Curiously, the cancer rate is 10 percent higher in the left breast than in the right. This left-side bias holds true for both men and women and it also applies to the skin cancer melanoma. Researchers Örjan Hallberg of Hallberg Independent Research in Sweden and Ollie Johansson of The Karolinska Institute in Sweden, writing in the June issue of the journal Pathophysiology , suggest a surprising explanation that not only points to a common cause for both cancers, it may change your sleeping habits. [More]



Cancer - Melanoma - Skin cancer - Health - Conditions and Diseases

Each year, Independence Day arrives with an array of festivities that make us vulnerable to a number of potential hazards: bug bites, burns from backyard grills, food poisoning from cookouts, and injuries from fireworks . But driving? The thought of possibly getting in a car accident at this time of year probably doesn't even cross your mind. If you're like most Americans, you don't get white-knuckled behind the wheel until faced with a drive in wintry whiteout conditions.

In fact, a recent survey of more than 1,200 U.S. drivers conducted by the University of Minnesota's Center for Excellence in Rural Safety (CERS) showed that 83 percent think winter is "the most dangerous season to be driving on rural roadways." By contrast, only 8 percent of survey takers chose summer as the most dangerous driving period.

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United States - Independence Day - University of Minnesota - Fireworks - Foodborne illness

As global warming threatens many animal species with extinction, the cane toad is set to flourish with increasing temperature. This is a major cause for concern as the cane toad, once introduced to Australia as agricultural pest-control of the cane beetle, is an already highly invasive species and considered a pest in Australia.

Viral hepatitis affects more than 500 million people worldwide and while vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, this is not the case for hepatitis C, which affects as much as two percent of the population in the US. Now, scientists are reporting discovery of a virus related to hepatitis C in Asian bats, which may provide insights into the origins of the hepatitis C virus.

Scientists have identified a group of genetic variants that can predict exceptional longevity in humans with 77 percent accuracy -- a breakthrough in understanding the role of genes in determining human lifespan.

A worldwide survey of more than 136,000 people in 132 countries included questions about happiness and income, and the results reveal that while life satisfaction usually rises with income, positive feelings don't necessarily follow, researchers report.

The flightless ostrich uses its wings as sophisticated air-rudders and braking aids when running at high speed and may provide valuable information about how its dinosaur ancestors used their feathered forelimbs to move more efficiently. A small leg muscle, if also present in dinosaurs may have reduced the energetic cost of carrying a heavy body.

Researchers from New Zealand have discovered that a potent new drug restores hearing after noise-induced hearing loss in rats. The landmark discovery found that injection of an agent called 'ADAC' activates adenosine receptors in cochlear tissues, resulting in recovery of hearing function. The finding paves the way for effective non-surgical therapies to restore hearing loss after noise-induced injury.

The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth by Irving Kirsch. Basic Books, 2010

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Irving Kirsch - Arts - Health - New Drugs - Pharmacy

In a bid to rid our homes of unnecessary chemicals, we could well be making use of natural produce such as baking soda and vinegar for cleaning.

Another thing you can do to pare down the use of artificial products and chemicals in your home is to make use of Natural Air Fresheners: this obviates the need to get those pressurized cans into the house, which release harmful CFCs and create unnecessary waste.

You can make your own natural air fresheners using Essential Oils right at home that can help to spread wonderful natural fragrances, improve the mood, deodorize the home (think bathrooms and closets); and also in some cases provide allergic relief.

Essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, geranium, mint, sandalwood, citronella, and frankincense are good choices for making your own natural air freshener.

You can use these in two simple ways to make your house smell fresh and fragrant:

• Use a diffuser. You can use one that uses a candle to heat the water in which the essential oils have been mixed or you can use an electric diffuser.
• Mix the essential oils with water (preferably distilled) in a spray bottle and use as and where required around the house.