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.