MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'book reviews'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:46:15 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139733&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-food-truths-food-lies%2F2011.08.18 Food Truths, Food Lies, written by family physician Eric Marcotte, M.D., may be the most refreshingly evidence-based diet book of the decade. You will not find a single mention of super-foods, magical berries, or supplement “must-haves” in the entire book. What you will find is the cold, hard truth about why many Americans are overweight, and what it takes to become a healthy eater. Marcotte writes for the average American – his simple language, matter-of-fact tone, and regular reminders of what the reader has learned, make for a quick and memorable read.  Although it’s clear that Marcotte has carefully distilled his dietary advice from the scientific literature, he refrains from burdening the reader with too many footnotes and references. Instead, he has created ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139733 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:00:45 +0100 5139733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5094742&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F08%2Fpopulation-genetics.html Excerpt from a book review of Microbial Population Genetics: "informative and well written ... ideal for students and is written in a comprehensible modern way ... a comprehensive account of microbial population genetics ... All bioscience graduate students should also read this book ... should be available in all university and public libraries" from K.D. Hyde writing in Fungal Diversity (2010) 45: 345-356 read more ... Microbial Population GeneticsEdited by: Jianping XuISBN: 978-1-904455-59-2Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: March 2010 Cover: hardback"informative and well written" (Fungal Diversity) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5094742 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:58:30 +0100 5094742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5094743&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F08%2Fphylogeny-of-microorganisms.html Excerpt from a book review of Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms: "a neat little hard back book with reasonable size print which is a comprehensive account of the molecular phylogeny in the Prokaryotes ... All bioscience students at ay level should read this book ... should be available in all university and public libraries" from K.D. Hyde writing in Fungal Diversity (2010) 45: 345-356 read more ... Molecular Phylogeny of MicroorganismsEdited by: Aharon Oren and R. Thane PapkeISBN: 978-1-904455-67-7Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: July 2010 Cover: hardback"comprehensive" (Fungal Diversity) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5094743 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:50:10 +0100 5094743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5094744&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F08%2Faspergillus.html Excerpt from a book review of Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and Genomics: "a nice compact book full of detailed information ... should be available in university libraries and colleges where genomics is taught" from K.D. Hyde ( writing in Fungal Diversity (2010) 45: 345-356 read more ... Aspergillus: Molecular Biology and GenomicsEdited by: Masayuki Machida and Katsuya Gomi ISBN: 978-1-904455-53-0Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: January 2010 Cover: hardback"a nice compact book" (Fungal Diversity) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5094744 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:40:58 +0100 5094744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5094745&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F08%2Flactic-acid-bacteria.html Excerpt from a book review of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria: Current Progress in Advanced Research: "In this comprehensive book, expert international authors review the most recent cutting-edge research" from Food Sci. Technol. Abstr. (2011) 43(8) read more ... Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bifidobacteria: Current Progress in Advanced ResearchEdited by: Kenji Sonomoto and Atsushi YokotaISBN: 978-1-904455-82-0Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: July 2011 Cover: hardback"cutting-edge" (Food Sci. Technol. Abstr) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5094745 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:29:48 +0100 5094745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5094746&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F08%2Fhepatitis-c.html Excerpt from a book review of Hepatitis C: Antiviral Drug Discovery and Development: "This is an ambitious and broad-ranging volume that provides a comprehensive, detailed and accurate account of the current situation in the search for new antiviral agents to treat hepatitis C virus infection. It has been written by an impressive array of the leading researchers in the field and consequently it provides in-depth information about all the direct-acting antivirals that are currently under development, as well as those targeted to host cell factors." from Mark Harris (University of Leeds, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Hepatitis C: Antiviral Drug Discovery and DevelopmentEdited by: Seng-Lai Tan and Yupeng HeISBN: 978-1-904455-78-3Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication D... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5094746 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:12:58 +0100 5094746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5094747&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F08%2Fsalmonella-review.html Excerpt from a book review of Salmonella: From Genome to Function: "This is a fast-moving field and it is a credit to the editor, contributors and publishers that updates were made as late as July 2010. It is expensive, but indispensable to the serious student of this organism" from Robert Poole (University of Sheffield, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Salmonella: From Genome to FunctionEdited by: Steffen PorwollikISBN: 978-1-904455-73-8Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: January 2011 Cover: hardback"indispensable" (Micro. Today) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5094747 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 06:58:06 +0100 5094747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069473&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fone-nurse-opens-her-heart-and-talks-about-her-life-in-the-medical-field%2F2011.07.27 Well, not my heart. I was contacted awhile ago and asked if I wanted the chance to read and review Tilda Shalof’s new book, Opening My Heart.  (Amazon link, but NOT an affiliate link – I live in California and due to a new law, Amazon has cut all ties with us). I had the chance to include a story in a book that Tilda edited a couple of years ago called Lives in the Balance.  So I had fond memories I’ll say up front that I enjoyed the book.  I had a range of emotions while reading it – frustration, worry, happiness.  Frustration because although Tilda is a very experienced ICU nurse, she doesn’t take her own health seriously at all.  I read with disbelief as she described her incredible denial of the obvious need to treat the heart condition she was born with. I was amused a... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069473 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:00:14 +0100 5069473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057720&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpsychiatrist-reviews-crazy-book-finds-some-genuineness-behind-authors-bravado%2F2011.07.23 Rob Dobrenski, PhD. is a psychologist who blogs over on ShrinkTalk.net.  He’s written a book about what it’s like to be a psychology graduate student, a psychotherapy patient, and a psychologist.  Oh, we like the folks who go from Shrink blog to Shrink book — it somehow feels familiar — and so I agreed to read his book: Crazy: Tales on and Off the Couch. So bear with me while I tell you that the book rubbed me wrong at the outset.  Dr. Dobrenski begins by saying something to the effect that he describes things that all shrinks feel, and if they say they don’t, they aren’t being honest.  I really hate it when people tell me what I feel.  It’s like saying that Prozac made your depression better and if it didn’t, then you just didn’t ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057720 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:00:00 +0100 5057720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050759&cid=t_91086_111_f&fid=34712&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdigitaldoorway.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbook-review-critical-care-by-theresa.html “Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life, and Everything in Between” by Theresa Brown (Harper Collins, 2010), is a deeply personal book that details the transformation of an English professor into a oncology nurse. Honest and self-disclosing, Brown describes her decision to leave the cozy world of academia behind in search of more meaning in her professional life, embracing the mantle of “nurse”, her academic colleagues watching in disbelief as she abandons tenure for a stethoscope and scrubs. Channeling her love of writing through the filter of her first year as a nurse on the oncology floor, Brown relates to the reader the challenges and joys of being a nurse and a writer, two identities with which I deeply resonate. “People will say that being a nurse-writer is an odd ch... Digital Doorway blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050759 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:29:00 +0100 5050759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5035713&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F07%2Fveterinary-parasitology.html Excerpt from a book review of Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology: "This book covers the wide array of veterinary parasitic infections with clarity and serves as an easy reference for basic information ... This book accomplishes just what the authors set out to do. It covers a multitude of parasitic diseases in brief detail and engages readers by describing clinical signs and their relevance. It is not designed to completely review all permutations of life cycle or to identify all the intracellular interactions that occur during parasitic infestation. I found that I that the more I read, the more I appreciated the book." from Dennis D. French (University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, USA) writing in Doodys read more ... Essentials of Veterinary ParasitologyEdited by: Hany M... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5035713 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:29:33 +0100 5035713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5027266&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F07%2Fpcr-troubleshooting-review.html Excerpt from a book review of PCR Troubleshooting and Optimization: The Essential Guide: "The information is wholesome and appears to target both students and scientists knowledgeable in molecular applications. The comprehensive and comprehendible content indeed qualifies the text as an essential guide to the development, optimization and toubleshooting of PCR assays." from Christopher J. McIver writing in Aus. J. Med. Sci. (2011) 32: 68 read more ... PCR Troubleshooting and Optimization: The Essential GuideEdited by: Suzanne Kennedy and Nick OswaldISBN: 978-1-904455-72-1Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: January 2011 Cover: hardback"an essential guide" Aus. J. Med. Sci. (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5027266 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:47:43 +0100 5027266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028219&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Funderstanding-us-healthcare-four-books-you-dont-want-to-miss%2F2011.07.13 I have had the privilege of working at an organization which is actively improving the lives of its members and also was mentioned by the President as a model for the nation.  Over the past few years, I have also demonstrated to first year medical students what 21st century primary care should look and feel like – a fully comprehensive medical record, secure email to patients, support from specialists, and assistance from chronic conditions staff. But as my students know, there are also some suggested reading assignments.  I’m not talking about Harrison’s or other more traditional textbooks related to medical education.  If the United States is to have a viable and functioning health care system, then it will need every single physician to be engaged and involved.  I&... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028219 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:00:00 +0100 5028219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4951736&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F06%2Fveterinary-parasitology-book-review.html Excerpt from a book review of Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology: "an up-to-date resource for students and practicing veterinarians for recognizing, diagnosing and treating parasitic diseases in livestock and pet animals. Featuring full-colour illustrations and a user friendly layout ... This excellent volume will be of a great value to veterinary students, practicing veterinarians and all researchers in the field of parasitology, including practising parasitologists, immunologists, and physicians, and also for beginners in all of these fields ... an indispensable acquisition for every library of institutes where studies of veterinary medicine and related sciences are carried out ... will be in demand for many, many years" from Zdzislaw Swiderski (Polish Academy of Sciences and Medical ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4951736 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:30:07 +0100 4951736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4891981&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F06%2Fvaccine-design-book-review.html Excerpt from a book review of Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel Strategies: "recommended to microbiologists and vaccinologists, immunologists, infectious diseases and public health physicians, and to the many scientists working on vaccine development in industry" from Ulrich Desselberger (Cambridge, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesEdited by: Rino Rappuoli and Fabio BagnoliISBN: 978-1-904455-74-5Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: February 2011 Cover: hardback"recommended" (Microbiol. Today) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4891981 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:26:50 +0100 4891981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4891982&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F06%2Fstreptomyces-book-review.html Excerpt from a book review of Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: "many of the chapters have been authored by major names within the field ... a comprehensive, up-to-date snapshot of the current Streptomyces field" from Paul Hoskisson (University of Strathclyde, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyEdited by: Paul DysonISBN: 978-1-904455-77-6Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: March 2011 Cover: hardback"comprehensive, up-to-date" (Microbiol. Today) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4891982 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:24:50 +0100 4891982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4891983&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F06%2Fenvironmental-microbiology-book-review.html Excerpt from a book review of Environmental Microbiology: Current Technology and Water Applications: "Both the content and the quality of the writing exceeded my expectations ... carefully written and explained ... a valuable resource for many years to come ... an excellent resource for senior undergraduates, researchers and academics" from Linda Lawton (Robert Gordon University, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Environmental Microbiology: Current Technology and Water ApplicationsEdited by: Keya Sen and Nicholas J. AshboltISBN: 978-1-904455-70-7Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: January 2011 Cover: hardback"a valuable resource for many years to come" (Microbiol. Today) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4891983 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:11:03 +0100 4891983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4891984&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F06%2Fplant-virology.html Excerpt from a book review of Recent Advances in Plant Virology: "an extensive overview of recent developments in plant virus research ... chapters are well-written and on the cutting edge of research ... an excellent piece of work for a specialized audience such as graduate students, postdoctoral and senior researchers or lecturers ... each institutional library should stock a copy for reference" from Heiko Ziebell (Julius Kuhn Institut, Germany) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Recent Advances in Plant VirologyEdited by: Carole Caranta, Miguel A. Aranda, Mark Tepfer and J.J. Lopez-MoyaISBN: 978-1-904455-75-2Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: February 2011 Cover: hardback" well-written and on the cutting edge of research" (Microbiol. Today) (Source: Microbiology... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4891984 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:04:32 +0100 4891984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4891985&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F06%2Fsensory-mechanisms-in-bacteria.html Excerpt from a book review of Sensory Mechanisms in Bacteria: Molecular Aspects of Signal Recognition: "an excellent volume, put together thoughtfully to give good coverage of a complex and fascinating subject, which should grace any microbiology library" from Paul Hoskisson (University of Strathclyde, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Sensory Mechanisms in Bacteria: Molecular Aspects of Signal RecognitionEdited by: Stephen Spiro and Ray DixonISBN: 978-1-904455-69-1Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: September 2010 Cover: hardback"an excellent volume" (Microbiol. Today) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4891985 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:57:33 +0100 4891985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4891986&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F06%2Finsect-virology.html Excerpt from a book review of Insect Virology: "excellently written chapters ... a publication of very high standard, useful to experts in the field, but easy enough to introduce the subject to other virologists and students with a basic understanding of virology" from Alain Kohl (University of Edinburgh, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Insect VirologyEdited by: Sassan Asgari and Karyn N. JohnsonISBN: 978-1-904455-71-4Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: September 2010 Cover: hardback"excellently written ... very high standard" (Microbiol. Today) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4891986 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:49:49 +0100 4891986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4891987&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F06%2Fhepatitis-c.html Excerpt from a book review of Hepatitis C: Antiviral Drug Discovery and Development: "This is a thorough review of current developments in vaccine and therapeutic drug development for the treatment and prevention of HCV. This is a valuable book for scientists and drug development companies searching for a permanent cure for HCV." from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas Medical Center, USA) writing in Doodys read more ... Hepatitis C: Antiviral Drug Discovery and DevelopmentEdited by: Seng-Lai Tan and Yupeng HeISBN: 978-1-904455-78-3Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: April 2011 Cover: hardback"a thorough review" (Doodys) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4891987 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 07:23:47 +0100 4891987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4871233&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F05%2Fmolecular-phylogeny-of-microorganisms-book-review.html Excerpt from a book review of Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms: "written by international experts ... All papers are concisely written and the literature is extensively reviewed, with many papers published in the last two years before the book was printed ... the editors have done well to concentrate on important basic topics that are essential for the understanding of new upcoming reports ... I strongly recommend the book for the private book case of scientists ... and to the university libraries" from Christian Wilhelm (University of Leipzig, Germany) writing in Journal of Plant Physiology read more ... Molecular Phylogeny of MicroorganismsEdited by: Aharon Oren and R. Thane PapkeISBN: 978-1-904455-67-7Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: July 2010 Cover: hardback"I st... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4871233 Fri, 27 May 2011 14:35:36 +0100 4871233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828343&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F05%2Finterferon-and-viruses.html Book review of Viruses and Interferon: Current Research: "Dr. Mossman has convinced many of the leaders in this field of research to contribute to this book ... has done an excellent job of putting together a series of thorough reviews that focus on a specific topic and are well written. This book will be of value to those individuals who want a source of focused information on how the innate interferon response to viral infection has evolved and how the attacking viruses have similarly developed mechanisms to evade the interferon response." from ISICR Newsletter read more ... Viruses and Interferon: Current ResearchEdited by: Karen MossmanISBN: 978-1-904455-81-3Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: May 2011 Cover: hardback"a series of thorough reviews" (ISICR Newsletter) (Sou... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828343 Tue, 17 May 2011 07:54:20 +0100 4828343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820077&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F05%2Fsalmonella.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Salmonella: From Genome to Function: "recommended reading for all scientists working on bacterial genomics, molecular biology and bacterial molecular and cellular pathogenesis." from Food Sci. Technol. Abstr. (2011) 43(5) read more ... Salmonella: From Genome to FunctionEdited by: Steffen PorwollikISBN: 978-1-904455-73-8Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: January 2011 Cover: hardback"recommended reading" (Food Sci. Technol. Abstr.) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820077 Thu, 12 May 2011 08:00:09 +0100 4820077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820078&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F05%2Fvaccine-design.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel Strategies: "Subject treatment is thorough and extensive references are included, as well as high-quality illustrations." from Reference and Research Book News (April 2011) read more ... Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesEdited by: Rino Rappuoli and Fabio BagnoliISBN: 978-1-904455-74-5Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: February 2011 Cover: hardback"high-quality illustrations" (Ref. Res. Book News) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820078 Thu, 12 May 2011 07:49:34 +0100 4820078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820079&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F05%2Fveterinary-parasitology.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Essentials of Veterinary Parasitology: "an original review of the main general parasitological issues ... The mechanisms of parasite establishment in the host at cellular and population levels are admirably summarized according to the many factors involved, depending on host, parasite and environment. In addition, the basics of host immune defences are nicely reviewed" from Domenico Otranto (University of Bari, Italy) writing in Parasites and Vectors (2011) 4: 67 read more ... Essentials of Veterinary ParasitologyEdited by: Hany M. Elsheikha and Naveed Ahmed KhanISBN: 978-1-904455-79-0 (paperback); 978-1-904455-80-6 (hardback)Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: May 2011 Cover: paperback"an original review" (... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820079 Thu, 12 May 2011 07:36:51 +0100 4820079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758292&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F04%2Fsalmonella-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Salmonella: From Genome to Function: "This book contains valuable information on recent research discoveries related to Salmonella. It is a valuable resource for any investigator working in bacterial genetics and pathogenicity." from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas Medical Center, USA) writing in Doodys read more ... Salmonella: From Genome to FunctionEdited by: Steffen PorwollikISBN: 978-1-904455-73-8Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: January 2011 Cover: hardback"a valuable resource" (Doodys) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758292 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:36:12 +0100 4758292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714226&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F04%2Fborrelia-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Borrelia: Molecular Biology, Host Interaction and Pathogenesis: "a clear-headed compendium of scientific knowledge ... the text makes judicious use of figures and has a small number of color plates. Each chapter is heavily referenced ... this is a landmark resource in the field of borreliae. It is truly the first and the sole resource that comprehensively synthesizes the state of knowledge gained from decades of research. This book is a must for any investigator in this field and will no doubt be consulted frequently. It should be a required acquisition for any medical school library, research institution, and microbiology laboratory, including especially those with interests in genetics and immunology. ... the editors and... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714226 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:03:42 +0100 4714226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696620&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-atlas-of-ultrasound-guided-procedures-in-interventional-pain-management%2F2011.04.10 Narouze SN, ed. Atlas of Ultrasound-Guided Procedures in Interventional Pain Management.  Springer 2011, 372 pages, 465 illustration, $189.00. In 1941, Dr. Karl Theodore Dussik of Austria introduced the idea of using ultrasound waves as a diagnostic tool. Over the next few decades he, along with others like Professor Ian Donald of Scotland, developed the practical technology and applications of ultrasound in the field of medicine. Since then, ultrasound (US) has become progressively more useful across a wide range of medical specialties, for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. US is quickly becoming the imaging modality of choice to guide practitioners in pain management and musculoskeletal interventions. Although fluoroscopy has long been a mainstay in image-guidance for such pro... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696620 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:00:11 +0100 4696620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670114&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-for-neurosurgeons-intraoperative-mri-guided-neurosurgery%2F2011.04.01 Hall WA, Nimsky C, Truwit CL. Intraoperative MRI-Guided Neurosurgery. Thieme 2010, 272 pages, $159.95. This book is a multiauthored text edited by three senior authors who have a tremendous experience in the use of intraoperative MRI technology. The book is divided into five sections that describe the various iterations of iMRIs that are available, its application for minor procedures, the resection of neoplastic lesions, and its role in the management of nonneoplastic disorders. The last section focuses on the future improvements in design that are likely to improve surgical access and utility of this burgeoning technology. The first section describes the characteristics of iMRI machines that are available in the low, medium and high field strength. The reader gets a very good idea about ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670114 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 17:00:44 +0100 4670114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4669793&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F04%2Fphylogeny-of-microorganisms.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms: "the outstanding book edited by Oren and Papke, Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms, obligatory reading for all microbiologists to understand the essential concepts of microbial systematics and the present tree of live in our planet." from Mercedes Berlanga (University of Barcelona, Spain) writing in International Microbiology (2010) 13: 219-220 read more ... Molecular Phylogeny of MicroorganismsEdited by: Aharon Oren and R. Thane PapkeISBN: 978-1-904455-67-7Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: July 2010 Cover: hardback"outstanding book" (Intl. Microbiol.) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4669793 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:33:22 +0100 4669793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4663491&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F04%2Fmetagenomics.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Metagenomics: Theory, Methods and Applications: "an extremely well-written, easy to read, and highly informative book that discusses the importance of metagenomics and what it brings not only to molecular biology, but also to fields such as microbiology, ecology, evolution, and medicine ... This volume is recommended for scientists in any field who are interested in learning more about metagenomics, how to make sense of what this term really means, and how they can benefit from this newly formed and extremely promising field ... this is a book that takes a seemingly complex and convoluted subject, organizes it, and turns it into a volume that is an enjoyable and educational read." from Sarah M. Gray (Ecology and Evolution,... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4663491 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:55:35 +0100 4663491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664499&cid=t_91086_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F31%2Fmoodjuice%2F I had a nice email from James Hardie from Moodjuice website, an NHS Scotland site developed for both health professionals and individuals to access self help resources. For patients, the site starts by saying “Emotional problems are often the mind and body’s way of saying that something needs to be changed in our life” - I like that!  I like the way the patient area is based on practical problems like housing, childcare, hobbies and interests, meeting people, relationships and so on. For professionals, the feature that really appeals to me is the “build your own resource” area.  This enables you to put together the most relevant handouts for the person you’re seeing – a lovely feature! Then you can print the whole lot off, and it’s a pulled-tog... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664499 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:12:26 +0100 4664499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577905&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fchronic-pain-chocolate-and-vicodin%2F2011.03.12 Chocolate and vicodin? No, it’s not the latest Ben & Jerry’s flavor. “Chocolate & Vicodin: My Quest For Relief From the Headache That Wouldn’t Go Away” is the latest book by author, blogger, web designer, and busy woman Jennette Fulda. I became acquainted with Jennette’s blog during BlogHer 2008, where I had purchased her first book, “Half-Assed: A Weight-Loss Memoir.” When she asked if I would like a copy of “Chocolate & Vicodin” to review, I jumped at the chance. In “Half-Assed,” Jennette chronicled her journey to a near-200 pound weight loss. Just prior to that book’s release, she began another journey — one whose goal proved elusive. On February 17, 2008, Jennette went to bed with a headache. She still ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577905 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:00:18 +0100 4577905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4574801&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F03%2Fstreptomyces-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: "This book would be appropriate for scientists working with higher level bacteria and it will serve as a major reference for scientists in this field for years to come." from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas Medical Center, USA) writing in Doodys read more ... Streptomyces: Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyEdited by: Paul DysonISBN: 978-1-904455-77-6Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: March 2011 Cover: hardback"a major reference" (Doodys) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4574801 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:46:53 +0100 4574801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4540566&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-steeped-in-blood-the-life-and-times-of-a-forensic-scientist%2F2011.03.02 This post is a bit of a diversion from my usual posts, but I think it may still be worthwhile. You see, I want to promote a book. I’ve just read the book, “Steeped in Blood: The Life and Times of a Forensic Scientist“ by David Klatzow. What a stunning book. It really gives insight into the South Africa of old and possibly what South Africa of future may end up being like. I suggest that everyone get ahold of it and read it. However, David, I do feel I must challenge you on one point. Towards the end of your book, you say one of your surgeon friends told you a story of one of our Cuban import surgeons who tried to do a tonsillectomy through the neck rather than through the mouth, the normal way of doing it. I know this story and have heard it often myself in the cor... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4540566 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4540566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522106&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-thank-you-a-day%2F2011.02.25 This is a guest post by Dr. John Schumann. ********** I just read the book “365 Thank Yous” by John Kralik. I heard an interview with the author on NPR and it caught my attention. Kralik had been down on his luck in 2007: Divorced twice, overweight, with a struggling law firm that he’d started, he was also failing in a new romantic relationship. He was worried about losing his seven-year-old daughter, too, in a custody dispute. He made a momentous decision: Instead of feeling sorry for himself (easy to do given his predicaments), he decided to be grateful for what he had. To show it, he vowed to write a thank-you note every day for the next year. What do you think happened? His life changed for the better. His relationship improved. His clients started paying their bills... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522106 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4522106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517169&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-tabloid-medicine-how-the-internet-is-being-used-to-hijack-medical-science-for-fear-and-profit%2F2011.02.24 This was the Guest Blog at Scientific American on February 23rd, 2011.  In his new book, “Tabloid Medicine: How The Internet Is Being Used to Hijack Medical Science for Fear and Profit,” Robert Goldberg, PhD, explains why the Internet is a double-edged sword when it comes to health information. On the one hand, the Web can empower people with quality medical information that can help them make informed decisions. On the other hand, the Web is an unfiltered breeding ground for urban legends, fear-mongering and snake oil salesmen. Goldberg uses case studies to expose the sinister side of health misinformation. Perhaps the most compelling example of a medical “manufactroversy” (defined as a manufactured controversy that is motivated by profit or extreme ideology to in... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517169 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:00:01 +0100 4517169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495204&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fovertreated-is-underread%2F2011.02.18 My daughter, Elana, home from college on winter break, offered me a book to peruse from one of her classes. She correctly suspected that her father, the MD Whistleblower, would enjoy reading a book authored by a whistleblower pro. The book, “Overtreated: Why Too Much Medicine Is Making Us Sicker and Poorer” by Shannon Brownlee should be required reading for first year medical students, who have not yet acquired views and habits that promulgate excessive medical care and treatment. For those of us already in practice, this book should be a required element of board recertification. Brownlee understands the medical system well and describes a culture of excess, conflicts of interests, absence of universal quality control mechanisms and fractured and disorganized care with no one ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495204 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +0100 4495204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489096&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F02%2Fbifidobacterium-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Bifidobacteria: Genomics and Molecular Aspects: "... highly regarded authors ... an up-to-date analysis of various aspects of bifidobacterial biology that is well-written, informative and uses high-quality graphics ... aspects like probiotic traits, safety, physiology and ecology are covered ... the editors and authors should be congratulated on their approach and the finished work." from Glenn Gibson (University of Reading, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Bifidobacteria: Genomics and Molecular AspectsEdited by: Baltasar Mayo and Douwe van SinderenISBN: 978-1-904455-68-4Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: August 2010 Cover: hardback"well-written, informative and uses high-quality graphics" (M... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489096 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:54:53 +0100 4489096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489097&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F02%2Firon-uptake-and-homeostasis.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Iron Uptake and Homeostasis in Microorganisms: "... written by undoubted specialists in the field of the iron biology of micro-organisms ... well-written, comprehensive and, for a book of this type, contemporary. The contribution by Mark O'Brian and Elena Fabiano on iron uptake in the rhizobia was, I thought, especially well done" from Andrew Johnston (University of East Anglia, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Iron Uptake and Homeostasis in MicroorganismsEdited by: Pierre Cornelis and Simon C. AndrewsISBN: 978-1-904455-65-3Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: June 2010 Cover: hardback"well-written, comprehensive ... contemporary" (Microbiology Today) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489097 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:46:59 +0100 4489097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489098&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F02%2Fmolecular-phylogeny-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms: "This book provides a timely assessment of current concepts in the molecular phylogeny of microbes since the foundations based on ribosomal RNA genes were described by Carl Woese more than 30 years ago ... I found this book to very informative both in defining the terms used by the authors, introducing each subject and also in providing good well-referenced reviews ... I found this book to be a mine of useful information and it gives some clear explanations of (to me) quite difficult concepts ... I would recommend this book to all microbiologists with an interest in molecular phylogeny." from Norman Fry (Health Protection Agency, UK) writing in Microbiology Today read more ... Molecul... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489098 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:25:53 +0100 4489098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477763&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-physical-and-metaphorical-heart%2F2011.02.14 Listening to NPR on Saturday morning I caught part of Scott Simon’s interview with brothers Stephen Amidon and Thomas Amidon, M.D. discussing their book “The Sublime Engine: A Biography of the Human Heart.” The interview touched on the story of the human heart in science and medicine, history, and culture:  It turns out that the classic red heart symbol we see almost everywhere around Valentine’s Day doesn’t look much like a real human heart at all. “Of all the theories about where that symbol comes from, my favorite is that it is a representation of a sixth century B.C. aphrodisiac from northern Africa,” says Stephen Amidon…”And I kind of like that history because it sort of suggests that early on, people sort of understood the conne... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477763 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4477763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429019&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-dietary-guidelines-offer-little-new-guidance%2F2011.02.02 There isn’t much new in the latest iteration of the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” Three years in the making, the 2010 guidelines (released a tad late, on January 31, 2011) offer the usual advice about eating less of the bad stuff (salt; saturated fat, trans fats, and cholesterol; and refined grains) and more of the good stuff (fruits and vegetables; whole grains; seafood, beans, and other lean protein; and unsaturated fats). I’ve listed the 23 main recommendations below. You can also find them on the “Dietary Guidelines” website. The guidelines do break some new ground. They state loudly and clearly that overweight and obesity are a leading nutrition problem in the United States, and that a healthy diet can help people achieve a healthy weight. They also r... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429019 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:00:27 +0100 4429019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429021&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-why-we-get-fat-and-what-to-do-about-it%2F2011.02.02 Journalist Gary Taubes created a stir in 2007 with his impressive but daunting 640-page tome Good Calories, Bad Calories. Now he has written a shorter, more accessible book Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It to take his message to a wider audience. His basic thesis is that: - The calories-in/calories-out model is wrong. - Carbohydrates are the cause of obesity and are also important causes of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and most of the so-called diseases of civilization. - A low-fat diet is not healthy. - A low-carb diet is essential both for weight loss and for health. - Dieters can satisfy their hunger pangs and eat as much as they want and still lose weight as long as they restrict carbohydrates. He supports his thesis with data from the scientific litera... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429021 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:00:44 +0100 4429021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4428641&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F02%2Fpcr-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of PCR Troubleshooting and Optimization: The Essential Guide: "The book provides a comprehensive selection of the most recently developed applications for PCR use ... This is an essential book for investigators using PCR technology. The PCR-related topics will be of interest to most, if not all, investigators engaged in research that uses this important technique ... a well-balanced book on the many potential uses of this powerful technique. It also provides a number of updated strategies for investigators interested in incorporating this technique in their research. The presentation is straightforward and is based on proven examples. The book should prove to be a valuable tool to all those interested in PCR technology." from... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4428641 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 08:54:31 +0100 4428641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419137&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-deadly-choices-how-the-anti-vaccine-movement-threatens-us-all%2F2011.01.31 A friend suggested she was tired of hearing about vaccines. Her comment and our subsequent conversation seemed to reflect an important shift in parent sentiment: The conversation about vaccines is beginning to get somewhere. While much of this was born of the mainstream media’s newfound realization that the vaccine-autism connection was cooked, some of this is due to the tireless work of those like the Children’s Hospital of Philedelphia’s Dr. Paul Offit who get the story right. As part of his passionate agenda to expose vaccine truths, he’s published “Deadly Choices: How the Anti-vaccine Movement Threatens Us All” (Basic Books, 2011). For those looking to understand the origins of anti-vaccine sentiment, read this book. What struck me is the deep history beh... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419137 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:00:50 +0100 4419137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399130&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F01%2Fpathogenic-fungi-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Pathogenic Fungi: Insights in Molecular Biology: "the authors have done a good job in bringing together disparate references pertaining to a fascinating but technically involved area of study" from Australian Journal of Medical Science November (2010) 31: 4. read more ... Pathogenic Fungi: Insights in Molecular BiologyEdited by: Gioconda San-Blas and Richard A. CalderoneISBN: 978-1-904455-32-5Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: July 2008Cover: hardback"the authors have done a good job" (Aus. J. Med. Sci.) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399130 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 09:11:11 +0100 4399130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4393827&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F01%2Fvaccine-design-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel Strategies: "The authors share their expertise so other scientists can build on their work ... valuable information on current vaccines and the development of new vaccines, including technologies to identify and generate antigens for new vaccines" from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas Medical Center) writing in Doodys read more ... Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel StrategiesEdited by: Rino Rappuoli and Fabio BagnoliISBN: 978-1-904455-74-5Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: February 2011 Cover: hardback"valuable information" (Doodys)Suggested reading: Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel Strategies (Source: Microbiology Blog: The... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4393827 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:57:38 +0100 4393827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4393828&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F01%2Fenvironmental-microbiology-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Environmental Microbiology: Current Technology and Water Applications: "For researchers and graduate students in environmental microbiology, related scientists, and regulators ... The mix of conventional and novel techniques should be very helpful to researchers." from SciTech Book News read more ... Environmental Microbiology: Current Technology and Water ApplicationsEdited by: Keya Sen and Nicholas J. AshboltISBN: 978-1-904455-70-7Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: January 2011 Cover: hardback"very helpful to researchers" (SciTech Book News) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4393828 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:19:39 +0100 4393828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4393829&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F01%2Fbifidobacteria-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Bifidobacteria: Genomics and Molecular Aspects: "Leading scientists in the field present reviews that cover their specialist research topic. Well-written chapters cover topics ranging from ecology, phylogeny, genetics, genomics, metabolism, as well as the antibiotic and probiotic facets of Bifidobacteria ... the editors have done an excellent job in ensuring that the book is a good and enjoyable read. This work will be of general interest to microbiologists, immunologists as well as researchers in the medical field. It goes without saying that this is essential reading for all specialists in the field of Bifidobacteria." from Gary Sawers writing in BIOspektrum read more ... Bifidobacteria: Genomics and Molecular AspectsEdi... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4393829 Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:06:50 +0100 4393829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382765&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-heading-outdoors-eventually-leads-within%2F2011.01.21 “Heading Outdoors Eventually Leads Within” is a small book written by Kathy and Craig Copeland and published through their company, HikingCamping.com. Here’s a summary from the website: Everyone walks. What distinguishes hikers is that walking does more than transport us, it transforms us. But nowhere is the thoughtful undercurrent of hiking celebrated. The wisdom we glean from the wilds is a match lit in the rain. That’s why we created this book: to cup our hands around the flame. These journal entries are the mental waypoints we recorded while hiking 30,000 miles / 48,280 km (more than the circumference of the Earth) through wildlands worldwide. Accompanying them are photos of the places (primarily the Canadian Rockies, Utah canyon country, and New Zealand) where ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382765 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4382765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343127&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Finfluenza-its-not-just-the-flu%2F2011.01.13 One of our readers suggested that I review the book The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History, by John M. Barry. It’s not a new book (it was published in 2004) but it is very pertinent to several of the issues that we have been discussing on this blog, especially in regards to the current anti-vaccine movement. It’s well worth reading for its historical insights, for its illumination of the scientific method, and for its accurate reporting of what science has learned about influenza. In the great flu epidemic of 1918, influenza killed as many people in 24 weeks as AIDS has killed in 24 years. It’s hard to even imagine what that must have been like, but this book helps us imagine it. It tells horror stories: Children found alone and starving beside the cor... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343127 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:00:51 +0100 4343127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318008&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2011%2F01%2Fbifidobacteria-book-reviews.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpts from recent book reviews of Bifidobacteria: Genomics and Molecular Aspects: "This book would be useful to all scientists working on the benefits of intestinal Bifidobacteria. The review of topics will help promote additional research in academic settings as well as industrial development of products. The authors of each chapter are well-recognized scientists from many different settings such as government, academia and industry ... There are few books focused on the benefits of resident bacteria. This book covers the topic of Bifidobacterium extensively and will lead other scientists to move into this area, and their research can lead to products that enhance human health." from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas Medical Center) writing i... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318008 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:15:37 +0100 4318008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314006&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhenrietta-lacks-and-her-immortal-cells%2F2011.01.05 If you like science, true history, and an engaging story, pick up the new book by journalist Rebecca Skloot, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and prepare for a great read. I knew nothing about the young black woman whose cells were taken back in 1951 by a scientist at Johns Hopkins Hospital and how those cells have revolutionized modern cell biology and research. The HeLa (named after HEnrietta LAcks) cells were taken as she lay dying on the “colored” ward at Johns Hopkins Hospital of aggressive cervical cancer at age 30. Everyone who studies basic cell biology has heard of HeLa cells because they were the first human cell line to be successfully grown in culture and they are alive today. HeLa cells were sent to researchers all across the globe and have been... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314006 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4314006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4304877&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-best-book-on-health-care-reform%2F2011.01.03 The best book on health care reform — or surviving it — is the “The Innovator’s Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care.” The decade worth of research spent understanding, studying, and ultimately offering solutions to make the health care system more accessible, higher quality, and affordable is clear. Unlike other books, the authors, respected Harvard Business School (HBS) professor Clayton Christensen, Jerome Grossman, a doctor who also was the Director of Health Care Delivery Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School, and Jason Hwang, another doctor and graduate of the MBA program at HBS, avoid the traps the plague most other solutions by taking a completely different perspective by looking at other industries where products and services offere... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4304877 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4304877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4300552&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-war-against-cancer-a-new-perspective%2F2010.12.30 Myths and misconceptions about cancer abound. Oncologists are frequently criticized for torturing patients by burning, cutting and poisoning without making any real progress in the war against cancer. Siddhartha Mukherjee, an oncologist and cancer researcher, tries to set the record straight with his new book The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer.   It is a unique combination of insightful history, cutting edge science reporting, and vivid stories about the individuals involved: The scientists, the activists, the doctors, and the patients. It is also the story of science itself: How the scientific method works and how it developed, how we learned to randomize, do controlled trials, get informed consent, use statistics appropriately, and how science can go wrong. It is so bea... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4300552 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:00:43 +0100 4300552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4182787&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F11%2Fcalicivirus-book-review.html I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Caliciviruses: Molecular and Cellular Virology: "Major progress has been made in the study of the molecular biology of these viruses over the past 10-15 years, and the most important findings are reviewed here by experts in the field ... All chapters are carefully and clearly written, and supported by references reaching well into 2009 ... This book is a splendid example of how fast a research field which has been beset by many difficulties for a long time can move and create excitement. The book is highly recommended to specialized virologists and molecular biologists, but also to epidemiologists, infectious disease and general physicians, and to all interested students of biomedical/microbial sciences." from Ulrich Desse... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4182787 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:38:49 +0100 4182787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172058&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-just-like-someone-without-mental-illness-only-more-so%2F2010.11.16 I’ll cut to the chase: I loved this book. Five stars. Two thumbs up. When I read books, especially psychiatry books that I write about on Shrink Rap, I often read more carefully and sometimes more critically. I was so immersed in reading “Just Like Someone Without Mental Illness Only More So” that I didn’t stop to think, I just went on the journey. Mark Vonnegut is a pediatrician and the son of my favorite author when I was in junior high school. His memoir is a poignant and candid account of his struggles with, well, life in general, and life with a psychotic illness in particular. Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder — who knows? (I’ll vote for bipolar disorder.) Some illness where he had three episodes in his twenties, then another episode 14 years later. ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172058 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4172058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4096635&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fpopulation-genetics-book-review.html%23unique-entry-id-212 I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Microbial Population Genetics: "valuable contribution to the rapidly advancing field of microbial population genetics" from SciTech Book News (September 2010) 43. read more ... Microbial Population GeneticsEdited by: Jianping XuISBN: 978-1-904455-59-2Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: March 2010 Cover: hardback"valuable contribution" (SciTech) (Source: Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists.) Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4096635 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4096635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077247&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprofessional-boundaries-is-it-okay-for-a-friend-to-treat-a-friend%2F2010.10.17 I just finished reading Dr. Gary Small’s book, The Naked Lady Who Stood On Her Head. In the final chapter of the book, Dr. Small talks about his mentor, friend, and father figure who’s mentioned throughout the book. The mentor approaches him on the golf course, where they meet to talk, and says he needs psychotherapy and Small is the man to do it. The author is surprised, hesitant, and a bit uncomfortable with the demand (it comes as more than a request.) His wife likens it to the need for a plumber or a dentist, and Dr. Small takes on the task. The mentor calls all the shots: Where the meetings will be, what pastry they will eat, the form of his payment. The author initially misses the diagnosis and uses this as an example of how one can be blinded. So is it okay for a friend... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077247 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:00:00 +0100 4077247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040565&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-the-mayo-clinic-book-of-home-remedies%2F2010.10.07 I write a lot of critical articles. It’s nice to be able to write a positive one for a change. I received a prepublication proof of The Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies: What to Do for the Most Common Health Problems. It is due to be released on October 26 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com. Since “quackademic” medicine is infiltrating our best institutions and organizations, I wasn’t sure I could trust even the prestigious Mayo Clinic. I was expecting some questionable recommendations for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments, but I found nothing in the book that I could seriously object to. It is organized alphabetically, starting with acne and airplane ear and progressing through bedbugs, boils and bronchitis, dandruff, depression and diabetes to warts, w... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040565 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:00:43 +0100 4040565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012160&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Fphylogeny-book-review.html%23unique-entry-id-202 I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms:"Molecular phylogeny, the analysis of gene or protein sequences to unravel the relatedness among microorganisms, plays an important role in microbial taxonomy. One of the most exciting developments in this respect was the discovery of the two domains, Bacteria and Archaea, by Carl Woese in the 1970th. The present book, Molecular Phylogeny of Microorganisms, edited by Aharon Ohren and R. Thane Papke, describes very nicely the different approaches to apply molecular phylogeny, encountering the difficulties with the present phylogenomic species concept. This book ... addresses the most interesting issues in relation to molecular phylogeny ... Anyone, who is interested in microbial phyloge... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012160 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965409&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Feating-a-food-based-approach%2F2010.09.14 The science of nutrition is changing and not in the way you might expect. After years of “reductionist” thinking — where food has been viewed as the sum of its parts -– a call to treat food as food has been sounded. No more poring over nutrition labels to calculate grams of fat or chasing down the latest go-to chemical –- be it vitamin E, fish oil or omega-3. Instead we are being asked to call a potato a potato and a piece of steak — well, a piece of steak. If you haven’t heard about this sea change yet, you are not alone. The food science industry that markets “food products” for our consumption has done a good job giving their laboratory creations a semblance of health with phrases like “low fat” and “high in vitamin C.” For our part, the medical community i... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965409 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:00:27 +0100 3965409 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993039&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2Ffiles%2Ffungi-book-review.html%23unique-entry-id-200 I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Pathogenic Fungi: Insights in Molecular Biology:"The authors present a succinct review of new information on fungal pathogenicity. This new volume on the current research on fungal pathogens is a valuable resource for both scientists and clinicians. These discoveries will clearly lead to new drug discoveries and therapeutic tests that will save the lives of many patients." from Rebecca T. Horvat (University of Kansas Medical Center, USA) writing in Shock (2008) 30: 753. read more ...Pathogenic Fungi: Insights in Molecular BiologyEdited by: Gioconda San-Blas and Richard A. CalderoneISBN: 978-1-904455-32-5Publisher: Caister Academic PressPublication Date: July 2008Cover: hardbacka valuable resource (Source: Microbiology Blog... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993039 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3993039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913123&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-biomedical-look-at-spaceflight%2F2010.08.28 Book review by Dan Buckland (Dan Buckland is an editor at Medgadget and an MD/PhD student at Harvard Med/MIT whose thesis deals with diagnosing back injury in spaceflight using ultrasound.) Mary Roach, author of previous entertaining books Bonk (a history of sex research) and Stiff (a history of cadaver research), has turned her considerable talents in translating decades of research into a readable review of human (and animal) spaceflight experimentation. The title of her new book, Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void, is a bit of a misnomer — only the last chapter is devoted to the medical advances needed for a trip to Mars. However, it is a great layman’s history of the biomedical results of both the American and Russian space programs. Through my own re... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913123 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:00:58 +0100 3913123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890475&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Futi-and-eat-pray-love%2F2010.08.21 I really didn’t expect to like Eat, Pray, Love. In fact, since its publication in 2006, I’d been avoiding it like the plague. “Typical new-agey, Oprah-y, girly-book,” I thought. Nothing in it to speak to me. Then I saw the trailer for the movie, and I was hooked –- probably because I, like mostly everyone, love Julia Roberts. I immediately downloaded the book on my iPhone using the Kindle App and began to read. First, let me say that Elizabeth Gilbert writes exceptionally well, and the book is actually a joy to read. I, of course, loved the Italy eating part. But more surprising to me, I wasn’t turned off by the whole yoga, Guru, find-yourself stuff. This is because Gilbert writes it all with a reporter’s curiosity and a skeptic’s eye, and frames it not as a belief syst... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890475 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:00:54 +0100 3890475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833545&cid=t_91086_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fbah-bbb-latest%2F I don’t think I’ve got the Bah! BBB quite right yet. I think the idea is sound, but the execution isn’t quite there. I have a mountain of fantastic books from generous authors, publishers and booky people, but I don’t think I’m quite getting the message out. And part of the reason is that the Bah! BBB isn’t visible enough. So I’m going to do things a bit differently. Today is your last chance to pick a book from the current selection, here. I’m going to sprinkle book giveaways through this blog until I’ve set up the Bah! BBB site, which should be sometime in September. The Bah! BBB site will then focus on books and reviews with the odd reference to cancer, and this site will focus on cancer with the occasional reference to books. I&#82... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833545 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 05:29:01 +0100 3833545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3762903&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwill-science-succeed-with-an-anti-aging-revolution%2F2010.07.17 Wouldn’t it be great if we could find a way to prolong our lives and to keep us healthy right up to the end? Ponce de León never found that Fountain of Youth, but science is still looking. What are the chances science will succeed? How’s it doing so far? In his new book The Youth Pill: Scientists at the Brink of an Anti-Aging Revolution, David Stipp tries to answer those questions. From the title of the book, I expected hype about resveratrol or some other miracle pill, but instead it is a nuanced, levelheaded, entertaining, informative account of the history and current state of longevity research. It makes that research come alive by telling stories about the people involved, the failures and setbacks, and the agonizingly slow process of teasing out the truth with a series of experi... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3762903 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:00:59 +0100 3762903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3701674&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffor-moms-and-moms-to-be-with-diabetes%2F2010.06.26 For anyone who has been reading my blog since my engagement three years ago, you know that motherhood has been on my radar for a long time. Longer than marriage. That quest for a decent A1C, that desire for a “normal” pregnancy, and that hope for a happy and healthy baby. Part of the reason I wanted to write about my pregnancy here on SUM is because there wasn’t a lot of information out there about pre-existing diabetes and pregnancy. There was a LOT of information on gestational diabetes (obviously), and type 2 diabetes got some good press, but type 1 diabetes was sort of swept under the rug. Thankfully, there were a few diabetes bloggers who had chronicled their journeys, and I wanted to add my voice to that hopeful chorus.    But also thankfully, Cheryl Alkon had... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3701674 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:00:49 +0100 3701674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699495&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-doctors-think-vs-how-patients-think%2F2010.06.25 If you want to see the difference between how doctors and patients think, read Jerome Groopman’s “How Doctors Think” and Thomas Goetz’s “The Decision Tree.” The contrast is striking. “How Doctors Think,” while offering a comprehensive review of the cognitive missteps made by physicians, is terminally physician-centric in its analysis of the relationship we share with patients. ”The Decision Tree,” while offering a novel blueprint for self-reliance in health, seems almost sheepish in its recognition that physicians are even really that important. The muted physician cameos of “The Decision Tree” stand in stark contrast to Groopman’s Harvard-trained masters of the universe. (more…) *This blog post was originall... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699495 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:21:16 +0100 3699495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614520&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-readings-on-combat-medicine-and-battle-zone-care%2F2010.05.31 When Americans think about wartime medicine, “MASH” reruns and the comic antics of Hot Lips Houlihan and Hawkeye Pierce are likely to come to mind. A decidedly more authentic view can be found in “Paradise General” and “The Nightingale of Mosul,” books by a real-life Army surgeon, Dr. Dave Hnida, and an Army nurse, Col. Susan Luz. Both authors served in Iraq during some of the bloodiest days of the war in 2006 and 2007. At an age when people often retire from the military, 48-year-old Dr. Hnida, a family physician in Littleton, Colo., volunteered for service, answering the Army’s call for doctors. Col. Luz was a 56-year-old Army reservist—her previous tours had included delivering babies for military families stationed in Germany and bringing humanitarian aid to South A... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614520 Mon, 31 May 2010 12:00:58 +0100 3614520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603599&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbook-review-stroke-diaries-a-guide-for-survivors-and-their-families%2F2010.05.25 I had the distinct pleasure of reading Stroke Diaries this past week. Its author, Dr. Olajide Williams, is a dear friend and contributor to this blog. I first met Dr. Willliams (or Jide, pronounced “gee-day”) as a young neurology resident at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. I was in my third year of medical school and rotating through the neurology service. A few things struck me about Jide back then. First, he was the only resident who never got an answer wrong when put on the spot (aka “pimped”) by his superiors. I was in awe of his knowledge base — something he’d developed by disciplining himself to do additional reading long after his peers were asleep. Second, Jide was always immaculately dressed — his stylish, brightly-colored shirts and ties ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603599 Tue, 25 May 2010 18:22:06 +0100 3603599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3592212&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fan-eaters-guide-to-food%2F2010.05.23 Michael Pollan has become one of our most important writers about human nutrition. His book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma (2006), spelled out why the almost eight billion humans on this planet had better balance what we eat – for our own health and the health of the planet. He published a small book in 2009 (Penguin Books) called Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual. His rules are around seven words in three brief statements: “Eat Food, Not Too Much, Mostly Plants.” How simple and wise is that? These three statements make up the three parts of this small book, with lots of practical “rules.” (more…) *This blog post was originally published at eDocAmerica* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3592212 Sun, 23 May 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3592212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581607&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhats-your-poison-science-and-medicine-vs-chemical-poisoning%2F2010.05.20 This is going to be a quick welcome to Deborah Blum (@deborahblum) who has just moved her blog, Speakeasy Science, to ScienceBlogs. Why quick? Because I am only 22 pages away from finishing her latest book, The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York. This engaging tale of the race of science and medicine against chemical poisonings for profit and punishment features the true story of NYC chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler. Of course, the other actors are arsenic, methanol, chloroform, thallium, and radium, among others. In the teens through the mid-1930s, long before benchtop atomic absorption spectrophotometry and LC/MS instruments, Norris and Gettler devised methods to detect poisons in human tissues... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581607 Thu, 20 May 2010 14:00:49 +0100 3581607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549307&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-decision-tree-for-personalized-medicine%2F2010.05.10 What’s amazing is that despite the vocal movement to empower patients, no one has put together a well-referenced, readable book to help patients understand how they should use personalized medicine to influence their health — until now. Enter The Decision Tree: Taking Control of Your Health in the New Era of Personalized Medicine (Rodale 2010), something of a blueprint of patient liberation written by Thomas Goetz, executive editor of Wired magazine. It offers constructive narrative not only about the importance of the decisions we make but how to apply the concept of an old-fashioned decision tree in making those decisions. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at 33 Charts* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549307 Mon, 10 May 2010 14:00:09 +0100 3549307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3546847&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-baby-to-practice-with%2F2010.05.09 Dr. Jon LaPook talks to author Lisa Grunwald and psychiatrist Bill Fisher about the history of childrearing as it relates to Grunwald’s new novel “The Irresistible Henry House.” Watch CBS News Videos Online Don’t Date This Guy!   The guy is Henry House, the title character of my friend Lisa Grunwald’s latest novel, “The Irresistible Henry House,” and in addition to the fact that he’s fictional, he’s not a good bet. Henry knows how to please women — how to talk to them, react to them, how and when to touch them.   The problem is that he is — or at any rate seems to be — utterly incapable of making a true connection with any of them.   Though pure fiction, Henry is based on pure fact: From the 1920s until the end of ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3546847 Sun, 09 May 2010 11:40:12 +0100 3546847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515557&cid=t_91086_133_f&fid=35082&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.gbrettmiller.com%2Flife-is-for-living-a-review-of-get-out-explore-and-have-fun%2F On her blog at About.com:Autism, Lisa Jo Rudy usually asks questions. In her soon to be released new book, Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun!: How Families of Children With Autism or Asperger Syndrome Can Get the Most Out of Community Activities, she answers two very important questions: Why should you “get out, explore, and have fun” with your autistic child? How do you do this? By far the more important of these two questions (in my opinion) is the first, the “why”. Too many parents of children diagnosed as autistic spend all of their “free” time trying to make their child “more normal” or “less autistic”, and not enough time on letting their child be a kid. As Lisa explains, this is true even in – especially in – sch... 29 Marbles blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515557 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:19:14 +0100 3515557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3437858&cid=t_91086_133_f&fid=35082&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.gbrettmiller.com%2Fyoure-going-to-love-this-kid-and-this-book%2F You’re 22 years old, fresh out of school. It’s your first day as a teacher, and you learn that one of your students is a 6 year old autistic boy. You are given a stack of reports and files that tell you, in detail, how “bad” this little boy is and how hard it is going to be to teach him. You want to sneak out the back and run away. And right then the school administrator – grinning, animated, excited – finds you and says: “You’re going to be Jacob’s teacher. That’s fantastic. You’re going to LOVE this kid!” That is the story of Paula Kluth’s first day, as she recounts it in the preface to her book You’re Going to Love This Kid!. This is an incredible book. If you are the parent or teacher of a school age a... 29 Marbles blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3437858 Mon, 05 Apr 2010 11:16:10 +0100 3437858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208026&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Findustrial-applications-of-aspergillus.html "This feast of hugely topical science culminates with an overview of novel industrial applications of Aspergillus oryzaee genomics (Abe et. al., Chapter 10), inciting much enthusiasm for potential applications or exploitations of similar methodologies in other Aspergillus species. Not only does this conclude the suite of species examined with our recognised industrial work horse for heterologous enzyme production, it also presents the opportunity to consider the application of Aspergillus species to biodegradation of plastics and how cell sensing and signalling mechanisms are integral to maximising success in all of the applications under consideration; cue a trans-genus comparison of signal reception and transduction and its relevance to drug screening."from Dr Elaine Bignell (Imperial Co... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208026 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:18:00 +0100 3208026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208027&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Faspergillus-book-review.html "...(a) feast of hugely topical science ... This book presents a modern-day dictionary of all things Aspergillus. It is highly readable and has been considerately crafted in terms of structure. From the very first chapter a sense of excitement about the new opportunities afforded by this fascinating genus is derived, which extends far beyond the interests of any single researcher but succeeds in capturing the relevance of genus-based findings for all who work with aspergilli. The essence of functional genomics and systems biology therefore permeates the volume, and ultimately the readers psyche. Not only does it provide a concise and highly current overview of Aspergillus genomics, it also manages to archive decades of relevant and highly insightful biology in a portable format. The book i... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208027 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:15:00 +0100 3208027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3142151&cid=t_91086_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2010%2F01%2Fneisseria-book-review.html from Paola Mastrantonio (Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy) writing in Society for Microbial Ecology and Disease read more ..."This book represents a comprehensive update on the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis both in Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The understanding of the gene expression strategies of pathogenic Neisseria is still limited but the recently published genome sequences of both the above mentioned species will provide invaluable insights into the basis of pathogenesis as well as on the study of new therapeutic interventions and preventive tools. Mechanisms of adhesion, cellular invasion, interference with the apoptotic cellular machinery and of antibiotic resistance are illustrated such as the role of the innate and ... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3142151 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:42:00 +0100 3142151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2971986&cid=t_91086_127_f&fid=38263&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fdeepesthealth%2FBMCc%2F%7E3%2FMqs-9W2MXxw%2F I’ve been a little slow out of the gate with this one, folks, and I’m sorry about that. Richard Goodman, author of the excellent Classical Chinese Medical Texts: Learning to Read the Classics of Chinese Medicine Vol I has released Volume II of the series! I have to say that I have never encountered a clearer, more enriching text about Chinese language anywhere. For those of us who don’t have easy access to someone to teach us classical Chinese in person, this text is a great resource. Even if you are already learning Chinese (modern or classical) you will find tremendous benefit in the book.    As I’ve discussed in many places, I believe that learning to read the Classical texts of Chinese medicine is one of the most important, and least appreciated, skill... Deepest Health: Exploring Classical Chinese Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2971986 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:41:32 +0100 2971986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2946867&cid=t_91086_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F31%2Fthoughts-for-halloween%2F Now for some non-concrete thoughts. I dislike Halloween. I especially hate yard decorations. For one thing, do you know how eerie a fluttering ghost or witch can be when you’re driving by in the dark, early in the morning, barely awake, trying to get to the hospital? For another, I think covering your house in Halloween images is downright foolish. Witches, for instance, are not benign jokes. Sure, many self-titled witches today probably can’t accomplish much of anything. However, that doesn’t mean the concept isn’t real. In the Bible, for example, the witch of Endor summoned the spirit of the dead prophet Samuel, who accurately foretold King Saul’s death in battle. In general, the idea of trafficking with Satan should not produce warm fuzzy holiday thoughts. ... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2946867 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:54:49 +0100 2946867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931018&cid=t_91086_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fdont-be-such-a-scientist.html Don’t be such a scientist! It’s the kind of thing I’d expect my sister to say to my face if I’ve gone off on one of my lecture mode conversations about some great discovery, or something some of my artier friends might whisper about me behind my back. Sometimes it’s a personal wish…but then I think of everything those who choose to stifle their curiosity about the world around them miss out on: A rainbow is just as beautiful woven or unravelled, understanding the biochemistry of nectar or photosynthesis doesn’t make a rose smell any less sweet, and the beauty of a clear, night sky is all the more awesome (literally) when you’ve got a vague grasp of its true depths. Anyway, I suspect that’s what Randy Olson is getting at in his book Don&... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931018 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:04 +0100 2931018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2908615&cid=t_91086_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fthis-blog-is-very-nice.html This one, here. It is about books of poetry. You will notice that the blog's title is booksofpoetry (or alternatively BOOKS OF POETRY) so you won't forget it. Nor should you. Go read it. (Source: Zackary Sholem Berger) Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2908615 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:24:00 +0100 2908615 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894805&cid=t_91086_180_f&fid=38619&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FALifeCoachsBlog%2F%7E3%2FyAFTAhwltBE%2F The last post created so much interest I thought rather than wait until next week, I’d strike whilst the iron is hot and follow it up immediately. After all, I made over $3 in Amazon affiliate sales last month and I have ambitions to double that amount this month. These are the books that I have not just drank the Kool-Aid for, but bathed in the damn stuff. With the possible exception of Learned Optimism and the later stages of Mans Search For Meaning, all are fairly accessible and don’t really need any prior knowledge about anything much (other than maybe the English language) to gain benefit from. They are in no particular order and as always feel free to praise me to the heavens or laugh in my face. The Success Principles – Jack Canfield I’m not even sure if I really like th... Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone : blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894805 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:26:21 +0100 2894805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886801&cid=t_91086_180_f&fid=38619&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FALifeCoachsBlog%2F%7E3%2FPcswDc1-9zs%2F As you probably know I don’t like being controversial. I shy away from offering an opinion and prefer to go with the flow whenever possible. However, today it’s time to wave goodbye to Mr Nice Guy as I lay the boot into some of the most overrated, overhyped and oversold books the self development field has ever known. I have no doubt that you’ll have read some of the following books, I have equally no doubt you’ll like some of them. In fact, I like some of them, I just don’t like them as much as it seems everybody else does. Get Things Done – David Allen There is some OK material in GTD, if you’re into tickler files, to do lists and you like to be told everything multiple times. Allen hit the gap in the market for an accessible and easy to understand book on time manageme... Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone : blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886801 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:55:38 +0100 2886801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2838890&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fhealthbolt-reading-room-take-two%2F Milestone birthdays can be stressful times. I find it’s always around any birthday ending in 0 that I start reaching for self-help books. This year was no different. Soon after my birthday, I started reading the following… Change your habits, change your life (A Proven Plan for Healthy Living) by Danna Demetre. In this book, Demetere, a lifestyle coach, provides a 40 day guide to how you can make dynamic and lasting changes to your life by taking an ‘inside-out’ approach. Along the way, you will learn how to turn unhealthy thoughts healthy, stay active and maximize your energy by eating right, achieve true rest and regeneration, and discover how a  writing a daily journal can help in the move towards permanent change. 70 Ways to Beat 70 (Keys to a Longer, Healthier Life). I’m no... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2838890 Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:25:12 +0100 2838890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836164&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fhealthbolt-reading-room%2F What I’ve been reading this week… Healing through writing is the theme of Writing Away The Demons: Stories of Creative Coping through Transformative Writing edited by Dr. Sherry Reiter. The book is a collection of stories written by those who took up a pen and paper during their crisis -  be it alcoholism, domestic violence, cancer, and addiction.  Informative, enlightening, and inspiring, each story offers encouragement and insight to readers who might be in similar circumstances. Deborah King suggests that what you hide can hurt you in Truth Heals, a book that focuses on the relationship between the suppression of truth and how this can later manifest into pain or illness. Using her own personal journey as well as client and celebrity profiles, Deborah offers a roadmap for people w... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836164 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:02:44 +0100 2836164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834239&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-guide-to-raising-fit-kids%2F Raising kids is never easy, especially in this age of junk food, technology, and information overload. We are constantly bombarded by the media with news of rising childhood obesity rates, inactivity, and poor eating habits. What’s a parent to do? Well, one thing that might help is reading Dr Rob’s Guide to Raising Fit Kids. While he doesn’t have all the answers, his expertise as a physician, coach, and parent allows him to provide a general blueprint on how to raise a healthy child Dr Rob is actually Dr Robert S Gotlin, Director of Orthopaedic and Sports Rehabilitation in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. He’s also the team physician for the Harlem Wizards basketball team, a member of the medical team for women’s rugby, U.S. nationa... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834239 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 04:35:20 +0100 2834239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2832112&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-road-rules-to-live-by%2F Did you know that around 40 million squirrels a year get run over on US roads simply because they are so busy running back and forth, with no plan or strategy, with the sole aim of finding nuts? Which is why Andrew J Sherman, in his self-improvement book Road Rules, suggests that we need to ‘Be the Truck. Not the Squirrel.’ Unlike squirrels, trucks are big, powerful, and have a plan, road map, and destination in mind. They, unlike the squirrel, don’t get squashed. Yes, it sounds a bit extreme, even violent and aggressive. But once you get into the book, you’ll find that there is nothing at all aggressive about Andrew’s approach to life. In fact, the book simply uses road signs and rules as the way to navigate the road of life. Road Rules puts a new spin on many of the common road... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2832112 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:02:55 +0100 2832112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812374&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-where-did-all-the-fat-go%2F Fans of ‘The Biggest Loser’ reality series looking to lose weight will be pleased to hear that the doctor behind the program, Dr Robert Huizenga, has written a book “Where Did All The Fat Go” to guide them on their weight loss. But if you plan on following his action plan, be ready to sweat. Huizenga’s weight loss program focuses on large quantities of jogging daily and a strict balanced eating plan. According to him, the body has to work at 120%  7 days a week in order to lose the fat. To do this, anyone looking to lose weight needs to exercise at least 2 hours a day. There is no time to rest. As for the type of exercise, the book focuses primarily on walking and jogging as the two best ways to lose the fat. It’s a program that has merits but be advised, it’s not suitable f... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812374 Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:22:32 +0100 2812374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796371&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-the-writing-diet%2F Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way and Vein of Gold, books about the process of writing through morning pages and journaling, has tackled dieting in her new book The Writing Diet. A big fan of her previous two book on writing, I was interested on seeing how she incorporates writing into weight loss. Turns out she does it quite easily. Julia suggests that by using writing as a primary tool, you can figure out what’s causing your weight problem and then fix it. Full of assignments and creative exercises, the book really makes you stop and think about the choices you have been making and the choices you could make. It’s a comfortable read, offering gentle guidance through your journey of weight loss. Overeating is usually such a mindless activity that we don’t realize we are en... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796371 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:54:13 +0100 2796371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778373&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-you-can-think-yourself-thin%2F Losing weight is not just about reducing and watching what you eat. There’s a myriad of other issues that also need to be addressed, ranging from lack of sleep, your environment,relationships with others and your personal history. And that’s just what ‘You Can Think Yourself Thin’ focuses on. Written by trained hypnotherapist Ursula James, You Can Think Yourself Thin offers clear and simple techniques that get you examining your  subconscious and changing  negative thought patterns into positive ones.  The ultimate goal might be to lose weight, but according to James there’s a few things that you need to do first. You need to build up your self confidence, improve your feelings of self worth, come to grips with underlying issues that are causing overeating, and then make a fut... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778373 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:53:46 +0100 2778373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2772501&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-going-%25e2%2580%2598before-the-scalpel%25e2%2580%2599%2F Recently I had laser surgery done on my varicose veins. My specialist had given me the choice of having the veins stripped or lasered.  What he didn’t realize was that to me there was no choice. I had no desire to be put under general anasthetic to have the veins stripped. But for millions of people around the world, there is no choice. The surgery treatment they need requires them to have a general anesthetic (GA). And anyone who has to have a GA really should get all the facts before that happens. Unfortunately, that’s not always something they get from their doctor or other health professions. This book ‘Before the Scalpel’, however, spells everything out in a clear and concise manner. Easy to read and with plenty of visual aids, it covers pretty much everything you need to kno... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2772501 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:12:33 +0100 2772501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2765982&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-hair-loss-for-dummies%2F What causes hair loss?  Can you prevent it? Can lost hair be restored? These are just some of the questions answered by the user-friendly Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies. Co-authored by well known hair restoration surgeons Robert M. Bernstein, M.D., F.A.A.D., and Dr. William Rassman, this book gives both men and women a clear understanding about hair loss, hair loss prevention, hair replacement, natural remedies, over the counter treatments, and medical and hair transplant options. Featured chapters include … Getting To Know Your Hair ( What Causes Hair Loss; The Devastation Of Hair Loss In Women; Undergoing Hair Restoration Surgery) Anatomy and Physiology of Hair (How Hair Grows; Aging Hair; Hair & Ethnicity, Maintaining Self-Esteem in the Face of Hair Loss) Taking Bet... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2765982 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:26:58 +0100 2765982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2761826&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-tips-on-livin-the-moment%2F David “Yeah Dave” Romanelli seems like a most unlikely guru. He seems too  goofy and outrageous for someone guiding others on a path to enlightenment. But in this day and age, gurus no longer need to be serious and focused. They just need to be able to show us a way to find pleasure, happiness, and enjoyment. His book, Yeah Dave’s Guide to LiVIN’ the MOMENT is all about Dave and his Zen approach to happiness and living in the moment.  Informally written, it’s a rollercoaster ride through Dave’s life, complete with anecdotes and encounters that illustrate why we all need to slow down and pay attention. As the founder/teacher of “Yoga + Chocolate” and “Yoga + Wine” workshops, David Romanelli writes “There is a place where the chocolate tastes sweeter, the mu... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2761826 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:20:17 +0100 2761826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757701&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-the-resilient-child%2F Want to learn how to stress-proof your kids and help them learn skills and techniques to cope with all the life can throw at them? Then check out this book by Dr George S Everly Jr,  a leading expert in the field of stress management. Everly,  who predominantly counsels victims of life’s toughest moments, such as the Oklahoma City bombing, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina, wrote this book as a gift to his own children. In fact, it is a gift to all parents and children who have the opportunity to read and take on board it’s lessons. Called The Resilient Child: Seven Essential Lessons for Your Child’s Happiness and Success, the book offers parents a way to teach child the basic skills need to develop inner strength to cope with stress and adversity. Using the ABCs (Action, Belief, and Cod... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757701 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:30:48 +0100 2757701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2751906&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-living-life-%25e2%2580%2598after-the-stroke%25e2%2580%2599%2F Americans may remember Mark McEwen from when he was weatherman, and then later anchor, for CBS This Morning from 1987 to 2002 and then local news anchor in Orlando, Florida. In 2005 he suffered a massive stroke and his world was turned upside down and inside out. A man of words, suddenly he could not speak. A man of action, suddenly he could not move. Just staying alive was touch and go. And yet, three years later, not only is he talking and walking, he has also authored a book. After the Stroke by Mark McEwen (with Daniel Paisner) provides a candid look into  Mark’s journey from stroke victim to stroke survivor. Flicking back and forth from his early life to his ‘stroke’ life, the book lays open the whole of Mark’s life and as a result offers hope and encouragement to those who h... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2751906 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:16:50 +0100 2751906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2747923&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fseptember-is-healthbolt-book-month%2F I’ve been looking around my study and suddenly realized that I am in danger of being overrun with books that have been sent for review. I’ve ready many of them, some even more than once, but somehow haven’t managed to find time to post reviews about them. Bad management on my part. I figure it’s time to get my act together and review the books that are piling up in the bookcase, on the desk, and on the floor.   September is therefore designated Healthbolt Book Month, with a new book review everyday until I run out of books or words. (image source) Post from: Healthbolt (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2747923 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:11:26 +0100 2747923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674528&cid=t_91086_165_f&fid=37959&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthskills.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F06%2Flearning-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-an-illustrated-guide%2F Despite this book being unrelated to pain management, I can’t go past this one for learning how to develop the basic skills in cognitive behavioural therapy. It’s (you guessed it!) ‘Learning cognitive behavior therapy: An illustrated guide’ written by JW Wright, MR Basco & ME Thase, published by American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc, Washington, 2006.  It is one of the titles included in the ‘Core Competencies in Psychotherapy’ series, and was written to provide ‘an immersion in the fundamentals of each form of psychotherapy and explicitly addresses the seix core areas of competency needed in medical practice as outlined by ACGME and the American Board of Medical Specialties’. More importantly for me, it’s a really clear guide, base... HealthSkills Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674528 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:32:23 +0100 2674528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2626156&cid=t_91086_127_f&fid=38263&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fdeepesthealth%2FBMCc%2F%7E3%2FkdneuFhDx3s%2F I recently took and passed three NCCAOM board exams. I think I may have lost months and years of my life’s energy in doing so. It was one of the more annoying testing experiences of my life. This was the case due to a number of factors, and none of them have to do with my education or ability. I’d like to briefly review those factors, discuss the board review products I employed and make a few recommendations for those of you who are planning to take the NCCAOM board exams sometime soon. Signing up, paperwork, scheduling and managing board exams I swear that all testing authorities believe that actually signing up for the exams should be the first big test. NCCAOM is actually better than some testing authorities I’ve had to deal with, but the process was still needlessly ... Deepest Health: Exploring Classical Chinese Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2626156 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:18:19 +0100 2626156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2621776&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-healthier-without-wheat%2F Wheat. It’s the mainstay of the modern Western diet. It’s in almost everything you eat, from pasta to bread, cookies, cakes, pizza, flour tortillas, etc, etc, etc. But wheat is also one of the major problems of modern Western diet. This book Healthier Without Wheat, explains why. Written by Dr. Stephen Wagner,  a nationally recognized expert in the field of gluten intolerance, it provides not only the history of wheat consumption but also the reasons why, for millions of people, it is the root of all their digestive problems. Gluten intolerance is one of the most overlooked and frequently unrecognized of today’s medical conditions, partly because most doctors themselves don’t have a clear understanding of what it is and how to recognize it. With Healthier Without Wheat, Dr Wa... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2621776 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:00:04 +0100 2621776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452712&cid=t_91086_109_f&fid=34748&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F6L4RZULJb08%2Fsocial-facilitation-how-and-when-audiences-improve-performance.php · Under the gaze of others do you wilt or grow? When an ant builds a nest on her own she does so with little enthusiasm. She moves as though tired of life, bored with the whole business of excavating earth, perhaps dreaming of a better life elsewhere. But give our ant a co-worker and she is transformed into a dynamo, a workaholic, an Olympian amongst insects. Soon she is digging at five times the rate or more... Ants aren't the only ones. Four decades before S. C. Chen reported his ant findings in 1937, the psychologist Norman Triplett had already noticed much the same behaviour in cyclists. Triplett scoured the records of the 'League of American Wheelmen' and found that racing cyclists rode faster when paced or in competition. Analysing the results of many races he found that, on average... PsyBlog | Psychology Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452712 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:08:42 +0100 2452712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447497&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fdreams-of-a-tobacco-free-world%2F There is no ‘them’ and ‘us’ when it comes to smoking. It affects all of us. Download this free e-book As an ex-smoker I truly understand the ease in which smoking can change from a casual fling to a full blown addiction. And I know how very, very difficult it is to give it up. But as a health professional, I have seen the damage that smoking can do. Therefore, I’d like to recommend that everyone have a read of this free e-book Toward a Tobacco Free World, written by by Kaiser Permanente psychiatrist and UCLA researcher Dr. Michael Rabinoff.  It not only highlights the societal costs worldwide that stem from tobacco use but also outlines actions that can be taken immediately to help save lives worldwide. Download it. Read it. And pass it on. Let’s all work Toward a Tobacco Fre... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447497 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:48:49 +0100 2447497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2364977&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-super-natural-home%2F Our home is our castle. A place to feel secure and safe. But after reading Beth Greer’s book Super Natural Home, I have to say, I’m starting to wonder exactly how safe my house really is. According to Beth Greer, probably not all that safe, especially if you start taking into account all the dangerous chemicals that we invite in and have around our house at all times. Beth used to be just like you and me, living what she considered a healthy but busy lifestyle. But when a medical crisis (a 5-centimeter tumour in her chest) caused her to re-evaluate her lifestyle, she discovered that maybe her lifestyle wasn’t as healthy as she thought. In fact, she discovered instead of being healthy, it was downright toxic. So she spent six months cleaning up ‘her act’, eating an all-organic die... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2364977 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:45:25 +0100 2364977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2347886&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fwith-cancer-%25e2%2580%2598everything-changes%2F Looking at the cover of Everything Changes: The Insider’s Guide to Cancer in Your 20’s and 30’s,  I made an assumption that it was just another straight forward how-to guide on dealing with cancer. But was I ever wrong. Everything Changes is not just a how-to guide (although there is heaps of resources and information that anyone dealing with governmental and medical red tape will find tremendously useful). It is,  instead, a highly personal journey through the maze of having cancer and receiving treatment in a society that seems to think that cancer is reserved only for the old. Seems that the mostly common phrase that Kairol and others interviewed in Everything Changes heard after being diagnosed with cancer was “But you’re too young for this!” In reality, there is no such ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2347886 Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:23:14 +0100 2347886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284429&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fhealthbolt-book-review-my-diva-diet%2F There’s no getting around it - diet really is a four letter word. It’s a word that frequently conjours up feelings of frustration, impatience, disappointment, sadness, and even failure. Which is probably why Christine Lakatos describes her book My Diva Diet as ‘A Woman’s Last Diet Book’. It’s a turn of phrase that’s guaranteed to attract those who are looking for an answer to all their dieting woes. And it’s very likely it might just do just that. A 413 page workbook, resource, and motivational guide, My Diva Diet got my attention from the get go with it’s innovative characters. There’s Ms Diva who highlights all useful tips and her sidekick Paws, who summarizes the how-to information. Superheroes and Diet Villains also make an appearance to emphasize who the true d... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284429 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:50:11 +0100 2284429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2240879&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F03%2F06%2Fa-lemon-or-two-a-day-to-take-the-weight-away-the-lemon-juice-diet-reviewed%2F Need a new weight-loss ally? Something that could help you not only lose the pounds but improve your general health and wellbeing. Then head for the nearest lemon tree. That’s what Theresa Cheung, author of The Lemon Juice Diet, recommends. Having done detailed and extensive research, she believes that lemons and lemon juice is is all you need to kickstart a new healthier and slimmer you. Lemons have natural detoxifying powers which stimulates the digestive system in a healthy and effective way. And a healthy digestive system is very important if you have any hope at all of losing weight. So I thought I’d jump on in and give it a go. The first step turned out to be the hardest. Having always started my day with a cup of coffee, suddenly having to change to a glass of lemon jui... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2240879 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:07:44 +0100 2240879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232532&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F03%2F03%2Fdating-a-diet-disaster-no-fear-jenna-bergens-your-big-fat-boyfriend-can-help%2F As you might have already guessed from the title, Your Big Fat Boyfriend is not just another diet book. Written by Jenna Bergen, a freelance writer and yoga addict, it reads more like a click lit novel than a diet. But diet book it is and a very useful one at that for anyone who is suddenly discovering that the guy that you’re falling is causing you to let your diet and healthy eating habits fall by the wayside. It’s pretty much a given that once in a relationship, many women will pick up their partner’s unhealthy eating habits, resulting in weight gain. It sure doesn’t seem fair, but it’s true. And the main reason behind this is simply that men eat different from women and often have little understanding on basic nutritional needs. They eat when they are hungry and as we women k... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232532 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:55:39 +0100 2232532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2232533&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F03%2F02%2Fhealthbolts-on-a-diet%2F Healthbolt’s on a diet this week… … a diet of books about healthy eating and dieting. I’ll be reviewing a different book everyday this week, starting tomorrow with entertaining and informative ‘Your Big Fat Boyfriend’ (How to Stay Thin When Dating a Dieting Disaster) by Jenna Bergen. Tags: Book Reviews, diet book reviews, diet books, diet books worth reading, dieting and your health, diets, healthy eating books, new diet booksShare This (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2232533 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:32:28 +0100 2232533 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2210453&cid=t_91086_109_f&fid=34743&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDevelopingIntelligence%2F%7E3%2FEz6ZKXwvgH8%2Fbook_review_kluge_-_the_haphaz.php Guest Post by Seth Herd. I disagree with many of Gary Marcus's theories, but I think that his book Kluge is important, entertaining, and even accurate. The book's main thesis is that if God had designed the human mind, He would've done a better job. I'm not all that interested in arguments about intelligent design, but Kluge also has a lot to say about the human brain/mind and even the human condition. I've frequently baffled and offended my students by saying "people are stupid!" Kluge is about how, exactly, we are stupid. In large part the book echoes introductory cognitive psychology textbooks that list the flaws in human thinking - the way we're afraid to fly but not drive, forget people's names, make choices that make us unhappy, and many more. The book adds many examples that ente... Developing Intelligence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2210453 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:00:50 +0100 2210453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2187701&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F02%2F13%2Frelationship-advice-from-a-9-year-old%2F You simply have to applaud this kid’s audacity and entrepreneurial spirit. Just 9 years old, Alex Greven doesn’t have a girlfriend and has never dated, and yet he’s already written a guide to dating that’s shot to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Entitled How to Talk to Girls, it’s based on his week long observations of his classmates in the playground. It took a week to write. He showed it to his teacher, who showed it to the school’s principle, and the rest, as they say, was a total chain reaction. An appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show lead to a contract with Harper Collins and a whirlwind media tour across the States. The books have since been published in five countries and there’s plans for Alex to write three more books for... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2187701 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:38:07 +0100 2187701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2167553&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F02%2F06%2Fand-the-winner-of-road-trip-guide-to-the-soul-is%2F Am happy to see that so many of you are like me and love hitting the road. Road trips really are exhilerating and result in such memorable experiences. But road trips aren’t only about getting in the car and driving off in the sunset. They can also be about looking for change, looking for answers, and clearing the mind. And that’s really what the book ‘Road Trip Guide to the Soul’ is all about. I can guarantee that by the time you’ve finished reading it and following some of the ideas and action plans, you’ll be feeling as exhilerated as when you got into the car and took off. One lucky Healthbolt reader will be able to discover this for themselves. The winner of Sadie Nardini’s Road Trip Guide to the Soul is… Brandlyn Congratulations Brandly... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2167553 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:13:27 +0100 2167553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2149982&cid=t_91086_93_f&fid=36982&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprep4md.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fthree-cups-of-tea-greg-mortenson.html Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Timeby Greg Mortenson and David Relin#1 New York Times Bestseller4.5/5 stars on Amazon (1,615 cutomer reviews)#1 in Books > History > Asia > Afghanistan#1 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Specific Groups > Women#1 in Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Philanthropy & CharityAmazon.com Sales Rank: #24 in BooksTime Magazine Asia Book of The YearPacific Northwest Booksellers Association - Nonfiction AwardAnd most importantly this books is on my top 10 favorite books list ;)Media type: Hard Cover paperback Audio CDThe book describes Mortenson's transition from a mountain-climber to a humanitarian committed to reducing poverty and educating girls "Peace" in Pakistan and afterwards in Afghanistan. He did thi... My M.D. Journey! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2149982 Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:13:00 +0100 2149982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144526&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F01%2F29%2Ftake-a-road-trip-to-the-soul%2F Friends say that whenever I hear the words ‘road trip’ my eyes light up and I’ve got one foot heading out the door trying to catch a ride. I just love getting out on the road and heading somewhere. I don’t even have to be heading anywhere in particular. I just like to be on the road. So it‘s not surprising that  Sadie Nardini’s book ‘Road Trip Guide to the Soul’ caught my eye. After, the whole premise of the book rested on one of my favorite activities. But once I started reading, I soon realised that this road trip was unlike any other I had taken. Instead of packing a bag and jumping in a car, it was asking me to unpack, declutter, and remove the roadblocks in my life. Quite a daunting task, if you ask me. But I was up for the challenge. After all, it was making sense. L... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144526 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:11:44 +0100 2144526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2077786&cid=t_91086_133_f&fid=35099&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcomautworld.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F01%2Ffriend-like-henry-solicited-book-review.html A Friend Like Henry, by Nuala Gardner, is billed on the cover as "The remarkable true story of an autistic boy and the dog that unlocked his world." While I definitely think that the book is worth reading, I don't think the dog unlocked the boy's world.Nuala Gardner is the mother in this story, so we're reading her version of events. The book is, thankfully, neither overly emotional nor overly descriptive of things that aren't directly applicable to the story (both problems I've noted in parent-books over the years). At the end of the book, just before Nuala's Afterword and the book club discussion questions, Dale (the autistic boy) gives a few explanations for his behaviour.Nuala is impressive in her ability to recognize that Dale was autistic from the beginning (would that more parents c... ASD :: Commentary on Autism, Disability, and the World. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2077786 Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:39:00 +0100 2077786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2006716&cid=t_91086_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F12%2F02%2Finitial-reports%2F The children’s hospital is not as bad as rumor painted it (although their computer system is strictly for the birds). There’s something to be said for having so many senior residents and fellows around that I am only responsible for floor patients - and I am by now very efficient at handling a large floor service. It’s also fun to see entities which were previously the stuff of [textbook] legend showing up as large as life: gastroschisis, malrotation, intussusception, Meckel’s diverticulum - and lots of classic appendicitis. (Which is especially fun, because in pediatrics you try to avoid radiation as much as possible, so almost none of these kids get CT scans. Diagnosis and management are based on history and physical exam, with the occasional ultrasound. For a ra... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2006716 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:08:16 +0100 2006716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856000&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F2008%2F10%2Fnice-review-of-the-book-in-the-british-medical-journal-by-richard-smith%2F Reproduced cheekily below. He’s Arthur Smith’s brother, don’t you know. (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856000 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:40:31 +0100 1856000 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1847900&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F2008%2F10%2Fgenerous-review-of-my-book-in-the-daily-telegraph%2F There’s a very nice review of my book “Bad Science” in the Telegraph this week. I have to say I’m delighted to see that the two newspapers I’ve probably been meanest about over recent years are the two that have reviewed it so far. This betrays a genuinely wholesome grown up approach to life which [...] (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1847900 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:25:41 +0100 1847900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1840959&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34591&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.badscience.net%2F2008%2F09%2Fbad-science-reviewed-in-the-daily-mail%2F (Source: badscience) badscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1840959 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:28:14 +0100 1840959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1455095&cid=t_91086_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F05%2F19%2Flibertarian-reading%2F A GOP insider reveals a conspiracy to prevent Ron Paul supporters from being heard at state and national conventions. It’s nice to have our suspicions confirmed (how come Paul was winning 10-15% in most primaries, a strong 3-4th place, and yet was almost never mentioned as a frontrunner, whereas Giuliani, who polled way behind him, was much more prominent? and how come someone who was winning 15-20% in the later polling states, with people deliberately coming out to register their objections to the McCain victory parade, is not getting any recognition from the national party?) Anyway. It’s always special when a member of the conspiracy group (not that Doug Wead seems to approve of the general plan to silence Ron Paul and his supporters) admits that it exists. My brother and I ... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1455095 Tue, 20 May 2008 00:44:43 +0100 1455095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1393763&cid=t_91086_131_f&fid=34991&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fevolgen%2F%7E3%2F276206099%2Fdebra_charlesworth_on_lynch.php Brian Charlesworth wrote a review of Mike Lynch's The Origins of Genome Architecture, in which Charlesworth argues that sexual reproduction can explain many of the features Lynch claims evolved under nearly neutral processes (doi:10.1016/j.cub.2008.01.008). Not to be left out of the party, Deborah Charlesworth has chimed in with her opinion, and it's much more critical of Lynch than her husband's (doi:10.1017/S0016672308009282). The main thesis that Lynch has been presenting in both this book and some of his recent papers is that many features of eukaryotic genomes (introns, complicated cis regulatory regions, lots of non-coding DNA) arose via relaxed constraint due to small population sizes, not adaptation. In her review, Deborah Charlesworth takes Lynch to task for not devoting enough ... evolgen blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1393763 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:30:00 +0100 1393763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1391031&cid=t_91086_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2008%2F04%2Flife-disrupted.html For those of you who were old enough at the time to remember life before your diabetes, the term "disruption" may seem like an understatement. Diagnosis is more like a crossroads, where your life morphs from one form into another... (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1391031 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:45:00 +0100 1391031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1364931&cid=t_91086_133_f&fid=35099&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcomautworld.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Femergence-labeled-autistic-very-short.html There's been a lot going on lately, and we're moving house this weekend (yes, I know, again). One of my guinea pigs died on Sunday, and even though I'm taking my Cipralex like a good girl, the depression with regards to that just isn't going away. So when I woke up this morning and there was a foot of snow on the ground (and on my car) and the radio traffic reports were saying that hills and ramps were really slippery (and Calgary is all hills), I decided I should call in absent to work, take an unpaid day off, and get myself that desperately needed day to myself.Well, I haven't been totally unproductive. I wrote part of my Script Frenzy movie (it's like NaNoWriMo, only for a 100-page script), edited/rewrote two more chapters of my 2006 NaNo novel, put away the clean dishes, and sorted out... ASD :: Commentary on Autism, Disability, and the World. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1364931 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:40:00 +0100 1364931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1307726&cid=t_91086_133_f&fid=35099&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcomautworld.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fwith-light-raising-autistic-child-by.html With the Light: Raising an Autistic Child is an amazing book. It held my attention from start to finish, and I can't wait to lay hands on volume two!The book is a manga, or Japanese comic book. The story told is one many families with autistic members will know well - the worry, the confusion, the desperation, the lack of understanding from others (including family). It is fiction, but based on information gleaned from interviews with many parents of autistic children.What I appreciated most about the book is that it doesn't really touch upon the idea of "cure". The mother, Sachiko, merely wants her son, Hikaru, to be happy - and to call her "Mommy". (The scene in which he does finally do this brought tears to my eyes.) Her husband, Masato, begins as a workaholic who blames his wife for Hi... ASD :: Commentary on Autism, Disability, and the World. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1307726 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:47:00 +0100 1307726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1307990&cid=t_91086_83_f&fid=36527&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcutonthedottedline.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F17%2Fa-night-well-spent%2F It’s amazing how good a solid night of studying makes you feel. I only got paged about urology issues, which are also very satisfying, since they call for a quick, relatively risk-free and painless procedure which makes the patient feel better pretty quickly. So far I’m 30% of the way through The ICU Book (300/1000pp) (and only 3% of the way through The House Officer’s Guide to Urological Emergencies, which perhaps I ought to be reading more of, but somehow it’s not very gripping). I’m starting to have mixed feelings about the book. On one hand, it certainly contains such wildly relevant and fascinating subjects as, five continuous intravenous vasoactive medications (otherwise known as the five pressors, which about half the ICU population are on, and about wh... Cut On The Dotted Line blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1307990 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:50:05 +0100 1307990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1280742&cid=t_91086_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fgrace-achieved.html Who knows Birdie? Who loves her like I do? Her blog, Aiming for Grace, always offers a combination of the most compelling images and simple words about living with diabetes that stop you in your tracks. It's the purity of... (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1280742 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:45:00 +0100 1280742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1190039&cid=t_91086_131_f&fid=34991&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fevolgen%2F%7E3%2F226124845%2Flewontin_reviews_gould.php Everyone's blogging about Stephen J. Gould's Structure of Evolutionary Theory (Razib, John Lynch, Laelaps). I'm not. The book's too long, and I'm too busy. But that doesn't mean I can't link to them, and to another review of Gould. The other is Richard Lewontin's review of two Gould books: The Richness of Life: The Essential Stephen Jay Gould and Punctuated Equilibrium. The latter is a chapter in Structure of Evolutionary Theory. Yes, a chapter of a book was released as a book on its own. Lewontin's review of the two books isn't really a review of the two books. It's more of a eulogy or an obit for Gould written a couple of years to late. Of course, it's published in the New York Review of Books, which, from what I can gather, doesn't really publish book reviews. Anyway, it's an interesti... evolgen blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1190039 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 21:15:00 +0100 1190039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1185758&cid=t_91086_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fa-shot-of-joy.html I talk a good bit about Joy, but I'm actually a rather cynical person. What, you noticed? Anyway, I don't exactly believe in the "mood cure" either, so when writer and advocate Riva Greenberg sent me her sweet little new... (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1185758 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:45:00 +0100 1185758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=983879&cid=t_91086_123_f&fid=34779&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromthewomb.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fbest-book-ive-read-this-millenium.html When I first put this blog together, one of it's functions was to be forum for reviewing books that I thought were truly exceptional (in any genre) and in particular for the review of books that pertain to the category of narrative medicine.This week I ran into a novel that fell into the truly exceptional category.The Novel is called The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. (excerpt) It is the first book in trilogy he calls the Kingkiller Chronicles.I confess to having read all 662 pages in less than 60 hours. I'm a compulsive reader once I actually find something worth reading and there can be little doubt that this was a rare find. My wife describe the phenomena as something akin to being a sport widow, only for me it only occurs with the right kind of fantasy or science fiction novel. ... Tales from the Womb blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=983879 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:20:00 +0100 983879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=974217&cid=t_91086_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2007%2F10%2Fthe-little-diab.html As you can see, this compact new 250-page volume by Michael A. Weiss and Martha M. Funnell is actually called, "The Little Diabetes Book YOU Need to Read." How's that for making your book sound indispensable? Mike is a former... (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=974217 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:00:00 +0100 974217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=867290&cid=t_91086_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2007%2F09%2Fmr-universes-li.html It's only 110 pages. I read it on the plane on the way home from St. Louis. It's an "exercise prescription" to prevent Type 2 and combat Type 1 diabetes. It's The Diabetes Antidote from Mr. Natural Universe Doug Burns,... (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=867290 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:55:00 +0100 867290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=841765&cid=t_91086_122_f&fid=35070&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneurobot.bio.auth.gr%2Farchives%2F000114best_of_the_brain_from_scientific_american.php Mind, Matter, and Tomorrow's Brain By Floyd E. Bloom Dana Press For the Scientific American readers, it was a hidden desire. For the collectors, it’s just a must have. For all the rest, just ask yourselves if the following topics in question look familiar. (Source: Neurobot) Neurobot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=841765 Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:18:42 +0100 841765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=797099&cid=t_91086_107_f&fid=35762&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fgrrlscientist%2F%7E3%2F143703311%2Fbookworms_carnival_available.php tags: bookworms, books, book reviews, blog carnivals Even though this is only the second edition of the Bookworms blog carnival that has been published, it's a big one, packed full of book reading goodness. Read the comments on this post... (Source: Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted)) Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=797099 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 17:10:12 +0100 797099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=775384&cid=t_91086_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fpssst-50-secret.html Dr. Steven Edelman of TCOYD and Dr. Sheri Colberg of diabetes exercise science fame have come out with a new book with a quite intriguing title. Everybody loves a secret, right? Well they've got dozens of 'em for you, in... (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=775384 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:35:50 +0100 775384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=763022&cid=t_91086_107_f&fid=35762&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fgrrlscientist%2F%7E3%2F138097872%2Fwriters_from_across_the_blogos.php tags: writers, writing, book reviews, blog carnivals The July 26th edition of the Writers from Across the Blogosphere is now available for your reading pleasure. Be sure to check it out and give them some support! Read the comments on this post... (Source: Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted)) Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=763022 Fri, 27 Jul 2007 22:53:36 +0100 763022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675441&cid=t_91086_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F06%2F16%2Fthe-fiber35-diet-reviewed-by-the-diet-channel%2F Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Opinion, Books, SupportWhen The Diet Channel reviewed Fiber 35, they took the diplomatic approach, citing good and not so good advice. Good advice including: get plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, eat reasonable portions, and exercise. The problem is that this excellent, evidence-based message is buried in hyperbolic language and some superfluous advice. Fiber 35 emphasizes the mechanisms by which fiber and fiber-containing foods can help improve disease markers (cholesterol, blood sugar, and immunity), while helping to control weight and appetite. A concept enjoying heavy rotation and loose interpretations nowadays is the subject of toxins. Fiber 35 claims that toxins are relieved by eating fiber -- 35 g... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675441 Sat, 16 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 675441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=654451&cid=t_91086_123_f&fid=34879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdistractiblemind.ambulatorycomputing.com%2F2007%2F06%2F02%2Fbook-review-sick%2F Title: Sick: The Untold Story of America\?s Health Care Crisis?and the People Who Pay the Price Author: Jonathan Cohn Amazon Link: Click Here My Rating: 9 out of 10 Summary: This book summarizes the crisis in American Healthcare. It offers vignettes giving examples for the different areas where the current system is causing financial and/or physical harm to Americans. The vignettes are accompanied by the historical facts as to what has brought on the specific area of crisis. Examples of areas covered in the book: Working Uninsured Managed Care Medicare Medicaid Psychiatric Care Charity Care Public/County hospitals At the end of the book, Mr. Cohn gives his suggestion as to how the situation can be improved. What is good about the book: I think that overall this is a tremendously helpful... Musings of a Distractible Mind blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=654451 Sat, 02 Jun 2007 19:00:40 +0100 654451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=611860&cid=t_91086_109_f&fid=34743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceblogs.com%2Fdevelopingintelligence%2F2007%2F05%2Freview_prospective_memory_by_m.php Prospective memory is "remembering to remember." Despite the pervasiveness of this requirement in real-life, we know surprisingly little about the topic. In their new book, McDaniel & Einstein provide a direly needed review of this fascinating new field, providing important information for researchers, clinicians, and laypeople alike on how basic cognitive science is coming to a "big picture" understanding of prospective memory. In some ways, it's not so much a single topic as an amalgam of many different cognitive processes already studied in other domains. For example, prospective memory involves the formation of goals, memorization, and recall. Although these and other similarities belie the relationship of prospective memory to more traditional research topics, their interactions have... Developing Intelligence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=611860 Thu, 17 May 2007 14:33:06 +0100 611860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=579944&cid=t_91086_131_f&fid=34991&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fevolgen%2F%7E3%2F113102837%2Fgiant_squids_other_squids_and.php Dr. Doris Haggis-on-Whey and her husband Benny, as part of their H-O-W series of books, have produced an absolutely dispensable piece of misinformation, the third in a series of we can only hope not too many, ineloquently titled Animals of the Ocean: In Particular the Giant Squid. They claim that their World of Unbelievable Brilliance series, of which Animals of the Ocean is the third in a series of we can only hope . . . um, they claim that their series . . . well, I don't really know what they claim, because they never get around to it. Dr. and Mr. Haggis-on-Whey are neither not biologists nor are they not experts on the ocean. They are not experts on knots either, but that's not neither for not now nor not . . . later. Their lack of expertise shines through quite clearly in their lates... evolgen blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=579944 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:30:00 +0100 579944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=566382&cid=t_91086_134_f&fid=34841&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabetesmine.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fsurvivorship_re.html My new column this month at dLife is not exactly a book review, but something more akin to a book encounter. I recently received an advance copy of medical writer Jill Sklar's The Five Gifts of Illness. Sklar was diagnosed... (Source: Diabetes Mine) Diabetes Mine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=566382 Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100 566382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=468314&cid=t_91086_123_f&fid=34779&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromthewomb.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F03%2Fdoom-of-st-amalie-is-ready-for.html Click to buy the bookA medieval murder mystery entwines an abbess, a leper, a whore and an undertaker in a twisted tale of medical intrigue. The Doom of St. Amalie is a 318 page novel inspired by three classic works of modern fiction in which authors have focused their work around the building of a fictional community.1) Master's Spoon River Anthology: where each chapter is told from the view point of a different citizen2) Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose: a classic 14th Century Murder Mystery in which the intimacies of monks and monasteries are revealed.3) Robert Lynn Aspirin's Thieves World: another anthology where the plot unravels through the a series of seemingly unrelated communal short stories.This device, a deviation from a technique sometimes described as "world building" in sci... Tales from the Womb blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=468314 Fri, 09 Mar 2007 03:41:00 +0100 468314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=468326&cid=t_91086_123_f&fid=34779&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromthewomb.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F02%2Fyou-know-youre-starting-to-sell-some.html Big Sister Amazon.com's web crawlers have noticed your sales and want a bigger piece of the action by getting you to buy a book that you might subsequently want to consider doing one of their "link to" deals with. I think it means I've sold at least a 100 copies through Amazon. Of course, since the bastards facilitate used copies sales on line within first year of publication, I have no idea what the real sales volume is. But the truth is, I don't write to make money. It's a passion and, as has been pointed out by some commentors, I'm not suffering financially for my art. So, please, feel free to order a used copy. I'm just happy people want to read it. I'm just trying to have a conversation with people and writing is how I do it.Here is the kind of stuff they say my readers are interested... Tales from the Womb blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=468326 Mon, 12 Feb 2007 15:28:00 +0100 468326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=468335&cid=t_91086_123_f&fid=34779&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromthewomb.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F01%2Fdoom-of-st-amalie-cover-take-2.html Your comments were greatly appreciated last time around. So I now gratefully submit Doom Cover version 2.0 for your comments. Neonatal Doc, I've tried several versions of the postive image and the problem is you have to frame it into a background color, which just doesn't look as professional. If I want to use the image and have it fade into the background, it has to be the negative. It's just one of the limitations of working with charcoal. Next time I'll use a pastel or chalk, so that I can invert to a different color (perhaps the sequel will be blue).So please, hit me with additional comments and ideas at your pleasure. (Source: Tales from the Womb) Tales from the Womb blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=468335 Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:42:00 +0100 468335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=468337&cid=t_91086_123_f&fid=34779&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftalesfromthewomb.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F01%2Fsneak-preview-for-doom-of-st-amalie.html Well, I guess it's not all that sneaky. OK, all you loyal readers, here's your chance. Tell me what you think of the cover. It's not finalized yet (we're still doing fine editing of the text), but we're days away from the final cut. (Source: Tales from the Womb) Tales from the Womb blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=468337 Fri, 26 Jan 2007 15:28:00 +0100 468337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220277&cid=t_91086_122_f&fid=35070&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneurobot.bio.auth.gr%2F2007%2Fmind-wars-brain-research-and-national-defense%2F In 1969 DARPA launched the DARPA Internet Program, the ancestor of today’s Internet. Could neuroscience be today’s bet? Nowadays security establishments’ investment in neuroscience is extensive and growing, while the effects of chemical compounds on the nervous system seems to be a key point in this scene. At the same time new questions arise; How [...] (Source: Neurobot) Neurobot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220277 Thu, 18 Jan 2007 12:24:59 +0100 4220277