Honeybees get a buzz from cocaine

An Australian scientist is doping up honeybees with cocaine to study how their brain reacts to the drug, and possibly find a way to stop addiction in humans.

Read more here.

One day pigs really are gonna fly. :)

Eggs

Energy value of eggs

A medium egg has an energy value of 78 kilo calories (324 kilojoules) and the consumption of one egg daily would contribute only around 3% of the average energy requirement of an adult man; 4% for an adult woman.

With their significant protein, vitamin and mineral content and relatively low saturated fat content, eggs are a valuable component in a healthy diet.

Protein

Eggs are an excellent source of protein. Egg protein is of high biological value as it contains all the essential amino acids needed by the human body. Eggs therefore complement other food proteins of lower biological value by providing the amino acids that are in short supply in those foods. 12.5% of the weight of the egg is protein and it is found in both the yolk and the albumen. Although protein is more concentrated around the yolk, there is in fact more protein in the albumen.

On the evaluation scale most commonly used for assessing protein, egg is at the highest point, 100, and is used as the reference standard against which all other foods are assessed.

Vitamins

Eggs contain most of the recognised vitamins with the exception of vitamin C. The egg is a good source of all the B vitamins, plus the fat-soluble vitamin A. It also provides useful amounts of vitamin D, as well as some vitamin E.

Minerals

Eggs contain most of the minerals that the human body requires for health. In particular eggs are an excellent source of iodine, required to make the thyroid hormone, and phosphorus, required for bone health. The egg provides significant amounts of zinc, important for wound healing, growth and fighting infection; selenium, an important antioxidant; and calcium, needed for bone and growth structure and nervous function. Eggs also contain significant amounts of iron, the vital ingredient of red blood cells, but the availability of this iron to the body is uncertain.

Carbohydrate and dietary fiber

Eggs contain only traces of carbohydrate and no dietary fiber.

Fat

11.2% of the egg content is fat. The fat of an egg is found almost entirely in the yolk; there is less than 0.05% in the albumen.

Approximately 17% of an egg’s fatty acids are polyunsaturated, 44% monounsaturated and only 32% saturated.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol and Lecithin are fat-like substances and are essential to the structure and function of all cells in the body. Cholesterol helps to maintain the flexibility and permeability of cell membranes and is also a raw material for the fatty lubricants that help to keep the skin supple. Cholesterol is essential for the production of sex hormones, cortisol, vitamin D and bile salts.

Lecithin is involved in general lipid transportation in the blood and in the metabolism of cholesterol.

Harvard Health has an article on the nutrition of eggs and heart disease. You can read it here.

I know some people believe that the little white stuff inside of an egg is sperm, but it's not. I used to believe that also and used to take out the white part with a fork before cooking the egg. It is called chalazae. It keeps the yolk from sloshing around inside the egg. Normally there are two chalazae, which connect the yolk to either end of the egg and keep it suspended in the middle. They're found in all types of eggs. Sometimes you only see one or none because they stick to the egg shell rather than the yolk. The chalaza are made of semisolid albumen, basically the same stuff that egg white is made of.

Haridwar, Uttaranchal, India

Haridwar (or Hardwar) lies along the Ganges at the boundary between the Indo-Gangetic Plain and the Himalayan foothills and is the site of the headworks of the Ganges Canal system. Haridwar is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus and a major pilgrimage centre. It has had many names; originally it was called Kapila, for the sage who once lived there. Its present name means "door to Hari," one of the names of Vishnu, a principal deity of Hinduism. Haridwar's chief object of pilgrimage is Har-ki-Pauri, the bathing ghat, or steps, along the river. It has what believers consider to be a footprint of Vishnu impressed into a stone.

The festivals which are celebrated in Haridwar are :

Kumbh Mela - India has been attracting the whole world with her rich cultural heritages and spirituality. The renowned Kumbh Mela is a unique blend of all these. Haridwar Kumbh has its importance as the last Kumbh of this century. The Kumbh mela is held in every 12 years to commorate this spiritual day .Millions of men, women, children, sagas, Rishi, Munies, baba's and tourists gather here to take a dip in the holy water of holy rivers.

Ardh Kumbh - The Ardh Kumbh mela (fair) is held in every 6 years which is followed by the Kumbh Mela after 6 years.
It is believed that a dip in the holy river Ganga during the Ardh Kumbh gives one Moksha or Nirvana. Ardha Kumbh also attracts a large number of people to take the holy dip during these holy days.

The most sacred place in Haridwar remains the Har-Ki-Puri where people take a dip in the holy River Ganges to cleanse them of their sins. I did this when we went there. The water is freezing cold. The water comes from the ice that has melted in the Himalaya's. Once you get out of the water you are immediately warm again. I almost was not going to do it but I don't know when I will ever get the chance to take a dip in the River Ganges. That might have been my only chance so I took it. I actually dipped in the water three times. I dipped my baby in the water also. She screamed and cried afterwards. But like I said as soon as you are out of the water you are immediately warm. Luckily the sun was shinning that day to help warm the body.

Are white people racist?

There are African Americans,
Mexican Americans,
Asian Americans,
Arab Americans,
Native Americans, etc.
...And then there are just
Americans.
You pass me on the street
and sneer in my direction.
You Call me "White boy,"
"Cracker," "Honkey,"
"Whitey," "Caveman,"
...And that's OK.
But when I call you ******,
Kike, Towel head, wetback,
Sand-******, Camel Jockey,
Beaner, Gook, or Chink,
...You call me a racist.
You say that whites commit a lot
of violence against you,
so why are the ghettos the most
dangerous places to live?
You have the United Negro College Fund.
You have Hispanic History Month.
You have Martin Luther King Day.
You have Asian History Month.
You have Black History Month.
You have Cesar Chavez Day.
You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi.
You have Yom Hashoah.
You have Kawanza.
You have the NAACP.
And you have BET.
If we had WET
(White Entertainment Television)
...We'd be racists.
If we had a White Pride Day
...You would call us racists.
If we had White History Month
...We'd be racists.
If we had any organization for only whites
to "advance" OUR lives,
...We'd be racists.
We have a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,
a Black Chamber of Commerce,
and then we just have the plain
Chamber of Commerce.
Wonder who pays for that?
If we had a college fund that only gave
white students scholarships
...You know we'd be racists.
There are over 60 openly-proclaimed
Black-only Colleges in the US,
yet if there were "White-only Colleges"
...THAT would be a racist college.
In the Million-Man March,
you believed that you were
marching for your race and rights.
If we marched for our race and rights,
...You would call us racists.
You are proud to be black,
brown, yellow and red,
and you're not afraid to announce it.
But when we announce our white pride
...You call us racists.!
You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us.
But, when a white police officer
shoots a black gang member
or beats up a black drug-dealer
who is running from the LAW and
posing a threat to ALL of society
...You call him a racist.
I am proud.
...But, you call me a racist.
Why is it that only
whites can be racists?

Heaven and Hell

This is chapter 5 from Deepak Chopra's book 'Life After Death.' This story originally came from Bhagavad.

Ramana Maharishi told the story of a monkey who was shut inside a small room in a castle tower to Savitri. To get the full story and background, you can read the book.

"Nothing was happening in the room and the monkey was restless."

"The monkey could only divert himself by going to the window and looking out at the world. This distracted him for a while, but then he started to think about his situation. How did he end up in this tower? Why had he been captured and put there? The monkey's mood began to darken. There was nothing to do, no one to talk to. His thoughts made him more and more depressed. The room seemed to close in; the monkey started to sweat anxiously. No, he suddenly realized, I'm not in a room, I'm in hell. Quickly his depression grew into anguish and anguish into torment. The monkey saw demons all around inflicting every imaginable pain."

"This is it, the monkey thought. I am in eternal hell. And so the torment continued, getting worse and worse, The monkey saw no way out. but gradually the monkey got used to his torment. How much time had elapsed? The monkey couldn't remember. but he began to feel better about his surroundings. It wasn't such a bad room, not really. In fact, it was rather pleasant to be by oneself looking out the window at all the fascination things going on outside."

"Bit by bit the demons stopped torturing the monkey and withdrew. He began to feel better, and soon the day came when he was feeling optimistic. The monkey grew more cheerful, and then..." Ramana broke off. "No doubt you know where this story is headed."

Savitri nodded. "The monkey is going to heaven."

"Exactly. He starts to feel bbetter and better, until he imagines himself in Paradise, and instead of being punished by demons he is being soothes by angles. Ah, the monkey thinks, I am in eternal bliss."

"Until he gets bored again," Savitri remarked.

Ramana nodded. "The monkey is the mind, sitting alone in the tower of the head. As the mind expands with pleasure and contracts with pain, it creates every possible world, constantly falling for its own creations. The monkey will believe in heaven for a while, but then boredom will set in, and being the seed of discontent, boredom will pull him out of heaven and back down to hell."

Savitri felt despondent. "So we're all trapped."

"Only if you agree to be trapped. I didn't say the tower was locked," said Ramana. 'There is an infinite domain outside the castle walls. You can take your mind beyond walls. There is freedom outside, and having achieved it, you will never have to go to heaven or hell again."

Lingering thought on existense

Our universe, as far as we know, has billions of galaxies. Our galaxy is known to have millions of stars. Our sun is one of those. I wonder how big is the sun compared to the entire universe. If I imagine our universe as a city, will I be able to find our sun in the city of the universe? How small is earth compared to our sun? Earth, a tiny particle of dust, or perhaps even smaller than a tiny particle of dust, in the city of the universe. And me just one of the six billion individuals. So how big is my existence compared to this entire universe? I just wonder. In that existence, I somehow manage to have an ego.

If we are part of this great universe, everything around us must affect us. What are we? Matter, skin, bones, minerals, mind, brain, energy? How are we connected to this universe? It's like an atom which makes elements and objects. Are we just a tiny building block of the endless universe?

Why are we here? Like the atom has protons and electrons and they have some energy which keeps the electron rotating, and gives properties to the elements. Are we just a form of energy and matter like the protons and electrons of larger things? It's interesting that most of an atom is vacuum. The space that the particles occupy is very small. It's mostly energy. So is that true for us also? Are we mostly energy? If that is true then why are we so concerned about our bodies, our looks, our hair, cosmetics? Where is the energy? Is our creativity just a symptom of energy? Our emotions? What about the positive and negative emotions? What about anger, love, passion? Are these all symptoms of that energy? How do we measure this energy?

Perhaps, the great Buddha found the source of it. Did he? Is that what Nirvana is? What is the purpose of this energy? Make money, have fun? I am sure it's not. How do I find the purpose?

Where do we begin and how do we know that it is right?

Kapal Bhati Pranayam

This is one of the pranayams recommended by Ramdevji Maharaj. I would think, this is the hardest of all the 7 pranayams recommended by him. Pranayam is proven to be very helpful for mental as well as body health.

Breathing exercises create balance of all doshas in the body. Especially the kapal bhati is known to balance the agni - ("FIRE ELEMENT" ) of Pancha Mahabhutas the basic elements - constituents of the human body.

I practiced this pranayam and still am learning to do it right. Best is to do it under the guidance of teacher personally. But in the Land of Free - its not easy to find a yoga pranayama teacher who doesn't cost arm and a leg. So, I thought I will post some of my experiences with kapal bhati.

In the beginning I used to watch video of Ramdevji Maharaj doing pranayama and do along with it. But eventually I started doing it on my own. One thing I used to do wrong about Kapal Bhati pranayam is I used to put force near my nose areas.. and I realized that's not the right way to do it.. First of all there should be no force at all in doing any of yoga's or pranayams - know that if
you are using force, you must be doing it wrong. And try to look for sources to correct it. and discontinue it until you correctly learn it.

So pressure if any, should be applied in abdomen area and diaphram - the diaphram that separates abdomen from lungs/chest. And Air should come out of both nostrils with gasps - making hiss noise. breathing in should be automatic - with zero effort - and should be medium force.

Here are some technicalities of this special pranayam -

Kapal in Sanskrit means FOREHEAD, and Bhati in Sanskrit means SHINING. Practicing Kapalbhati on regular basis leads to shining face with inner radiance. Kapalbhati is highly energizing abdominal breathing exercise.

In Kapalabhati we do quick exhalation and natural inhalation. Normally exhalation takes one fourth of the time of inhalation. Quick exhalation and natural inhalation follow each other.

How to do Kapalbhati Pranayama

Step 1) Sit in comfortable crossed leg position with Back straight. Hands resting on knees in either chin or gyana mudra. Face to be relaxed.

Step 2) Inhale deeply through both nostril, expanding abdomen and exhale with the forceful contraction of abdominal muscles. (Pull the abdomen in by quickly contracting the abdominal muscles and exhale through the nose). The air is pushed out of lungs by contraction of
the diaphragm.

Step 3) After exhalation again inhalation but inhalation should not involve any effort. To inhale just relax and the lungs will automatically expand and filled with air.
One can begin with 15 respiration. After completing 15 quick exhalation and natural inhalation , inhale and exhale deeply. This is one round.One can start the practice of Kapalbhati pranayama with 3 such rounds for practice.

Benefits of Kapalabhati

1) Kapalabhati cleanses the lungs and entire respiratory system.

2) The blood is purified and body gets an increased supply of oxygen to all cells.

3) Digestion is improved.

4) Abdominal muscles are strengthened.

5) Prepare the mind for meditation.

6) Energize the mind for mental work.

Precautions:
Kapalbhati should not be practice by those
a) Suffering from heart disease
b) High blood pressure
c) Hernia
d) Should never be practiced when an asthmatic attack is in progress.
e) If pain or dizziness is experienced ,it is preferable to stop the practice till the sensation has passed. Practiced can be restarted with less force.
f) Quick exhalation should be comfortable to oneself. i.e. quick exhalation should not be too forceful.

Common Mistake:
1) Abdomen is contracted while inhaling.
2) Shoulders are contracted to push the air out when exhaling.
3) Back and shoulders move during exercise.

Point to Note:
a) Exercise should not be done if you are feeling uncomfortable at any time during the exercise.
b) Rapid breathing used in this technique should be from the abdomen and not from the chest.
c) Kapalbhati should be practice on an empty stomach only.
d) Kapalbhati should be practiced after the asanas and Relaxation (at least 10 minutes) and before meditation
e) Chest should not move very much.

(f) It is always good and advisable that this exercise should be learned under supervision of yoga teacher after discussion with him about your health.

Kapal Bhati pranayama is one of the seven pranayamas recommended by Shri Ramdevji Maharaj. If you don't know (very unlikely) about Ramdevji Maharaj, click here.

Here is the entire video of the seven recommended pranayamas including Kapal Bhati.

History of the Samurai Sword

The samurai sword, made from the heat and pounding of the skilled artisans, these weapons of single destruction bring homage and honor to the warrior that carries them. The samurai sword is priceless as it is one and the same with the warrior class that has defined the ultimate Zen Master of Feudal Japan.

Japan has a history that dates back thousands of years. Scientists believe the Japanese people descended from many groups that migrated to the islands from other parts of Asia, including China and Korea. As early as 4500 B.C., the Japanese islands were inhabited by fishermen, hunters and farmers. The early culture was known as "Jomon," which meant "cord pattern." That's because the people made pottery decorated with rope-like designs. Scientists believe a Caucasian race called the "Ainu" were the first inhabitants of what is now Japan. The Ainu still exist today, mostly in the northernmost islands of Japan called "Hokkaido." The next major Japanese cultural changed occurred about 200 B.C. The people were known as "Yayoi." The Yayoi were mostly farmers. Scientists believe the present-day Japanese closely resemble the Yayoi in appearance and language.

War played a central part in the history of Japan. Warring clans controlled much of the country. A chief headed each clan; made up of related families. The chiefs were the ancestors of Japan's imperial family. The wars were usually about "land." Only 20% of the land was fit for farming. The struggle for control of that land eventually gave rise to the Samurai.

One of the important dates in the history of the Japanese warring class is 660 B.C. That's when, according to legend, Jimmu Tenno became head of a confederation of warlike clans. Tenno was known as "The Divine Warrior." He led his people from Kyushu to the Kinki region and conquered the people there. Tenno settled in the area of Yamato. This eventually gave rise to the Yamato dynasty and state. The leaders of Yamato believed themselves to be of divine origin.

The Yamato clans conducted many military campaigns on the Asian mainland. The targets included Korea and China. These campaigns led to the importation of Korean and Chinese culture, technology and martial arts.

Legend says that Emperor Keiko was the first person with the title of "Shogun." The word meant "Barbarian-subduing General." Legend continues that Keiko had a son named "Prince Yamato." He was cunning, fearless, strong and a great martial artist. Many believe that Yamato was a role model for future Samurai.

Ancient Yayoi warriors developed weapons, armour and a code during the ensuing centuries that became the centerpiece for the Japanese Samurai. Early weapons included bows, arrows and swords. Armour included a helmet that protected head and neck, a breastplate that protected the chest, arm and shoulder protectors, and a belly wrap. Later armour included protection for the legs and thighs. Armour changed as the type of battles changed. A big change occurred in the 5th century when horses were introduced to Japan. Another change occurred in the 15th century because of the constancy of war and the introduction of guns into battle. The code developed from the Chinese concept of the virtues of warriors doing battle to the Samurai code of chivalry known as Kyuba no michi ("The Way of Horse and Bow") to the Bushido ("Way of the Warrior") code.

"Bushido" means "Way of the Warrior." It was at the heart of the beliefs and conduct of the Samurai. The philosophy of Bushido is "freedom from fear." It meant that the Samurai transcended his fear of death. That gave him the peace and power to serve his master faithfully and loyally and die well if necessary. "Duty" is a primary philosophy of the Samurai.

The Samurai rose out of the continuing battles for land among three main clans: the Minamoto, the Fujiwara and the Taira. The Samurai eventually became a class unto themselves between the 9th and 12th centuries A.D. They were called by two names: Samurai (knights-retainers) and Bushi (warriors). Some of them were related to the ruling class. Others were hired men. They gave complete loyalty to their Daimyo (feudal landowners) and received land and position in return. Each Daimyo used his Samurai to protect his land and to expand his power and rights to more land.

The Samurai became expert in fighting from horseback and on the ground. They practiced armed and un-armed combat. The early Samurai emphasized fighting with the bow and arrow. They used swords for close-in fighting and beheading their enemies. Battles with the Mongols in the late 13th century led to a change in the Samurai's fighting style. They began to use their sword more and also made more use of spears and naginata. The Samurai slowly changed from fighting on horseback to fighting on foot.

The Samurai wore two swords (daisho). One was long; the other short. The long sword (daito - katana) was more than 24 inches. The short sword (shoto - wakizashi) was between 12 and 24 inches. The Samurai often gave names to their swords and believed it was the "soul" of their warrior ship. The oldest swords were straight and had their early design in Korea and China. The Samurai's desire for tougher, sharper swords for battle gave rise to the curved blade we still have today. The sword had its beginning as iron combined with carbon. The sword smith used fire, water, anvil and hammer to shape the world's best swords. After forging the blade, the sword polisher did his work to prepare the blade for the "furniture" that surrounded it. Next, the sword tester took the new blade and cut through the bodies of corpses or condemned criminals. They started by cutting through the small bones of the body and moved up to the large bones. Test results were often recorded on the nakago (the metal piece attaching the sword blade to the handle).

Japanese samurai warriors were ranked at the top of the Japanese social hierarchy for hundreds of years until 19th century. Shogun were the most powerful samurai who ruled Japan at the time.

The medieval swords of Japan was typically a long, straight or slightly curved blade having 2 two cutting edges set into a hilt or tang. There are many tang types. There is the full tang, the encapsulated tang, the rat tail tang, the half push tang, the half tang and the full push tang. The full tang is best because it will give your sword the most stability when making full contact. The sword was the samurai warrior's most treasured weapon. It was a part of him. Swords were awarded as medals and some Samurai's even died to retrieve a treasured sword for their Shogun.

The Samurai

The other day on NOVA, they were talking about "The Secrets of the Samurai."

The samurai (or bushi) were the members of the military class, the Japanese warriors.

Heian Period (794-1185)

The samurai's importance and influence grew during the Heian Period, when powerful landowners hired private warriors for the protection of their properties. Towards the end of the Heian Period, two military clans, the Minamoto and Taira, had grown so powerful that they seized control over the country and fought wars for supremacy against each other.

Kamakura Period (1192-1333)

In 1185, the Minamoto defeated the Taira, and Minamoto Yoritomo established a new military government in Kamakura in 1192. As shogun, the highest military officer, he became the ruler of Japan.

Muromachi Period (1333 - 1573)

During the chaotic Era of Warring States (sengoku jidai, 1467-1573), Japan consisted of dozens of independent states which were constantly fighting each other. Consequently, the demand for samurai was very high. Between the wars, many samurai were working on farms. Many of the famous samurai movies by Kurosawa take place during this era.

Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573 - 1603)

When Toyotomi Hideyoshi reunited Japan, he started to introduce a rigid social caste system which was later completed by Tokugawa Ieyasu and his successors. Hideyoshi forced all samurai to decide between a life on the farm and a warrior life in castle towns. Furthermore, he forbade anyone but the samurai to arm themselves with a sword.

Edo Period (1603 - 1868)

According to the Edo Period's official hierarchy of social castes, the samurai stood at the top, followed by the farmers, artisans and merchants. Furthermore, there were hierarchies within each caste. All samurai were forced to live in castle towns and received income from their lords in form of rice. Masterless samurai were called ronin and caused minor troubles during the early Edo Period.

With the fall of Osaka Castle in 1615, the Tokugawa's last potential rival was eliminated, and relative peace prevailed in Japan for about 250 years. As a result, the importance of martial skills declined, and most samurai became bureaucrats, teachers or artists.

In 1868, Japan's feudal era came to an end, and the samurai class was abolished.

Life in outer space?

Japan's biggest astronomical observatories are teaming up for an unprecedented quest to find out whether there is life in outer space.

The project, led by Japanese astronomers, will bring together a dozen or more observatories from all over the country to study one star that researchers see as a potential home to an extraterrestrial civilization.

"Everyone wonders at least once in their lifetime whether space is infinite and whether aliens really do exist," said Shinya Narusawa, chief researcher at Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory in western Japan.

Read more...

Healthy lifestyle triggers genetic changes

Comprehensive lifestyle changes including a better diet and more exercise can lead not only to a better physique, but also to swift and dramatic changes at the genetic level, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

In a small study, the researchers tracked 30 men with low-risk prostate cancer who decided against conventional medical treatment such as surgery and radiation or hormone therapy.

The men underwent three months of major lifestyle changes, including eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and soy products, moderate exercise such as walking for half an hour a day, and an hour of daily stress management methods such as meditation.

As expected, they lost weight, lowered their blood pressure and saw other health improvements. But the researchers found more profound changes when they compared prostate biopsies taken before and after the lifestyle changes.

Read more...

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze

While shopping at the whole foods store today, I bought Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. It is a non-dairy beverage made from real whole almonds. It comes in original, vanilla and chocolate flavor. I have read that it tastes good, let's see.

Snack on Almonds

Almonds posses a very high nutritional profile and are revered for their ability to strengthen the body and soothe mucus membranes. They are a healthy snack and that they have been proven beneficial for weight loss.

Studies indicate that almonds may provide important nutritional support to combat diabetes, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, inflammation and obesity.

Almonds are a source of nutrients that can facilitate weight loss and can help your heart. When overweight Americans used about a 2/3 cup of almonds per day as part of a weight-loss diet, they increased weight loss by 62 percent more than when following a standard weight loss diet and had a 50 percent greater reduction in waist circumference.

Exciting research that shows almonds may help to fight The Insulin Resistance Syndrome, also called the Metabolic Syndrome, which affects 40 percent of U.S. adults.

There are many recipes that you can add almonds to. Also tastes good in salads.

Read more...

If possible almonds should be purchased in their shell. This helps to ensure that your almonds are fresh and not rancid. Almonds should be soaked to improve their digestibility and nutrition profile.

Soaking also removes harmful tannic acid and enzyme inhibitors. Soak in cool water and if possible drain the soaked water after 20-40 minutes. Add fresh water and continue the soaking for another 8-12 hours.

Being that the almond skin is potentially irritating to the lining of the stomach and intestines the almonds should be blanched (following soaking).

Tulsi Green Tea

For over 5000 years, Tulsi (Holy Basil) has been one of the most cherished of India's sacred healing plants. Known to maintain general well-being and restore imbalances of the body and mind to a natural healthy state, the legendary Tulsi is honored and used daily by millions.

It is believed to open the heart, bring peace of mind, and bestow love and devotion. Modern scientific research confirms that Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, strengthens immunity, improves metabolism, slows aging, reduces inflammation, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs. Tulsi promots calmness and clarity and is rich in natural antioxidants.

Mythical Unicorn

A deer with a single horn in the center of its head — much like the fabled, mythical unicorn — has been spotted in a nature preserve in Italy, park officials said Wednesday.

"This is fantasy becoming reality," Gilberto Tozzi, director of the Center of Natural Sciences in Prato, told The Associated Press. "The unicorn has always been a mythological animal."

The 1-year-old Roe Deer — nicknamed "Unicorn" — was born in captivity in the research center's park in the Tuscan town of Prato, near Florence, Tozzi said.

He is believed to have been born with a genetic flaw; his twin has two horns.

Calling it the first time he has seen such a case, Tozzi said such anomalies among deer may have inspired the myth of the unicorn.

The unicorn, a horse-like creature with magical healing powers, has appeared in legends and stories throughout history, from ancient and medieval texts to the adventures of Harry Potter.

"This shows that even in past times, there could have been animals with this anomaly," he said by telephone. "It's not like they dreamed it up."

Single-horned deer are rare but not unheard of — but even more unusual is the central positioning of the horn, experts said.

"Generally, the horn is on one side (of the head) rather than being at the center. This looks like a complex case," said Fulvio Fraticelli, scientific director of Rome's zoo. He said the position of the horn could also be the result of a trauma early in the animal's life.

Other mammals are believed to contribute to the myth of the unicorn, including the narwhal, a whale with a long, spiraling tusk.

Salmonella Tomato Cases Jump

The number of people known to have fallen ill after eating salmonella-tainted tomatoes has now jumped to 383 in 30 states plus the District of Columbia, U.S. health officials announced Wednesday afternoon.

"The marked increase is not due to new infections but mainly because some states improved surveillance in response to this outbreak and laboratory identification of many other previously submitted strains has now been completed," said Casey Barton Behravesh, an epidemiologist with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during a teleconference. "We now have reports of at least 48 persons being hospitalized due to this illness."

The ages of the patients ranges from under 1 to 88 years old, and 47 percent of them are female. The most recent onset of illness was June 5; the outbreak was first discovered in April.

"We are continuing to receive reports of ill people," said Dr. Robert Tauxe, deputy director of the CDC's division of foodborne, bacterial and mycotic diseases. "We do not think the outbreak is over."

Tauxe also could not say if the outbreak had peaked yet, given that some states are still catching up on necessary laboratory work. "I would say that the majority of new cases had onset around three to four weeks ago, but some new cases onset in the last two to three weeks that might suggest that there are still some cases continuing to occur," he said. "It's too early to call the peak, and we certainly cannot say that it's over."

Officials have still not zeroed in on the exact source of the contamination, although tomatoes from Mexico and Florida are the likely culprits, said Dr. David Acheson, associate commissioner for food protection at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Still, Acheson seemed less certain than he has in the past that the exact source would ever be identified. "I have to acknowledge that we may not ultimately know the farm where these came from," he said. "But we're continuing to go flat-out, assuming we are going to get to that point."

A cluster of nine cases still holds promise for helping to break the deadlock. But a second patient has retracted the original information he or she gave the FDA on where contaminated tomatoes were eaten, basically rendering that particular "trace-back" effort worthless, officials acknowledged.

Acheson would not confirm that this cluster of nine cases was the same as a cluster being investigated in Chicago that originated at the Adobo Grill restaurant.

Meanwhile, restaurants and supermarkets across the country are starting to sell and serve tomatoes again. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that McDonald's restaurants are bringing back some tomatoes, as is Wendy's and Burger King. Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut, is also bringing back tomatoes from "safe" areas, the newspaper said.

"I can't speak to why one chain is going back and one isn't," Acheson said. "From a food-safety perspective, I'd like retailers to put tomatoes on the menu but make sure they come from a safe place. They do need to know their suppliers."

Acheson also said that the FDA has asked for authority to take action to prevent future outbreaks. "We have put the word out that we need authority to require preventative control," he said. "Exactly what that would look like would depend exactly on what the legislation looked like. But at a high level, we feel we need preventative control for high-risk foods, and tomatoes and other types of fresh produce would be part of that."

Currently, the U.S. agriculture industry relies on a set of voluntary "good practices" to ensure food safety.

"We have asked for authorities, and we don't yet have them. What we're looking for here is mandatory. There would be no voluntary about it," Acheson said.

In other developments, New York City has linked seven cases of illness to salmonella-contaminated raw tomatoes, according to Bloomberg.

And the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported on its Web site that more than 8,000 people may have actually been sickened in this salmonella outbreak. The explanation: "Based on earlier extensive studies and extrapolations, the CDC has estimated that for every one case of salmonellosis reported, there are 38 additional cases that are not reported," according to the newspaper site.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea in humans. Some 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States each year, although the CDC estimates that because milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be 30 or more times greater. Approximately 600 people die each year after being infected.

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The Benefits of Yogurt

Have you noticed that the yogurt section of most grocery stores has practically taken over the dairy aisle? It’s getting harder to find more traditional dairy foods, such as cottage cheese and sour cream, amid the sea of yogurt options. But it only makes sense that a food with as many health benefits as yogurt be given prime real estate in the supermarket.

And just what are the health benefits of yogurt? Read more...

Watermelon Packs A Mean Punch

It's hard to beat a slice of watermelon at a holiday picnic. One can almost taste the sweet red flesh and feel the fruit's succulent juices dripping down your chin.

Nutrition experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center say you shouldn't fret if your seed doesn't arc its way into the watermelon seed-spitting record books. The fleshy fruit is a nutritional award-winner on its own.

One 2-cup serving of diced watermelon contains loads of vitamins A and C, no fat and only 80 calories. It's also packed with lycopene, an antioxidant which may aid in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

"Watermelon is a great fruit to help you hydrate and cool down in the summer heat," said Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. "Also, since it's mostly made up of water, pureed watermelon makes a refreshing drink."

UT Southwestern Medical Center
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http://www.utsouthwestern.edu

Sun Protection for Children

Sun damage in childhood is one of the most important causes of skin cancer in adults. Not only is children's skin more vulnerable to damage by the sun's rays, but people on average get 80% of our lifetime sun exposure by age 18. Bad sunburns in childhood risk the later development of malignant melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer). The less dangerous forms of skin cancer are due to long term, regular sun exposure. People who work or play outdoors and overexpose themselves to the sun will develop wrinkled, freckled dry skin and eventually skin cancers. People who vacation at the shore, or lay out on weekends will risk melanoma. Read more...

Picnics, baseball games, pools, and beaches -- parents and kids are gearing up to head out for fun in the sun. But too many parents still aren't adequately protecting either themselves or their children from the sun's harmful rays.

A new study shows that although parents are aware that sun exposure is dangerous, kids wearing sunscreen spend much more time in the sun than kids who don't, even though sunscreen provides only partial protection. What's more, many parents still emphasize the importance of that tanned look. Read more...

Protect Yourself From The Sun

Summer is a great time to have fun outdoors. It's also a time to take precautions to avoid sunburns, which can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor involved with developing skin cancer. During the summer months, UV radiation tends to be greater.

To help prevent skin cancer while still having fun outdoors, regularly use sun protective practices such as

• Seek shade, especially during midday hours (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage.
• Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin.
• Get a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
• Grab shades that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
• Rub on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.

It's always wise to choose more than one way to cover up when you're in the sun. Use sunscreen, and put on a T-shirt... Seek shade, and grab your sunglasses... Wear a hat, but rub on sunscreen too. Combining these sun protective actions helps protect your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays.

UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays will also reflect off any surface like water, cement, sand, and snow. Additionally, UV rays from artificial sources of light, like tanning beds, cause skin cancer and should be avoided.

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