Animals Use Pheromones to Communicate, but Do Humans?

Some couples just seem to have a certain chemistry together. Research is showing that they might be exactly right.

Scientists now believe they have found the first human gene associated with the function of pheromones, odorless molecules wafting through the air that signal key survival responses in animals, like dealing with danger or finding a mate.

While rodents and other creatures essentially are reactive animals that depend heavily on pheromones for behavioral cues, it has been a topic of debate whether humans kept any pheromone function along the course of evolution. Humans use their larger brains to rely more on judgment and complex sensory cues, such as vision.

Researchers studying animals have shown how pheromones work, tracing complex neurological paths to stimulate parts of the brain that are deeply rooted in instinct.

Scientists have had their suspicions that humans also use pheromones to communicate with each other chemically. But only recently have experts been able to tease out the parts of the human body that might function this way.

Neurogeneticists at Rockefeller University and Yale say they have isolated a human gene, labeled V1RL1, they believe makes a pheromone receptor, or the chemical's personal reserved parking place. Pheromones would attach to this receptor when they are inhaled into the mucous lining in the nose.

"This is the first convincing identification of a human pheromone receptor," said University of Colorado biochemist Joseph Falke, PhD.

Rodents and other mammals also have the V1RL1 gene, and they rely heavily on pheromone cues to survive. However, it has not been determined whether the gene is active in humans or what sort of activity the gene could trigger.

"The ultimate test will be to find a pheromone that binds to the receptor and triggers a measurable physiological response," Falke said. more info...

Peptic Ulcer Information

1. What is peptic ulcer disease?

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a chronic, recurrent disorder that is characterized by lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract which appears as reddish and inflamed, or as small depressions or excavations in the upper gastro-intestinal tract. The most common sites of this disease are the duodenum (duodenal ulcer) and the stomach (gastric ulcer). Duodenal ulcer typically affects persons 25-55 years of age while the peak incidence of gastric ulcer occurs around 55-65 years of age.

2. What are the common complaints of patients with peptic ulcer?

The usual complaints are:

• Epigastric pain or pain in the upper abdomen may be a burning, annoying, or dull in the ache (like hunger pain) that is usually relieved within 5-10 minutes after eating or taking antacids. 50% to 80% of patients reported that they are awakened by pain at night.
• Nausea, vomiting and a sense of fullness, are fairly common with gastric ulcers but less with duodenal ulcers.
  

3. How does ulcer develop?

1. Although acid (from carbonated drinks, juices, alcoholic drinks, etc) may be a major factor for ulcers to develop, other causes are now identified like the presence of Helicobacter pylori and chronic intake of antiarthritic drugs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
2. Helicobacter pylori (H, pylori) is a bacteria that colonizes the epithelial cells, lining the surface of the stomach and duodenum where it causes inflammation and ulceration. More than 90% of patients with duodenal ulcers and about 75% with gastric ulcers harbor the organism, which are responsible for frequent relapses of ulcers. Up to 805 of patients with ulcers relapse within 1 year after the initial healing with conventional control of acid secretion (antacids and acid inhibitors). More recent drug regimens include eradication of H, pylori, which has resulted to dramatic reduction of ulcer recurrences.
3. Other factors include:

• Smoking
  

• doubles the incidence of peptic ulcer disease
• increases ulcer recurrence
• reduces ulcer healing with anti-ulcer drugs

• Genetic influence – first degree relatives of patients with peptic ulcer have 2-3 fold risk of developing the disease
• Stress – a potent factor in the development of peptic ulcer

4. How do you treat peptic ulcer?

The goals of therapy are to:

• Promote ulcer healing
• Relieve pain
• Prevent complications like bleeding
• Prevent recurrences
  

Treatment of peptic ulcer includes the use of:

1. Antacids – Aluminum and Magnesium hydroxide
2. Antisecretory Agents

H2-receptor Antagonists – inhibit acid secretion by blocking the H2-receptors in the parietal cells (acid-secreting cells in the stomach).

• Cimetidine
• Ranitidine
• Famotidine
  

Proton-Pump Inhibitors – the most potent antisecreting agents which almost completely inhibit acid secretion of parietal cells (acid-secreting cells in the stomach).

• Omeprazole
• Lansoprazole
• Pantoprazole
  

----3. Other Agents

• Sucralfate
• Bismuth subcitrate
• Misoprostol
  

If you have history of ulcer symptoms, consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate, especially if…

1. You are more than 40 years of age
2. You have severe, intractable pain
3. You have blood in stools
4. You vomit ground coffee-like substance, and
5. You have significant weight loss.

How to Prevent or Delay Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated. The good news is that the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to return their blood glucose levels to the normal range.

While the DPP also showed that some medications may delay the development of diabetes, diet and exercise worked better. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes.

Making Healthy Food Choices

Knowing what to eat can be confusing. Everywhere you turn, there is news about what is or isn't good for you. Some basic principles have weathered the fad diets, and have stood the test of time. Here are a few tips on making healthful food choices for you and your entire family.

• Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Try picking from the rainbow of colors available to maximize variety. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals.
• Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products. Try brown rice with your stir fry or whole wheat spaghetti with your favorite pasta sauce.
• Include dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils into your meals.
• Include fish in your meals 2-3 times a week.
• Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in "loin" such as pork loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.
• Choose non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese.
• Choose water and calorie-free "diet" drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks.
• Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Remember that fats are high in calories. If you're trying to lose weight, watch your portion sizes of added fats.
• Cut back on high calorie snack foods and desserts like chips, cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream.
• Eating too much of even healthful foods can lead to weight gain. Watch your portion sizes.

The World's Biggest Subsea Robot

United Kingdom (UK) companies installing subsea cables for telecommunications companies and pipelines for the oil industry have now a new tool, the UT-1 Ultra Trencher. The SMD loaded Ultra Trencher 1 (UT1) , a remote controlled submersible robot (ROV), on to a ship for delivery to CTC Marine Projects. The pounds 10m machine will be the world's largest ROV which is capable of self propelling and supporting its own weight in water.

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5 Tips To Help You Stay Healthy

The key to a long, happy and prosperous life is, of course, good health. While we may be pre-destined to certain conditions or diseases, there are definitely things we can do to ward off illness and stay healthy for as long as possible. Here are five simple tips that anyone can do to help you live a long life full of good health.

1. No smoking

Don’t smoke, and if you do quit immediately. Smoking is perhaps the most preventable and avoidable cause of many debilitating and fatal diseases and conditions. Besides damaging the lungs, smoking also does considerable, irreversible damage to the heart as well as other organs of the body, including even the skin, not to mention the high risk of several types of cancer.

2. Drink in moderation

Studies have shown that drinking in moderation, meaning no more than one drink per day, can have a protective effect on the body depending on the type of alcohol consumed. Red wine, Beer for instance, has been shown to have a positive effect on the heart while distilled spirits such as vodkas and bourbons may increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers.

3. Eat healthy

An overwhelming percentage of the population is either overweight or obese. A simple, yet sensible eating plan coupled with regular exercise is the absolute best way to lose weight, keep it off and stay healthy for the rest of your life. There are no “quick fixes” when it comes to good health and diets that are high in fat and cholesterol are linked with diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

4. Exercise regularly

After consulting with your doctor the two of you can determine what level of exercise is the best for you. It’s important to remember that more is not necessarily better, particularly if you are just starting to exercise or have had an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. A gradual increase in your work-outs will also increase your level of endurance for the best long-term results.

Here are some simple exercises that are excellent for losing weight, getting in shape and maintaining good health while strengthening your heart at the same time.

• Walking: Almost anyone can do it and brisk walking can burn a few hundred calories per hour.
• Running: While not for beginners, running is an excellent form of cardio exercise as it increases lung capacity, strengthens the heart and burns many calories.
• Swimming: This full-body exercise is easy on the joints but still burns calories and strengthens the heart as well as the muscles.
• Bicycling: Either indoors or out, bicycling is a great exercise to help you stay healthy as it burns calories, increases endurance, builds leg strength, and strengthens the heart and lungs.

5. Make time to relax

Stress and tension can lead to serious health problems if they are not dealt with in a productive manner. Research has proved that those with a Type-A personality or those who are prone to stress or anger are far more likely to suffer from heart-related illnesses as well as a host of other detrimental conditions.

Why The Vitamin B Complex Is Important To Your Mind and Body

The B complex is made up of 8 vitamins and this group of nutirents is a very important constituent of your daily diet. These vitamins support many important physical and mental processes. This means that anybody who wants to feel in peak health each day, requires a sufficient daily intake of this essential set of vitamins.

Role of Vitamin B Complex

The Vitamin B complex is made up of eight separate vitamins. These are B1, also called thiamine, B2, also known as riboflavin, B3, which is also referred to as niacin, B6, also called pyridoxine, B9, commonly called folic acid, B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, biotin and pantothenic acid. These vitamins are essential to helping the body in converting food into energy. They also assist in the process of breaking down the fats and proteins that ensure the nervous system runs at peak efficiency. The B Complex vitamins also support muscle tone, oral health, and help to keep the eyes, skin, and hair healthy. The Vitamin B complex also helps to maintain mental functioning, including thinking and short-term memory.

Health Benefits of Beer

In the past, research has linked beer with reducing the risk for heart disease. Beer contains no cholesterol, although it does have antioxidant qualities that can reduce LDL oxidation, with may help reduce your risk of heart disease. Beer is also an excellent source of fiber, stemming from the malted barley. Beer can also help to reduce stress, if you drink it in moderation.

To get the health benefits that beer provides, you should drink one beer a day. You shouldn't drink any more than this, as it can easily lead to health problems. Alcohol will thin out your blood, which will protect your heart and reduce the risk of strokes as well. In the past, research has even shown moderate consumption of alcohol can help with improving your memory as well. Then again, if you drink it excessively, it can destroy brain cells - the adverse effect.

Beer is also nutritious, although it can destroy your levels of vitamin C as well. Beer is a great source of fiber, as well as other minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and several B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. Beer contains high levels of these vitamins, along with other minerals that are actually good for your body. Although it offers plenty of B vitamins and other minerals your body needs, it will also destroy your vitamin C - which is why you never want to drink too much of it.

Role of Vitamin B2

What Vitamin B2 (or Riboflavin) Does For Your Health

The second B complex vitamin, B2, is also known as riboflavin. Vitamin B2 is a member of the group of 8 vitamins which make up the nutritional group known as the Vitamin B complex. These B vitamins are essential to the functioning of the body in almost every way, and they play very important roles in all the bodily systems.

Apart from their major influence on the physical health of the body, the Vitamin B complex is also essential to mental functioning, including cognition and the stability of emotional responses.

Vitamin B2 has many roles in human health and functioning. This vitamin is a key part of the fundamental workings of human blood. It assists in the production of red blood cells, the means by which oxygen, vital to every cell in the body, is transported through the circulatory system. It is also essential in the production of antibodies and the body’s absorption of iron.

Additionally, Vitamin B2 aids the digestive system by helping the body to make use of the energy potential in carbohydrates. It serves to protect the health of the mucus membranes, especially those that act within the digestive process to keep the foods consumed moving smoothly through the digestive tract. It is a cofactor, or partner, in the metabolism of amino acids, fatty acids, and certain proteins.

Because it plays a role in the regulation of the activity of the thyroid, Vitamin B2 is very important to normal growth and development; it is also key to the reproductive system. Vitamin B2 acts as a cofactor to Vitamin B6, which itself could not be active without the Vitamin B2 in the body. This co-operative action takes place in many processes, and also helps in making niacin useful to the body.

Vitamin B2 also has a role to play in adrenal gland function and tissue repair in the body, while helping to keep the skin, hair, fingernails and toenails healthy. Lastly, it is essential to good vision, and may play a role in the prevention of cataracts.

Did You Know What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can steal sight without warning or symptoms. Over three million Americans have it. Only half know.

What causes glaucoma?

The eye constantly produces aqueous, the clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber (the space between the cornea and iris). The aqueous filters out of the anterior chamber through a complex drainage system. The delicate balance between the production and drainage of aqueous determines the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP). Most people’s IOPs fall between 8 and 21. However, some eyes can tolerate higher pressures than others. That’s why it may be normal for one person to have a higher pressure than another.

Glaucoma Treatments

Depending on the severity, treatment can involve glaucoma surgery, lasers, or medication. Eye drops with medication aimed at lowering IOP usually are tried first to control glaucoma.

Because glaucoma is often painless, people may become careless about strict use of eye drops that can control eye pressure and help prevent permanent eye damage. In fact, non-compliance with a program of prescribed glaucoma medication is a major reason for blindness resulting from glaucoma. >> learn more

Maintaining Mental Health

Mental Health, a psychological state of well-being, characterized by continuing personal growth, a sense of purpose in life, self-acceptance, and positive relations with others. Some people define mental health as the absence of mental illness, but many psychologists consider this definition too narrow. Mental health can also refer to a field of study encompassing both mental health and mental illness.

Maintaining mental health is the ability to cope with adversity can be crucial for the mental health of the individual. Coping means successfully dealing with problems that arise in life. People differ substantially in the way they cope with adversity. Some people engage in emotion-focused coping, a strategy that focuses on managing one’s emotions. Examples of this coping strategy include distracting one’s attention from the problem, denying the problem, venting one’s emotions, or sharing emotions with others. A second form of coping, problem-focused coping, involves efforts to reduce stress by solving the problem. People who use this strategy take active steps to overcome the problem, such as seeing a counselor to repair a relationship or looking for a new job in response to problems at work. They may also seek advice from friends and family members.

Some people use coping skills more effectively than others. However, research has shown that people can learn new coping skills. For example, counselors can teach children how to handle difficulties in school. Adults can be taught skills to cope with stressful life events, such as job loss and divorce. Teaching people coping skills before they encounter adversity, or early in the stages of a crisis, appears an effective method of preventing poor mental health. Learning effective coping strategies also directly improves mental health by improving one’s sense of mastery and self-esteem.

Social support from friends and family members also promotes good mental health. This support can take several forms. Other people can offer concrete help in a crisis, such as providing shelter to families victimized by a natural disaster or alerting an unemployed person to a job opportunity. In addition, other people can provide an important source of emotional support. Friends respond with concern, empathy, and advice to a person facing difficulties or loss. They boost confidence and self-esteem by offering reassurance and compliments. Self-help groups provide support by enabling people with similar problems to share their experiences and emotions. Conversely, research has shown that negative social interactions, such as constant criticism and belittlement from other people, can undermine mental health.

Other ways of maintaining good mental health involve physical activities. For example, research has shown that regular aerobic exercise helps to boost self-esteem, relieve depression, and improve concentration. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, also help to combat the effects of stress.

Top 6 Health Benefits of Red Wine

Benefit 1: Red Wine is Hearty

It's good for the heart. The content of wine is a very significant protector of the heart. Substances in the grape skin leaks into the wine during wine making. These substances are called flavanoids. Flavanoids protects us from bad cholesterol and helps prevent blood clots. This alone makes red wine and excellent drink and a reason to drink up.

Benefit 2: Red Wine has Vitamins, Minerals and Natural Sugar

As we know, these are beneficial in maintaining optimum health. Red Wine contains large amount of these. Vitamin B is a flagship vitamin of Red Wine, also present is potassium and small amounts of sodium. All this is due to the grape skin effects. In fact, do you know that grape skin is an excellent agent and fighter against as cancer?

Benefit 3: Red Wine Extends Life?
A recent study has shown that a compound in Red Wine known as resveratrol has shown signs of extending life. We won't go into details of the study, but just know that it has shown promising results on animal subject. Imagine what this could mean for us humans. Benefit 4: Our Digestive System

Red wine helps in the break down of the food that we eat. Ever wondered why the French always have a glass wine with their meals? Now you know also have you ever wondered why the French are skinnier people. Maybe their food digest better with wine and this aids in keeping their weight down. Finally, as we grow older, our bodies stop producing the substance it needs to breakdown the food we it quickly, therefore it is often suggested that we consume a glass of red wine with food.

Benefit 5: Weight loss

Although wine is high in calories, it can actually make you lose weight. How? Well- remember it helps in food digestion, maybe that is how. On a recent TV show, many French woman were explaining how they lost weight and keep it of, by having a glass of Red Wine with their meals, hmmm, did we miss something in America?

Benefit 6: Sleep

Red Wine helps relax you and make you sleep better. It has a tranquil effect on the body and also it will aid in reducing the risk of long term insomnia.

There you have it, the top 6 most significant health benefits of drinking Red wine. It is suggested that we drink moderately all the time.

The Secrets of Chilli Peppers

Chillies proved easy to grow in most climates and were readily assimilated into the varied regional cooking styles. Since then chillies have become an essential part of the culinary landscape throughout Latin America, Indonesia, South East Asia, China, Japan, Philippines, India, the Middle East and all parts of Africa.

Did you know that makes it both addictive and a powerful anti-depressant? Fresh chillies are also rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and calcium. The red chillies contain lycopine, an effective anti-oxidant while the yellow chillies are full of beta-carotene, also an anti-oxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals.

How Hummingbirds Hover

Hummingbirds are small birds of the family Trochilidae, and are native only to the Americas. They are known for their ability to hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 15–80 times per second. The hummingbird also has the ability to fly backwards, being the only group of birds able to do so. Hummingbirds may also fly vertically or horizontally, and are capable of maintaining a position while drinking nectar or eating tiny arthropods from flower blossoms. They are named for the characteristic hum made by their wings.

These latest data disprove conclusions from numerous earlier studies that hummingbirds hovered like insects despite their profound muscle and skeletal differences.

The team found that hummingbirds support 75 percent of their weight during the wing's down stroke and 25 percent on the up stroke--in contrast to insects, which produce equal amounts of lift during their down and up strokes.