Stress in the sense of a disruption to the normal environs of a cell or organ or organism is a real problem. Knowledge of how the body reacts is mostly confined to hormone reaction, the flight and fight hormones etc. There are a fascinating series of papers in Nature 5th Feb 2009 on the cellular…
Read moreA substantial fruit and vegetable intake have been associated with a decreased risk of various chronic medical conditions. The antioxidant properties of carotenoids, commonly found in fruits and vegetables, could be one explanation for this finding. Increased dietary carotenoid consumption and levels of individual plasma carotenoids may be associated with the decreased risk of cancer…
Read moreChildhood and adult obesity is an epidemic in the USA. It is important to have valid and reliable tools to assess growth and body composition. It is essential that we develop safe and accurate tools to assess body composition as well as readily affordable. Devices that accurately depict body fat percentage (%BF) can be used…
Read moreAcids generated from the metabolism of excess dietary protein are excreted largely as urinary ammonium (NH4 +) produced by cells in the proximal tubule of the kidney. NH4 + is transported into the urine from collecting-duct cells through parallel movement of hydrogen ions (H+) and ammonia (NH4). Biver et al now report that not all…
Read moreA review by McKinlay discusses this very important topic of disease related malnutrition. The cost is enormous both in hospital and long term care facilities. There is aslo much malnutrition in the population at large especially the elderly.Recognising this is a real clinical requirement both generally and specifically for each new patient. The body mass…
Read moreMarine toxins are of interest to investigators as a consequence of the associated health risk to human populations and the accompanying socioeconomic impact Seafood poisoning in humans is associated with bacteria and viruses but also various toxins produced by micro algae, especially dinoflagellates, and transferred to humans by marine bivalve molluscs. The ensuing food poisoning…
Read moreThe Oceans are a possible answer to the accumulating carbon dioxide consequent upon excess burning of fossil fuels. If the algal growth could be increased then carbon dioxide take would increase. The main Ocean where this might take place is the Southern Ocean. Adding iron to the oceanic waters, both naturally as iron rich dust…
Read moreThis is a fascinating article in Nature by Hurst on genes and evolution, which during a time when Darwin’s work is being honoured is coming up with interesting resultsWhat makes us humans unique, this must be in unique genes, where Darwinian positive selection has occurred. Genes thought to be hotspots for positive selection can be…
Read more