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Anxiety before surgery complicates recovery in children

Children who are anxious before surgery experience a more painful, slow, and complicated postoperative recovery, according to a Yale School of Medicine study published this month in Pediatrics.

The study is important, said lead author, Zeev Kain, M.D., professor in the Departments of Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, and the Yale Child Study Center, because more than five million children in the United States undergo surgery every year and up to........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/21/2006 9:02:35 PM)

Cancer survivors may have suicidal thoughts

A survey of adult survivors of childhood cancers observed that more than one out of eight reported having suicidal thoughts or prior attempts to take their lives a number of years after they were treated, say researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The suicidal symptoms were reported by more than 12 percent -- a greater proportion than had been expected -- of patients seen at a clinic providing care for adult cancer survivors, the........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 10:00:08 PM)

Exam nerves affects students' immune system

It is hardly surprising that one of the medical programmes most important exams is stressful for students. However, research now shows that this mental stress also affects the students immune defence systems, particularly amongst those suffering from allergies.

While diseases like asthma and allergies are becoming increasingly common in the West, many people believe that we are living ever stressful lives. A new study from Karolinska........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 9:37:30 PM)

MIT-Beijing design studio plans for urban future

For five weeks this summer, a group of 20 MIT graduate students in architecture, planning and real estate joined with a dozen graduate students from Beijing's Tsinghua University to work together on issues of urban design and development in the context of China's breakneck modernization.

The work marked the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Urban Design Studio, a joint program between the schools of architecture and planning at MIT and at........Go to the Science-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 3:10:51 PM)

Astronomers proclaim Pluto is a planet

Yes, Virginia, Pluto is a planet.

And it's about to be joined by several more, thanks to a new definition of the word "planet" announced recently by the world's astronomers through the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

The seven-person international panel that spent two years defining the difference between planets and smaller "solar system bodies" such as comets and asteroids includes an MIT astronomer.

If the definition is........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 2:59:38 PM)

Technology For Brain Cooling Unlikely To Help Trauma Patients

Attempts to cool the brain to reduce injury from stroke and other head trauma may face a significant obstacle: current cooling devices can't penetrate very deeply into the brain.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis used rats to validate a "cold shielding" effect of blood flow that they previously predicted theoretically. The shielding effect, created by large quantities of warm blood that continually perfuse........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 2:11:28 PM)

Stellar Pinwheels At Our Galaxy's Core

Astronomers have finally learned the identity of a mysterious "Quintuplet Cluster" of stars situated near the supermassive black hole at our galaxy's core: At least two of the objects are not individual stars, but binary pairs that live fast and die young, forming fiery pinwheels as they spin around one another.

A multinational team led by Peter Tuthill of the University of Sydney in Australia, used the extraordinary resolution of the........Go to the Science-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 9:14:09 PM)

New Species Of Sea Urchin For Acution At Ebay

You can get almost anything at eBay. Now it seems you can even discover a new marine species at ebay.

Sea Urchins are a member of the Phylum Echinodermata, Class Echinoidea. Rather then having arms or legs the sea urchin actually has long spines as a substitute. These spines are used primarily for camouflage, locomotion, and defensive purposes. The sea urchin feeds on sea grasses, algae, and decaying organic matter. One can see their close........Go to the Science-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 8:50:23 AM)

Ryanair threatens government over airport security

Ryanair today threatened to sue the government for compensation unless airport security measures are returned to normal within seven days.

Michael O'Leary, the outspoken chief executive of Ryanair, described the new restrictions as "farcical Keystone Cops security measures that don't add anything except to block up airports", as he issued the ultimatum.

At a news conference in London, Mr O'Leary, described as "nonsense" the increased body........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 7:54:51 AM)

Create Dorodango Hikaru

Step 1: Create the Mud.

In a clean container, add water to the dirt. The ratio of water to dirt will vary depending on the type of dirt. Start by adding a small amount of water, mix, and slowly add more water until the mud reaches an even consistency, similar to dough.

Step 2: Create the Core:.

Grab a handful of mud and begin to shape it into a sphere with both hands, squeeze out as much water as you can. Eliminate irregularities from........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 7:48:49 AM)

Andre 3000 denies rumors of OutKast split

It's been years since they have been in the same video, and there are no plans for them to perform together in the near or distant future, yet the members of OutKast maintain they have not broken up. Andre 3000 phoned "MTV News" on Tuesday night to clear up the rumors.

"Yesterday I got a phone call from Big Boi, and he said that on some hip-hop Web sites that the headlines were reading something to the effect of, `It's Official: OutKast Is........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 7:07:18 AM)

Ending AIDS Epidemic Is A Multi-Front War

The scientists, health workers and activists fighting AIDS long ago gave up the idea they could kill the global epidemic with a single blow. But they are beginning to think it might be possible to bleed it to death with a thousand cuts.

That was among the things on the minds of 26,000 delegates to the 16th International AIDS Conference as they headed home and the huge, biennial, multi-ring circus struck its tent yesterday.

There are two........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 6:47:27 AM)

How Acid Reflux Leads To Esophageal Cancer

A particular enzyme is significantly higher in cancer cells that have been exposed to acid, leading to the overproduction of hydrogen peroxide, and offering a possible explanation for how acid reflux may lead to cancer of the esophagus, according to a recent study in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

The study found that the enzyme NOX5-S is affected by exposure to acid and that it produces stress on cells, activating genes that lead to........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/18/2006 6:53:39 AM)

Some video games promote sociability

Hang in there, parents. There is some hopeful news on the video-gaming front.

Scientists have observed that some of the large and hugely popular online video games eventhough condemned by a number of as time-gobbling, people-isolating.

monsters actually have socially redeeming qualities.

In theory, anyway.

After examining the form and function of what's known in the trade as.

MMOs massively multiplayer online video games an........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/17/2006 11:42:56 PM)

Botox Injections May Improve Facial-wound Healing

Botulinum toxin, the same Botox used to treat facial wrinkles, helps facial wounds heal with less scarring, as per results of a study reported in the recent issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

David Sherris, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University at Buffalo is senior author on the research.

"This study is the first blinded trial demonstrating that injecting Botox (the trademark name for botulinum........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/17/2006 11:19:35 PM)

Bacteria Can Help Predict Ocean Change

Every creature has its place and role in the oceans even the smallest microbe, as per a new study that may lead to more accurate models of ocean change.

Researchers have long endorsed the concept of a unique biological niche for most animals and plants a shark, for example, has a different role than a dolphin.

Bacteria instead have been relegated to an also-ran world of "functional redundancy" in which few species are considered unique,........Go to the Science-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 11:56:15 PM)

High-Fat Copper-Rich Diets

Among elderly adults whose diets are high in saturated and trans fats, a high intake of copper may be linked to an accelerated rate of decline in thinking, learning and memory abilities, as per a report in the recent issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Eventhough copper, zinc and iron are essential for brain development and function, an imbalance of these metals may play a role in the development of brain........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 11:43:16 PM)

Hearing loss and high-speed dental tools

After 36 years in private dental practice, Fred Kreutzer, D.M.D., began struggling to hear. It's been five years since he retired from his practice and Kreutzer now wears hearing aids in both ears. Although he has a family history of hearing loss, he believes the high-speed tools he worked with eight hours a day for so many years may have played a role in his hearing troubles. "I think if you listen to any high-pitched noise for any length of........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 10:13:05 PM)

Insights To High-maintenance Dynamics

Take the co-worker with whom you always seem to be somewhat out of sync. So much of your psychic energy is consumed trying to get on the same page with him that by the time you get home you are too drained to do much of anything, never mind read any of those books you were compelled to buy on office politics.

Or imagine Bob, an experienced cook, who shows up at a soup kitchen for the first time enthusiastic about sharing responsibilities........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 9:53:20 PM)

Fortune Ball: Your Own Fortune-Teller

If you believe in astrology and look forward to the weekly column with cuiosity then inspite of waiting with baited-breath get yourself this amazing Fortune Ball that will tell you what lies in your future anytime. Invented by Dr Ming Fang, a well-known developer of medical and industrial products, the Fortune Ball lets you know your fortune forecast up to thirty days in advance by using the entire Chinese calendar, theories of Astrology,........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 6:53:27 AM)

Many Teens Injured On The Job

A new survey of 6,810 teens showed that more than half of them work, and 514 of them had been injured on the job.

"The findings from this study clearly indicate that work-related injuries among youth are a significant health problem," report Kristina M. Zierold, Ph.D., assistant professor of family and community medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and Henry A. Anderson, M.D., chief medical officer of the Wisconsin Division........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/21/2006 9:21:35 PM)

Knitting Times

Knitting - a harmless, straightforward, calming and contemplative activity. But what kinks develop when one knits not with ordinary wool, but with human hair?

Strong, shining and neatly-trimmed hair denotes strength, expresses individuality and exudes allure. This has been so at least since biblical times. In the Old Testament the supposedly invincible Samson was reduced to a weakling, when his beloved Delilah chopped off his hair as he........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/21/2006 5:05:52 AM)

Hubble Sees Faintest Stars

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has uncovered what astronomers are reporting as the dimmest stars ever seen in any globular star cluster.

Globular clusters are spherical concentrations of hundreds of thousands of stars. Seeing the whole range of stars in this area will yield insights into the age, origin, and evolution of the cluster.

These clusters formed early in the 13.7-thousand-million-year-old universe. The cluster observed by........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 9:45:00 PM)

Deng Seeks Peace In Sudanese War Of Identities

The seemingly simple question, "How many brothers do you have?" produces a soft chuckle from Francis Deng, a former Sudanese ambassador to the United States and now a visiting fellow at MIT's Center for International Studies (CIS).

"That is a good question. The answer will shock you," said Deng, who was born in the Abyei area of Sudan, an isolated area bordered by the Arab-influenced Muslim north and the African Christian-influenced south.........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 3:05:46 PM)

Regional Storage Facilities Could Handle Nuclear Waste

The Bush administration is eagerly pushing nuclear power as a way to help solve the U.S. energy crisis. But in its new plan for nuclear waste management, the administration is taking the wrong approach, says an MIT professor who studies the nuclear energy industry.

"My hope is that over time, the administration will rethink its priorities in this area," says Richard Lester, professor of nuclear engineering and director of the Industrial........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 3:02:53 PM)

Trial Of New Asthma Treatment Calls For Volunteers

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are seeking participants for the AIR2 (Asthma Interventional Research) international, multi-center clinical trial, which explores whether a new asthma therapy improves asthma care.

The trial, the first test of the procedure in the United States, focuses on a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty to treat asthma. Early patient data from trials outside the United States........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 2:35:16 PM)

The Abbot's Compassion

So Ferocious you are,

King of the forest;

As a killer, you are merciless;

It has become legendary;

Your fierceness and cruelty,

Everyone is well aware;

How ruthless a tiger is;........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/20/2006 6:32:33 AM)

Loss Of Just One Species Makes Big Difference

Researchers at Dartmouth, Cornell University, and the University of Wyoming have learned that the removal of just one important species in a freshwater ecosystem can seriously disrupt how that environment functions. This finding contradicts earlier notions that other species can jump in and compensate for the loss.

Brad Taylor, currently a research associate in the department of biological sciences at Dartmouth, and his colleagues studied a........Go to the Science-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 9:08:43 PM)

AMIGA Playing Cards

An AMIGA card game (52 cards) is available made under licence of AMIGA. The pictures show 13 different Amiga models plus three different Jokers such as the BoingBall. On the back of the cards it's the original AMIGA logo. The card game has been developed on Amiga computers only.

These playing cards feature pictures of departed Commodore Amiga personal computers,........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 7:59:15 AM)

Wally Wood's 22 Panels That Always Work

I'd seen "Wally Wood's 22 Panels That Always Work" around the net here and there for several years, always as a low-resolution scan of a copy that was clearly the product of dozens of generations of photocopies. As a comics fan and occasional artist who absorbed what little drawing skill I have by copying and tracing comics when I was a teenager, I found the juxtaposition in Wood's piece telling. Here was a working artist distilling his craft........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 7:43:02 AM)

Lung Cancer Alliance Hails Court Decision

The Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) hailed yesterday's court decision in United States v. Philip Morris USA, Inc. After a lengthy trial, a federal court in Washington, DC found that major tobacco companies engaged in racketeering and conspiracy for decades in a massive scheme to addict people to smoking "without regard for the human tragedy or social costs" that resulted.

Laurie Fenton, president of Lung Cancer Alliance, hailed the court's........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/19/2006 7:24:45 AM)

TV is an effective 'painkiller' for kids

TV really does act like a painkiller when it comes to kids, reveals a small study published ahead of print in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

The research team assessed 69 children between the ages of 7 and 12, who were randomly divided into three groups to have a blood sample taken.

One group was given no distraction while the sample was being taken. In the second group mothers attempted to actively distract their children by........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/18/2006 7:11:34 AM)

Have you ever seen an elephant running?

A young elephant steps out at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park while cameras record the movement of the disc shaped markers on its legs and back.

(Images: John Hutchinson).........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/18/2006 6:48:27 AM)

How Light Pushes Atoms

A research paper would be published in the 18 August edition of the journal Physical Review Letters reveals a new effect in the fundamental way that laser light interacts with atoms. "Unlike water, which speeds up as it passes through a small nozzle, photons of light have less momentum at the center of a focused laser beam," says Kurt Gibble, an associate professor of physics at Penn State University and the author of the research paper.........Go to the Science-blog (Added on 8/18/2006 6:24:57 AM)

Advanced Imaging Facility And Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Gaithersburg, MD -- Thanks to a new and improved imaging instrument at the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), researchers now can conduct detailed surveillance on the comings and goings of water inside hydrogen fuel cells--a piece of intelligence key to making the technology practical for powering future automobiles.

With visualization powers 10 times better than those achieved previously, scientists........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/17/2006 11:00:43 PM)

Surprising Telescope Observations

A heavy form of hydrogen created just moments after the Big Bang has been found to exist in larger quantities than expected in the Milky Way, a finding that could radically alter theories about star and galaxy formation, says a new international study led by the University of Colorado at Boulder.

CU-Boulder astrophysicist Jeffrey Linsky said new data gathered by NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer, or FUSE, satellite, shows why........Go to the Science-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 11:52:38 PM)

Cohabiters Are Traditional

Although cohabitation outside of marriage is still considered to be an alternative lifestyle, working-class cohabiters are quite conventional when it comes to advancing their relationship, pursuing careers and doing housework, says Cornell sociologist Sharon Sassler.

Most of the 30 cohabiting working-class couples interviewed for the study still comply with traditional patterns throughout their relationships, including the initiation of the........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 11:47:53 PM)

A science or engineering bachelor's degree

Earning a bachelor's degree in science or engineering (S&E) appears to serve the recipient well in the workforce, regardless of the job they do. In fact, according to a National Science Foundation (NSF) survey, people who have earned an S&E bachelor's degree generally report that science and engineering knowledge is important to their job.

That holds even if the graduate ends up doing non-technical work. According to the survey, among those........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 10:06:46 PM)

Large and small stars in harmonious coexistence

The latest photo from the Hubble Space Telescope, presented at the 2006 General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union in Prague this week, shows a star forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC).

This image reveals a large number of low-mass infant stars coexisting with young massive stars.........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 10:01:07 PM)

Swarovsky-coated Accessories

Thanks to the Rappers the Bling culture is going great guns. You turn around and I can bet you will definitely find something blingy even in places where it is least important.

Gone are the days when the workstation was a place that was expected to be sober and formal, but today the bling culture has swayed over this place too. Here is a blingy desk set that enough to jazz up your desktop.

The swarovsky-encrusted desk set from Neiman........Go to the My-media-blog (Added on 8/14/2006 6:56:48 AM)

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