Saturday, June 26, 2010

Top Picks

New Evidence That Drinking Coffee May Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100609111316.htm

Enjoy SuperFood Nutrition for the Summer
http://www.naturalnews.com/028923_superfoods_nutrition.html

Soldier arrested in WikiLeaks classified Iraq video case
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Military/2010/0607/Soldier-arrested-in-WikiLeaks-classified-Iraq-video-case

FDA panel recommends approval of first oral drug for multiple sclerosis
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/06/fda-advisory-panel-recommends-approval-of-first-oral-drug-for-ms.html

Monday, June 21, 2010

Top Picks

Poor Health? Easier for Some to Blame Bad Genes Than Change Lifestyle
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100608101025.htm

Costa Rica Puts Brakes on Popular Stem Cell Tourism
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=10843542

As the Sun Awakens, NASA Keeps a Wary Eye on Space Weather
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/04jun_swef/

Study shows how radiation causes breast cancer
http://www.naturalnews.com/028959_radiation_brst_cancer.html

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Top Picks

Oil from Gulf Spill Could Have Powered 38,000 Cars (and More) for a Year, Researcher Says
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100609171849.htm

Monsanto seeds in Haiti: Haitian farmers' epic struggle for survival
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Monsanto-seeds-in-Haiti-H-by-Chantal-Laurent-100605-837.html

Obama Takes a Hard Line Against Leaks to Press
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/12/us/politics/12leak.html?hp

Doctors are addicted to "every drug under the sun"
http://www.naturalnews.com/028950_doctors_addiction.html

Friday, June 18, 2010

Top Picks

Does Execution By Lethal Injection Involve Conscious Asphyxiation?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070424091513.htm

Sales of alternative medicine products are booming
http://www.naturalnews.com/028956_alternative_medicine_products.html

As U.S. Approves GM Soybean, DuPont and Monsanto Gird for Cooking-Oil War
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/06/07/07greenwire-as-us-approves-gm-soybean-dupont-and-monsanto-80269.html

Bush Ignored Warnings From 2000 About Deepwater Oil Spills
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Bush-Ignored-Warnings-From-by-Roger-Shuler-100611-83.html

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Top Picks

Freezing 'to Death' and Living to Tell About It: Study Reveals How Suspended Animation Protects Against Lethal Hypothermia
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100610171714.htm

Total sellout: Leading agricultural scientist says "organic" farmers should plant GM crops
http://www.naturalnews.com/028963_organics_gm_crops.html

Satellite tracking for the most dangerous psychiatric patients
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7144351.ece

B.P, Halliburton and Transocean have unleashed Armageddon and now there is no stopping it.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/B-P-Halliburton-and-Trans-by-Chris-Landau-100611-452.html

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Should human genes be patented?

Recently, a federal judge issued a 152-page decision that invalidates seven patents that are related to the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. The mutation of these two genes have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer but the company holding that patent also holds a monopoly on the testing for the genes keeping prices high and preventing women from getting confirmation from other laboratories.


The decision is more than likely to be appealed even though the representatives of Myriad Genetics, the company that holds the patent, has told it’s investors that “regardless of the results of the outcome of this particular lawsuit, it will not have a material adverse effect on the company.” Myriad Genetics, had asked the court to dismiss the case, claiming the very isolation of the DNA from the body “transforms” it thus rendering it able to be patented. The argument against gene patenting says that products of nature fall outside the realm of things that can be patented.

Presently, 20 percent of all human genes have been patented. With 20,000 to 25,000 of human genes being mapped and sequenced through the Human Genome Project, those are considered public domain, and not considered new and not able to be patented. To be able to patent a substance in nature it must somehow be altered or changed from its original form such as using part of or being synthesized or altered in a laboratory. Human genes must be specified as to a new use, such as a diagnostic test. This argument is an ethical one since many consider the human genome as being sacred even though humans share some 25 percent of their genes with chimpanzees.

Of course patents were put in place to protect the inventor and recover the costs related to research and discovery. Patents are for inventions that are “useful,” “novel” and “non obvious” and carry a description that enables the use for a stated purpose. It can be argued that if a company charges $3,000 for a diagnostic test, then the price of that test may prevent some patients from seeking medical testing. It may not only be an ethical question we are dealing with here as well as a question of greed. By allowing human genes to be patented, we may be guaranteeing commercial companies unreasonable profits.

During the Human Genome Project, thousand of genes were being patented some of those genes have been marketed and sold as products. Even though patents only last for a number of years, a 20-year monopoly seem too long when compared to the prevention of the health care needs of the general populace.


By  Renee Rotto

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Top Picks

Could String Theory Explain Similarities Between Utracold Gases and Quark Gluon Plasma?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100609204901.htm

Toxic Corexit dispersant chemicals remained secret as feds colluded with Big Business
http://www.naturalnews.com/028974_Corexit_dispersants.html

Michael Bloomberg: Leave BP Alone!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/11/michael-bloomberg-leave-b_n_609120.html

Study Says Drug Manufacturing Facilities are Major Source of Drugs in Drinking Water
http://www.treehugger.com/

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Top Picks

Many With HIV Start Care Too Late
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/06/08/bill_would_make_oil_companies_pay/

Antidepressants during pregnancy cause alarming 68 percent increased risk of miscarriage
http://www.naturalnews.com/028943_antidepressants_miscarriage.html

AT A GLANCE: BP Captures More Oil, Spill Consequences Grow
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100607-702029.html?mod=WSJ_World_MIDDLEHeadlinesEurope

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Top Picks

Dieting Alone May Not Help Stave Off Type 2 Diabetes; Muscle Mass, Strength Important
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100527171001.htm

Breaking the Spell of Sisyphus: How to Let Go of Negative Patterns
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/agapi-stassinopoulos/self-help-breaking-the-sp_b_601285.html

Pfizer recalls IV antibiotics, nausea medications
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65268C20100603

GM lobby helped draw up crucial report on Britain's food supplies
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/06/gm-crops-biotech-lobbyists-fsa

Monday, June 7, 2010

Top Picks

Self-Control, and Lack of Self-Control, Is Contagious
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100113172359.htm

Chlorophyll blocks absorption of toxic carcinogens
http://www.naturalnews.com/027968_Chlorophyll_carcinogens.html

Hidden Government Papers on the Measles Vaccine Exposed
http://vactruth.com/2010/05/20/government-papers-on-measles-vaccines-exposed/

Multivitamins Can Add Sparkle for Healthy Young People
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514075108.htm

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Top Picks

'Artificial life' breakthrough announced by scientists
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10132762.stm

Not in the Mood? You Could Have Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2010/05/19/not-in-the-mood-you-could-have-hypoactive-sexual-desire-disorder.html

Fish Oil Given Intravenously to Patients in Intensive Care Has Many Benefits, Study Finds
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100118204043.htm

H1N1 swine flu hoax falls apart at the seams
http://www.naturalnews.com/027984_swine_flu_vaccines.html

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Top Picks

How Do Bumblebees Get Predators to Buzz Off?
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100526093608.htm

Copycat Behavior in Children Is Universal and May Help Promote Human Culture
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100503135705.htm

Reports accuse WHO of exaggerating H1N1 threat, possible ties to drug makers
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/04/AR2010060403034.html

Big Tobacco fights NYC over anti-smoking posters
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h1bimEv6v1UDMVBYjHry-Pkw2BJQD9G4NFNG1

Friday, June 4, 2010

WHY YOUR NEVER TOO OLD TO GET FIT

Attention seniors and couch potatoes. If you are feeling tired and out of shape it’s not too late to improve your health and get fit. Studies indicate, that no matter what your age or inactivity rate, your body will respond to a healthful lifestyle. So that being said, anyone can change his or her fitness level, however, fitness does not happen over night.

Even if you’ve been inactive for a period of time or have eaten foods that you know might not be the best choices, you can make positive changes that will make you more fit. Just remember, that you need to learn to walk before you can run. The first step is to make a plan.

Diet

A 20-year study of Rheses monkeys found that monkeys that consumed 30% fewer calories lived longer and developed less age related diseases. It has been hypothesized the same is true for humans.

Consuming fewer calories every day may be beneficial, but you want to get the most bang for your buck. You want to make sure your body has the right foods to replenish and repair. Eat from the food of life: natural foods in their natural state. That is, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals. Try to consume less red meat and incorporate a meatless day into you week. Eat organic foods whenever possible, to diminish risks of pesticides and herbicides. If the goal is to shave of pounds, eat healthful foods in small quantities. Small meals with snacks, stabilizes metabolism and blood sugar levels. Be sure to drink plenty of water to flush away toxins and wastes.

Exercise

With fitness programs, the main thing to remember is to build up your stamina and endurance first. This is especially true when you have been inactive for a long period of time. When creating an exercise program, factors like osteoporosis, back problem, heart problem and blood pressure should be a consideration. Always check with you doctor if you have a concern about what exercises you can do. Remember you can modify you exercise workout to accommodate your abilities or how you feel that day.

Exercise can improve health impairments and even prevent some diseases. It can also improve our emotional state and mood. The key to a sensible workout program is, take it slow and keep it up. A balanced exercise program for any age should consist of three types of exercise: cardiovascular, resistance and stretching.

Cardiovascular

There are many types of aerobic exercise, however, low impact may be best for seniors or the fitness challenged. Walking and swimming are perfect exercises for a gentle workout. Strive for exercising aerobically 5 times a week with duration of 20-60 minutes.

Resistance

Resistance exercises utilize specific muscle groups in order to improve muscular strength and endurance. Resistance can be done using either external weight such as dumbbells, machines at your local gym or by utilizing your own body weight as the resistance force, as in pushups.
With resistance training your health and physical fitness will increase a lot quicker than with aerobic exercise alone. Adding resistance exercise builds muscle mass, which helps to burn fat and speeds up the metabolism.

Stretching

Stretching exercises elongate the muscles, helps with flexibility and decreases the risk of injury. Stretching should be done as part of the warm up and the cool down. Yoga and Tai Chi are excellent forms of stretching workouts.

Pay Attention To What Your Body Is Saying

You can improve your health and fitness at any age but you should pay attention to what your body is saying. Sure you can expect some aches and pains as you body adjusts to the new demands you place on it, but take it slow to build that fitness, without injury. If you listen carefully, your body will let you know which things are beneficial.

By  Renee Rotto

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Top Picks

Is BP trying to cap the Gulf oil well, or keep it flowing?
http://www.naturalnews.com/028898_British_Petroleum_Gulf_Coast.html

Germs in Soil Might Give Learning a Boost
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/639398.html

Psych Drugs Killing US Military Vets In Their Sleep
http://rense.com/general90/sleep.htm

Report: Trans fat limits lead to healthier foods
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gdz7j9yo6E_AD7Z3jOLyFbO_wdfgD9FUP17G0