Saturday November 14, 2009
Research studies have shown that cell phone and other wireless phone use affects the brain. Radiation from these phones causes levels of a protein called transthyretin to rise in the blood. This protein is found in the choroid plexus (blood-brain barrier) which separates blood from cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. This barrier protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood.
While the researchers can't say for certain that wireless phone use produces any health risks, they caution against excessive use, especially in children and teens. The effects of long-term exposure to wireless phone radiation have yet to be determined. What we do know is that microwaves from these types of phones definitely have a biological impact on the brain.
Learn more about this discovery:
Friday November 13, 2009
More good news for chocolate lovers: researchers have discovered that eating dark chocolate can reduce stress and change the body's metabolism. As a caution to those who have a tendency to consume a little too much chocolate, it only takes about an ounce and a half of dark chocolate a day to trigger a reduction in stress hormone levels. It is best to consume dark chocolate in moderation as it does contain a fair amount of calories.
This is just the latest in a string of discoveries about the beneficial effects of eating chocolate. Previous studies have shown that chocolate acts as an antioxidant, reduces blood pressure, increases blood flow to the brain, and even acts a painkiller. Researchers have also found that cocoa beans, which are used to make chocolate, contain antibacterial agents that can help fight tooth decay.
Learn more about this discovery:
Wednesday November 11, 2009
 |
Normal Uterine Cells
National Cancer Institute |
Animal cells are eukaryotic cells, which are cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus. Unlike in prokaryotic cells, where the genetic material is not separated from the rest of the cell, animal cells contain a nucleus that houses the cell's DNA.
In addition to the nucleus, animal cells also contain other membrane-bound organelles, or tiny cellular structures, that carry out specific functions necessary for normal cellular operation. Organelles have a wide range of responsibilities that include everything from producing hormones and enzymes to providing energy for animal cells. Some examples of organelles that are found in typical animal cells include:
Another characteristic of animal cells is that most are diploid, meaning that they have a full complement of genetic material consisting of homologous chromosome pairs. In other words, diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (one chromosome donated from each parent). Not all animal cells however are diploid. Animal reproductive cells, also called gametes, are haploid cells. Haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes.
More About Animal Cells:
Saturday November 7, 2009
 |
DNA Double Helix
NASA |
With the popularity of many crime scene investigation shows, DNA has become a household term. It is the basic building block for our genetic structure and contains all the information needed for growth, development and reproduction. With the exception of identical twins, each person's DNA is unique. So, what exactly is DNA? DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a type of macromolecule known as a nucleic acid. It is shaped like a twisted double helix and is composed of long strands of alternating sugars and phosphate groups, along with nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine). DNA is organized into chromosomes and housed within the nucleus of our cells.
Learning about DNA can be interesting and fun. Constructing DNA models is a great way to learn about DNA structure, function and replication. You can also discover how to extract DNA from a banana or make a candy DNA model.
