Getting to Know the Great White Shark

By: Kate M. Serrano

To those who have ticked swimming off their bucket list after watching episodes of “Jaws”, the great white sharks may have struck them as vicious man eaters. Partly correct, partly incorrect. Although the great whites (Carcharodon carcharias) are the world’s largest known predators of marine mammals and are ranked first in having the most attacks on human, we are not their preferred prey. Great whites are very curious and most so-called “attacks” appear to be motivated by curiosity rather than a desire to feed. Their attacks on humans are rare and not fatal. It is their size and efficiency as predators that inflict unnecessary fear. Great whites use their speed and coloring for hunting. They search for prey at the surface while swimming below. Once a target is identified, they use a burst of speed to bump the poor prey while simultaneously biting it. They have thousands of teeth that are sharp and strong enough to tear their bigger preys apart. As teeth fall out, they are rapidly replaced by those in the row behind them. Therefore, unless you’re a seal, a fish an orca, sailing the deep ocean is not much to be fearful about.

Ironically, the great white is far more threatened by humans than we are of them. They have very less commercial value yet the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature) have listed them as vulnerable and is on the verge of being endangered due to overfishing  –they are often killed for sport and for their jaws, teeth and fins. Marine biologists do not have the exact numbers on the great white population, but they're seen very rarely. Lucky enough great white sharks have are protected in South Africa, Australia and the United States. How can we help? Stop the purchase of great white jaws or items made from their fins. 

  

New Measurements Show More Natural Gas Emissions

By: Jessica Robertson

When a new type of greenhouse gas detecting method was recently employed, in which methane levels are measured in the air above wells, some of the findings were a surprise to most. Seven of the shale gas wells studied were identified as having high emissions levels. Though the seven wells only account for one percent of those studied, all seven were in the drilling stage, a stage that has never been associated with high methane emissions. The methane plumes detected from the wells in drilling phase ranged from 100 to 1000 times greater in strength than previously estimated. These findings could significantly impact the way we look at natural gas production and shale gas wells, and they could radically change the way the industry strives to keep our environment safe and clean.

Besides illuminating the need for better control of emissions, the study showed that current inventory methods for detecting emissions are falling short. This new measurement method, known as the “top down” method, uses a specially equipped airplane to monitor plumes of methane above the wells. A method like this could serve as a good complement to preexisting protocol, better protecting the environment.

What Are You Hiding?

By: Kate M. Serrano

Almost everyone has at least one real or perceived physical imperfection. You may either think your nose is too big or that your lips do not have the perfect pout of Angelina Jolie’s. For those who are financially capable, seeking the help of a plastic surgeon is the quick solution. For those who are not, cramming a hat on the head to conceal a thinning topknot or a long-sleeved blouse, oversized shirt or ball cap can often provide a quick cover-up that is a cheaper and less painful alternative.

In extreme cases, body image issues may fall into the category of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This is a condition where a person obsessively worries about appearance, even for individuals who may actually look attractive. 93 percent of women and 82 percent of men openly admit that they care about their appearance and work to look more attractive while someone with BDD is overly preoccupied with worrying about his or her looks that it interferes with daily life.

In 2012, there more than 14 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States alone and this is all in the pursuit of beauty. Below is a rundown of the top 3 body parts (in random order) people hide as they are most prone to criticism.

The Breasts. Breast augmentation tops the list of cosmetic surgeries performed in the U.S. in 2010 while breast reconstruction is among the top five reconstructive plastic surgeries. Breast issues can be disturbing for both men and women. For women most especially, the breasts have deep significance so problems with breast perception can have wide-ranging quality of life implications.

The Stomach. A large or sagging stomach is hard to conceal with layers of clothing. Unfortunately, women who have given birth may have trouble getting rid of that extra pouch of pregnancy-related stomach flab. It's hard to make a rounded belly look like anything other than what it is. Exercise and surgery may be the only two viable options.

The Face. The face is a person's most distinctive and recognizable body part but people most of the time perceive their facial features as being too large, too small, or uneven. It probably doesn't help that apart from the way the lips, nose, eyes, complexion, chin, and forehead are formed individually they have to work well together to create a pleasing whole. Nose reshaping and eyelid surgery were two of the top five cosmetic surgery procedures performed in 2010 in the United States.

Depending on the standards of beauty in a given culture, body parts transform to conceal or downplay specific flaws. But nobody is perfect. So don’t let the judgemental and harsh ones of today convince you that you’re not beautiful.

Antibiotic Resistance Enzyme on the Move

By: Jessica Robertson

Antibiotic resistance is increasingly common in the world of bacteria. Every day, more and more strains develop ways to avoid death by our medicines.
One gene recently isolated from a strain of E. coli is attributed to the increasing resistance to the class of antibiotics known as aminoglycosides. Aminoglycosides are a common class of antibiotic, including streptomycin for example. Though decreasing in popularity because of their occasional side effects, aminoglycosides are an entire important class of drug in our medical era, acting as a first line of defense in patients with diseases like tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis. The recently isolated gene, known as NpmA, is mobile, and it is responsible for encoding a protein that alters the ribosome (the cell’s protein factory), making the bacteria immune to the effects of the antibiotic. 
Many genes are passed from bacteria to bacteria. The mobility characteristic of the gene is not surprising. However, if more bacteria is unnecessarily exposed to the mobile gene, or unnecessarily exposed to the drug, the resistance of more bacteria could increase exponentially. 
Happily, since researchers have identified this mobile gene and its mechanism of creating resistance, investigation can proceed to identify steps to avoid resistance. 
Let this story serve as a reminder. Dispose properly of unused antibiotics by returning them to a pharmacy. Do not discontinue use of a course of antibiotics unless directed to do so by your doctor. And do not expose antibiotics to the water supply or sewage system. Let’s all do our part to decrease the occurrence of drug-resistant disease. 

Vampire in the Wild

By: Kate M. Serrano

We’ve heard of vampire bats, catfish and moths. Here’s a new addition to the lineage that came even before Twilight made the scene – the vampire frog. Discovered in 2008 by Judy Rowley of the Australian Museum and her student Le Thi Thuy Duong from Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, vampire frogs (Rhacophorus vampyrus) are not necessarily blood suckers but were named as such because of the presence of black fangs in tadpoles used for feeding. 

This unusual frog has adapted for life in trees, using its webbed fingers and toes for moving and gliding hence it is also called the “flying frog.” They use water holes in trees to breed protect their young from all predators that lurk in rivers and ponds. The first vampire frog was discovered in the unexplored Langbian Plateau cloud forest of southern Vietnam in March 2008 but it wasn’t until 2010 that the scientist observed the fangs protruding from the underside of a tadpole’s mouth while examining it under a microscope. One cool thing about the frog? It changes color! In daylight it’s a pale tan, but at night it’s stunning brick red. Very little information is known about this creature in terms of life history, abundance, activity and special behaviours though. But one thing is certain: we would not want this red listed in the endangered species category.

  

Technology Grows on Trees

By: Jessica Robertson

A newly discovered process can turn trees into energy storage devices, essentially. Cellulose, the most common organic polymer on earth, is the main ingredient in trees. And when cellulose is reacted simply with ammonia, it can be transformed into a form of activated carbon, called a nitrogen-doped nanoporous carbon membrane, that can serve as the electrode of a supercapacitor. 

Besides the simplicity and cost-efficiency of this new approach, the process is also impressive in its earth-friendliness. The only byproduct of the reaction is methane, which, when properly harnessed and not released into the atmosphere, is a safe and advantageous compound, useful for fuel or other industrial purposes. Furthermore, the cheap wood that can be used as the reactant in this approach does not deplete the food supply. The carbon membranes that are produced in this reaction are extremely thin, meaning a small amount of wood creates a large number of the desired supercapacitors, dispelling fears that the process would deplete the forests for the sake of energy.

Supercapacitors are highly efficient energy storage devices, recharging faster than batteries and holding much more energy. They promise better results in industry and electronics, and they could be the solution for evening out the power flow from variable alternative energy systems like solar and wind energies. They increase efficiency in hybrid cars, and prevent energy loss by capturing what would otherwise be wasted. These potential benefits of supercapacitors have been known for some time, but the high cost of such technology prevented any substantial incorporation of their strengths into many industries. This new, low cost process to create supercapacitors has the potential to shift significantly the environmental impact of modern industry. 

Getting Zzzs the Natural Way

By: Kate M. Serrano

Most of us struggle to get enough sleep. We go as far as counting all of old McDonald’s farm animals and some even have nightly staring contests with the ceiling. While many people can remedy sleep problems with simple lifestyle adjustments, others need a bit of extra help. Cheers to Mother Nature, research have found that there are more natural and convenient ways of get our nightly zzz’s.

Tea. Valerian, Kava, Chamomile and Spearmint. These tea variants have been used for centuries to promote restful sleep and soothe anxiety. Each of these has slightly different properties. Valerian tea promotes a deep restful sleep. It doesn’t always work instantly so you may need to drink it several nights in a row before you feel the effects. Kava tea has been used to promote relaxation and mental clarity. Unlike Valerian, a cup of strong kava can knock you out within an hour. Chamomile is not quite as potent as Kava and because it functions a bit different from Valerian, it is likely the most versatile tea on this list. A cup chamomile tea with a hint of lemon or honey before bed can do wonders to promote a restful sleep. Spearmint tea is mixed with chamomile and lemongrass to boost flavor and to further aid sleep inducement.

Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy and essential oils are nature’s way to stimulate or calm the senses with the use of plant and flower extracts. When inhaled, it sends brain signals to help the body relax. Lavender is the most common scent for calming the mind and the body. Ylang Ylang is another popular stress-busting aroma. You can place drops of essential oils on your pillow, eye mask or with a diffuser.

Tart Cherry Juice. Cherries contain antioxidants and melatonin which is the natural hormone the brain secretes in our circadian rhythm. Melatonin makes us relax at night. Some people take melatonin pills to help get them to sleep but drinking tart cherry juice two hours before bed can do the trick.

Pure Coconut Water. Coconut water contains high amounts of potassium and magnesium. These nutrients aide in muscle relaxation thus drinking the water throughout the day helps reduce stress and promote better sleep.

Banana Smoothies. Oh who wouldn't love a smoothie? Bananas help with sleep as it contains relaxing nutrients such as magnesium and potassium. Dunk in a few cherries and milk for a slamming sleep-induced smoothie. Careful about not adding sugar though, it does not help sleep.

Furthermore, having a little white wine with fish or pairing some muddled cherries with whiskey might do the trick. Studies have shown that alcohol, in moderation, can aid sleep. Now that’s fun news.

Sleep smart and sleep well!

Earth Day Top Tens

By: Daniela Silva

For this earth day, here at Beyond the Facade we whipped up for you our top 10 great tips to help you give a little more back to earth and give  yourself a great reason to feel good too. Whether it be new habits you want to incorporate into your weekly to-do’s or to just simply join in once and awhile on the fun of giving the earth some lovin’. This is definitely the list for you!

1.  Recycle Plastic Bags - One trillion plastic bags are used annually and contribute to the waste found in our landfills and our oceans. 46,000 pieces of plastic per every square mile floats aimlessly in our oceans and even worse it takes 1,000 years for one plastic bag to degrade. This means marine life not limited to sea turtles can potentially eat and choke on these pieces and die. To help, instead of throwing away your bags recycle or keep your plastic bags around for your next grocery trip, or a aid to help carry things from here to there. Spend a little extra and invest in some colourful and durable reusable bags you see being offered in most grocery and convenience stores they last longer and they look much better.

2. Make your own Household Cleaners- Yes you read correct and no it is not that hard! There is a dangerous amount of chemicals in your household cleaners and there's a lot of that on your hands and feet as you read this right now; If you have young children you understand why it is important why these chemicals do not get onto their hands and into their mouths.

A simple yet powerful disinfectant can be made with three simple ingredients:

white vinegar,

tea tree oil,

distilled water.

If you want to add a punch to your disinfectant you can always add a little bit of dish soap, but with this and a squeeze bottle you're golden to clean whatever surface you so choose to tackle.

3. Plant Herbs - Indoors or outdoors planting herbs are an excellent way of knowing where your food comes from, and is a organic production of flavour you can add to your meals any day. Your home will become more lively with the new flora and your children can decorate the plant pots in which you plant the seeds. A family get-together its a win-win!

4. Make a Cheap Compost bin- Don't throw out your scraps, compost them! Organic materials can be thrown into your compost bin, egg shells, ground coffee, nut shells, fruit cores and more can be used to make a rich dark compost perfect for your lawn to boost and give extra nutrients. All you need is a trash can with a locking lid, a stand to keep it from weighing down on your grass, a drill to make 25 - 30 holes to spread and let the compost release moisture.

Remember to mix the compost and allow the mixture to sit for 30 days minimum to allow for weed seeds to die from the internal heat of the compost, you do not want any surprises to bloom in your garden!

5. Upcycle - Upcycling is new, its cool and trendy. You can upcycle just about anything from furniture to décor, clothing to art; nothing is left uncycled and there's a ton of DYI's out there to give you step by step tutorials on accomplishing what you wish to do. For this earth day, why not give it a go, or plan to dedicate some time to upcycling some old furniture that just doesn't cut it in your living room any more?

No one needs to know you've been using how-to’s and tutorials. Get creative!

6. Farmers market - By buying food locally, you are supporting the local farmers that need it the most and gives them a fighting chance at surviving the globalization economy. The food is seasonal and is ripened naturally without chemicals or gassing; also processed with a minimal amount of processing.

The humane treatment of animals is also a plus side for most animals from small scale farmers are spared from feed lots and cramped cages and given hormone free foods and left to graze grasses the way they were meant to. Meats, poultry and eggs all are great to be bought in farmers markets. So not only are you diving into the centre of fresh and healthy produce but into a kaleidoscope of untapped wellness  as well.

7. Phantom energy - It is as scary as it sounds, phantom energy is when electricity is being sucked up by appliances even when they are turned off or in standby mode. Usually responsible for approximately 10% of your annual household electricity bill this is not only an energy sucker but a money sucker as well.

Electricity costs are expected to rise by 50% in the upcoming year, and you can combat this simply by unplugging your big gadgets such as your TV’s and gaming systems when they are not in use and small household appliances.

8. Water Usage - Now, if anyone told me to cut back on my shower, I wouldn't give them the time of day. Considering the fact that on average showers and baths are the main culprit of water usage in the home amounting for 35% of household water usage, following toilet use and laundry.

To help reduce the amount of water being used you can install a low-flow shower head, use less water in your baths and install aerators in your taps. When shopping for a new home, look at eco option toilets, or you will almost literally be flushing money down the toilet with all the water you will be wasting.

With laundry, front loading washers use less water and use the movement to agitate the clothing to remove dirt and grime, for top loading uses a agitator and more water to slosh things around, use a drying rack to save on electricity.

9. Recycle (Duh!) - One of the  easiest things you can do to help is to recycle! By recycling one ton of paper you can save up to 17 trees, and although it may seem like a lot a recycling facility goes through 300 tons of paper each week this equals to 5100 trees.

With an effort in recycling, a little opportunity and some awareness you can contribute your recycling program in your community  and make a difference.

10. Share some love - Environmentally friendly acts don’t just come out of the blue, they always start somewhere and they start with you! Share this list with friends and incorporate it with your children. Being green should be something that we do without thinking twice about it. Be smart, be green be a earth lovin’ machine! Have a very happy Earth day!

Five Ways to Show Earth Love from the Kitchen

By: Jessica Robertson

For many of us, our kitchen is the centre of our home life. Food makes fellowship, and fellowship makes happiness. With all that good stuff flowing out of the kitchen, let’s be conscious of the impact we’re making on the earth to keep the good coming.

Be kind to the earth from your very own kitchen with these five simple tips.

1.      Big Money

Obviously, the big energy saver would be to switch out those old, energy-guzzling appliances for their newer green counterparts. If that’s an option for you, go for it! The environment will thank you. If that’s a little too pricey of a change for your taste, keep reading.

2.      Be Smart

Save energy the old fashioned way, by making wise choices. Covering a pot makes water boil twice as fast, using half the energy. Use the toaster oven for one-portion cooking. Turn the stove off a few minutes before you’re done cooking, and let the lingering heat do the remaining work. It’s the small things that add up to big changes!

3.      Eat Raw

Not only are raw foods like fruits and veggies and nuts great for your health, they’re great choices for the planet! They don’t require cooking, so they save tons of energy, and they also require less packaging, so you contribute less waste to the landfill. It’s a win-win-win.

4.      Less Plastic

Speaking of landfills, they’re full of our food containers, grocery bags, plastic packaging, and the list goes on. Reducing our use of these readily disposable – but hardly biodegradable – objects is surprisingly easy. A few small changes include storing leftovers in glass rather than plastic (which is also an infinitely wiser choice for your health, by the way), buying food in bulk and dividing it into glass containers at home to reduce wasted packaging, and bringing your own totes to the grocery store.

5.      Wash Nice

Be careful what you wash with. Many popular kitchen soaps and cleaning products are petroleum-based or brimming with other harmful chemicals. We may forget about the soap once it’s down the drain, but it doesn't bio degrade. It’s harmful to our animals, the earth, and us, so choose better cleaners that are plant-based instead. A few earth-friendly brands are likely available in your neighbourhood grocery store.

Keep the love flowing from your kitchen to your friends, family, and the earth!

Earth Day is coming!

       

By: Jessica Robertson

We are quickly approaching Earth Day, the annual holiday when our minds and goals are united to help promote change for the sake of our planet and our future. This year the holiday is April 22, a Tuesday. Most of us won’t get the day off work, celebrate around the table with a family dinner, or exchange gifts, but we can still find joy and importance in the special day!

            What will you do to make your Earth Day memorable for yourself and impactful for those around you? You have just a few more days to decide. Many cities plan festivals focused on community programs that benefit the environment, whether local or widespread. Attending a local event like this could inspire a new habit for your daily life in your community. You could write a letter to your local government leaders suggesting a change you find important, like creating a bike share or improving emissions laws. Be deliberate in making a difference on Earth Day; make memories by planting a tree, riding your bike to work, or taking a stroll around your neighbourhood to pick up litter.

            Whatever you choose to do on Earth Day, let it be an influence to your own soul and to those around you. It is good to serve those around you. Can you make your Earth Day activities an annual tradition? Can you repeat your Earth Day activities every week? Every day, even? Small changes can add up to big improvements. Let’s make a difference for our planet! 

Every Breath You Take

Kate M. Serrano

Who would want to live in a polluted city? We all don’t because we know its health implications – runny nose, cough, sore throat, heart and lung problems to name a few. Poor air quality is caused by both natural and man-made pollutants. Apart from dust and sand particles, the more alarming causes would be traffic pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide that when combined with ozone and sunlight cause air quality to drop.  Pollution is measured by the average number of particles in the air per cubic meter. This is referred to as the air quality index (AQI). As the AQI increases, health hazards brought about by air pollution also increases. The AQI also provides a scale of 1 to 10 to indicate health risks associated with air quality. For example, a number from 1 to 3 may mean air quality is ideal for outdoor activities while 7 to 10 means strenuous outdoor activities may cause throat irritation hence should be avoided. Late last year, a day after the World Health Organization published a report linking air pollution to lung cancer, Quartz came out with a list of the Top 10 most polluted cities in the world. These cities are not necessarily the biggest capitals but are the places where heavy industries take place. The city of Ahwaz, Iran which is a center for metal and petrochemical processing is on top of the list. Here is what the rest of the list has:

                        1. Ahwaz, Iran

2. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

3. Sanandaj, Iran

4. Ludhiana, India

5. Quetta, Pakistan

6. Kermanshah, Iran

7. Peshawar, Pakistan

8. Gaborone, Botswana

9. Yasouj, Iran

10. Kanpur, India

The World Health Organization regards air pollution as the world’s most serious environmental health risk. Did your city make the list? I hope not.

Citarum River: What Happened?

By: Kate M. Serrano

Located forty miles east of Jakarta, Indonesia the river Citarum runs over 186 miles from the Wayang Mountain to the Java Sea. This river was once a tropical paradise but has now become notorious for possibly being the world’s most polluted river containing dangerously high levels of heavy metals, rubbish and sewage. The Citarum provides 80% of surface water to Jakarta’s water supply, irrigates farms that supply 5% of Indonesia’s rice, and is a source of water for around 2,000 factories. With the increasing urbanization in the 80s, both human and industrial wastes are common debris seen floating– plastic and packaging makes the river’s surface invisible beneath its carpet of junk. The main contributors to the river’s pollution are the textile factories in the Bandung and Cimahi area. The dyes and chemicals (read: lead, arsenic and mercury) used in the industrial process are churned into the water and at times turn the water color to red, green and yellow coupled with an acrid odor. Plus, the locals in nearby villages do not have a waste management system so trash is directly dumped into the river.

We all know what this means; we cannot underestimate its devastating effect on the local ecosystem. Yes, cancer rates as well as skin diseases, mental illness and slow development among local children are after effects. And instead of catching fish, local fishermen rummage the river for plastic, which they sell for recycling.

The Citarum River has been in desperate need of an effective solution to its pollution problem. What has the Indonesian government done? For a start, the Asian Development Bank approved a $500 million loan for cleaning up the river in December 2008. And to restore the Citarum, an effective and cost efficient waste management system for the locals would be the long term solution.  Currently, a “garbage barge” is used for a trash disposal service. The barge travels up and down the river collecting trash and waste will be transported to a landfill in the village of Sukaharja. If nothing is done to prevent waste from entering the water, the Citarum River will continue being one of the world’s most polluted rivers. Imagine the effect to millions of Indonesians who depend on the river for survival.

    

Sweet Renewable Materials

By: Jessica Robertson

      Many everyday products are oil-based, including plastic, gasoline, and rubber; the non-renewable nature of these materials means their scarcity is increasing. Research is underway heavily to find new options for products so common in our world today. Biodiesel is a perfect example of a renewable material that is not based on oil, being derived instead from plants. While the invention of biodiesel advanced the renewable energy sector, researchers are still searching for more earth-friendly options.

            Isobutene, a product ubiquitous in the chemical industry, will soon be derived from plants, namely sugar. Research found that if sugar is introduced to a particular microorganism, the product of the fermentation and digestion process is gaseous isobutene. This process is highly renewable since sugar grows back, making it a huge improvement on oil.

            However, concern arises when dealing with renewable material derived from edible plants; with so much hunger in the world, is it really justifiable to use food for conversion to energy rather than for feeding hungry mouths? For this reason, the pilot plant in Germany is transitioning from sugar beet, which is edible, to sugar from wood or straw, which is not edible.

Making the production of isobutene completely independent from both oil and food production is a responsible choice for the future of our planet. 

                                      

Beer on my Beef Please

By: Kate M. Serrano

Nothing beats a cold bottle and a hot steak on the grill. What’s more cool is pouring the cold one on your meat before grilling also has a positive effect on health.

Using beer as flavor base of marinade dates back to the old Egyptian and Mesopotamian days. Both civilizations are advanced and archaeological evidence suggests their cuisine was rich and flavourful. A tough steak can be extremely difficult to chew. Beer allows you to enjoy the once tough leaner cuts as its alcohol content helps tenderize the meat by breaking down its proteins. The longer the steaks marinate in beer, the more meat proteins dissolve, and the more tender the steaks become.  Plus, the beer combined with citrus juices or vinegar will make the tenderizing process faster than with just the beer alone. Of course beer marinade doesn’t only work on steak and meat. Wheat or white beers can be used to steam hot dogs or to base sauces for steaks. Also, flavoured beers like apricot or lime are good choices when paired with sauces or marinades of the same flavor.

And here is the good part. According to the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, marinating with beer reduces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These are the deadly carcinogens that form on meat cooked on a grill or barbeque. Limited exposure to PAHs mean limited exposure to cancer. In an experiment conducted by researchers, they found that dark beers reduced net PAHs by 53 percent. This is twice the effect compared to results from a non-alcoholic pilsner, which reduced only 25 percent.

So next time you plan on a barbeque party, keep in mind that beer-bathed pork and beef may look as healthy as it tastes. Just make sure not to drink the marinade.
                 

Organizing Energy

By: Jessica Robertson

When we think about renewable energy, few downsides come to mind. Wind parks, solar energy, biogas, and other renewable sources have inspired us and reminded us that we can make wise choices for our planet. The variable nature of these renewable sources, however, does mean that their levels of energy production on a day-to-day and month-to-month basis will inevitably undergo fluctuation. In order to bring the highest level of efficiency to the power grid, these fluctuations must be accounted for and the sources combined in an intelligent way.

            Researchers strongly agree that a model that relies heavily on variable and renewable energy sources can still be a perfectly viable model, though more organization is needed than for traditional power supply. Dr. Kurt Rohrig, deputy director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology IWES in Kassel, Germany, and other experts, assert that by using numerous small energy producers that feed into the grid at varying times, the grid can be made highly reliable. This requires a major shift from the current system where big power plants are king, but change is inevitable when the environmental paradigm is shifting as quickly as it is currently.

            The multitude of small energy providers in the new concept would all be grouped in an intelligent software program, causing them to resemble a power plant, but a virtual one. Tests conducted using the software saw deeply promising results. The variations in sun and wind that make power production unpredictable in one locale can be leveled out to an appropriate average when including a larger number of smaller plants through the software.

            Proper organization of renewable energy sources and the power that they produce impacts the planet profoundly. We can reduce the waste and pollution left behind by dirtier forms of energy production by efficiently and intelligently using these environmentally friendly systems. 

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertention

Personal Article Regarding a Rare Neurological Disorder

By: Daniela Silva

The complexity of its name causes enough confusion and headache in itself, so you can call it by its short form IIH. Also known as benign intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri it is mainly characterized by an increase in pressure around the brain, however this is with the absence of a tumor. If left untreated it can lead to the swelling of the optic disc, which then causes vision loss. Symptoms include dizziness, head pain, double vision, nausea, vomiting, pulsatile tinnitus,

This neurological disorder happens to mainly women in childbearing age but it can and does affect children and men too. To diagnose a patient a lumbar puncture has to be done to measure out the pressure of the fluid followed by a MRI or CT scan to confirm there is no tumor present. with IIH  There is no known cure for IIH but it is said that weight loss does help and can help temporarily, but when there is no weight to lose, there is only medicine to help suppress the pain. A shunt can also be surgically implanted to allow excess spinal fluid to drain out either into the heart or to the abdomen or belly.

Being Diagnosed with IIH is indescribable, and the symptoms always differ from person to person. Being diagnosed with such a misunderstood and unknown neurological disorder means I don't get the satisfaction of knowing when it is going to go away. I can be great one day and feel as though my head will burst the next. Many people have no idea how seriously this can affect one's standard of living and there needs to be some sort of action to get people aware.

Spread awareness.

Sharing is Not Always Loving

Kate M. Serrano

That’s correct. Sharing may not always mean loving. Such is the case for sharing a bed with your pets. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), roughly half of all dogs and 62 percent of cats in the U.S. sleep with their owners. While humans do benefit with this arrangement, there are a few factors to consider when sharing a bed with one’s pet.

Pets offer physical comfort. Animal company provides a positive result and may mean a more restful night. Having pets around lowers blood pressure while reducing loneliness and stress. These benefits are magnified when your dog is allowed to sleep with you. Cats are also cuddly and therapeutic but it may be a little trickier to sleep with. Because of their nocturnal nature and hunting instincts, a little of your tossing and turning may be enough to provoke a playful kitty. It can be harder to fall back to sleep after booting it out of the bedroom  as cats do not react well if you take away territory.

The risk of getting sick is another consideration. In rare cases for example, pet owners can become ill after making mouth-to-mouth contact with their pets which can easily occur while sleeping. Children can contract diseases after sharing beds with a flea-ridden cat. Or people who are sensitive to dust, pollen and fur may develop pet allergies. Kids, the elderly, and individuals with unstable immune systems will have to consider this as they are most vulnerable to diseases.

Dogs shed fur, cats may have dirty paws. If you don’t mind changing sheets or sending the comforter to the dry cleaner, then it shouldn’t be an issue. If you worry about the sheets being ruffled or the pillows scratched then it may be a good idea to make room for your pet in another spot.

There is no harm letting your pet share a bed with you but if this causes sleep-related issues then it is best to reconsider your night time arrangements. You may want construct a designated sleeping space for your dog or cat in another part of the house, somewhere warm and comfortable for them so you don’t feel as guilty booting them out of the bedroom.

                            

Not So Sweet Dreams

By: Jessica Robertson

We are all well aware of the constant presence of chemical compounds in our surroundings. Because of their prevalence, it can be a natural reaction to trust in their safety; anything so common shouldn’t be a threat. A team of environmental engineers from Cockrell School of Engineering has recently investigated a frightening topic that had never previously been considered. Looking at the foam padding in new crib mattresses, the team recorded high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the material. Sometimes found in products like household cleaners and sprays, VOCs include chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and acetone, among others. No conclusive studies have shown the definitive health effects of exposure to the chemicals, although they are regarded as dangerous chemicals.

By comparing polyurethane foam and polyester foam in a group of both new and old crib mattresses from ten different manufacturers, the researchers found that the new crib mattresses release VOCs at a level four times higher than old crib mattresses, and a baby’s body heat triggers VOCs to be emitted. Frighteningly, the VOC emission levels were found to peak in the baby’s immediate breathing zone. The VOC levels that the new crib mattresses emit are comparable to some other potentially hazardous household materials, including laminate flooring and wall coverings.

Considering that infants are highly susceptible to pollutants and that infants can spend over half of their time asleep in their cribs, the presence of these chemicals within the mattress material is shocking. The findings did not shock some of the experts, saying that the levels of VOCs, while surprising, were not high enough to cause true alarm for the safety of children. However, those experts deem this very valuable research and worthy of further investigation to assure safety. 

It is not recommended to replace new mattresses with older mattresses that contain banned substances, like flame-retardants; reusing an older crib mattress that is known to have no banned substances may reduce infants’ exposure. To reduce levels of VOCs in new mattresses, a period of airing-out may help. Keep an eye on this issue to make sure your children are protected.  

                         

Autism on the Rise

By: Daniela Silva

Autism is now believed to be affecting 1 in 68 children, rather than 1 in 88. An estimate of 1.2 million children and teenagers are believed to be affected by autism and are diagnosed by four main criteria: The ability to communicate, problems with social interaction, repetitive behavior, and severely limited interests. The increase in autism should not be a concern to expecting parents; it is said to be a result of a better diagnosis.

It is believed that genetics and environment do have a role in the development of autism but there is not yet substantial proof that this can be a factor. Children diagnosed with autism have several irregularities in the brain believed to be caused due to a disruption ith the genes that are responsible for the growth of the brain and regulate how the brain cells communicate with each other. Again this theory is preliminary and needs further study.

With treatment and age, autism can better and bring about significant improvement within the patient. Educational and behavioral treatment with medical and other controversial therapies can be used to aid in the improvement of the child however there is not enough information as to why it happens and how the disorder can be eradicated completely.

Nigari: You Will Hate to Like It

By: Kate M. Serrano

Sometimes wellness leaves a bad taste. It is the case of Nigari, the natural form of the Magnesium Chloride. This sea water extracted mineral is used to coagulate soya milk into tofu and has various beneficial properties for the human body. Magnesium Chloride has therapeutic and prophylactic effects for certain infectious diseases and help the healing and recovery of the human body.

Pierre Delbet, a French surgeon and founding member of what became the French Cancer Society, particularly uses Magnesium Chloride as the base of his experiments. His first studies date back to 1889 when he was looking for an antiseptic to clean contaminated wounds of soldiers that does not cause degradation of organic tissues. Unlike regular antiseptics used at the time, Magnesium Chloride perfectly fulfilled the role.

Much later studies have shown that this mineral can benefit blood pressure and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke. GreenMedInfo.com's database project records over 100 health benefits – premenstrual syndrome, aging, type 2 diabetes and migraine, among others. Not more than two years ago, I was periodically suffering tonsillitis. A friend advised me to drink a glass of water mixed with no more than a quarter tablespoon of Nigari every morning. Besides the horrible taste, the effect was immediate; it stopped the inflammation of my throat. I would even manage to trade my morning coffee with it as it boosts me for the whole day.

If you feel sudden loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, these may be early signs of magnesium deficiency. One way to optimize magnesium level is by consuming plenty of organic green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. Or better yet try including seaweed, almond butter and unsweetened cocoa in your daily diet.

                                    

Potential New Class of Antibiotic

            

By: Jessica Robertson

All currently marketed antibiotics are slowly but steadily losing their power against the bacteria of our time. Bacteria have been exposed to our drugs for decades now, and they continue to develop resistance mechanisms. It is absolutely essential that new agents be developed to war against the infections of our day if we plan to remain victorious against modern disease.

            An international team of researchers from Germany, Austria, and Canada has been busy studying a promising new antimicrobial mechanism. They are observing a small peptide known as MP196, which represents a class of very small peptides with a positive charge; composed of just four to ten amino acids, these peptides are showing themselves effective against a wide array of bacteria, even those that are considered multi-drug resistant and are common causes of sepsis. In order for a drug to be approved for use, its mechanism must be fully and deeply understood; after much thorough research, this team has finally answered that question, making the path to a new antibiotic a little easier.

The team showed that the peptide forces its way into the membrane of the bacterial cell, causing major disruptions in some of the crucial proteins located in the cell wall. The bacterial cell cannot continue the synthesis of its cell wall, an ongoing process that lends protection and stability to the cell, and the cell can no longer efficiently produce its own energy, making all cell mechanisms impossible.

The processes by which the peptide disarm the bacteria are special in nature, and the researchers predict that the peptide will be particularly difficult for bacteria to develop a resistance against. The nature of the process also ensures that the peptides will not harm human cells, since human cells lack the cell wall that the peptides are designed to attack.

Findings such as these establish hope that even in the face of numerous multi-drug resistant diseases, the age of the antibiotic is not over. We can all do our part to prolong the efficacy of our current drugs by following the directions of our prescriber's. Do not stop taking a series of antibiotic drugs unless directed by your doctor, and always properly dispose of unused antibiotics by returning the leftover pills to a participating pharmacy, instead of throwing them in trash or flushing them through the water system.

Top 6 Super Foods for Asthma

There may not be a solid cure for asthma, however there is a variety of super foods with excellent nutrient profiles that are well suited to tackle and alleviate asthma symptoms such as the shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. These 12 super foods prove time and again that they can combat these terrible symptoms with wholesome goodness.

1. AVOCADOS - A rich source of glutathione, which has been proven to protect cells against free radical damage and been shown to successfully detoxify foreign substances such as pollutants.Without glutathione various antioxidants would not be able to function efficiently. Avocados provide an excellent source of vitamin E, particularly for asthma which is linked to a nut allergy (Nuts are ordinarily a prime source of vitamin E) However if you’re diagnosed with a latex allergy avoiding avocados may be in your favor; those allergic to latex are often allergic to avocados and other foods that contain chitinases. Organically grown avocados are not treated with ethylene gas which therefore results in lower levels of chitinases  

2. BROCCOLI SPROUTS - is the goldmine of nutrition, a excellent addition to your diet if you are a sufferer of asthma. Recent studies suggest that those who ate broccoli sprouts for 3 days had a significant increase in antioxidant compounds that control inflammation in the airway that is associated with bronchial asthma. The effect was even more so pronounced within those who had ate the most broccoli sprouts. Available at many health food stores, markets and grocery stores, these make a excellent addition to soups salads salsa topped dishes and sandwiches.  

3. APPLES - Some studies show that apples possess some very extraordinary properties that provide extra protection against asthma; Showing that children drinking apple juice daily have wheezing reduced up to 50%. These effects are caused by the fruits bioflavonoids, such as quercetin; which is known to possess strong anti-histamines, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. When purchasing apples, avoid shiny apples these ones are waxed and try and stick to organic, better yet, peel them before you eat them! Apples contain the highest levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

4. BANANAS -This super food may help you breathe easier. According to a study conducted in Britain children who consumed a banana a day had a 34% less of a chance of developing asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. Bananas are one of the best sources of pyridoxine, commonly known as the vitamin B6. Pyridoxine plays a critical role in the production of adenosine trisphosphate (ATP_ and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) molecules that have been proven to relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue.

5. GINGER - One of the most well known spices in the world, it is also known for its powers in aiding and relieving common illnesses, but what its not commonly known for is for its power to help alleviate asthma symptoms. The asthma fighting properties are thought to be attributable to gingerols, a strong anti-inflammatory substance that also gives ginger its strong distinctive flavor. Fresh ginger, is said to be the most effective form of ginger is available year round in the produce section of your local supermarket,                                                                                               

6. SPINACH - The nutrients found in spinach makes it one of the most valuable and important health foods that you can add to any anti-asthmatic diet. One study conducted with 68,535 female participants found that women with a high intake of spinach had a lower prevalence of asthma. Spinach is one of the best sources of beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium. It also has a substantial amount of potassium content in comparison to its calorie content; a 100 calorie serving provides 40% of the reference daily intake for an important anti-asthmatic meal.