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High ResolutionPrayer is ineffective…AND, potentially harmful to both the prayer and the prayed for.
It gives the deluded a false sense that something is being done about a problem, to the extent that seeking real help (medical attention, emergency services, etc) is dangerously delayed.
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“Seeking to assess the effect of third-party prayer on patient outcomes, investigators found no evidence for divine intervention. They did, however, detect a possible proof for the power of negative thinking.
The three-year Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP), published in the April 4 American Heart Journal, was the largest-ever attempt to apply scientific methods to measure the influence of prayer on the well-being of another. It examined 1,800 patients undergoing heart-bypass surgery….The study found no differences in survival or complication rates compared with those who did not receive prayers.…the authors stated that they have no plans for a follow-up study. This one, sponsored largely by the John Templeton Foundation, cost $2.4 million.
read http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=no-prayer-prescription******
Prayers offered by strangers had no effect on the recovery of people who were undergoing heart surgery, a large and long-awaited study has found.
And patients who knew they were being prayed for had a higher rate of post-operative complications like abnormal heart rhythms, perhaps because of the expectations the prayers created, the researchers suggested.
At least 10 studies of the effects of prayer have been carried out in the last six years, with mixed results. The new study was intended to overcome flaws in the earlier investigations. The report was scheduled to appear in The American Heart Journal next week, but the journal’s publisher released it online yesterday.
…congregations were told that they could pray in their own ways, but they were instructed to include the phrase, “for a successful surgery with a quick, healthy recovery and no complications.”
Analyzing complications in the 30 days after the operations, the researchers found no differences between those patients who were prayed for and those who were not.read http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/health/31pray.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
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Meta-studies of the literature in the field have been performed showing evidence only for no effect or a potentially small effect. For instance, a 2006 meta analysis on 14 studies concluded that there is “no discernible effect”
read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studies_on_intercessory_prayer
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Drug Reverses Aging in Brain
Scientists have reported that they were able to reverse age-related changes in rats’ brains by treating animals with a drug.
As animals and human age brain function deteriorates. Particularly, cells of the hippocampus become less effective at storing new information; their synapses lose structure and function.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein found in the brain that promotes synaptic health and plasticity. It is known that brain BDNF levels decline with age.
In the current study, the scientists attempted to increase BDNF levels in older rats through the administration of a drug. The drug acted to increase histone acetylation. Histone acetylation of the BDNF gene increases its prodcution.
Sure enough the researchers found that when older rats were treated with the drug, aging effects of the brain were found to be reversed – they had normal synaptic plasticity.
(Source: azspot)
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High ResolutionNew form of cell division found
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center have discovered a new form of cell division in human cells.
They believe it serves as a natural back-up mechanism during faulty cell division, preventing some cells from going down a path that can lead to cancer.
“If we could promote this new form of cell division, which we call klerokinesis, we may be able to prevent some cancers from developing,” says lead researcher Dr. Mark Burkard, an assistant professor of hematology-oncology in the department of medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
Burkard presented the finding on Monday, Dec. 17 at the annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology in San Francisco.
(View a short video of the process here)
(via we-are-star-stuff)
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(Source: thenewenlightenmentage)
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High ResolutionResults of a Warming Ocean: Increased Bacterial Growth
by John Bowermeister
In the Baltic Sea, bacteria is growing as sea surface temperatures rise, causing infections in humans ranging from cholera to gastroenteritis-like symptoms. A study by the U.K.-based Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science indicates that the one-degree increase this summer makes the Baltic the fastest-warming ecosystem yet surveyed. But similar bacterial outbreaks have been reported in Chile, Peru, Israel, the northwest of the U.S. and Spain.
(via we-are-star-stuff)
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Interesting, but I’m slightly skeptical since they don’t say anything about the concentrations of cannabinoids in breast milk vs when you smoke.Cannabinoids, like those found in marijuana, occur naturally in human breast milk
Woven into the fabric of the human body is an intricate system of proteins known as cannabinoid receptors that are specifically designed to process cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the primary active components of marijuana. And it turns out, based on the findings of several major scientific studies, that human breast milk naturally contains many of the same cannabinoids found in marijuana, which are actually extremely vital for proper human development.
Cell membranes in the body are naturally equipped with these cannabinoid receptors which, when activated by cannabinoids and various other nutritive substances, protect cells against viruses, harmful bacteria, cancer, and other malignancies. And human breast milk is an abundant source of endocannabinoids, a specific type of neuromodulatory lipid that basically teaches a newborn child how to eat by stimulating the suckling process.
If it were not for these cannabinoids in breast milk, newborn children would not know how to eat, nor would they necessarily have the desire to eat, which could result in severe malnourishment and even death. Believe it or not, the process is similar to how adult individuals who smoke pot get the “munchies,” as newborn children who are breastfed naturally receive doses of cannabinoids that trigger hunger and promote growth and development.
“The medical implications of these novel developments are far reaching and suggest a promising future for cannabinoids in pediatric medicine for conditions including ‘non-organic failure-to-thrive’ and cystic fibrosis.”(via vinegarwilliams)
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Science Denied
WHY, IN THIS AGE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL MARVELS, ARE CREATIONISM AND THE ANTIVACCINE MOVEMENT GOING STRONG?
Hint: comforting narratives are more convincing than hard facts.
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High ResolutionRead this, it’s important.
This is fascinating.
Top Five Regrets From Dying People —-
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone’s capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.
Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
By Bronnie Ware
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FDA approves new over-the-counter HIV testing kit for home use
On July, 03, the Food and Drug Administration approved an HIV testing kit for use at home. The kit, manufactured by OraSure, already had preliminary approval for use at a variety of clinics. Called OraQuick, the in-home testing kit will be available in markets and drug stores in October, allowing individuals to test in privacy and get the results in approximately 30 minutes. The FDA is hopeful that the new test kits will reach people who have avoided getting tested, which could lead to both early treatment and a reduction in the transmission rate of the virus.
The test works by the detection of antibodies, obtained from a swabbing sample that is taken from the gums. The FDA said that the test results could not be considered final, as it has returned false positive results in 1 out of every 5,000 cases. They urge anyone using the test to follow up with their doctor or other medical provider. Dr. Karen Midthun, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said, ” The availability of a home-use HIV test kit provides another option for individuals to get tested so that they can seek medical care, if appropriate.”
(via sixtyforty)
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High ResolutionExtreme exercise hurts the heart
New research shows that participating in endurance events such as marathons may cause structural damage to the heart and large arteries.I always say, everything in moderation.. Especially exercise.
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“More people, especially those over 65 and those under 30, are eating less and less meat and searching for high protein items to replace meat,” said Steel. “Tempeh, tofu, quinoa, lentils, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, soy, beans, as well as fish and shellfish, are all rising up in our search queries.”
The Allrecipes food site found in its recent survey, “What American Families are Eating and Cooking,” that more than one-third of U.S. households ate less meat in 2011, mostly for health reasons.
But not just on Meatless Mondays, although that nonprofit initiative of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health, continues to attract attention. The Meatless Monday initiative stresses the health benefits of cutting meat consumption, as well as the environmental impact of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing water usage and reducing the use of fossil fuels.
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High ResolutionRepublicans, corporations waging war on facts.
Union of Concerned Scientists:
The federal government is moving closer to protecting scientists and the integrity of its science-based decisions, but more must be done to protect the policymaking process from corporate influence, according to a report released by the Union of Concerned Scientists today.
The report, Heads They Win, Tails We Lose: How Corporations Corrupt Science at the Public’s Expense, chronicles the most common ways that corporations influence how science is used to make policy, from restricting the effectiveness of federal agencies to corrupting the scientific work itself.
Released at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual conference in Vancouver today, the report details the extent to which inappropriate corporate influence on science has prevented the United States from using the best available science to protect public health and the environment.
“While many believe that political interference in science went extinct when President Bush left office, the reality is that the pressure to politicize science is still with us,” said Francesca Grifo, director of UCS’s Scientific Integrity program. “Many companies are prioritizing private gain at the expense of the public good, and abuse science to achieve their goals.”
The report includes detailed examples of the tactics corporate interests use, including harassing federal scientists, ghostwriting scientific articles to undermine federal research, and undermining how science is used to form agency policy in the name of “reform.”“President Obama has put us on a path forward, but the journey is far from over,” said Grifo. “Fully neutralizing the problem of political interference in science will take persistence and the engagement of both government and the private sector.”
Unlike the war on religion, the war on science is real.
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High ResolutionIt’s not just your age. It’s what you do while you’re aging, as these MRI scans show.
I should probably get off the couch.
Divine Irony
is a rich archive of religious delusions, scientific truths and political implications.
"Tell people there’s an invisible man in the sky who created the universe, and the vast majority believe you. Tell them the paint is wet, and they have to touch it to be sure."
-George Carlin
“If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed”.
-Albert Einstein
