Intraocular Pressure Variation During Weight Lifting

Artificial Retina Implanted in Humans

Bilberry and Diabetic Retinopathy

Research brings hope body parts can regrow

Buoyed by recent genetic breakthroughs, researchers at Northwestern University and across the country have hopes of achieving a feat long thought to be impossible: enabling people to replace damaged body parts or even regrow missing limbs.

Like salamanders and other lower species, humans possess genes that direct the body to make new arms and legs after an injury. But in humans, the genes lie dormant, inactivated after evolution favored the swift patching of wounds through scarring over the slow regeneration of body parts.

A newt takes six to eight weeks to regenerate a functional limb and a few weeks more to complete a perfect replacement. If humans had the same regenerative capacity, it would probably take a year or more to grow a new arm or leg.

It's this long regeneration time that scientists believe led evolution to favor rapid scar formation in humans and other mammals as a better route to survival in hostile environments. Scars start forming almost immediately after a wound and can be completed in a matter of days or a week or two.

"There are more species on Earth that can regenerate lost appendages than those that can't," Simon said. "We humans are more the exception. The idea is to explore what nature came up with in the first place and then try to find out what genes are inactivated in humans and try to reactivate them."

The project, the first national scientific effort of its kind, is financed primarily by the U.S. military, which is seeking better therapies for the unprecedented number of military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan who are surviving previously mortal wounds, but often without arms or legs.
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Working longer may translate into living longer

You'd think that retiring would make you healthier. Finally, you can leave all the stress of the working world behind. Think again.

Complete retirement leads to an 11 percent decline in mental health, an 8 percent increase in illness, and a 23 percent increase in difficulty performing daily activities over a six-year period, according to Dhaval Dave of the National Bureau of Economic Research and Bentley College (Waltham, Mass.). Of course, there's a quick fix for this: Keep working. "The declines in health are much lower and, in some cases, nonexistent for those that continue to work part time," Dave says.

Referenced from Life Extension report 10/6/2006 (www.lef.org)
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Breakthrough Provides New Tool for Degenerative Disease Studies

CORVALLIS, Ore., Sept. 25 (AScribe Newswire) -- Scientists in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University have discovered a new technique to let them watch, visualize and precisely measure a key oxidant in animal cells, an important breakthrough that could dramatically speed research on everything from Lou Gehrig's Disease to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and aging.
v The findings are being published online this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a professional journal. They could open the door to major advances on some of the world's most significant degenerative diseases, researchers say.

Although we need oxygen to live, oxygen in the cells can be reduced to a molecule called superoxide, which is part of normal immune system processes and may also have other functions - it was first named by OSU alumnus Linus Pauling in 1934. A build-up of superoxide over the years can be a major factor in the onset of diseases such as ALS, arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and others.

Superoxide is efficiently removed by an enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants in food, such as vitamin C and E, are also part of this process. And in healthy animals, including humans, this delicate balancing act can work well and cause few problems. But sometimes the process breaks down and excess levels of superoxide begin to accumulate and lead to a wide variety of degenerative diseases.

Editor's Note: A diet high in enzymes and antioxidants helps our bodies stay young and healthy. Try having plenty of fruits, vegetables and salads in your diet daily. A good guide is to have 70% of your diet made up of vegetables and some fruit, and the remaining 30% protein and complex carbohydrates in the form of whole grains for example.

Editor's Note 2: For an excellent organic green drink that also tastes good, try Nanogreens. For more information, go to http://www.naturaleyecare.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1745 ------------------------------------------------------------------

Raising Nicotine Doses in Cigarettes Uncovered

Evidence of what looks like an increasingly desperate effort to hook new young smokers and prevent older ones from quitting has been uncovered by a Massachusetts law that forces tobacco companies to report test results showing how much nicotine is inhaled by typical smokers of their various brands.

This week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health revealed that from 1998 through 2004, as public health campaigns were mounted to curb smoking, the manufacturers increased the amount of addictive nicotine delivered to the average smoker by 10 percent. Of 179 cigarette brands tested in 2004, an astonishing 166 brands fell into the state's highest nicotine yield range, including 59 brands that the manufacturers had labeled light and 14 described as ultra-light. The three most popular brands chosen by young smokers, Marlboro, Newport and Camel, all delivered significantly more nicotine as the years passed. Virtually all brands were found to deliver a high enough nicotine dose to cause heavy dependence.

This trend has escaped notice because the standard government test uses a smoking machine that fails to mimic real-life smoking.

This information was reported in the the New York Times editorial section on Aug. 31,2006.
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Funny Cat Video

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Spicy North African Vegetable Soup with Chickpeas

There are dozens of different varieties from which to choose. The delicate sweet-flavored "sacral" basil called for in this soup is commonly used in the cuisines of Africa, India, and the Far East. Although sacred basil is recommended in this recipe, you can use any basil variety.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

2 quarts water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic, thickly sliced
½ teaspoon chili pepper flakes
1 cup coarsely chopped onions
½ cup coarsely chopped carrots
2 ½ cups coarsely chopped unpeeled sweet potatoes
2 cups bite-sized cauliflower florets
1 teaspoon tumeric
3 cups coarsely chopped mustard greens
2 tablespoons dried sacred basil or other basil variety
1 teaspoon seasalt, or to taste

1. Bring the water, chickpeas, and cinnamon stick to boil in a 6-quart stockpot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 10 to minutes, or until the cinnamon stick uncurls.

2. While the chickpeas simmer, heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, chili flakes, onions, and carrots, and sauté, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes, or until the onions begin to soften.

3. When the cinnamon stick uncurls, transfer the sautéed vegetables to the stockpot along with the sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and tumeric. Simmer covered for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and cauliflower are tender.

4. Add the mustard greens, and continue to simmer 2 to 3 minutes, or until bright green. Stir in the basil and salt. Adjust the seasonings if desired.
v 5. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve.
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From Leslie Cerier's new cookbook, Going Wild in the Kitchen (2005, Square One Publishers) - http://members.aol.com/lescerier/pages/cookbooks.html

New AMD Study with Lutein & Zeaxanthin

Cataracts & Nutrition

Loss of vision is the second greatest fear, next to death, among the elderly. Age related cataracts are one of the major causes of loss of vision worldwide. Approximately 20 million people in the United States have their vision obstructed by cataracts and 500,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The incidence and public health costs associated with this disease are certain to escalate with the increasing number of individuals over 65 years of age. Therefore, effective strategies aimed at preventing and/or delaying the development of age-related cataract are needed. Among the many environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors associated with cataracts, exposure to UV radiation from sunlight and oxidative stress appear to be the most relevant in the development of this disease. Recent science also suggests a relationship between dietary carbohydrate intake and glycemic index in the development of both cortical and nuclear lens opacities. A study published in 2004 in Ophthalmic Research investigated the relationship between vitamin E and ultraviolet B radiation (UVB)-induced cataract. The conclusion was that vitamin E protects the lens against UVB-induced cataract. Vitamin E protects as an antioxidant and/or indirectly through increasing levels of glutathione. Data from a study published in the Journal of Nutrition on xanthophylls and vitamin E now strongly suggests that xanthophyll carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, are far more potent than vitamin E for protecting the human lens epithelial cells against UVB insult. A study published in the June 2006 Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery found that grape seed proanthocyanidin extract effctively suppressed cataract formation in experimental cataracts. Ingestion of IH636 grape seed proanthocyanidin extract to prevent selenite-induced oxidative stress in experimental cataract. Durukam AH. Evereklioglu C. et al. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2006 Jun;32(6):1041-5Recent science also suggests a relationship between dietary carbohydrate intake and glycemic index in the development of both cortical and nuclear lens opacities. Dietary carbohydrate intake and glycemic index in relation to cortical and nuclear lens opacities in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Chiu CJ, Milton RC, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 May;83(5):1177-84For more information, go to http://www.biosyntrx.com/ArticleCategories.htm (September 1st Pearl). Seach Friday Pearls 2006. Editor's Note: For more information on cataracts and natural ways to help manage them, go to http://www.naturaleyecare.com/diseases.asp?d_num=2.

Vitamin C and Healing

Vitamin C works is critical the super-glue that keeps cells together: Vitamin C helps to produce collagen. When you are wounded, collagen glues the separated tissue faces together. Cells are held together by collagen. Collagen is also the basis on which bone is formed. So if you break a bone or get a scrape, vitamin C goes straight into action, helping you to heal properly. Vitamin C is important for many other reasons besides collagen production. As an antioxidant, it acts as our bodyguard against oxidation. It also promotes the absorption of iron and is needed to regulate our metabolic rate. The foods you eat are metabolized (burned up) and used as fuel for energy and to repair damage from injury and disease. This is why people with infections or colds need higher doses of vitamin C to heal faster. Those suffering from extensive burns need extra vitamin C to form greater amounts of scar tissues. The two earliest signs of vitamin C deficiency are bleeding gums and broken capillaries. Most animals can produce their own vitamin C with the exception of fish, primates (including humans) and guinea pigs! Linus Pauling recommended taking mega doses of vitamin C to ward off colds. According to the famous scientist and champion of vitamin C, humans have lost the ability to manufacture this vitamin due to their nutritionally-lacking diet. He recommended that we take far above the recommended 60mg a day. Referenced from Life Extension at www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=4233&Section=VITAMINS&source=
DHB_060822&key=Body+ContinueReading
Editor's Note: From a vision perspective, vitamin C plays a role in helping our eyes stay healthy and is recommended for a variety of eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, vitreous detachments, retinal tears as well as any internal eye inflammations. For an excellent buffered vitamin C complex, go to http://www.naturaleyecare.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1663

Dietary supplements for mental decline (Alzheimer's)

A small study of 35 patients suffering from senility and memory losss (average age 71 years) showed that the addition of dietary supplements (multivitamin, vitamin E, lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, omega-3 oils) along with physical exercise and sound dietary measures slowed the decline in brain function and actually improved memory and other brain functions. [American Journal Alzheimer's Disease 20: 21-26, 2005] Referenced from Bill Sardi's blog at http://www.knowledgeofhealth.com/blog/

Drinking fruit or vegetable juice several times a week could help protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to a study.

The nine-year study published in The American Journal of Medicine involving nearly 2,000 people, led by Professor Qi Dai of Tennessee's Vanderbilt University, showed that the risk of developing Alzheimer's -- a degenerative brain disease that affects a person's memory, thinking and mood -- was cut by 76 percent among those who drank fruit or vegetable juice more than three times a week. Among those who drank juice once a week, the risk was reduced by 16 percent. From Yahoo article at http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060831/hl_afp/ushealthalzheimers_060831174226.

Editor's Note: Drinking fresh vegetable juice daily provides a wide array of nutrients and enzymes to support health and better vision. For more information on juicing and vision, see juicing recommendation in the Self-Help sections of each eye condition at our website at www.naturaleyecare.com

Antioxidants Reduce Need for Steroids Among Asthma Patients

A recent European study using 120 milligrams of coenzyme Q10, 400 milligrams of vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) and 250 milligrams of vitamin C, reduced the need for steroid drugs among asthma patients. [Biofactors 25: 235-40, 2005]

Vioxx Cousin, Celebrex, Also Found to Cause Heart Attacks

Research has long suggested that the popular pain reliever Celebrex might prevent colorectal polyps, which can lead to cancer. But new research shows that Celebrex's cancer-fighting potential is overshadowed by the danger it poses to the heart, leading researchers to warn patients not to take Celebrex to prevent colorectal disease. In two studies in today's New England Journal of Medicine, which together included nearly 3,600 patients, doctors examined whether Celebrex might prevent polyps from reappearing in patients who already had had colon growths removed. Doctors randomly assigned patients to receive either Celebrex or placebos for three years. The studies were paid for by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Pfizer, which makes Celebrex. Celebrex dramatically reduced the risk of recurrent polyps: 33% to 43% of patients who took the pain reliever developed colorectal growths within three years, vs. 50% to 60% of those who took placebos, the two studies show. Patients who took the highest doses appeared to get the most protection. Celebrex was especially effective in preventing advanced polyps. But Celebrex doubled the risk of serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and death, according to a separate analysis in the journal Circulation released Wednesday. That makes Celebrex too risky to be used for polyp prevention, according to an editorial in the New England Journal by Bruce Psaty of the University of Washington and John Potter of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Article from USA today at http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-08-30-celebrex-risks_x.htm

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Ginger Lover's Cookies

3 cups spelt flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup of canola oil
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet and set aside.
2. Combine the flour, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Place the oil, molasses, honey and ginger in a blender (if the ginger is too fibrous, gather it in your hands, squeeze the juice into the blender, and then discard the grated fibers.) Add to the flour mixture and stir to form a moist dough.
4. Knead the dough for a minute, then shape into walnut-sized balls. Place on the cookie sheet about 3/4 inch apart. Flatten gently with a fork.
5. Bake 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven, and cool at least 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe yields about 3 dozen cookies.

From Leslie Cerier's new cookbook, Going Wild in the Kitchen (2005, Square One Publishers) - http://members.aol.com/lescerier/pages/cookbooks.html