Can’t see a problem in the middle of a greenhouse? CO2 clouds the mind – from 1000+ ppm

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Hypercapnia it turns out, develops much more gradually than previously assumed. Apparently long before we pass thresholds that mean real medical trouble, our bodies – and our minds – can be disturbed by elevated CO2 levels in the air around … Continue reading →

Bionic bacterium to produce biofuels and drugs

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Jorn van Dooren

A bionic bacterium, would that be the bacterial equivalent of the six million dollar man from the equally named 70’s tv show, with enhanced strength, speed and vision? Unfortunately the answer is no. With man-made amino acids in its DNA … Continue reading →

Anti-cancer supplements need plant-based proteins to be effective

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Willem Koert

According to the UN next month the world’s 7 billionth human inhabitant will be born. We have a feeling it’s gonna be a girl and we hope her metabolism will show some similarity to that of a lab rat. If … Continue reading →

Carbon nanotubes are too much for cells to swallow

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Jorn van Dooren

Imagine the cells in your body looking like game riddled with arrows lying in a field. That gory picture was what researchers found when they examined the harmful effects of asbestos on human cells. But until now it was never … Continue reading →

Awareness low for risk factors/symptoms of colorectal cancer

Posted on September 16, 2011 by Judy Keen

A study in the journal BMC Cancer indicates that the awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of colorectal cancer is low. Responders were able to recall only 1 symptom and 1 risk factor for the disease. Women were better … Continue reading →

New model predicts environmental effects of drugs

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Jorn van Dooren

Pharmaceutical products although usually beneficial to human health often end up in the environment with just the opposite effect on wildlife. But we are at risk as well since increasing amounts of drugs end up in our drinking water. To … Continue reading →

Children multi-task their media

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Judy Keen

Tired of trying to get the kids away from the screen/computer/gaming console (or all three)? A new study published today by Dr. Russell Jago in the BioMed Central Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity assessed the viewing patterns on … Continue reading →

Are taller women at higher risk for cancer?

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Judy Keen

Being tall may have its advantages like reaching the upper cabinets or having an advantage in catching a rebound, but a recent study in Lancet Oncology revealed a downside to tallness. According to the study by Dr. Jane Green, et. … Continue reading →

Potential new biomarker for neurofibromatosis identified

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Judy Keen

Published today in BMC Medicine, scientists have found a new biomarker, MIA, for neurofibromatosis, a disease that affects 1 in 3000. Although many cases are benign cafe au lait spots, some cases can result in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. … Continue reading →

Internet addiction and depression

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Judy Keen

Almost 4% of internet users are addicted to its use, while a significant percentage also admit to longer daily usage than they had intended. This according to Christakis et. al., published in the journal BMC Medicine, June 22, 2011. Of … Continue reading →

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