Tuesday, January 12, 2016

आरोग्यपूर्ण संक्रांत मजेत मस्त तंदुरुस्त सुगडातील पदार्थ पौष्टिक चवळी

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आरोग्यपूर्ण संक्रांत
अवघ्या चार दिवसांवर मकरसंक्रांत येऊन ठेपली आहे. संक्रांत आली म्हणजे तीळगूळ आलेच. याचबरोबर घरोघरी सुगडांमध्ये धान्य पुजली जातात. ही धान्य काही ठरावीकच असतात. या सणाचं आणि त्या सणाच्या निमित्ताने येणारे तीळ, गूळ, ऊस, बोरं, गाजर या सुगडातील भाज्यांचं महत्त्व जाणून घेऊ या.
संक्रांत म्हटली की महिन्याच्या यादीत पहिला क्रमांक तीळ आणि गुळाने पटकावलेला आढळतो. तर भोगीची भाजी, गूळपोळी असे पदार्थ ठिकठिकाणी केले जातात. या दिवशी सुगड पूजले जातात. या सुगडात ऊस, गाजर, बोरं, हरबरे असे पदार्थ घातले जातात. नेमके याच दिवसांत या पदार्थाचं काय महत्त्व आहे?
मुळात तीळ आणि गूळ हे दोन्ही पदार्थ प्रकृतीने उष्णच म्हणावे लागतील. म्हणूनच हे थंडीच्या दिवसांत अधिक सेवन केले जातात. आपल्याकडे म्हणजे भारतीय संस्कृतीत तिळाला तितकंच महत्त्व आहे. कित्येक ठिकाणी तिळाच्या तेलाने मालिशही केलं जातं. तिळाबरोबरच गाजर, ऊस, बोरं असे घटकही पूजले जातात किंवा भोगीच्या भाजीत त्याचा वापर करतात. मात्र काहीही असलं तरीही त्या भाजीत किंवा भाकरीत तिळही घातले जातात. बाकीच्या पदार्थाच्या तुलनेत संक्रांतीपासून ते रथसप्तमीपर्यंत या तिळाला महत्त्व आहे. पण मुळातच या पदार्थाना या दिवसांत स्थान का मिळालं आहे याचा कोणी विचार केला आहे का? या संक्रांतीच्या निमित्ताने याचं महत्त्व जाणून घेऊ या.
संक्रांतीपासून ते रथसप्तमीपर्यंत आवडीने खाल्ला जाणारा पदार्थ म्हणजे तीळगुळाचे लाडू. या दिवसांत हेमंत ऋतू सरत असतो तर शिशिर ऋतू सुरू होत असतो. या काळात थंड वारे वाहत असतात. त्यामुळे वातावरण प्रसन्न असतं. हा गारवा शरीराला बोचत असतो. म्हणूनच या काळात तीळ, गूळ, ऊस, बोरं असं पदार्थाचं सेवन केलं जातं.
तीळ
या तिळाला आयुर्वेदात 'तिल' असाच शब्द आहे. तिळाच्या बिया तेलवर्गीय बिया म्हणूनच प्रसिद्ध आहेत. अगदी प्राचीन काळानुसार या तेलबियांना महत्त्व मिळालं आहे. पूर्वीच्या काळी या थंडीच्या दिवसांत अंघोळीपूर्वी हे तेल लावलं जायचं. आजही कित्येक ठिकाणी या तेलाचा वापर करतात. तिळाच्या बियांच्या रंगांवरून त्यांचे पांढरे, काळे आणि लाल असे प्रकार आहेत. मात्र पांढ-या तिळात तेल अधिक प्रमाणात असतं तर काळे तीळही औषधी गुणांनी ओतप्रोत भरलेले दिसतात. असे हे तीळ कडू तिखट, आणि गोड तुरट रसाचे असतात.
पचायला थोडे जड असले तरीही स्निग्ध उष्ण गुणाचे आणि कफ-वातनाशक असतात. शरीराला बळ देणारे तर केस आणि त्वचेसाठी पोषक आहेत. त्याचप्रमाणे गरोदरपणात अंगावरचे दूध वाढवणारे आणि दंतरोग दूर करणारे आहेत. भूक आणि बुद्धी वाढवणारे आहे. शक्तिवर्धक असून बद्धकोष्ठता, मूळव्याध, सूज येणे, किडनी विकार, वात, पोटातील अल्सर, भाजणे अशा अनेक व्याधींवर तीळ आणि तिळाच्या तेलाचा प्राथमिक उपचार म्हणून वापर केला जातो. तिळाच्या तेलामुळे रक्तातील कोलेस्टेरॉलवर नियंत्रण ठेवायला मदत होते.
तिळात मोनोअनसॅच्युरेटेड मेदांले अधिक प्रमाणात असतात ही आप्ल रक्तातील कोलेस्टेरॉल वाढू देत नाही. म्हणूनच हृदयाचे आरोग्य नीट राखण्यास मदत होते. सौंदर्य उपायातही तिळाचा वापर केला जातो. अंघोळीपूर्वी तिळाचं तेल लावल्यास थंडीत त्वचेची होणारी तडतड कमी होते. त्वचा फुटण्याचं प्रमाण कमी होतं. त्याच्यातील स्निग्धपणा त्वचेतील आद्र्रता टिकवून ठेवतो. म्हणूनच या दिवसांत तिळाची पूड भाजीत घालणे, फोडणीत तीळ घालणे किंवा चटणी, वडय़ा आणि लाडू याद्वारे पोटात तीळ घातले जातात. भोगीच्या भाजीत आणि भाकरीतही तीळ घातले जातात.
गूळ
तीळगुळाच्या लाडूंमध्ये वापरला जाणारा गूळही औषधीचा असतो. शरीराला हलकेपणा आणतो, पचायला हलका, पथ्यकर, भूक वाढवणारा, पुष्टी देणारा, पित्तवातनाशक आणि रक्त शुद्ध करणारा आहे.
सुगडातील पदार्थ
त्याचप्रमाणे सुगड पूजण्यासाठी वापरले जाणारे ऊस, गाजर, बोरं याचेही प्रत्येकी गुणधर्म आहेत. ऊस शौचाला साफ करणारा तसंच स्निग्ध, पोषक, वात कमी करणारा आहे. गाजर उष्ण, भूक वाढवणारे, कफवातनाशक आहे. बोरं पचायला हलकी आहेत. असे हे पदार्थ आणि त्याचे गुणधर्म आणि हे वातावरण याचा विचार केला तर हेच पदार्थ या काळात का, याचं उत्तरे अगदी सहज मिळून जातं.

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पादचक्रासन
आसन करताना पाय चक्राकार पद्धतीने फिरवले जातात. त्यामुळे पोट, मांडय़ा, कंबरेवरची चरबी कमी होण्यास मदत होते
आसन करताना पाय चक्राकार पद्धतीने फिरवले जातात. त्यामुळे पोट, मांडय़ा, कंबरेवरची चरबी कमी होण्यास मदत होते.या आसनात आपण पायाने गोलाकार करतो म्हणून याला पादचक्रासन असं म्हणतात.
आसन
पाठीवर झोपावे. दोन्ही हात शरीरालगत असावे. मानही सरळ असावी. आता उजव्या पायाला वर आणणे. जमिनीपासून ५ सेमी.
असे. पाय सरळ असावे. गुडघ्याला वाकवू नये. आता पाय गोलाकार पद्धतीने पिरवावा. गोलाकार फिरवताना गोल हा आरामदायक पण मोठा असावा. टाचेला जमिनीवर ठेवू नये. म्हणजेच पाय गोलाकार फिरवत असताना टाच ही जमिनीला लागता कामा नये. प्रथम क्लॉकवाईज करावं मग अँटिक्लॉकवाईज करावं.
श्वास
  • श्वास घेताना पाय वरती आणावे.
  • श्वास सोडताना पाय गोलाकार पद्धतीने फिरवताना नियमित श्वास घ्यावा किंवा श्वास घेताना पाय वरच्या दिशेने असावेत. तसेच श्वास सोडताना पाय खाली असावा.
वेळ
सुरुवातीला १५ वेळा करावे. क्लॉकवाईटनंतर अँटिक्लॉकवाईज करावं. आसन करताना घ्यावयाची काळजी पादचक्रासनमध्ये आपण पाय गोलाकार पद्धतीने फिरवतो. पाय फिरवताना घाई करू नये. हळुवारपणे फिरवावेत. पाय फिरवत असताना शरीराचा वरील भाग जास्त असता कामा नये. तसं कमरेवर जास्त ताण पडता कामा नये. हात शरीरालगत असावेत. हे आसन करतेवेळी मानेला वर उचलू नये. मान जमिनीलगत असावी. पाय गोलाकार फिरवत असताना जोरात आणि वेगाने फिरवू नये.
फायदे
  • पादचक्रासनाने पोटाच्या खालच्या भागातील चरबी कमी होते.
  • हे आसन हिप जॉइंट्स, ओबेसिटी, मणक्याच्या स्नायूसाठी चांगले आहे.
  • या आसनामुळे पोटाच्या स्नायूंना चांगला ताण मिळतो.
  • कमरेवरची चरबी कमी होते. तसंच मांडय़ांवरची चरबीही कमी होते.

विशेष नोंद : ज्या व्यक्तींना उच्च रक्तदाबाचं किंवा गंभीर पाठीचं दुखणं आहे, तसंच सायटिका आणि स्लिप डिस्कचा त्रास आहे, अशा व्यक्तींनी हे आसन करू नये.

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अ‍ॅलर्जीला करा बाय बाय
दोन दिवसांपूर्वी वाढलेली आद्र्रता आणि थंडीचा पाठशिवणीचा खेळ यामुळे सर्दी, खोकला, ताप, घसा खवखवणे अशा विकारांना सामोरं जावं लागत आहे. त्यातच ठिकठिकाणी खोदून ठेवलेल्या रस्त्यांमुळे अ‍ॅलर्जी किंवा अस्थमा असलेले लोक बेजार झाले आहेत. या अ‍ॅलर्जीपासून बचाव कसा करता येईल हे जाणून घेऊयात.
जरासं हवामान बदललं की कित्येक जणांना सर्दीला सामोरं जावं लागतं. सध्या तर सतत ऊन आणि थंडीचा पाठशिवणीचा खेळ सुरू आहे. त्यामुळे कित्येक जण या त्रासाचे बळी ठरत आहेत. त्यात ठिकठिकाणी सुरू असलेलं खोदकाम यात भरच पाडत आहे. त्यामुळे धुळीची अ‍ॅलर्जी असलेल्यांची पुरती वाट लागते. म्हणून या मोसमात आपलं घरदेखील किटाणूमुक्त ठेवण्याचा प्रयत्न करा. कारण अ‍ॅलर्जीचं मूळ घरातच असतं. अशा या अ‍ॅलर्जीक सर्दीपासून स्वत:चा बचाव कसा करायचा हे पाहू या.
अ‍ॅलर्जी किंवा अस्थमाचा त्रास असलेल्यांना थंडीच्या दिवसांत या त्रासाला सामोरं जावं लागतं. कोणाचं नाक वाहतं, तर कोणाला एका मागून एक शिंका येतात. कोणाला कफ होतो तर कोणाला घशात खवखव. कित्येकांना तर तापही येतो. ताप लवकर जातो म्हणा मात्र अ‍ॅलर्जीचा त्रास दीर्घकाळ सतावत राहतो. यात डोळ्यांनाही त्रास होतो. डोळ्यांमध्ये जळजळ, खाज येणे, लाल होणे असेही विकार संभवतात.
असं का होतं?
धूळ-माती, जनावरांचे केस, परफ्युम आदी कारणं अ‍ॅलर्जीला कारणीभूत ठरतात. खरं म्हणजे या सगळ्या गोष्टी वर्षभर असतात. मात्र थंडीच्या दिवसांत या गोष्टी डोकं वर काढतात. कारण थंडीत या गोष्टींना वातावण अनुकूल असतं. याचं कारण असं की थंड हवेमुळे कित्येक जण दरवाजे आणि खिडक्या बंद करून ठेवतात. गरम कपडे घालतात. कंबल/ ब्लँकेट किंवा रजाईचा वापर केला जातो. त्यात हिटरचा प्रयोग केला जातो. या सगळ्या कारणांमुळेही अ‍ॅलर्जीची समस्या वाढते. थोडक्यात घरातलं वातावरण अ‍ॅलर्जीक लोकांसाठी पोषक असतं. म्हणून सर्दी, ताप, खोकला असे त्रास उद्भवातात.
बचाव कसा कराल?
  •  घरात हवा खेळती राहील, असं करावं. ब्लँकेट, गरम कपडे, कार्पेट्स किंवा सॉफ्ट टॉयज उन्हात वाळत घाला.
  • घरात सूर्यप्रकाश येईल याकडे लक्ष द्या. खिडक्या, दरवाजे सताड उघडय़ा ठेवाव्यात. सूर्यप्रकाशामुळे किटाणूंना लपायला वाव मिळत नाही. 
  • सोफा, कार्पेट्स, स्वेटर, कोट, गाडीचे सीट कव्हर्स, सॉफ्ट टॉईज याची नियमित सफाई करा. तेदेखील उन्हात वाळत घाला. म्हणजे त्यात लपलेले किटाणू नष्ट होतील. 
  • एसीसारख्या घरातल्या उपकरणाची स्वच्छता करा. बरेच दिवस न लावल्याने त्यात घाण किंवा धूळ साचण्याची शक्यता असते. त्याचप्रमाणे या दिवसांत पंख्यांचा वापर होत नाही. त्यावर धूळ साचते. तसंच पडद्याचे कानेकोपरे स्वच्छ कसे राहतील याकडे लक्ष द्या. 
  • घरात असलेली शोभेची झाडंदेखील अ‍ॅलर्जीला कारणीभूत ठरतात. अशी झाडं ठेवण्यापेक्षा खोटी झाडं ठेवावीत. 
  • अस्थमा असलेल्या लोकांनी कार्पेट किंवा पाळीव प्राण्यांपासून लांब राहावं. 
  • घरात धूम्रपान, सुगंधी उदबत्त्या, उग्र वासाचं परफ्युम्स याचा वापर कमीच करावा.
  • छत, बेसमेंट आणि जिन्याचीदेखील नियमित स्वच्छता राखावी.

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पौष्टिक चवळी
चायनीज स्पिनच, काऊ-पी, चवळी किंवा चवळीची पानं आणि अमरनाथ लिव्हज अशा विविध नावांनी चवळीची भाजी ओळखली जाते.
चायनीज स्पिनच, काऊ-पी, चवळी किंवा चवळीची पानं आणि अमरनाथ लिव्हज अशा विविध नावांनी चवळीची भाजी ओळखली जाते. ही भाजी भारतात सर्वत्र ठिकाणी उपलब्ध आहे. याची पानं छोटी छोटी असतात. पराठा, सलाड, कढी यातही घातली जाते. परतवून किंवा कच्चीच खाल्ली जाते. उकडल्यावर तिची चव निघून जाते. दाणे, शेंगा, आणि पालेभाजी अशा विविध स्वरूपात ही भाजी खाल्ली जाते. या भाजीचे गुणधर्म जाणून घेऊयात.
  • काबरेहायड्रेट्स, प्रथिनं, जीवनसत्त्व के, बी ६, अ आणि क यांचा भरपूर साठा असतो. त्यामुळे शरीराला आवश्यक असणारी नैसर्गिक ऊर्जा या भाजीतून मिळते.
  • मँगनीज, लोह, तांबं, कॅल्शिअम, पोटॅशिअम आणि फॉस्फरस असल्यामुळे शरीराला आवश्यक असणा-या खनिजांचा साठय़ाचं प्रमाण योग्य राखण्यास मदत होते.
  • फायबरचं प्रमाण उच्च असल्यामुळे पाचकशक्ती सुधारते. बद्धकोष्ठतेचा त्रास असलेल्यांनी या भाजीचं आवर्जून सेवन करावं.
  • ही भाजी वजन कमी करण्यास मदत करते. कारण यात असलेलं प्रोटिन रक्तातील इन्शुलिनची पातळी कमी करण्यास मदत करते. तसंच शरीरातील वाईट कोलेस्टेरॉल नियंत्रित ठेवण्यास मदत करते. त्यामुळे अतिरिक्त वाढलेली चरबी कमी करण्यात मदत करते.
  • लालसर पानं असलेली चवळी रक्तातील हिमोग्लोबीनची पातळी वाढवण्याचं काम करते.
  • अतिसारामुळे बेझार असलेल्या रुग्णांना ताज्या चवळीच्या पानांचा रस प्यायला दिल्याने आराम पडतो.
  • ताज्या पानांचा नियमित रस प्यायल्याने केस गळणे किंवा अकाली पांढरे होण्याचे प्रमाण कमी होते.
  • कॅल्शिअमचं प्रमाण अधिक असल्याने ऑस्टिओपोरोसिससारख्या आजारावर नियंत्रण मिळतं. म्हणूनच भरपूर प्रमाणात कॅल्शिअम मिळत असल्याने या भाजीचं आवर्जून सेवन करावं.
  • कॅन्सरपासून बचाव करण्याची क्षमतादेखील यात असते.
  • दोन चमचे पानं एक कप पाण्यात दहा मिनिटं उकळून त्यानंतर त्या पाण्याने गुळण्या केल्यास तोंडातील अल्सरचं किंवा घसा सुजणे यावर आराम पडतो.
  • गरोदर महिलांनी याचं आवर्जून सेवन करावं. कारण गरोदरपणात होणारी कॅल्शिअमची झीज भरून काढते आणि बाळाची योग्य वाढ करते. प्रसूतीला त्रास होत नाही तसंच प्रसूतीनंतर मातेला भरपूर दूध येण्यासाठी अतिशय उपयुक्त आहे.

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How To Lead, Teach, and Disciple People Through Online Bible Study and Book Clubs

How To Lead, Teach, and Disciple People Through Online Bible Study and Book Clubs


How To Lead, Teach, and Disciple People Through Online Bible Study and Book Clubs

Posted: 12 Jan 2016 10:21 AM PST

When I started the Womens Bible Cafe in 2009 I never imagined it would grow from 14 women into an international audience with 200,00+ women! Since then people are constantly asking me “How do I start an online Bible study or Book Club?”

30 days to start your own online bible study or book club

I’ve been praying about this and was convicted to lead a coaching program for men and women interested in starting their own online Bible Studies and Book Clubs. This coaching program begins January 18th and ends February 29th.

If you feel you are CALLED by God to teach, lead and disciple others, then prayerfully consider joining the program. I’m sharing all my mistakes and successes. I’ll be helping you design and implement your own online Bible Study and Book Club in just 30 days! Then I’ll assist you two more weeks to review your work and make recommendations for increased success.

My coaching lessons are self-paced via a private facebook group, so you can attend anytime from work or home. Read the daily lesson, implement the ideas, then I’ll review and make recommendations to help you succeed.

Registration is now open and filling up fast. You can secure your spot at the table with me when you join Click HERE TO REGISTER

See you there! We start the first lesson on Monday!

christine abraham

Latest Funny & Amazing Videos !

Latest Funny & Amazing Videos !


If you are helping someone and expecting something in return, you are doing business not kindness.

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:01 PM PST

If you are helping someone and expecting something in return, you are doing business not kindness.

If you are helping someone and expecting something in return, you are doing business not kindness.

The post If you are helping someone and expecting something in return, you are doing business not kindness. appeared first on .

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Unusual drug target, drug generate exciting preclinical results in mouse models of metastatic breast cancer

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:32 PM PST

A doctor treating a patient with a potentially fatal metastatic breast tumor would be very pleased to find, after administering a round of treatment, that the primary tumor had undergone a change in character – from aggressive to static, and no longer shedding cells that can colonize distant organs of the body. Indeed, most patients with breast and other forms of cancer who succumb to the illness do so because of the cancer's unstoppable spread.

Professor brings complicated math to the masses

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:32 PM PST

It's not easy to make confusing mathematics topics understandable, let alone interesting, to non-mathematicians, but University of Pennsylvania professor Robert Ghrist has figured out the formula.

Decision making in action

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:28 PM PST

The brain prepares multiple available movements before deciding between them, according to new findings. The research helps explain how the brain initially represents and decides between competing action options.

Scientists identify protein interaction that defines an aggressive brain tumor subtype

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:28 PM PST

Researchers show how the interaction of two proteins leads to medulloblastoma subtype with the worst prognosis. They also report that they have discovered a possible treatment strategy.

Robotic vehicles offer a new tool in study of shark behavior

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:28 PM PST

The dramatic video footage of a great white shark attacking the REMUS SharkCam autonomous underwater vehicle brought some of the highest ratings to Shark Week 2014 and went viral. While the footage was unprecedented, the scientific understanding enabled by the REMUS SharkCam is just as groundbreaking and represents the first successful efforts to autonomously track and image any animal in the marine environment.

Self-adaptive material heals itself, stays tough

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:28 PM PST

Scientists have invented an adaptive material that heals itself and bounces back from extraordinary compression. The material may be useful for tissue engineering or lightweight structural applications.

Aliso Canyon methane leak emissions sky-high, pilot scientist finds

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 11:01 AM PST

A scientist flying in a pollution-detecting airplane provided the first, and so far only, estimates of methane emissions spewing from the Aliso Canyon Natural Gas Storage Facility in Southern California since the leak began on Oct. 23, 2015.

Study examines the downside of larger families

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:57 AM PST

Large families often capture the public's attention, from 'The Brady Bunch' to '19 Kids and Counting.' But new research by economists offers strong evidence that children in larger families are more likely to fall behind in cognitive achievement and have behavioral and other problems.

People seeking treatment for depression may not be getting all the information they want

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:57 AM PST

More than 15 million American adults seek treatment for depression each year. However, a first-of-its-kind study reveals an eye-opening disconnect between the priorities of patients and clinicians when it comes to the information needed to make decisions about treatment options.

New technique for detecting illicit enhancement of racing tire performance

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:57 AM PST

A new study explores the illicit treatment of racing tires with volatile chemicals to improve function and presents a new and effective method to determine if tires have been doctored.

Study emphasizes challenges faced by marine organisms exposed to global change

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:56 AM PST

Along the West Coast, ocean acidification and hypoxia combine with other factors, such as rising ocean temperatures, to create serious challenges for marine life, a new study finds.

Legal barriers to adolescent participation in HIV, STI research need to be removed

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:56 AM PST

Parental permission for adolescent participation in research on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not required ethically and may undermine public health interests, according to a new paper.

Ancient burial rituals prove you can take it with you ... and what you take says a lot

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:56 AM PST

Research on ancient burial tombs unlocks the mysteries of pre-Roman social status and cultural change, including urbanization, militarism and even likely shifts in drinking patterns.

Two-in-one packaging may increase drug efficacy and reduce side effects

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:56 AM PST

Researchers have developed a speedy, controllable way to get two or more ingredients into the same tiny capsule and only have them mix when triggered by a signal like vibrations or heat.

Stage increase in lung cancer more frequent after open vs. closed thoracic surgery

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:56 AM PST

An increase in the stage of non-small cell lung cancer due to cancer positive lymph node discovery was more common following open chest surgery for lung lobe removal of early stage lung cancer compared to the closed chest procedure known as video assisted thoracic surgery, report scientists.

Consumer perception of organic foods affected by food type and where they're sold

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:54 AM PST

The organic food industry has grown from fresh produce and grains to snack foods and condiments -- from farmers markets to supercenters. Has this new variety in organic products, and the availability of them, affected consumers' perceptions? A research team designed an experiment to provide insight on some of the variables that may influence opinions about organic foods.

Painkiller tapped to become future cancer-killer

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:52 AM PST

Diclofenac, a common painkiller, has significant anti-cancer properties, according to researchers. Like other drugs examined by the ReDO project, diclofenac is cheap and readily accessible -- and as it's already present in many medicine cabinets, it has been carefully tested.

Girls should expect poorer physics grades, new report suggests

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:52 AM PST

Secondary school physics teachers with little teaching experience handed out significantly poorer grades to girls than boys for the exact same performance. This was the conclusion drawn by a learning specialist from a study she conducted in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

Linking gene expression, DNA methylation in single cells

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:52 AM PST

A new single-cell genomics protocol allows researchers to study links between DNA modifications (methylation) and the activity of a gene. The method is the first to enable parallel profiling of the transcriptome and epigenome of a single cell. The researchers used the method to reveal new epigenome-transcriptome associations relevant to the regulation of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells; The method is potentially transformative for epigenetics research, as it reveals unprecedented detail of the epigenetic control of genes.

Giant icebergs play key role in removing carbon dioxide from atmosphere

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:50 AM PST

Giant icebergs are responsible for storing up to 20 percent of carbon in the Southern Ocean, a new study has found. The Southern Ocean plays a significant part in the global carbon cycle, and is responsible for approximately 10 per cent of the ocean's total carbon sequestration through a mixture of biologically driven and chemical processes, including phytoplankton growth.

Exercise associated with prevention of low back pain

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:50 AM PST

Exercise, alone or in combination with education, may reduce the risk of low back pain, a review of medical literature suggests. The authors report that moderate-quality evidence suggests exercise combined with education reduces the risk of an episode of low back pain and low- to very low-quality evidence suggests exercise alone may reduce the risk of both a low back pain episode and the use of sick leave.

You can't fool this activity tracker

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:27 AM PST

No more faking out your smartphone or bracelet activity tracker. Scientists have designed a way to train activity trackers to spot the difference between fake and real activity. The new method detects, for example, when a cheater shakes the phone while lounging on the couch, so the tracker will think he's on a brisk walk. Health care providers and insurance companies are increasingly relying on smartphone and wearable activity trackers to reward active individuals for healthy behavior or to monitor patients.

Study reveals potential therapy targets for triple-negative breast cancer

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:26 AM PST

In cancer, cell signaling pathways are the critical chain of events that can either quash or quicken disease progression. A new study has revealed new information about how molecules called long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) interact with HIF-1, a signaling pathway that is overexpressed in many cancers. HIF-1 has been shown to regulate breast cancer progression.

Turning back the cellular clock

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:26 AM PST

We do not yet have the whole story about how fertilized eggs produce the many different types of cell that make up our adult bodies, research suggests. It is widely accepted that an enzyme called Tet plays an important role, but something else seems to be at play, according to a new study.

Three glaucoma-related genes discovered

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:26 AM PST

Three genes that contribute to the most common type of glaucoma have been discovered by researchers. The study increases the total number of such genes to 15.

How blue and green clays kill bacteria

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:14 AM PST

Since prehistoric times, clays have been used by people for medicinal purposes. Whether by eating it, soaking in a mud bath, or using it to stop bleeding from wounds, clay has long been part of keeping humans healthy. Now scientists have discovered the two key ingredients that give some natural clays the power to kill even antibiotic-resistant microbes.

Research raises concerns over long-term use of chromium diet pills

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:14 AM PST

Chromium is partially converted into a carcinogenic form when it enters cells, with increased risk associated with taking the nutritional supplement in high doses or in the long term, researchers have discovered.

Two-stage power management system boosts energy-harvesting efficiency

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:14 AM PST

A two-stage power management and storage system could dramatically improve the efficiency of triboelectric generators that harvest energy from irregular human motion such as walking, running or finger tapping.

Even after anti-androgen therapy, docetaxel remains useful in prostate cancer

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:14 AM PST

40 percent of patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with docetaxel following abiraterone had at least 50 percent reduction in prostate specific antigen (PSA), demonstrating the activity of this drug sequencing.

One hookah tobacco smoking session delivers 25 times the tar of a single cigarette

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:14 AM PST

As cigarette smoking rates fall, more people are smoking tobacco from hookahs: communal pipes that enable users to draw tobacco smoke through water. A new meta-analysis shows that hookah smokers are inhaling a large load of toxicants.

Researchers closer to better treatment for leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:14 AM PST

Researchers have obtained the crystal structure of a toxin from the bacterium Clostridium difficile ('C. diff') -- the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in the United States. They also found that zinc is required to unleash the toxin's damaging effects in the colon. The discoveries are aiding efforts to develop vaccines and other novel therapies to prevent the potentially fatal consequences of C. diff infection.

Researchers film beautiful flower formations inside artificial cell membranes

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:14 AM PST

Every day all over the world, researchers work with artificial cell membranes. Despite the fact that they are so widely used, they still hold secrets. Now researchers reveal how beautiful flower formations bloom and wither inside artificial cell membranes.

Playing american football may be a risk factor for hypertension, researchers suggest

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:13 AM PST

As National Football League playoff games are underway, a new article suggests that the toll the sport takes on players' bodies extends beyond head trauma and damage to limbs and joints. The trauma and damage associated with football participation may also be linked to elevations in blood pressure through immune system activation and inflammation.

Potential heart disorder cause, treatment identified

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:13 AM PST

A novel therapy tested scientists for treating a fatal heart disorder in dogs might ultimately help in diagnosing and treating heart disease in humans. The team also identified potential causes of inherited dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or "weak heart."

How sensitive, accurate are routine NMR and MS instruments?

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:13 AM PST

A new article draws specific attention to the 'must know' factors, which are necessary in order to achieve reliable measurements using NMR, EI-MS and ESI-MS analytic tools in life sciences, chemistry, catalysis, material science and engineering.

Transcendental Meditation may reduce PTSD symptoms, medication use in active-duty personnel

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:13 AM PST

Regular practice of Transcendental Meditation enables some active duty service members battling post-traumatic stress disorder to reduce or even eliminate their psychotropic medication and get better control of their often-debilitating symptoms, researchers report.

High folic acid intake in aged mice causes a lowered immune response

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:13 AM PST

A study in aged mice shows that excess folic acid intake causes lowered immune function because important immune cells, called natural killer cells, are less effective. These results build upon the findings of a previous study in 2005 by the same lab that found that 78 percent of healthy postmenopausal women had unmetabolized folic acid in their blood plasma, which is indicative of excess folic acid intake.

Mothers' appetites can keep size of wild animal groups in check

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:10 AM PST

The eating habits of mothers may be key to keeping wild animal populations steady, a study suggests. The discovery shows that the food intake of mothers -- which impacts on the appetite of their offspring -- protects animals from periods of population boom and bust.

Government instability prompts support for lighter-skinned candidates

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:10 AM PST

Government instability prompts both Black and White Americans to show a preference for lighter-skinned over darker-skinned political candidates, researchers have found.

Puff adders, the ultimate ambush predator

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:10 AM PST

The puff adder, Bitis Arietans, one of Africa's most abundant and venomous snake species has long been known to be a master of camouflage, but research has shown that it is the first land animal to be shown to make use of chemical crypsis (scent camouflage) to hide from predators and prey.

New battery shuts down at high temperatures, restarts when it cools

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:10 AM PST

The first lithium-ion battery has been developed that shuts down before overheating, then restarts immediately when the temperature cools. The new technology could prevent the kind of fires that have prompted recalls and bans on a wide range of battery-powered devices, from computers to hoverboards.

Second-generation biofuels can reduce emissions

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:10 AM PST

Second-generation biofuel crops like the perennial grasses Miscanthus and switchgrass can efficiently meet emission reduction goals without significantly displacing cropland used for food production, according to a new study. The researchers call it the most comprehensive study on the subject to date.

Unique 2-level cathode structure improves battery performance

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:10 AM PST

A team of scientists say they've found a way to make a battery cathode with a hierarchical structure where the reactive material is abundant yet protected -- key points for high capacity and long battery life.

Technique matters: Different way to make cathodes may mean better batteries

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:10 AM PST

Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, or NMC, is one of the most promising chemistries for better lithium batteries, especially for electric vehicle applications, but scientists have been struggling to get higher capacity out of them. Now researchers have found that using a different method to make the material can offer substantial improvements.

Backyard chickens harbor greater diversity of ticks, mites, and lice than farm-raised chickens

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 09:10 AM PST

Backyard chickens may live a sweeter life than chickens on commercial poultry farms, but roaming green grass and scratching real dirt exposes these birds to a different suite of parasites than those found in most commercial facilities.

Diabetes self-management, support improve health outcomes in underserved communities

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:28 AM PST

Evaluations of Bristol-Myers-Squibb-funded diabetes education and intervention efforts in five underserved communities showed improved clinical outcomes for participants.

Blood test that monitors dead cancer cell DNA better at tracking spread of melanoma

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:28 AM PST

A blood test that monitors blood levels of DNA fragments from dead cancer cells does a better job than the current standard test at tracking the severity and potential spread of metastatic melanoma, shows a new study.

How does a tiny coffee pest consume enough caffeine to kill a human, without being harmed?

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:26 AM PST

The coffee berry borer is a plague that affects coffee crops, it has a detoxification system based on microbial communities, therefore, is able to perform its life cycle in this plant, exposed to high levels of caffeine, being able to consume the equivalent to 500 espressos, a level so high of the substance that it would kill a person.

New anti-inflammatory agents can control inflammatory responses to fungal infection

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:26 AM PST

The most frequent fungal threat to humans, Candida albicans, is a common cause oral and genital infection. The fungal infections are often worsened by overwhelming inflammatory responses in the body and cause high mortality among risk groups. New research has discovered two novel anti-inflammatory agents, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory molecule, which could be used to control the hyper-inflammatory responses to the fungal infection.

Intelligent sensors that map out presence of chemical pollutants in the sea

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:26 AM PST

Newly developed sensors not only detect pollutants in very small quantities, but also work to establish the exact size and location of the polluted area, say researchers, adding that their use is expected to be very useful is large bodies such as oceans.

Researchers with children: A disadvantage in academia

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:26 AM PST

Both male and female researchers with children struggle to combine career and family. The competition is coming more and more from international researchers who don't have children or access to welfare benefits such as parental leave.

Robotic glove helps patients restore hand movements

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:26 AM PST

Patients who have lost their hand functions due to injuries or nerve-related conditions, such as stroke and muscular dystrophy, now have a chance of restoring their hand movements by using a new lightweight and smart rehabilitation device called EsoGlove.

Robot innovation automates short production runs

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:26 AM PST

A new quick-control system slashes substantially the programming time for industrial robots, enabling the use of automation also in short production runs of single-item products. This innovation has the potential to boost competitiveness in a manufacturing economy, say developers.

New coronary congenital disease classification aids identification of secondary defects

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:24 AM PST

A new classification of coronary congenital diseases is set to help surgeons identify secondary defects in the operating theater. Clinical cardiologists will also know what to look for on cardiovascular images.

Higher fat variation of DASH diet lowers blood pressure, triglycerides, study shows

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:24 AM PST

A higher fat DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet lowered blood pressure to the same extent as the DASH diet, but also reduced triglycerides and did not significantly raise LDL cholesterol, scientists report at the conclusion of their study.

Could a cholesterol-lowering drug be a potential treatment for Parkinson's?

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:24 AM PST

A clinical trial using cholesterol-lowering treatment Simvastatin in people living with Parkinson's is getting underway in centers across England -- with the hope that it could become one of a number of effective treatments available to treat Parkinson's.

Preschoolers who eat their veggies just as likely to eat junk food

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:24 AM PST

Public-health experts have long expected that kids who eat more carrots and apples are less likely to eat a lot of candy and fries, but new research is calling that into question.

Survey finds 73 percent unaware of stroke symptoms

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 06:23 AM PST

People under the age of 45 were asked what they would do in the first three hours of experiencing symptoms of a stroke. A staggering 73 percent said they would put off going to the hospital and would instead likely wait to see if they felt better.