Newsy - Sci/Health

Top News Headlines: Egyptians Torch Shafiq's Campaign HQ

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:03:30 -0500

(Image source: BBC)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR ALLIE SPILLYARDS

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Protesters in Egypt set fire to the campaign headquarters of one of the country’s presidential candidates, who the protesters believe represents the old regime. Sky News has the details.

“Ahmed Shafiq was the last prime minister to serve under President Hosni Mubarak. The attack followed the announcement that he would face Mohamed Mursi from the Muslim Brotherhood in a runoff next month.”

Just over a week after a deadly earthquake hit northern Italy, another quake hit the same region. This tremor caused more already-weakened buildings to collapse. Here’s euronews.

“It caused panic among those still living in tents after a fatal tremor hit the same region nine days ago. Latest reports say 10 people have died and many others have been injured.”

Scientists announced they have found radiation from Japan’s nuclear disaster in bluefin tuna off the coast of California. CNN reports.

“Only low levels, they say, but they also say it’s definitely the result of Japan’s tsunami-damaged Fukushima power plant.”

An overnight standoff in Texas between police and a robbery suspect ended when the man fell from a crane. Fox News has more.

“A man was holed up in the cab of this crane for nearly 15 hours before he climbed out. He fell 150 feet to the ground. It’s believed he died from the fall. The police are not confirming anything at this time.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Allie Spillyards, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

MIT Develops Needleless, Painless Shots

Tue, 29 May 2012 02:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: MIT)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Doctors offices may not have to stock up on as many stickers or lollipops to soothe crying kids... an MIT invention could mean no more needles.

“We’re developing a system that eliminates the use of needles and instead delivers drugs into tissue using a high pressure stream right into the skin.”

Researchers say the device adjusts to different skin types and changes speed, to go easier on a baby’s skin for example. KRON adds...

“And it’s painless, so they say. It uses a high pressure jet of medicine to pierce the skin at nearly the speed of sound.”

SlashGear points out the device has some advantages.

“...medical workers are much less likely to accidentally poke themselves with a dirty needle. Having no needle is also a big help for people that have to routinely deliver medications to themselves in the home...”

MIT says medicine would enter the body in an opening about the same size as a mosquito’s stinger. New Scientist reports Japanese engineers also tried to invent a painless needle in 2002 based on the stinger’s thin diameter, but it never took off. The International Business Times reports...

“MIT believes this technology is superior with its highly-controlled system for limiting the injection velocity and dosage, but also its ability to bring ease to patients with needle phobias.”

But when could this device hit the market? Lead researcher Ian Hunter told Mass High Tech pharmaceutical maker Sanofi is interested in selling the system, and it could also be used in some surgeries.

“Hunter said another large company is looking at the device as a possible scalpel... He said he also expects to spin out several companies in different applications of the technology, and plans to start doing so before the end of this year.”

Mass High Tech reports the technology could be used on pets in the future. Researchers also say the device could deliver powder drugs through the skin.

Are Anti-GM Wheat Protesters Anti-Science?

Mon, 28 May 2012 02:00:05 -0500

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(Image source: Take the Flour Back)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

A protest against genetically-modified food in the UK had British media asking: is the environmental movement anti-science or is GM food just science run amok?

The protest, organized by the anti-GM group Take the Flour Back, targetted an open-air trial of a new kind of genetically-modified wheat. The BBC has footage from the protest. (Video source: Twitvid)

“They’re sitting under that big tree, and many of them are giving speeches talking about the dangers of GM.”

The experimental wheat is being grown at the Rothamsted Research site, and it’s meant to increase crop yields by resisting insect damage. ITV gives some background on the controversial crop.

“The wheat’s been engineered to produce a chemical that scares off aphid pests — a chemical that’s present in hundreds of other plants and even the hops in the beer you drink.”

The genes the scientists inserted into the wheat DNA come from the mint plant, but they’re so common even many mammals have them. The final form of the test genes wound up resembling those found in cows.

That led Take the Flour Back to portray the wheat as a “frankenfood” — one they threatened to rip out of the ground over fears it might get out and contaminate non-GM crops.

The scientists responded to the plan by releasing a video pleading with protesters not to uproot their research, arguing the experiment was tightly controlled and the risk of contamination was extremely low. (Video source: Rothamsted Research)

The protest kicked off a debate in the UK over whether the anti-GM crowd is anti-science. A writer for the Telegraph says:

“This is ugly, idiotic Luddism. The research is non-profit. It is attempting to find ways to make wheat farming less environmentally damaging ... Actual supporters of environmentalism, as opposed to kneejerk technophobes, should support the efforts.”

An editorial in The Observer accused the anti-GM groups of getting both their science and their environmentalism wrong.

“This is science operating responsibly in balance with nature. ... By interrupting its completion, activists will do irreparable damage to a cause to which they profess undying allegiance.”

But a writer for New Scientist defends the protesters, saying the disagreement isn’t about science itself — but rather who controls it.

“With activists able to call attention to legitimate flaws in the regulatory and commercialisation process, scientists have few effective communication options available. … Activists also correctly allege that the biotech industry and scientists have a record of hyping the potential benefits of such crops.”

In the end, police prevented protesters from ripping up the plants. But security will remain high due to the fear of lone intruders — like the man who reportedly broke into the field last weekend and destroyed a good chunk of the crop.

10-year-old Regains Hearing with Cochlear Implant

Sat, 26 May 2012 10:34:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wunderlife Wordpress)

BY LYNDSEY GARZA

ANCHOR CANDICE AVILES

Thanks to a cochlear implant, 10-year-old Sammie Hicks can hear again. CNN has the emotional moment...

“Watch Sammie jump when the audiologist activates the implant. Then the first thing she hears... herself -- breathing.”

Hicks was born with a genetic mutation and had limited hearing. She lost her hearing completely at the age of two.

After the family’s insurance company agreed to pay for the implant, Jenifer Hicks, Sammie’s mom, began a video blog to document her daughter’s struggles, post-surgery. Here’s their conversation a mere four hours afterwards...

“How do you feel now?”
“Well it hurts, but it doesn’t hurt as much as I thought it would be.”
“What does your head feel like?”
“Heavy.”

The implant works like much like a “bionic ear”. Once it is surgically implanted under the skin, it is turned on three weeks later. Hicks’ physician, Dr. Paul Baurer explains to ABC News...

"Inside of your inner ear are millions of microscopic hairs that turn the nerves on and off, in very simple form. And what a cochlear implant is trying to do, is replacing those hairs."

According to Australia’s NineMSN, the implant works differently than a standard hearing aid. While hearing aids simply amplify sounds, the implant bypasses the damaged tissue and stimulates the auditory nerves directly. It does what Hicks’ ears cannot do naturally.

While the $27,000 implant is a miracle in itself, it isn’t perfect. Hicks says all the voices she hears sound like robots. Sammie is adjusting well as is her 9-year-old brother Jacob, who had an implant operation after she did. His implant will be turned on June 7.

15-Year-Old Boy Invents New Way to Detect Cancer

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:02 -0500

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(Image Source: Fastcoexist)

BY KERRY LEARY

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

While most 15-year-old boys are busy playing video games, a Maryland teen just invented a new way to detect pancreatic cancer. WJZ spoke with a researcher about the new discovery.

“It detects an abnormal protein that you find in the blood when you have a pancreatic cancer ... He conceived this idea and I think the fact that he is 15 makes this whole story more remarkable.”

Jack Andraka won the grand prize at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and took home $75,000 that he says he’ll put toward college. How does his invention work? Intel explains.

“Using an approach similar to that of diabetic test strips, Jack created a simple dip-stick sensor to test the level of mesothelin, a pancreatic cancer biomarker, in blood or urine...”

Andraka’s test is 90 percent accurate in testing for mesothelin. The sensor also proved to be 28 times faster, 28 times less expensive and more than 100 times more sensitive than current tests. Andraka began researching after he lost a family friend to pancreatic cancer. CNN spoke with the teen about his accomplishment.

REPORTER: “That is incredible, I mean, when you consider the fact that nearly 44,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012, I just can’t imagine how good you feel having done this.”

Apparently intelligence runs in Andraka’s family. Jack’s brother Luke is also an ISEF winner for his work on how acid mine drainage affects the environment. Daily Tech remarks...

“Luke and Jack are testament to what natural talent, solid parenting, and a school that gives its excelling students flexibility to explore independent studies, can do. Both young men look to have bright futures as inventors and entrepreneurs.”

Jack will speak to the United States Congress on Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day about his findings. He plans to start clinical trials with the sensor and get the product on the market within 10 years.

Prehistoric Flutes Date Back 40,000 Years

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: The University of Tübingen)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

Some very old fossils suggest our modern human ancestors may have been flautists.

In a study published in the Journal of Human Evolution — scientists reanalyzed some Stone Age artifacts and discovered that flutes are about 42,000-years-old. Sci-news reports...

“The musical instruments take the form of flutes made from the bird bones and mammoth ivory. The animal bones bear cuts and marks from human hunting and eating. They were excavated at a key site, which is widely believed to have been occupied by some of first modern humans to arrive in Europe.”

The artifacts are from a cave located in Germany believed to have been occupied by some of the first modern humans in Europe. USA Today reports...

“...the cave lies in the ‘former Danube Valley through which the Ach River flows today’ … its artifacts have been central to debates about when early modern humans first moved into Europe.”

The study claims the original carbon dating tests on the artifacts were off by a few thousand years — but with the new data, scientists think modern humans moved to Europe about 45,000 years ago. One of the researchers is quoted by BBC.

"… several caves in the region [have] produced important examples of personal ornaments, figurative art, mythical imagery and musical instruments."

The researchers say the new timeline indicates modern humans moved to Europe a few thousand years before an extremely cold climate phase in the region. According to Live Science, the discovery also means modern humans may have interacted with their Neanderthal cousins nearby.

“This site was inhabited by modern humans, the researchers said, but it's possible that Neanderthals were also in the area at the same time, though they haven't been able find evidence of any cultural contact or interbreeding between the two groups in this part of Europe.”

An earlier study on the old flutes concluded that the instruments played the notes C, D, F, and B quote “loud and clear.”

Skin Cells Converted Into Working Heart Cells

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:02 -0500

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(Image source: Fox News)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

From one kind of failure — scientists find success. WZVN in Fort Myers reports — for the first time — researchers have taken skin cells from heart-failure patients …

“ … and reprogrammed them into new heart muscle cells. Scientists say there is little chance of the immune system actually rejecting those cells. They’ll take it.”

Stem cells called hiPSCs have been used to treat damaged hearts before. But a reporter for Fox News says these new cells are different — since hiPSCs come from the person’s own body, and come with a set of complications.

“Because hiPSCs are derived from the person in need of the stem cells, they could potentially help to bypass the painful process of rejection that many transplant patients go through. … if this process is perfected, it could lead to much more localized treatments.”

An ABC News report says the cells are similar to embryonic stem cells …

“ … which can potentially be programmed to grow into any type of cell. Another advantage of using skin cells is that other types of cells taken from patients themselves, such as bone marrow cells, could potentially lead to the development of unhealthy tissue.”

According to The Guardian, this healthy heart tissue actually works.

Researchers injected the cells into a rat. Those new cells beat in time with the rat’s heart.

Boston’s WHDH tells us what makes it tick.

“The new cells are able to fuse with existing heart tissue and actually repair damage in even the most advanced patients. But researchers do say it will be another 10 years before clinical trials begin.”

The findings are published in the latest edition of the European Heart Journal.

Chemical Castration for Rapist in First for South Korea

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: BBC)

BY LYNDSEY GARZA

A serial rapist is set to become the first man in South Korea to be chemically castrated. The Justice Ministry of South Korea is set to chemically castrate inmate surnamed Park, in an effort to suppress his libido. The Wall Street Journal reports the 45-year-old is the first in the country to receive the procedure.

“The ministry’s Forensic Psychiatry Deliberation Committee members unanimously adopted the measure after concluding that Mr. Park, who had already been determined a pedophile, is highly likely to prey on children again when he is released at the end of his prison term in July.”

Park is to be released after serving a 10-year sentence for the attempted rape of a 10-year-old girl. He was also convicted four times for the sexual assault and rape of children under the age of 13. Korea’s JoongAng Daily reports why castration was chosen for Park...

“He is categorized as a sexual deviant, one who especially targets underage children.”

Chemical castration typically involves injections once every three months (for three to 15 years). The injections suppress sex drive, compulsive fantasies and the capacity for sexual arousal. Park is set to receive psychotherapy for three years and is required to stay away from childcare facilities and wear an electronic anklet.

The Chosunilbo reports...

“The ministry has ordered him to take Lupron and Zoladex, which block the pituitary gland from secreting testosterone and are also used to treat prostate cancer. It said the drugs are also being used in Germany, Sweden and the U.S. state of California as chemical castration agents.”

Opponents of chemical castration say the procedure — though reversible — can have unintended negative health consequences. The South Korean law authorizing chemical castration went into effect in 2011 after a public outcry of repeat sexual offenders. BBC explains.

“There has been a continuous spate over sex crimes against children, because of this there has been a growing consensus that these crimes must be dealt with firmly, no matter the cost.”

Sex offenders like Park do not have to consent to the treatment and in this case, his option was waived after being medically diagnosed as a pedophile. If Park does not comply with the treatment, he can face seven years in prison or 70 million won.

SpaceX Successfully Launches First Private ISS Mission

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:10:00 -0500

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(Image source: NASA Kennedy Space Center)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

It’s been dubbed “Dragon Launch,” the opening shot in the era of private spaceflight.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, SpaceX successfully launched its Dragon space capsule into orbit. Here’s CBS on what their success means. (Video source: NASA Kennedy Space Center)

“The launch of what could be a new era of American manned spaceflight. Think of this morning’s liftoff as the first audition for SpaceX, one of the private companies hoping to become NASA’s taxi to the space station.”

SpaceX’s founder Elon Musk compared the launch to winning the Superbowl. On Twitter, congratulations rolled in.

User Matt Bonatesta tweeted:

“I got chills just now from reading the launch tweets; I even teared up. Thank you SpaceX. Live long and prosper.”

Even the White House got in on the Dragon praise, adding:

“Every launch into space is a thrilling event, but this one is especially exciting because it represents the potential of a new era in American spaceflight.”

SpaceX is contracted for a dozen cargo flights and hopes to get the contract to start flying astronauts to the ISS in a few years. For this flight, Dragon is mostly carrying food. But ABC reports one of the rocket stages had even more precious cargo on board.

“Also on board, in fact, the ashes of 308 people, including James Doohan — Scotty from Star Trek. The ashes, in a canister, will be jettisoned into space.”

If the mission is a success, SpaceX will be only the fifth organization to send a capsule to the ISS — and the other four are all government agencies. A CNN analyst lays out the mission’s next few days.

“By tomorrow they’ll have rendezvoused and they will check out the systems. … If all of the systems check out, all the software is working, then the following day they will go ahead and attempt the actual berthing.”

Elon Musk told reporters, even if Dragon fails to reach the ISS, he’ll still consider the launch a success.

Panel Suggests Ending Routine Prostate Cancer Screening

Mon, 21 May 2012 23:16:59 -0500

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(Image source: University of Virginia)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A government panel’s controversial recommendation is challenging the old adage, “Better safe than sorry.”

The suggestion: Ending a routine prostate cancer screening called PSA for most men.

First — here’s WMDT with the headline.

“They say there's little to no benefit and the majority of cancers picked up by the screenings grow so slowly that most men never need treatment.”

The recommendation comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — which sets U.S. cancer screening policy. Reuters news wire called the reaction “fast and furious” — with advocates of screening saying the procedure saves lives. CBC talked to a doctor who says — the recommendation misses the point.

“The benefit screening is to find aggressive prostate cancer that will shorten your life. We can provide aggressive treatment that will prolong your life with good quality of life.”

And on CNN, Anderson Cooper points out the death rate from prostate cancer has fallen since the PSA screening test was introduced. But a cancer researcher says there’s no proof testing had much to do with that.

DR. SIDDHARTHA MUKHERJEE: “The problem with the testing is that it’s picking up too many men in whom the cancer is harmless, so we’ve got to find a more scientific and more refined way of predicting.”

The task force concluded that for every 1,000 men screened — only one will avoid death from prostate cancer — while up to 40 men will be left impotent or develop problems with urination because of treatment. The Globe and Mail’s Andre Picard writes...

“In the real world, a small percentage of prostate cancer cases are aggressive and deadly... We have yet to figure how to distinguish the two early enough to make a difference. It would be great to have a screening test that does so, but it does not exist. At least not yet.”

According to The Washington Post — after skin cancer, prostate cancer is the next most common cancer in men. (SOC)

'Ring of Fire' Draws Massive Crowd

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:34:58 -0500

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(Image source: Space.com)

BY MATT PICHT

A solar eclipse is a spectacular sight under any circumstances. But Sunday, for the first time since 1994, viewers in the U.S. were treated to a particularly special kind of eclipse.

Technically, it’s called an annular eclipse, but most people know it as the “Ring of Fire.”

Unlike a regular solar eclipse, an annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in between the Sun and the Earth, but is too far from Earth to completely block out the sun. The resulting “ring of fire” spectacle is an amazing sight.

Eclipse or no eclipse, looking directly into the sun without protection will still damage your eyes. Astronomers cautioned amateur viewers to use specialized eye protection when looking directly at the sun. Here’s ABC.

“You can take a pair of glasses, made specifically for eclipses, and you put those on, and they will protect your eyes.”

Sunday’s “Ring of Fire” was the first eclipse of 2012, and people documented the event in typical 21st century fashion.

Hundreds of eclipse pictures and videos flooded social networks, to the point where some people were viewing the eclipse from their computer screen.

For more conventional viewers, the eclipse was a social event as well. On the evening of the eclipse, excited watchers gathered in massive ‘eclipse parties’ to observe this rare astronomical event. CNN says the anticipation was palpable.

“To be here for a solar eclipse is like--I mean, look at this! Is this not the greatest thing in the world?!”

The next annular eclipse in this series is scheduled for June 1st, 2030.

Aimee Copeland Loses More Limbs to Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:20:01 -0500

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(Image Source: ABC News)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN AND LYNDSEY GARZA

The Georgia grad student who has been fighting for her life against flesh-eating bacteria has reached a milestone on the way to recovery — she’s relying on her own lungs. NBC’s Today Show reports Aimee Copeland’s family is excited about her progress.

“In a new blog post, Aimee’s father says that she’s now breathing on her own, she’s off her respirator and even cracking jokes — a significant improvement since the amputations late last week.

Her father goes on to say that Aimee is still getting some oxygen, but no assisted breathing. In a blog posted on the University of West Georgia’s website, Aimee’s father says:

“Aimee is being Aimee. She’s cracking jokes, speaking frankly, displaying her usual early morning grumpiness and she has been off of the ventilator for over 10 hours. … Bottom line: Aimee is doing great today.”

The hospital hasn’t released any updates on her clinical condition, so she’s not out of the woods yet. HLN gives a rundown of what the 24-year-old has had to endure.

“Doctors recently amputated Aimee’s remaining foot and both of her hands. She’d already lost her other leg and parts of her torso. She got infected with a rare bacteria after a ziplining accident.”

Copeland isn’t the only one suffering from the bacteria. Two other cases have cropped up in Georgia. Bobby Vaughn, a 32-year-old landscaper, underwent five surgeries because of the disease, and Lana Kuykendall, a 36-year-old new mother of twins, had seven. WYFF has Kuykendall’s brother’s report.

“She does respond sometimes. You can see it in her blood pressure or she has opened her eyes a little bit at times, but that’s pretty much about it.”

The condition can be caused by many different kinds of bacteria, some of which live on our skin and enter the body through a cut.

Top News Headlines: Bomb Explodes in Southern Italy

Sat, 19 May 2012 07:23:12 -0500

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(Image source: The Sun)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

In world news, a teenager in southern Italy is dead after a bomb exploded in front of a girl’s school. ITV has more details.

“Six others were wounded in the explosion which happened in Brindisi. Police are investigating reports that two devices were hidden in bags outside the school.”

Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng is heading to the United States after what international observers are calling a face-saving move by the Chinese government.

“He spent six days in the US Embassy after escaping from house arrest, sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries. … He says he plans was studying law in New York City and he does not know what the future will hold, he will find out when he and his family get to America.”

G8 leaders are meeting at Camp David to discuss — among other topics — the eurozone crisis. Al Jazeera reports — protesters are expected to come out in force, but leaders aren’t likely to be distracted.

“They’re facing questions about Greece possibly exiting the euro. They were quick to say that’s not going to happen.”
JOSE MANUEL BARROSO, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT: “We never comment on Plan B. We’re working on Plan A.”

And it was supposed to be a historic launch to the International Space Station — but SpaceX was forced to cancel after computers found an anomaly in one of the rocket’s engines. CNN has video of NASA’s press conference shortly after the failed launch.

“We're looking at the additional launch opportunities this 22nd looks good, that was pre-planned. The 23rd looks like it's a good date from the trajectory.”

SpaceX Set to Launch Private Spacecraft

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:58 -0500

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(Image source: SpaceX)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

On Saturday — a commercial company will try and make space history — launching a spacecraft that will meet up with the International Space Station.

As CNN explains — Space X will launch its Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. Falcon 9 will carry an unmanned Dragon space capsule which will head toward the ISS.

“If all is well after a series of systems checks and maneuvers, NASA astronaut Don Pettit will use the station’s robotic arm to reach out, grab hold of Dragon and birth it to the station.”

NASA’s space shuttle program ended last year— and as a former astronaut explains to Fox News — the U.S. is now looking to private companies to shuttle supplies to and from the ISS.

“NASA’s plan since 2006 is to use these commercial companies to fly the cargo up that we’ll need to make good use of the space station. Unfortunately, we’re about three years behind schedule.”

If this mission is successful — the ultimate plan is to have SpaceX deliver cargo AND astronauts to the ISS. An analyst for CBS explains — NASA is currently paying Russia to taxi U.S. astronauts — and SpaceX may be a better option.

“...because the private enterprise, as we know, in a capitalist system cares about profits. They know how to do it cheaper, better, faster. The Postal Service doesn't use their own airplanes for mail they buy space on cargo from a commercial carrier.”

SpaceX predicts the first manned Dragon flights could take place in 2015. But for now — there’s widespread excitement that a new era in space history is just beginning.

On Friday, BusinessInsider proclaimed...”The Era Of Privatized Space Exploration Starts Tomorrow.”

And on MSNBC: “Private rocket poised to make history Saturday.”

And the LA Times calls the launch “A new frontier for space travel.”

The launch has been delayed several times — but everything looks good to go for a Saturday morning launch. You can watch the launch live from the SpaceX website.

Mind-Controlled Robot Gives Paralyzed Woman A Hand

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: PopSci)

BY MATTHEW PICHT

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

Cathy Hutchison picked up a thermos of coffee, took a sip and the room erupted into applause. For the first time in fifteen years, the paralyzed Hutchison was able to accomplish simple motor tasks with her mind, and a little robotic assistance.

“Cathy had a tiny array of electrodes implanted into her brain, five years ago...Now, for the first time, Cathy has used the same implants to control a robot arm.”

Ever since a severe stroke in 1996 left her paralyzed, Cathy has been confined to a wheelchair, unable to manage even the simplest tasks by herself. Now, a new method of computer-brain interaction allows Cathy to bypass her damaged nervous system and control a robotic prosthetic with her mind.

“The experiments are part of a continuing clinical trial of a "neural interface" system known as BrainGate... The system detects electrical signals in the brain and uses them to control an external device—in this case, a robotic arm.”

Cathy’s sip of coffee is both a triumph for neurology and a personal milestone. In an interview with the BBC, Professor John Donoghue was visibly elated at the success of the experiment.

“There was a moment of true joy, true happiness. I mean, it was beyond the fact that it was an accomplishment.”

The project lead, Professor Leigh Hochberg, hopes this test will lead to further advancement. Eventually, he says, neural implants could cut out the mechanical middleman entirely.

“Hochberg said his dream, still many years away on the horizon, is not only for paralyzed people to use BrainGate to control devices, but to reroute neural signals back into their limbs, allowing them to again control their bodies.”

Interestingly, though there are approximately 100 billion neurons in the average human brain, the scientists found they only needed the signals from a few dozens neurons in order to control the robotic arm.

Nine-year-old Boy Says He's 'Done' Battling Cancer

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: ABC)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

After battling a rare form of brain cancer for more than half his life, nine-year-old Ryan Kennedy says he’s done fighting. ABC spoke with the Michigan boy’s mother.

REPORTER: “After surgery last August paralyzed the right side of his face, the nine-year-old told his mother ‘No more.’”

KIMBERLY MORRIS-KARP: “He said ‘I want to be how it was before all of this happened. I don’t want to have to go to the doctor’s.’”

Ryan has already undergone seven surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy. Doctors don’t expect him to make it to his 10th birthday on May 24th. But the nine-year-old’s mother tells CNN the family is now focusing on letting him live out the rest of his life on his own terms — and out of the hospital.

“He just wanted to live the rest of his life and just live. He just wanted to go and do the things that he wanted to do. So, we booked a family vacation, and he wanted to go swimming, and we went swimming. And we’ve just tried to accommodate.”

Ryan’s story has gained an international audience through Twitter — where a handful of celebrities have helped make the youngster a trending topic. WBFF has the details.

“Keep on Tweeting #RyanKennedy - I’m going to follow a fan — a few fans who Tweet it.”

“I showed him the Twitter page. I showed him the Twitter from Britney Spears.”

“And he said ‘This just brings joy to my heart and just touches me so much.’”

Despite gratitude for all the Twitter love, Ryan’s mother notes her son never made it his goal to trend on the website. He doesn’t even have a Twitter account. Still, The Oakland Press reports his mom hopes some good comes out of all the attention.

“... it drives me crazy, being a parent of a child with brain cancer, to sit and watch commercials constantly about all these other cancers that are getting all this advertising and all of these funds, all this awareness, when brain cancer (research) is just totally underfunded.”

Scientists Discover Cave Drawings of Female Sex Organs

Wed, 16 May 2012 06:00:02 -0500

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(Image Source: MSNBC)

BY EMILY ALLEN

A team of scientists working in Southern France think they’ve found the world’s oldest cave art. And what were our ancient ancestors doodling? Animals and…female genitalia!

Discovery News says scientists think people from the Aurignacian culture are responsible for these engravings and paintings. Scientists think the same group was responsible for cave art in France’s Chauvet Cave, which scientists originally thought was the oldest cave art.

As for the motif on female sex organs? A New York Times headline says it’s a…

“A Precursor to Playboy: Graphic Images in Rock.”

io9 says the drawings could be of a vagina. Aside from supplying a few giggles, it says these drawings add…

“...another piece to a small but growing puzzle that hints at the origins of our relationship to sex as something that transcends biological necessity, and enters a realm of… “pleasure, play” and “eroticism.”

And, one of the project’s researchers, Randall White, told Australia’s The Age…

“[Its] the oldest evidence of any kind of graphic imagery''

The drawings were on the roof of a collapsed cave. The Scientist said blocks of the limestone slab with the drawings on it fell in an area with other animals bones. Scientists analyzed the bones and could infer that drawings were as old as the animal bones. And The Christian Science Monitor quotes White saying…

“The chills just went up and down because we were the first people to have found one of these things since the 1920s.”

New Zealand’s Stuff says this cave is considered one of the earliest modern human sites in Europe dating back almost 40,000 years ago.

Sleepwalking More Common Than Previously Thought

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: Flickr / epSos.de)

BY DANIELLE CARTER

Sleepwalking effects a lot of people. Stanford University researchers say over a third of Americans do it. Here’s HLN.

"… But sleepwalking may be even more common than that, because the study included the people who could remember that they sleepwalked.”

One in three Americans is the highest finding ever recorded. CNN lists some of the reasons why people wind up sleepwalking in the first place.

“Experts say sleepwalking is more common in childhood and scientists also believe that certain medications such as antidepressants and some sleeping medications can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking.”

The researchers say sleepwalking isn’t dangerous on its own, but people who are sleepwalking are at greater risk of hurting themselves. A Washington Post blogger explains what that means for parents of sleepwalking children.

“You have no idea how terrifying it can be ...You worry about whether they’ll safely navigate the stairs … or that they’ll pick up a knife in the kitchen or light a burner … Let’s just say it’s hard to sleep with a sleepwalker around.”

While the researchers say it’s best to guide a sleepwalker back to bed, a writer for Gawker says don’t be afraid to wake them up.

“They won’t die - except maybe of confusion and embarrassment. And it’s best to get sleepwalkers back into their beds before they do something regrettable...like eat an entire box of cereal.”

The study also found people with OCD are four times as likely to sleepwalk, Those with depression … more than three times more likely.

'Meat Glue' Potentially Harmful for Consumers, Meat Industry

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: Gawker)

BY MATTHEW PICHT

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Some angry consumers are outraged at what they’ve been told is going into their food. It started with ‘pink slime’, the unflattering moniker for an ammonia-treated meat filler which wound up shutting down three meat processing plants and a loss of more than 600 jobs.

“Stung by consumer reaction to the process used by BPI, grocery stores pulled it off the shelves. and its makers Beef Products Inc. closed three of its four plants for lack of demand.”

Sarah Klein, a lawyer for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, says that the pink slime scare was based on revulsion rather than risk.

"In pink slime, we are looking at a product that is unsavory, but not unsafe -- we don't have any evidence to suggest the ammonia treatment is dangerous...The public outcry over this has illustrated a couple things: consumers want to know what's in their food, and the USDA needs to take a much closer look at labeling."

Now, another questionable food additive threatens to cause similar uproar. It’s called “meat glue” -- a product composed of an enzyme which shapes spare pieces of scrap meat into more appetizing cuts.

“The center of a single cut of steak is sterile; that’s why you can eat it rare. But glue pieces of meat together, and now bacteria--like E. Coli--could be on the inside.”

Fearing a repeat of the pink slime scare, the meat industry has taken steps to contain reaction. Some companies have distanced themselves from the product, while the American Meat Institute has publicly defended the use of transglutaminase in food preparation.

“...the depiction of "meat glue" by consumer activists is unfair...Transglutaminase has been sold for almost two decades and inaccurately has been nicknamed meat glue for ‘shock appeal...”

So far, the FDA, recognizes transglutaminase as safe for consumption, noting the risk lies in partially-cooked steak pieces which may still be carrying pathogens.

Fat Reaches Waist Just 3 Hours After a Big Meal

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:38:00 -0500

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(Image source: Thinkstock)

BY UNA LUE

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips! Just how long does it take after eating that batch of french fries for it to turn turn into flab on your waistline? A new British study says, just 3 hours!

KRIV has the story.

“Scientists at the University of Oxford found the average person can add the equivalent of up to 3 teaspoons of fat during that short period of time. “

The Telegraph explains, the process of turning food to fat is more complex and faster than we previously thought.

“The study found the first fat from any meal enters the blood around an hour after being ingested. By the time three or four hours has passed, they found, most of it had been incorporated into the adipose tissue, much of which lies in the short-term fat stores in the waist.”

So what to do? Here’s one doctor’s advice on KTXL.

Dr. Steve: “If you exercise, that fat would be use as energy. So it’s like temporality put there. And if you burn it, you burn it. And if not, well ….”
Anchor: “So what you’re saying is we have to exercise everyday if we don’t want to wearing our food.”

So, the messag? Stop overeating, especially in the evenings. The Daily Mail reports, a rich dinner ruins your figure faster than a big breakfast.

“This is due to hormonal changes that occur later in the day which make it easier for the stores in the waistline to trap passing fat droplets.”

Researchers say, dropping those fat droplets is easier for active people than for the sedentary. So, regular exercise is recommended.

U.K. Gets Sound Gun for 2012 Olympics

Sun, 13 May 2012 05:00:03 -0500

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(Image source: PressTV)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Britain’s military is making some noise about an addition to its security arsenal for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The Long Range Acoustic Device, or LRAD, is a sonic gun that can be used as a high-volume loudspeaker or a non-lethal weapon.
Firstpost reports the sound gun has been used to control crowds like the one seen here in Pittsburgh’s 2009 G20 summit.

The U.K. Ministry of Defence confirms the pain-inducing sound gun will be used at the Olympic games, but tells RT …

“ … its primary function will be as a powerful loudspeaker to halt boats traveling along the river. … he refrained from mentioning whether or not the LRAD would be used for riot control during the Olympics.”

A writer for The Mirror says some versions of the LRAD can produce deafening 150-decibel sounds at three feet.

That’s the same sound level you’d get right next to the speakers at a very loud rock concert.
To boot, the device also causes a compression sensation like what you’d feel with your head underwater.

The U.S.-based LRAD Corporation makes the sonic device.
According to the BBC …

“The manufacturer denies it is a weapon … A spokesman for the San Diego-based LRAD Corporation said the 1000Xi was ‘an effective long range communications system … to peacefully resolve uncertain situations’.”

The Associated Press reports LRAD Corporation previously sold the device to the U.S. Army for crowd control in Iraq.

Top News Headlines: Greece Prepares for Political Turmoil

Sat, 12 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: The New York Times/Eirini Vourloumis)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Greek voters are braced for more political turmoil.

Euronews reports — this comes …

“ … after Socialist leader Evangelos Venizelos failed to form a government. He is the third leader to try and form a coalition after Sunday’s election handed big gains to anti-austerity parties.”

A militant group linked to al-Qaeda claims responsibility for the two suicide-bomb attacks that killed more than 50 people in Syria’s capital Thursday.

Here’s the BBC.

“The al-Nusra front made the claim in a video posted on its website. It said it was acting in retaliation against the Syrian government.”

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney delivered the commencement speech at Liberty University in Virginia Saturday.

A reporter for Fox News says Romney didn’t shy away from the gay-marriage topic with an audience of likely conservatives.

“He told graduates of Liberty University that the enduring institution of marriage has become a topic of debate, with that quote, ‘Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman,’ which drew applause from the audience.”

Thousands of dead birds are showing up in Chile and Peru.

CNN explains.

“More than 7,000 birds have turned up dead in South America. Officials say in Peru alone — 5,000 birds have starved because warm weather has forced some anchovies and sardines south.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Researchers Examine Effects of 'Social Jet Lag'

Sat, 12 May 2012 05:00:04 -0500

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(Image source: BehindTheHustle.com)

BY CARISSA LOETHEN

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

“Social jet lag” is bad for you. Okay, so what is “social jet lag?" TIME defines it as...

“The discrepancy between your natural body clock and your social clock ... If you’re relying an alarm clock to wake up every morning during the week, but sleeping in on weekends, that’s a good sign there’s a mismatch.”

CBS explains why German researchers are now saying “social jet lag” can be hard on the body and can make you fat.

“Doctors say you get less sleep and then you're more likely to smoke, drink, overeat. How can you solve this problem? Spend more time outdoors in the daylight.”

This media interest in “social jet lag” is coming about because of a study by Dr. Till Ronneberg and others at the Institute for Medical Psychology in Munich, Germany. In the journal Current Biology the study’s authors point out...

“Social jet lag quantifies the discrepancy that often arises between circadian and social clocks, which results in chronic sleep loss... Our results demonstrate that living “against the clock” may be a factor contributing to the epidemic of obesity.”

And in a video Ronneberg made about the study he explains how “social jet lag” is something that has evolved over time because we don’t go outside as much anymore.

“Body clocks are set by the sunlight and the darkness of the night. Nowadays, our body clocks run differently because we don’t see the sun anymore and we live inside.”

CNN notes that this study does correlate with previous studies.

“The findings echo previous research linking higher BMI to sleep deprivation and irregular sleep schedules. In particular, numerous studies have found an increased risk of obesity... among shift workers. Social jet lag may be harmful in the same way...”

CBC News reports that there is a possible solution.

“Researchers say it is possible to avoid social jet lag, but that would mean ignoring social convention and waking up when your own particular body says you should.”

Well that would be nice but Roenneberg offers a little more realistic advice on WebMD.

“People who would like to stay up a little later should try to get more sunlight in the afternoon and evening...”

For some folks, probably easier said than done.

New Mayan Calendars Discovered: World Isn't Ending After All

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:04 -0500

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(Image source: National Geographic)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

If you thought you could get out of Christmas shopping this year because the world was coming to an end on December 21st — think again. Archaeologists discovered another Mayan calendar in Guatemala showing the Earth’s time will continue beyond December.

A writer for the Boston Globe explains how a Boston University student discovered the calendar by chance while the team was excavating Mayan ruins.

“...BU undergraduate, Maxwell Chamberlain, spotted a faded painting on a patch of wall during his lunch break ... William Saturno, an assistant professor of archeology at BU who led the team, began an excavation, and discovered a magnificent, nearly life-sized portrait of a Maya king...”

A 6 by 6 foot room houses the calendar with delicately painted hieroglyphs, numbers, and notations — never seen before. Here’s a video from National Geographic:

“Inside on the walls a well preserved mural and some mysterious astronomical and calendar symbols.”

Live Science says those calendar symbols are ...

“...complex indeed, featuring stacked bars and dots representing fives and ones and recording lunar cycles in six-month chunks of time. ... The Maya recorded time in a series of cycles, … called baktuns. … In one column, the ancient scribe even worked out a cycle of time recording 17 baktuns.”

That 17 baktuns means time will extend 7,000 years into the future — contradicting the previous Mayan calendar that resulted in end of the world rumors. The Daily Beast says scientists believe...

“...the excavated room is a work space where a Mayan nerd—a calendar-keeper, astronomer, and scribe—puzzled away, covering two walls with calculations much like today’s scientists do on a whiteboard. The paintings and text date back to the year 800—a remarkable five centuries earlier than the oldest known Mayan hieroglyphic books.”

This newly discovered calendar does extend our time here on Earth quite a bit — But a scientist quoted in the Huffington Post says the idea the world would end in 2012 is a modern myth...

"It's like the odometer of a car, with the Maya calendar rolling over from the 120,000s to 130,000 ... The car gets a step closer to the junkyard as the numbers turn over; the Maya just start over."

Liberty Rocket Could Become NASA's Space Taxi

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:15:31 -0500

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(Image source: Tecbubble)

BY LAURA JANVIER

A Utah-based company wants to be the first in line to to fly astronauts to and from low-Earth orbit. WKMG has the details.

“A new company is ready to send astronauts to space within the next five years. Alliant Techsystems says it is working on a rocket called the Liberty, it is built with a mix of technology from American and European rockets.”

The BBC reports, “The Liberty rocket is made up of two main parts - the NASA space shuttle's side booster and the core from European rocket Ariane 5, which is mainly used to launch satellites.A capsule to carry a crew of astronauts would sit on top of Liberty.”

MSNBC explains what the technology could mean for the U.S.

“If NASA lends its support to the system, known as Liberty, the project could end America’s dependence on the Russians to fly its astronauts in as little as three years.”

Florida Today reports — right now NASA pays Russia about $60 million per seat to fly astronauts back and forth. Alliant Techsystems — or ATK — isn’t the only company looking to provide an alternative shuttle service.

“ATK is one of several companies competing for all or part of the next round of NASA seed money for firms developing commercial crew transportation services for astronauts.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, competing companies include...

“...Closely-held Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Boeing Co. and other companies that have benefited from NASA development dollars...these companies, however, are working on new technologies that carry larger price tags and longer anticipated timetables.”

MSNBC reports — ATK technicians say they plan to launch the Liberty for test flights in 2014.

'Ouchless' Bandages That Dissolve into Body

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:00:04 -0500

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(Image Source: Discovery News)

BY CARISSA LOETHEN

Penn State University food scientists think they may have taken the “ouch” out of removing bandages. GeoBeats explains...

“...the research at Penn State indicates that if bandages are created using starch fibers they can simply dissolve into your skin, without having the need to take them off at all.”

PopSci explains how the researchers create these starch bandages.

“Food science researchers dissolved starch into a fluid, then spun it into long strands that can be woven into mats... The fibers could then be woven like any other fiber into a wide range of materials, from bandages to paper.”

Psych.org details how the bandage dissolves into your body.

"Starch is easily biodegradable, so bandages made from it would, over time, be absorbed by the body... Starch bandages would degrade into glucose, a substance the body safely absorbs.”

A blogger for The PractitioNerd jokes about why that could be a bad thing.

“The only possible negative: People might INTENTIONALLY try to get injured just to get bandages that would dissolve into sugar. It’s kind of hard to avoid since everyone loves a good sugar high.”

Besides the possible sugar rush, a couple other benefits of this new process - It’s cheap and versatile.

Investors.com says the starch fibers could also be used to produce other biodegradable paper-like products too, like napkins, tissues and toilet paper.

And as for cost, the lead PSU grad student on the research says...

"Starch is the most abundant and also the least expensive of natural polymers."

Penn State says the researchers have filed a provisional patent for the work.

Pacific Pollution Mass 'Roughly the Size of Texas'

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:13:18 -0500

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(Image Credit: The Telegraph)

BY CELIA MURRAY

Scripps University has published a new study about the state of pollution in the Pacific Ocean -- and it isn’t good. Discovery News has the details --

“In the period 1972 to 1987, no microplastic was found in the majority of samples taken for testing...Today, scientists estimate the swirling mass of waste known as...the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, is roughly the size of Texas.”

MSNBC explains how so much garbage ends up in this region.

“A vortex of ocean currents swirling from California to Hawaii that permanently traps just about any piece of plastic ever thrown in the water...”

As the BBC reports, this is producing bizarre behaviour from some marine species - namely a type of water strider ….

“An obvious concern is that this micro-material could be ingested by marine organisms, but the Scripps team has noted another, perhaps unexpected, consequence. The fragments make it easier for the marine insect.... [to] lay its eggs out over the ocean.”

A column in The Telegraph explains just how bad the pollution in the oceans is.

“The United Nations Environment Programme says around 13,000 pieces of plastic litter are found in every square kilometre of sea, but the problem is worst in the North Pacific...”

According to the Editor of UTC in San Diego, it is developing countries that are the main cause of the pollution,

Jim Waters: “A lot of the problem is from developing countries like India and China where there’s a lot more growth..”

The Scripps findings have been published in the journal Biology Letters.

Almost Half of Americans Could Be Obese by 2030

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:02 -0500

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(Image Source: KARE 11)

BY EMILY ALLEN

Americans are packing on the pounds and new research shows this nation is only going to get heavier. Here is Fox News.

“A new Duke University study predicts a full 42 percent of all Americans will be obese by 2030 - almost half the country. 10 percent will be at least 100 pounds overweight.”

People are considered obese when they’re 30 pounds over a healthy weight and severely obese when they are 100 pounds overweight. The weight economist that led the study presented his findings at the CDC’s "Weight of the Nation" meeting. USA Today quotes him.

“Things have gotten about as bad as they can get in the USA, in terms of an environment that promotes obesity. The country "is already saturated" with fast-food restaurants, cheap junk food and electronic technologies that render people sedentary at home and work.”

One-third of American adults are already obese. The study said cutting obesity rates just 1 percent a year for the next twenty years could save a whopping $85 billion in health care costs.

And HLN points out if nothing is done, the cost of obesity will get even higher.

“The American Journal of Preventive Medicine says caring for obese adults will cost almost 550 billion dollars in medical expenses.”

The lead scientist told CNN that these findings could actually be conservative estimates. It did not include obese children in its findings and says obese children will likely turn into obese adults.

Prehistoric Flatulence Responsible for Mass Extinction?

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: BBC)

BY MICHAEL COLLINS

Could the ‘pull my finger’ trick have ‘pulled the plug’ on the dinosaurs? Environmental scientists at three UK universities have come up with new evidence which claims dinosaurs could have had a silent, but deadly, hand in their own extinction.

Dave Wilkinson of Liverpool’s John Moores University and colleagues from the University of St. Andrews and University of London, examined the digestion-related methane production of Mesozoic-era sauropods in an attempt to determine the possibility of a flatulent ex-stink-tion level event.

According to CBC News … “Sauropods were plant-eaters. As happens in cows, microbes in the dinosaurs' digestive tract that aided digestion also produced methane, which is a greenhouse gas.”

The scientists scaled up the “digestive wind” of cows to work out the numbers and clear the air. According to MSNBC’s Cosmic Log …

“They came up with a figure of 520 million tons of methane emitted per year, which is more than total modern-day methane emissions from all sources, natural and industrial. The current estimate for total methane emission is around 500 million tons a year, with 50 to 100 milllion tons of that coming from ruminant animals such as cows and goats.”

But not everyone is smelling the roses. Conservative blog, Hot Air, believes …

“This looks like a silly attempt to push the global-warming agenda and garner a little attention. Mission accomplished, but it sounds more like gassing on than a serious approach to either paleontology or climatology.”

The research is due to be published in academic journal ‘Current Biology’ this week.

Scientist Attaches Laser to Shark

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: What We Do Media)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

Remember Dr. Evil from the “Austin Powers” movies — and how he wanted to attach “frickin’ lasers” to sharks’ heads?

A company called Wicked Lasers challenged “Shark Week” star and marine biologist Luke Tipple to carry out Dr. Evil’s wish — in real life.
So, he attached a 50-milliwatt laser to a lemon shark — named “Mr. Bigglesworth,” of course.

TIME notes Wicked Lasers chose Tipple because of his experience with sharks — but more importantly — his unique clamping device. Phys Org says Tipple wanted to use the stunt for scientific purposes.

“ … he was able to further test a clamping apparatus for use in acquiring data. He also sought to verify that sharks avoid laser energy of specific spectrums and wavelengths. He discovered that with the Wicked Lasers model, he found the opposite to be true.”

Both Tipple and Wicked Lasers say no sharks, or people, were harmed in the process. A writer for PC World says …

“Ok, so the clip is pretty animal-friendly, but wouldn't the laser beam harm other sea life (and people!) around the shark? The laser beam used is on the lowest power setting available, so nobody would be in any danger if they crossed the shark's path ... In other words, Dr. Evil's diabolical plans will have to wait for another day...”

But, some reports question the scientific value of the act — calling it a PR stunt. Wired spoke with a marine and atmospheric science professor who says …

“... if this is just to respond to a scene in the Austin Powers movie, I don’t see value. You’re just causing unnecessary stress on the animal. It's not respectful.”

Tipple, director of the Humane Society’s Shark-Free Marina Initiative had the same concerns before accepting Wicked Lasers’ offer. TIME explains.

“...at first he declined Wicked Lasers’ request. ‘Everything I’m involved with has to be ethical and justifiable,’ Tipple notes. But once he realized the project was meant in good fun and had scientific implications, too, he decided to round up the necessary manpower.”

Tipple says on his website — the experiment improved the media’s attitude toward sharks from dangerous — to cool.

Supermoon to Light up the Sky Saturday Night

Sat, 05 May 2012 05:00:04 -0500

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(Image Source: The Washington Post)

BY GILLIAN STEDMAN

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

Make sure to grab your cameras, the supermoon will be out soon. According to NASA the moon will be up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than usual on Saturday.

“Full moons vary in size because of the oval shape of the moons orbit. The moon follows an elliptical path around earth with one side perigee about 50,000 km closer than the other apogee.”

The moon will reach perigee – its closest point to earth at 11:34 p.m. eastern time and become full a minute later.

The Chief Astronomer at the Franklin Institute Planetarium tells FOX News the pull of the moon won’t cause earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

“The moon is only going to be about 3 percent closer to the earth and the gravitational effect that that has may affect some tides but only to the tune of about maybe an inch or so difference in height.”

A supermoon like the one Saturday happens once a year. Some believe that events such as the fatal tsunami in Indonesia and Cyclone Tracy on Christmas day in Australia were a result of a supermoon.

The Sun notes that Japan’s devastating earthquake last year happened just days after a warning that an extreme "supermoon" would spark chaos across the globe.

However, an astronomer at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, told National Geographic that these events are not related to the supermoon…

"Super moons have been happening for billions of years, and nothing particularly special occurs on these dates - except, of course, for a beautiful full moon."

ABC showed last year’s supermoon as seen from around the world…

“Folks are sending us all of their photos on twitter so we’ll have this whole line up on twitter, facebook and gma about all these incredible pictures. It was gorgeous I was in Connecticut and it was coming through the floors – huge, huge, huge.”

So when’s the best time to catch a glimpse of Saturday’s supermoon?

“Watch for it just as it arrives above the horizon in the east. Long hanging trees and buildings will frame it nicely, while also giving you a point of reference for the apparent increase in size.”

Now, just hope for clear skies.

Researcher Killed by Disease He Was Trying to Cure

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:42:21 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

A researcher in San Francisco was reportedly killed by the disease he was studying. KTVU has the story.

“Hospital officials say he was infected while working on a vaccine for a rare strain of bacteria that can cause a deadly bloodstream infection or meningitis.”

Twenty-five-year-old Richard Din worked in an infectious disease lab on a deadly strain of meningococcus. After he left work Friday night, he complained of headaches, a fever, and chills. KQED tells what happened next.

“The next morning, his symptoms worsened, and he developed a full body rash. The man asked his friends to take him to the hospital but became unresponsive in the car and arrived at the VA around noon without a pulse. … His death came just 17 hours after the first symptoms had appeared.”

So far, no one else has reported an infection, and around 60 people who came in contact with Din were given antibiotics — just in case. KCBS reports, while labs have rigorous safety protocols for working with these types of diseases, infections still happen.

“More than half a million people work in laboratories in the U.S. A survey of U.S. labs found a third reported at least one laboratory-associated infection.”

A CDC spokesperson says the lab didn’t give out vaccinations to the researchers, which is standard protocol. But in Din’s case, it might not have helped. His strain is resistant to vaccines. In fact, Din was trying to develop a vaccine for the disease that killed him. An infectious disease specialist told ABC that’s the risk researchers take, saying:

“...procedures and protocols can never eliminate the hazards of working with infectious diseases. ‘There are very elaborate, very thoughtfully prepared safety protocols in place, but there's always a risk,’ he said, a risk researchers carefully weigh against the benefits of vaccines and treatments that save millions of lives.”

People close to Din say he got into his line of work, combating infectious disease, because of the tragic death of a family member.

Feds Crack Down on Medicare Fraud

Thu, 03 May 2012 23:01:27 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Federal authorities busted more than 100 medical professionals for Medicare fraud including doctors, nurses and social workers. A U.S. assistant attorney general spoke at a news conference Wednesday to break down some of the charges.

LANNY BREUER, Criminal Division Assistant Attorney General: “These defendants allegedly recruited elderly, drug addicted and mentally ill patients from nursing homes and homeless shelters in order to submit false claims on their behalf.”

The federal Medicare Fraud Strike Force investigated seven cities and found $452 million in false billing. Claims from seven individuals in Baton Rouge account for about half that amount. Fierce Healthcare reports:

“To cover up the scam, they allegedly falsified patient notes and attendance records and forged medical professionals' signatures. Some of the defendants even went as far as to steal incriminating documents from the U.S. Attorney's Office...”

Fierce Healthcare also reports ambulance companies in Houston billed Medicare millions for fake and unnecessary rides. In a statement from the U.S. Justice Department, Bloomberg reports...

“This coordinated takedown involved the highest amount of false Medicare billings in a single takedown in strike force history.”

Bloomberg also reports more than half of the arrests took place in Miami. And the Los Angeles Times is reporting that under the Obama administration the crack down on Medicare fraud has gone up.

“Last year the federal government charged 1,430 people with healthcare fraud, up from 797 in 2008, according to the Health and Human Services Department.”

Facebook Encourages Users to Become Organ Donors

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: Computeractive)

BY VERONICA POLIVANAYA

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

The number of people willing to become organ donors will probably be growing thanks to Facebook. Co-founder Mark Zuckerberg unleashed a “life-saving initiative”, giving a new meaning to connecting and sharing. An anchor with Good Morning America explains.

“Starting today, on Facebook, you can share that you’re an organ donor with friends, and find links to donor registries.”

According to Organdonor.gov, more than 114,000 people in the U.S. are in need of an organ, and 18 die each day waiting for one. But talk radio host Bill Carroll says friends in need of such information are not friends indeed.

BILL CARROLL: “Doesn’t that also mean my friends know that I’ve decided not to donate? Will I be put under social pressure now? I don’t like it. It’s just another area where Facebook is getting too much into my private business.”

A Gallup study found 95 percent of Americans support organ donation, but fewer than half tick off the “donor” box on their driver’s license. MSNBC quotes a bioethicist, who says Facebook is a better outlet for the service.

ART CAPLAN: “The D.M.V. is not the best agency to recruit organ donors...asking people to do something nice for others who have been stewing in a long line, getting angrier and angrier while they wait is not conducive to altruism.”

A CNN Digital Tech expert worries bringing organs into play could create a power struggle for the social network.

SHELLY PALMER: If you decide that you’re going to be an organ donor on Facebook, and you haven’t made that selection on your driver’s license, and you end up in the hospital, which comes first: your driver’s license or your Facebook profile?

Answer? Your driver’s license, that makes it official. Anyway, as a writer for Forbes says — Zuckerberg isn’t as transparent as he’d like his Facebook users to be.

KASHMIR HILL: “The social networking company is not just a place for poking anymore; it’s a place for announcing you’re willing to be poked with a scalpel...As for the Zuck himself, despite his enthusiasm for eliminating privacy around the status of your organs, he has not yet publicly declared himself a willing donor.”

But a writer for Bliss Tree embraces the concept, saying we already trust Facebook with practically everything else.

HANNA BROOKS OLSEN: “You’ve probably already told it your religion, who your friends are, where you work, where you live, what your political stance is, your sexual orientation—all of which is just as personal as your organ donation status, if not more.”

Other “health and wellness” events you can now add to your Facebook timeline include losing weight, breaking a bone, and quitting a bad habit.

Number of Infants with Opiate Addiction Triples

Tue, 01 May 2012 18:00:29 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

A new study suggests that a growing number of babies in the U.S. are being born dependent on prescription painkillers. Denver’s KUSA reports.

“Every hour, one baby in America is born addicted to drugs like painkillers. A study in the journal of American Medicine says the number of babies addicted to that class of drugs has nearly tripled in the past decade."

According to Fox News — Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or NAS has become an epidemic — and is also taking a toll on hospital finances.

“…total hospital costs for NAS jumped from $190 million to $720 million per year from 2000 to 2009.”

Symptoms of NAS can be severe and according to CNN — the symptoms are similar to those experienced by adults.

“They have a characteristic piercing cry, they’re very jittery, irritable, sometimes they have seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty with feedings is also very common.”

Not only are there withdrawal symptoms for newborn babies, but according to ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ the fetus can also experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

“If the mother tries to get off the drugs this can cause even more of a problem, the babies can have seizures in utero so you actually have to keep the mothers on a narcotic during the pregnancy for the safety of the baby.”

One-Third of U.S. Children Overweight, At Risk of Diabetes

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:40:34 -0500

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Image Source: Healthy Body Project

BY LUKE LEONARD

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

America’s youth are becoming less and less healthy. A new study shows that type 2 diabetes has become a serious risk for the youth of America. KOVR says it’s a national crisis.

“Kids are now getting adult onset diabetes and we’re seeing cirrhosis in 5 year olds, strokes in 8 year olds, we’re seeing kids who have heart attacks at 20 years old. We have a national crisis and we need to think about solving this in a different way.”

WFXT spoke to a diabetes professional who suggests that the increase in rates of diabetes among young people may not necessarily be climbing. Rather, parents are becoming aware of symptoms and is leading to an increase in the amount of young people diagnosed.

“With our obesity increase, our lack of activity the meal plans and super sizes that we’re all looking at i think we’ve forced ourselves into a situation where we probably need to pay attention.”

Paul Zimmet from the International Diabetes Federation, tells Bloomberg prevention is the best possible course of action.

“We don't have a solution to this except to do better things about prevention ... Adults may understand better that this is a life-long disease ... It’s very hard to tell a 12-year-old that they're going to be on medication for the rest of their life.”

Prevention during the early decades in life is even more crucial. According to a report by The New York Times, those children who are affected so early on in their lives are at an even greater risk than adults with type 2 diabetes.

“The findings could signal trouble ahead, because poorly controlled diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease, eye problems, nerve damage, amputations and kidney failure. The longer a person has the disease, the greater the risk. So in theory, people who develop diabetes as children may suffer its complications much earlier in life than did previous generations who became diabetic as adults.”

Medscape says that 50 years ago young people were never affected by the then called adult-onset diabetes due to their lower calorie and more physically active lifestyles, however, it’s time American youth started making healthier choices.

Some Doctors Regret Career Choice, According to Study

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:30:16 -0500

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(Image Source: MotherJones.com)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Turns out a lot of doctors are sick — of their jobs. Medscape released a study revealing just how much doctors make and what they think of it.

Here’s WFLD.

“…most of the commonly seen doctors are getting some of the lowest pay, while most people would kill to make $150,000 a year, doctors say they are barely getting by on that money…”

Wait — getting by? On $150,000? According to a 2011 Gallup Poll — most people say an annual income of $150,000 or more is rich.

So what’s up, doc?

WebMD says it’s not just about what they make, but some are concerned with what their colleagues make.

“Female doctors make 40% less than male doctors…Some doctors resent the greater pay earned by doctors in other specialties….Doctors fear how new accountable care organizations will affect their patients -- and their pay.”

And a representative of healthcare providers told Medscape Today — while doctors might be jumping the gun a little—they have reason to worry.

“Hospitals are buying up private practices both in primary care and the specialties. The heavy-handed message they send out is that if you don’t join us, you won’t survive.”

And they aren’t necessarily being greedy either. KTVI explains why almost half of the 24,000 physicians surveyed are feeling less enthusiastic.

“…They also said they make a lot of money, yes, but only 11 percent considered themselves to be rich because they have debt, they have expense…long hours and a lot of stress trying to save lives.”

KIDK reports physicians’ overall income has been falling since 2010 and it’s expected to continue.

Analytical Thinking Reduces Belief in God, Says Study

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Discovery News)

BY TATIANA DARIE

If you’re good at math then you are more likely to not believe in God - a recent study shows. The Scientific American has the story...

“People who are intuitive thinkers are more likely to be religious, but getting them to think analytically even in subtle ways decreases the strength of their belief, according to a new study...”

University of British Columbia researchers Will Gervais (Jure-vase) and Ara Norenzayan say research subjects underwent several tests — illuminating how the two minds — the analytical and the intuitive — compete in helping people to make their choices about religious faith. The Vancouver Sun has their comments...

“(Gervais) Intuitive thinking helps people recognize the difference between the body and the mind, imagine life after death and discern purposes in the universe...(Norenzayan) In contrast, analytic thinking reduces intuitions of God, of an afterlife and of experiences of divine presence.”

The researchers say they are not disparaging religion or promoting atheism. Instead, Gervais says they are trying to figure out the psychological origins of spirituality. ABC has his comments...

“Religion versus science; believers versus atheists; our evidence doesn’t say much about those debates...But it sheds light on one cognitive factor that may influence where people stand on those debates."

Why does the study matter? Michael Nielsen is a department chair of psychology at Georgia Southern University who studies religion and he told US News...

"It continues a growing body of research showing that simply being exposed to information, words, and other stimuli does have an effect on people's attitudes and behavior...Second, and more importantly, it offers a sensible account of how people might come to be irreligious."

The study can be found in the April 27 issue of the journal Science.

Donated Kidney Transplanted Twice

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Northwestern Memorial Hospital)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

As the saying goes — if at first you don’t succeed try — try again. You might say that’s what a certain kidney did after it was transplanted not once — but twice. WMAQ explains how the kidney made its way from two siblings to a complete stranger.

“Ray’s sister Cera had offered her kidney to him but a week after surgery the doctors told Ray that the disease that started destroying his kidneys years ago had now begun to attack Cera’s kidney.”

Ray has a disease called FSGS that damages the kidneys. ABC explains what doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago did after Ray’s body started to reject the new organ.
Doctors say it’s a medical first.

“The kidney was still a relatively healthy and viable organ why not take it out and give it to someone else?”
“It was a risk Erwin Gomez an Indiana retired surgeon was willing to take.”

The siblings recently met Erwin Gomez, the man who became the second recipient of the kidney. CNN says,

“Gomez's kidneys were irreversibly damaged, he said, after 20 years of struggling with hypertension. Once he received the new kidney, whatever damage that had occurred while it was implanted in Fearing was reversed.”

Doctors got permission from the siblings to do the second transplant. Health Day spoke with a surgeon that says this procedure raises interesting questions like...

"Should the initial donor and recipient have any input on the second allocation of the kidney? [and] What type of priority [if any] should the first recipient be granted when being considered for a second transplant?"

The surgery was last June — But details of the groundbreaking procedure were published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Daily Mail spoke with bioethicist Wayne Shelton who says the practice of reusing transplant organs is...

“...tricky - and riskier - because surgeons have to deal with scar tissue that typically forms around an organ as the body heals from the operation. ... doctors need to make sure patients who are offered reused parts understand all the risks … because these cases are so rare, there is little data on how patients with recycled parts fare ...”

Warm Water to Blame for Antarctic Ice Melting, Says Study

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: David Vaughan)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

A recent study suggests warm water is attacking the underside of ice shelves — and that’s the main cause of massive ice loss in Antarctica.

The study comes from an international team of scientists led by British Antarctic Survey. The researchers were exploring whether the ice shelves are melting from warm air, or warm ocean currents.

As an analyst for Planet Earth Online points out...

“Distinguishing between ice loss driven by snow melt on the surface of ice shelves, and ice loss from melting at the base of ice shelves – known as basal melt – isn't a trivial task.”

That’s why — until now — scientists haven’t really been sure why the western edge of Antarctica is losing 23 feet of floating ice each year.

But the scientists in this study were able to use one of NASA’s newest satellites to measure the thickness of floating ice shelves. It’s called ICESat — and it carries an instrument that used lasers to take 4.5 million measurements of the ice shelves. Of the 54 shelves measured — researchers say warm water is melting 20 of them.

One of the researchers explains the phenomenon to the BBC.

“We believe that some factor, probably the winds in the atmosphere, has caused an increase in the rate in which warm water is getting under the ice shelves and delivering heat to them.”

Why are scientists so concerned about melting ice shelves? Live Science explains...

“... because floating ice sheets act as a brake against the loss of Antarctica's land-bound rivers of ice, or glaciers. As these shelves melt away due to warming waters … glaciers have begun to spill more and more ice into the seas.”

The researchers involved in this study say, ultimately, their goal is to gain a better understanding of the interaction between ice and climate. An analyst for ITV adds, this particular study is important...

“One because it confirms the fear that Antarctic ice is melting because of changing climate. And two because it gives scientists the tools they need to predict how big a threat this is.”

The scientists measured ice-shelf thickness from 2003 to 2008 in order to see changes over time. The results are published in this week’s edition of the scientific journal, Nature.

Pot Vending Machine Shows Up in California

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:20:12 -0500

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(Image: CBS 47)

BY DAVID EARL

Getting your hands on medical marijuana just got easier in California. With a new electronic dispensary from Dispenselabs … Here’s HLN with the headline.

“California has a new vending machine for … pot!”

Only one machine so far, in Santa Ana. So now, if you live near that city getting your pot is pretty much just like walking up to get cash out of an ATM. The company even has an infomercial.

“Using fingerprint and registration card access, patients can easily obtain their 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in a safe, secure monitored location.”

So...yeah. That’s basically just like a pot ATM. And in an era of crackdowns on pot dispensaries, being automated is a plus. Here’s LA Weekly...

“One of the key elements of said machine, of course, is not having any humans around to arrest when the feds tow it away, a point acknowledged by Dispense Labs, which states that it … mitigates concerns and problems that have risen from community groups, political figures and law enforcement agencies.”

There’s no doubt it’s getting harder to be a pot shop these days, after the Obama administration began taking a closer look at marijuana dispensaries. KION proves it.

“This place used to be a pot shop … Creme de Canna closed its door last month after the federal government said it was too close to a school.”

So, the vending machine might change the problem, however, before you get super stoked about this … a blogger for Death and Taxes points out, this is medical marijuana...

“To purchase a serving you need to use a special swipe card, verify your thumbprint, and then enter a secret pin code, all while cameras monitor your movements … Finger prints and secret codes and camera monitors? You’re not launching a missile, you’re picking up a prescription.”

No word yet from Dispenselabs on when, if, or where the second pot vending machine will show up.

U.S. Finds First Case of Mad Cow Disease in Six Years

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: CBS News)

BY CHRISTINE KARSTEN

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Officially -- it’s called Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or BSE. A new case of Mad Cow Disease found in a California dairy cow is causing concern.

ABC spoke with the USDA’s Chief Veterinary Officer who doesn’t seem too worried about this discovery.

“...this is an isolated case not the start of an epidemic. ‘Our livestock population is some of the healthiest in the world and the consumers should be confident in our food supply.’”

Baker Commodities found the diseased cow during its surveillance program where it randomly tests more than 40,000 cows for the disease. A CNN Medical Correspondent says, the fact is was discovered random testing creates a larger concern.

“... this cow may never have been found it was just random that they chose that carcass, this cow could have been made into feed for livestock and that’s why you have that safe guard that you don't use the brains or the spinal cord for any cow ever.”

And it begs the question, is random testing enough? The Washington Post quotes a scientist at Consumers Union who says no.

“‘Of the millions of cows slaughtered each year, the government tests only 40,000 for the disease, … So we really don’t know if this is an isolated unusual event, or whether there are more cases in U.S. beef,...Our monitoring program is just too small.’”

But researchers say, this cow didn’t get this disease like most others do. KNBC explains:

“Back here at home, U.S. authorities said the dead California cow had what scientists called an atypical case BSE meaning that a random mutation in the animal rather than infected cattle feed was the cause.”

Now everyone wants to know -- was this an isolated case? CBS reports, the discovery has international grocers concerned.

“In South Korea, two major grocery chains pulled U.S. beef from their stores. Home Plus and Lotte Mart said they halted beef sales because customers were worried... Within hours Home Plus had resumed sales, citing a government announcement of increased inspections.”

Officials plan to investigate further. State and federal agriculture officials plan to test other cows that lived in the same feeding herd and were born around the same time as the infected one.

Teenagers Guzzle Hand Sanitizer to Get Drunk

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:06 -0500

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(Image source: Youtube)

BY VERONICA POLIVANAYA

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

In what experts are labeling a dangerous trend, some teens are guzzling hand sanitizer to get a buzz. A reporter for KTLA explains.

“Recently, at least six teenagers showed up in emergency rooms in the San Fernando Valley. They had alcohol poisoning. Poisoning after drinking hand sanitizer.”

According to the Fix, teens are using instructions from the web to distill the sanitizer with salt and cheesecloths. While a shot of vodka is usually 80-proof, this booze ooze can be as high as 120-proof. Police in Albuquerque outline the side effects on KRQE.

“Diarrhea to blindness, vision problems, memory problems, and then of course, to internal organs. Some of these effects are irreversible effects.”

But according to Maclean's, this is nothing new to Canada. Back in 2009, teachers discovered kids as young as eight downing the hand sanitizer, saying they’d been enticed by the promise of alcohol “right on the bottle.”

Struggling to wrap your head around this poison-of-choice? According to KNSD, you’d be surprised at what drinks teenagers have knocked back in the past.

“Teenagers have gotten drunk off mouthwash, cough syrup, even vanilla extract.”

But a writer for Jezebel says the sanitizer sensation is only a trend because the media makes it seem like one.

Erin Gloria Ryan: “American news media continues to lead the world in assigning ‘trend’ status to things like five people have done.”

Trend or not, a toxicology expert worries more teenagers will be driven to drink the soapy stuff since it’s so cheap and accessible. A writer for LAist offers a few tips for concerned parents.

Jessica Pauline Ogilvie: “Experts say they should keep an eye on hand sanitizer the same way they would keep an eye on the liquor cabinet. Although all that probably means is that teens will move on to something else.”

Government Auditors Critical of a Medicare Program

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:40:02 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

Government auditors say Medicare is wasting more than $8 billion on an experimental program. The non-partisan Government Accountability Office released a report Monday alleging the program pays bonuses to health insurance companies without merit. CNN reports on the original intent of Medicare Advantage.

“Medicare Advantage serves as an alternative to the original Medicare program and covers about 25% of all Medicare beneficiaries. It is offered to seniors through private insurers under contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which operate the government-sponsored health programs.”

The program was intended to improve the Medicare advantage program, getting people connected with highly rated insurers, but the GAO report says, that hasn’t happened. KNTV reports.

“The GAO says most of the money would go to medicare advantage insurance plans that are only rated average and would offset many of the initial cost cuts achieved by the new health care law.”

The program is called the MA Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration, and GAO investigators are concerned it won’t see the intended results. RedOrbit.com reports...

“...the program is so poorly designed that researchers couldn’t tell whether the bonus payments actually led to improved care or not... Insurers could better use the bonuses to offer extra benefits, like vision and dental care, or to lower premiums.”

Republican Senate Finance Committee member Orrin Hatch said he doubts the Department of Health and Senior Services has the authority to create the program in the first place. A blogger for the Hill says the report echoed what Republicans have said about the program all along.

“The report vindicated Republicans who have called the administration-backed initiative providing bonuses to certain insurers an extravagant political ploy.”

The report recommends the program be cancelled and replaced with an older bonus system, until a new one can be established that complies with the Affordable Care Act. But the New York Times reports administration officials plan to defend the program, saying...

“...they would not cancel it because it could improve the quality of care for older Americans... The report said the project would cost $8.3 billion over 10 years, with 80 percent of the cost occurring in the first three years.”

The report states — if the program isn’t cut — it could have a greater impact on the national budget than any Medicare demonstration project since 1995.

Scientists Study Migraines by Cracking Brain Freeze Mystery

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:55:44 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

Scientists say they’ve figured out a mysterious ailment that’s plagued most of us since our first slushie — brain freeze. HLN has more.

“Well now scientists say they know what causes it. They say brain freeze happens when a lot more blood flows through a certain artery that’s behind your eyes.”

The research wasn’t just to solve the mystery of what causes brain freeze. There’s a more serious application — the researchers hope to gain insight into migraines, which affect more than 30 million Americans. LiveScience explains.

“Previous studies have found that migraine sufferers are actually more likely to get brain freeze than people who don't get migraines. Because of this, the researchers thought the two might share some kind of common mechanism or cause, so they decided to use brain freeze to study migraines.”

As common as migraines are, it’s actually tough to study them directly. Researchers can wait until a subject has a migraine then bring them to the lab, or they can induce a migraine with drugs. An American Physiological Society press release says both of those methods have a downside.

“Pharmacological agents can induce other effects that can make research results misleading … and since researchers can’t wait for migraine sufferers to experience a migraine in the lab, those studies miss the crucial period of headache formation that occurs sometimes hours before scientists were able to study these patients.”

So researchers decided to use brain freeze as a stand-in. They had subjects drink cold water through a straw aimed at the roofs of their mouths, monitoring blood flow in their heads the whole time. They saw a main artery flood the brain with blood as the brain freeze set in.

A Washington Post blogger explains what that might mean.

“...in response to the sensation of severe cold, the body floods the brain with warm blood to keep that vital organ operating. But because the brain is stuck inside an inflexible skull, the flood of blood might increase pressure, which likely hurts.”

The researchers say that same artery could play a role in other headaches, and drugs that constrict arteries might alleviate migraines. But not everyone is convinced. ABC spoke to other specialists who say more research is needed.

“...experts not involved in the study argued that the majority of headaches are not caused by alterations in blood flow. Migraine, for example, is widely considered to be a brain disorder, not a blood vessel disorder. While the study may be a great model for ice cream headaches … it's too big a leap to tie the findings to other types of headaches.”

So the research may or may not help treat migraines, but at least the next time you get an ice cream headache, remember — it’s just your body protecting your brain. That’s some comfort, right?

Women's Life Expectancy Growth Slows

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

A new study says the gender gap in life expectancy is getting smaller. But while men might celebrate catching up to women, CNN explains the research has some troubling finds — women’s life expectancy gains are actually slowing down, and, in some areas, reversing.

“The study says huge parts of Oklahoma, Tennessee and Georgia saw a decline in life expectancy between 1989 and 2009. … Women are less likely to be treated for high blood pressure or high cholesterol there.”

The study cited heart disease, long thought to be mostly a problem for men, as the biggest factor. Symptoms and medications are modeled after studies on men. A women’s issues blogger for The Mary Sue says that’s a dangerous oversight.

“Heart disease also affects women differently, even worse, than it does men, especially when women are smokers … Women are also more likely to die of a heart attack if they suffer one than men are. Clearly, even more attention needs to be paid to women and heart disease...”

The researchers say the good news is that most of the changes can be reversed. A Fox News contributor explains — the problems slowing women down are preventable.

“But the amazing thing about it is that it’s all about lifestyle. It’s all about cholesterol, it’s all about being overweight, it’s all about smoking, it’s all about getting exercise.”

The researchers said with proper education about healthy diet and lifestyle, life expectancy gains for men and women should level out. But a humor columnist for NewJerseyNewsroom.com says — the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are news to nobody.

“Is there a single U.S. citizen over the age of 15 that doesn’t know she should not smoke, that she should get regular exercise, and that eating too much and being overweight is bad for you? Believe me, we’ve heard the message! We’re just too stressed out to obey the message. In fact, you are stressing me out by continuing to repeat the message!”

Dolphins Dead Off Peru Coast, Cause Remains Mystery

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: ORCA Peru)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

Hundreds of dolphins have been found dead on the north coast of Peru in the last few weeks. But nobody knows why they died. HLN explains.

“They were found in a 130 mile area in Peru. Environmental officials say they have not found a reason why the animals died. They ruled out poisoning and starvation. They’re testing to see if the dolphins were infected with a virus.”

A video from conservationist group Blue Voice shows a marine mammal rescue team studying one of the dolphins. The team explained the catastrophe appears ongoing because there are carcasses dating from January to now.

According to Peru this Week, officials still believe a virus is the most likely cause.

“It seems Peruvian authorities are closer to finding the cause of the death … an official at country’s Ministry of Environment, said the dolphins were most likely killed by the morbillivirus – a type of highly infectious virus...”

But environmentalists believe a Houston-based oil company, BPZ, could be at fault for the deaths. BPZ recently used sound waves off northern Peru for oil exploration. A writer for Ecology explains.

“...evidence of middle- and inner-ear damage, lung lesions and bubbles in the blood are consistent with acoustic impact ... leading to speculation that oil exploration in the region may be to blame. … BPZ Energy confirmed that it was conducting acoustical, seismic studies in the area, but that the dolphin deaths began more than 2 weeks before exploratory activity commenced.”

Most of the dolphins found were in an advanced state of decomposition — making studying them much more difficult. A blogger for Huffington Post says one of the largest marine mammal mortality events ever reported may remain a mystery.

“...there is a strong possibility that the cause of the event may never be known. What is known is that catastrophic die-offs of dolphins and other marine mammals are occurring with greater frequency and virulence around the world. They are an indication that the oceans are in deep, deep trouble; perhaps greater trouble than we have imagined.”

Big Names Backing Possible Asteroid Mining Venture

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:19:15 -0500

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(Image source: NASA)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

There’s a new space venture about to get underway, and the backers are big ones. Larry Page, Eric Schmidt, X PRIZE chairman Peter Diamandis and James Cameron have something special planned.

MIT’s Technology Review received a press release detailing a space venture to “help ensure humanity’s prosperity.” Planetary Resources, as it’s called, will combine efforts in space exploration and natural resources to redefine the industries.

A space program must by definition aim high, but is this too high even for the likes of Google and James Cameron? PC Magazine says — if anyone can see this sort of undertaking through, it’s them.

“…while the venture’s somewhat lofty goals may invite some skepticism, the high-caliber nature of its backers indicates that this could be a very serious new foray into outer space.”

The Verge says that foray is probably one thing in particular.

“Looking at the evidence, asteroid mining seems pretty likely at this point, especially since X Prize founder and perpetual optimist Peter Diamandis is at the head of the operation.”

Mining is certainly high on Diamandis’ mind. He told Forbes earlier this year there’s huge potential outside Earth’s gravity well.

“There’s a mindset that people are used to, because we’re planet-centric, to think about only the resources on Earth. But in fact the Earth is a crumb in a supermarket filled with resources.”

There’s another name on the list — Chris Lewicki. He was a Mars mission manager for NASA. Doug Messier writes on Parabolic Arc:

“If it’s not mining, I don’t know what else would fit that description. Diamandis has hinted in the past that he’s looking at asteroid mining. And Lewicki’s involvement certainly points to something related to surface operations on other worlds.”

For the moment, Planetary Resources is playing things close to the vest — its website is nearly blank. But more information may be coming, and soon. There’s a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

Coca-Cola Blamed for NZ Woman's Death

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 06:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Otago Daily Times)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

An inquest into the death of a New Zealand woman unearthed startling testimony — that she may have died from drinking too much Coca-Cola. Here’s KOMO.

“Experts say a woman’s two-gallon-per-day Coca-Cola habit contributed to her death. A pathologist testified yesterday that Natasha Harris suffered from low potassium, which was caused by excessive Coke consumption.”

The pathologist said Harris’s death was caused by cardiac arrhythmia, the heart beating either too fast or too slowly, which may have been tied to her extreme habit. Her partner told Radio New Zealand about Harris’s addiction.

“The first thing she would do in the morning was to have a drink of Coke beside her bed. And the last thing she would do at night was to have a drink of Coke. … Her mother tells me she was like that from when she was a kid.”

The family is seeking compensation from the company. They say they knew drinking that much soda isn’t good for you, but had no idea it could be fatal, and that Coca-Cola should have a warning label. But Fairfax Media reports, not all of the family blames Coke.

“Ms Harris' sister ... said no-one had forced her sister to drink the Coke, and she did not hold Coca-Cola responsible for her death. ‘Nobody forced Tasha to drink all that ... it's like anything, we all know anything in moderation is okay...’”

Coca-Cola responded to the inquest, saying they sympathize with the family, but since overconsumption of any product can be dangerous, it’s unfair to single out Coke. The pathologist also listed other factors, including poor diet and a 30-cigarette-a-day smoking habit.

And a researcher told the Otago Daily Times drinking that much of any fluid could be fatal.

“Even drinking that much water a day would be detrimental, as our maximum capacity for water is something like 4 litres a day. I certainly wouldn't recommend it.”

Harris was 30 years old when she died. She was a mother of eight.

New Artificial DNA Can Evolve

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:00:10 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

DNA — you know the stuff that makes up all life forms? — now has copycats. XNAs are what scientists are calling the synthetic genes that can do everything DNA can. BBC explains.

“The classic double-helix structure of DNA and RNA are like a twisted ladder, where the steps are made from paired nucleobases. Philipp Holliger of the UK Medical Research Council's Laboratory of Molecular Biology and a team of colleagues created six different ... xeno-nucleic acids, or XNAs - by replacing not the nucleobases but the sugar groups that make up the sides of the ladder.”

A major step in the research was creating enzymes that could copy a gene from DNA to XNA, and other enzymes to copy it back into DNA.

The XNAs can store genetic info, replicate and most importantly evolve just like DNA and RNA. The Guardian says it’s...

“...a feat expected to drive research in medicine and biotechnology, and shed light on how molecules first replicated and assembled into life billions of years ago. Ultimately, the creation of alternatives to DNA could enable scientists to make novel forms of life in the laboratory.”

And io9 says there are more implications than new lifeforms — the study also might reveal the origins of life.

“In the past, investigations into XNA have been largely driven by the question of whether simpler genetic systems may have existed before the emergence of RNA and DNA; the fact that these XNAs appear to be capable of evolution adds to an ever-growing body of evidence of a genetic system predating DNA and RNA both.”

A writer for LiveMint.com says there could be risks involved with XNAs.

“It is widely held that the creation of synthetic life forms would mean the creation of biological robots that could find use as biofuels, genetically modified plants, as well as medicines that could be employed to solve a wide variety of problems, many of which are unfathomable now.
On the other hand, there are enough bioethical concerns already being raised on whether these improperly understood forms of life may cause potential harm."

New Breast Cancer Research Promises Better Treatment

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:00:06 -0500

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(Image Source: ALAMY)

BY XIAONAN WANG

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Major progress in breast cancer research: U.K. scientists have identified 10 subtypes of this disease. A researcher tells Channel 4 News why it matters.

“It’s a big step toward this idea of tailoring disease treatment to every individual, this idea of personalized... in this case toward breast cancer.”

One author of the report explains why targeted treatment might make for a more effective outcome. Daily Mail has the details.

“‘That will enable us to make sure that we really target the right treatment to the right woman based on those who are going to benefit, or if they’re not going to benefit, not exposing them to the side-effects associated with those treatments.”

The study might also lead to better diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. A researcher explains to Telegraph:
“...we now have identified a number of genes that are responsible for driving breast cancers in some way that we didn’t previously know about.”

The discovery of how genetics influences breast cancer may also revive some “trash-can” drugs. Bloomberg has the details from an expert.

“It’s likely that a lot of drugs have been thrown out by pharmaceutical companies that would benefit small groups of patients.”

BBC says it still takes some time before the findings can actually go from the lab into real life.

“The researchers need to prove that the 10 classifications actually provide any benefit to people with breast cancer, before they can be used by doctors...That process is expected to take three to five years.”

National Cancer Institute estimates about 226,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,000 will die. Also, about 22-hundred men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die each year.

Optimism May Reduce Heart Problems

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:09 -0500

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(Image Source: The Healthy Aging Blog)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

You may want to start lookin’ at that glass as half full—It could save your life. CBN News explains—

“A positive outlook may protect you from heart disease. Harvard researchers have found that optimism can cut the risk of heart attack in half.”

The team looked at more than 200 separate studies of psychological well-being and cardiovascular health, measuring things like how satisfied an individual was with their life and how hopeful they were about the future. The Ottawa Citizen says those with a better outlook—had a better outcome.

“In one study of 300 men and women having bypass surgery, those with an optimistic outlook were 50 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital for heart problems ... six months later ... nearly 2,500 men and women showed that emotional well-being ... was linked to a 26 per cent reduced risk of stroke six years later…”

The Telegraph reports a good mood also protected people from getting any heart problems. A researcher in the study explains—

“…individuals with high levels of positive psychological well-being may have more opportunities for processes that promote rest, restoration, and the capacity to regenerate.”

But the Huffington Post says doctors shouldn’t start prescribing smiles just yet—there’s a chicken and egg complex that comes with the study: Do happier people lead to healthier behaviors? Or do healthy behaviors make people happier?

“The current evidence ... is not at the point at which experts should, or even can, suggest specific strategies ... But ... it does signal an important area to explore, particularly given the burden of cardiovascular problems in the nation.”

The study was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Blood Tests Help Diagnose Teen Depression

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:00:05 -0500

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(Image source: TIME)

BY CHRISTINE KARSTEN

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

A stick of a needle — soon that could be all it takes to diagnose depression in teens. KOVR reports what researchers at Northwestern University found when taking teens blood.

“Researchers at Northwestern University developed that test, it helps identify genetic biomarkers linked to depression. In a small study of 28 teenagers, the test accurately identified patients suffering from depression.”

These researchers studied depression in rats before looking at humans. By studying rats with genetic and environmental predispositions for depression, researchers were able to pinpoint 26 markers of major depression they could use when examining teens.

WebMD reports.

“They tested these indicators in 14 teens with major depression who had not been treated and 14 teens who were not depressed...They found that 11 of the indicators were linked to depression, and 18 were linked to anxiety as well as depression.”

This blood test did more then help researchers find depression indicators in teens’ blood — It’s also the first test to identify subtypes of depression.

Health Canal reports.

“It distinguished between teens with major depression and those with major depression combined with anxiety disorder. This is the first evidence that it’s possible to diagnose subtypes of depression from blood, raising the hope for tailoring care to the different types.”

But not all doctors are completely sold on the study. TIME quoted a child-and-adolescent psychiatrist who stresses that it’s still too early to consider this “problem solved”...

“‘Taking something from an animal model and saying it means something in people is making a big leap’...’A finding among 14 is not the same as saying something is present in 1,000 people.’”

And she’s not the only one. ABC News spoke with a New York University Langone Medical Center psychiatry professor saying...

“...biologic testing doesn't get at the complex interactions of genes, biology and environment involved in depression. ‘I think people are looking for a magic bullet, a single answer. But these disorders are much too complicated,’...’But certainly the more tools we have the better.’”

Fox News says the next step is extending this study to a wider patient population and determining if the test can accurately diagnose depression in adults.

Dinosaurs Ultimate Downfall: Egg-Laying, Scientists Say

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: Royal Tyrrell Museum)

BY XIAONAN WANG

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

Scientists say dinosaurs’ egg-laying may have led to their own mass extinction. Discovery News explains.

“Larger mammals can have larger babies, but dinosaurs could not due to the physical limitations of laying eggs … When a catastrophic event wiped out larger species 65.5 million years ago, mammals were better able to recover.”

According to Australia’s ABC, an adult Titanosaur hatchling, for example, was nearly 2,500 times bigger than its infant.

Fox News notes, about 65 million years ago, dinosaurs were completely wiped out during a nuclear winter after a meteorite smashed into Earth. A researcher explains why this event was the last straw for these giant creatures.

"That was not a problem for 150 million years but as soon as something happens that takes away all the large species so that only small species remain ... you are gone as a whole group."

Why couldn’t dinosaurs lay bigger eggs? Bits of Science has the reason:

“...larger eggs require a thicker shell and as the embryo also needs to be supplied with oxygen through this shell, eventually neither the shell nor the egg can grow any more. ”

Scientists say small dinosaurs were in competition with one another and with small mammals. That ultimately pushed them into extinction. The Telegraph describes the tough scenario for young dinosaurs.

“Growing up, the youngsters had to compete in several size categories with adults of other animal groups for food...This meant that all the small and medium animal size categories supported by the natural environment were "occupied", leaving no room for smaller dinosaur species in which to thrive...“

Although the new model of dinosaurs’ extinction makes good sense, a biologist tells the journal, Nature it will be challenged.

“..we are going to see a lot of debate over how accurate these models really are.”

According to Time Magazine, Russian scientists say they’ve just discovered 40 fossilized dinosaur eggs that are the biggest ever found. But some are skeptical that the eggs are nothing but rocks to attract attention.

Chin Implants: Hottest Trend in Plastic Surgery

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:15:01 -0500

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Image source: (A merican Society of Plastic Surgeons)

BY VERONICA POLIVANAYA

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

New statistics show chin implants are the hottest trend in plastic surgery. ABC News has the details on numbers from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

“A new report out of Britain finds that surgery for chin implants is soaring. 20,000 people had the procedure last year. That’s up 71%.”

The spike in chin implants, or chinplants, outpaced breast augmentation, Botox and liposuction combined, making chinplants the fastest growing cosmetic surgery trend in 2011. But the Week points out — the actual numbers aren’t as impressive as the rate.

“Last year’s 20,000 or so chinplants look pretty puny compared with the 307,180 breast augmentations and 5.7 million Botox treatments.”

According to New York Daily News — the silhouette-altering procedure is growing in popularity in both men and women in nearly all age groups. The operation takes 1-3 hours and costs anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.

“The procedure is done under general or local anesthesia. Most often, an incision is made inside the lower lip or under the chin. An implant of the desired size and shape is then placed inside the chin.”

Still scratching your chin about this one? A Fox Medical Expert explains why more Americans are going under the knife.

Dr. Archelle Georgiou: “We’re surrounded by cameras, videos, Skype. We’re seeing ourselves constantly and I think that there’s an awareness that a receding chin just doesn’t give as much facial balance.”

But as NBC’s Matt Lauer points out, we’ve had mirrors for generations. Dr. Oz explains another reason for the procedure, saying it gives people a chin up on others.

Dr. Oz: “We always think that people with strong chins have stronger personalities and are more effective in the workplace...Less than ten percent of CEOs in the top 500 companies have weak chins.”

If you’re looking for a less drastic way to find success — a writer for the Globe and Mail suggests — just keep your chin up.

Wendy Leung: “A less invasive way to get ahead at work? You can always turn to career books, mentors and the Internet for strategies.”

Risks of chinplants include bruising, movement of the implant and damaged teeth. And when it comes to choosing an implant, New York plastic surgeon David Hidalgo emphasizes moderation, saying, “Nothing looks worse than one that is too large.”

Transcript by Newsy.

Child Accidental Injury Death Rates Fall

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:30:02 -0500

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(Image source: The Huffington Post)

BY ORLA O’MUIRI

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

It’s a case of good news, bad news in children’s health. Accidental death rates among children are down in the United States.

The number of children dying from unintentional injuries has fallen 30% from 2000 to 2009. Fox news reports.

“A new report from the Centers for Disease Control says the decline is mainly because of a decline in traffic deaths. Unintentional injuries are still the leading cause of death in the United States for children ages one to 19 and the fifth leading cause of death for newborns.”

According to the report, the number of deaths dropped from about 12,400 to 9,100. But conversely, The Daily Mail reports, the number of accidental poisoning deaths is cause for concern.

“There were 824 deaths from accidental poisonings in 2009. Around half of those recent deaths were of overdoses of prescription drugs from people ages 15 to 19.”

One of the lead authors of the report – MD Julie Gilchrist of the CDC's Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention – tells the Chicago Tribune, the use of prescription drugs among young people is on the rise.

“Prescription drug poisonings, whether the drugs are stolen from parents' medicine cabinets or purchased on the street, appear to be increasingly replacing marijuana as a "gateway drug" that leads to the abuse of harder drugs, such as cocaine and heroin.”

So what’s the net-net? MedPageToday says, despite the lower numbers, America is not doing well on the global scale.

“Out of the 34 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, the U.S. ranked 30th in patients 14 and younger in 2008, "with a [death] rate four times higher than the top-performing nations.”

The report also ranked results by states. The Wall Street Journal has the figures.

“Massachusetts reported the lowest rate, with four deaths per 100,000 people, while Mississippi posted the highest figure, 25.1 deaths per 100,000 people.”

in light of this report, the CDC plans to release a National Action Plan on Child Injury Prevention.

Space Shuttle Discovery Takes Off Into Retirement

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:25:00 -0500

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(Image source: NASA)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

The most-flown spacecraft in history left the ground one final time Tuesday morning.

The shuttle Discovery lifted off on the back of a modified 747 on its way to Washington, D.C. CBS outlines the shuttles incredible career. (Video source: NASA TV)

“It’s been 27 years of spectacular discoveries and nearly 143 million miles, carrying more crew members into space than any other shuttle. Now, Discovery will remain grounded at the Smithsonian.”

A crowd gathered to watch the launch, including Steve Lindsey, who piloted the shuttle on its last mission. He told Fox News it was an emotional morning.

“Seeing that going away kind of, for me, represented the end of the program and knowing that this great team of folks across the country that has worked on this vehicle for so many years was coming to an end and I’d probably never see anything like it again.”

Discovery made a south turn after takeoff to fly over its old launch pad before heading up the coast. One observer told a writer for Discovery News the occasion felt like a funeral as the crowd watched the shuttle head to the museum.

“It's a place of honor, to be sure, but Discovery's departure underscores the fact that there is nothing launching from Kennedy Space Center these days.”

The shuttle mission officially came to an end last July, as NASA began to hand over low-earth orbit missions to the private sector. A CNN correspondent says when a program as large as the shuttle ends, the work force really feels it.

“So many people have lost their jobs with the end of the space shuttle program. So many people wish the shuttles were still flying and so many people say they could have been still flying if not for politics.”

Crowds also gathered in DC to watch the shuttle fly into town. It passed over the Washington Monument, the White House, and the Capital on its way to Dulles International Airport, where it will be put on display.

Brides to be Using Feeding Tubes

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:29:00 -0500

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(Image Source: ABC)

BY KARIM HOWARD

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

There is new weight loss trend. Brides to be are turning to the KE diet in order to lose weight fast. For $1,500 doctors are promising weight loss of up to 20 pounds in 10 days.

“Dieters insert a feeding tube into their nose, which runs to the stomach. They’re fed a constant slow drip of protein and fat mixed with water, zero carbs...”

KE Dieters are given 800 calories a day and doctors say the mixture prompts their body to enter a state of ketosis, burning its own fat supply for energy. Dr. Oliver Di Pietro, who administers the KE diet in Florida, told ABC News what he considers to be the benefits of the diet:

"It is a hunger-free, effective way of dieting...within a few hours and your hunger and appetite go away completely, so patients are actually not hungry at all for the whole 10 days."

The KE diet isn’t for everyone. The Daily Mail warns:

“Lack of energy, bad breath and constipation are just some of the side effects reported to occur and psychologists worry that dropping weight so rapidly can be mentally traumatic.”

In addition, dieters have to endure most of the day with a tube in their nose, although Medical Daily reports they are allowed a brief break:

“The tubes are removable for one hour a day, and patients can drink water, tea or coffee throughout the day.”

Even though the diet is fairly new to the United States, it has been performed in Europe for years.

Study Says Beer Makes Men Smarter

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:30:52 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

Common sense says knocking back a few cold ones while trying to get some work done might not be the best idea. But a recent study says a little alcohol might help you reach that creative sweet spot. WDAF explains.

“Forty men were given brain teasers, but before, half of the men drank two pints of beer each. The other half had nothing to drink. As a result the men who drank solved 40% more problems.”

Participants were given a series of three words and had to come up with a fourth to fit the pattern. Those who had a couple brewskies answered faster. WFLD explains why it’s more about tapping into one’s creativity with the help of alcohol.

Reporter: “It’s all about being relaxed.”
Psychologist: “If you want to creative problem solve then you got to chill out.”

The study counteracts the belief that drinking impairs analytical thinking. A writer for The Inquisitor notes:

“In many ways this type of research has already been proven by the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Hunter S. Thompson, two famous writers who fueled their writing with the constant drip of alcohol from the bottle.”

But don’t expect too much the next time you put on your beer goggles. It may get the creative juices flowing, but the study found the men who drank had worse memory.
And the Global Post doubts the difficulty of the study saying...

“…people who've had a drink are quicker at solving really, really complicated problems. For example: can you identify a unifying subject for words like ‘blue,’ ‘cottage,’ and ‘Swiss’?”

Researchers stressed that moderation is key and they don’t know yet what problem-solving skills are like after more than a couple beers. And since the study only used men—it’s not known whether the effects of alcohol would be the same for women.

Toxins Found in 'Non-Toxic' Nail Polish

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Inhabitat.com)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Put down the polish!—or at least look at the label.

A new study conducted by the Department of Toxic Substances Control has found nail polish might not be as pretty as you think.

Here’s WFLX—

“According to a new study, nail polish contains toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and birth defects.”

The California regulators tested 25 nail products for three chemicals they’re calling the “toxic trio”—and the label might not even be clear enough. The study showed 10 of the 12 products claiming to be toxic-free contained significant levels of these chemicals.

But one of the researchers told WebMD the study does not apply to every distributor—

“What we found out is that in many of the cases the label was inaccurate...And that’s really what our message is. We don’t know if our samples are representative of the industry.”

But executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum told CBS News that’s no reason to cut the cosmetic industry any slack.

Telling the network — the cosmetic industry is downright lying about dangerous chemicals in their product. Even worse-- regulations aren’t strong enough to keep consumers and salon workers safe. (video source: KCBS)

But on the other hand—WTHR tells us the report might be leaving a few things out.

“As for the nail polish companies, they say the report lacks perspective and balance since it fails to mention that a small amount of these chemicals are allowed in formulations by the food and drug administration.”

And Medical Daily News says it’s not just what nail polish you use—but where you use it that could make it harmful.

“The DTSC said that women who work at the salons ... are more vulnerable to these chemicals as they work in rooms that have poor ventilation.”

The Associated Press reports the state attorney general’s office will review DTSC’s research before taking any legal action.

Scientists Say NASA Found Life on Mars — in 1976

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 06:00:06 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A new study says NASA discovered life on Mars — several decades ago. A team of scientists claim one of the early Mars lander missions actually found life, but the data was misinterpreted at the time. KPTV reports.

“They say they found bacteria when searching data collected 30 years ago by NASA’s Viking mars robot. Researchers say that what scientists thought was simple geology is actual bacterial activity.”

The Viking mission was the first to show conclusive evidence of water on Mars, but they also looked for evidence of life in soil samples. A writer for The State Column tells us how.

“In the experiments, the Viking landers dropped on Mars about 4,000 miles apart, scooped up soil samples and applied a radiolabeled nutrient cocktail to the soil. If microbes were present in the soil, they would likely metabolize the nutrient resulting in the release of CO2 or possibly methane.”

One of the experiments showed promising results, but scientists decided it was probably a fluke due to some oxidizing agent. The new research took a different tactic, and analyzed all the data using mathematical analysis. Discovery News explains.

“Researchers distilled the Viking Labeled Release data, provided as hard copies by the original researchers, into sets of numbers and analyzed the results for complexity. Since living systems are more complicated than non-biological processes, the idea was to look at the experiment results from a purely numerical perspective.”

The patterns the researchers saw mimicked the patterns of life on Earth more closely than patterns of geological processes. But not so fast — a writer for Geekosystem explains it takes more than a number crunch to claim a big discovery.

“...though the method is actually pretty simple ... it is largely unproven to be effective. The road to proving the method is effective is to first prove that it can work between two Earth activities, rather than ones from Mars. So, not the biggest news for finding life, but yet another tidbit of evidence...”

For the record, the life the researchers say was found would have been microbes, not little green men.

Study Shows Baboons Can Recognize English Words

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Science)

BY GINA COOK
ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

Is the movie “Planet of the Apes” a sign of what’s to come? --- a study published in the journal Science shows baboons can recognize real words from fake words. Check out the video.

“Then touching a plus sign if the stimulus is a non-word and then the oval shape if the stimulus is a word. So that was a word, and this baboon seems to be doing quite well.”

The six baboons in a French university study were allowed to come and go as they pleased from the testing booths and were awarded treats when they recognized the difference between four letter English words and a jumble of letters. Scientific American says this doesn’t mean the primates can read.

“Remember, the baboons have no idea what any of the words mean. As far as anyone can tell, all the baboons know is that there are two categories of patterns on the screen … Over time, the baboons got better at distinguishing the true words from nonsense.”

So much better in fact that the baboons learned to distinguish as many as 308 true words with 75% accuracy. USA Today spoke with a neuroscientist who explains the implications of the study.

“The really striking result is that baboons could distinguish, in a statistical sense, not only words from non-words but (they) saw them the way that human English readers do as well...”

Science News says the findings could challenge the way children are currently taught to read by matching written words to corresponding speech sounds.

“Instead...reading initially taps into brain regions that recognize different objects by sight and that evolved in all primates. The baboons in the study drew on this capacity to track pairs of letters that distinguish real from bogus words.”

Study: More Auto Deaths on Tax Day

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 05:00:02 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY DAVID EARL

The saying goes something like this … nothing in life is certain except death and taxes. And on tax day, a new study points out, death and taxes go hand-in-hand. Here’s KCBS...

“There is a definitive link between tax day and deadly car crashes. An average of 13 more people died on tax days than in crashes two weeks before and two weeks after the deadline.”

Here’s what researchers from the Journal of the American Medical Association blamed for the findings.

“…stressful deadlines distract drivers and contribute to human error … Another might be alcohol … Driving patterns may be altered on tax day. Additional reasons might include sleep deprivation, inadvertent inattention, and less tolerance of hassles.”

And if you’re really worried about this six percent spike in road deaths on tax day, Bloomberg breaks down who is most at risk …

“The increase was biggest in the West, and the increases typically happen in the morning, before noon 10 percent, much more than in the afternoon.”

But is it possible that all this is just one big coincidence? NPR examines the possibility.

“That’s possible, but it doesn’t look like one. The researchers sliced and diced the data all sorts of ways, and the trend held up. The researchers say it’s probably worth some public health campaigns to remind people about driving safely on Tax Day. You could also file early or electronically and just stay home.”

So … Tax Day leads to stress, stress leads to car crashes. Not good. But CBS News has some helpful tips for getting through the most stressful day of the year.

“Try simple relaxation techniques, such as counting back from 100, taking deep breaths or going for a walk. If people still feel extreme stress while managing money, they should seek professional help.”

If you’d like to stay off the road this upcoming tax day … here’s your friendly reminder: Tax Day 2012 is on Tuesday April 17.

Advocacy Group Wants Hospitals to Give McDonald's the Boot

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 04:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: Salon)

BY EMILY ALLEN

A spoonful of Mickey-D’s makes the medicine go down. Yeah right says a group calling themselves Corporate Accountability International. KPNX in Phoenix has a description of the group’s campaign.

“The Golden Arches could be up for some eviction notices, especially if some health advocates have their way.”

“Yeah, nearly two dozens hospitals are being asked to drop McDonald’s from their cafeterias.”

The group told these hospitals in a letter that it is sending the wrong message. It called hospitals “local health authorities” that serve as a guide for making good choices, but…

“…In your role as a local health leader, you have allowed McDonald’s—a corporation that has disregarded public health in the name of profits—to operate within an environment devoted to helping our children get well.”

Two thousand health professionals are endorsing the campaign against hospital Big Macs – with some of these supporters working in the very hospitals that house the golden arches. The campaign’s director told USA Today…

"We hear from physicians saying kids come in for their diabetic check-ups and they hear the parents saying 'If you are well-behaved, we'll take you for a treat at the McDonald's down the hall.”

Salon points out some of the nation’s most prestigious children’s hospitals earned their title even with their not-so-healthy tenant. It blames this marriage between fast food and children’s hospitals as the result of competitive market forces in healthcare - you just have to follow the money.

“Extra money is something that’s always necessary in pediatric healthcare, as volumes of kids need more attention, even as the money paid by insurers and the government declines. Hospitals need to make up the difference.”

McDonald’s might be taking the heat, but it isn’t the only fast food restaurant setting up shop in hospitals – hospitals around the US have Pizza Huts, Starbucks and Chik-fil-As, to name a few. And, WFLX and WJBK stood up for McDonald’s.

“A lot of the restaurants are trying to get their food a little healthier than they have in the past so maybe it’s a wait-and-see situation because these are some long standing contracts and you can’t just say, “you’re out of here.”

“What about comfort food? What if you’re laid up in bed with a broken leg and all you want is…

“Some of those salty fries.”

“One of those Shamrock shakes or something.”

Shamrock shakes aside; a national McDonald’s spokesperson told Des Moines Register the restaurant offers healthy choices and nutrition information so consumers can make good choices. So if diners chose to indulge in shakes and fries, that’s their own choice.

Is Homophobia Caused by Strict Parenting Styles?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:00:00 -0500

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(Image Credit: Shutterstock)

BY JISELLE MACALAGUIN

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

A new study suggests — homophobia might be caused by the suppression of gay feelings.

Participants with homophobic attitudes suppressed their same-sex attraction, according to the study, in part, because of things like a strict upbringing by their parents. Progressive news site The Raw Story explains.

“Individuals who identify as straight but in psychological tests show a strong attraction to the same sex may be threatened by gays and lesbians because homosexuals remind them of similar tendencies within themselves.”

The study surveyed 160 college students from Germany and the U.S. who were asked to rate physical attractiveness in same-sex photos. On YouTube, University of Rochester project researcher Richard Ryan explains — asking participants about sexual orientation is just one way to measure their attraction.

“But to get into an unconscious sexual attraction, we use a different kind of task. We use a reaction time measure, a split task where you have to classify homosexual, heterosexual words.”

Participants were also asked to complete questionnaires assessing their level of hostility toward homosexuality. The International Business Times reports.

“They were also asked to agree or disagree on statements like, ‘I felt controlled and pressured in certain ways,’ and ‘I felt free to be who I am,’ to measure how democratic or authoritarian their parents were.”

But some aren’t buying into the research.

Psychiatrist T. Byram Karasu of Montefiore Medical Center in New York is skeptical.

USA Today reports.

“The suggestion that parents play a role in homophobia fails to address the importance of ‘identifying with the authoritarian parent’ and then taking that oppression ‘and projecting it outward. The study skips the self-oppression part,’ he says.”

But researchers behind the study say it serves as another explanation in trying to understand the roots of bullying and hate crimes toward homosexuals.

The study appears in the April issue of Journal of Personality and Psychology.

Obesity During Pregnancy Linked to Higher Risk of Autism

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:52:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

A new study suggests obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of having a child with autism. TIME breaks it down.

“Obese mothers were 67% more likely than mothers of normal weight and with no metabolic disorders to have a child with autism, and they were more than twice as likely to have a child with another developmental disorder.”

Researchers at the UC Davis made the discovery — finding nearly half of the one thousand children participating in the study had an autism disorder.

Fox News spoke with a doctor to clarify one reason why a mother’s weight during pregnancy affects the baby’s risk for autism.

“DR. MARC SIEGEL: Maybe when you're obese you need to make more insulin. Insulin is inflammatory marker. In other words it causes the body to go into metabolic overdrive and may increase your risk of autism.”

But as MSNBC points out, more evidence is needed to vet the link between obesity and autism.

“Researchers can’t be sure yet whether diabetes or obesity are actually impacting the growth of the fetus, it’s always possible that these women have something else in common.”

Researchers note that nearly 60 percent of women of childbearing age are overweight and nearly 9 percent have diabetes. ABC News spoke with an expert who says even if the link to autism is small, mothers have a lot of other reasons to maintain a healthy weight.

“DR. RICHARD BESSER: It’s linked to pregnancy complications, increase of birth defects... So, It’s something you can address, but it’s probably a small piece of the Autism puzzle.”

Researchers published the study in the Journal of Pediatrics. A researcher tells TIME — the question of what causes autism is still wide open.

Do Hyenas Observe Lent?

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:39:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

It appears some spotted Hyenas in Ethiopia are observing Lent. No — the hyenas aren’t expressing their religious beliefs, but a study shows they adjust their diets to find the protein they can no longer get from trash cans. Science Daily explains:

“In Ethiopia, members of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church stop eating meat and dairy products during a 55-day fast before Easter. As a result, spotted hyenas too change their eating habits -- from scavenging waste from butchers and households to hunting.”

The study in the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Animal Ecology says the hyenas quickly switched to hunting donkeys. The Daily Mail quotes the scientist who conducted the study who says,

“‘Hyenas can eat almost any organic matter, even putrid carrion and anthrax-infected carcasses. They are capable of eating and digesting all parts of their prey except hair and hooves. Bones are digested so completely that only the inorganic components are excreted in the hyena's droppings...”

And because of this - Live Science says they will kill just about anything.

“Spotted hyenas are adept hunters, capable of bringing down prey such as zebras, wildebeests and even young rhinoceroses. But these pack hunters are also adaptable: They scavenge freely, devouring everything from dead birds and mammals to garbage and dung.”

Mmm—Yummy. Oddly enough dung is exactly how researchers found the hyenas’ change in diet. They took samples of droppings during the time of Lent, which showed an increase in donkey hair. The samples taken 55 days after Lent showed a significant decrease.

T-Rex Relative had Soft, Downy Feathers

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Brian Choo / Scientific American)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

A new fossil discovery is making scientists rethink the look of some of the world’s most well-known creatures. A smaller cousin of the Tyrannosaurus rex was found to be covered with soft, downy feathers. Here’s CBS.

“Twenty-nine feet long, that makes it the largest creature, living or extinct, to have a feathery coat.”

The fossils were found in northern China, so scientists dubbed the new dino “Yutyrannus huali,” a mix of Latin and Mandarin meaning “beautiful feathered tyrant.” The Los Angeles Times quotes one of the scientists:

“The ancient feathers are not like those seen today. These plumes weren't used for flight; they were filamentary and lacked a complex structure, giving the dinosaurs who wore them more of a fuzzy appearance. ‘I think this animal would have looked quite shaggy in life...’”

Though not as big as the T-rex, the fuzzy dino was almost the size of a bus. But scientists still aren’t sure why the Yutyrannus would have feathers at all. The Guardian explains two theories:

“The first is that they acted as a warm, insulating coat. Research has shown that dinosaurs in this period lived in a cooler environment than their later cousins. The other possibility is that the feathers were designed to attract a mate.”

Though not a direct ancestor of the T-rex, the new dinosaur was a member of the same family and preceded the king of the dinosaurs by 60 million years. That means it might be time to rethink the look of the most iconic dinosaur ever. National Geographic explains.

“The latest finding increases the likelihood that the ‘tyrant lizard king,’ T. rex, was also feathered. Scientists have speculated that T. rex juveniles were feathered, because they would have been small enough to require insulation. But it was thought the feathers might have disappeared as the animal grew older and larger.”

This all raises the big question — if a T-rex is covered with fuzz like a baby chick, does that make it more or less terrifying? A writer for DVice weighs in.

“Yeah, if there's one thing that utterly fails to make giant carnivorous dinosaurs more badass, it's the fact that they … were likely covered in soft, downy feathers.”

BMI Measurement May be Inaccurate Half the Time

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:00:04 -0500

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(Image: Wikimedia Commons)

BY DAVID EARL

Body Mass Index -- or BMI. It’s been a popular indicator of whether we’re the right weight, overweight, or downright obese. But now, the BMI is coming under fire. Here’s HLN with the headline...and you’re probably not gonna like it.

“The Public Library of Science Journal says the traditional BMI will often underestimate your body fat, well X-rays show it’s wrong like half the time.”

Half the time? Here’s the reason from those researchers at the Public Library of Science Journal...

“The outdated BMI formula...[is] merely an imprecise mathematical estimate. Its popularity stems in part from its convenience, safety, and minimal cost, and its use is widespread, despite not being able to distinguish lean body mass from fat mass.”

So...according to this study, we’re all fatter than we think we are. The Daily Mail quotes the researchers who say the inaccuracy of BMI has big costs.

“'These estimates are fundamental to U.S. policy addressing the epidemic of obesity and are central to designing interventions aimed at curbing its growth,' the authors said, 'yet the [current policies] may be flawed because they are based on the BMI.'”

With BMI coming under fire, KSAZ interviewed a dietician … but she’s not a fan of BMI for exactly the opposite reason of the researchers. She says if you’re pumping iron, BMI is just as misleading...

“Somebody who has a higher percent muscle mass compared to percent body fat may end up showing higher on the BMI scale.”

But don’t write off the BMI just yet. CBS News reports...

“...a simple blood test that measures levels of the appetite-regulating hormone leptin along with a BMI test can provide a more accurate obesity measurement.”

But even adding leptin measurements isn’t enough for one doctor who talked to WebMD. The weight loss surgeon...

“...says it is not clear that a leptin blood test will help clinicians better assess risk for so-called 'metabolic' conditions like diabetes and heart disease. While he acknowledges that BMI alone can be an inaccurate measure of such risk, he says blood leptin levels may also be.”

The BMI formula uses just your weight and your height and it’s more than 200 years old.

New Research Shows Breast Cancer Over-Diagnosed

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: BBC)

BY ORLA O’MUIRI

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

A medical study suggests early-detection tests for breast cancer result in overdiagnosis of the disease. CBC reports.

“Norwegian researchers say that when it comes to breast cancer early detection does not help all women.”

The authors behind the study are from a handful of research institutions. They analyzed nearly 40,000 breast cancer cases in Norway and found...

“15% to 25% of cases of cancer are overdiagnosed...Conclusion: Mammography screening entails a substantial amount of overdiagnosis.”

According to WebMD the results mean — many women have undergone unnecessary treatment.

“These ‘overdiagnosed’ cancers are treated with surgery, powerful drugs, and radiation, all when the cancer wouldn’t have made a woman sick in the first place.”

Medical News Today says the numbers are concerning — but there is also evidence that screening programs are successful in preventing cancer. So what should doctors do?

“...the truth lies somewhere in the middle of the two arguments. Give the patients the option for routine screening, present them with the benefits and drawbacks, educate them to examine themselves more often, and when positive results do come back from routine screening, know that they might not present the full picture.”

This study and its recommendations were specific to Norwegian women. In the U.S. — the Preventive Service Task Force recommends women 50 and older have mammograms every other year. The American Cancer Society says those exams should start at age 40.

Pink Slime Controversy Continues

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 06:00:06 -0500

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(Image Source: tastespotting.com)

BY BREANA JONES

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The “pink slime” saga continues...ground beef processor AFA Foods filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday and says the public outcry against lean, finely textured beef, or LFTB is to blame. Fox News explains exactly what’s in LFTB, or as it’s come to be known: “pink slime”.

“What it’s describing is beef trimmings treated with some chemicals, ammonium hydroxide, and used as fillers in some beef products.”

AFA Foods says it doesn’t rely on LFTB but overall demand for processed beef has decreased dramatically. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad asked for a congressional investigation into what he calls a “smear campaign” against the beef industry. Radio Iowa has details.

“Governor Terry Branstad suggests not only vegetarians, but ‘Hollywood’, ‘some celebrity chefs’ and the ‘media elites’ are behind what he characterizes as an attack on the beef industry.”

But Branstad is coming under fire for his relationship with a LFTB producer, Beef Product Inc. ABC News reports...

“Branstad, who received $150,000 in campaign contributions in 2010 from the founders of BPI, organized the governors’ tour and press conference, but told ABC News that the contribution played no role in his decision to hold the event.”

LFTB is getting a lot of backlash lately, but the product known as pink slime been around since 2001. One congresswoman wants all meat containing LFTB to be labeled, but a former USDA administrator tells USA Today, this is no mystery meat here.

“...the fact is, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognizes that this product is what it is: 100% beef. There is no need for labeling LFTB — because nothing is being added that is not beef.”

Those defending LFTB say the uproar has wasted tons of beef that will only lead to more expensive meat in the future. Ammonium hyroxide treated meat is legal in the US, but banned in both Canada and the UK.

Leaders of 'Faster Than Light' Neutrino Experiment Resign

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: CERN)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

The two public faces of the OPERA collaboration, the experiment that seemed to show neutrinos moving faster than the speed of light last Fall, have stepped down, reportedly over disagreements from the team on how they handled the media. Here’s euronews.

“An Italian professor who thought he’d disproved Einstein’s theory of relativity has resigned after it turned out he hadn’t. Antonio Ereditato appeared to challenge one of the fundamentals of modern physics...”

But wait, is that really how it played out? Ereditato’s colleague Dario Autiero, who presented the neutrino results at CERN, also stepped down on Friday, telling Nature the researchers never said they’d disproved Einstein.

“Despite the fact that OPERA itself never claimed to overturn Einstein’s theory, keeping its claims narrowly to the report of an anomalous measurement, many newspapers depicted it that way. ‘They played with the sensationalism of the story...’”

Although technical issues now seem to have been the cause of the speedy neutrino results, last Fall, the physics world exploded, trying to make sense of their results. Ereditato and Autiero say physicists’ excitement was unfairly translated into “Einstein was wrong” headlines. Video from CERN at the time shows they were more cautious than reported.

Autiero: “We are just presenting today our result as experimentalists.”
Ereditato: “We would like just to say that we made a measurement, this measurement is accurate, and therefore we would leave it to the entire community.”

But critics say the results should have been kept secret until they were vetted. Another member of OPERA told Physics World the real reason Ereditato stepped down was because he allowed the results so much publicity, he lost the trust of many on his team, narrowly avoiding a no-confidence vote this week.

“The reason for the lack of confidence ... was that many in the collaboration felt that Ereditato had failed to be sufficiently cautious when discussing the ... results, having failed to make it clear that these were preliminary. … ‘In front of the media, we had a duty to be more careful with our language.’”

But others defended the decision to go forward with the results. A writer for Science 2.0 says it would have been impossible to keep the findings from leaking, anyway, and muzzling scientists isn’t the way to go.

“Let us instead try to educate the public on the fact that what happened to Opera’s ... claim is good science: we study an effect, find something unexpected, and then try to kill the effect with all our means by studying it in more detail and with all the other tools we have available. What survives this kind of treatment is usually only real, trustable effects.”

And the Sydney Morning Herald quotes another OPERA collaborator saying the neutrino results actually did turn out to be a teachable moment.

“...the neutrino affair had produced a wonderful discussion and a great lesson in how science was done. The whole world was watching; the editors of great newspapers were waking up thinking about subatomic particles.”

Both OPERA and its sister experiment, ICARUS, are scheduled to re-run the neutrino experiment at the end of this month, though most experts expect the particles to obey the speed limit this time.

Planets Will Shine Extra Bright This Week

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR ALLIE SPILLYARDS

If you’re looking for a good show this week — astronomers say just look to the sky. Five bright planets will be visible this month. Here’s a video from NBC of Jupiter and Venus in the night sky.

“Because Venus is closer it’s the brightest in the sky. NASA scientists say it’s one of the best views of two planets for years to come.”

Astronomers say these events can be seen with the naked-eye, but the planets are clearer with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. A writer for the Mobile Press-Register describes the array of planets to keep a lookout for.

“Venus and Jupiter are prominent in the west, and Venus provides a fine binocular opportunity Monday and Tuesday evening when it is near the Pleiades cluster. Mars is bright and high in the southeast as darkness sets in, and Saturn rises about 8 p.m.”

And Space.com explains why Earth’s neighbor, Venus, is the star — well, planet — of the show.

“Venus continues to grow ever-brighter as the northern spring evenings warm up. The planet seems to gleam almost like a sequined showgirl, hovering in the west-northwest sky high above the setting sun.”

Mars is is coming out about an hour after sunset this month and will look like a peach-colored star to the naked eye. The Arizona Republic says it’s rare to see the Red Planet shine so prominently.

“Mars usually appears as a small, rather indistinct orange blob, sometimes sporting a tiny white icecap at one pole. It's underwhelming, to say the least. But every so often there are moments of clarity when our atmosphere steadies and Mars seems to snap into focus, revealing delicate dark features across its face.”

And what about the ringed planet Saturn? Chances are good to see this planet because Earth is currently between Saturn and the Sun. Earth Sky explains.

“Every year, around the time we go between the sun and Saturn, the ringed planet is at its closest to Earth and brightest in our sky. Saturn is the faintest of the bright planets. It’s still pretty bright, but, normally, you wouldn’t pick it out from among the stars.”

Earth Sky adds that Mercury is also visible, but only in the Southern Hemisphere.

Brain's Structure Laid Out Like a Street Map

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 05:00:05 -0500

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(Image source: National Institutes of Health)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

It turns out the most complex organ in the human body is built from a fairly quaint blueprint. A new study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital says building a brain is much easier than scientists thought.

“The fiber architecture of the brain is more or less as simple as you can possibly imagine. Each pathway, rather than being an isolated pathway, is a component in a three-dimensional grid.”

Researchers had thought the brain’s connections were more or less like a bowl of spaghetti, with wires criss-crossing at random.

But by using precise imaging techniques, researcher Van Wedeen and colleagues were able to see the grid emerge. And even though the brain folded in on itself more and more as they went from simple to complex brains, the basic grid pattern remained. (Video source: New Scientist)

The researchers say this is a perfect illustration of one of the fundamentals of biology: it only takes a few simple rules, repeated over and over, to generate enormously complicated structures. And a neuroscientist who wasn’t involved in the study told LiveScience...

“The human brain is the single most complex device in the known universe, and it works by nerve cells talking to each other. If we can't figure out how they decide who to talk to and what they tell each other, we just don't understand how the brain functions.”

But the research has a few critics. Another neuroscientist told NPR the findings still have to be verified using other techniques. And even if the brain is generally grid-like, there are bound to be fibers that break the rules.

“In a couple of important ways, I think they may have oversimplified this story.”
“Take all those 90-degree intersections, for example. Van Essen says not everything is perpendicular.”

Other studies have shown the surface of the brain has fibers that don’t follow the grid pattern. But Wedeen says the deeper in the brain you go, the more rigid the grid pattern becomes. A writer for SmartPlanet says that makes understanding disorders like autism and Alzheimer’s disease an easier task.

“Practically, mapping the brain this way could provide an easier way for doctors and neuroscientists to compare studies - using something like a coordinate system to pinpoint abnormalities or observations.”

What’s more, the new findings may help explain how complex brains arose. A writer for The Scientist says with simple rules guiding its development, the brain could easily add new structures.

“The old perception of the brain as a tangled mass of neurons didn’t make sense in terms of natural selection: how can thousands of brain fibers connect and disconnect at random to form a more complex structure?”

The research comes in the middle of a five-year effort by the National Institutes of Health to try to map all of the connections in the human brain.

Autism Diagnoses Increase Among Children

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:36:22 -0500

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(Image source: DiseaseTreatments.com)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

A huge spike in the number of children diagnosed with autism in the United States has parents and medical professionals asking — what’s going on?

First to the study — released by the Centers for Disease Control, or CDC.

It saw a 78 percent increase in autism diagnoses in the last decade.
And experts point to a subgroup — where diagnoses seemed to spike.

“Is the increased recognition of autism in traditionally underserved minorities. Children who are Hispanic and African American. This is important because the children are underdiagnosed.”

So better diagnosis might lead to higher numbers.
Along with — up til now — a broader definition of what’s included.
TIME has details.

“Autism used to be diagnosed only in children with severe language and social problems and repetitive behaviors, but several years ago, researchers expanded the criteria for diagnosis to also include autism spectrum disorders — a wider range of developmental conditions associated with autism.”

Autism is still — largely — broken down by gender and geography.
CBS News reports...

“Boys are still about five times more likely to be diagnosed with autism in the U.S. than girls, according to the CDC report. It estimated one in 54 boys have autism, while one in 252 girls do. The number of children identified with ASDs ranged from 1 in 210 children in Alabama to 1 in 47 children in Utah.”

Still — a 78 percent increase in diagnoses seems to go beyond some of the explanations.
CNN notes, it can’t be focused on genetics alone.

“Researcher have identified many genes which are related to autism. But genes are only one part of the equation. And genes alone wouldn’t change that fast in only ten years.”

WebMD notes, until there is a consistency in methodology used in gathering data, the numbers may continue to vary widely.

“Study sites that relied only on health records to identify children with autism had significantly lower autism rates than sites that had both health and education records. In Colorado, for example, there was a single county with access to both education and health records. The autism rate there was twice as high as the rate in six Colorado counties with health records only.”

Queen Bee Population Shrinking

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:20:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wired)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Bee populations -- particularly queen bees --- are disappearing in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

USA Today explains how the mysterious issue -- called colony collapse disorder -- is affecting more than just bee hives.

“Colony collapse disorder is marked by bees emptying out of hives and not returning. Bee colony losses have alarmed U.S. farmers, who rely on about 2.68 million managed bee colonies to pollinate crops, a $15 billion industry...”

Two recent studies are the first to examine bees outside of the lab and in the fields--where researchers say the drop in bees is because of a commonly used pesticide called neonicotinoid. France’s Institute for Agricultural Research -- the INRA -- did one of the studies.

Here’s how they tracked honeybees.

“To follow or keep track of the fate of any individual bees thanks to smaller micro-chips that we can glue on their back.”

A second study observed bumblebees dosed with the pesticide. The study found those hives to be smaller -- much smaller. Only two queen bees were in dosed hives, as compared to 14 in the undosed hives.

The Edmonton Journal has one critic’s response to the findings saying,

“The French honeybee study, though clever in the way it used microchips to follow the bees, is seriously flawed because the dose of pesticides given to the bees was ‘really way too high...’"

But the BBC says the pesticides won’t be going away anytime soon and quotes an entomologist who says,

“...neonicotinoids could be banned everywhere in the world, and honeybees would still have problems with pathogens, parasites, habitat degradation and overuse of just about every other class of chemical pesticide."

Amazon Founder Finds Apollo 11 Engines

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Move over, James Cameron. Jeff Bezos is getting ready to start his own deep sea mission. He’s looking under the waves — for a piece of space history. Fox News explains.

“More than 40 years ago, the rocket engine that helped carry Apollo 11 to the moon plunged into the Atlantic Ocean, and now the billionare CEO of Amazon.com says he wants to get that thing out of the water.”

Jeff Bezos isn’t a stranger to space exploration. He founded the company Blue Origin with the aim of taking passengers to suborbital space. But he says a year ago he started wondering whether it would be possible to reclaim a relic from NASA’s most famous mission.

The massive Saturn V rocket that blasted Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on their way to the first moon landing is still the biggest, most powerful rocket ever launched. (Video source: YouTube)

It relied on five F-1 engines, still among the most powerful rocket engines ever built. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Each engine delivered one and a half million pounds of thrust and burned through 6,000 lbs of rocket fuel per second. A writer for Discovery News explains what happened to the rockets.

“Once used, they were expendable, forgotten in their underwater junk yard. In the early days of space exploration, sustainability wasn't high on the list of priorities, so dumping spent rocket engines into the sea was the norm.”

On his website, Bezos says he put together a team of experts to try to track down the engines. He announced their success on Wednesday.

“I'm excited to report that, using state-of-the-art deep sea sonar, the team has found the Apollo 11 engines lying 14,000 feet below the surface, and we're making plans to attempt to raise one or more of them from the ocean floor.”

Bezos says the engines are still the property of NASA. He hopes an engine will be put on display at the Smithsonian, and, if NASA allows it, the Seattle Museum of Flight. But MSNBC’s Alan Boyle spoke with a salvage expert who said it’s too soon to treat this like a done deal.

“Verifying that the engines are from Apollo 11 rather than a different Apollo mission would require checking parts numbers against NASA's database, he said. And bringing up the engines would not be a trivial task. ‘If they're intact, they're like nine tons each … That is not going to be easy to bring to the surface.’”

Bezos says he remembers watching the Apollo 11 mission on television when he was five years old. The recovery mission is being funded with private money.

Chocolate Makes You Skinny, New Study Says

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:33:28 -0500

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(Image Source: MIT)

BY CHARLES MCKEAGUE

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

A new study is backing up the claim that chocolate is good for your health. According to a new study from the University of California San Diego - chocolate might actually help keep you thin.

“So listen to this, eat chocolate to be skinny. A new study of more than 1,000 healthy men and women found that people who ate chocolate five times a week had a lower body mass index than those who did not eat it regularly.” (CNN)

Study participants all ate regular healthy diets, and exercised at least three times a week. On Fox News, Fox and Friends anchors were a bit skeptical and pointed out another snack that could be good for your health.

“Sounds too good to be true. … Researchers suspect that the antioxidants may boost metabolism and help offset the calories. Speaking of antioxidants, did you know there are more in popcorn than in fruits and veggies?”

Previous studies on chocolate reveal chocolate can provide positive health effects for one’s heart. The lead researcher, Dr. Beatrice Golomb, says there’s plenty of goodness in Chocolate - and keep eating!

“It’s not amount of chocolate, but frequency of chocolate. Chocolate has been linked to lower heart disease, more favorable lippid profiles, and better blood pressure. ... Chocolate has been found to have many other metabolic benefits … that actually correlate with Body Mass Index.”

But Golomb still issues a bit of caution - saying basically it’s probably not a good idea to eat, sleep, and breathe chocolate. The BBC explains.

“While there's no harm in allowing yourself a treat like chocolate now and again, eating too much might be harmful because it often contains a lot of sugar and fat too. And if you are looking to change your diet, you are likely to benefit most from eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.”

To check out the study for yourself - click on this link.

James Cameron Explores Deepest Part of Ocean

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: National Geographic)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

From movie-making to deep sea diving. Acclaimed director James Cameron has returned from a trip to the deepest part of the ocean. Here’s CNN.

“Cameron rode his vertical torpedo submarine to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. That’s the deepest point on the Earth’s surface, nearly seven miles under water.”

Al Jazeera puts that seven miles in perspective, explaining — at 1,000 meters deep, sunlight can no longer penetrate the water.

“Deeper yet, 3,800 meters, sits the wreck of the Titanic, the subject of one of Cameron’s films. 8,000 meters is the lowest level fish have been observed.”

About 800 meters later — you could fit an upside-down Mount Everest.

And Cameron went even lower than that — in a mission that was seven years in the making.

His ride to the bottom — a high-tech torpedo sub called the Deepsea Challenger. It’s equipped with 3D cameras, devices to collect samples, and LED lights capable of illuminating about three football fields worth of underwater real estate.

Cameron is only the third person to dive that deep — and the first to do it solo. An analyst tells CTV — this is a big deal.

“What it points to is the fact that we are on the threshold of what I believe is the greatest age of discovery in the history of the human race.”

Digital Trends reports Cameron is expected to make at least one documentary using the footage from the dive. The tech blog also reports...

“... there’s every chance the Deepsea Challenger will make several return journeys, including one with a fiber-optic umbilical cord, so scientists will be able to study live images sent back from the sub.”

Cameron spent about three hours exploring the trench. What did he think of the experience? National Geographic has the word from the director himself.

James Cameron: “It was very lunar. Very desolate place. Very isolated ... I felt like I literally in the space of one day have gone to another planet and come back.”

Look Out! Close Call Had ISS Crew In Escape Craft

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:30:46 -0500

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(Image Source: NASA)

BY JJ BAILEY
ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

Think you had a rough night?

“A near-miss for the astronauts aboard the international space station. A chunk of a Russian rocket forced the six astronauts to seek shelter in escape capsules this morning. It was only the third time in 12 years that they’ve had to take shelter from space junk.”

ABC

Ground control picked up the remnants too late to safely maneuver the ISS out of harm’s way, so the six spacemen took cover in their Soyuz spacecraft. The idea being, if there were to be a collision, the Soyuz craft could take them back to earth.

As it turns out, the debris passed by about nine miles from the ISS. But before you think this was all a big fuss over nothing, The Telegraph explains just how close that is.

“Although nine miles sounds like a long distance on Earth, but in space where both the station and the junk were travelling at 17,500 miles an hour in orbit, nobody was taking any chances.”

And The New York Times focuses on another angle. Is space getting too crowded?

“Saturday’s episode underscored a recent report by the National Research Council warning that the increasing amount of space debris is threatening to interfere with the space station and working satellites. The nonprofit group warned that the growing amount of debris is threatening to make low-Earth orbit unusable because of the potential for collisions.”

The article goes on to say that the U.S. Space Surveillance Network has its eye on over 22,000 space objects bigger than four inches that are floating around up there. RT reports this particular mess happened when Russian and American satellites collided.

And in case you’re wondering just what it was like when this fragmented satellite went roaring by, it’s kind of mellow. Here’s the audio from the debris’ closest approach.

“....Nichevo....nothing.”

Of course, we can’t blame them for thinking this is boring stuff. Last June, some space junk came within 1,100 feet of the ISS.

New Study Shows Possible Cure for Baldness

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: Supercom.org)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Scientists are closer to answering one of man’s hairiest questions—or really, not so hairy. NBC’s Brian Williams explains—

“Now scientists are reporting a big clue and a potential step forward in studies of bald men and laboratory mice. They have pinpointed a protein that triggers hair loss.”

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study on the scalps of both balding mice and men and found a protein called Prostaglandin D—or PGD2. The levels of this protein were three times higher in balding areas than in areas with more hair.

VO: “As the amount of protein builds up around the hair follicle, it starts to shrink.”
SCIENTIST: “So those big long hairs that you have become smaller and smaller and eventually become microscopic and you can’t see them.”

(video source: AlJazeera)

So the good news is—there’s still hair on your head.

The bad news is it’s just really, really hard to see.

But the researchers say they have a plan that will have you saying “hair-llelujah!”

In the study, scientists found a receptor--called GPR44 through which PGD2 stops hair growth. Senior author of thestudy told the Globe and Mail --“‘We think if we are able to remove the inhibitory effects of prostaglandin D2 we would be able to allow the hair to grow’…He noted that there are already several experimental drugs that block the GPR44 receptor...”

ABC News points out this isn’t the first attempt at saving scalps—but it is the first to test on men’s heads which means progress is linked directly to people and not just rodents.
But a writer for the Telegraph says treatment is about as appealing as being bald.

“…it doesn’t sound ideal, since the active ingredient will have to be applied to the scalp via a cream or ointment, and not everyone can be bothered to spend five minutes a day plastering unguents on to his scalp.”

But Fox News says the cure could come in a number of ways.

“I think you could see a lotion that you would put on your scalp to prevent the prostaglandin, but more likely it would be a pill that would block it in the first place.”

But don’t go throwing your toupee away just yet. The Daily Mail says the hair-healing remedy might take as long as five years to show up on store shelves.

New Blood Test Could Predict Heart Attacks

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:00:00 -0500

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(Image: New York Daily News)

BY CHRISTINE KARSTEN

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Doctors are able to identify risk factors — but they can’t predict heart attacks... yet. WOFL reports, researchers may have found a blood test that makes prediction possible.

“The test checks the level of misshapen cells off the lining of the blood vessels. If high levels of these cells are found in the blood then developers say that person may be at a higher risk of a heart attack.”

Researchers from the Scripps Translational Science Institute took blood samples from 50 patients who went to the emergency room with heart attack symptoms. They used blood samples from 44 healthy individuals as a control.

CNN reports — the scientists found several key differences in the circulating endothelial cells or CEC’s.

“For starters, four times as many endothelial cells were circulating in the blood of patients on the verge of a heart attack. The endothelial cells were also larger, misshapen and frequently contained many nuclei.”

Currently there are a number of tests doctors can perform in the ER to see if someone is experiencing a heart attack or has had one recently. TIME says this study will provide a timeframe for when a possible heart attack could happen.

“It’s also becoming clear that the CECs start sloughing off the vessel walls a few days to a week or so before fatty plaques rupture and form blood clots, causing a heart attack. That means that testing for CECs can help doctors predict who is on the verge of having an event.”

A medical professor at Duke University tells the LA Times — the results from this study are useful — but....

“...more study was needed to flesh out and confirm the results, and to prepare a test for patients. The methods presented in the Scripps research may be too complicated for use in a doctor's office or an emergency room.”

My Health News Daily says it’s too soon to say whether or not this test works because the patients involved in the study were already having a heart attack and not on the brink of one. Other experts say it’s possible the test identified a cause — rather than an effect of a heart attack.

Israel Bans Underweight Models

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:00:05 -0500

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(Image Source: New York Magazine)

BY ZAKIYYAH WAHAB

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

You wouldn’t expect a law to discourage underweight models in the fashion world. But Israel has passed a law - the “Photoshop Law” - in an attempt to fight eating disorders in the country. TIME reports...

“...women will have to produce a medical report no more than three months old stating that their BMI is above the WHO standard of malnutrition.”

The law also bars the use of overly thin images by foreign advertising in the country. Obviously, modelling agencies aren’t pleased with the new law. Eli Edri of the Roberto Models Agency tells Haaretz...

“The indexes on which the law is based are arbitrary and are not appropriate for every model … Such a law would disqualify [healthy models] without determining whether they are really sick or not.”

Fox 9 thinks the law is a wise decision by the Knesset.

“...we often do stories about body image of young girls and the effect that all of these things can have on them ... I say “kudos” to Israel for trying to do a little something about it.”

A writer for The Boston Globe provides a balanced opinion about the new law, saying...

“...I think the law is a long time in coming ...[but at the same time] I also think we’d be fooling ourselves by thinking that’s all we need to do to combat eating disorders...”

Frugivore Magazine also dislikes the law, saying it reeks of pretentiousness and...

“... amounts to putting a band-aid on a cut that requires stitches ...[and] sets an ugly precedent for government encroachment into one’s freedom of choice.”

Hospitals will be the next item on the Knesset’s itinerary of trying to combat eating disorders. It will consider a measure to enable doctors to involuntarily hospitalize anorexic patients who are in immediate danger.

Scientists Say Keep it Down ... for the Plants

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: BBC)

BY EMILY ALLEN

Will you keep it down? Plants are trying to grow here. A US research team found man-made noise inhibits plant growth. Royal Society Publishing published their findings.

“Because the extent of noise pollution is growing, this study emphasizes that investigators should evaluate the ecological consequences of noise alongside other human-induced environmental changes.”

The study was done in a woodland area in New Mexico with noisy gas wells. We know plants don’t have ears so Science News explained how the team of researchers got these findings.

Researchers scattered pine seeds in noisy spots and quiet spots in the area. The scrub jays pick up these seeds and store them for the winter. However, they can’t eat all of the thousands of seeds they bury and those leftover seeds sprout. But the jays didn’t show up to the noisy area and quiet areas had four times more seeds.

But the study’s lead author and scholar - Clinton Francis - said these wells aren’t noisy, they’re loud!

“Compressors running nonstop at the wells generate a droning roar…[which] could be compared with the sound of a lower-pitched vacuum cleaner several feet away.”

(AOC)
Scrubs Jays aren’t the only ones in animal kingdom with eardrums ringing from all the noise, noise, noise! Discovery News points out, other animals are sending the same message - in their own way.

“In loud places, studies have found in the last few years, some birds sing at higher frequencies. Bats can have trouble finding prey. Frogs can struggle to find mates. And whales seem to be vocalizing with more volume to communicate with each other.”

And apparently, this New Mexico spot was the perfect place to host this experiment.

The BBC reports the woodland area didn’t have additional factors like roadways and artificial light that would tamper with the results.

Francis told Audobon Magazine noise pollution is on par with issues like habitat fragmentation or disturbance, and this is definitely not something to keep quiet about.

Aspirin Cuts Risk of Cancer?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:15:04 -0500

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(Image Source: VitaminsABC.org)

BY MEREDITH BALDWIN

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

An aspirin a day to keep cancer away? New studies published in The Lancent Wednesday show why. Here’s Good Morning America with the findings:

“The headline here: Taking an Aspirin a day for 5 years cut the overall risk of dying from cancer by 15 percent. So should we all start taking Aspirin?”

The Telegraph spoke with researcher Peter Rothwell behind his new findings which suggest maybe you should start taking aspirin every day.

“We found that after two or three years, the incidence of cancer was reduced and and the chance from dying from cancer was also reduced after four or five years — by about 30 or 40 percent.”

Not so fast says Dr. Otis Brawley with the American Cancer Society. He shares his concerns about the research with The New York Times.

“I think he’s on to something. I just want to be cautious, and I don’t want to exaggerate, I’m not ready to say that everybody ought to take a baby aspirin a day to prevent cancer.”

MSNBC agrees, saying you should talk with a doctor before you take a daily dose.

“Still - many doctors advise caution for some patients because taking an Aspirin a day can increase the risk of bleeding and stroke.”

Researchers plan to do more extensive studies to better understand the effects aspirin has on cancer.

Facebook Friend Count Could Hint at Narcissism

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: IT Pro Portal)

BY JJ BAILEY AND ERIK SHUTE

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

Turns out, winning the Facebook popularity contest might not be a good thing in the long run. A new study seems to have found a link between the amount of friends you have on the site, and the socially disruptive traits of narcissism.

Western Illinois University conducted the study. In it, nearly 300 people took a narcissistic personality inventory questionnaire. Those who scored higher, tended to have more friends on Facebook, tagged themselves in photos and updated their news feeds more frequently.

According to The Guardian, the study measured two "socially disruptive" elements of narcissism – grandiose exhibitionism which they called “GE” and -- entitlement/exploitativeness or “EE.”

GE includes “self-absorption, vanity, superiority, and exhibitionistic tendencies"- people who need to be constantly at the center of attention. EE includes "a sense of deserving respect and a willingness to manipulate and take advantage of others".

“The research revealed that the higher someone scored on aspects of GE, the greater the number of friends they had on Facebook, with some amassing more than 800. Those scoring highly on EE and GE were also more likely to accept friend requests from strangers and seek social support, but less likely to provide it, according to the research.”

The Guardian also points out that many social media researchers have long suspected a tie between social platform involvement and narcissism. Facebook Trade expands on that, and notes that this could be painting a much darker picture than we thought

“... this is some of the first evidence of a direct relationship between Facebook friends and the most ‘toxic’ elements of narcissistic personality disorder ... Carol Craig, a social scientist and chief executive of the Centre for Confidence and Well-being, insisted that young people in Britain were becoming increasingly narcissistic and Facebook provided a platform for the disorder.”

The study can be seen in its entirety in the journal Personality and Individual Differences. In the meantime, maybe it’s time to take a break from the book for awhile.

Soccer World Reacts to Star Player's Heart Attack

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:45:38 -0500

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(Image Source: ESPN)

BY NIELS SCHACK NORGAARD

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The world of soccer was left in a state of shock when Bolton player Fabrice Muamba suddenly collapsed Saturday. He suffered cardiac arrest in the English FA Cup game against Tottenham. He is still in critical condition but slowly improving at London Chest Hospital.

“It was straight away recognized that something was seriously wrong. Medical staff rushed onto the pitch. A defibrilator was used to try and resuscitate Fabrice Muamba. He was taken to the hospital, continually trying to resuscitate him.”

Since the 19th century, around 80 professional soccer players have suddenly died from cardiac arrest. But what kills these young and fit athletes? According to Healthcare Global, the answer is a heart disorder called Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy, also known as HOCM.

“[It] is a condition that is brought upon by continued, strenuous exercise, making footballers and other athletes far more susceptible than the average man on the planet. Muamba’s young age and seemingly athletic physique was strangely what caused his dramatic collapse (…) It is this severity of [HOCM] that will no doubt force a huge increase in measures taken to protect young athletes in the future.”

The disorder affects only around 0.2 percent of the world’s population but when an athlete has HOCM, their heart struggles like that of an unhealthy 80-year-old’s. Dr. Tom Riddington writes for the Guardian that athletes’ heart muscles are reshaped to adapt to regular, high-intensity training. This remodelling of the heart helps pump blood more effectively around the body...

“But in [HOCM], a genetic abnormality causes the muscle wall of the heart to grow far thicker than it should. Repeated training makes the problem worse – the muscle wall can become so thick that it stops the normal flow of blood going in and out of the heart. This is where things get dangerous.”

Fabrice Muamba was resuscitated by cardiologists in front of 30,000 spectators and was kept alive until his heart started beating by itself two hours later at the hospital. On Monday afternoon, BBC reported:

“The update released by the hospital at 3:30 this afternoon was by far the most positive yet. Not only is his heart still beating without the help of medication. But he is also moving his arms and his legs.”

Later on Monday, Fabrice Muamba’s friend Curtis Codrington tweeted after visiting Muamba in the hospital:

“Fabrice Muamba is strong as an ox. He said my name, words can’t describe what I just saw. God is good and to see his wife be by his side was great.”

Professional soccer clubs have very thorough methods to examine players for heart disorders, but Bolton’s doctors never detected Muamba’s heart disease. Professor of cardiology at St George’s Hospital in London Sanjay Sharma has since raised doubts over the tests. The Independent quotes her as saying:

“I am surprised the heart problem was not picked up. The medical screening these players get is extremely comprehensive. It will identify 80 percent of conditions causing sudden death.”

Since the tragic events on Saturday, messages have flown in from the rest of the world with some of the world biggest soccer stars wishing Muamba well. Bolton has cancelled its Tuesday game against Aston Villa because of the emotional distress and next weekend’s game against Blackburn is also in jeopardy.

Synthetic Marijuana is Confusing Doctors

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: WikiMedia Commons)

BY LUKE LEONARD

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

A synthetic form of marijuana is growing in popularity among teens. The drug is reportedly cheaper, potentially dangerous and apparently confusing doctors. Atlanta’s WGCL has more details...

“Synthetic version of marijuana are sending some teens to the emergency room. A new report says the drug produces a similar high to normal marijuana but there are also more dangerous side effects...”

Sacramento’s KCRA reports the synthetic drug commonly known as “Spice” or “K2” has been known to cause excessive sweating, temporary speech impairment and often causes unusual aggressiveness as well as providing a euphoric high. That can make diagnosis difficult for ER staff.

“...And it’s kinda confusing doctors. Doctors have released a report so ER physicians who otherwise couldn’t, can recognise the signs of this synthetic marijuana used and abused.”

WebMD has details on what the variations of the synthetic drug may be made of.

“Synthetic marijuana is made by blending plants and herbs including bay bean, blue lotus, and red clover. These ingredients are sprayed with a chemical that gives it its marijuana-like effects in the brain.”

Not only is synthetic marijuana easy to get your hands on, professionals are saying it may sometimes be easier to get away with. A blog post in CNN Health says the trend seems to be growing and there’s two good reasons why...

“Sold in such places as gas stations, convenience stores and on the internet ... The drug is difficult to detect, because it does not show up on routine drugs tests. Further lab work is needed to find if a person is using it.”

Indiana State Police Captain Dave Bursten commented on how the state is looking to effectively ban the drug. The state has made the substances illegal and giving businesses a no-questions solution to disposal of the drugs. Indiana’s Eagle Country radio reported Bursten’s statement online...

“We don’t want them simply thrown into dumpsters or otherwise discarded in a manner they could fall into the hands of young children … "

Doctors in the emergency room are urging parents to read up about the drugs so they can talk to and educate their children about them.

A Text Message Using Neutrinos?

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 05:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: The University of Rochester)

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR EMILY SPAIN

Text messaging with neutrinos? That’s what scientists are saying could be in our future now that they’ve sent a message through 780 feet of stone using the subatomic particles.

Live Science explains the process of sending the message.

“...researchers turned their neutrino beam on and off in the fashion of a binary system of 1's and 0's used by computers to encapsulate information... To make a 1, the scientists turned the neutrino beam on and let it send its signal to the detector. To make a zero, they stopped the beam, losing a pulse. Thus they were able to spell out ‘neutrino’ in a way that could be read by scientists at the detector.”

Why do you care? Because neutrinos can travel through pretty much anything — and that could mean better, faster communication--without the use of satellites and wires.

In The University of Rochester’s press release, a scientist says,

“Using neutrinos, it would be possible to communicate between any two points on Earth without using satellites or cables. Neutrino communication systems would be much more complicated than today's systems, but may have important strategic uses.”

And ZDNet says,

“With their neutral electric charge and almost non-existent mass, neutrinos are not subject to magnetic attractions and are not significantly altered by gravity, so they are virtually free of any possible interference...”

But Geekosystem says the capability of neutrinos to travel through anything might be a downfall.

‘Now that could be a double-edged sword if you’re in the market of trying to block signals and communication for whatever reason, but for most of us it would just be heavenly.”

Scientists say they had to fire the neutrinos in large groups because only about 1 in 10 billion of the tiny particles are detected. One factor in their favor was that they used the world’s largest particle accelerator and underground neutrino detectors at the Fermi National Accelerator Lab outside of Chicago.

A writer for Government Computer News says that’s why the technology won’t be practical for many more years.

“Given the vastly increased complexity (and cost) of the infrastructure that would be necessary for this type of communication, don’t expect it to totally replace satellites any time soon. But this experiment is definitely a first step toward this end.”

The State Column is already imagining the possibilities neutrino messages.

“Neutrino communication could also have significant implications for the military. The ability to communicate messages over long distances through solid materials and liquids could be an important tool...”

One of those tools being considered is using neutrinos for communicating through water to submarines, which the scientists say is hard to do with current technology.

You Could Shoot Hoops With Giant Squid Eyes

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Discover Magazine)

BY EMILY ALLEN

Jeepers, creepers! Swedish scientists have discovered the world’s biggest peepers. It turns out giant and colossal squid take the cake with eyes the size of basketballs.

The Daily Mail reports giant squid can be as large as 27 and a half feet long and weigh a ton. Still, their eyes are way too big for their bodies. A big swordfish and giant squid are similar in size, but the squid’s eyes are 27 times bigger.

Scientists figured out that giant and colossal squid have the biggest eyes in the animal kingdom. But the squid is difficult to track and study. Live Science said it was a big step when scientists caught a glimpse of this creature on camera.

Scientists studied dead giant squids that washed up on shores or got caught in nets. But apparently the animal’s eyes distort once they die so it didn’t provide an accurate measurement.

To get around this problem, The Epoch Times said an international team of researchers created a mathematical model to figure out how far aquatic animals can see underwater.

It turns out, the ideal size of an eye for underwater vision isn’t much bigger than an orange – which is a lot smaller than a basketball!

But Discover Magazine points out these big eyes do serve a purpose, headlining....

“Giant squid, what big eyes you have. All the better to spot sperm whales with my dear.”

And that’s important because sperm whales eat giant squid. But the squid camp out at the bottom of the ocean where there is no light so you wonder how they even see the sperm whales.

Science Codex reports small creatures like jellyfish give off light when sperm whales bump into them. And that twinkling glow is enough to alert the squid, thanks to their large orbs.

Scientific American notes sperm whales don’t need big eyes to spot the squid. They have something that works even better to see in the dark – sonar.

CDC Launches National Anti-smoking Campaign

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:20:38 -0500

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(Image source: The New York Times /CDC)

BY KERRY LEARY

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The Centers for Disease Control is set to launch its first paid anti-tobacco media campaign that graphically depicts the health risks of smoking. KCRA has more.

“You are going to start seeing a new anti-smoking campaign hitting billboards and TV. The Centers for Disease Control is rolling out ads that show graphic images of health problems that can come from smoking cigarettes.”

It’s the CDC’s first national advertising effort and its price tag is 54 million dollars. It’s called, “Tips From Former Smokers.” CNN took a look at a few of the video advertisements.

"It began with my big toe, that was my first amputation that I had.
Berger’s disease is a vascular disease brought on by smoking.
My fingers started to go piece by piece."

The campaign was introduced one week after the Surgeon General warned that teen smoking rates are a “pediatric epidemic,” and two weeks after graphic warning labels for cigarettes were ruled unconstitutional. The Surgeon General’s Annual report concluded--

“Each day in the United States, over 3,800 young people under 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette, and over 1,000 youth under age 18 become daily cigarette smokers. The vast majority of Americans who begin daily smoking during adolescence are addicted to nicotine by young adulthood.”

The CDC is hoping the graphic images and disturbing stories lead to a decrease in new smokers. But the New York Daily News reports, one researcher concluded these ads may be too disturbing to work.

“A researcher who has studied the effectiveness of anti-smoking ads...found that some ads are so disturbing that people reacted by turning away from the message rather than listening. So while spots can shock viewers into paying attention, they also have to encourage people that quitting is possible...”

The campaign was launched by the CDC on Thursday and targets smokers ages 18 to 54. A writer for the New York Post says Thomas Frieden, the director of CDC, is just wasting money to attack bad behavior.

“Frieden's excuse is that the "campaign's cost — $54 million — is a 'drop in the bucket' compared with the more than $10 billion the tobacco industry spends each year to market its products. One difference: Tobacco is legal and the tobacco industry is using private monies to promote their legal product.”

The advertisements begin on Monday. The CDC hopes they will persuade as many as 50,000 Americans to stop smoking. The campaign will include eight television ads, seven radio spots, seven print ads and five billboard and bus stop ads.

Study: Red Meat Increases Risk of Premature Death

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 07:00:06 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ELIZABETH RINEHART

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A new study claims just one serving of red meat per day has a detrimental effect on your health. NBC has more.

"13 percent of people in this study were more likely to die if they ate a 3-oz serving of meat just once a day. Fourteen percent were more likely to develop heart disease or cancer. Those numbers go up if you add hot dogs or bacon into the equation or your diet."

The researchers behind the study are from the Harvard School of Public Health. The Chicago Sun Times explains they...

“...analyzed the diet, health and death data on [more than 100,000 men and women]. Participants completed questionnaires about their diets every four years. During the study follow-up period of more than two decades, nearly 24,000 of the participants died, including 5,910 from heart disease and 9,464 from cancer.”

The Sun Times reports the researchers factored out other variables things like age, weight, physical activity and family history. The Guardian argues — while the information may seem shocking, it’s not as alarming as some in the media are making it out to be.

“The extremely casual reader may erroneously take away the information that eating a portion of bacon a day gives you a one in five chance of dying that very day, the reality is rather less alarming. It means that if 1,000 non-red-meat-eaters are going to die prematurely over a given period, then 1,130 red-meat-eaters will.”

A writer for the Los Angeles Times pokes fun at one part of the study, which claims that eating red meat is linked to an increased risk of dying from any other cause.

“Which means what, exactly? If I grill a nice New York strip on Sunday, that increases my chances of being hit by a bus on Monday? Granted, I didn't go to Harvard, but that seems like a stretch. Or maybe it's just that all the red meat is killing my brain cells...”

So, what do the researchers have to say? CNN’s Elizabeth Cohen talked to an author of the study who says -— despite the findings — meat can still be part of a balanced diet.

“He said, look, if you want to be a vegetarian, that's great. but you don't have to be. So, for example, if you're eating two meats twice a week, take one of those servings of meat and replace it with chicken or fish or nuts or beans. "

Doctors Experience Vasectomy Madness in March

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:11:53 -0500

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(Image source: VasectomyMadness.com)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

It’s awesome, baby! March brings us buzzer-beaters, upsets and …

“ … vasectomies — a few days before the tournament begins. They said it’s the perfect excuse to sit in front of the TV, watch wall-to-wall basketball. Many doctors across the country even advertise this.”

Here’s a snippet of one of those commercials. This one — courtesy of VasectomyMadness.com.

“Call Virginia Urology right now and schedule your vasectomy. Hey — no better time to get it done.”

CNN reports some urology centers see a 40-to-50-percent increase in vasectomies this time of year.

But a reporter for Cleveland’s WEWS says potential patients are keeping it private.

REPORTER: “ … everyone I asked about this topic … flat-out would not talk to me about it on camera.”

DOCTOR: “ … [They] are a little bit nervous sometimes about the fact that either their wives or their boss knows that’s why they chose that one day to be out of work.”

The game’s on the line. A reporter for KLTV in Tyler, Texas asks …

REPORTER: “So, what’s more painful — missing a basketball game or a vasectomy? We asked guys if they’d consider it.”

“Absolutely not (laughs).”

The Baltimore Sun says some centers offer free T-shirts, coolers and fast-food coupons to lure vasectomy patients.

Venus and Jupiter Set for Cosmic Meetup

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: Sky & Telescope)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

They’re two of the brightest planets in the sky — and they’re about to have a close encounter.

Sky and Telescope has a diagram of Venus and Jupiter’s dance in the darkness.

National Geographic explains...

“The planetary pair will be only 3 degrees apart. That is equal to the width of your three middle fingers at arms length, making for a spectacular sight not to be missed.”

Of course — in space, the planets will actually be pretty far apart. But for us earthlings, they’ll be looking pretty cozy.

Stargazers have been able to see the planets moving closer together over the last few weeks. The Watchers blog posted this video time lapse of what scientists call a “conjunction”. This is from February 24th — but the two planets will be at their closest this week.

Space.com reports the cosmic event is especially dazzling since the two planets are oh-so-bright.

“When the planets are closest,Venus will glow at magnitude -4.3, while Jupiter will shine at -2.1 on astronomers' magnitude scale.. (negative numbers suggest an extremely bright view)... Venus will appear nearly eight times brighter than Jupiter.”

In fact — Venus and Jupiter are are so radiant, NPR reports — even those living in light-polluted cities will be able to see the show.

“...the light reflected from Venus and Jupiter are so intense that they have no problem cutting through a haze that would wash out even the brightest stars.”

Scientists say the Venus-Jupiter rendezvous actually happens about every 13 months — but as The Register explains....

“... they need to meet at just the right place for us to be able to see them together from our vantage point on Earth.”

If you want to watch the planetary tango — just look west the next few nights. If you miss it — Space.com reports the same conjunction will happen again in 2036.

Women's Health Care Caught in Texas Vs. Gov't Showdown

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 06:00:02 -0500

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(Image Source: Eddie Seal/The New York Times)

BY STEFANIE REDDING AND EVAN BUSH

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Health care for low-income women in Texas hangs in the balance as Governor Rick Perry and the federal government slug it out over the relationship between Planned Parenthood and federal funding. KXAS has the details.

“Governor Rick Perry signed a law banning abortion-affiliated clinics from getting public money. However, government officials say that law violates federal regulations requiring women to have a choice when it comes to medical care.”

Because of the alleged violation, the government says it will pull funding from the Lone Star State’s Texas Medicaid Women's Health Program, which provides low-income women with family planning, health screenings and birth control. The New York Times gives some background on the fight that’s been brewing for a while in Texas.

“Gov. Rick Perry and Republican lawmakers have said they would forgo the $35 million in federal money that finances the women’s health program in order to keep Planned Parenthood from getting any of it. Although Texas already bars clinics that take such money from performing abortions, the new law is intended to prevent any state money from benefiting Planned Parenthood.”

So, no public money was allowed to fund abortions previously. Perry’s new law prevents Planned Parenthood’s clinics from receiving Medicaid money because they are considered ‘abortion affiliated’ even if the clinics don’t perform abortions. The Times reports this has caused a number of clinics to close.

According to the Times article, last year Texas faced a $27 billion shortfall, which lead Perry to cut women’s health care by two-thirds. So how will the governor deal with another $35 million off the table for women’s health? He says Texas will fund it itself.

“Well we’re gonna fund this program. The issue of whether or not we’re going to continue this program is a moot point.
“We got a multi- billion dollar budget, so we have the ability to be flexible. ”

Perry calls the Obama administration’s move politically motivated. A member of his camp, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, says this is a states’ rights issue first and foremost. She says Texas should be allowed to make its own decisions on funding, hence the statute that would prevent money from going to Planned Parenthood.

“It’s actually about the 10th amendment and states’ rights. There is a very clear unequivocal statute which does not permit a state agency to provide money to these sort of two percent.”

The two percent she refers to are health care providers that perform abortions. Meanwhile, Texas State Senator and Democrat Wendy Davis tells WFAA, women are being caught in the crossfire.

“I, like so many other poor women, relied on that as my absolutely only sole source of health care.”
“She worries 130,000 women may suddenly lose cancer screenings and contraceptive services ...”

The Texas Tribune reports Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission --- which runs the women’s health program -- said it’s trying to keep the program going without federal funds.

Parents Get $3 Million in Wrongful Birth Suit

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:30:00 -0500

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Image source: Wikimedia Commons

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

A couple will get about $3 million dollars after suing the clinic that incorrectly told them their unborn baby did not have Down syndrome. Ariel and Deborah Levy say if they had known, they would have aborted their now four-year-old daughter. KATU explains.

“The parents who filed the malpractice suit say the doctors repeatedly advised them a test of their unborn baby definitely ruled out Down syndrome and even told them indicators that said otherwise were not reliable.”

Legacy Health, the company that performed the test, was found to have made a major misstep. They didn’t realize they removed tissue from Deborah — not from the fetus — for the prenatal test. The Oregonian says the 10-day trial was highly emotional and describes the moment the verdict was given.

“The couple nodded and mouthed ‘thank you’ as jurors filed out of the courtroom. A few nodded back, smiled or reached out a hand toward the Levys. One juror visibly held back tears. Another wished them peace.”

But peace isn’t what many opponents of the lawsuit are hoping for for the Levys. KGW describes some of the social media criticism of the case, especially because of the couple’s declaration that they would have aborted.

“It’s easy to see the backlash. ‘Absolutely sad and sickening’ one person writes. ‘Poor child. People are sick and greedy.’ ‘This couple makes me want to puke.’”

A blogger for MSNBC doesn’t blame the parents, but says the practice of wrongful birth suits is immoral.

“The very fact that such a case can make it into a courtroom reveals a lot that is wrong with public policy and ethics in America. … Wrongful birth lawsuits are a horrible way to deal with failed prenatal testing. Forcing parents to argue that their child never should have been born may make legal sense but it is morally absurd.”

A blogger for Commonweal Magazine says he’s just confused about wrongful birth suits altogether.

“It strikes me that, philosophically, there is something odd about a person’s suing for damages when the alleged wrong is what permits the person to be in a position to file the suit (or do anything else in the course of a life)!”

The parents haven’t publicly spoken about the suit, but their lawyer says they love their daughter, and they sued to be compensated for the lifetime care she will need.

Can LSD be a Cure for Alcohol Addiction?

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 05:00:01 -0600

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(Image Source: Beer College)

BY LIAM KEEGAN

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Could LSD be a possible cure for alcoholism? Well -- according to a Norwegian study, the psychedelic drug was used to treat alcoholics in the 1960s, and had “significant beneficial effects”. Now, Scientists Teri Krebs and Pal-Orjan Johanson say this controversial treatment should be revisited. ABC News reports their findings.

“A single dose of LSD had a significant beneficial effect on alcohol misuse at the first reported follow-up assessment, which ranged from 1 to 12 months after discharge from each treatment program. The effect lasted about six months…Given the evidence for a beneficial effect of LSD on alcoholism, it is puzzling why this treatment approach has been largely overlooked.”

Washington Universty addiction psychiatrist Dr. Richard Ries warned about the drug’s little-known side effects, but using one drug to fight addiction to another is not something new. My Healthy News Daily reports –

“Look at heroin addiction - we use methadone, another type of opiate, and give it to people to prevent them from overdosing. But if you try to use these drugs out of these contexts, you get no effect. They are meant to be part of an addiction treatment program, not to replace it.”

Former UK government drugs adviser Professor David Nutt tells BBC drug laws need to be relaxed in order to conduct productive research in this field.

“Curing alcohol dependency requires huge changes in the way you see yourself. That's what LSD does. Overall there is a big effect, show me another treatment with results as good... this is probably as good as anything we've got for treating alcoholism.”

CBS, however, reports the health effects outlined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

“LSD's effects of distorting reality and causing hallucinations can be frightening and cause panic, with ‘trips’ lasting up to 12 hours. In 2009, the last time data was taken, 779,000 Americans age 12 and older said they had abused LSD at least once in the previous year.”

Krebs and Johnson first noticed the gap in LSD research while they were on fellowships at Harvard Medical School. They also discovered individuals with other mental illnesses were excluded from the 1960s trials.

James Cameron Going on Deepest Sea Dive

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 07:00:09 -0600

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Image source: National Geographic

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR EMILY SPAIN

James Cameron’s films Titanic and Abyss were a splash on the big screen. Now the director plans to make a big splash himself by taking what he hopes will be a record-breaking submarine dive into the deepest part of the western Pacific Ocean.
Here’s a glimpse into the adventure from National Geographic…

Screen reads: “8 years in the making and he’s doing the dive alone”
Cameron: “It’s a one man crew so any problems that come up during the dive I’m going to have to solve them myself.”

The name of the submersible --Deepsea Challenger-- is a play on the name of the deepest spot of the Mariana Trench--the Challenger Deep--where the joint mission involving Cameron, National Geographic and Rolex will take place.

The New York Times says Cameron’s miniature submarine--which was secretly built in Australia--is a major feat.

“As with the birth of the private space rocket industry, where commercial companies are building ships to take astronauts aloft, the debut of Mr. Cameron’s submarine signals the rising importance of entrepreneurs in the global race to advance science and technology.”

But Collider says that Cameron might need to be crossing off other things on his to-do list.

“When you’re James Cameron, you get to do pretty much whatever you want. That’s why instead of working away like a madman on Avatar 2 and 3 in order to meet a studio deadline, Cameron is out doing fun, hobby stuff like trying to reach the ocean’s deepest point; you know, for giggles.”

Of course Cameron’s mission seven miles down wouldn’t be complete without filming something. National Geographic says he’ll be at the bottom of the ocean getting high-definition 3D video for 6 hours.

Extreme Tech explains the different options the director has to insure getting quality video of the deep unknown.

“Several different designs are available for deep sea cameras built into small high-tech “bottles” which protect them from the pressure ... It is highly unlikely that Cameron will be satisfied with any of the existing offerings, though, so expect for him to innovate with a 3D camera that provides an IMAX-like video experience, all beamed up for the first time from the ultra-deep.”

But Spectrum says Cameron may have some competition. Thrill-seeker and founder of Virgin Group Richard Branson is also trying to make it to the bottom of the ocean.

“From a technology perspective, it's interesting to review the differences in the designs of the two teams' submersibles. The Virgin Oceanic sub looks like a stubby-winged plane, and will use hydrodynamic forces to pull it down through the water (the same way aerodynamic forces pull an airplane up).”

Branson’s expedition will likely take place later this year. Cameron is planning to take the plunge by the end of the month.

Surgeon General Calls Teen Smoking an Epidemic

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 05:00:03 -0600

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(Image Source: LA Weekly)

BY EMILY ALLEN

Wasn’t teen smoking so-1980s and 90s? The U.S. surgeon general released a new report and apparently, it’s not a fad of the past. Here is a newly released public service advertisement on teen smoking.

“At 12 I smoked my first cigarette. At 15, I was addicted. By 40, I’ll have lung disease. At 50, I’ll die of a heart attack.”

It’s the first report on youth smoking since 1994 and Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin is calling it a “pediatric epidemic,” according to NPR. Here are some statistics on teen smoking detailed in the report.

“Today nearly one in four high school seniors and one in three young adults under age 26 smoke.”

Youth smoking was on the decline but it stalled in 2007. ABC News cited a study from Stanford researchers that reports the placement of tobacco ads has an impact on teens and their probability of lighting up.

“Teens were much more likely to smoke when they were exposed to cigarette advertising in small retail stores like gas stations and convenience stores.”

The CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids told CNN tobacco companies target kids in gas stations by putting their ads next to slurpies or on the ice cream counter. CNN’s senior medical correspondent also says menthol cigarettes are a kid-magnet.

“The menthol kind of works as an anesthetic so if you’re just starting to smoke it kind of helps that harsh smoke go down your throat more easily. And if you look at Middle-schoolers who smoke, Suzanne, half of them smoke mentholated cigarettes.”

But Altria Group, the parent of three tobacco companies, defended its advertising.

— telling MSNBC in a statement, “it markets to adults through age-verified direct communications and in retail stores.” It added its companies helped bring about the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in 2009.

The report says sustained, comprehensive tobacco control programs will cut back on teen smoking. But some media reports indicate state funding for these programs has declined because of tight budgets over the past couple years.

Newsy Now: March 8 (1315 GMT)

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 07:12:09 -0600

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(Image Source: Fox News)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR DAVID EARL

This is Newsy Now and here are your headlines.

In world news, an Australian investment banker plead guilty to using a fake bomb to try to extort money from a Sydney family. Here’s Fox News.

“Paul Douglas Peters admitted to breaking into 18-year-old Madeleine Pulver’s home and strapping a bomb-like device around her neck. It took bomb-squad police 10 hours to remove it.”

A man claiming to be Syria’s oil minister announced his defection from the Assad regime in an online video. If the video is authentic, it marks the first high-ranking civilian official to abandon the regime.

“Appearing on YouTube, Abdo Hussameddin condemned the Syrian regime for its brutality and said he was joining the anti-government revolt.” (VIdeo: euronews)

The head of the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency says Iran is holding back information about its nuclear program. Yukiya Amano says while some of Iran’s nuclear facilities are peaceful, Iran may have undeclared facilities. He told CNN:

“Iran is not telling us everything. That is my impression. … We are asking Iran to engage with us proactively, and Iran has a case to answer.”

Finally, the largest solar storm in five years will batter the Earth all day Thursday and into Friday. The storm was triggered by a pair of solar flares earlier in the week. Here’s MSNBC.

“This spectacular eruption has forced airlines to reroute some flights, and may even disrupt satellite networks, GPS services and utility grids.”

Stay with Newsy for more analyses on news throughout the day. For Newsy Now, I’m David Earl, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.