Not all individuals who have epilepsy respond to traditional treatments and these individuals are said to have medically refractory epilepsy. Strict use of a ketogenic diet high in fats and extremely low in carbohydrates is sometimes used for treatment of refractory epilepsy, and is effective about half of the time. However, the mechanisms whereby ketogenic diets suppress epileptic symptoms have long been a mystery. New data generated by Kelvin Yamada and colleagues at the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, has revealed that intranasal delivery of leptin, a hormone important in feeding and energy metabolism, delayed the onset of convulsions in a rodent model of seizures.
Researchers halt, reverse cirrhosis of the liver
University of California, San Diego researchers have proven in animal studies that fibrosis in the liver can be not only stopped, but reversed. Their discovery, to be published in PLoS Online on December 26, opens the door to treating and curing conditions that lead to excessive tissue scarring such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, scleroderma and burns.
Deep-sea species’ loss could lead to oceans’ collapse
The loss of deep-sea species poses a severe threat to the future of the oceans, suggests a new report publishing early online on December 27th and in the January 8th issue of Current Biology, a publication of Cell Press. In a global-scale study, the researchers found some of the first evidence that the health of the deep sea, as measured by the rate of critical ecosystem processes, increases exponentially with the diversity of species living there.
Researchers discover fast-acting cyanide antidote
University of Minnesota Center for Drug Design and Minneapolis VA Medical Center researchers have discovered a new fast-acting antidote to cyanide poisoning. The antidote has potential to save lives of those who are exposed to the chemical – namely firefighters, industrial workers, and victims of terrorist attacks.
Subliminal messages can influence us in surprising ways
Flag waving is a metaphor for stirring up the public towards adopting a more nationalistic, generally hard-line stance. Indeed, “rally ‘round the flag” is a venerable expression of this phenomenon. It comes as some surprise, then, that studies conducted by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have shown that exposing people to a subliminal image of the national flag had just the opposite fact — moderating their political attitudes.
The Utilization of Search Engines and Hiring Practices: Is It Appropriate For A Company To Google A Prospective Candidate?
Employers have admitted to using search engines to when conducting reference and background checks for prospective employees. In light of 9/11, many companies feel that their mutual interest in “potential liability” may be associated with preventing poor hiring practices. However, companies should proceed with caution when making business decisions that result in the utilization of search engines. Particularly, as it relates to a new employee. There appears to be little or no information on policies, legislation or laws that guide companies on the appropriate use of the internet, what types of information yielded by an internet search should be utilized when hiring a prospective employee and the possible risks associated with the practice. This may preclude one to suspect why the practice has become popular among companies. This article will explore if this practice is legal and should it also be considered as a best practice during the process of internet recruitment.
Science Debate 2008 movement picks up key leaders
Science Debate 2008 is a nonpartisan effort to promote a public discussion of science and technology policy in the coming U.S. Presidential election.
Supported by numerous university presidents, Nobel Laureates, and other scientific leaders, the effort appears to have reached viability with the announcement of its co-chairs, two congressmen from different political parties.
Acceleration and Gravity Equivalent?
In the aerospace industry we encounter both gravitational ‘forces’ and acceleration forces continuously. This entry questions possible differences between the two.
The Utilization of Search Engines and Hiring Practices: Is It Appropriate For A Company To Google A Prospective Candidate?
Internet recruitment has changed in [some ways] how the entire hiring process is conducted and understood. There have been several assumptions made in regards to internet recruitment. Use of the internet is more efficient compared with traditional processes. Effective recruitment programs on the internet often result in repeat users. The cost to employers compared with traditional process is less expensive when utilizing the internet when recruiting.
Missing Link Between Whales and Four-Footed Ancestors Discovered
Scientists have discovered the missing link between whales and their four-footed ancestors. The result is reported in this week’s issue of the journal Nature. The research is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
How one pest adapted to life in the dark
A type of beetle that lives its entire life burrowing through stored grain has been found to lack full colour vision, and what’s more the vision it does have breaks the rules. Most other insects have trichromatic vision – they are sensitive to ultraviolet, blue and long wavelength light. In a report published in the online open access journal Frontiers in Zoology, scientists reveal that this beetle has lost photoreceptors that are sensitive to blue wavelengths.