“It is our very search for perfection outside ourselves that causes our suffering.” ~The Buddha
Showing posts with label danger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label danger. Show all posts

Wednesday, 5 March 2014

BPA Holds True Danger

By: Jessica Robertson

It’s in manufactured products everywhere, from the lining of metal food containers to dental composites, but suspicion continues to grow about the safety of biphenyl a, better known as BPA. Canada has already deemed it a toxic chemical, but the United States is taking its sweet time to address the dangerous compound. Some researchers attribute the dangerous characteristics of BPA to its chemical similarity to biological hormones, especially estrogen, androgen, and thyroid hormones. Since studies on rodents have already shown BPA to be linked to abnormalities like cancer and immune, reproductive, and brain function problems, the United States has extended the studies to include primates. In previous studies, BPA was shown to alter fetal development when rodent mothers were exposed daily to very low doses of BPA, which is cause for alarm and for further research.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health, a recent study on rhesus monkeys was considered to be a very similar model to what likely happens within the human system when a pregnant mother is exposed to BPA. Though the rhesus monkeys in the study were exposed to a level considered to be far less than the levels humans are daily exposed to, tissue samples showed damage to the mammary glands, the ovaries, the brain, the uterus, the lungs, and the heart in rhesus monkey fetuses whose mothers were exposed to BPA. It is likely that, often, actual human exposure to BPA is underestimated in both measured levels and in estimated danger. Not only does the study provide evidence that BPA does pass from mother to fetus, but it also provides evidence that BPA causes serious dangers for developing fetuses.

Hopefully the dramatic findings of this study encourage stronger regulations against such a ubiquitous but harmful chemical. 

Friday, 14 February 2014

A cancer killer



By : Daniela Silva
Grape seed extract is a marvelous natural ingredient in the fact that it attacks cancer cells and leaves the healthy cells unharmed.
A common type of berry, the grape was introduced into America over 300 years ago; with 8,000 varieties of this berry the primary types of grapes originate from America and Europe. With only 100 calories within a cup grapes offers a considerable amount of vitamins K and C and packed full of antioxidants
Grape seed extract originates from the seed of the grape and gives benefits to those with cardiovascular conditions such as poor circulation and high cholesterol, it has been found to be useful with diabetes related eye disease, loss of vision, and swelling associated with injury. In current events grape seed extract is being examined for its potency in the treatment of leukemia and Alzheimer disease.  
Past research on the seed extract has shown that the grape seed extract  is a solution for a wide variety of cancers including colorectal cancer. Foods rich in flavanols; such as grapes apples and varieties of berries are proven to greatly reduce the risks of colon cancer.
Advanced cancers and grape seed extract
The compounds within the grape seed extract react and particularly aims for various cancer cells; with an increase of colorectal cancer, the study is very timely for a ample amount of people.
By the time this cancer is found, people are in the late stages of cancer, but with further study it is shown that less grape seed extract is required to kill cancer as compared to early stages of cancer. It is strongly believed that this process is done by oxidative stress on the cancer cells.

Friday, 31 January 2014

Safety cannot be sold.


By: Daniela Silva

An innovative article of clothing is presumably one of the most liberating article of clothing that any woman will feel safe in; the anti-rape undergarment. Not only will this ensure young vulnerable ladies will not be at risk for potential rape however to what degree is this really liberating?


The garment is made out of a strong material that is resistant to cutting and pulling, it is built in such a way it can not be pulled off without the consent of the wearer nor can it be pulled or moved in the thigh area to gain “easy” access. It locks like a chastity belt with over 1,000 different combinations, this garment is comfortable, adjustable and obviously a great choice for those living in statistically high-rape countries.The garment has been created to give the victim more control of the situation; but since when was this in the control of the victim?


Anti-rape wear is a depressing reminder to all, that no matter in whatever situation the victim, may it be your mother, your sister or your daughter is responsible for the attack. One in thirty rape victims actually see their attacker prosecuted and in a world where men are blindly convicted as not guilty it is only a matter of time until we have to hide away and become unseen in the public eye. Anyone can be a victim; Men, children, trans-gender and handicapped persons are also vulnerable. The entire population should at this point be anxious.


Anti-rape underwear is great, but it is only a temporary solution to a drastic pandemic. We must push and fight for rape-culture to be abolished; for the true liberation of our people. We will not be free until a mother has no worry of her child having their innocence taken away.


Thursday, 30 January 2014

Honey; not so sweet anymore.

By: Daniela Silva

Honey becomes more valuable after every drop consumed, due to the astonishing decline of our apinae friends. Honey bees of all different species are dropping dead from various diseases and viruses, yet; this has not become a serious concern for many. With the rapid collapse of hives and species it has become brutally detrimental to our ecosystem and our flora; and detrimental to our future perseverance. Colony collapse disorder and many other diseases are contributing to the demise of our bees; a crucial part of life.


Colony collapse disorder; also known as spring dwindle, fall dwindle disease, autumn collapse and disappearing disease has been observed to  affect beehives worldwide creating disastrous effects for the apinae. The bees become hesitant to eat, young bees will take over most of the workforce until the hive becomes dormant of adult bees.Many disappear without a trace and are presumed dead. However the hive is not completely left alone, capped brood still remain and the queen remains in the hive


It is presumed that pesticides and insecticides may be the prime source of colony collapse disorder, however scientists are not certain and continue to study this phenomenon. Without bees, we are looking at the endangerment of a vast majority of our flora, ecosystems and animals who depend on bees for the pollination of their food source then have to completely alter the way they live; possibly leading to the endangerment of animal species.

The way this can affect us is through pharmaceuticals; due to the fact that most medicines are plant based.Without the production of plants we would lose many different medications that people depend on such as morphine. Bio fuel will become scarce; making us dependent on fossil fuels and non renewable energies. Most importantly, the air we breathe will become polluted and life will become unsustainable. Our ecosystem relies on this species, and we need to further take charge and protect these small creatures. Do your part and limit the use of pesticides and insecticides. Your life may depend on it.