The April Inner Realm/Outer World column dealt with the effects of stress and the benefits of gratitude. Recent studies confirm more solid reasons to practice gratitude everyday.
The first study was of organ transplant recipients. Research psychologist, Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis worked with 16 transplant patients which he divided into two groups. Both groups recorded their feelings about life and the coming day, their connections to others and any side effects they were having to their immunosuppressant drug regimen. The second group was also asked to make a daily list of five things or people they were grateful for.
After 21 days, those that kept gratitude journals had improved scores for mental health and general well being while both of those indicators declined for the other group. This is important as feelings of well being contribute to better physical health--particularly among those who have an underlying chronic medical condition.
A second study found that people who felt lonely or isolated experience an alteration to the genes that drive inflammation--the body's first immune response. Steve Cole, associate professor at UCLA found that people who experience themselves as socially isolated have over expression of genes that produce inflammation and an under expression of those that produce anti-viral responses and antibody production.
Interestingly, the size of the test subjects' social network didn't matter. What mattered was the feelings of being close and connected over time with even a very small number of people.
So, count your friends along with other beings that are a part of your gratitude support staff! Inventory them every day in your gratitude journal. Those people, beings, and experiences are helping to keep you well!
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Source: Spirituality and Health, March April 2008
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According to a recent article in Scientific American, the act of upgrading the energy efficiency of our existing homes and building more energy efficient residential buildings could save more thfr n 1.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. This change could contribute to eliminating more than a quarter of the overall CO2 output of North America. This is critical as 35% of all generated greenhouse emissions come from buildings.
This figure, given by the Montreal-based Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), an international organization established by Canada, Mexico and the U.S. under the North American Free Trade Agreement to address continent-wide environmental issues, confirms those reported last year by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Upgrading currently existing homes includes upgrading the insulation and windows. For new buildings, a greener approach using currently available materials could be the answer to significantly reducing greenhouse emissions. "Residential is a slam-dunk, it's just a matter of applying the technology we have," says IPCC author Mark Levine, a senior staff scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California who studies these issues. "It's the biggest sector. It's the biggest savings."
Since there is a credit crunch, we may not be able to sell our current home in favor of a greener choice. So, how can we upgrade the homes that we currently have? First of all, increase the amount of insulation in your home. The investment will pay off in not only a lowering of greenhouse gases, but in real fuel cost savings. Since most of us in the United States have seen our fuel costs sky rocket, it certainly seems like the logical next step.
Insert construction worker picture here!
Upgrading windows and doors is another powerful way to consume less energy and reduce greenhouse gases. While this is a more expensive proposition, it has been proven that one third of heat and cooling energy is potentially lost through inefficient windows and doors. If your existing windows have rotted or damaged wood, cracked glass, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, or locks that don't work, you may be better off replacing them.
For a list of other solutions check out: www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=10-solutions-for-climate-change.
Have you made your home more energy efficient? How have you done it? Let us know at: editors@spiritliving.org.
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Sources:
Scientific American's website: www.sciam.com
http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/envelope.htm
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A student participating in the Rutgers ITEST project chooses bacteria colonies for her DNA sequencing project. The bacteria colonies contained a fragment of a DNA copy of RNA from brine shrimp. Credit: Martin Nemeroff, Rutgers University
Imagine a project where high school students have opportunities to do original research, publish their results and share them with the scientific community. About 300 New Jersey high school students have such an opportunity this year through the Waksman Institute at Rutgers University, which operates "HiGene: A Genome Sequencing Project for High Schools." With major funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Program, students have been immersing themselves in a research project that draws on the fields of molecular biology and bioinformatics.
A high school student at work in the lab at part of an Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) project at Rutgers University. About 300 New Jersey high school students have an opportunity to do original research decoding a DNA sequence, working with bacteria containing a fragment of a DNA copy of RNA from brine shrimp. Credit: Martin Nemeroff, Rutgers University
Five of the students recently presented their findings to an audience of scientists at the National Science Foundation headquarters in Arlington, Va. They described how they worked with bacteria that contained a fragment of a DNA copy of RNA from brine shrimp, purified the fragment and performed a set of analyses to decode a DNA sequence that had never been seen before. They were able to compare their sequence to other DNA sequences and predict the functions of the genes. They then went on to publish their findings through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Institutes of Health. The students' presentation at NSF was greeted with respect and appreciation by scientists from the biosciences and computer sciences, as well as those who work in science education.
High school students do bioinformatics research on the lab computers at Rutgers. They were able to compare their sequence to other DNA sequences and predict the functions of the genes. They then went on to publish their findings throiugh the National center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Institutes of Health. Credit: Martin Nemeroff, Rutgers University
Students who participate in the program are often eager to pursue other scientific challenges and the program offers advanced modules for students who want to go further with the research. There are also opportunities to bring their work to regional and national science fairs. As the program has gone on, several participants have pursued research through work at university science labs. Many graduates of the program have gone on to major in scientific fields in college. Meanwhile, their teachers who also had to participate in the program, found that the experience enriched their teaching.
The students' NSF presentation can be accessed ??????????
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Source: National Science Foundation www.nsf.gov/news
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A bacteria cell living in a no-oxygen environment "breathes" using mineral nanoparticles. Credit: Saumyaditya Bose, Virginia Tech
Last month, we shared how scientists are using nanotechnology to create a shirt that could power our portable electronics. Turns out, the Earth uses naturally-occurring nano particles for a wide range of functions. This is particularly true of nano-sized minerals. A recent research paper published in the journal Science states that these infinitesimally small minerals influence Earth's systems in a more complex manner than previously thought.
It seems that our planet's physical, chemical, and biological processes are influenced or driven by the properties of these minerals. Nanominerals are widely distributed throughout the atmosphere, oceans, surface and underground waters, and soils, and in most living organisms, even within proteins. It also seems that the role of nanominerals is far-reaching.
Nanoparticles play an important role in the lives of ocean-dwelling phytoplankton, for example, which remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Phytoplankton growth is limited by iron availability. Iron in the ocean is composed of nanocolloids, nanominerals, and mineral nanoparticles, supplied by rivers, glaciers and deposition from the atmosphere. Nanoscale reactions resulting in the formation of phytoplankton biominerals, such as calcium carbonate, are important influences on oceanic and global carbon cycling.
In the atmosphere, mineral nanoparticles impact heating and cooling. Such particles act as water droplet growth centers, which lead to cloud formation. The size and density of droplets influences solar radiation and cloud longevity, which in turn influence average global temperatures.
The scientists concluded that, "The biogeochemical and ecological impact of natural and synthetic nanomaterials is one of the fastest growing areas of research, with not only vital scientific, but also large environmental, economic, and political consequences."
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Source: National Science Foundation www.nsf.gov/news
Authors of the paper are Michael Hochella of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA, Steven Lower of Ohio State University, and Patricia Maurice of the University of Notre Dame; along with R. Lee Penn of the University of Minnesota; Nita Sahai of the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Donald Sparks of the University of Delaware; and Benjamin Twining of the University of South Carolina.
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One of our favorite treats is to go out for a delicious sushi meal with our friends. A sushi chef's artful arrangements provide nourishment for the eyes as well as the tummy.
Of late, however, we've been cautious with our indulgence as there is growing concern about fish used to make sushi being high in the heavy metal, mercury. Mercury is neurotoxin that can be dangerous to our health and is particularly of concern for those who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. We were wondering if it's still possible to enjoy sushi and sashimi while also limiting our mercury exposure?
We did a little research and found the lists below. The first two lists offer safer fish and vegetarian choices. The last is a list of the sushi with the highest load of mercury. The information here will help you to sink your teeth into that next plate of Japanese artistry with a clearer idea about any risks.
Have you got a favorite, safer sushi dish? Let us know at: editors@spiritliving.org.
GO!
Best fish choices to limit mercury exposure:
Akagai (Ark Shell)**
Anago (Conger Eel)**
Aoyagi (Round Clam)
Awabi ( Abalone)**
Ayu (Sweetfish)
Ebi (Shrimp)*
Hamaguri (Clam)
Hamo (Pike Conger, Sea Eel)**
Hatahata (Sand Fish)
Himo (Ark Shell)**
Hokkigai (Surf Clam)
Hotategai (Scallop)*
Ika (Squid)
Ikuri (Salmon Roe)
Kaibashira (Shell Fish)
Akni (Crab)
Karei (Flat Fish)
Kohada (Gizzard Shad)
Masago (Smelt Egg)
Masu (Trout)
Sake (Salmon)
Sayori (Half Beak)**
Shak (Mantis Shrimp)
Tai (Sea Breem)**
Tairagai (Razor Shell Clam)**
Tako (Octopus)
Tobiko (Flying Fish Roe)
Torigai (Cockle)
Tsubugai (Shell Fish)
Unagi (Freshwater Eel)**
Uni (Sea Urchin Roe)
GO!
Vegetarian Sushi Ideas: There are lots more so ask your sushi chef!
Abokado (Avocado)
Aspara (Asparagus)
Benikokoro Daikon (Red Daikon Radish)
Edamame (Green Soybeans)
Gari (Pickled Ginger)
Goboo (Burdock)
Hakusai (Chinese Cabbage)
Kanpyo (Dried gourd shavings--resoftened in water before use)
Kabu (Turnip)
Kappa Maki (Cucumber hand roll)
Nasu (Egg-plant)
Nori (This is the seaweed wrapper for roll sushi)
Oboro Konbu (Kelp)
Shiitake (Shiitake Mushroom)
Shinko or O-Shinko (Japanese Pickles)
Takuan (Pickled daikon radish)
Tamago (Egg--scrambled)
Ume (Japanese pickled Plum)
Yasai (Vegetables)
Yuuba (Thin Sheets of boiled Tofu)
WHOA!
Limit or avoid due to excessive mercury contamination.
This is especially important for children, pregnant or nursing mothers!
Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna)
Aji (Horse Mackerel) **
Buri (Adult Yellowfin Tuna)**
Hamachi (Young Yellowfin Tuna)
Inada(Very Young Yellowtail Tuna)**
Kanpachi(Very Young Yellowtail Tuna)**
Katsuo (Bonito)**
Kajiki (Swordfish) *
Maguro (Big Eye *, Bluefin *or Yellowfin Tuna)
Majiki (Blue Marlin)*
Meji (Young Big Eye *, Bluefin *or Yellowfin Tuna)
Saba (Mackerel)
Seigo (Young Sea Bass) *
Shiro (Sea Bass) *
Toro (Big Eye *, Bluefin *or Yellowfin Tuna)
* Fish to avoid for reasons other than mercury!! Seafood marked with an asterisk have populations depleted due to overfishing and the methods used to catch them are especially damaging to other sea life or ocean habitats.
** Mercury levels specific to these fish were not available and instead were extrapolated from fish with similar feeding patterns.
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Sources:
Vegetarian sushi guidance from: http://rgmjapan.tripod.com/VEGETARIANSUSHI.html
The data for this guide to mercury in fish comes from The NRDC www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/sushi.asp
For those of you with newly diagnosed allergies to wheat or gluten, you may wish to bring along a bottle of wheat-free tamari instead of using the restaurant's soy sauce. It's also important to check out if the restaurant uses artificial crab meat which is usually a mild fish with a wheat starch binder. It's best to ask your server about your choices to make sure you'll have an enjoyable and safe meal!
-Editors.
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For several years, we've shared the hazards of plastics with groups here in Maine. Of particular concern early on, were the hormone-disrupting effects of softer plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While the mainstream press suggested some plastic compounds--such as those found in polycarbonate water bottles--were thought to be a safer choice the latest research is saying otherwise. It seems that BPA is now widely recognized as a hormone-disrupting compound.
The compound, bisphenol-A (BPA is a basic building block of the kind of plastic used in polycarbonates. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is found in water bottles, food containers, soda can linings, CDs, DVDs, eyeglasses and even dental sealants.
A Centers for Disease Control study has detected BPA in 93% of the people tested. In the bloodstream and body tissues, BPA mimics the hormone estrogen. Low levels of BPA have been shown to affect prostate development, promote prostate tumors, affect breast tissue development and sperm counts, and possibly even create and enlarge fat cells. Scientists have also linked BPA exposure to premature puberty, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, miscarriage, and birth defects like Down's Syndrome. These are similar effects to those created by exposure to other softer plastics.
Through studies using infant mice, University of Missouri determined that BPA is of far greater concern to infants and children than adults, since infant livers aren't able to break down BPA. Because most plastic baby bottles are made from polycarbonate plastic, this finding has immediate implications for parents and caregivers of infants and small children, all of whom should replace their #7 plastic bottles and food containers with those made of glass.
The Canadian government is said to be ready to declare BPA as a "toxic chemical." This would certainly have a wide reaching impact since BPA is widely used in the manufacture of consumer products.
A person with knowledge of the government’s chemical review program spoke on the condition he not be named because of a confidentiality agreement. He said the staff work to list the compound as a toxic chemical was complete and was recently endorsed by a panel of outside scientists.
A public announcement by Health Canada may come before the end of April but could be delayed until the end of May. Canada would be the first country to make a health finding against BPA., which has been shown to disrupt the hormonal systems of animals.
Also in April, a draft report from the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program endorsed a scientific panel’s finding that there was concern about neural and behavioral changes in humans who consume BPA.
Another study at the University of Missouri-Columbia which was reported by the Boston Globe, found that mice fed BPA during early life become notably more obese as adults. Researchers are zeroing on the idea that early-life exposures to BPA and other similar hormone-mimicking chemicals may predispose people to a lifetime of weight struggles. Noting that the epidemic rise in obesity over the past 20 years has taken place during a period in which average food intake and exercise levels have remained relatively stable, and finding that widespread human genetic changes couldn’t possibly occur on such a scale in such a short time, scientists say that one of the last conclusions left standing is that environmental toxins are to blame. According to the National Institute of Health Sciences, preliminary results of a variety of studies from a number of labs are all finding that exposure to BPA and other common consumer chemicals during early development can negatively affect how people respond to diet and exercise in later years and contribute to obesity. A study at the University of Missouri-Columbia, for example, found that mice fed BPA during early life become notably more obese as adults. One scientist has even created a new term for chemicals that display this behavior: Obesogens.
Studies show that male rats exposed to phthalates (found in other plastics) or bisphenol-A in the womb are born with smaller testicles and reduced sperm production. Phthalates and bisphenol A don't stay put. Over time and when subjected to heat, these chemicals can leach and migrate into foods. Fatty foods in particular, which are packaged in plastics, can become contaminated by these compounds. Vinyl and other plastics are part of the municipal waste stream and, if incinerated, can contribute to the release of hormone-disrupting chemicals into the environment and the food chain.
Unfortunately, there are many other commonly-found chemicals with hormone-disrupting effects.
Information about ALL hormone disrupting substances and clear guidelines to reducing your risks may be found in this FREE pdf Hormone Disruptors & Reducing Your Risks!
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Sources:
World Wildlife Fund Canada (www. wwf.ca) has terrific information about the effects of hormone disrupting chemicals.
To learn more about the risks of hormone disruptors; www.ourstolenfuture.org
New York TImes article:
www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/business/
worldbusiness/16plastic.html?ex=1209096000&
en=46c248e54cbf70ac&ei=5070&emc=eta1
To access a Boston Globe article about BPA and obesity go to http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles
/2008/01/14/is_plastic_making_us_fat/.
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