety of tumor cells and suppress tumor initiation,promotion and metastasis in various cancer models in vivo. Celastrol's abilityto modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, MHC II, HO-1, iNOS,NF-κB, Notch-1, AKT/mTOR, CXCR4, TRAIL receptors DR4 and DR5, CHOP, JNK, VEGF, adhesionmolecules, proteasome activity, topoisomerase II, potassium channels, and heatshock response has been reported. [3,5,7-9]

[1] Liu Z, et al, The main anticancer bullets ofthe Chinese medicinal herb, thunder god vine. Molecules. 2011 Jun23;16(6):5283-97. [2] Lu L, et al, Inhibition of tumor cellular proteasomeactivity by triptolide extracted from the Chinese medicinal plant 'thunder godvine'. Anticancer Res. 2011 Jan;31(1):1-10. [3] Kannaiyan R, et al, Moleculartargets of celastrol derived from Thunder of God Vine: potential role in thetreatment of inflammatory disorders and cancer. Cancer Lett. 2011 Apr1;303(1):9-20. [4] Law SK, et al, Molecular analyses of the Chinese herbLeigongteng (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f.). Phytochemistry. 2011Jan;72(1):21-6. [5] Salminen A, et al, Celastrol: Molecular targets of ThunderGod Vine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010 Apr 9;394(3):439-42. [7] Pang X, etal, Celastrol suppresses angiogenesis-mediated tumor growth through inhibitionof AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Cancer Res. 2010 Mar 1;70(5):1951-9.[8] Davenport A, et al, Celastrol and an EGCG pro-drug exhibit potentchemosensitizing activity in human leukemia cells. Int J Mol Med. 2010Mar;25(3):465-70. [9] Chen M, et al, Celastrol synergistically enhancestemozolomide cytotoxicity in melanoma cells. Mol Cancer Res. 2009Dec;7(12):1946-53.

Dan Shen Herb - Drug Interaction

2011-10-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

Herbal medicines are often administered in combination with drugs, raising the potential of herb-drug interactions. Cases have been published reporting enhanced anticoagulation and bleeding when patients on long-term warfarin therapy also took dan shen herb. [1] Interactions between herbal medicines and drugs can occur and may lead to serious clinical consequences. There are other theoretical interactions indicated by preclinical data. Both pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic mechanisms may also play a role in these interactions, dependent on the nature of the drug substance.

Dan Shen herb extract is widely used for the treatment and prevention of coronary heart disease and some other diseases. Dan Shen herb extract and theophylline are prescribed together to treat patients with asthma in some areas. In human, theophylline with low therapeutic index is mainly metabolized by CYP1A2. In vitro findings have shown that human CYP1A2 is inhibited by the ethyl acetate extract of Dan Shen Herb and Dan Shen pharmaceutical product. Thus, one may expect that there may be drug interactions between Dan Shen extract and theophylline (CYP1A2 substrate). However, it was found that long-term oral intake of Dan Shen Herb extract does not change the basic pharmacokinetic parameters of theophylline in healthy subjects. Dose adjustment of theophylline thus may not be necessary in patients receiving concomitant therapy with Dan Shen extract. [2]

Dan Shan Herb contains protocatechualdehyde, salvianolic acid B, tanshinone II(A), cryptotanshinone, etc. Some Dan Shen components in the hydrophilic extract depress the absorption of the protocatechualdehyde in rats, on the contrary, enhance the absorption of the salvianolic acid B and depress its elimination rate. The concomitant components in the lipophilic extract might enhance the absorption of cryptotanshinone and its distribution from the centre compartment to the peripheral compartment, and the metabolism to tanshinone II(A). [3]

Thus, the 'concomitant components' in the extract of Chinese material medica had significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of its 'active components'. It can not only be rival, synergic, but also have the effects on metabolism. Therefore the traditional Chinese medicine was a complicated system, It should be taken a scientific and dialectic view in the research and development processes. [3]

Strong protein (albumin) binding of Dan Shen (50-70%) in serum was observed. Salicylate, a chemical, is also strongly bound to albumin; it is also a widely used over-the-counter medicine in the U.S., we studied Danshen-salicylate interaction in vitro. No significant change in free Dan shen concentrations was observed when salicylate concentrations were subtherapeutic (< or = 100 microg/mL). However, with therapeutic concentrations of salicylate (> or = 150 microg/mL), the free Dan Shen concentrations significantly decreased. On the other hand, Dan Shen potentially displaced salicylate from protein binding, thereby increasing the free salicylate concentration.

[1] Hu Z, et al, Herb-drug interactions: a literature review. Drugs. 2005;65(9):1239-82. [2] Qiu F, Effect of danshen extract on pharmacokinetics of theophylline in healthy volunteers.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Feb;65(2):270-4. [3] Song M, et al, Pharmacokinetic interactions between the main components in the extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. in rat Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2007 Mar;42(3):301-7. [4] Gupta D, et al, Drug-herb interactions: unexpected suppression of free Danshen concentrations by salicylate. J Clin Lab Anal. 2002;16(6):290-4.

hERG, long QT syndrome and chemotherapy

2011-10-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

According to Wikipedia (October 5, 2011), hERG (the human Ether-à-go-go Related Gene) is a gene (KCNH2) that codes for a protein known as Kv11.1 potassium ion channel. This ion channel (sometimes simply denoted as 'hERG') is best known for its contribution to the electrical activity of the heart that coordinates the heart's beating (i.e., the hERG channel mediates the repolarizing IKr current in the cardiac action potential). When this channel's ability to conduct electrical current across the cell membrane is inhibited or compromised, either by application of drugs or by rare mutations in some families, it can result in a potentially fatal disorder called long QT syndrome; a number of clinically successful drugs in the market have had the tendency to inhibit hERG, and create a concomitant risk of sudden death, as an unwanted side effect, which has made hERG inhibition an important antitarget which must be avoided during drug development. therapeutic agents that can increase I(Kr)and are useful for LQT syndrome.

In the other words, hERG potassium channels are essential for normal electrical activity in the heart. Changes in the hERG gene lead to a long QT syndrome. LQT syndrome is a disorder causing arrhythmias. Arrhythmia can also be induced by certain drugs, hERG channels blockers. This unwanted effect is a common reason to cause drug failure in preclinical safety studies.

Picard S. (not Enterprise Captain Picard) and his group from Université de Caen,France, pointed out that almost all medicines withdrawn from the market because of life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (torsades-de-pointes) were hERG blockers and QT interval delayers.

Recently, Jehle J from Medical University Hospital, Germany, and co-workers reported that hERG K(+) channels are also expressed in a variety of cancer cells where they control cell proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, hERG K(+) channels may be a drug target in anticancer therapy.

Linoleic acid benefits..side effects

2011-09-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Linoleic acid (LA) is an unsaturated n-6 fatty acid. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. In physiological literature, it has a lipid number of 18:2(n-6). Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid used in the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid (AA) and thus some prostaglandins. It is found in the lipids of cell membranes. Thus, a lack of linoleic acid and other n-6 fatty acids in the diet causes dry hair, hair loss, and poor wound healing. It is abundant in many foods, especially plant oils, thus, a deficiency in linoleic acid is almost impossible. [Wikipedia, 2011]

Epidemiological studies show that Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) dietary intake significantly lowers blood LDL-cholesterol levels. In addition, n-6 PUFA intake lower several cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, inflammatory markers, haemostatic parameters and obesity. [2] However, a study of 2069 men and women, linoleic acid intake was inversely associated with total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in women but not in men. Linoleic acid intake was not associated with the ratio of total to HDL-cholesterol. No association was observed between linoleic acid intake and CHD incidence. [1]

An international cross-sectional epidemiological study of 4680 men and women ages 40 to 59 suggests associations of linoleic acid intake of individuals with their blood pressure. Dietary linoleic acid intake may contribute to prevention and control of adverse blood pressure levels in general populations. [3]

Linoleic acid (LA) is know to induce proliferation and invasion in breast cancer cells. [4] Linoleic acid stimulated growth of the MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines in culture. [5]Human MCF-7 breast cancer cells were incubated for 12 d in culture medium supplemented with various concentrations (1.78-7.14 x 10(-5) M) of linoleic acid (LA) or CLA. Linoleic acid initially stimulated MCF-7 cell growth with an optimal effect at concentrations of 3.57-7.14 x 10(-5) M, but was inhibitory at similar concentrations after 8 and 12 d of incubation. [6] Thus, at certain concentrations, linoleic acid is a cancer-enhancer while at certain concentrations, it is an anti-cancer agent.

___________________________________

[1] de Goede J, et al,Linoleic acid intake, plasma cholesterol and 10-year incidence of CHD in 20 000 middle-aged men and women in the Netherlands. Br J Nutr. 2011 Aug 5:1-7.

[2] Czernichow S, N-6 fatty acids and cardiovascular health: dietary intake recommendations Med Sci (Paris). 2011 Jun-Jul;27(6-7):614-8.

[3] Miura K, et al, Relationship of dietary linoleic acid to blood pressure. The International Study of Macro-Micronutrients and Blood Pressure Study [corrected]. Hypertension. 2008 Aug;52(2):408-14.

[4] Espinosa-Neira R et al, Linoleic acid induces an EMT-like process in mammary epithelial cells MCF10A. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2011 Sep 16.

[5] Rose DP, Connolly JM. Stimulation of growth of human breast cancer cell lines in culture by linoleic acid. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1989 Oct 16;164(1):277-83.

[6] Shultz TD, Chew BP, Seaman WR., Differential stimulatory and inhibitory responses of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells to linoleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid in culture. Anticancer Res. 1992 Nov-Dec;12(6B):2143-5

How Much Electricity Does Google Consume Each Year?

2011-09-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

A PCMag article catches my eyes -How Much Electricity Does Google Consume Each Year?

Now, you guess the answer:

A. 200.01 thousand megawatt hour

B. 5.06 thousand megawatt hour

C. 2.26 million megawatt hour

The answer is C. It generated about 2.26 million megawatt hours of electricity in 2010! The news further says, in 2010, before Google offset its emissions, it generated a total of 1.46 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. Google says, 100 searches are equal to a 60-watt light bulb burning for 28 minutes! Each Gmail user uses 2.2 kilowatt hours each year and generates 1.2 kilograms of carbon dioxide.

For details, please, visit: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2392654,00.asp

Ginger root benefits and side effects

2011-09-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ginger is a popular "ingredient" in Asian dishes. When you walk into a Japanese restaurant and order a lunch bento (box), you probably will find a side dish of ginger slices. Or when you order steamed fish in a local Chinese restaurant, more or less, you may find slices of green onion and ginger on the fish! The dish is delicious and healthy. Ginger root may have many benefits and its benefits are definitely related to its unique composition. Here is a brief summary of its benefits --

Ginger root extract was found to significantly decrease serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride and blood pressure in diabetic rats. Ginger root extract was also demonstrated to reduce rat paw and skin edema. Ginger root extract may also have benefits on treating osteoarthritis, as researchers found ginger decreased the production of inflammatory mediators in sow osteoarthrotic cartilage explants.

One important ginger root benefit is its effect on tumors. Adding ginger root extract into drinking water was found to reduce the risk of mammary tumor in study of mice. Dietary ginger constituents, galanals A and B, are found tobe potent apoptosis inducers in Human T lymphoma Jurkat cells In addition, the rhizome of ginger contains pungent vanillyl ketones, including [6]-gingerol and [6]-paradol, and has been reported to possess a strong anti-inflammatory activity. These pungent substances have a vanilloid structure found in other chemopreventive phytochemicals, including curcumin. Topical application of [6]-gingerol or [6]-paradol 30 min prior to 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) attenuated the skin papillomagenesis initiated by 7,12 dimethylbenz[a] anthracene in female ICR mice.

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS), such as nitric oxide (NO) and its derivatives, e.g. peroxynitrite

(ONOO-), have been proposed as being able to influence signal transduction and cause DNA

damage, contributing to carcinogenic processes. While, [6]-gingerol is found to be a potent inhibitor of NO synthesis and also an effective protector against peroxynitrite-mediated damage. [10] While, other researchers found that 6-gingerol induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells. However, this activity was not related its anti-oxidative activity. Though most of these studies are in vitro, I expect ginger may have somewhat benefits for people at risk of cancer. Further, it has been shown that Ginger root may benefit people at risk of diabetes gingerol-treated cells increase insulin-sensitive glucose uptake. Thus, ginger may enhance the insulin-sensitivity, and improve chronic disease, such as diabetes.

Ginger root may also benefit people at risk of Alzheimer’s disease An important feature for Alzheimer's disease is neuritic plaque. Neuritic plaques are extracellular deposits of beta-amyloid peptides (Abeta). In the central nervous system neuritic plaques are surrounded by activated microglial cells expressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and neurotoxic mediators. Long-term activation of microglial cells is suspected to contribute to the neuron loss in Alzheimer's disease.

What are the ginger root side effects?

WWW.ZHION.COM September 6, 2011

Ginger root probably does not have much serious side effects. In general, ginger appears to be safe. Side effects of ginger were not reported in most studies. A study of healthy subjects reports no severe ginger side effects, based on biochemistry data. [24] While studies of treating nausea and vomiting or of cancer patients reported side effects and the side effects are gastrointestinal
disturbance, sleepiness, restless, sedation and heartburn. Finally, ginger may interact with surgical medications including anesthesia, leading to arrhythmias, poor wound healing, bleeding, photosensitivity reaction, and prolonged sedation. Ginger has may also interact with certain anticoagulants and analgesics to cause bleeding.

University of Maryland September 6, 2011

Side effects associated with ginger are rare, but if taken in excessive doses the herb may cause mild heartburn, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth. Some of the mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as belching, heartburn, or stomach upset

eHow.com September 6, 2011

When used in reasonable doses, there are few or no side effects, but it may interact with certain medications. Larger doses are more likely to cause side effects. The most common side effects of taking ginger root are mild heartburn, belching or upset stomach. Another less frequent side effect is mouth irritation or a bad taste. Eating ginger may worsen gallstones because it increases bile production.

WebMD.com September 6, 2011

Some people can have mild side effects including heartburn, diarrhea, and general stomach discomfort. When ginger is applied to the skin, it may cause irritation.

For details, please, click and visit individual websites.

Cod liver oil Vs Fish oil

2011-09-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

Cod liver oil Vs Fish oil - Comparison & Contrast

Manufacturing processes Comparison (Cod Liver Oil Vs. Fish Oil Capsules)	Similar
Raw materials (Cod Liver Oil Vs. Fish Oil Capsules)	Cod liver used for cod liver oil
Types of Omega-3 (Cod Liver Oil Vs. Fish Oil Capsules)	Same
Compositions (Cod Liver Oil Vs Fish Oil Capsules)	Cod Liver Oil has more vitamins A and D
Contaminants (Cod Liver Oil Vs Fish Oil Capsules)	More contaminants may be present in cod liver oil, however it is really dependent on the manufacturing / purification process.
Side Effects Comparison (Cod Liver Oil Vs Fish Oil Capsules)	Excessive amount of vitamins A and D will offer side effects

Cod Liver Oil Vs Fish Oil
Composition Comparison

	Nows Food Salmon Oil 1,000 mg salmon oil concentrate per softgel Serving Size 2 Softgels Amount Per Serving	Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil Lightly Lemon Potency: 1000 mg Serving Size: 1 Softgel	Nordic Naturals Arctic Cod Liver Oil 1000 mg Serving Size 3 Soft Gels
Calories	20	9	27
Calories from Fat	20	9	27
Total Fat	2 g	1 g	3.0 g
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	Not listed	0.6 g
Trans Fat	0 g	Not listed	0 g
Cholesterol	9 mg	4 mg	7.5 mg
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids	400 mg	230 mg	756 mg
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)	240 mg	85 mg	246 mg
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)	160 mg	100 mg	375 mg
Vitamin A / D / E	Not listed	150 /80/2 IU	900–1650/1-12/40

Some people said cod liver oil products contains more impurities then fish oil products. They explain that liver is the place for detoxification to occur, and so cod liver oil has more impurities. I can't wait to disagree with them, it really depends on the purification and manufacturing process. A high quality cod liver oil product should contain less impurities than a poor quality fish oil product.

On the other hand, cod liver oil products contain extra amounts of vitamin A, D and E. If you are in lack of these vitamins, yeah, you may consider cod liver oil products, but if you have a good source of vitamins A, D and E, then fish oil is the choice. Please, consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.

Resveratrol side effects

2011-09-02T18:29:00.000-07:00

Once , resveratrol was a very popular supplement. I also took this supplement. However, I found no difference in my body, while my boss told me that he felt he had more energy after he took this supplement. Anyway, we all know that there are always some side effects of supplements, the kind and severity of the side effects depend on the physical structure and composition of the users, as well as how the dosage form prepared and the properties of the active ingredients. I reviewed a few websites. Shine.yahoo.com and zhion.com may give a relatively detailed information about resveratrol side effects:

Resveratrol Side Effects, Shine.yahoo.com (09-02-2011) The site reports resveratrol side effects include insomnia, anxiety, arthritis, joint pain, diarrhea, insensibility and nervous feeling. While, its visitors make two comments: Resveratrol had very bad effects on liver functions.and Resveratrol caused light headedness. (http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/none/resveratrol-side-effects-1428810)

Resveratrol Side Effects, www.zhion.com (09-02-2011)
Researchers administered rats dosage of 0, 300, 1000, and 3000 mg trans-resveratrol per kilogram body weight per day for 4 weeks. Most of the adverse or side events occurred in the rats administered 3000 mg per kilogram body weight per day. Signs of toxicity included reduced final body weights and food consumption; elevated BUN, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and albumin; reduced hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell counts; and increased white cell counts. They also observed renal lesions. No adverse or side effects were observed at 300 mg resveratrol per kilogram body weight per day in rats. [12]

However, resveratrol was found to affect the activity of P450 and increase the absorption of certain drugs such as diltiazem. The intake of high resveratrol dosages can offer serious unwanted side effects for patients on certain types of medications. Resveratrol was also found to delay the recovery of gastric ulcer in an animal study. Finally, resveratrol is also known as a metal chelator, high doses of resveratrol may prevent the absorption of copper or other metals. Copper deficiency can cause muscle issues and even heart failure. Its side effect can be serious!

Resveratrol is believed to have at least two potential side effects. The first potential side effect is a speculation based on its anti-cancer mechanism. In a study of 2005, plasmid bluescript SK(+) DNA was treated with increasing concentrations of resveratrol in the presence and absence of copper ions, transformed into competent DH5alpha cells and sequenced. The study shows a decrease in the transformation efficiency of the plasmid after resveratrol treatment, and although all types of mutations were recorded, point mutations (deletions/substitutions) were found to be the predominant ones. Resveratrol alone resulted in deletion of mainly guanine bases. In the chromatin of nucleus, copper ions are bound to guanine bases. This study suggests the mobilization of such endogenous copper by resveratrol resulting in prooxidant DNA cleavage at the site. In various cancer cell lines, the copper concentration is reported to be elevated and this study may explain the anticancer activity of resveratrol. [s3] In fact, resveratrol is generally considered as a copper chelator. [s4-6]. Thus, it is speculated that oral intake excessive amount of resveratrol orally may hinder the absorption of certain metal ions, especially copper ion, leading to copper deficiency. Please, note that there is no direct evidence for such side effects. [[On the other hand, you do need a huge dosage to achieve the response]]

The second potential resveratrol side effect is observed from an animal study. Researchers from Dr. B.C. Roy Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & I.P.G.M.E. & R., India., demonstrated the biphasic activity of resveratrol in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcerated mice. They observed a beneficial effect of resveratrol at a low dose (2 mg/kg) but unwanted side effect at a higher dosage of resveratrol (10 mg/kg). The lower dose of resveratrol (2 mg /kg) augmented eNOS expression without altering COX-1 expression, but, at a higher dose (10 mg / kg), resveratrol predominantly suppressed COX-1 expression, which significantly reduced both PGE2 synthesis and angiogenesis. It ultimately resulted in delay healing of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers. [s1, s2]

Hong SP, Chosun University, Korea, found that intake of resveratrol significantly increased the extent of the absorption (AUC) of diltiazem, except for resveratrol 0.5 mg/kg, in a rat study. The relative bioavailability of diltiazem in the presence of resveratrol (2.5 and 10 mg/kg) was increased by 1.48- to 1.60-fold! Researchers explained that resveratrol significantly increased the bioavailability of diltiazem due to the inhibition of both the cytochrome P450 3A4-mediated metabolism and the efflux pump P-glycoprotein in the intestine and/or liver. [s7] This unwanted side effect can be extremely serious for diltiazem users!

It is also speculated that resveratrol may slow down the metabolism of some drugs including statins, statins, erectile dysfunction medicine, calcium channel blockers and some immune-system suppressants. That could dangerously screw up the dosages. And there's some evidence that resveratrol may activate estrogen receptors on cells, spelling side effects or trouble for women with a history of estrogen-sensitive tumours (often breast, ovarian and uterine). [s9]

Finally, Dr. Gerald Weissmann, director of New York University's biotechnology study center pointed out a possible side effects of resveratrol. In an interview, he said, ""you might get terrible pimples, infections or worse" Resveratrol may set loose in the body to scavenge toxins also function to dampen our defenses against some dangerous bacteria." [s8] Resveratrol probably may have some other side effects not reported yet. Please, consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.

http://www.zhion.com/phytonutrients/Resveratrol.html

www.zhion.com

How does gugul benefit thyroid activities?

2011-08-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

Guggul has been marketed as an agent which is able to lower cholesterol and triglycerides and to stimulate thyroid activity, while the traditional uses of guggul include treatment of arthritis, obesity and some other disorders. It seems that it has lots of health benefits. Thus, I attempted to search articles on how guggul affects our thyroid gland.

There are extremely limited studies about how guggul benefits on our thyroid gland. A research group from University of Oslo, Norway studied on the efficacy of a guggul-based formulation on blood lipids in subjects with a moderately high cholesterol level. After dosing with 2160mg guggul for 12 weeks, mean levels of total cholesterol and HDL-C in the active group were significantly reduced compared with the placebo group. However, the mean levels of LDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio between the two groups did not change significantly. [1]

Further, 10 guggul users (vs. four in the placebo group) reported side effects: mild gastrointestinal discomfort (n=7), possible thyroid problems (n=2), and generalized skin rash (n=1). The latter resulted in withdrawal from trial. [1]

This study does not illustrates the cause-effect relationship between intake of guggul and thyroid issues, nor how guggul benefits the thyroid grand, but it does demonstrates the potential issue caused by guggul on our thyroid gland.

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Guggulsterone is a key ingredient of guggul. I found a report about guggulsterone's thyroid stimulating action in an animal study. The isolated ketosteroid showed a strong thyroid stimulatory action when administered to albino rats. Its administration (1 mg/100 g body weight) brought about an increase in iodine-uptake by thyroid and enhanced activities of thyroid peroxidase and protease as well as oxygen consumption by isolated slices of liver and biceps muscle. [2]
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More studies are needed to conclude how guggul affects our thyroid activities.

__________________________________________________________________

Reference:

[1] Nohr LA, Rasmussen LB, Straand J. Resin from the mukul myrrh tree, guggul, can it be used for treating hypercholesterolemia? A randomized, controlled study. Complement Ther Med. 2009 Jan;17(1):16-22. Epub 2008 Aug 15.

[2] Tripathi YB, Malhotra OP, Tripathi SN. Thyroid Stimulating Action of Z-Guggulsterone Obtained from Commiphora mukul. Planta Med. 1984 Feb;50(1):78-80.

Effective Dose ---- Dose to be effective!

2011-08-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Effective Dose ---- Dose to be effective! Here is an example about "effective dose"

High cholesterol, a significant cardiovascular risk factor, is prevalent in the American population. Many drugs lower circulating cholesterol levels, but they are not infrequently associated with severe side effects. Accordingly, natural means to lower cholesterol levels safely would be welcomed. [1]

Grape seed proanthocyanidins extract, whose principal ingredients are proanthocyanidins; most are strong antioxidants. Vigana GB and co-workers from University of Ferrara, Italy, supplied 150 mg of a grape procyanidin extract twice a day to healthy male heavy smokers for four weeks. At the end of the study, subjects did not show significant improvement on total cholesterol, bad cholesterol and triglyceride! .............Why? [3]

ANSWER

In a study of rats suffered from nephrosis, researchers from Children's Hospital of Michigan observed grape seed extract (at dose of 10 mg/100 g) could also lower serum cholesterol and even triglyceride levels. [2] Please, that “1 pound = 453.6 grams” and the dose is 40 mg of grape seed extract per 100 g of rat weight, this means “human need to take a few grams of that grape seed extract to achieve the
effect of lowering bad cholesterol”.

Combined with other actives, that one may not need to have such high doses to low bad cholesterol. In 2000, researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center supplied 40 human subjects twice a day with high cholesterol (210-300 mg/dL) with either placebo, chromium polynicotinate 200 microg, grape seed extract 100 mg, or a combination of chromium polynicotinate and grape seed extract at the same dosage. Two months later, the average percent change in the total cholesterol from baseline
among groups was: placebo -3.5%, grape seed extract -2.5%, chromium polynicotinate -10%, and the combination -16.5%. Again, the combination of chromium polynicotinate and grape seed extract significantly lower bad cholesterol, i.e. LDL, when compared to placebo. [1]

Other Possibilities

Differences in dosage form design, composition, extraction ratio, purity and study design can lead to a different results.

http://zhion.com/phytonutrients/Grape_Seed_Extract.html

Benefits and Side Effects of Grape Seed Extract
http://zhion.com/cancer/Grape_Seed_E.html

Quasar APM 08279+5255 and Black Holes Markarian 739, NGC 3115, NGC 3758

2011-08-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

A study using NASA's Swift satellite and the Chandra X-ray Observatory has found a second supersized black hole at the heart of an unusual nearby galaxy already known to be sporting one.

The galaxy, which is known as Markarian 739 or NGC 3758, lies 425 million light-years away toward the constellation Leo. Only about 11,000 light-years separate the two cores, each of which contains a black hole gorging on infalling gas.

Viewed in visible light, Markarian 739 resembles a smiling face, with a pair of bright cores underscored by an arcing spiral arm. The object is really a pair of merging galaxies. Data from Swift and Chandra reveal the western core (right) to be a previously unknown AGN; past studies already had identified an AGN in the eastern core. The two supermassive black holes are separated by about 11,000 light-years. The galaxy is 425 million light-years away. Credit: SDSS

Credit NASA
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The galaxy NGC 3115 is shown here in a composite image of data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT). Using the Chandra image, the flow of hot gas toward the supermassive black hole in the center of this galaxy has been imaged. This is the first time that clear evidence for such a flow has been observed in any black hole.

The Chandra data are shown in blue and the optical data from the VLT are colored gold. The point sources in the X-ray image are mostly binary stars containing gas that is being pulled from a star to a stellar-mass black hole or a neutron star. The inset features the central portion of the Chandra image, with the black hole located in the middle. No point source is seen at the position of the black hole, but instead a plateau of X-ray emission coming from both hot gas and the combined X-ray emission from unresolved binary stars is found.

To detect the black hole's effects, astronomers subtracted the X-ray signal from binary stars from that of the hot gas in the galaxy's center. Then, by studying the hot gas at different distances from the black hole, astronomers observed a critical threshold: where the motion of gas first becomes dominated by the supermassive black hole's gravity and falls inwards. The distance from the black hole where this occurs is known as the "Bondi radius."

As gas flows toward a black hole it becomes squeezed, making it hotter and brighter, a signature now confirmed by the X-ray observations. The researchers found the rise in gas temperature begins at about 700 light years from the black hole, giving the location of the Bondi radius. This suggests that the black hole in the center of NGC 3115 has a mass of about two billion times that of the Sun, supporting previous results from optical observations. This would make NGC 3115 the nearest billion-solar-mass black hole to Earth.

NGC 3115 is located about 32 million light years from Earth and is classified as a so-called lenticular galaxy because it contains a disk and a central bulge of stars, but without a detectable spiral pattern.

Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Univ. of Alabama/K. Wong et al; Optical: ESO/VLT
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/chandra/multimedia/photo-H-11-248.html
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Two teams of astronomers have discovered the largest and farthest reservoir of water ever detected in the universe. The water, equivalent to 140 trillion times all the water in the world's ocean, surrounds a huge, feeding black hole, called a quasar, more than 12 billion light-years away.

"The environment around this quasar is very unique in that it's producing this huge mass of water," said Matt Bradford, a scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "It's another demonstration that water is pervasive throughout the universe, even at the very earliest times." Bradford leads one of the teams that made the discovery. His team's research is partially funded by NASA and appears in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

A quasar is powered by an enormous black hole that steadily consumes a surrounding disk of gas and dust. As it eats, the quasar spews out huge amounts of energy. Both groups of astronomers studied a particular quasar called APM 08279+5255, which harbors a black hole 20 billion times more massive than the sun and produces as much energy as a thousand trillion suns.

Astronomers expected water vapor to be present even in the early, distant universe, but had not detected it this far away before. There's water vapor in the Milky Way, although the total amount is 4,000 times less than in the quasar, because most of the Milky Way’s water is frozen in ice.

Water vapor is an important trace gas that reveals the nature of the quasar. In this particular quasar, the water vapor is distributed around the black hole in a gaseous region spanning hundreds of light-years in size (a light-year is about six trillion miles). Its presence indicates that the quasar is bathing the gas in X-rays and infrared radiation, and that the gas is unusually warm and dense by astronomical standards. Although the gas is at a chilly minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius) and is 300 trillion times less dense than Earth's atmosphere, it's still five times hotter and 10 to 100 times denser than what's typical in galaxies like the Milky Way.

Measurements of the water vapor and of other molecules, such as carbon monoxide, suggest there is enough gas to feed the black hole until it grows to about six times its size. Whether this will happen is not clear, the astronomers say, since some of the gas may end up condensing into stars or might be ejected from the quasar.

This artist's concept illustrates a quasar, or feeding black hole, similar to APM 08279+5255, where astronomers discovered huge amounts of water vapor. Image credit: NASA/ESA

http://www.nasa.gov/topics/universe/features/universe20110722.html

How do we acquire knowledge via scientific method? - Kimchi

2011-08-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

How do we acquire knowledge via scientific method? First, we observe an issue or a phenomenon. Next, we try to set a hypothesis, based on the literature available or observations. We determine the "correlation" of individual events. Then, we look for evidence (mechanism) and define the "cause-effect relationship". Let's discuss "kimchi".

Background

During the cold weather, cultivation was practically unavailable. Consequently, Korean developed a method to pickle the vegatable - kimchi in 7th century.

Koreans possess a passionate fondness for kimchi, serving this spicy fermented pickled vegetable dish at most meals. Kimchi contains lots of vitamins, minerals and fibers. The major ingredient of kimchi is Chinese cabbage. Other common ingredients include cucumber dill pickles and reddish. Kimchi ferments in vegetable's own juices. Kimchi is usually prepared in large qualities and packed into huge jars and stored at low temperature. Most kimchi preparations contain dried, ground or crushed hot pepper. By adjusting the amount of hot pepper or even adding sweet paprika and cayenne, you can achieve the kimchi spiciness that you like.

OBSERVATIONS

Most people believe that kimchi is healthy, as kimchi contains lots of vitamins and anti-oxidants. However, as early as 1985, Kim JP has noticed the correlation between red pepper/high salt diet and gastric carcinogenesis (i.e. stomach cancer) in their animal study.

In late 1990s, Ahn Yo from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea, observed that stomach cancer was the most prevalent malignant neoplasm in Korea. He noted an increased risk of stomach cancer was among those who frequently had broiled meats and fishes, pickled vegetables, salted side dishes and salty stewed foods, such as soybean paste thick stew as their meals. On the other heand, Dr. Ahn Yo reported that ginseng intake could decrease the risk of gastric cancer in his review article.

Gomez SL et al, Northern California Cancer Center, CA, compared the rates of stomach cancers among Korean, Korean American and Caucasian American. They found that the Korean in Korea have the highest rate for stomach cancers and the Caucasian Americans have the lowest rate.

CORRELATION

In 1990-1995, Lee JK et al at Hanyang University, Korea also investigated how the dietary factors in Korean food related to Stomach cancer. They recruited 213 patients with stomach cancer and 213 subjects as controls. They found that increased risk of stomach cancer was associated with consumption of stewed foods (such as soybean paste stew and hot pepper-soybean stew, broiled fish) and salty foods (including pickled vegetables). They concluded that heavy salt consumption and cooking methods like broiling and salting seem to play a major role in gastric carcinogenesis among Koreans.

In 2003, Lee SA et al from Seoul National University, Korea recruited 69 patients diagnosed with early gastric cancer and 199 healthy subjects as controls. They assayed helicobacter pylori infection and interviewed the subjects on dietary habits. They found a high intake of salt-fermented fish and kimchi associated with an elevated risk of early gastric cancer. Subjects with positive H. pylori infection and a high salty preference had a 10-fold higher risk of early gastric cancer than subjects without H. pylori infection and with a low salty preference.

While Kim HJ et al from University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea concluded that that the risk of gastric cancer decreased with high consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, whereas high consumption of foods rich in nitrate and carcinogenic substances produced during the cooking process increased the risk of gastric cancer from their clinical studies.

CAUSE-EFFECT RELATIONSHIP? (The possible mechanism)

Seel DJ et al, Presbyterian Medical Center, Korea, analyzed two traditional and widely consumed home-prepared food products, kimchi and salted seafood sauce (chut-kal) (a) for nitrite, nitrate, total secondary amines and pH in these food products prior to nitrite incubation and (b) for volatile nitrosamines and total N-nitroso compounds before and after incubation with nitrite in simulated human stomach conditions. They found that the nitrate levels were significantly higher in kimchi (median 1550 mg/kg) than in chut-kal (median 140 mg/kg). After nitrosation, the demonstration of high levels of total N-nitroso compounds in kimchi and the high

volume of kimchi comsumption in Korea, Seel DJ believed that kimchi may play a role in gastric carcinogenesis in Southwest Korea.

Kim YK et al, Seoul National University, Korea, considered ethyl carbamate was associated with cancer and this chemical was mainly found in fermented foods and beverages. They determined ethyl carbamate concentrations in some of the staple food items and estimated the daily intake for the Korean population to be 2.8 micrograms/day. They considered the amount is not negligible. They suggested that it is necessary to reduce the daily intake of these products.

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COMMENTS

That is not a proof of "a cause-effect relationship". To prove, one should repeatedly eat large amounts of kimchi till he or she has cancer. The discussion above is just a deeper investigation to find out the possible mechanism. Further, do we need to stop eating kimchi? Nope, we even can have kimchi for every meal, but, in small amounts.

www.healthfinder.gov

2011-08-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Be Active Your Way (open accessible version in new window)

Diabetes supplements, herbs.. etc.

2011-07-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

There two common types of diabetes- Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes occurs in childhood; the body does not produce insulin. Daily insulin injections are required to maintain the life. While, Type 2 Diabetes occurs in adulthood; the body does not produce enough insulin. It is related to obesity and lack of exercise.

Risk factors for diabetes include obesity, old age, certain ethnic group, high blood pressure, high triglyceride and high cholesterol levels. The symptoms related to high glucose levels include frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger, fatigue, weight loss and blurry vision. People suffered from Type 1 Diabetes may develop symptoms over a short period of time and they usually have high glucose and ketone levels. Both glucose and ketone may be found in urine. High ketone levels can lead to acidosis, i.e. low blood pH.

The basic treatments for diabetes are to stabilize the blood sugar and eliminate the symptoms of high blood sugar. Prevention of long-term complications such as heart disease and kidney failure are important. Diet, exercise, weight control, medication, blood glucose self-testing, and foot care are vital for good control of diabetes and prevention of its complications.A few years ago, there was a breakthrough for islet cell transplant technology and it may become the
main treatment for diabetes, especially Diabetes Type 1.

Treatment - Change of LifeStyleStructure House, a residential weight loss center, presented data from a research study of obese individuals in a residential weight loss program showing a correlation among degree of weight loss, reduced cardiometabolic risk factors including cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and lowered risk score. The data also showed that greater weight loss was associated with greater reduction in participants’ diabetes risk score. Obese individuals can lower their diabetes risk score through acute lifestyle changes. [2011 American Diabetes Association 71st Scientific Sessions]

Herbs, SupplementsSome people consider glucose-lowering effects (hypoglycemic effects) as a side effect (unwanted effect), while some consider glucose-lowering effects as a therapeutic effect. Low glucose level can cause coma, convulsion or even death. Can we really say the herbs / supplements/food with hypoglycemic activities is therapeutic? On the other hand, an appropriate dose of such supplements can benefit people suffered from diabetes. Here is a list of food, herbs and supplements possibly having such activities: 1. Bitter Melon2. Stevia3. Chromium4. Cordyceps5. Resveratrol6. Beet fiber7. Ginger8. Cod liver oil

http://zhion.com/diabetes/diabetes_overview.html

Sunscreen, cancer, UVA and UVB

2011-07-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

According to a recent study, Boise has 51 clear summer days and for every 100,000 people in Ada County, 3.9 people die from skin cancer and another 27.3 are diagnosed with skin cancer. [KTVB.COM, July 3, 2011]

Some people do not apply sun screen on their skin, when it is a cloudy day.

Two thirds of people in UK never wear sun cream when in the UK because they think the cloud cover will protect them. Anne Jackson, CEO of the North West Cancer Research Fund, said dangerous UVA and UVB rays still make their way through the clouds and dramatically increase the risk of developing skin cancer. [Daily Mail, 5th July 2011]

Both UVB and UVA radiation contribute to sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging. However, sunburn is primarily caused by UVB radiation. "Broad spectrum" generally means the product protects against both forms of skin-damaging ultra violent light, while "sun tanning lotions" are likely protect only against one form of UV light. So, you may want to avoid purchasing some tanning lotions, if you would like to have a better protection for your skin from the sun. [newsfeedresearcher.com Jun-23-2011]

Applying sunscreen onto the skin and wearing wide-brimmed hats and tight-knit clothing can lower not only the risk of skin cancer but also premature wrinkles. To ensure the protective effect, please, reapply sunscreen every few hours. Apply it more frequent if swimming or sweating heavily. [SJ-R.com, Jul 03, 2011]

http://zhion.com/Terms/Sun_Screen.html

Cataract - supplements, herbs, vitamins

2011-07-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.

The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain.

The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image you see will be blurred.

Types of cataract:1. Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma, or other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.

2. Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.

3. Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood,
often in both eyes.

4. Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

What causes cataracts?The lens lies behind the iris and the pupil. It works much like a camera lens. It focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away. The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it.

But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

Researchers suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and diabetes. Or, it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years.

Supplements helpful for cataract prevention
Antioxidants are believed to be beneficial to people at risk of cataract formation. However, not enough supporting research is available. Antioxidants and supplements that may have the benefit of the preventive effects include: Lutein (Kale and Spinach), Alpha lipoic acid , Coenzyme Q10 , Vitamin C, Curcumin , Ginger, Selenium , Bilberry , Ginkgo biloba

Nutrients, Phytochemicals, Vitamins, Herbs and Supplements for Alzheimer's Disease

2011-07-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

Certain herbal / nutritional supplements may potentially benefit some people at risk of Alzheimer's disease, but none of them are really qualified as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, they come with various side effects. Popular supplements for Alzheimer's disease include:
Ginkgo biloba/ginseng may benefit some people at the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, but it takes 3-6 months to see the effects.
Niacin may have a beneficial effect. [A2]
Huperzine A has undergone double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with Alzheimer's disease with significant improvements both to cognitive function and the quality of life.
G reen tea (EGCG) may have a positive effects. [11]
Acetyl-L carnitine poses unique neuroprotective, neuromodulatory, and neurotrophic
properties.
Hydroxytyrosol accumulates in the cerebrospinal fluid; consequently, it has access to the
cells in the central nervous system. Researchers found an increase of the total
antioxidant activity of cerebrospinal fluid after oral administration of hyroxytyrosol in rats
Since hydroxytyrosol is a potent antioxidant and monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) inhibitor and
it can freely enter into the cerebrospinal fluid, hydroxytyrosol can be beneficial in Alzheimer's,
Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Polygonum multiflorum may benefit people at risk of Alzheimer's disease, as polygonum
multiflorum was shown to improve the fluidity of mitochondria membrane in an animal model
of Alzheimer's disease.
Pycnogenol had anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. Pycnogenol may be useful for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular or neurodegenerative diseases associated with Abeta toxicity.
Wolfberry A test-tube study showed that a fraction of polysaccharide from Wolfberry exerted significant neuroprotective effects on cultured cortical neurons exposed to glutamate. Glutamate excitotoxicity is involved in many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. This fraction of polysaccharide has also been shown to protect rat cortical neurons against beta beta-amyloid.

Cellulite Treatments, Lazers, Cream, Caffeine and more..

2011-07-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Cellulite, which appears as orange peel-type or cottage cheese-like dimpling of the skin on the
thighs and buttocks, is a complex, multifactorial, cosmetic disorder of the subcutaneous fat
layer and the overlying superficial skin. [Emanuele E, et al, Int J Dermatol. 2011 Apr;50(4):412-
6.] Treatment of cellulite aims at (1) the reduction of the subcutaneous fat layer, (2) increase in
dermal thickness and elasticity and (3) dissection of hypertrophic connective tissue septae,
responsible for the most pronounced dermal indentions. A variety of treatment options have
evolved ranging from topical retinol to interstitial laser. [Proebstle TM., Hautarzt. 2010 Oct;61
(10):864-72.]
Nonablative lasers and nonlaser systems
Different technologies such as lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and radiofrequency have
been introduced. Most nonablative laser systems emit light within the infrared portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum (1000-1500 nm). At these wavelengths, absorption by superficial
water containing tissue is relatively weak, thereby effecting deeper tissue penetration.

Nonablative technology have been used for several indications such as skin tightening,
periorbital tissue tightening, treatment of nasolabial lines and jowl, body sculpting/remodeling,
cellulite reduction, scar revision and remodeling and for the treatment of photodamaged skin.
[Sachdev M, et al, Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2011 May-Jun;77(3):380-8.]
Phototherapy plus Treadmill
Twenty women (25-55 years old) were separated in two groups: the control group, which
carried out only the treadmill training (n = 10), and the LED group, with phototherapy during the
treadmill training (n = 10). The training was performed for 45 minutes twice a week over 3
months at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate (HR(max)). The treatment was
evaluated by interpreting body composition parameters, photographs and thermography. This
was primarily a treatment for cellulite with a reduction of saddlebag and thigh circumference. At
the same time, the treadmill training prevented an increase of body fat, as well as the loss of
lean mass. Thermal images of the temperature modification of the thighs are presented. These
positive effects can result in a further improvement of body aesthetics using infrared-LED
together with treadmill training. [Paolillo FR et al, J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011 Aug;13(4):166-71]
Tripolar radiofrequency
Twenty-eight women underwent anticellulite treatment using radiofrequency, 17 women were in
the placebo group. The therapy was monitored by classical and high-frequency ultrasound.
Cellulite was reduced in 89.286% of the women who underwent radiofrequency treatment.
[Mlosek RK et al, J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2011 Jun 21.]

Can caffeine treat cellulite?
http://zhion.com/Diseases/Cellulite.html

Viibryd and Major Depressive Disorder

2011-01-28T09:03:00.000-08:00

FDA approves Viibryd to treat major depressive disorder

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Jan. 21, 2011 approved Viibryd tablets (vilazodone hydrochloride) to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Major depressive disorder, also called major depression, is characterized by symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. Episodes of major depression often recur throughout a person's lifetime, although some may experience only a single occurrence.

Signs and symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight or appetite, insomnia or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia), restlessness/pacing (psychomotor agitation), increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and suicide attempts or thoughts of suicide. All people with major depression do not experience the same symptoms.

The most frequent adverse reactions (side effects) reported by patients taking Viibryd in clinical trials included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia.

The drug will be available in 10, 20 and 40 milligram tablets.

Viibryd and all other antidepressant drugs have a boxed warning and a patient medication guide describing the increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults ages 18 to 24 during initial treatment. (It seems most antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in the young users!)

The warning also says data did not show this increased risk in adults older than 24 and that patients ages 65 and older who take antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. The warning says depression and other serious psychiatric disorders themselves are the most important causes of suicide and that close monitoring of patients starting these medications is necessary.

Viibryd is manufactured by PGxHealth, New Haven, Conn

What causes the itch sensation?

2011-01-12T15:01:00.000-08:00

There are two major types of itching. One, caused by bug bites or allergic reactions, is linked to the presence of the chemical histamine. However, most chronic, severe itching is not linked to the chemical - and does not respond to standard anti-histamine treatment. [2]
Zhou-Feng Chen at Washington University and other researchers at Peking University Third Hospital have found specific nerve cells responsible for itchiness (itch sensation), thus, itch and pain are not necessary closely related. They created itch-free mice by killing itch-specific neurons. When the mice then were exposed to things that caused itching, they did not scratch. But they felt pain.

This means those cells may contain several itch-specific receptors or signaling molecules that can be explored or identified as targets for future treatment or management of chronic itching.

In 2007 the researchers identified the first itch gene called gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR). It was active in the spinal cord. So they destroyed nerve cells that had active GRPR, using a toxin that attaches to GRPR and injecting it into the spinal cords of mice.

However, Professor Gil Yosipovitch at Wake Forest University said the pathway uncovered by this study was not the only one that could transmit the itch sensation. There were other pathways which transmitted both the sensations of itch and pain.

Reference:
[1] Eric Beech Scientists find nerve cells responsible for itch Reuters Aug 6, 2009.
[2] Scientists find an itchiness cell BBC. News 6 August 2009

Astronomers Find Hyperactive Galaxies in the Early Universe

2011-01-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Looking almost 11 billion years into the past, astronomers have measured the motions of stars for the first time in a very distant galaxy and clocked speeds upwards of one million miles per hour, about twice the speed of our Sun through the Milky Way.

The fast-moving stars shed new light on how these distant galaxies, which are a fraction the size of our Milky Way, may have evolved into the full-grown galaxies seen around us today. The results will be published in the August 6, 2009 issue of the journal Nature, with a companion paper in the Astrophysical Journal.

“This galaxy is very small, but the stars are whizzing around as if they were in a giant galaxy that we would find closer to us and not so far back in time,” says Pieter van Dokkum, professor of astronomy and physics at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., who led the study. It is still not understood how galaxies like these, with so much mass in such a small volume, can form in the early universe and then evolve into the galaxies we see in the more contemporary nearby universe that is about 13.7 billion years old.

The work by the international team combined data collected using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope with observations taken by the 8-meter Gemini South telescope in Chile. According to van Dokkum, “The Hubble data, taken in 2007, confirmed that this galaxy was a fraction the size of most galaxies we see today in the more evolved, older universe. The giant 8-meter mirror of the Gemini telescope then allowed us to collect enough light to determine the overall motions of the stars using a technique not very different from the way police use laser light to catch speeding cars.” The Gemini near-infrared spectroscopic observations required an extensive 29 hours on the sky to collect the extremely faint light from the distant galaxy, which goes by the designation 1255-0.

“By looking at this galaxy we are able to look back in time and see what galaxies looked like in the distant past when the universe was very young,” says team member Mariska Kriek of Princeton University in Princeton, N.J. 1255-0 is so far away that the universe was only about 3 billion years old when its light was emitted.

Astronomers confess that it is a difficult riddle to explain how such compact, massive galaxies form, and why they are not seen in the current, local universe. “One possibility is that we are looking at what will eventually be the dense central region of a very large galaxy,” explains team member Marijn Franx of Leiden University in the Netherlands. “The centers of big galaxies may have formed first, presumably together with the giant black holes that we know exist in today’s large galaxies that we see nearby.”

To witness the formation of these extreme galaxies astronomers plan to observe galaxies even further back in time in great detail. By using the Wide Field Camera 3, which was recently installed on the Hubble Space Telescope, such objects should be detectable. “The ancestors of these extreme galaxies should have quite spectacular properties as they probably formed a huge amount of stars, in addition to a massive black hole, in a relatively short amount of time,” says van Dokkum.

This research follows recent studies revealing that the oldest, most luminous galaxies in the early universe are very compact yet surprisingly have stellar masses similar to those of present-day elliptical galaxies. The most massive galaxies we see in the local universe (where we don’t look back in time significantly) which have a mass similar to 1255-0 are typically five times larger than a young compact galaxy. How galaxies grew so much in the past 10 billion years is an active area of research, and understanding the dynamics in these young compact galaxies is a key piece of evidence in eventually solving this puzzle.

Apophis!

2011-01-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

News on October 07, 2009 After recalculating their figures, JPL scientists downgrade the odds of Apophis hitting the planet to four in a million (or
one-in-250,000) chance of a collision. "We've all but ruled out" a collision in 2036, said Steve Chesley, an astronomer with the Near-Earth Object
office at JPL. [Source 2036 asteroid strike on Earth 'all but ruled out' Los Angeles Times, October 7, 2009]

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INTRODUCTION

Upon its discovery in 2004, Apophis was briefly estimated to have a 2.7% chance of impacting the Earth in 2029. Additional measurements later showed there was no impact risk at that time from the 210-330 meter (690-1080 foot) diameter object, identified spectroscopically as an Sq type similar to LL chondritic meteorites. However, there will be a historically close approach to the Earth, estimated to be a 1 in 800 year event (on average, for an object of that size).

The Arecibo planetary radar telescope subsequently detected the asteroid at distances of 27-40 million km (17-25 million miles; 0.192-0.268 AU) in 2005 and 2006. Polarization ratios indicate Apophis appears to be smoother than most NEAs at 13-cm scales. Including the high precision radar measurements in a new orbit solution reduced the uncertainty in Apophis' predicted location in 2029 by 98%.

While trajectory knowledge was substantially corrected by the Arecibo data, a small estimated chance of impact (less than 1 in 45,000 using standard dynamical models) remained for April 13, 2036. With Apophis probably too close to the Sun to be measured by optical telescopes until 2011, and too distant for useful radar measurement until 2013, the underlying physics of Apophis' motion were considered to better understand the hazard.

RESULTS OF THE STUDY

(1) Extending the "Standard Dynamical Model"

Trajectory predictions for asteroids are normally based on a standard model of the solar system that includes the gravity of the Sun, Moon, other planets, and the three largest asteroids.

However, additional factors can influence the predicted motion in ways that depend on rarely known details, such as the spin of the asteroid, its mass, the way it reflects and absorbs sun-light, radiates heat, and the gravitational pull of other asteroids passing nearby. These were examined, along with the effect of Earth's non-uniform gravity field during encounters, and limitations of the computer hardware performing the calculations.

One would normally look for the influence of such factors as they gradually alter the trajectory over years. But, for Apophis, the changes remain small until amplified by passage through Earth's gravity field during the historically close approach in 2029.

For example, the team found solar energy can cause between 20 and 740 km (12 and 460 miles) of position change over the next 22 years leading into the 2029 Earth encounter. But, only 7 years later, the effect on Apophis' predicted position can grow to between 520,000 and 30 million km (323,000 and 18.6 million miles; 0.0035-0.2 AU). This range makes it difficult to predict if Apophis will even have a close encounter with Earth in 2036 when the orbital paths intersect.

It was found that small uncertainties in the masses and positions of the planets and Sun can cause up to 23 Earth radii of prediction error for Apophis by 2036.

The standard model of the Earth as a point mass can introduce up to 2.9 Earth radii of prediction error by 2036; at least the Earth's oblateness must be considered to predict an impact.

The gravity of other asteroids can cause up to 2.3 Earth radii of prediction uncertainty for Apophis.

By considering the range of Apophis' physical characteristics and these error sources, it was determined what observations prior to 2029 will most effectively reduce prediction uncertainties. Observing criteria were developed that, if satisfied, could permit eliminating the 2036 impact possibility without further physical characterization of Apophis.

Such observations could reduce the need for a visit by an expensive spacecraft and reduce the risk of Apophis being prematurely eliminated as a hazard under the standard model, only to drift back into the hazard classification system years later as the smaller, unmodeled forces act upon it.

RESULTS OF THE STUDY

(2) Mitigation

Mitigation was not specifically studied, but the team found small variations in the energy absorption and reflection properties of Apophis' surface are sufficient to cause enough trajectory change to obscure the difference between an impact and a miss in 2036. Changing the amount of energy Apophis absorbs by half a percent as late as 2018 - for example by covering a 40 x 40 meter (130 x 130 foot) patch with lightweight reflective materials (an 8 kg payload) - can change its position in 2036 by a minimum of one Earth radius.

A change somewhat greater than this minimum would be required to allow for prediction uncertainties. For Apophis, scaling up to distribute 250 kg (550 pounds) of a reflective or absorptive material (similar to the carbon fiber mesh being considered for solar sails) across the surface could use the existing radiation forces to produce a 6-sigma trajectory change, moving at least "99.9999998" percent of the statistically possible trajectories away from the Earth in just 18 years.

While no deflection is expected to be necessary, the team's research demonstrates that any deflection method must produce a change known in advance to be greater than all the error sources in the prediction, including some greater than those considered with the standard model.

(3) Impact probability

The study did NOT compute new impact probabilities. This is because important physical parameters (such as mass and spin pole) that affect its trajectory have not yet been measured and hence there are no associated probability distributions. The study characterizes how the Standard Dynamical Model can over or under-estimate impact probability for those objects having close planetary encounters prior to the potential impact.

The situation is similar to having 6 apples (the measured Apophis parameters) and 6 boxes whose contents are unknown (the unmeasured Apophis parameters), then trying to compute the probability one has a total of 12 apples (impact probability). The result reflects back what is assumed about the unknown contents of the boxes, but doesn't reveal new information. The contents of the boxes must be observed (measured) to learn something new.

For similar reasons, the Apophis study instead uses the minimum and maximum range-of-effect in place of computing impact probabilities to provide reasonable criteria for excluding impact in the absence of detailed physical knowledge, once new position measurements are obtained at six key times.

(4) Non-Apophis Conclusions

Aspects of the study relevant to asteroids other than Apophis:

* The Standard Dynamical Model can misestimate impact risk for the more numerous sub-km objects preceded by close planetary encounter(s). This problem might be addressed by reassessing impact potential after planetary encounters, given new measurements.

* The minimum-maximum effect of unmeasured parameters can provide enough information to exclude threats in certain cases, even if a realistic impact probability cannot be computed.

* Amplification of small trajectory offsets makes valid prediction across a close-encounter difficult without physical knowledge, but offers the potential to redirect the entire uncertainty region and has significant implications for costly spacecraft missions.

* A deflection effort must be known in advance to produce change greater than predicted uncertainties due to ALL parameters, not only the Standard Dynamical Model. For example, if a method produces 10 Earth-radii of change, but prediction uncertainties from all sources are 20 Earth-radii, the deflection would move the asteroid around within the noise, producing an unpredicted result or even a new hazard.

CREDITS

In addition to Giorgini, co-authors of the report include Dr. Lance A. M. Benner and Dr. Steven J. Ostro of JPL; Dr.

Michael C. Nolan, Arecibo Observatory, Puerto Rico, and Michael W. Busch of the California Institute of Technology.

Arecibo Observatory is operated by Cornell University under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. JPL is managed for NASA by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.

Ardipithecus ramidus

2011-01-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

Ardipithecus ramidus - The Missing Link

The oldest human skeleton has been discovered! It is a small-brained, 110- pound (50-kilogram) female of the species Ardipithecus ramidus, nicknamed "Ardi." [1]

Ardi lived in what is now Ethiopia 4.4 million years ago, which makes her over a million years older than the famous Lucy fossil, found in the same region 35 years ago.Like us, Ardi also walked on two legs on the ground, the species also clambered about on four legs in the trees. [1]

Ardi made her home in the woods, not on the open savannah grasslands long considered the main arena of human development. Yet her upright posture, distinctive pelvis and other toes suggest she walked easily enough. Most important, she showed no sign they walked on her knuckles, as contemporary chimps and apes do. [2]

So why did her species become bipedal while it was still living partly in the trees, especially since walking on two legs is a much less efficient way of getting about? [1]

Owen Lovejoy, Kent State University, used apes as an example to explain. Sex is best done quickly—hence those penis bristles, which accelerate ejaculation— with the advantage to the male with big testicles carrying a heavy load of sperm. Among females, the winners are those who flaunt their fertility with swollen genitals or some other prominent display of ovulation. [1]

Ardi's fossilized remains were very fragile, sometimes disintegrating when they were touched -- and splintered into many pieces as if they had been trampled by a large animal, such as a rhinoceros. [3] This is a very important discovery that we might not evolve from things that look like modern apes.

[1] Ardi's Secret: Did Early Humans Start Walking for Sex? National Geographic magazine October 1, 2009. [2] Fossils shed New Light on Human Past, Wall Street Journal, October 2, 2009 [3] Scientists announce discovery of earliest prehuman skeleton, Boston.com,. October 1, 2009

Solar Energy

2011-01-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Solar Energy

The energy from the sun can be classified in two forms: (1) heat or thermal energy, and (2) light energy. There are two basic technologies to utilize the solar energy.

Solar thermal technologies use the sun's heat energy to heat substances such as space heating, pool heating and water heating for homes and businesses. Solar thermal collectors are designed to convert the thermal energy from the sun to electricity or mechanical energy. Usually, it is mounted on the roof of a building or in some sunny locations.

Photovoltacis (PV; light electricity), a semiconductor-based technology, converts light energy directly into an electric current that can either be sued immediately or stored for later use. Photovoltaic panels/modules are also commonly mounted on the roof or awning of a building, on roadside emergency phones etc. They can also be integrated into building materials such as PV shingles.

Natural Gas

2011-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Natural Gas

Natural gas is a nonrenewable source of energy used primarily for heating and generating electricity. The U.S. produces natural gas from wells within the U.S. but also imports natural gas from abroad. The U.S. imports natural gas via pipeline from Canada and Mexico, but to move natural gas from countries that are further away, the natural gas is turned into a liquid (also called "Liquefied Natural Gas" or LNG) by supercooling and transported as a liquid on tankers before being warmed up and turned into a gas upon arrival in the United States.

How Was Natural Gas Formed?

Millions of years ago, the remains of plants and animals decayed and built up in thick layers. This decayed matter from plants and animals is called organic material -- it was once alive. Over time, the mud and soil changed to rock, covered the organic material and trapped it beneath the rock. Pressure and heat changed some of this organic material into coal, some into oil (petroleum), and some into natural gas -- tiny bubbles of odorless gas. The main ingredient in natural gas is methane, a gas (or compound) composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.

In some places, gas escapes from small gaps in the rocks into the air; then, if there is enough activation energy from lightning or a fire, it burns. When people first saw the flames, they experimented with them and learned they could use them for heat and light.

How Do We Get Natural Gas?

The search for natural gas begins with geologists (people who study the structure and processes of the earth). They locate the types of rock that are known to contain gas and oil deposits.

Today their tools include seismic surveys that are used to find the right places to drill wells. Seismic surveys use echoes from a vibration source at the earth�s surface (usually a vibrating pad under a truck built for this purpose) to collect information about the rocks beneath. Sometimes it is necessary to use small amounts of dynamite to provide the vibration that is needed.

Scientists and engineers explore a chosen area by studying rock samples from the earth and taking measurements. If the site seems promising, drilling begins. Some of these areas are on land but many are offshore, deep in the ocean. Once the gas is found, it flows up through the well to the surface of the ground and into large pipelines. Some of the gases that are produced along with methane, such as butane and propane (also known as 'by-products'), are separated and cleaned at a gas processing plant. The by-products, once removed, are used in a number of ways. For example, propane can be used for cooking on gas grills.

Because natural gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless, mercaptan (a chemical that has a sulfur
like odor) is added before distribution, to give it a distinct unpleasant odor (smells like rotten eggs). This serves as a safety device by allowing it to be detected in the atmosphere, in cases where leaks occur.

Most of the natural gas consumed in the United States is produced in the United States. Some is imported from Canada and shipped to the United States in pipelines. Increasingly natural gas is also being shipped to the United States as liquefied natural gas(LNG).

We can also use machines called "digesters" that turn today's organic material (plants, animal wastes, etc.) into natural gas. This replaces waiting for thousands of years for the gas to form naturally.

How Is Natural Gas Stored and Delivered?

The gas companies collect it in huge storage tanks, or underground, in old gas wells. The gas remains there until it is added back into the pipeline when people begin to use more gas, such as in the winter to heat homes.

Natural gas is moved by pipelines from the producing fields to consumers. Since natural gas demand is greater in the winter, gas is stored along the way in large underground storage systems, such as old oil and gas wells or caverns formed in old salt beds. The gas remains there until it is added back into the pipeline when people begin to use more gas, such as in the winter to heat homes.

When chilled to very cold temperatures, approximately -260 degrees Fahrenheit, natural gas changes into a liquid and can be stored in this form. Because it takes up only 1/600th of the space that it would in its gaseous state, Liquefied natural gas (LNG) can be loaded onto tankers (large ships with several domed tanks) and moved across the ocean to deliver gas to other countries. When this LNG is received in the United States, it can be shipped by truck to be held in large chilled tanks close to users or turned back into gas to add to pipelines.

When the gas gets to the communities where it will be used(usually through large pipelines), the gas is measured as it flows into smaller pipelines called "mains". Very small lines, called "services", connect to the mains and go directly to homes or buildings where it will be used.

How is Natural Gas Measured?

Approximately 22 percent of the energy consumption of the U.S. comes from natural gas. Slightly more than half of the homes in the U.S. use natural gas as their main heating fuel.

Natural gas is also an essential raw material for many common products, such as: paints , fertilizer, plastics, antifreeze, dyes, photographic film, medicines, and explosives. We also get propane when we process natural gas. Propane is the fuel many of us use in our barbecue grills.

Natural gas has thousands of uses and industry depends on it. It's used to produce steel, glass, paper, clothing, brick, electricity and much more!

Homes use it too. More than 62.5 percent of homes use natural gas to fuel stoves, furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers and other household appliances. It is also used to roast coffee, smoke meats, bake bread and much more.

How Does Natural Gas Impact the Environment?

Natural gas burns more cleanly than other fossil fuels. It has fewer emissions of sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen than coal or oil, and when it is burned, it leaves almost no ash particles. Being a clean fuel is one reason that the use of natural gas, especially for electricity generation, has grown so much and is expected to grow even more in the future.

Of course, there are environmental concerns with the use of any fuel. As with other fossil fuels, burning natural gas produces carbon dioxide which is a very important greenhouse gas. Many scientists believe that increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere are changing the global climate.

Also, as with other fuels, natural gas also affects the environment when it is produced, stored and transported. Because natural gas is made up mostly of methane (another greenhouse gas), small amounts of methane can sometimes leak into the atmosphere from wells, storage tanks and pipelines. The natural gas industry is working to prevent any methane from escaping. Exploring and drilling for natural gas will always have some impact on land and marine habitats. But new technologies have greatly reduced the number and size of areas disturbed by drilling, sometimes called "footprints." Satellites, global positioning systems, remote sensing devices, and 3-D and 4- D seismic technologies, make it possible to discover natural gas reserves while drilling fewer wells. Plus, the use of horizontal and directional drilling make it possible for a single well to
produce gas from much bigger areas than in the past.

Natural gas pipelines and storage facilities have a very good safety record. This is very important because when natural gas leaks it can cause explosions. Since raw natural gas has no odor, natural gas companies add a smelly substance to it so that people will know if there is a leak. If you have a natural gas stove, you may have smelled this “rotten egg” smell of natural gas when the pilot light has gone out.

What Is a Black Hole?

2011-01-12T14:40:00.000-08:00

A black hole is a place in space where gravity pulls so much that even light can not get out. The gravity is so strong because matter has been squeezed into a tiny space. This can happen when a star is dying.

Because no light can get out, people can't see black holes. They are invisible. Space telescopes with special tools can help find black holes. The special tools can see how stars that are very close to black holes act differently than other stars.

How Big Are Black Holes?
Black holes can be big or small. Scientists think the smallest black holes are as small as just one atom. These black holes are very tiny but have the mass of a large mountain. Mass is the amount of matter, or "stuff," in an object.

Another kind of black hole is called "stellar." Its mass can be up to 20 times more than the mass of the sun. There may be many, many stellar mass black holes in Earth's galaxy. Earth's galaxy is called the Milky Way.

The largest black holes are called "supermassive." These black holes have masses that are more than 1 million suns together. Scientists have found proof that every large galaxy contains a supermassive black hole at its center. The supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way galaxy is called Sagittarius A. It has a mass equal to about 4 million suns and would fit inside a very large ball that could hold a few million Earths.

How Do Black Holes Form?
Scientists think the smallest black holes formed when the universe began.

Stellar black holes are made when the center of a very big star falls in upon itself, or collapses. When this happens, it causes a supernova. A supernova is an exploding star that blasts part of the star into space.

Scientists think supermassive black holes were made at the same time as the galaxy they are in.

If Black Holes Are "Black," How Do Scientists Know They Are There?
A black hole can not be seen because strong gravity pulls all of the light into the middle of the black hole. But scientists can see how the strong gravity affects the stars and gas around the black hole. Scientists can study stars to find out if they are flying around, or orbiting, a black hole.

When a black hole and a star are close together, high-energy light is made. This kind of light can not be seen with human eyes. Scientists use satellites and telescopes in space to see the high-energy light.

Could a Black Hole Destroy Earth?
Black holes do not go around in space eating stars, moons and planets. Earth will not fall into a black hole because no black hole is close enough to the solar system for Earth to do that.

Even if a black hole the same mass as the sun were to take the place of the sun, Earth still would not fall in. The black hole would have the same gravity as the sun. Earth and the other planets would orbit the black hole as they orbit the sun now.

The sun will never turn into a black hole. The sun is not a big enough star to make a black hole.

How Is NASA Studying Black Holes?
NASA is using satellites and telescopes that are traveling in space to learn more about black holes. These spacecraft help scientists answer questions about the universe.

SOURCE Heather R. Smith/NASA Educational Technology Services NASA

NASA spots 'gamma ray-only' pulsar

2011-01-12T14:37:00.000-08:00

Astronomers have discovered nearly 1,800 neutron stars. These collapsed cores of massive stars are among the most bizarre denizens of the cosmic zoo, each one packing more than a Sun's worth of mass into a city-sized sphere. [5]

NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (formerly known as GLAST) has spied the first "gamma ray-only" pulsar - a 10,000 year-old stellar remnant which uniquely doesn't appear to emit pulses at either radio, visible light or X-ray wavelengths in common with the 1,800 or so similar objects catalogued to date. [1]

NASA said the gamma-ray-only pulsar lies within a supernova remnant known as CTA 1, about 4,600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Cepheus. [2]

Typically, supernova remains include the dead star's collapsed core -- known as a neutron star because its protons and electrons have combined to form neutrons. Sometimes the neutron star is spinning, which causes jets of particles to stream out above their magnetic poles, producing powerful beams of light that appear as flashes as the star rotates. These are known as pulsars, and their beams have been found in radio wavelengths, X-ray and, now for the first time, in gamma rays as
well. [3]

A pulsar is a rapidly spinning neutron star, the crushed core left behind when a massive sun explodes. Astronomers have cataloged nearly 1,800 pulsars. Although most were found through their pulses at radio wavelengths, some of these objects also beam energy in other forms, including visible light and X-rays. However, the source in CTA 1 only pulses at gamma-ray energies. [4]

Studies of these neutron stars will provide clues that will help astronomers piece together the life cycle of neutron stars, and how pulsars emit their beamed radiation. [5]

Reference:
[1] No radio broadcasts from neutron star The Register 17th October 2008
[2] First gamma-ray-only pulsar is discovered UPI Oct. 16, 2008
[3] Dead Star Flings Gamma Rays in Pulses Discovery News Oct. 16, 2008
[4] NASA's Fermi Telescope Discovers First Gamma-Ray-Only Pulsar MatchWatch Oct. 16, 2008
[5] NASA Satellite Discovers New Type of Pulsar SkyandTelescope.com Oct 2008

Religious figure attempts to affect policy

2011-01-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

Pope Benedict XVI stressed the church's opposition to abortion and stem cell research in his first meeting with President Barack Obama on July 10, 2009,
pressing the Vatican's case with the U.S. leader who is already under fire on those issues from some conservative Catholics and bishops back home. [1]

Even in his gift to the U.S. leader, the pope sought to underscore his beliefs. Benedict gave Obama a copy of a Vatican document on bioethics that hardened
the church's opposition to using embryos for stem cell research, cloning and in-vitro fertilization. Obama supports stem cell research. [1]

Obama is very popular in Italy, and hundreds of people lining the broad avenue leading to St. Peter's Square cheered his limousine as it went by. Obama
waved. His election presented a challenge for the Vatican after eight years of common ground with President George W. Bush in opposing abortion, an
issue that drew them together despite Vatican opposition to the war in Iraq. [1]

***************

Evangelical church leaders are pressing Kenya's national museum to relegate to a back room its world-famous collection of hominid fossils showing the evolution of humans' early ancestors. The museum's collections include the most complete skeleton yet found of Homo erectus, the 1.7-million- year-old Turkana Boy unearthed by Leakey's team in 1984 near Lake Turkana in northern Kenya.

While, Bishop Bonifes Adoyo, head of the largest Pentecostal church in Kenya, said "our doctrine is not that we evolved from apes. "

Evolutionary theory is not anti-faith. It’s important to find a compromise between faith and theory.

Reference: Scientist Fights Church Effort to Hide Museum's Pre- Human Fossils LiveScience Sun Dec 3, 11:55 AM ET

[1] Pope presses Obama on abortion, stem cells AP News July 10 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_obama_vatican

Permafrost

2011-01-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

Permafrost, or frozen ground, covers approximately 20 to 25 percent of the land-surface area in the northern hemisphere, and is estimated to contain up to 1,600 gigatons of carbon, primarily in the form of organic matter. (One gigaton is equivalent to 1 billion tons.)

By comparison, the atmosphere now contains around 850 gigatons of the element as carbon dioxide.

Permafrost historically has served as a carbon sink, largely isolating carbon from participating in the carbon cycle. However, global warming could transform the Arctic into a new carbon source by accelerating the rate of permafrost melting. This
undoubtedly would have a dramatic effect on the global carbon cycle.

Permafrost carbon will oxidize to carbon dioxide as melting accelerates, causing a positive feedback to global warming. A vicious cycle is created as a warmer climate facilitates more carbon release, which in turn favors more warming.

Credit: Permafrost Could Be Climate's Ticking Time Bomb The National Science Foundation, October 2009

harvest moon

2011-01-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

The harvest moon is the moon at and about the period of fullness that is nearest to the autumnal equinox. [Wikipedia]

The moon officially turns full when it reaches that spot in the sky opposite (180-degrees) to the sun in the sky. The moon turns out that this full moon is also the one that comes closest on the calendar to the September equinox. In 2009 this circumstance comes later than usual . . . into the month of October, as opposed to the more traditional month of September. Between 1970 and 2050, there are 18 years when the harvest moon comes in October. The last time was in 2006 and next
time will be in 2017. [1]

A Harvest Moon is unique in that the angle of the moon's path is almost parallel to the horizon. Normally the moon will rise about 50 minutes later each evening. However, because of the smaller angle in the moon's path, a Harvest Moon will rise only 20 to 25 minutes later each evening for three nights. [3]

There is a well known optical illusion known as "the moon illusion," whereby the moon, when low in the sky, appears much larger than it does when high overhead. When the moon is low in the sky, it is also strongly subject to appearing yellow, orange, or red due to air pollution, particularly caused by forest fires this time of year. [2]

The harvest moon gets its name because the light from the moon allows farmers to work later hours – past sunset – and harvest staple crops such as pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice, during this time period. [4]

[1] Joe Rao Harvest Moon This Weekend: Late But Still Gorgeous, Yahoo News/SPACE.com Fri Oct 2, 4:31 pm ET [2] Geoff Gaherty Don't miss special effects of the harvest moon msnbc Oct . 1, 2009 [3] Vernon Whetstone What size is the moon, really? mccookgazette.com October 1, 2009 [4] Amy Farnsworth Next week, keep a lookout for the harvest moon csmonitor.com 10.01.09

How does religion affect teens' birth rate?

2011-01-12T14:26:00.000-08:00

Teenage birth rates are higher in states with greater levels of religious belief, possibly due to strong disapproval of contraception, a study suggests. [1]

In the study, researchers compared U.S. CDC data on teen birth rates with data from the Pew Forum's U.S. Religious Landscapes Survey. A state's level of religious belief was determined by averaging the percentage of respondents who agreed with the eight most conservative opinions in the survey, such as "Scripture should be
taken literally, word for word." [1]

Mississippi topped the list for conservative religious beliefs and teen birth rates. More abortions among teens in less religious states. But even after accounting for the abortions, the study team still found a state's level of religiosity could predict their teen birth rate. [3]

Most of those "religious" states are also so-called red states. Generalizations are always dangerous, but lack of education, low or no income, and increased religiosity tend to intertwine and build on each other. One other, possibly more interesting development released in this new study is that the children of teen mothers are
more likely to have mental health issues. [2]

The relationship could be also due to the fact that communities with such religious beliefs (a literal interpretation of the Bible, for instance) may frown upon contraception, researchers say. If that same culture isn't successfully discouraging teen sex, the pregnancy and birth rates rise. Earlier marriage among religious
individuals could also partly explain the finding. [3]

Reference
[1] Teen Birth Rates Higher in States Where Religion Is Widespread U.S. News
Sept. 16 2009

[2] Too Much Religion Leads to High Teen Pregnancy Rates Bonnie Erbe, Thomas
Jefferson Street blogU.S. News September 18, 2009

[3] Link may be due to communities frowning on contraception, researchers say
MSNBC.COM Sept . 16, 2009

Can Praying help a sick person's recovery?

2011-01-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

In a scientific study, praying from strangers did not showed any benefits for heart surgery patients, And patients who knew they were being prayed for had a slightly higher rate of complications.

However, this study could not address whether God exists or answers prayers made on another's behalf. The study could look only for effects or benefits from the specific prayers offered on sick people.

The study followed about 1,800 patients at six medical centers. The research team tested the effect of having three Christian groups pray for particular patients, starting the night before surgery and continuing for two weeks. The volunteers prayed for "a successful surgery with a quick, healthy recovery and no complications" for specific patients.

The patients were split into three groups: [1] those who knew they were being prayed for, [2] those who were prayed for but only knew it was a possibility, and [3] those who weren't prayed for but were told it was a possibility.

The study looked for any complications within 30 days of the surgery. Results showed no effect of prayer on complication-free recovery. But among patients who did receive prayers, 59 percent of the patients who knew they were being prayed for developed a complication, versus 52 percent of those who were told it was just a possibility.

Reference Study fails to show healing power of prayer Reuters March 30, 2006

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dale Neumann, a 47 years old Wisconsin man, was convicted in the March 23, 2008, death of his daughter, Madeline, from undiagnosed diabetes. Prosecutors contended he should have rushed the girl to a hospital because she couldn't walk, talk, eat or drink. Instead, Madeline died on the floor of the family's rural Weston home as people surrounded her and prayed.

Neumann testified Thursday that he believed God would heal his daughter and he never expected her to die. God promises in the Bible to heal, he said.

SOURCE Wis. jury: Father guilty in prayer death case ROBERT IMRIE, Associated

Press August 1, 2009

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carl Brent Worthington and Raylene Worthington, an Oregon couple, relied on prayer instead of medical care were acquitted of manslaughter in the death of their 15-month-old daughter.

The jury convicted Carl Brent Worthington of criminal mistreatment, a misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentence of a year in jail. The mother, Raylene Worthington, was acquitted in the 2008 death of their daughter Ava.

Both had faced manslaughter charges, which could have carried a sentence of up to six years in prison. The mother also was acquitted of criminal mistreatment.

The prosecution said Ava Worthington failed to flourish through most of her life because of a cyst on her neck that impeded her breathing and eating, contributing to her fatal pneumonia. She died on a Sunday evening after family and church members prayed over her and anointed her with olive oil. The state medical examiner said she could easily have been saved with antibiotics.

The Followers of Christ shuns conventional medicine in favor of faith healing. The church has been in Oregon City since early in the 20th century. Its members, by their own description and that of others, keep to themselves.

Oregon couple who treated sick daughter with prayer not medicine acquitted of manslaughter The Associated Press Friday, July 24th 2009, 4:00 AM Collins Armah "Let us confront practical problems with practical solutions. Let us give science and technology room to operate when it

calls for. Let us check ourselves as humans and do the right thing and when what is needed to be done by us as humans are done; and such misfortunes like road accidents keep happening, then we seek spiritual interpretations."

Collins Armah Prayer camps and superstitious beliefs: A challenge to science and technology in Africa Modernchana.com 24 Mar 2009

Are you suffered from Islamophobia?

2010-08-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

The plan to build an Islamic center in New York City near the site of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks has sparked a backlash of opposition. Other manifestations of anti-Muslim sentiment have recently sprung up elsewhere as well.

Counterterrorism analysts who monitor jihadist Internet chat rooms and websites say that there is modest but growing chatter in those forums about the opposition to the New York City Islamic center plan.

Evan Kohlmann, senior partner of the New York-based security consulting firm Flashpoint Global Partners, says radical Islamists see a propaganda and recruitment opportunity in the New York mosque controversy as well as other manifestations of anti-Muslim feeling.

"The reaction is, at least on the part of extremists, fairly gleeful - that America is playing into our hands, that America is revealing its ugly face, and that even if it doesn't further radicalize people in the Middle East, there's no doubt that it will radicalize a kind of a key constituency that al-Qaida and other extremists are seeking to covet, seeking to court, which is the small number of homegrown extremists here in the United States," Kohlmann said.

Al-Qaida and allied groups view American Muslims as a potentially valuable asset because they can mount attacks from within the United States. Army Major Nidal Hassan, the accused Fort Hood shooter, and Faisal Shahzad, who tried unsuccessfully to set off a bomb in New York City's Times Square, are both American citizens whom investigators believe were drawn into radical Islam.

In its message of violent global jihad, al-Qaida rails against U.S. support of Israel and what it calls apostate regimes in the Middle East. But Brian Fishman, a terrorism analyst at the New America Foundation, says American-born radical Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who now lives in Yemen, is now honing the recruitment message more directly for American Muslims.

"That message, that broad jihadi message, doesn't seem to be resonating tremendously well with American Muslims. But what I worry about is that a guy like Anwar al-Awlaki has better insight into what will work here. And his message has been a little bit different over the last six to nine months," Fisherman explains. "It has included all of those general themes. But it also discusses this idea that the West is turning on you, America is coming to get you, you won't be safe there for long, you have to fight back now."

Some Americans voicing anti-Muslim hate messages are providing even more ammunition for the Islamic radicals. Terry Jones, a fundamentalist Christian clergyman, calls Islam a religion of the devil and has pledged to hold a communal burning of Korans, the Muslim holy book, at his Gainesville, Florida church on Sept. 11. Analysts say Jones' pronouncements have drawn even more chatter and threats of violence in jihadist chat rooms than the New York controversy.

Brian Fishman says that, unfortunately, the extremist views of people like Terry Jones draw more media attention than the opposition to the hatemongering. "There are 15 or 16 other churches in Florida, or in Gainesville where this is going on, that are going to do readings from the Koran that day and do sort of interfaith stuff as a response and say, 'you know what? This is not what Americans believe, this is what one group believes,' Fisherman said. "Part of the problem is that there are these people out there doing really hateful things. The second problem, though, is that those hateful things tend to get more attention than the responses to them."

Evan Kohlmann says each instance of hate-mongering plays into al-Alwaki's strategy of trying to radicalize moderate American Muslims. "When you see some of the rhetoric that is taking place, whether it is talking about burning a Koran or Islam being a devilish religion, this kind of rhetoric is extremely damaging," Kohlmann says, "and it does tend to push people like Nidal Hassan and Faisal Shahzad into doing things like what they've done, the Fort Hood massacre and the Times Square bombing. So the risk here is that the level of rhetoric has become so poisonous that we could end up turning the very moderates we seek to bring into the fold against us."

Counterterrorism analysts say there is grave potential for protests and attacks that may be even more violent than those that erupted after a Danish newspaper published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad. Depictions of Mohammad are forbidden in Islam. As Evan Kohlmann put it, if cartoons can provoke that kind of violence, what would a burn the Koran day ignite?

Adapted from http://www.voanews.com/english/news/Radical-Islamists-Try-to-Exploit-Islamophobia-101592048.html

Who are watching you when you are surfing the internet

2010-08-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

It's called behavioral marketing, but it might just as well be called virtual profiling. Websites, search engines, advertising agencies and Internet data collectors - they're all using relatively basic technology to record what you're looking at, how much you like it, and most importantly, what you might want to buy online.

"Advertisers are building large, complex profiles on customers," says Ginger McCall with the Electronic Privacy Information Center. Profiles she says contain all sorts of information about you, where you live, what you do, who your friends are, and what your preferences may be.

All that information is focused into one purpose, says Susan Grant with the Consumer Federation of America: "To serve them with ads that are more directly targeted to things they are interested in."

Depending on your perspective, it's either a great idea, or just a little bit creepy.

Here's how behavioral marketing works. Websites drop what are called "cookies" into a visitor's computer. This cookie is really the technology that tracks us as we click around within a website and as we move from site to site. This detailed information is blended into customer profiles and used mostly by Internet advertising networks to target consumers.

Do you bank online? The cookie will remember. Buying shoes? The cookie tracks where you shop, and how much you spend. Emailing your friends about a new movie? The cookie knows before your friends do.

"You have thousands of websites that consumers go to," says Mike Zaneis of the Interactive Advertising Bureau. "You have thousands of marketers that want to reach those consumers. An ad network is the middle-man."

While some firms try to keep these data profiles as anonymous as possible, Susan Grant notes that even that amount of privacy is ebbing away, thanks to increasingly sophisticated computer tracking.

"It's relatively easy to match certain information such as zip codes and financial information and figure out who somebody is," she says.

All this has some, like Ginger McCall, raising alarms about our eroding privacy online.

"Facebook had transformed their service so that now they're putting a cookie with the user and that cookie can track the user across the Internet. When you sign up with Facebook, you have to give that service your real name so, absolutely, the tracking information is being connected with your actual identity."

It isn't just networking sites like Facebook, or retailers like Amazon. Cookie-generated data is also gathered by data collection companies. That information is packaged into millions of customer profiles that are then grouped, bundled and sold to advertising networks.

Consumer advocates like Ed Mierzwinski of the non-profit US Pirg are not amused.

"These companies have a goal of collecting information, keeping it forever and selling it to as many different kinds of companies that want to buy it," he warns.

Adding to the concerns are a new generation of computer algorithms that amass known information about a user, then draw predictions about what they might be like in their public, and their private lives.

"They can also make assumptions about you in terms of your sexual preferences, your race, your ethnicity or your finances," says Grant. "The information can be accessed and used by somebody for purposes that you never dreamed of."

For example, says Ed Mierzwinski, "You might eventually have that piece of information about your surfing habits somehow collected by an insurance company that would harm you by charging you more."

Advertising networks and websites say they voluntarily follow regulations that prohibit the sharing of private information, especially data on your health or your finances. And says Mike Zaneis, an evolving self-regulatory program will allow web surfers a choice.

"We're talking about a single icon that consumers can easily understand and discover that is delivered in and around targeted ads. 'Click here' if you would like to opt out of all this third party data tracking."

But instead of opting out, critics say, web users should have the choice to opt in.

"If you're the sort of person that likes to have targeted advertising, says Ginger McCall, "then you should be able to opt in to that service. It shouldn't be that you are inherently opted in by default."

"Do I have to opt out of every website that I go to?" asks Mierzwinski. "Why shouldn't the websites that I go to ask me a question? 'Hi Ed, how are you? Do you want to opt in to us collecting information about you so we can offer you what we think are better deals?' Why doesn't it work that way?"

Opt in or opt out - it may not matter because individuals already have the power to control their cookies, just by adjusting their brower's privacy settings.

Not enough, say privacy advocates who argue there are cookies, and then there are cookies: things such as "flash cookies" and "super cookies" that can get around a user's browser controls.

For the time being, when it comes to privacy, Internet users are pretty much on their own.

SOURCE VOA.GOV AUG 2010

Companies Race to Bring 3D to Consumers

2010-08-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

With the surging popularity of 3D movies, a number of consumer electronic companies are investing heavily to bring the new technology to more people. Although consumer electronic experts say widespread adoption is still five to 10 years away, companies from the U.S. to Japan are betting that consumer demand will soon bring 3D into your living room.

In the latest 3D movie to hit the big screen, prehistoric killer fish practically sink their teeth into cinema audiences.

And with movie goers willing to pay $15 to $20 to watch movies like Piranha 3D - a number of companies are betting people will want to experience the same thrill at home.

In California's Silicon Valley, graphics technology company Nvidia is developing a device that brings the 3D experience to your home computer. 3D Division chief Phil Eisler, says its special glasses can deliver high resolution 3D by blinking rapidly to bring a different image to each eye.

"Nvidia has pursued the active shutter glasses, what's called the sequential frame 120 Hz method so that the glasses here will open left and right at 60 Hz per eye. Then a laptop such as this Toshiba 3D laptop - the screen will work at 120 Hz and display left and right so you get a true stereoscopic 3D image, with full resolution and full color per eye," he said.

Nvidia adds it's a big improvement from the old red and green cardboard glasses.

Although companies are experimenting with different methods to simulate 3D, marketing expert John Peddie says the advantage of Nvidia's system is that it works with games that were not designed with 3D in mind. "So the game developer doesn't have to do anything. The game developer can say, here's my game, enjoy it. You can enjoy it in 2D in an old monitor which is 60 Hz, or with the aid of the Nvidia stereo system you can enjoy it in 3D with their glasses and their sensor and their magic secret formula software," Peddie said.

But some companies are looking beyond. Sony and Toshiba are developing competing technologies to do away with glasses altogether.

Sony Home Entertainment Division chief Yoshihisa Ishida says the company hopes to be first, but he says a launch date has not been set. "Once all the technical elements are ready, I think the ultimate shape of 3D TVs should be the one watchable without the glass, as it is easier," he said. "But before we reach that stage, we will have to solve the technical matters as well as the price issue."

But home 3D will not come cheap. Upgrading a computer using Nvidia's system will cost about $600, with glasses priced about $200 apiece.

3D-capable TVs that require glasses already sell between $3,000 to $5,000. Without the glasses - a fantasy world that looks so real you can almost touch it - will almost certainly cost more.

SOURCE: VOA.ORG

chronic fatigue syndrome and retroviruses

2010-08-25T17:32:00.000-07:00

Researchers have identified a family of retroviruses in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, opening up a potentially promising new avenue of treatment for a debilitating disease that afflicts as many as four million Americans and 17 million people world-wide. [1]

Based on other recent research linking the syndrome to a retrovirus called XMRV, some doctors are already prescribing drugs approved for HIV for fatigue patients. Unfortunately,the syndrome has no effective treatments yet. The group of viruses identified in fatigue patients, called murine leukemia virus-related viruses, or MLV, are known to cause cancer and neurological problems in mice, but whether they cause disease in humans isn't known. XMRV is among several different members of the MLV family. [1]

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More Information from CDC

XMRV is a newly identified human retrovirus that is similar to a group of mouse retroviruses (called murine leukemia viruses, or MLVs) scientists have known about for years. XMRV refers to xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus. It was first identified in 2006 in tissue samples from men with prostate cancer. [2]

As early as October 2009, scientists reported a potential association of XMRV with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In this study, XMRV was detected in approximately two-thirds of patients diagnosed with CFS. They also identified DNA of XMRV in the blood cells of some healthy persons and suggested a potential for XMRV transmission by transfusion or transplantation. [2]

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SOURCE [1] New Hope in Fatigue Fight wsj.com 2010 [2] CDC.gov

Earthquake Facts

2010-08-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Earthquake Facts

The largest recorded earthquake in the United States was a magnitude 9.2 that struck Prince William Sound, Alaska on Good Friday, March 28, 1964 UTC.
The largest recorded earthquake in the world was a magnitude 9.5 (Mw) in Chile on May 22, 1960.
The earliest reported earthquake in California was felt in 1769 by the exploring expedition of Gaspar de Portola while the group was camping about 48 kilometers (30 miles) southeast of Los Angeles.
Before electronics allowed recordings of large earthquakes, scientists built large spring-pendulum seismometers in an attempt to record the long-period motion produced by such quakes. The largest one weighed about 15 tons. There is a medium-sized one three stories high in Mexico City that is still in operation.
The average rate of motion across the San Andreas Fault Zone during the past 3 million years is 56 mm/yr (2 in/yr). This is about the same rate at which your fingernails grow. Assuming this rate continues, scientists project that Los Angeles and San Francisco will be adjacent to one another in approximately 15 million years.
The East African Rift System is a 50-60 km (31-37 miles) wide zone of active volcanics and faulting that extends north-south in eastern Africa for more than 3000 km (1864 miles) from Ethiopia in the north to Zambezi in the south. It is a rare example of an active continental rift zone, where a continental plate is attempting to split into two plates which are moving away from one another.
The first “pendulum seismoscope” to measure the shaking of the ground during an earthquake was developed in 1751, and it wasn’t until 1855 that faults were recognized as the source of earthquakes.
Moonquakes (“earthquakes” on the moon) do occur, but they happen less frequently and have smaller magnitudes than earthquakes on the Earth. It appears they are related to the tidal stresses associated with the varying distance between the Earth and Moon. They also occur at great depth, about halfway between the surface and the center of the moon.
Although both are sea waves, a tsunami and a tidal wave are two different unrelated phenomenona. A tidal wave is a shallow water wave caused by the gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. A tsunami is a sea wave caused by an underwater earthquake or landslide (usually triggered by an earthquake) displacing the ocean water.
The hypocenter of an earthquake is the location beneath the earth’s surface where the rupture of the fault begins. The epicenter of an earthquake is the location directly above the hypocenter on the surface of the earth.
The world’s greatest land mountain range is the Himalaya-Karakoram. It countains 96 of the world’s 109 peaks of over 7,317m (24,000 ft). The longest range is the Andes of South America which is 7,564km (4700 mi) in length. Both were created bythe movement of tectonic plates.
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. 100,000 of those can be felt, and 100 of them cause damage.
It is thought that more damage was done by the resulting fire after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake than by the earthquake itself.
A seiche (pronounced SAYSH) is what happens in the swimming pools of Californians during and after an earthquake. It is “an internal wave oscillating in a body of water” or, in other words, it is the sloshing of the water in your swimming pool, or any body of water, caused by the ground shaking in an earthquake. It may continue for a few moments or hours, long after the generating force is gone. A seiche can also be caused by wind or tides.
Each year the southern California area has about 10,000 earthquakes. Most of them are so small that they are not felt. Only several hundred are greater than magnitude 3.0, and only about 15-20 are greater than magnitude 4.0. If there is a large earthquake, however, the aftershock sequence will produce many more earthquakes of all magnitudes for many months.
The magnitude of an earthquake is a measured value of the earthquake size. The magnitude is the same no matter where you are, or how strong or weak the shaking was in various locations. The intensity of an earthquake is a measure of the shaking created by the earthquake, and this value does vary with location.
The Wasatch Range, with its outstanding ski areas, runs North-South through Utah, and like all mountain ranges it was produced by a series of earthquakes. The 386 km (240-mile)-long Wasatch Fault is made up of several segments, each capable of producing up to a M7.5 earthquake. During the past 6,000 years, there has been a M6.5+ about once every 350 years, and it has been about 350 years since the last powerful earthquake, which was on the Nephi segment.
There is no such thing as “earthquake weather”. Statistically, there is an equal distribution of earthquakes in cold weather, hot weather, rainy weather, etc. Furthermore, there is no physical way that the weather could affect the forces several miles beneath the surface of the earth. The changes in barometric pressure in the atmosphere are very small compared to the forces in the crust, and the effect of the barometric pressure does not reach beneath the soil.
From 1975-1995 there were only four states that did not have any earthquakes. They were: Florida, Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The core of the earth was the first internal structural element to be identified. In 1906 R.D. Oldham discovered it from his studies of earthquake records. The inner core is solid, and the outer core is liquid and so does not transmit the shear wave energy released during an earthquake.
The swimming pool at the University of Arizona in Tucson lost water from sloshing (seiche) caused by the 1985 M8.1 Michoacan, Mexico earthquake 2000 km (1240 miles) away.
Earthquakes occur in the central portion of the United States too! Some very powerful earthquakes occurred along the New Madrid fault in the Mississippi Valley in 1811-1812. Because of the crustal structure in the Central US which efficiently propagates seismic energy, shaking from earthquakes in this part of the country are felt at a much greater distance from the epicenters than similar size quakes in the Western US.
Most earthquakes occur at depths of less than 80 km (50 miles) from the Earth’s surface.
The San Andreas fault is NOT a single, continuous fault, but rather is actually a fault zone made up of many segments. Movement may occur along any of the many fault segments along the zone at any time. The San Andreas fault system is more that 1300 km (800 miles) long, and in some spots is as much as 16 km (10 miles) deep.
The world’s deadliest recorded earthquake occurred in 1556 in central China. It struck a region where most people lived in caves carved from soft rock. These dwellings collapsed during the earthquake, killing an estimated 830,000 people. In 1976 another deadly earthquake struck in Tangshan, China, where more than 250,000 people were killed.
Florida and North Dakota have the smallest number of earthquakes in the United States.
The deepest earthquakes typically occur at plate boundaries where the Earth”s crust is being subducted into the Earth’s mantle. These occur as deep as 750 km (400 miles) below the surface.
Alaska is the most earthquake-prone state and one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Alaska experiences a magnitude 7 earthquake almost every year, and a magnitude 8 or greater earthquake on average every 14 years.
The majority of the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur along plate boundaries such as the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American plate. One of the most active plate boundaries where earthquakes and eruptions are frequent, for example, is around the massive Pacific Plate commonly referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The earliest recorded evidence of an earthquake has been traced back to 1831 BC in the Shandong province of China, but there is a fairly complete record starting in 780 BC during the Zhou Dynasty in China.
It was recognized as early as 350 BC by the Greek scientist Aristotle that soft ground shakes more than hard rock in an earthquake.
The cause of earthquakes was stated correctly in 1760 by British engineer John Michell, one of the first fathers of seismology, in a memoir where he wrote that earthquakes and the waves of energy that they make are caused by “shifting masses of rock miles below the surface”.
In 1663 the European settlers experienced their first earthquake in America.
Human beings can detect sounds in the frequency range 20-10,000 Hertz. If a P wave refracts out of the rock surface into the air, and it has a frequency in the audible range, it will be heard as a rumble. Most earthquake waves have a frequency of less than 20 Hz, so the waves themselves are usually not heard. Most of the rumbling noise heard during an earthquake is the building and its contents moving.
When the Chilean earthquake occurred in 1960, seismographs recorded seismic waves that traveled all around the Earth. These seismic waves shook the entire earth for many days! This phenomenon is called the free oscillation of the Earth.
The interior of Antarctica has icequakes which, although they are much smaller, are perhaps more frequent than earthquakes in Antarctica. The icequakes are similar to earthquakes, but occur within the ice sheet itself instead of the land underneath the ice. Some of our polar observers have told us they can hear the icequakes and see them on the South Pole seismograph station, but they are much too small to be seen on enough stations to obtain a location.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/facts.php

Deep Water Plume Persists Months After BP Oil Well Blowout

2010-08-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

A new report finds that the oil in the Gulf of Mexico still persists in the form of a massive plume that, according to scientists is not going away anytime soon.

More than a month after BP capped its broken oil well in the Gulf of Mexico, experts have differed on how much of the more than four million barrels of spilled crude remains in Gulf waters and where that oil is going.

The U.S. government agencies involved in the cleanup estimated recently that roughly 75 percent of the oil from the leaking well had been skimmed, burned, evaporated or naturally broken down.

Massive plume

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution report, released on-line Thursday in the journal Science, describes the mammoth plume.

Over a 10-day period in late June - two weeks before the damaged seafloor wellhead was successfully capped the researchers measured a massive plume near the wellhead site.

The oil plume was approximately 1,000 meters deep, 35 kilometers long, 200 meters high and 2 kilometers wide two months after the well explosion.

The team deployed an autonomous underwater vehicle, or AUV, and a sampling device tethered by cable to their ship on the surface. Researcher Chris Reddy says what they saw was a forensic snapshot showing that hydrocarbons can move into deep marine ecosystems.

Our goal was to document a plume and see what its size, shape, distribution and eventually its chemical composition. This is an important aspect because there is very little known about oil in the sub-surface."

The AUV zigzagged its way through the oil plume to measure chemicals and biological activity at various depths.

The chemical analysis reported so far showed no substantial decay in the plume, which suggests that petroleum-eating microbes were not significantly breaking down the oil. Researcher Benjamin Van Mooy says that is in part because of water temperature.

"If everything else were equal same bugs, same oil, same nutrients, same oxygen. We would expect that the bacteria in the deep waters would be 10 times slower, just because it's cooler."

Going nowhere fast

Florida State University oceanographer Ian MacDonald has studied the natural breakdown of spilled crude oil. He says that isn't happening as fast as had been hoped in the Gulf.

In a hearing before Congress Thursday, he disputed government claims that the oil in all its forms in the ocean is biodegrading quickly.

"This oil has already degraded, evaporated and emulsified," said MacDonald. "It is going to be very resistant to further biodegradation. This oil is going to be in the environment for a long time."

Oceanographer MacDonald's testimony is in line with a report released this week by University of Georgia researchers finds that up to 79 percent of the oil that spewed from the broken well remains in the Gulf.

Scientists from Woods Hole hope that their data will help compile a more accurate picture of the deep ocean. They call for a sustained and coordinated research effort to better understand the impact of the spill and how best to respond to world's worst-ever maritime oil disaster.

SOURCE VOA

Almost Half of Americans Use Alternative Medicine

2010-08-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

In the United States, more patients are turning to alternative and complementary medicine as part of their health care.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health say that nearly 40 percent of adults have used some type therapy that isn't taught in medical schools. But more than 40 U.S. universities, including Stanford, UCLA, Duke and The George Washington University have integrative medicine centers.

Jean Ayers is not a regular patient. She is studying to be a physician assistant at George Washington University, which includes taking an elective course in integrative medicine. Participating in treatments is strongly encouraged.

"In most of my training as a physician assistant, we look at a patient's history and symptoms and then come up with a quote differential diagnosis," says Ayers. "Here we focus more on the symptoms as indicative of lifestyle and symbolic of larger issues."

The Center for Integrative Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center was founded in 1988 by Dr. John Pan, who had practiced as an obstetrician and gynecologist for more than 25 years. He says the center has about 6,000 patient visits a year. Most have tried conventional medicine.

"They have gone to Hopkins. They have gone to the Mayo Clinic," says Pan. "They aren't solving their problem. They are telling them nothing can be done, you have to live with it and they are seeking the last resort."

That includes patients like Anna Sterud. After a two-year battle with ovarian cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy and a clinical trial, she decided to try vitamin C infusions.

"I'm very much for scientifically proven methods of treatment, but when you feel your time is starting to run out, you feel you just have to go 100 percent and look for alternatives and that is what I did."

With more Americans turning to alternatives, the U.S. government founded The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as part of the National Institutes of Health.

"Our job here at the National Institutes of Health is to bring really good science to these really interesting practices," says Dr. Josephine Briggs, the center's director.

Practices that are considered outside mainstream medicine, like the use of dietary supplements, meditation and yoga, as well as chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, reiki - or therapeutic touch - and massage. A survey by the NIH in 2007 indicated four in 10 Americans use one of these practices, most often to treat pain.

"I think that the extent to which Americans are interested in these practices is a good reason for them being studied," says Briggs. "We do do our best to provide reliable information on our website about methods. That material is carefully reviewed by peers and scientific experts."

Testing some alternative therapies can be difficult. Scientists still aren't certain how acupuncture works.

"There may be direct effects of the stimulation on the nervous system that change pain processing and our researchers are looking at those," says Briggs. "But part of this may be expectation and the reassurance of the practitioner, the effect of the ritual. Some people call it the placebo effect. If it helps, however, it is worth knowing about."

Dr. Deirdre Orceyre is both a naturopathic physician and Chinese medicine practitioner at the Center for Integrative Medicine. She sometimes uses acupuncture for her patients.

"I try my best to use it in conjunction with the more Western model with natural or conventional and bring that in as a perspective and a healing modality."

That is the philosophy behind integrative medicine, to complement Western treatments with other methods.

"For me it was very important to do both, because I believe in the scientifically approved methods," says Sterud, the cancer patient.

She's encouraged that her oncologist has asked her to share information on her experience at the Center for Integrative Medicine.

SOURCE VOA

Muslim Woman Sues Disneyland Over Hijab

2010-08-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

A Muslim woman is suing Disneyland acusing the California theme park of refusing to allow her to work in front of customers while wearing a hijab or head scarf.

Imane Boudlal filed a discrimination complaint Wednesday with the federal Equal Opportunity Commission.

The Morocco native works in the Storytellers Cafe, a themed Disney restaurant. She says her employer gave her a choice of working behind the scenes or leaving after she began wearing the hijab in observance of Ramadan.

Disney says it is trying to make accommodations for Boudlal. Disneyland spokeswoman Suzi Brown says the company has a dress code for its "themed positions" and has provided Boudlal with opportunities to work in backstage positions.

SOURCE VOA
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It is a theme park!

New Poll: 1 in 5 Americans See Obama as 'Muslim'

2010-08-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

A new public opinion poll shows 18 percent of Americans wrongly believe President Barack Obama is a Muslim.

The number of Americans with that mistaken idea has risen in the past year, although President Obama is a practicing Christian and has made many public statements about his faith.

The poll released Thursday by the Pew Research Center indicated that only 34 percent of people know the president is Christian. A larger number – 43 percent – say they are not certain what religion Obama practices.

The survey found that those who believe the President is a Muslim overwhelmingly disapprove of his job performance.

Mr. Obama's opinion on the subject angered opponents of the cultural center who say it is offensive to build a Muslim site that includes a mosque so close to the scene of an attack by Islamist extremists.

So you think Mr. Obama is a Muslim?

SOURCE VOICE OF AMERICA

400-Year-Old Bonsai Survived Hiroshima Bombing

2010-08-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

Sixty five years ago, during World War II, a B-29 bomber known as the "Enola Gay" dropped the first atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima, Japan, killing hundreds of thousands of people. [MY COMMENT: ON THE OTHER HAND, THIS BOMB STOPPED THE WWII. IT SAVED MILLIONS OF PEOPLE'S LIFE] Among the survivors was a small tree, a Bonsai, which ended up in the United States as part of a national gift from Japan. The Bonsai, now 400 years old, is still alive, and forms part of one of the most striking collections in the U.S. capital.

If this tree could talk, it would have a lot to say. In its nearly 400 years of life it has seen more than one war.

"It is a survivor. It was actually in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped," said Jack Sustic, the Curator at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum in Washington. He says the tree came to the U.S. in 1976, to celebrate the U.S. bi-centennial, as a gift of 53 bonsai from Japan,

"This is a Japanese white pine; it was part of the original donation. It was in one family, the Yamaki family for 6 generations before they donated it. It was started as a Bonsai in 1625," Sustic said pointing to the tree.

Sustic says the Yamaki family had a Bonsai nursery and this was one of their signature trees. Six generations of the family took care of the tree in Japan and so far four curators in the U.S. have cared for it.

"Mr. Yamaki the original donator, came 4 or 5 years after they donated it. It's an interesting story because he was here looking at the tree and he began con cry and the curator at the time got a little uneasy and a little nervous so he asked the translator to make sure everything was O.K., so the translator asked him, is everything O.K.? and he said yes the tree is happy here, that's why I am crying," he said.

Sustic says taking care of the trees is an honor and a joy - but also a great responsibility.   What would he do if something happened to them? "I don't even want to think about it. But I have a suitcase at home that is packed. If anything ever happens to this I don't think anybody would be able to find me," he said.

The bonsai donation started this collection, the largest in North America, at the U.S. National Arboretum. The collection now has almost 300 trees, divided among three pavilions for the Japanese, Chinese and American bonsai.

"Bonsai literally means tree in a pot.   But you can look around in the collection and see that is much more than just sticking a tree in a pot. It's an art also, is a living art," Sustic said.

One of the most famous bonsai of the collection is this 57-year-old Juniper forest created by John Naka, considered the father of North American Bonsai. He planted one tree for every one of his grandchildren. "The work on the tree never ends because it is a living art. It's the pruning technique that keeps it small," Sustic said.

The art of the Bonsai demands great care and patience, carried out here by a small staff and 15 volunteers. The trees continue growing, so they have to be trimmed once or twice a year, and re-potted every couple of years. Some of the trees are particularly sensitive, like this one.

"It doesn't like the oil from your fingers and it doesn't like to be rubbed or anything like that, so whenever that happen, the tips turn brown, so I have to go in and remove the brown," Sustic said.

The Bonsai collection is priceless. Every tree is unique and the average age is around 100-years-old - which means several generations have cared for them.   Bonsai trees bloom, give fruits and change colors in the fall. Sustic says he and his family eat apples from one of his 30 bonsai at home.

"One interesting aspect is that fruit and flowers will not reduce in size," Sustic said.

From its beginnings in China more than 1,000 years ago, the art of the Bonsai was only a pastime of the elite for many centuries In the U.S., it has grown in popularity mostly due to the support of the National Bonsai Foundation. Johann Klodsen is the foundation's director, and like others close to the collection, she says there is more to the bonsai than simply what one sees. "Standing like in any work of art before a great piece of art, it becomes a conversation between the work of art and the individual and that conversation takes on a spiritual dimension," she said.

"If you do Bonsai, it begins to change you as a person I believe. It makes you a better person. It teaches you patience and reverence. It certainly has made me a better person," she said.

SOURCE Voice of America 2010

New Study: Oil from Gulf Spill Settling on Sea Floor

2010-08-19T05:39:00.000-07:00

A new study by scientists in the Gulf of Mexico finds that oil from the worst offshore oil spill in history is settling on the sea floor, where it is harming critical microscopic organisms.

Researchers at the University of South Florida said oil from the leak appears to have seeped into an underwater canyon east of the ruptured BP well, where they say it is killing small plants and bacteria. The plants, called phytoplankton, are a critical part of the food chain for several species of fish.

A team of scientists at the University of Georgia said a review of government data showed that almost 80 percent of the oil from the BP leak remains in the Gulf - much higher than government estimates.

U.S. officials have said that only about a quarter of the spilled crude remains in the water.

The commercial shrimping season opened Monday in the Gulf state of Louisiana. The Associated Press said many shrimpers reported large catches that were free of oil.

Oil first began gushing into the Gulf of Mexico after an April 20 explosion on a BP well that killed 11 workers. BP capped the well in mid-July and the British-based company has been engaged in a massive clean-up effort.

SOURCE VOICE OF AMERICAN 2010

Obama: 'No Regrets' About Comments on Mosque Near 'Ground Zero'

2010-08-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

U.S. President Barack Obama says he has "no regrets" about comments he made supporting Muslims' right to build a mosque near the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City.

Mr. Obama was asked about the remarks Wednesday while concluding an economic talk with residents in Ohio.

The president's comments on the mosque proposal have drawn fierce criticism from Republicans and others who say an Islamic center should not be built near the site where more than 2,600 people were killed by al-Qaida.

President Obama later clarified that though he supports the "right" to build a mosque near the site, he would not comment on the "wisdom" of doing so.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday that where the mosque is located is a "local decision." She echoed President Obama's comment that freedom of religion is a constitutional right. Pelosi also called for transparency about who is funding the effort to build the Islamic center and who is funding the attacks against its construction.

A statewide poll indicates nearly two-thirds of New York voters also believe the project is protected by the Constitution, even though a majority oppose the plan.

Sixty-three percent of voters surveyed in the Siena College poll are against the project, while 27 percent support it. The remaining 10 percent expressed no opinion.

An opinion poll released last week by CNN/Opinion Research found nearly 70 percent of all Americans do not agree with the mosque proposal. The mosque and cultural center would be erected less than one kilometer from the site known as "Ground Zero," where al-Qaida hijackers crashed two passenger planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Center

A group dedicated since the 2001 attacks to opposing what it describes as "radical mosques," jihad and "harsh sharia law" is planning a rally this Sunday to protest construction of the mosque.

The Coalition to Honor Ground Zero says firefighters, victims' families and construction workers vowing not to build the mosque will also take part in the event.

Tuesday, a group called the Muslim American Society Freedom warned of what it called a "growing pattern" of opposition to mosque construction across the country. Many estimates put the current number of mosques in the United States at about 2,000.

Supporters of the 'Ground Zero' mosque say it will help bridge divisions between the West and the Muslim world, and say the terrorists who carried out the attacks do not represent Islam.

The prayer room would be part of a $100 million Islamic center featuring a 500-seat auditorium, sports facilities, theater and restaurant, and would be open to all visitors.

SOURCE: VOICE OF AMERICAN

Israeli Soldier's Facebook Photos Spark Controversy

2010-08-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

A former Israeli soldier is defending herself against charges of insensitivity after posting pictures of her posing with handcuffed and blindfolded Palestinian detainees on the popular social networking site Facebook. Eden Abergil, who has completed her service and is out of the army, says she did nothing wrong and did not intend to offend anyone.

The photos were posted on Abergil's page under the heading the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces): the best years of my life. In one photo Abergil is shown sitting next to a bound and blindfolded man who is leaning against a cement wall. In another photo, she is smiling while sitting in front of three bound and blindfolded men.

The photos were taken in Gaza in 2008 and Abergil said in an interview that they were thoughtless and innocent. She told Israel radio that she did not humiliate the detainees. The former IDF soldier said the photos are in no way similar to photos taken at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad, where U.S. soldiers were shown with Iraqi prisoners in humiliating poses.

The Israeli Army has condemned Abergil for posting the photos. Barak Raz, an IDF spokesman, says, "The IDF strongly condemns these disgraceful photos, they in no way reflect the spirit of the IDF, our ethical standard to which we all aspire."

Raz said those standards guide members of the IDF from the time they are drafted in basic training, "they're posted on every single office wall, these are our guidelines, that is IDF policy, the spirit of the IDF and not these shameful photos that were posted by a released soldier who if she were on active duty I would imagine that she would be court-martialed right away."

A pro-Palestinian Israeli group called Breaking the Silence says the photos reflect a norm throughout the army that is a result of military rule over a civilian population over a long time.

On its Internet site, Breaking the Silence says it collects testimonies of soldiers who served in the West Bank and discusses cases of abuse of Palestinians. The organization posts video testimonials from former soldiers and photographs taken during the conflict.

SOURCE: VOICE OF AMERICAN WEBSITE 2010

'Island Universe' in the Coma Cluster

2010-08-18T19:19:00.000-07:00

'Island Universe' in the Coma Cluster

A long-exposure Hubble Space Telescope image shows a majestic face-on spiral galaxy located deep within the Coma Cluster of galaxies, which lies 320 million light-years away in the northern constellation Coma Berenices.

The galaxy, known as NGC 4911, contains rich lanes of dust and gas near its center. These are silhouetted against glowing newborn star clusters and iridescent pink clouds of hydrogen, the existence of which indicates ongoing star formation. Hubble has also captured the outer spiral arms of NGC 4911, along with thousands of other galaxies of varying sizes. The high resolution of Hubble's cameras, paired with considerably long exposures, made it possible to observe these faint details.

NGC 4911 and other spirals near the center of the cluster are being transformed by the gravitational tug of their neighbors. In the case of NGC 4911, wispy arcs of the galaxy's outer spiral arms are being pulled and distorted by forces from a companion galaxy (NGC 4911A), to the upper right. The resultant stripped material will eventually be dispersed throughout the core of the Coma Cluster, where it will fuel the intergalactic populations of stars and star clusters.

The Coma Cluster is home to almost 1,000 galaxies, making it one of the densest collections of galaxies in the nearby universe. It continues to transform galaxies at the present epoch, due to the interactions of close-proximity galaxy systems within the dense cluster. Vigorous star formation is triggered in such collisions.

Galaxies in this cluster are so densely packed that they undergo frequent interactions and collisions. When galaxies of nearly equal masses merge, they form elliptical galaxies. Merging is more likely to occur in the center of the cluster where the density of galaxies is higher, giving rise to more elliptical galaxies.

----------------------------------------------
Credit: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)
Acknowledgment: K. Cook (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)

Hubble's Sweeping View of the Coma Cluster of Galaxies

Never overdose yourself with Cod Liver Oil!

2010-08-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Cod liver oil is an oil extracted from cod livers. It was once a popular nutrititonal supplement for children, as it provides multiple health benefits to the young kids. Cod liver oil is made by streaming cod livers and then decanting the cooked livers to extract the oil, while, fish oils are extracted from the cooked whole body tissues of fatty fish. Though cod liver oil and fish oils are similar, cod liver oil contains much more vitamins A and D per unit weight than regular fish oil. A high quality cod liver oil is pale-yellow, thin, oily liquid with fishy taste.

Maternal intake of cod liver oil early in pregnancy was associated with a higher birthweight. Higher birthweight always indicates a lower risk of diseases later in life. In addition, a study has shown that taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy may help prevent allergies in babies born to women with a history of hay fever or asthma. In this study, the women took four capsules a day from the 20th week of pregnancy until delivery. The researchers found that babies' immune cells has less reaction to allergic substances.

A study shows that maternal intake of very-long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (cod liver oil) during pregnancy and lactation may be favorable for later mental development of children. [6] A study of rats has demonstrated that fish oil supplementation during pregnancy improved cognitive performance and maintained glucose levels into adulthood.

Cod liver oil taken during pregnancy was found to assciate with reduced risk of Type I diabetes [ a survey (85 diabetic subjects and 1,071 controls].

Cod liver oil is pretty, isn't it? But, vitamins A and D are fat-soluble. Intake of large amounts of vitamins A and D wil lead to toxic levels.

Stevia, Rebaudioside A and Coca-Cola Company

2010-08-18T18:58:00.000-07:00

The plant, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (SrB), has been used for the treatment of diabetes in traditional medicine. Previously, it was demonstrated that long-term administration of the glycoside stevioside has insulinotropic, glucagonostatic, anti-hyperglycemic and blood pressure-lowering effects in type 2 diabetic animal models. However, Dyrskog SE [stig.dyrskog@ki.au.dk], Jeppesen PB, Chen J, Christensen LP, Hermansen K from Aarhus University Hospital DK supplemented male Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with oral rebaudioside A (0.025 g/kg BW/day) for eight weeks, they observed no effect on blood pressure or weight development. At the same time, Nikiforov Al and Eapen AK from Toxicology Regulatory Services, Inc. Virginia, found no toxicity of dietary administration of rebaudioside A in Sprague-Dawley rats in a 90-day study.

Rebaudioside A and stevioside are steviol glycosides extracted from the plant Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) and are used in several countries as food and beverage sweeteners.

Carakostas MC [mcarakostas@na.ko.com] Curry LL, Boileau AC and Brusick DJ, from The Coca-Cola Company, concluded that high purity rebaudioside A (rebiana) produced to food-grade specifications and according to Good Manufacturing Practices is safe for human consumption under its intended conditions of use as a general purpose sweetener in their review article. And, clinical studies provide further evidence that purified rebaudioside A has no effect on either blood pressure or glucose homeostasis.

But there are lots of complaints about stevia, when the users are overdosed.

The cholesterol activities of lecithin

2010-08-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

White chocolate is technically not chocolate, because it doesn't contain chocolate solids. Instead, it is made with a blend of sugar, cocoa butter, milk products, vanilla, and lecithin. Lecithin can be found native in a number of different foods such as eggs, dairy products, and
meats, but the primary source that is used today comes from soybean

Lecithin is an essential fatty substance that also protects cell membranes from hardening. High concentrations of lecithin are found in the brain and prostate gland. Lecithin is largely composed of choline, plus linoleic acid and inositol. It acts as an emulsifying agent, enabling fats and other lipids to be dispersed in water.

Phosphatidyl choline (a different kind of lecithin) is a powerful fat-emulsifying compound. It solubilizes fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream and solubilizes dietary fats in the intestinal mucosa. It maintains the structural integrity of cell membranes.

Lecithin is also a source of choline, a B vitamin with powerful lipotropic activity. Choline is utilized by virtually every cell for synthesis of various phospholipids, proteins, and the neurotransmitter-acetylcholine.

As early as 1966, Japanese researchers have already evaluated the cholesterol-lowering effect of iodine-lecithin. Then in 1977, Simons LA et al showed use of oral lecithin to lower cholesterol in an open clinical trial. In 1/3 of healthy subjects and in 3/7 patients suffered from hypercholesterolaemia, lecithin therapy led to a significant fall in plasma cholesterol concentration (10-18% fall). Since then, there are not many clinical studies related to the cholesterol-lowering activities of lecithin.

How may hyaluronic acid make you "look" better?

2010-08-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hyaluronic Acid is a polysaccharide composed of alternating molecules of N-acetyl
glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid. It can be found within collagen throughout the body.

As the most important space filling substance in the human body Hyaluronic Acid holds water
to keep collagen hydrated and "youthful". Hyaluronic Acid forms a viscous fluid with exceptional
lubricating properties necessary for the vital functions of many parts of the human body
including the skin, heart valves, aqueous/ vitreous humor of the eye and synovial fluid (joint
lubricant). The skin contains over 50% of the bodies Hyaluronic Acid. Considering that skin is
over 70% water and renews itself more readily than most other bodily tissues. Definitely
hyaluronic Acid may have benefits on skin's structure and daily maintenance.

Hyaluronic Acid is made by human fibroblast cells. Commercial sources may be from Cocks
combs, Chicken cartilage or Microbial fermentation. Vegetarian source may be made via
microbial fermentation.

Our bodies are in a continual state of rebuilding. New skin cells for example replace old ones
about every 20 to 30 days. Normally, Hyaluronic Acid in skin tissue is broken down by
hyaluronidase. And, the rate of Hyaluronic Acid degradation can be increased by excess
intake of riboflavin (B-2), ultraviolet radiation exposure or viruses. Any long-term overexposure
to any of these may result in premature connective tissue destruction.
Supplements and Low Molecular Weight of Hyluronic Acid
In the past, because of its large molecular weight, the absorption for Hyaluronic Acid in the
digestive tract was almost impossible. However, an enzyme-cleaving technique has been
developed to break down Hyaluronic Acid into lower molecular weight polymers. This allows
easy absorption of Hyaluronic Acid when taken orally. Studies have shown that this lighter
Hyaluronic Acid might improve wound healing, facial moisture, and skin smoothness. But its
greatest benefit has been seen in joint function.

Assuming that 10-150 mg of Hyaluronic Acid is a normally metabolized or excreted daily with
the higher rate of loss in persons over 50, it may make sense for older adults to begin
supplementing with 1- 50 mg capsule 3 times daily just to maintain equilibrium.

Please, note that this article is not a medical advice, you must consult with your medical doctor before using any supplements. Actually, there are more than one products containing hyaluronic acid approved by FDA for skin conditions, such as wrinkles.

High heels ’shrink calf muscle fibres

2010-08-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

In a study of women aged between 20 to 50 years old, Professor Marco Narici at Manchester Metropolitan University found continued wear of high heels for two or more years caused the Achilles’ tendon to thicken and stiffen permanently, so calf muscles were forced to stretch painfully when switching to flat shoes.

An MRI scan showed no difference in the size of the calf muscles in the heel wearers compared with flat shoes wearers. But an ultrasound scan revealed that the muscle fibres were indeed shorter in the women who wore heels.

High heel lovers should wear heels and flats on alternate days and/or should try stretching exercises at the end of each day’s wear to avoid soreness.

[1] Women Who Wear High Heels Should Not Go Back to Flats Fox News.com Friday, July 16, 2010 [2] High heels ’shrink calf muscle fibres BBC.COm 15 July 2010 [3] Why women can wear high heels for hours ’solved by scientists’ Telegraph.co.uk 16 Jul 2010

Faith of the Heart

2010-08-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

Faith of the Heart

Lyrics

Humanity has just 200 years...

2010-08-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

Talking to The Daily Mail , Dr. Hawking said that there have been a number of times in the past when survival has been a question of touch and go. The Cuban missile crisis in 1963 was one of them.

Things are only going to get much worse in the future and the only way our species should be safe is if we spread into space.

Hawking made the news earlier this year when he warned about trying to make contact with other alien lifeforms in space as we could not be sure that they would be friendly.

Dr. Hawking said, "Humanity has just 200 years to get its arse into space before the race is doomed to extinction."

More: http://www.techeye.net/science/human-race-has-200-years-to-live

Dr. Hawking in Star Trek Show:

Origin of the Universe - Stephen Hawking (1 of 5)

A universe could exist 'inside every black hole'

2010-08-04T05:22:00.001-07:00

A Black Hole Overflows From Galaxy Centaurus A Image Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/CfA/R.Kraft et al.; Submillimeter: MPIfR/ESO/APEX/A.Weiss et al.; Optical: ESO/WFI

Using an adaptation of Einstein's general theory of relativity, Nikodem Poplawski, of Indiana University, Bloomington, analysed the theoretical motion of particles entering a black hole.

He concluded that it was possible for a whole new universe to exist inside every black hole, which could mean that our own universe could be inside a black hole as well.

Dr. Nikodem Poplawski used the Einstein-Cartan-Kibble-Sciama (ECKS) theory of gravity, in his analysis to account for the angular momentum of particles in a black hole. Doing this it made it possible to calculate a quality of space-time called torsion, a property believed to repel gravity. Instead of matter reaching infinite density in a black hole called "singularities" in Einstein's theory of relativity - the behaviour of the space-time acts more like a spring being compressed with matter rebounding and expanding continuously.

Dr Poplawski explains that this "bounce-back" effect is caused by the torsion of space-time having a repulsive force against the gargantuan strength of gravity in a black hole.

For more:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7918978/A-universe-could-exist-inside-every-black-hole-claims-scientist.html

______________________________________

In the last few years, I have been telling people a universe might exist inside every black hole, but nobody believes what I said. It is good that Dr. Poplawski develops a theory to support this idea.

I am a scientist but not in this field. If I could start over again, I would like my major study to be space-science or physics!

What's inside the Black Hole?

Can we prevent Alzheimer's Disease?

2009-10-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's disease is still destroying people's brains. The cause remains unknown. Around the world, there will be walks to raise money for medical research. Training courses and educational meetings also are planned.

An estimated thirty million people around the world have Alzheimer's disease. In the United States alone, more than five million people are said to suffer from this slowly increasing brain disorder.

Alzheimer's affects memory and personality -- those qualities that make a person an individual. There is no known cure. Victims slowly lose their abilities to deal with everyday life. At first, they forget simple things, like where they put something or a person's name. As time passes, they forget more and more. They forget the names of their husbands, wives or children. Then they forget who they are. Finally, they remember almost nothing. It is as if their brain dies before the other parts of the body. Victims of Alzheimer's do die from its effects or conditions linked to it. But death may not come for many years.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common disability or mental sickness called dementia. Dementia is the loss of thinking ability that is severe enough to interfere with daily activities. It is not a disease itself. Instead, dementia is a group of signs of some conditions and diseases.

Some kinds of dementia can be cured or corrected. This is especially true if they result from drugs, infection, sight or hearing problems, head injury, and heart or lung problems. Other kinds of dementia can be corrected by changing levels of hormones or vitamins in the body. However, brain cells of Alzheimer's victims die and are not replaced.

Victims can become angry and violent as the ability to think and remember decreases. They sometimes shout and move with no purpose or goal. Media reports tell about older adults found walking in places far from their homes. They do not know where they are or where they came from. These people often are suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's generally develops differently in each person. Yet some early signs of the disease are common. The victims may not recognize changes in themselves. Others see the changes and struggle to hide them.

Probably the most common early sign is short-term memory loss. The victim cannot remember something that happened yesterday, for example. Also, victims of the disease have increasing difficulty learning and storing new information. Slowly, thinking becomes much more difficult. The victims cannot understand a joke, or cannot cook a meal, or perform simple work.

Another sign of the disease is difficulty solving simple problems. Alzheimer's patients might not know what to do if food on a stove is burning. Also, people have trouble following directions or finding their way to places they have known all their lives.

Yet another sign is struggling to find the right words to express thoughts or understand what is being discussed. Finally, people with Alzheimer's seem to change. Quiet people may become noisy and aggressive. They may easily become angry and lose their ability to trust others.

Alzheimer's disease normally affects people more than sixty-five years old. But rare cases have been discovered in people younger than fifty.

Alzheimer's is identified in only about two percent of people who are sixty-five. But the risk increases to about twenty percent by age eighty. By eighty five or ninety, half of all people are found to have some signs of the disease.

Alzheimer's affects people of all races equally. Yet women are more likely to develop the disease than men. This is partly because women generally live longer than men.

Doctors who suspect a patient has Alzheimer's must test the person for many other physical problems first. Alzheimer's is considered if the tests fail to show the existence of other problems. The only way to be sure a person has Alzheimer's is to examine the victim's brain after death. America's Food and Drug Administration has approved several drugs to treat symptoms of the disease. The drugs are of two kinds. A doctor must order these medicines for patients. Most are called cholinesterase inhibitors.

Cholinesterase inhibitors may work by protecting a chemical messenger needed for brain activities. They are meant to treat memory, thinking, language, judgment and other brain activity. They are used for mild to moderate cases of the disease.

The second kind of drug has a long name. It is represented by the drug memantine. This medicine seems to work by governing the activity of a chemical involved in information processing, storage and memory. It treats patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's.

It has been more than a century since a German doctor, Alois Alzheimer, told about a dementia patient whose brain was studied after death. Her brain had sticky structures and nerve cells that appeared to be mixed together. Later studies showed these nerves are made of a protein that changes so it sticks together in groups. The sticky structures were shown to be amyloid plaques.

Scientists are still not sure what causes Alzheimer's disease. The leading theory blames amyloid plaques. Still, a theory exists that amyloid plaques are an effect of the disease, not the cause.

Work continues on possible genetic causes. This month, two teams of European researchers said they identified new genetic markers linked to Alzheimer's disease. The teams worked separately. Their findings were reported in the journal Nature Genetics. The newly-found genetic markers may affect a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's. Until now, only four genes had been linked with the disease.

You may ask how to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia:

Dr. Robyn A. Honea at the University of Kansas found that patients with early Alzheimer's disease who exercised regularly had less deterioration in the areas of the brain which control memory. [1]

The researchers found that patients with early Alzheimer's had a "significant relationship" between the size of hippocampus, unlike healthy older adults. Those patients with better fitness ratings had less brain tissue atrophy and those with worse fitness had more brain damage. [1]

Dr Jeffrey Burns, from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, said, "People with early Alzheimer's disease may be able to preserve their brain function for a longer period of time by exercising regularly and potentially reducing the amount of brain volume lost. Evidence shows decreasing brain volume is tied to poorer cognitive performance, so preserving more brain volume may translate into better cognitive performance." [2]

Men and women living with a partner in mid-life are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of age-related dementia. Previous studies have proven that an active lifestyle that includes a spouse or life partner is generally more socially and intellectually stimulating than a solitary lifestyle.

A study shows that people with a spouse or partner in mid-life are 50% less likely to develop age-related dementia than people alone in mid-life. Death of a spouse or partner before middle age seemed to have the most serious consequences where Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are concerned. [3]

SOURCE: Barbara Klein Jerilyn Watson Brianna Blake Bob Doughty Alzheimer's Disease: Into the World's Most Common Form of Dementia Voice of America 14 September 2009 [1] Study: Exercise slows Alzheimer's brain atrophy AP July 28 2008- [2] Exercise 'slows down Alzheimer's' BBC 14 July 2008 [3] Life With a Partner Minimizes Alzheimer’s Risk By MedHeadlines • Aug 2nd, 2008 • Category: Alzheimer's Disease, Lifestyle, Medical Research, Neurology

Suicide

2009-09-11T05:53:00.000-07:00

Suicide accounts for more than half of all violent deaths in the world - more than all the deaths caused by war and murder combined. [3]

Anybody who is thinking of committing suicide, generally exhibits some form of alteration in their normal mental being, and if a friend or loved one can spot this change in time, they can take action to reduce the likelyhood of a suicide attempt. [1]

Research has shown that people feeling depressed may be more willing to discuss their problems with relative strangers rather than friends or family because they feel embarrassed about talking to someone they know. Some people really open up while they're having their hair cut - from the silly things to the most important things in their lives.[2]

Warning signs of suicide include:

-- A previous attempt;

-- Talk or plans of suicide;

-- A strong wish to die or preoccupation with death;

-- Giving away prized possessions;

-- Signs of depression such as moodiness, hopelessness or withdrawal;

-- Increased alcohol and/or drug use;

-- Hinting at not being around in the future. [4]

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) teaches people to recognize the signs that a person is at risk and how to intervene to prevent suicide. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium has trained more than 100 teachers, health aides, licensed counselors and caregivers in the last year, expanding prevention resources in communities statewide. [3]

In UK, hairdressers and taxi drivers are being trained to help spot vulnerable people who might be contemplating taking their own lives. [2]

Statistics
Alaska's suicide rate - 19.6 per every 100,000 people - is twice the national average. In 2008, 165 Alaskans committed suicide. [3]....why?

Reference
[1] Committing Suicide is a Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem dbtechno.com September 11, 2009 [2] Mark Simpson Hairdressers to help prevent suicide BBC Ireland 10 September 2009 [3] Kate Burkhart My turn: Together communities can prevent suicide juneauempire.com September 11, 2009. [4] Michelle Dupler Group to walk for suicide prevention The News Tribune 09/11/09

Helheim Glacier, Kangerdlugssuaq

2009-09-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Suddenly and without warning, the gigantic river of ice sped up, causing it to spit icebergs ever faster into the ocean off southeastern Greenland. [1]

Helheim Glacier nearly doubled its speed in just a few years, flowing through a rift in the barren coastal mountains at a stunning 100 feet (30 meters) per day. [1]

The speed of the other major glacier in Greenland, Kangerdlugssuaq, is even more dramatic. It moves some 38 metres a day or 14 kilometres a year. [2]

The two glaciers produce 10 percent of Greenland's ice output into the North Atlantic. Glaciers that shed their ice cause sea levels to rise. [2]

[1] Greenland's melt mystery unfolds, at glacial pace Associated Press Sep 10, 7:46 pm [2] Greenland glaciers melting faster than ever: NGO The News Thursday, September 10, 2009

McDonald's Filet-O-Fish

2009-09-10T20:39:00.000-07:00

n 1962, Lou Groen was desperate to save his floundering hamburger restaurant, the first McDonald's in the Cincinnati area.[1]

His problem: His clientele was heavily Roman Catholic. In those days, most Catholics abstained from meat every Friday, as well as during Lent, the 40-day period of repentance that begins this week with Ash Wednesday.[1]

His solution: He created the Filet-O-Fish — a sandwich that saved his restaurant and eventually would be consumed at a rate of 300 million a year. [1]

What makes up a Filet-O-Fish sandwich? An ugly creature from the sunless depths of the Pacific --- hoki, or whiptail, a bug-eyed specimen found far down in the waters around New Zealand. The hoki may be exceedingly unattractive, but when its flesh reaches the consumer it’s just fish — cut into filets and sticks or rolled into sushi — moist, slightly sweet and very tasty. [2]

[1] No fish story: Sandwich saved his McDonald's USA Today Updated 2/20/2007 3:37 PM ET
[2] From Deep Pacific, Ugly and Tasty, With a Catch, The New York Times September 9, 2009

Researchers generate fertile live mouse pups

2009-09-09T05:51:00.000-07:00

Chinese researchers have managed to create powerful stem cells from mouse skin and used these to generate fertile live mouse pups. They used induced pluripotent skin cells, or iPS cells -- cells that have been reprogrammed to look and act like embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells, taken from days-old embryos, have the power to morph into any cell type and, in mice, can be implanted into a mother's womb to create living mouse pups. Thus, it is theoretically possible to clone someone using ordinary connective tissue cells found on the person's skin[1]

Almost at the same time, Stanford researchers discovered that the globs of human fat removed during liposuction contain versatile cells that can be coaxed into becoming pluripotent (iPS) stem cells more easily than the skin cells that are often used by researchers! [2]

[1] Chinese experts grow live mice from skin cells Reuters Thu Jul 23, 2009
[2] Making Stem Cells From Liposuction Leftovers Is Easier Say Researchers medicalnewstoday.com 09 Sep 2009

First Solar builds Major Solar Power Plant in China Desert

2009-09-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

US energy giant First Solar won a deal to build the world's largest solar power (two-gigawatt) plant in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, China, aimed at helping mitigate climate change concerns. The solar facility is to be built in four phases over a decade and supply power to three million Chinese homes. However, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. China is keen to expand capabilities to produce affordable solar electricity as part of a goal to provide 10 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2010 and 15 percent by 2020, including from wind, hydro, biomass and solar. [1]

First Solar has broken down the barriers to producing high performance thin film solar modules in volume, making solar electricity an affordable alternative to fossil fuel-generated electricity. According to First Solar's website, this success is, to a significant extent, attributable to the unique physical properties of the semiconductor material (CdTe; Cadmium Telluride) which make it ideal for converting solar energy into useful electricity. CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) is a direct bandgap semiconductor, which enables it to convert solar energy into electricity more efficiently than the indirect bandgap semiconductor materials used historically. CdTe also permits simple device structures and manufacturing processes, leading to low cost production. [2]

However, the Arctic climate has been warmer over the past decade than during any 10-year period in 2,000 years, according to a study by an international research team. The study provides a clear example of how increased greenhouse gases are now changing our climate. Researchers found, at about 1850, the beginning of the Industrial Age, the planet's climate began overcoming the cooling trend, and the Arctic climate has warmed decade by decade ever since as greenhouse gas emissions have increased. [3]

One way for us to combat with global warming is to eat green!!!

Reference:

[1] US firm wins huge solar power project in China AFP Tue Sep 8, 1:59 pm ET

[2] www.firstsolar.com Sep 8, 2009

[3] David Perlman Abrupt reversal detected in Arctic cooling trend , San Francisco Chronicle Friday, September 4, 2009

A child from two biological mothers

2009-09-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Researchers have previously tried and failed to correct "an egg with faulty mitochondria" by adding healthy donated mitochondria into the eggs of patients wishing to have children. But these attempts resulted in birth defects - probably because mitochondria are so delicate that they are damaged when they are transplanted from one egg to another. As a result, the treatment was banned in the U.S. [2]

A group at the Oregon Health and Science University has developed a skill to transfer the DNA needed to make a baby out of monkey eggs, leaving behind the potentially diseased genes in the mitochondria. This was transplanted it into eggs emptied of DNA but containing healthy mitochondria. The technique resulted in three healthy births with no sign of any birth defects. [2]

This study demonstrated that a genetic tweak of the unfertilized eggs of macaque monkeys effectively prevented the transmission of diseases typically passed down through the maternal line! [1] Thus, this method could prevent inherited diseases passed from human mothers to their children through mutated DNA in mitochondria. Mitochondria play a basic role by producing energy for each cell, but they also contain their own genes, called mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). [1]

However, this method is actually to produce monkeys with genetic material from two mothers, an advance that could help women with some inherited diseases have healthy children but that would raise a host of safety, legal, ethical and social questions if attempted in people. [3]

[1] Steven Reinberg Gene 'Fix' in Egg Prevents Inherited Diseases in Monkeys HealthDay News August 26, 2009
[2] Pallab Ghosh Genetic advance raises IVF hopes BBC August 26, 2009
[3] Rob Stein Lab Produces Monkeys With 2 Mothers Washington Post August 27, 2009

Some Chronic Diseases

2008-11-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

OSTEOARTHRITIS PREVENTION AND TREATMENTS
The basic approaches for osteoarthritis prevention include [1] light exercise, [2] weight loss if needed and [3] supplementation। People with osteoarthritis are always advised to start a gentle program of exercise to improve joint function and avoid any vigorous activities such as soccer and basketball. It may also be helpful if they take glucosamine alone, or a combined with chondroitin daily for pain and to protect joints. If needed, patients are always suggested to have weight loss.

How Asthma Is Treated
You can control your asthma and avoid an attack by taking your medicine as prescribed and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack. It’s just as important that you remove the triggers in your environment that you know make your asthma worse.

Medicine for asthma is different for each person. It can be inhaled or taken as a pill and comes in two types—quick-relief and long-term control. Quick-relief medicines control the symptoms of an asthma attack. If you are using your quick-relief medicines more and more you should visit your health-care provider to change your asthma management plan. Long-term control medicines make you have fewer and milder attacks, but they don’t help you if you’re having an attack.

Asthma medicine can have side effects। Most are mild and go away on their own. Ask your health-care provider about the side effects of your medicines. The important thing to remember is that you can control your asthma. With your health-care provider’s help, make your own asthma management plan so you know what to do based on your own symptoms. Decide who should have a copy of your plan and where he or she should keep it. You can learn more about asthma management plans from the American Academy of Family Physicians And remember to take your long-term control medicine even when you don’t have symptoms.

How can we lower the risks of cancer?

We should start with healthy lifestyle and diets, working and living environments. Lifestyle includes adequate amounts of exercise and rest (sleep), while working and living environments include clean air, good ventilation etc.

According to Dr। Donaldson MS’ study, 30-40 percent of all cancers can actually be prevented by lifestyle and dietary measures alone [A1, 1]। Obesity, nutrient sparse foods impair our glucose metabolism. While, low fiber intake, consumption of red meat, and imbalance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats increase cancer risk.

Alzheimer's Disease

Greater education levels somehow protect against Alzheimer's Disease. Catherine Roe of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and colleagues performed positron emission tomography, or PET, scans on the brains of 37 people with Alzheimer's and 161 people without the disease. They found people with more education did better on memory and problem solving tests than others with similar amounts of brain plaques related to Alzheimer's। [1]

What is the treatment for diabetes?

Healthy eating, physical activity, and insulin injections are the basic therapies for type 1 diabetes. The amount of insulin taken must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose testing.

Healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing are the basic therapies for type 2 diabetes. In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels. People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care, and keep blood glucose levels from going too low or too high.

People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will monitor their diabetes control and help them learn to manage their diabetes। In addition, people with diabetes may see endocrinologists, who may specialize in diabetes care; ophthalmologists for eye examinations; podiatrists for routine foot care; and dietitians and diabetes educators who teach the skills needed for daily diabetes management.

Can epilepsy be prevented?

Sometimes — but not always — epilepsy is preventable. Epilepsy can be prevented in children and adults by avoiding sports-related injuries to the head and by wearing helmets and seatbelts to prevent head injuries associated with a bicycle or motor vehicle accident.

Women can prevent epilepsy in their children by obtaining proper prenatal care to avoid problems during pregnancy and child birth.

Severe lead poisoning can cause seizures, and lesser degrees of poisoning can adversely affect children's neurological and intellectual development. Fortunately, severe lead poisoning is now rare in the United States. Individuals should follow general recommendations for reducing exposure to lead-based products at home or at work that can cause seizures.

Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, and long-term alcohol abuse may contribute to the development of epilepsy। Individuals should avoid excessive alcohol abuse that can cause seizures.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Beside medical treatment, the prevention include stopping smoking, weight lose (if you are overweight) and control of blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol.

1. Have low-saturated-fat, low-cholesterol diet, 2. Increase physical activity, 3. Lose weight if overweight 4. Control all heart disease risk factors-smoking, high blood pressure & diabetes.(from National Cholesterol Education Program).

HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

COD LIVER OIL Researchers successfully decreased serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in18 normolipemic pigs with cod liver oil. [1]
CRANBERRY A recent study with pigs shows that cranberry may be helpful in relaxation of blood vesselsclogged with high blood cholesterol and narrowed by atherosclerosis। [2]

CONTROL THE AMOUNT OF SALT INTAKE TO LOWER THE BLOOD PRESSURE

Salt is commonly referred to sodium chloride. Sodium helps our body function properly. Sodium helps to maintain the concentration of body fluids at correct levels. It also plays a central role in the transmission of electrical impulses in the nerves, and helps cells to take up nutrients.

However, when levels of sodium are too high, the body retains too much water and the volume of bodily fluids increases. Some scientists believe this process leads to high blood pressure, or hypertension, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Experts recommend that adults should eat 6 g of salt a day. However, the average intake of salt is between 9 g and 10 g a day.

Currently, The UK's Food Standards Agency, which had published tough targets, revised its guidelines for 85 types of products including bread, bacon, ham, breakfast cereals and cheese, and convenience foods such as pizza, ready meals, savory snacks, cakes and pastries।[1]

SOURCE HXLIST.COM

Your Keyboard: Dirtier Than a Toilet

2008-05-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

你的電腦鍵盤能將許多潛在地有害的細菌放在你的指尖--包括E. coli和staph。

電腦老鼠和鍵盤，事實上，是細菌的“安樂窩”。

英國的微型生物學家詹姆斯Francis檢驗33個鍵盤，一個洗手間座位和一扇洗手間門。Francis然後發現一鍵盤比在洗手間座位上所找到的細菌數目高五倍。

同時，健康官員已拿佈告。在一月，病症控制和預防的美國的中心報告在華盛頓中的一次norovirus爆發，D.C。，2007年二月的小學透過污染的電腦裝置已可能被傳播使超過100生病。

根據美國CDC報告，在一級教室中的一隻電腦老鼠和鍵盤發現有胃部流感（stomach flu）。其它研究已發現許多不同東西從門鎮到紙錢都有致病細菌。

British microbiologist James Francis took a swab to 33 keyboards, a toilet seat and a toilet door handle at the publication's London office. He found that four of the keyboards tested were potential health hazards -- and one had levels of germs five times higher than that found on the toilet seat.

In January, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that a norovirus outbreak at a Washington, D.C., elementary school in February 2007 that sickened more than 100 may have been spread through contaminated computer equipment.

CDC also reported that a computer mouse and keyboard in one first-grade classroom tested positive for the virus, which is linked to a disease commonly called stomach flu.

Other research has detected a host of different, potentially disease-causing germs on everything from doorknobs to paper money.

Your Keyboard: Dirtier Than a Toilet ABC News May 5, 2008

breast-feeding can make children smarter

2008-05-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

Previous studies have shown babies whose mothers breast-fed them enjoy many health advantages over formula-fed babies. These include fewer ear, stomach or intestinal infections, digestive problems, skin diseases and allergies, and less risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. [1]

Now, researchers found children whose mothers breast-fed them longer and did not mix in baby formula scored about 5 percent higher in IQ tests and did better academically in a study of 14,000 babies in Canada and Belarus. Previous studies had indicated brain development and intelligence benefits for breast-fed children.

Dr. Ruth Lawrence, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester School of Medicine thinks that because mothers' milk contains certain amino acids not found in formula, it's better for infants' developing brains. These amino acids include omega three fatty acids and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), which are important for brain growth, she noted. [2]

Human milk also contains cholesterol, while formula doesn't, Lawrence said. "We learned to fear cholesterol and yet cholesterol is very important for brain tissue, it's very important for nerve tissue. [2]

[1] Study shows breast-fed children are smarter Reuters May 5, 2008
[2] Breast-Feeding May Boost IQ HealthDay May 5, 2008

Woman shared bacteria with a cat.

2008-03-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

Background

Staphylococcus aureus are bacteria commonly carried on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present, but not causing an infection) in the nose with staph bacteria. Sometimes, staph can cause an infection. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils) and can be treated without antibiotics (also known as antimicrobials or antibacterials). However, staph bacteria also can cause serious infections (such as surgical wound infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia). [1]

Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams. Beta-lactam antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. While 25% to 30% of the population is colonized with staph, approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA. [1]

One study reported that family pet is an often-overlooked source for recurrent staph infections. A German woman repeatedly battled the same strain of drug-resistant superbug MRSA until her cat was tested and treated. The lady had deep abscesses, or boils, all over her back. Antiseptic washes and antibiotic nasal ointment killed the germ in the other family members, but the woman was still infected. Four weeks after the apparently healthy cat was treated with antibiotics, the woman was free of MRSA and her abscesses had all healed. [2]

Several previous cases of MRSA infections in dogs/pigs and their owners have been reported. [2]

[1]Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public CDC March 12, 2008
[2] Report: Woman, cat shared staph bug Associated Press Writer 1 hour, 34 minutes ago

solid dispersion

2008-03-04T09:47:00.000-08:00

A solid dispersion is a dispersion of one or more compound(s) in an inert carrier at solid state. The dispersed compounds can be in individual molecule unities or in clusters, such as in particles. Solid dispersion is commonly prepared by three different methods and they are solvent-based, fusion-melt and hybrid fusion-solvent methods.

[1] Solvent-based Method

The solvent-based method commonly uses a co-solvent to intimately disperse or dissolve the drug and carrier molecules together, and then evaporates the solvent by evaporation. Then, the researchers collect the solid dispersion as a powdered mass. This process is lengthy and expensive.

[2] Fusion-melt Method

The fusion-melt involves melting the compound(s) and the carrier components together at temperatures at or above the melting point of all components. In the fusion process, researchers blend the compound and carrier in a suitable mixer. They heat, melt the blend and then cool the molten mixture rapidly to provide a congealed mass. They mill this mass to produce powders at desired particle size ranges.

[3] Fusion-solvent Method

Researchers often use hybrid fusion-solvent method if thermal instability and immiscibility between the compound(s) and the carrier are present. In the process, the researchers first dissolve the compound in a small quantity of organic solvent and added to the molten carrier. Researchers then evaporate the solvent to generate the mass. They mill this mass to produce powder at desired particle size ranges.

Generally, solid dispersion is mainly used to improve dissolvability in water of a poorly water-soluble drug in a pharmaceutical composition (disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,753,330, 6,899,899, 6,677,362), to mask the taste of the drug substance (disclosed in U.S. Patents 7,115,280 and 7,112,336), and to prepare rapid disintegration oral tablets (disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,899,899). Solid dispersion has also been used to produce sustained-release microspheres using tedious methods such as water-in-oil emulsions (disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,556,642).

CHONDROITIN BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS

2008-02-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

What is osteoarthritis?
An estimated 21 million adults in the United States live with osteoarthritis--one of the most common types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the connective tissue that cushions the ends of bones within the joint. It is characterized by pain, joint damage, and limited motion. The disease generally occurs late in life, and most commonly affects the hands and large weight-bearing joints. Although the disease can impact several joints, the knees are often affected. Age, female gender, and obesity are risk factors for this condition.

What are glucosamine and chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances found in and around the cells of cartilage. Researchers believe these substances may help in the repair and maintenance of cartilage. In addition, researchers believe that glucosamine inhibits inflammation and stimulates cartilage cell growth, while chondroitin provides cartilage with strength and resilience. Currently, glucosamine and chondroitin are classified as dietary supplements.

Chondroitin sulfate is considered as a symptomatic slow-acting drug, i.e. a compound that has a slow onset of action and improve osteoarthritis symptoms after a couple of weeks. Chondroitin sulfate exhibits a wide range of biological activities and from a pharmacological point of view it produces a slow but gradual decrease of the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis and these benefits last for a long period after the end of treatment. Many literature data show that chondroitin sulfate could have an anti-inflammatory activity and a chondroprotective action by modifying the structure of cartilage. These properties are also related to the oral adsorption of this molecule as high-molecular mass compounds having clusters of sulfate groups and high charge density capable of exert their chondroprotective activity in vivo. However, please, note that all the conclusive studies with chondroitin sulfate resulted from the use of experimental dosage designs, which may different from commercially available supplements. [3,4] The oral absorption for an experimental chondroitin sulfate formulation is 70%. [2]

How does chondroitin benefit osteoarthritis?
Chondroitin sulfates play a role in articular and bone metabolism by controlling cartilaginous matrix integrity and bone mineralization. Chondroitin sulfates are synthesized in chondrocytes and in bone cells. Binding to the core protein through N- and O-linkages leads to aggregates of monomers with high molecular weights. The proteoglycan aggregate exhibits viscoelastic and hydration properties and an ability to interact with the surrounding tissue through electric charges leading to protection of the cartilaginous tissues. Chondroitin sulfates inhibit the activity of extracellular proteases for the connective tissues. In addition to their anti-inflammatory effects, chondroitin sulfates in vitro stimulate proteoglycan production by chondrocytes; they also inhibit cartilage cytokine production and induce apoptosis of articular chondrocytes. [14, 15]

Chondroitin sulfates increase the intrinsic viscosity of the synovial liquid. In vivo in experimental arthritis, the number and severity of articular symptoms decreases after chondroitin sulfates administration. In bones, chondroitin sulfates accelerate the mineralization process and bone repair. However, they break down easily via enzymatic degradation ( metalloproteinases and lysosomal enzymes). [14]

What are the side effects of chondroitin?
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are naturally occurring substances. Both substances can be taken by mouth and have no known significant toxicity nor side effects. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have been examined in laboratory and animal experiments, and in several clinical studies, which have shown some effect on the symptoms of early or moderate arthritis. The long-term effect has not been evaluated sufficiently and studies of the relation between dose and effect are lacking for both compounds. [5,6]

What are other health benefits of chondroitin sulfate?
Chondroitin sulphate has been found to be a major component for proteoglycans. Proteoglycans are glycoproteins in the extracellular matrix. Among proteoglycans, the most abundant type is the hyalectan or lectican family. Proteoglycans are formed by two main components; a protein and a sugar chain, which that is termed glycosaminoglycan. These glycosaminoglycans are polymers of two simple sugars. The hyalectan family has glycosaminoglycans of the chondroitin sulphate type, and they are termed proteoglycans-chondroitin sulphate.

Proteoglycans-chondroitin sulphates are linked to the hyaluronic acid and other molecules of the extracellular matrix in order to form a three-dimensional network. This network has several important roles in the maintenance of the homeostasis of the central nervous system. [8-12]

Carulli D and co-workers from Cambridge University considered the possible benefits of chondroitin sulfate on nerve cell regeneration. As described before, proteoglycans are of two main types, chondroitin sulfate and heparin sulfate. The chondroitin sulfate acts mainly as barrier-forming molecules, whereas the heparin sulfate stabilise the interactions of receptors and ligands. During development chondroitin sulfates pattern cell migration, axon growth pathways and axon terminations. Later in development and in adulthood chondroitin sulfates associate with some classes of neuron and control plasticity. After damage to the nervous system, chondroitin sulfates are the major axon growth inhibitory component of the glial scar tissue that blocks successful regeneration. Chondroitin sulfates have a variety of roles in the nervous system, including binding to molecules and blocking their action, presenting molecules to cells and axons, localising active molecules to particular sites and presenting growth factors to their receptors. [1, 13] While, other researchers, such as lida J and co-workers from University of Minnesota, are interested in its role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. [14] Tumor cell invasion and metastasis is highly dependent on dynamic changes in the adhesion and migration of transformed and malignant cells. As with normal cell adhesion, the adhesion of tumor cells influences their cytoskeletal organization, activation of signal transduction pathways within the cell, and nuclear events leading to changes in mRNA transcription and protein synthesis. Furthermore, as tumor cells invade the circulation, they adhere to activated endothelial cells at sites within the vasculature during arrest and extravasation. Studies in the area of tumor cell adhesion and migration have demonstrated that the recognition of extracellular matrix ligands, or adhesion promoting ligands expressed on neighboring cells (i.e. counter-receptors), involves complex molecular recognition mechanisms. The complexity arises, in part, from the multiple recognition sites that are present within adhesion promoting ligands. Some of these structures within ECM components act by binding integrins, whereas others bind additional receptors such as cell surface proteoglycans. In this sense, adhesion promoting ligands may be considered as informational arrays, that function to modulate cell phenotype by engaging specific combinations of adhesion receptors on the cell surface. Thus, cell surface chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans may play in modulating tumor cell adhesion, migration and invasion.

What is a dietary supplement?
A dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) intended to supplement the diet, which bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, mineral, amino acid, herb, or other botanical; is intended for ingestion in the form of a capsule, powder, softgel, or gelcap; and is not represented as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet (as defined by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, Oct. 25, 1994).

What is celecoxib?
Celecoxib (brand name Celebrex) is a new type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), called a COX-2 inhibitor. Like traditional NSAIDS, celecoxib blocks the COX-2 enzyme in the body that stimulates inflammation. Unlike traditional NSAIDS, however, celecoxib does not block the action of COX-1 enzyme, which is known to protect the stomach lining. As a result, celecoxib reduces joint pain and inflammation with reduced risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. FDA Alert: 4/7/2005:Celebrex has been associated with an increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in a long-term placebo controlled trial. Based on the currently available data, FDA has concluded that an increased risk of serious adverse CV events appears to be a class effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (excluding aspirin). FDA has requested that the package insert for all NSAIDs, including Celebrex, be revised to include a boxed warning to highlight the potential increased risk of CV events and the well described risk of serious, and potentially life-threatening, gastrointestinal bleeding. FDA has also requested that the package insert for all NSAIDs be revised to include a contraindication for use in patients immediately post-operative from coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery.

REFERENCE [1] Carulli D et al, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in neural development and regeneration. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2005 Apr;15(2):252. [2] Owens S Recent advances in glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation. J Knee Surg. 2004 Oct;17(4):185-93. [3] Volpi N The pathobiology of osteoarthritis and the rationale for using the chondroitin sulfate for its treatment. Curr Drug Targets Immune Endocr Metabol Disord. Jun;4(2):119-27.2004. [4] Reginster JY et al, Naturocetic (glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate) compounds as structure-modifying drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2003 Sep;15(5):651-5. [5] Angermann P Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of arthritis Ugeskr Laeger. 2003 Jan 27;165(5):451-4. [6] Bijlsma JW Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as a possible treatment for osteoarthritis Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2002 Sep 28;146(39):1819-23. [7] Brief AA et al, Use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the management of osteoarthritis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001 Mar-Apr;9(2):71-8. [8] Crespo-Santiago D et al, The extracellular matrix of the central nervous system: chondroitin sulphate type proteoglycans and neural repair Rev Neurol. 2004 May 1-15;38(9):843-51. [9]Grumet M et al, Functions of brain chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans during developments: interactions with adhesion molecules. Perspect Dev Neurobiol. 1996;3(4):319-30. [10] Margolis RU et al, Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans as mediators of axon growth and pathfinding. Cell Tissue Res. 1997 Nov;290(2):343-8. [11] Oohira A et al, Molecular interactions of neural chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in the brain development. Arch Biochem Biophys. 2000 Feb 1;374(1):24-34. [12] Rauch U et al, Neurocan: a brain chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001 Nov;58(12-13):1842-56. [13] Zhuo L et al, A physiological function of serum proteoglycan bikunin: the chondroitin sulfate moiety plays a central role. Glycoconj J. 2002 May-Jun;19(4-5):241-7. [14] Bali JP et al, Biochemical basis of the pharmacologic action of chondroitin sulfates on the osteoarticular system. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Aug;31(1):58-68. [15] Kelly GS The role of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfates in the treatment of degenerative joint disease. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Feb;3(1):27-39. [16] Iida J et al, Cell surface chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in tumor cell adhesion, motility and invasion. Semin Cancer Biol. 1996 Jun;7(3):155-62.

Chromium

2008-02-19T12:21:00.001-08:00

Chromium is an essential mineral that is needed for insulin activity in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. A recent study has demonstrated that chromium picolinate may increase the amount of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) - a key enzyme involved in metabolism - in skeletal muscle cells, thus improving energy balance and insulin function.[2]Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have lower blood levels of chromium than those without the disease. [3] Consequently, researchers supplied chromium supplementation to patients suffered from types 1 and 2 diabetes. They found improvement in serum glucose. The beneficial effects of chromium on serum glucose and lipids and insulin resistance occur even in the healthy subjects. [5]

Recently, FDA issued a favorable response to a qualified health claim petition filed by Nutrition 21, recognizing chromium picolinate as a safe nutritional supplement that may reduce the risk of insulin resistance and possibly type 2 diabetes. [1]

DOSE AND SAFETY
Supplements containing 200-1,000 mcg chromium as chromium picolinate a day have been found to improve blood glucose control. Chromium picolinate is the most efficacious form of chromium supplementation. Numerous animal studies and human clinical trials have demonstrated that chromium picolinate supplements are safe. [3]

However, one should be aware that individual patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus may have an increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes when taking chromium supplements as self-medication. [4] In addition, chromium supplementation does result in tissue retention in the kidney, although no pathogenic effect has been demonstrated despite considerable study. [5]

Analogues of picolinic acid may induce profound alterations in the metabolism of serotonin, dopamine, and norepnephrine in brain. Thus, patients with behavioral disorders should consult with doctors before taking any chromium picolinate supplements. [6]

http://www.zhion.com/Supplements/Chromium_Picolinate.html

REFERENCES
[1] FDA Approves First Qualified Health Claim for Chromium Picolinate and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Purchase, N.Y. (PRWEB) September 2, 2005.
[2] New Study Suggests Chromium Picolinate Triggers Key Enzyme to Improve Glucose Metabolism, Pennington Biomedical Research Center News Release, September 14, 2005 [3] A scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance. Diabetes Educ. 2004;Suppl:2-14. [4] Kleefstra N et al, Chromium and insulin resistance. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2004 Jan 31;148(5):217-20. [5] Lamson DS et al, The safety and efficacy of high-dose chromium. Altern Med Rev. 2002 Jun;7(3):218-35.

Some microbes are good for us

2008-02-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been considered to have various health-promoting benefits or advantages. These proposed benefits include anticarcinogenic and hypocholesterolemic properties and antagonistic action against intestinal and food-born pathogens.

Some researchers believed that its anticarcinogenic activity might be related to production of anti-carcinogens while its cholesterol-lowering effects could be a result of the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase. The antagonistic effect against pathogens and other organisms is possibly mediated by competition for nutrients and adhesion sites, formation of metabolites such as organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, and production of antibiotic-like compounds and bacteriocins. [1]

Sanders ME at Dairy and Food Culture Technologies pointed out that lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is a probiotic strain available in conventional foods (milk, yogurt, and toddler formula) and dietary supplements. It has been in the US market since the mid-1970s. [2]

This strain of lactobacillus acidophilus can survive gastrointestinal tract transit in both healthy and diseased populations. It inhibits aberrant crypt formation in mutagenized rats, indicative of benefits that could decrease the risk of colon cancer. A blend of probiotic strains containing NCFM decreased the incidence of pediatric diarrhea. It also led to a significant decrease in levels of toxic amines in the blood of dialysis patients with small bowel bacterial overgrowth. At adequate daily intakes, this strain may facilitate lactose digestion in lactose-intolerant subjects. [2]

http://www.zhion.com/Supplements/Acidophilus.html

Reference

[1] Mital BK, Garg SK Anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, and antagonistic activities of Lactobacillus acidophilus Crit Rev Microbiol. 1995;21(3):175-214. [2] Sanders ME, Klaenhammer TR. Invited review: the scientific basis of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM functionality as a probiotic. J Dairy Sci. 2001 Feb;84(2):319-31. Correspondence mesanders@msn.com Dairy and Food Culture Technologies, Littleton, CO 80122-2526, USA.

Endometriosis

2007-08-01T07:06:00.001-07:00

Endometriosis is a common health problem in women. It gets its name from the word endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus (womb). In women with this problem, tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus in other areas. These areas can be called growths, tumors, implants, lesions, or nodules.

Most endometriosis is found: * on or under the ovaries * behind the uterus * on the tissues that hold the uterus in place * on the bowels or bladder female reproductive system

Endometriosis rarely grows in the lungs or other parts of the body. This "misplaced" tissue can cause pain, infertility (not being able to get pregnant), and very heavy periods.

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. Usually the pain is in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis. The amount of pain a woman feels does not depend on how much endometriosis she has. Some women have no pain, even though their disease affects large areas. Other women with endometriosis have severe pain even though they have only a few small growths.

Symptoms of endometriosis include: * Very painful menstrual cramps * Pain with periods that gets worse over time * Chronic pain in the lower back and pelvis * Pain during or after sex * Intestinal pain * Painful bowel movements or painful urination during menstrual periods * Heavy and/or long menstrual periods * Spotting or bleeding between periods * Infertility (not being able to get pregnant) * Fatigue Women with endometriosis may also have gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating, especially during their periods.

About five million women in the United States have endometriosis. This makes it one of the most common health problems for women.

In general, women with endometriosis: * get their monthly period * are 27-years-old on average * have symptoms for two to five years before finding out they have the disease Women who have gone through menopause (when a woman stops having her period) rarely still have symptoms.

Women are more likely to develop endometriosis if they: * began getting their period at an early age * have heavy periods * have periods that last more than seven days * have a short monthly cycle (27 days or less) * have a close relative (mother, aunt, sister) with endometriosis

Some studies suggest that women may lower their chances of developing endometriosis if they exercise regularly and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Growths of endometriosis are almost always benign or not cancerous, but still can cause many problems. To see why, it helps to understand a woman's monthly cycle. Every month, hormones cause the lining of a woman's uterus to build up with tissue and blood vessels. If a woman does not get pregnant, the uterus sheds this tissue and blood. It comes out of the body through the vagina as her menstrual period. Patches of endometriosis also respond to a woman's monthly cycle. Each month the growths add extra tissue and blood, but there is no place for the built-up tissue and blood to exit the body. For this reason, growths tend to get bigger and the symptoms of endometriosis often get worse over time. Tissue and blood that is shed into the body can cause inflammation, scar tissue, and pain. As the misplaced tissue grows, it can cover or grow into the ovaries and block the fallopian tubes. This can make it hard for women with endometriosis to get pregnant. The growths can also cause problems in the intestines and bladder.

Many treatments can control the symptoms. Medicine can relieve the pain. And when endometriosis causes fertility problems, surgery can boost the chances of getting pregnant.

Usually doctors need to run tests to find out if a woman has endometriosis. Sometimes doctors use imaging tests to "see" large growths of endometriosis inside the body. The two most common imaging tests are:

* ultrasound, which uses sound waves to see inside the body

* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnets and radio waves to make a "picture" of the inside of the body The only way to know for sure if you have endometriosis is to have a surgery called laparoscopy. In this procedure, a tiny cut is made in your abdomen. A thin tube with a light is placed inside to see growths from endometriosis. Sometimes doctors can diagnose endometriosis just by seeing the growths. Other times, they need to take a small sample of tissue, or a biopsy, and study it under a microscope.

What causes endometriosis?
No one knows for sure what causes this disease, but scientists have a number of theories. They know that endometriosis runs in families. If mother or sister has endometriosis, the women are six times more likely to get the disease than other women. So, one theory suggests that endometriosis is caused by genes.

Another theory is that during a woman's monthly periods, some endometrial tissue backs up into the abdomen through the fallopian tubes. This transplanted tissue then grows outside the uterus. Many researchers think a faulty immune system plays a part in endometriosis. In women with the disease, the immune system fails to find and destroy endometrial tissue growing outside of the uterus. Plus, a recent study shows that immune system disorders (health problems in which the body attacks itself) are more common in women with endometriosis. More research in this area may help doctors better understand and treat endometriosis.

How is endometriosis treated?
There is no cure for endometriosis, but there are many treatments for the pain and infertility that it causes. Talk with your doctor about what option is best for you. The treatment you choose will depend on your symptoms, age, and plans for getting pregnant.

Pain Medication. For some women with mild symptoms, doctors may suggest taking over-the-counter medicines for pain. These include: ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). When these medicines don't help, doctors may advise using stronger pain relievers available by prescription.

Hormone Treatment. When pain medicine is not enough, doctors often recommend hormone medicines to treat endometriosis. Only women who do not wish to become pregnant can use these drugs. Hormone treatment is best for women with small growths who don't have bad pain. Hormones come in many forms including pills, shots, and nasal sprays. Many hormones are used for endometriosis including:

* Birth control pills block the effects of natural hormones on endometrial growths. So, they prevent the monthly build-up and breakdown of growths. This can make endometriosis less painful. Birth control pills also can make a woman's periods lighter and less uncomfortable. Most birth control pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin. This type of birth control pill is called a "combination pill." Once a woman stops taking them, the ability to get pregnant returns, but so may the symptoms of endometriosis.

* Progestins or progesterone medicines work much like birth control pills and can be taken by women who can't take estrogen. When a woman stops taking progestins, she can get pregnant again. But, the symptoms of endometriosis return too.

* Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists or GnRH agonists slow the growth of endometriosis and relieve symptoms. They work by greatly reducing the amount of estrogen in a woman's body, which stops the monthly cycle. Leuprolide (Lupron®) is a GnRH agonist often used to treat endometriosis. GnRH agonists should not be used alone for more than six months. This is because they can lead to osteoporosis. But if a woman takes estrogen along with GnRH agonists, she can use them for a longer time. When a woman stops taking this medicine, monthly periods and the ability to get pregnant return. But, usually the problems of endometriosis also return.

* Danazol is a weak male hormone. Nowadays, doctors rarely recommend this hormone for endometriosis. Danazol lowers the levels of estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body. This stops a woman's period or makes it come less often. Danazol also gives pain relief. But it often causes side effects like oily skin, weight gain, tiredness, smaller breasts, and hot flashes. Danazol does not prevent pregnancy and can harm a baby growing in the uterus. Since it can't be used with other hormones, like birth control pills, doctors recommend using condoms, diaphragms, or other "barrier" methods to prevent pregnancy.

Surgery. Surgery is usually the best choice for women with endometriosis who have a severe amount of growths, a great deal of pain, or fertility problems.

There are both minor and more complex surgeries that can help. Your doctor might suggest one of the following:

* Laparoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat endometriosis. During this surgery, doctors remove growths and scar tissue or destroy them with intense heat. The goal is to treat the endometriosis without harming the healthy tissue around it. Women recover from laparoscopy much faster than from major abdominal surgery.

* Laparotomy or major abdominal surgery is a last resort treatment for severe endometriosis. In this surgery, the doctor makes a much bigger cut in the abdomen than with laparoscopy. This allows the doctor to reach and remove growths of endometriosis in the pelvis or abdomen. Recovery from this surgery can take up to two months.

* Hysterectomy should only be considered by women who do not want to become pregnant in the future. During this surgery, the doctor removes the uterus. She or he may also take out the ovaries and fallopian tubes at the same time. This is done when the endometriosis has severely damaged them.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Current Research and Development

Diets

Progression of endometriosis is considered estrogen-dependent. Japanese researchers found that higher levels of urinary genistein and daidzein were associated with decreased risk of advanced endometriosis but not early endometriosis in a study of 138 eligible women aged 20-45. They concluded that dietary isoflavones may reduce the risk of endometriosis among Japanese women. [4]

Fjerbaek A, University of Southern Denmark found a relation between disease and low intake of vegetable and fruit and high intake of vegetarian polyunsaturated fat, ham, beef and other red meat. But, he is not sure about the link of fish and the disease. [5] Consumption of milk, liver, carrots, cheese, fish and whole-grain foods, as well as coffee and alcohol consumption, were not significantly related to endometriosis. [6]

Herbs

Experimental evidence is accumulating to suggest that medicinal botanicals have anti-inflammatory and pain-alleviating properties and hold promise for treatment of endometriosis. Researchers from University of Vienna, Austria, state that medicinal herbs and their active components exhibit cytokine-suppressive, COX-2-inhibiting, antioxidant, sedative and pain-alleviating properties in their review article. Each of these mechanisms of action would be predicted to have salutary effects in endometriosis. [3]

Researchers from Medical College of Jinan University, China, found the possible use of Xiaochaihu Decoction on ectopic endometrium in rats. After treatment of 4 weeks, they observed an inhibition of the ectopic endometrial growth of the rats. [2]

Exercise

Carpenter and co-workers, Emory University School of Medicine, concluded that exercise could lower the level of testosterone levels and reduce the androgenic side effects of danazol in a 4-week study of 39 patients. [7]

Drug Development

Researchers from Medical College of Wisconsin, WI, found that trichostatin A (TSA) can suppress the invasiveness of 2 endometriotic cell lines. In their study, trichostatin A attenuated the invasiveness of 2 cell lines in the presence or absence of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) stimulation. In addition, trichostatin A treatment reactivateed E-cadherin gene and protein expression in these cell lines. These results, along with recent findings that TSA suppresses proliferation, interleukin-1 beta-induced cyclo-oxygenase 2 expression, and constitutive or TNFalpha-stimulated nuclear factor kappa B activation in endometrial and endometriotic cells, makes histone deacetylase inhibitors a promising class of compounds for treatment of endometriosis. [1]

[1] Wu Y, Starzinski-Powitz A, Guo SW. Trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, attenuates invasiveness and reactivates E-cadherin expression in immortalized endometriotic cells. Reprod Sci. 2007 May;14(4):374-82.

[2] Zheng H and Zuo LD, Experimental study on treatment of endometriosis with xiaochaihu decoction, Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Jun' 26 Suppl:119-22.

[3] Wieser F et al, Evolution of medical treatment for endometriosis: back to the roots? Hum Reprod Update 2007 Jun 16.

[4] Tsuchiva M et al, Effect of soy isoflavones on endometriosis: interaction with estrogen receptor 2 gene polymorphism. Epidemiology, 2007 May;18(3):402-8.

[5] Fjerbaek A et al, Endometriosis, dysmenorrhea and diet--what is the evidence? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2007 Jun;132(2):140-7. Epub 2007 Jan 8.

[6] Selected food intake and risk of endometriosis. Hum Reprod. 2004 Aug;19(8):1755-9. Epub 2004 Jul 14.[7] Carpenter SE et al, The effect of regular exercise on women receiving danazol for treatment of endometriosis. Int. J Gynaecol Obstet. 1995 Jun;49(3):299-304.

Flavonols and flavones

2007-04-29T17:16:00.001-07:00

Flavonols and flavones are plant-derived polyphenolic compounds that are present in fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine, or herbs such as ginkgo biloba, soys, and milk thistle. They have demonstrated potential health benefits of lowering risks on various chronic conditions.

Most flavonoids are believed to be chemo-protective. Flavones and isoflavones inhibit the activity of aromatase (CYP19), thus decreasing estrogen biosynthesis, i.e. antiestrogenic effects. This may benefit people at risk of breast and prostate cancers. Flavonoids such as fisetin, galangin, quercetin, kaempferol, and genistein are potent non-competitive inhibitors of sulfotransferase 1A1 (or P-PST); this could interfere sulfation-induced cancer growth.

Epidemiological studies have shown beneficial effects of flavonoids on arteriosclerosis-related pathology in general and neurodegeneration in particular. Flavonoids can protect the brain by their ability to modulate intracellular signals promoting cellular survival.

Unfortunately, most of the flavonoids have a low oral bioavailability and some of them may interact with drugs causing ineffectiveness of the therapies or amplifying the toxic effects of the medicine. Nevertheless, the intake of substantial amounts of plant-food in a normal diet is important to prevent cancer or other chronic diseases.

http://www.zhion.com/phytonutrients/Flavonols.html

Green coffee bean extract

2007-03-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

In 2002, Suzuki A and co-workers from Kao Corp. Japan found a dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure after a single ingestion of 5-caffeoylquinic acid in a rat study. In a study of 20 healthy male subjects, the same research group allowed 10 subjects take green coffee bean extract containing 140 mg of chlorogenic acid everyday. After 3-4 months of treatment, they observed a significant increase in reactive hyperemia ratio, compared to the placebo group.

In 2005, the same group found that green coffee bean extract reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressures significantly in a dose-proportional manner. Later, in a 14 day-study, the researchers fed male mice with a standard diet containing green coffee bean extract, caffeine and chlorogenic acid. They found that 0.5% and 1% green coffee bean extract reduced visceral fat content and body weight.

Chokeberry

2007-03-25T22:29:00.000-07:00

Chokeberry has high contents of caffeic acid, cyanidin and quercetin.

Researchers demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of chokeberry extracts on colon-cancer-derived HT-29 cells. After 48 h of exposure to 25 microg/mL chokeberry extracts, HT-29 cancer cells growth slowed down.

Studies have shown that chronic flavonoids treatment improves vascular function and cardiovascular remodeling by decreasing superoxide anion production and by increasing NO realize from endothelial cells. Studies also show a progressive decrease in systolic blood pressure and reduction of low-density lipoprotein oxidation (Ox-LDL).

Researchers from Poland showed that chokeberry flavonoids could reduce the severity of inflammation. In a study of coronary arterial rings of 64 pigs, researchers found that anthocyanin-enhanced chokeberry extracts produce endothelium-dependent relaxation in porcine coronary arteries.

Green Tea

2007-03-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Though the FDA concluded that existing evidence does not support qualified health claims for green tea consumption and a reduced risk of any other type of cancer in 2005, the steady stream of good news about green tea is getting so hard to ignore its potential benefits. Green tea contains, minerals, vitamins, oils, caffeine and an important polyphenol - epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

CUT CANCER RISK
Some test-tube and animals studies suggest that green tea may have a protective effect against lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

LOSE WEIGHT
Green tea may speed up your body's calorie-burning process.

PROTECT YOUR MEMORY, OR YOUR MOM'S
Marketers promote green tea as an agent that keep the brain from turning fuzzy. Sure, it contains caffeine!

STAY YOUNG
Some animal studies have shown that green tea can lower the total cholesterol levels, improve the cholesterol profile and protect against atherosclerosis.

STEADY YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) help keep blood vessels from contracting and raising blood pressure.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN
Green tea polyphenols suppress the carcinogenic activity of UV radiation.

http://www.zhion.com/herb/Green_tea.html

[1] FDA Issues Information for Consumers about Claims for Green Tea and Certain Cancers FDA News Release June 30, 2005.

tekturna, aliskiren,

2007-03-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Tekturna (aliskiren) tablet was approved on March 6, 2007 for the treatment of high blood pressure. Tekturna, a new molecular entity (NME), is the first high blood pressure drug approved by FDA that inhibits renin, a kidney enzyme associated with the regulation of blood pressure.

The effectiveness of Tekturna in lowering blood pressure has been demonstrated in six placebo-controlled eight-week clinical trials, which studied more than 2,000 patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Tekturna by itself demonstrates effective blood lowering in a number of studies. Tekturna can also be used in combination with a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril) or a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine), a diuretic, further reductions in blood pressure were achieved.

Aliskiren mean Cmax was not affected by either lovastatin or atenolol, although a non-significant 36% increase was observed with celecoxib. Modest, non-significant increases in aliskiren systemic availability followed coadministration with cimetidine.

Tekturna was evaluated for safety in more than 6,460 patients, including 1,740 who were treated longer than six months, and more than 1,250 for over one year. Side effects were usually mild and brief. The most common side effect experienced by patients taking Tekturna was diarrhea. Rarely, patients taking Tekturna developed an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips or tongue and difficulty breathing, as has been seen with other drugs for high blood pressure that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system.

The most commonly reported adverse events were headache, dizziness and gastrointestinal symptoms, which were similar in frequency during antihypertensive drug treatment alone and in combination with aliskiren except for an increase in dizziness during treatment with the combination of aliskiren and hydrochlorothiazide.

Tekturna and other drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system should not be used during pregnancy because they can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus.