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 'gray'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:57:37 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159439&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2Fo71YDxEQEUA%2F We just noticed that the Alliance for Aging Research offers an excellent list of references on Brain Health Research, organized in these 10 sections below. Enjoy! #1 Nourish Your Noggin: Eat a Brain Healthy Diet #2 Use It or Lose It: Stay Mentally Active #3 Work Out for Your Wits: Exercise and Keep Fit #4 Interact with Others: Stay Social #5 Rest for Restoration: Get Plenty of Sleep #6 Unwind for Your Mind: Manage Your Stress #7 Guard Your Gray Matter: Protect Your Head #8 Think Overall Health: Control Other Conditions #9 Give Your Brain a Break: Avoid Unhealthy Habits #10 Understand Your Risk: Consider Your Genes Related articles: The Ten Habits of Highly Effective Brains Debunking 10 Brain Myths (Source: SharpBrains) SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159439 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:52:32 +0100 5159439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008698&cid=t_310151_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Nisha Thomas: Get the bestMaximize the benefits of your hair color. Coloring your hair, in a different shade, is an easy and great way to look stylish. The latest hair dye products available in the market, no longer ruin your hair; instead they make your hair look healthy, shiny, and presentable. Coloring your hair is no longer considered expensive and exclusively meant only for celebrities. You can also plan to go trendy with a change in your hair color. You can even do it at home yourself, if you know the right color and methods of doing it. But if you have inhibitions, you can, of course, get it professionally done. Follow these few tips mentioned below and you would know what to do for that perfect hair color: 1. Choose the color which suits you Selecting the best color is the most... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008698 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:25:52 +0100 5008698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658624&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Ft-aVCoVtrjA%2F Hard to believe, but that is the word from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consultants that track monthly changes in each industry. Their latest tally finds that job cuts in the pharmaceutical industry have fallen 87 percent, from 26,165 job cuts a year ago to 3,385 so far this year. This includes 960 planned layoffs announced in March. Consequently, the pharma biz no longer ranks near the top among industries that are laying off gobs and gobs of employees. For most of last year, the pharmaceutical industry had the unpleasant distinction of being the industy sector to consistently shed the largest number of people each month, trailing only the government sector. This time around, pharma did not even make the Challenger top ten (see the rankings here). Of course, jobs a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658624 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:52:37 +0100 4658624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653606&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FHbgOGFlE5sE%2F The ongoing shortage of prescription medicines continues to wreak havoc in the form of rising medication errors and are costing US hospitals an extra $200 million by forcing them to purchase more expensive generics or other therapeutic substitutes, according to a survey by the Premier alliance of hospitals and healthcare provideres. Why is this happening? At least 42 percent of sterile injectable drug shortages last year were due to product quality problems, such as particulates, microbial contamination, newly identified impurities and stability changes. Another 9 percent were due to problems with raw materials and 5 percent were attributed to the shutdown of a manufacturing site. Keep in mind, Premier notes, that foreign markets are the source for up to 80 percent of the raw materials req... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653606 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:52:12 +0100 4653606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560440&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FQXbljhNuPqU%2F Editor’s Note: We are pleased to bring you this arti­cle by Jason Marsh, thanks to our col­lab­o­ra­tion with the Greater Good Mag­a­zine. ——————- I consider myself something of a prospective meditator—meaning that a serious meditation practice is always something I’m about to start… next week. So for years, I’ve been making a mental note of new studies showing that meditation can literally change our brain structure in ways that might boost concentration, memory, and positive emotions. The results seem enticing enough to make anyone drop into the full lotus position—until you read the fine print: Much of this research involves people who have meditated for thousands of hours over many years; some of it zeroes in on Olympic-level meditators who have clocked 1... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560440 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:27:50 +0100 4560440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419138&cid=t_310151_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmeditation-how-it-may-change-the-brain%2F2011.01.31 Meditation sounds like a great idea from the perspective of a psychiatrist: Anything that calms and focuses the mind is a good thing (and without pharmaceuticals, even better). Personally, I tried transcendental meditation as a kid (more to do with my mother than with me) and found it to be boring. I have trouble keeping my thoughts still. They wander to what I want for dinner, and should I write about this on Shrink Rap, and will Clink and Victor ever eat crabcakes with me again, and did I remember to give my last patient informed consent, and a zillion other things. Holding my thoughts still is work. The New York Times Well blog has an article on meditation and brain changes. In “How Meditation May Change the Brain,” Sindya N. Bhanoo writes: The researchers report that those ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419138 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4419138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349662&cid=t_310151_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fmore-wait.html The world is kind of gray today and I woke up in a haze emotionally. We live in a an either-or world. There isn't an ambivalent middle ground, because even the ambivalent middle ground has been earmarked as a political stance in and of itself. I always feel out of sorts and pensive when I wake up gray. Give me fear, anxiety, anything! But I got nothin', walking in to this appointment. Five minutes for a doctor to explain the next 4 years of your life.So her I am in the ambivalent moment. My doctor reads off the latest test results: minimal uptake in the neck region, some in the salivary glands, update elsewhere within normal limits. No evidence of recurrent metastatic disease. Okay. That is good. There are no pictures of tumors anywhere in my body. Now come the lab results. Last December, ... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349662 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:47:00 +0100 4349662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314220&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F1kTBGGoWKic%2F As gloomy as 2010 was for the pharmaceutical industry, the latest tally of job losses indicates that last year was not quite as bad as 2009. A total of 53,636 positions were eliminated or planned for elimination, compared with 61,109 two years ago, according to the monthly report issued today by Challenger Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consultants. Of course, a loss of more than 53,000 jobs is hardly good news. And given the ongoing pressures caused by thinning pipelines and expiring patents, the biggest drugmakers are, by and large, forecast to eliminate still more positions in the near term. The layoff rate, in fact, has placed pharma as the industry shedding the most jobs, trailing only the government and non-profit sectors on an overall basis. However, as we have noted previo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314220 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:06:02 +0100 4314220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119713&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fiqx9Ideosb4%2F There’s nothing like a nasty battle over the rights to a drug under development to make for interesting reading. And so we present you with some intense legal haggling over a molecule known as WZ4002, which was discovered by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for combating non small-cell lung cancer with specific gene mutations. The compound is potentially quite valuable because it may be able to treat patients who don’t respond to existing cancer pills. The dispute, however, is not your run-of-the-mill spat over development rights. Instead, the lawsuit peels back the curtain on some of the jockeying that occurs among universities, drugmakers and scientists when potentially lucrative intellectual property rights are in play. Here’s why: the legal ba... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119713 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:35:42 +0100 4119713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074240&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FakNcK_Url9M%2F In the latest issue of Neurology a study by Erickson et al. (2010) suggests that walking regularly can increase brain volume and reduce the risks of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers stared with 2 mains facts: Gray matter volume shrinks with age, often leading to cognitive decline. Physical exercise seems to be neuro-protector (see our previous post: Fitter bodies = fitter brains. True at all ages?) They asked 2 questions: Can physical activity assessed earlier predict gray matter volume 9 years later? Is greater gray matter volume associated with reduced risks of developing cognitive impairment? The study: 299 participants, mean age: 78, 182 female. Physical activity was assessed in 1988–1989 (baseline) = total number of blocks walked over 1 week. Cognitive function... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074240 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:20:44 +0100 4074240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040793&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FMkF6JZmLfI8%2F There is no shock that layoffs continue, is there? In the past few months, several drugmakers disclosed plans to reduce staff or continued with previously announced cuts. Among them has been Abbott Laboratories, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Lundbeck, Lonza, and Johnson & Johnson, among many others. And so the latest monthly tally of pharma layoffs amounts to 6.069 industry jobs lost in September, compared with just 200 in August, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consulting. Nonetheless, the industry has shed 43,334 jobs this year, which appears on track to nearly match the 58,583 that were eliminated last year (you can read the latest report here and the last monthly survey here). The only sectors to throw more people overboard so far th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040793 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:07:33 +0100 4040793 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3925088&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FanZ_jqRI5Xk%2F For those keeping score, the latest monthly tally of job cuts in the pharmaceutical industry numbered just 200 in August, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consulting firm. This constrasts with 2,023 jobs lost in July, 830 cut in June and 6,943 trimmed in May. So far this year, pharma has shed 37,265 jobs, compared with 53,004 last year. If the latest numbers appear relatively encouraging, though, consider that the firm found pharma plans to add just eight jobs right now, according to its hiring statistics (here is the report). Of course, jobs are coming and going all the time. And as we have noted before, it remains possible the picture is even worse, because the report may not capture every lost job. Layoffs often occur in dribs and drabs, which means some ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3925088 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:31:52 +0100 3925088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858333&cid=t_310151_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F08%2F11%2Fgeorgia-techs-ovarian-cancer-early-detection-blood-test-exhibits-high-accuracy-in-small-study-larger-study-planned%2F Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have attained very promising results on their initial investigations of a new test for ovarian cancer. Using a new technique involving mass spectrometry of a single drop of blood serum, the test correctly identified women with ovarian cancer in 100 percent of the 94 patients tested. Because of the extremely [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858333 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:50:07 +0100 3858333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858126&cid=t_310151_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fdoes-your-period-make-you-stupid%2F photo: Thinkstock Just when you think your period can’t get any worse, it does: Women who report moderate to severe menstrual cramps have irregularities in the gray matter in their brains. The changes involve an atypical decrease in volume in areas of the brain that are involved in pain processing, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. What does this mean for women with terrible cramps? According to Yahoo! Health, it’s possible that if you experience periods of extreme pain over a long time span, your brain might become extremely sensitive to pain, which would make your cramps feel worse. This is the effect chronic pain conditions have on the brain. Ugh. We wish that really bad cramps just increased your pain tolerance, rather than the complete opposite. Thanks so much,... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858126 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:05:52 +0100 3858126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823161&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F6xSxnK3_Rpg%2F After what appeared to be a slowdown in layoffs taking place in the pharmaceutical industry, job cuts are accelerating again, according to the latest monthly tally from Challenger, Gray & Christmas. There were 2,023 jobs lost in pharma in July, a notable uptick from the 830 lost in June. Overall, the industry has shed 37,010 jobs this year. As we have noted before, however, it remains possible the picture is even worse, because the report may not capture every lost job. Layoffs often occur in dribs and drabs, which means some job losses do not land on radar screens monitored by the media or state labor departments, which require notice when a certain number of jobs are to be eliminated. Moreover, this approach to layoffs will continue for the foreseeable future, so getting a true pic... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823161 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:43:41 +0100 3823161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721961&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F1fcXV9ahYVY%2F Is it possible the pace of job cuts in the pharmaceutical industry is slowing? The year-to-date tally of layoffs reached 34,987 as of the end of June, which is an increase of just 830 lost jobs in May (see this), according to the latest monthly report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement firm. Of course, it remains possible the report does not capture every single lost job. Layoffs often occur in dribs and drabs, which means some job losses do not land on radar screens monitored by the media or state labor departments, which require notice when a certain number of jobs are to be eliminated. Moreover, sources say this approach to layoffs will continue for the foreseeable future, so keeping track will remain challenging for Challenger, and everyone else. (Source: Pharmalo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721961 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:28:26 +0100 3721961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625774&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FftdH-EXiS58%2F This will not surprise anyone in or close to the pharmaceutical industry. But for the record, the number of layoffs among drugmakers of all stripes rose to 34,157 as of the end of May, which amounts to an increase of 6,943 jobs lost from April, when the total reached 27,214, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas (here is the latest report and one from last month). For those who see the glass as half full, however, the outplacement consulting firm tallied 51,034 industry layoffs at the end of May 2009. (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625774 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:01:19 +0100 3625774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567941&cid=t_310151_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F16%2Fface-it-6-steps-to-help-women-deal-with-aging%2F Mark Twain once wrote, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” I like that. But get real. In a culture preoccupied with youth and beauty, where there has been a 114 percent increase in the number of cosmetic surgeries performed since 1997? How do women escape the judgment conferred on them every time she opens a magazine, gets online, or turns on the tube? How does she silence the menacing messages she sends herself when a new gray hair is found, or her crow’s feet grow an inch longer? Very deliberately and carefully say Vivian Diller, Ph.D and Jill Muir-Sukenick, Ph.D, both professional models turned psychologists, in their new book, “Face It: What Women Really Feel as Their Looks Change.” The authors propose a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567941 Sun, 16 May 2010 10:30:29 +0100 3567941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511587&cid=t_310151_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F28%2Fbuying-the-counterfeit-may-cost-you-more-than-you-thought%2F We want to look good but can’t always afford designer-name sunglasses. So what do some of us do? We buy a cheap knockoff or “gray market” item that looks just like the designer brand name, without the designer price. It signals to others — we hope — that we’re as cool and “with it” as anyone else (even when we can’t afford to be). But we may be getting more than we thought. We are all aware of the potential consequences of buying fake, counterfeit items on the street — you might get a shabby knockoff or pay too much for it. But outside of questionable quality of such goods, there may be others costs you’re not even aware of. Buying counterfeit goods may actually make us feel less authentic — just like the cheap, knocko... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511587 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:30:59 +0100 3511587 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3003905&cid=t_310151_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F11%2F18%2Fwill-pepperie-solve-my-salt-and-pepper-hair%2F Designergrl disbelieves…I saw a product called Pepperie Sachet. According to their website, the product “will stop the growth of gray hair, rejuvenate and strengthen your hair.” Supposedly it can restore the health of the follicle so that your hair returns to its natural color. This sounds like hype but I just have to ask: is there any evidence that gray hair can actually be reversed? The Left Brain responds: As Purple pointed out in the Beauty Brains Forum, there’s no product on the market that will reverse grey hair. The only thing I would add is that if a product could actually reverse your gray hair then it is a drug and should be safety tested before anyone even tries it. If an ingredient (natural or not) could interact with your body’s natural processes... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3003905 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:01:00 +0100 3003905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931052&cid=t_310151_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F27%2Fthe-painful-situation-of-guilt%2F From Eureka Alert: The rationale behind torture is that pain will make the guilty confess, but a new study by researchers at Harvard University finds that the pain of torture can make even the innocent seem guilty. Participants in the study met a woman suspected of cheating to win money. The woman was then “tortured” by having her hand immersed in ice water while study participants listened to the session over an intercom. She never confessed to anything, but the more she suffered during the torture, the guiltier she was perceived to be. The research, published in the “Journal of Experimental Social Psychology,” was conducted by Kurt Gray, graduate student in psychology, and Daniel M. Wegner, professor of psychology, both in Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Scien... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931052 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:01:29 +0100 2931052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2594464&cid=t_310151_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F07%2F13%2Fthe-situation-of-pain%2F This study shows that even if two harmful events are physically identical, the one delivered with the intention to hurt actually hurts more,” says Gray. “Compare a slap from a friend as she tries to save us from a mosquito versus the same slap from a jilted lover. The first we shrug off instantly, while the second stings our cheek for the rest of the night.” The study’s authors suggest that intended and unintended harm cause different amounts of pain because they differ in meaning. “From decoding language to understanding gestures, the mind distills meaning from our social environment,” says Gray. “An intended harm has a very different meaning than an accidental harm.” The study included 48 participants who were paired up with a partner who c... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2594464 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:01:07 +0100 2594464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561391&cid=t_310151_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F07%2F01%2Fthe-surprising-reason-why-you-should-want-gray-hair%2F Mid Brain muses: First we told you about a better way to get your gray hair dyed. Then we explained how stress causes gray hair. And most recently we we told you how to to get rid of gray hair forever.  Now  we’re blogging about why you should be HAPPY that you have gray hair. (Why all the posts about gray hair? Trust me, if you had to look at the Left Brain’s roots everyday you wouldn’t have to ask that question!) Anyway, the latest news is that gray hair may actually protect you from cancer! Gray hair is good Hair color is produced by cells called melanocytes which are in part controlled by stem cells. When the number of stem cells in hair follicles goes down, hair turns gray. Now researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Japan have discovered that radiati... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561391 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:44:48 +0100 2561391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415516&cid=t_310151_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2009%2F05%2F16%2Fis-there-a-better-way-to-get-my-gray-hair-dyed%2F Gauhar goes gray…I am 34. My hair is about 80% gray. I am in a very conservative profession. I know that going all gray will negatively affect my career. I am having troubles with hair dye sticking to my hair. Is there any affordable, easy, simple do-it-yourself hair color, which is much better for gray hair coverage? The Right Brain replies: Hair color technology has been around a long time and there have been very few earth-shaking breakthroughs in the category. But now Clairol says they have a new Advanced Gray Solution technology that is gentler and provides better gray coverage. They claim that it covers gray by combining the best of demi and semi permanent hair coloring technology. While this technology is being marketed primarily to African Americans, you might find that it a... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415516 Sat, 16 May 2009 06:01:36 +0100 2415516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376482&cid=t_310151_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Ftrevis-life-with-multiple-sclerosis-ms%2Faan-conference-update-how-important-is-the-mri%2F Yesterday at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) conference, my focus was on the imaging technologies available to our neurologic team.  We all know about Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) but I had no idea of the other parts of MRI that are involved Tesla (magnetic ratings) of the MRI machines range from T-1 through experimental T-7 strengths.  Names like Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Functional MRI (FMRI), Magnetization Transfer Ratio (MTR), FLAIR, and 3-Dimentional Double Inversion recovery (3d DIR) lead me to believe that I might be on the verge of learning loads of new information about what that MRI can tell my docs. If anything a term new to me, “MRI/Clinical Paradox” seems to be enhanced, not reduced, by these deeper more clear looks inside our brains. This parad... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376482 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:48:46 +0100 2376482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2266684&cid=t_310151_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F14%2Fthe-end-of-remote-prescribing%2F There’s long been a gray market in the U.S. for prescription medications that can be had online without actually having a prescription. Erectile dysfunction medications are the most common such prescriptions. This practice has commonly been done on websites based in India or another country. The prescription is then forwarded to a pharmacy clearinghouse in the U.S. that has contracted with physicians to write prescriptions for such orders. How can a doctor do this without a physical exam? Easy! It’s called a form that the customer fills out on the prescription website. The doc reviews the form and ostensibly ensures the customer has no pre-existing condition that may cause untoward side effects with the sought-after prescription. But this business, which has been going on for y... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2266684 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 11:00:33 +0100 2266684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739432&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F08%2Fvote_for_method_of_the_year.html Last year, the editors of Nature Methods chose a “Method of the Year” (MOY) and the winner was next generation sequencing. This feature included an editorial, commentaries, news features and other types of content discussing the winning technique. This year,... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739432 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1739432 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1739433&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F08%2Fmoving_to_nature_network.html Another blogging hiatus on the old "Action Potential" blog. Sorry about that. However, the news is now that I have become a neuroscience editor for Nature, I will be taking my show on the road to a new site, and... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1739433 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1739433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1711785&cid=t_310151_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fsocial-stories-enough-or-not-enough.html Or follow the link "here."The "Gray Centre" and Carol Gray's "social stories," a non-profit.Lots of children enjoy their own "stories," where their creative talents can blossom.One day I shall remember to make some notes first!If you like what you read, send it to someone in 'need.' (Source: Whitterer on Autism) Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1711785 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:38:00 +0100 1711785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1606111&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F07%2Fgetting_out_character.html A great discussion over at Nature Network inspired me to initiate a similar conversation here at Action Potential. Corie Lok asked the question "What is fair play in the blogo/commentosphere?" A fair question indeed. The responses have produced some interesting... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1606111 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1606111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526744&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F06%2Fthe_science_of_dignity_1.html A recent Nature news article regarding the latest battle on the animal research front takes us to Switzerland. There, the University of Zurich and another research institute are taking a case to the Swiss Supreme Court arguing against the rulings... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526744 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1526744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1472666&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F05%2Fdownloads_vs_citations.html Our June editorial discusses the relationship between web traffic and citations. Specifically, can one predict how well any particular paper is cited years after publication, based solely on the number of downloads it receives immediately following its appearance online? Our... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1472666 Tue, 27 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1472666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1458836&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F05%2Fretraction_reaction_redux_1.html I apologize for the long time between posts. Things have been busy and I hope to have more for you soon. In the meantime, I wanted to toss out something to tide you over. A recent Nature editorial extends the... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1458836 Tue, 20 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1458836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1409892&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F04%2Fng_nature_network_journal_club_cu.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper discusses a potential therapeutic strategy involving the upregulation of the dopamine receptor D2R that may be beneficial in the treatment of cocaine abuse and... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1409892 Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1409892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1399349&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F04%2Ftop_papers.html Our May editorial takes a brief look back at some of the history of Nature Neuroscience. We also present some of the most-cited papers over the past decade. This is an interesting exercise, as it provides an opportunity to reflect... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1399349 Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1399349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1379555&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F04%2Fnature_network_journal_club_gi.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper provides evidence that in unanesthetized animals, sounds are sparsely represented in the auditory cortex. The contributor discussing this paper for the neuroscience group is... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1379555 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1379555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1371918&cid=t_310151_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F04%2F14%2Frandom-fact-of-the-day-stress-does-cause-gray-hair%2F Just the news you wanted to hear to start your week, right? Sorry, but it’s true. Stress can, in fact, cause your hair to gray. Why? Stress hormones like cortisol can mess with melanocytes (simply, hair cells). Suddenly, the cells have trouble surviving and/or producing the pigment that keeps your hair its original color. Hence, those pigments disappear and out pops a gray (or white) hair. Naturally, controlling stress is a good defense in this type of situation, but that might not always be possible. Eating foods rich in the amino acids lysine and arginine can help provide a drop in stress, however, so if you’re feeling a bit on edge, grab some peanuts and a carton of yogurt. These superfoods can get you halfway to the recommended 3 grams of lysine and arginine that Slovakian... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1371918 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:13:59 +0100 1371918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523452&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.nature.com%2F%7Er%2Fnn%2Frss%2Faction_potential_with_comments%2F%7E3%2FMFFW2zTyYSU%2Fbig_pharma_and_academia_becomi.html I recently attended the Alzheimer's Disease Keystone meeting in Keystone, CO and became more acutely aware of something than ever before: academia and drug companies really like one another. Sure, the latter always loved the former, since collaborating with university-based scientists often made the publications arising from the private sector look a little more legit. On the contrary, the reciprocity in this relationship has not always been there. There is without a doubt some sub-disciplinary differences in this complex relationship, but in the basic science departments that I lurked around, if you were associated with a company (or worse, left academia for a position there, succumbing to the power of the Dark Side), there was always talk of whether or not you could be trusted. Because c... Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523452 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:00:00 +0100 2523452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1356344&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F04%2Fnature_network_journal_club_ne.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper discusses the role for brief adaptation in the improvement of population-based encoding accuracy during sensory information processing. The contributor discussing this paper for the... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1356344 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1356344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1353935&cid=t_310151_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2008%2F4%2F7%2Fknowledge-like-clear-clean-water-muir-gray-on-health-cares-p.html Brian KlepperOver the last year or so, I've written a lot about how health care will become increasingly available to consumers and health care business, and how this access will drive new decision-support capabilities that will profoundly change how health care works, eliminating many of the problems that have placed health care in crisis. So imagine my delight when a colleague forwarded this quote. Sir Muir Gray is Chief Knowledge Office of Britain's National Health Service. His wonderfully clear explanation of how health care knowledge will become guidance - that is, decision-support - makes a compelling case for the transformative power of Health 2.0.Check it out. The future is something we make, not something we discover. And the future is easy to make because as William Gibson has sa... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1353935 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:29:31 +0100 1353935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1346238&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F04%2Fwhat_to_do_with_your_unfunded.html I would say no. Grant proposals are a precious commodity, especially in this day and age of reduced funding and evaporating money. However, in a recent Nature correspondence, Dr. Noam Harel describes his vision for a centralized grant repository, ideally... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1346238 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1346238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1337081&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F03%2Fnature_network_journal_club_ge_1.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper proposes a new strategy to track the location of select synapses using split fluorescent proteins. The contributor discussing this paper for the neuroscience group... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1337081 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1337081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1314421&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F03%2Fnature_network_journal_club_neurexin.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper explores the in vivo function of neurexins in the coordination of pre- and postsynaptic apposition using Drosophila. The contributor discussing this paper for the... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1314421 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1314421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1294705&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F03%2Fng_nature_network_journal_club_insula.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper is on the role of insular cortex in drug craving and the behavioral signs of abstinence-related malaise. The contributor discussing this paper for the... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1294705 Tue, 11 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1294705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1287914&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F03%2Fng_neuroscience_and_web.html In the last couple of years, after the recent explosion in the number of resources where scientific discussions can take place rapidly and without boundaries (i.e., using the internet), one could easily have predicted that we were on the cusp... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1287914 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1287914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1265268&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F02%2Fng_nnjc_crossing_threshold.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper is attempting to understand the neural mechanisms that distinguish between conscious and unconscious processing, and is from a collaborative group in Paris. The contributor... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1265268 Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1265268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1248982&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F02%2Fng_pet_sematary.html A woman in the US has decided that she loved her pit bull (named Booger) so much, that having him all over again is definitely worth the $150,000 price tag. I saw this story in the BBC, reporting how a... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1248982 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1248982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1243516&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F02%2Fng_special_delivery.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper is on selective nociceptor inhibition, from the lab of Clifford Woolf at Harvard. The contributor discussing this paper for the neuroscience group is Damien... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1243516 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1243516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1231991&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F02%2Fng_harvard_open-access_policy.html The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard University voted Tuesday to adopt an open-access policy, providing a free repository for finished papers, according to a recent press release. This move will allow for greater dissemination of scholarly work... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1231991 Thu, 14 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1231991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1225566&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F02%2Fnature_network_neuroscience_jo.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper focuses on the generation of new hair cells from avian mesenchymal tissue. The contributor discussing this paper for the neuroscience group is Shelley Batts,... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1225566 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1225566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1219515&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F02%2Fwhat_are_you_doing_for_darwin.html The Darwin Day celebration was initiated by Dr. Robert Stephens and was held at Stanford University on April 22, 1995 to celebrate the scientific accomplishments of Charles Darwin. In subsequent years, the event was changed to be on or around... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1219515 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1219515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1208054&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F02%2Fscience_and_engineering_indica.html This study is... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1208054 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1208054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1187230&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F01%2Fng_next_installment.html The next installment of the Nature Network Neuroscience group journal club is now live. The paper is on somatosensory processing in sensory and motor cortex, from the lab of Carl Petersen in Lausanne. The contributor breaking down the paper for... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1187230 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1187230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1161193&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F01%2Fcall_for_creationist_papers_at.html Answers in Genesis, a self-described Christianity-defending ministry dedicated to enabling Christians to defend their faith and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively, recently launched a new publication, Answers Research Journal. Their mission: Addressing the need to disseminate the... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1161193 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1161193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1150751&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F01%2Fmonkeys_master_mental_math_1.html Everyone has had that awkward moment at a cocktail party or at the lunch table: You: Congratulations on the little one; she's beautiful! When was she born? New mother: Thank you, thank you. Well, let's see, I've kind of lost... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1150751 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1150751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1142658&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F01%2Fonline_journal_club.html I apologize for the blatant promotion, but I wanted to bring your attention to a new forum designed to spur on discussion involving interesting neuroscience papers. I categorized this under "What's new in NN?", except here, the "NN" is different:... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1142658 Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1142658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1140003&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F01%2Fopen_access.html A new policy in the Journal of Neuroscience demonstrates the current push towards open access publication. Researchers can pay to have their article freely available immediately upon publication, starting with all articles submitted as of January 1, 2008. It is... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1140003 Wed, 09 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1140003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1128845&cid=t_310151_122_f&fid=35668&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.nature.com%2Fnn%2Factionpotential%2F2008%2F01%2Feasing_back_into_it.html Well, now, it has been a nice long break since the last post, but time to get this blog rolling again here in 2008. Let's start light, while I finish cooking up the stuff I want to discuss. Let's return... (Source: Action Potential) Action Potential blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1128845 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1128845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1120828&cid=t_310151_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2F207700630%2F  AlzheimersNotes.com Do you enjoy tea time with your Alzheimer’s family member…or have memories of family rituals involving them?  Afternoon tea was an everyday occurrence at my grandmother’s when I was growing up.  Nanny would have her cup of tea while my aunts often sipped their coffee.  When I visited them at their Trails End Farm, I looked forward to 3 o’clock when we stopped quilting, sewing, cooking, cleaning or other tasks and sat at the table with tea, coffee, milk and cookies while we laughed and chatted.  Anyone visiting was invited to join in. Tea for hospitality became a habit with my mom, too, one we continued even after she acquired Alzheimer’s and lived in a nursing home.  My grandchildren often visited her with me and looked forward to ... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1120828 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 20:00:16 +0100 1120828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1082054&cid=t_310151_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F12%2F9%2Flosing-your-mind-its-your-white-matter-stupid.html By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DWho hasn’t complained about loss of memory? With increasing frequency, I forget where I left my glasses, what’s her name? Where did I meet him? And for the hundredth time, what’s the name of this bird?No, it is not incipient Alzheimer’s. I still write blogs, although that’s no proof of a sound mind. I manage a large drug development project, read the newspapers daily and am up on the latest political twist. So what’s going on?Beware received wisdomWhen I went to medical school (UCSF) I was struck by a paper I read claiming that 50% of what we were taught would be either obsolete, or plain wrong, within 5 years; amazing, but true, and not very reassuring to both physician and patient. One of the things I was taught with great certi... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1082054 Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:48:21 +0100 1082054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1058343&cid=t_310151_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F192245831%2F I was scheduled to visit Charlie at his class at precisely that time, 1.30pm on Tuesday. I signed in the school office, put on my sticker name tag, and ended up wandering back and forth in the first floor corridor (Charlie’s school is made up of an old stone building and a much newer, very large, addition). I finally found the room and caught a glimpse of Charlie at his desk, the speech therapist sitting across from him with a stack of laminated cards. When I walked in, he eyed me for a fast moment, said an equally fast “hi Mom,” and went back to work. “Did you tell him you’d be coming?” Charlie’s teacher asked me. I said yes. “And did you tell him the time?” his teacher continued. I was semi-sure I had. “Well, five minutes befor... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1058343 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:47:22 +0100 1058343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1057346&cid=t_310151_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F192081162%2Fautistic_children_have_more_gr.html Results of the study conducted at the Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System in Bethpage, N.Y. found that there were increased areas of gray matter in the brains of children with autism.Using a new imaging technique researchers found autistic children had increased gray matter in the parietal lobes which has previously been implicated in the mirror neuron system. Mirror neurons are brain cells that are active when an individual is performing and action and experiencing an emotion or sensation and when the person witnesses the same actions, emotions and sensations in others. This system allows humans to learn by seeing as well as by doing.The study consisted of 13 male patients with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome with an IQ over 70 and 1... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1057346 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:00:12 +0100 1057346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=867460&cid=t_310151_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F155588891%2F The drugmaker accomplished this feat by engineering a special supplement that was published along with an issue last January of The Pharmaceutical Journal, which is read by UK pharmacists. The supplement was purportedly about guidelines for statin use but was later tagged as a mere disguise for Crestor, AstraZeneca’s cholesterol fighter. Following publication, complaints were lodged with the Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency, which decided there was no foul. But the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority, which enforces the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry’s code, determined otherwise - AstraZeneca brought the industry into disrepute, according to a new essay in the same journal. Why? The case yielded 27 complaints, one of the highest number ever ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=867460 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:24:19 +0100 867460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=823031&cid=t_310151_107_f&fid=35762&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fgrrlscientist%2F%7E3%2F148502934%2Fdefying_gravity.php tags: eastern gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, Image of the Day Eastern Gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. Last but not least was a demonstration of the so-called "gravity assist" method. It was obvious that this required the most skill but was not always as effective as the the other methods. In fact I watched three squirrels drop their Black Walnuts. One retrieved its nut only to drop it again while assuming a second gravity assist posture. Considering the outcomes I am not at all sure that gravity assisted these participants at all but there is no denying the artistry involved in the attempt. Please don't attempt this yourself. Instead I suggest utilizing the standard method. And be sure to use a nutcracker. Bon appetite! (last in a series of three). Image: Bob Levy, autho... Living the Scientific Life (Scientist, Interrupted) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=823031 Sun, 26 Aug 2007 19:59:26 +0100 823031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=822311&cid=t_310151_107_f&fid=35762&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fgrrlscientist%2F%7E3%2F148172830%2Freclining_squirrel_and_nut.php tags: eastern gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, Image of the Day Eastern Gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. Students of the history of western civilization will surmise that the "reclining method" harkens back to antiquity. At the height Roman Empire eating while reclining was all the rage though I have no proof that these Central Park creatures are related to those of that period and geographic location. Still one must admit these contemporary squirrels have mastered the technique and execute it with aplomb and a suave sophistication, n'cest pas? (second in a series of three). Image: Bob Levy, author of Club George. [larger]. 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=822311 Sat, 25 Aug 2007 19:59:58 +0100 822311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=821364&cid=t_310151_107_f&fid=35762&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fgrrlscientist%2F%7E3%2F147824211%2Fsquirrel_and_nut.php tags: eastern gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, Image of the Day Eastern Gray squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis. Central Park Gray Squirrels congregated in an apparent celebration of the ripening of Black Walnuts. This particular contingent of eight excited furry mammals demonstrated the species preferred techniques and proper etiquette for the opening and eating of Black Walnuts. Here are some highlights of the event (first in a series of three). Image: Bob Levy, author of Club George. [larger]. 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=821364 Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:59:23 +0100 821364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828373&cid=t_310151_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F145497023%2F Do you take medication to help raise your “good” cholesterol, better known as HDL? New research warns that this could actually be harmful to you. The Cleveland Clinic has concluded that raising HDL is actually not a matter of quantity but quality. The authors concluded that while efforts to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad cholesterol”) “have consistently reduced cardiovascular disease risk, HDL-based approaches are much more complex and sometimes disappointing.” As a result, “the primary focus should be on LDL,” said review co-author Mehdi Shishehbor, D.O., of the Cleveland Clinic. Yes, it is true that HDL aids in moving fat molecules out of the arteries and towards the liver, but when HDL is large in nature, that helpful choleste... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828373 Sat, 18 Aug 2007 13:20:09 +0100 828373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=797097&cid=t_310151_107_f&fid=35762&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fgrrlscientist%2F%7E3%2F143750781%2Fgray_hairstreak.php tags: Gray Hairstreak, Strymon melinus, butterfly, Image of the Day Female Gray Hairstreak, Strymon melinus. This butterfly was ovipositing along White OakBayou, E. T.C. Jester Blvd., Houston, Texas. Image: Biosparite [larger] Read the rest of this post... | 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=797097 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:59:42 +0100 797097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=773362&cid=t_310151_107_f&fid=35762&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Fgrrlscientist%2F%7E3%2F139675446%2Fgray_tree_frog.php tags: Gray Tree Frog, Hyla versicolor, Hyla chrysocelis, Image of the Day Here is today's pic, a Gray Tree Frog, from Konza Prairie in eastern Kansas. There are two species of Gray Tree Frog, Hyla versicolor and Hyla chrysocelis, which look identical and can only be distinguished by their call. This one wasn't calling... It is also not grey; these frogs have the ability to change color, from gray to brown to green, depending on their surroundings and ambient temperature, humidity, etc. This one was sitting quietly on a milkweed leaf, trying to look as green as possible. Image: David A. Rintoul, KSU [larger] More information below the fold .. Read the rest of this post... | 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=773362 Wed, 01 Aug 2007 19:59:25 +0100 773362