About 40 percent of Americans are nearsighted and more than a third of teens and pre-teens are affected

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http://www.mymodtown.com/spotlight-stories-news/Dog-owners-have-long-believed-their-pets-have-a-distinct-guilty-look-when-they-have-been-naughty Dog owners have long believed their pets have a distinct guilty look when they have been naughty - MyModTown.com - Dog owners have long believed their pets have a distinct guilty look when they have been naughty, video. Dog owners have long believed their pets have a distinct guilty look when they have been naughty. Scientists do not believe that dogs can feel complex emotions such as guilt and shame, despite their apparently guilty faces Research suggests they are simply reacting to their owner’s body language rather than actually experiencing more complex feelings Photo: ALAMY But experts have revealed that although dogs do feel a range of emotions, any perception that they feel guilt or shame is likely to be misconceived. Research suggests they are simply reacting to their owner’s body language rather than actually experiencing more complex feelings. Scientists do not believe that dogs can feel complex emotions such as guilt and shame, despite their apparently guilty faces Research suggests they are simply reacting to their owner’s body language rather than actually experiencing more complex feelings Photo: ALAMY Ljerka Ostojic, a research associate at Cambridge University, was one of a number of scientists who undertook research to determine whether owners were right to believe that a guilty look was a sign that a dog had been naughty. Owners taught their dogs not to eat a biscuit within their reach. Then the owners left the room, and another person conducting the experiment removed the biscuit or encouraged the dog to eat it. When the owner went back into the room and saw the biscuit had gone, they were asked to decide from the look on the dog's face whether it had been eaten or not. But they could not do so. Ljerka Ostojic, a research associate at Cambridge University “If that guilty look is really an expression of contrition, they would only show it when they have done wrong. But that's not the case,” Ostojic told the Daily Mail. “I had a client who had three dogs and whenever something happened like a shoe was chewed, it was always one of them that had the guilty look. Scientists do not believe that dogs can feel complex emotions such as guilt and shame, despite their apparently guilty faces Research suggests they are simply reacting to their owner’s body language rather than actually experiencing more complex feelings Photo: ALAMY “Yet often she was not the dog who had done it. She was just the most timid dog, and got frightened more quickly by her owner's reaction.” Dr Susan Hazel of the University of Adelaide Dr Susan Hazel of the University of Adelaide, agreed. “There have been a number of studies, and it's pretty clear that dogs don't feel or display guilt,” she said. “It's not the way their brains work.” Elaine Henley, an animal behaviourist and lecturer in Scotland, said that dogs could feel emotions but that emotions such as guilt and jealousy were just human ideas. “We don't know if animals feel them and must be careful about attributing human emotions to dogs,” she said. “The dogs in the videos don't understand they have done wrong, so can't be shamed into good behaviour. Often, they are just as likely to go and do the same thing again. “So when they look guilty, they are reacting to their owner's behaviour — the tone of voice, the gestures, maybe even the way their owner's smell.” By Victoria Ward Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/pets/11822498/A-dogs-guilty-look-is-just-a-myth-experts-claim.html Read more stories from Telegraph If grandparents were paid they would earn £20,000 during the summer holidays Confessions of a celebrity PA Allison Pearson: Why the end of One Direction isn't the end for boybands Why gourmet camping cookery is the next big thing Want to grow blueberries in the garden? Here's how The best anti-ageing eye creams on the market Should you invest in your child's business? Quick tomato soup Top Stories - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/spotlight-stories-news/Toucan-fitted-with-a-prosthesis-beak-made-with-a-3D-printer Toucan fitted with a prosthesis beak made with a 3D printer - MyModTown.com - Toucan fitted with a prosthesis beak made with a 3D printer, video. In a ground-breaking project, a Brazilian toucan which lost the upper part of its beak while being trafficked has been fitted with a prosthesis made with a 3D printer. The female bird, named Tieta, was rescued from a wildlife animal fair in Rio de Janeiro. It is not clear whether she lost the upper part of her beak after being mistreated by animal smugglers or in a fight with a bigger toucan she was locked up with inside a small box. The project was co-ordinated by wildlife management group Instituto Vida Livre and involved three Brazilian universities. Plastic replacement The prosthetic is made of plastic, covered with nail polish and sealed with a special polymer made from the castor oil plant. Researchers at work with Tieta Researchers used the latest technology to design and produce the prosthesis Picture of the beak The beak is made of plastic and only weighs 4g Taciana Sherlock from the Brazilian wildlife control agency Ibama said the toucan was rescued in March, malnourished and missing its beak. Black-beaked toucans like Tieta, which are native to Rio and not endangered, can cost up to $5,000 (£3,180) when sold legally, according to Ms Sherlock. She says that before the surgery Tieta was using the lower part of the beak to throw food into the air and trying to grab it. She only succeeded once in every three attempts. Hungry for maggots Tieta was fitted with the prosthesis on 27 July. "It took her three days to realise she had it again," says Instituto Vida Livre Director Roched Seba. "We were feeding her fruit and she was ignoring the new beak. But when we gave her live animals, like maggots and cockroaches, she ate normally immediately," he explains. "I believe she had that kind of food when she was free, before losing the beak. So it activated a core memory," he adds. It took researchers three months to design the beak but it took only two hours for the printer to print it. - the beak weighs approximately 4g and it is 4cm (1.6in) long. Image of the prosthesis in the planning stage The prosthesis is 4cm long and replaces the upper part of the beak Tieta herself only weighs 300g. Designer Gustavo Cleinman from Rio de Janeiro's Federal University says the biggest challenge was to create a light and resilient prosthesis. He used the beak of a dead animal as a model and adapted it to resemble Tieta's original beak more closely. Hope for mating The team was breaking new ground with this project. Although another group of researchers was creating a prosthetic beak for another injured toucan in Sao Paulo, the two teams were unaware of each other's work. In Costa Rica, a charity has raised $10,000 for a prosthesis for a toucan which also lost the upper part of its beak, but the surgery has yet to be performed. Tieta's surgery only took 40 minutes to perform but was not without risks, veterinarian Thiago Muniz says. He explains that the prosthesis will allow her to eat independently and also help her access glands on her body that keep her feathers waterproof. With the help of the prosthesis, Tieta will also be able to feed any chicks she might have in the future. But Ms Sherlock says that unfortunately it will not allow her to be released into the wild. "She wouldn't be able to live an independent life, even in captivity," she says. Wildlife control agency Ibama wants to send her to an educational zoo to create awareness about animal trafficking, but they have not yet settled on one. What is certain is that wherever she is sent she will be joined there by another toucan, which was also rescued from animal traffickers and sent to Ibama. The male bird also has a problem with his beak. The researchers hope Tieta and the male toucan will eventually mate. Their chicks would be released into the wild, Ibama says. By Luiza Bandeira BBC News: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-34039680 Read more stories from BBC News Mutilated Costa Rican toucan 'to get prosthetic beak' 11 February 2015 'Wonky' donkey gets new foot for Christmas 24 December 2014 Thousands of microbes in house dust Carbon credits 'like printing money' Low-cost robot hand wins Dyson prize Greenland glacier sheds big ice chunk 'Farewell' pictures of Saturn moon Full article Washington zoo welcomes twin pandas Rare wolf pack spotted in California 'Oldest' message in a bottle found Top Stories - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/spotlight-stories-news/NOAA-is-Declaring-The-Recent-Deaths-of-30-Large-Whales-In-The-Western-Gulf-of-Alaska-An-Unusual-Mortality-Event NOAA is Declaring The Recent Deaths of 30 Large Whales In The Western Gulf of Alaska An "Unusual Mortality Event" - MyModTown.com - NOAA is Declaring The Recent Deaths of 30 Large Whales In The Western Gulf of Alaska An "Unusual Mortality Event" video. NOAA is declaring the recent deaths of 30 large whales in the western Gulf of Alaska an "unusual mortality event," triggering a focused, expert investigation into the cause. An unusual mortality event is a stranding event that is unexpected, involves a significant die-off of a marine mammal population, and demands immediate response. Since May 2015, 11 fin whales, 14 humpback whales, one gray whale, and four unidentified cetaceans have stranded around the islands of the western Gulf of Alaska and the southern shoreline of the Alaska Peninsula. To date, this brings the large whale strandings for this region to almost three times the historical average. The declaration of an unusual mortality event will allow NOAA and federal, state, and tribal partners to develop a response plan and conduct a rigorous scientific investigation into the cause of death for the stranded whales. "NOAA Fisheries scientists and partners are very concerned about the large number of whales stranding in the western Gulf of Alaska in recent months," said Dr. Teri Rowles, NOAA Fisheries' marine mammal health and stranding response coordinator. "While we do not yet know the cause of these strandings, our investigations will give us important information on the health of whales and the ecosystems where they live. Members of the public can greatly assist the investigation by immediately reporting any sightings of dead whales or distressed live animals they discover." "NOAA Fisheries scientists and partners are very concerned about the large number of whales stranding in the western Gulf of Alaska in recent months," said Dr. Teri Rowles, NOAA Fisheries' marine mammal health and stranding response coordinator. "While we do not yet know the cause of these strandings, our investigations will give us important information on the health of whales and the ecosystems where they live. Members of the public can greatly assist the investigation by immediately reporting any sightings of dead whales or distressed live animals they discover." Experts from the Working Group on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events, which was established in 1991 and is part of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, determined that the high number of large whale strandings in the western Gulf of Alaska met the criteria for focused resources and research, and recommended the NOAA declaration. The rigorous, collaborative investigation into these deaths will continue to involve scientists from NOAA and partner organizations, as well as members of the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network. These kinds of investigations generally require months, or sometimes even years, of data collection and analysis, depending on the nature and duration of the event. NOAA will publish information on its unusual mortality event website as it becomes available. Members of the public can assist in the investigation by immediately contacting the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network hotline at 877-9-AKR-PRD (877-925-7773) if they see a stranded or dead marine mammal. Only specially trained marine mammal experts are authorized to respond to marine mammals in distress. The public should not touch stranded or floating whales. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels at http://www.noaa.gov/socialmedia. To learn more about NOAA Fisheries in Alaska, visit alaskafisheries.noaa.gov or www.afsc.noaa.gov. NEWS RELEASE NOAA: http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/newsreleases/2015/whales-ume082015.htm Read more stories from NOAA Nomination period extended for U.S. seats on International Pacific Halibut Commission NOAA Fisheries revises approach guidelines for vessels in Alaska glacial fjords NOAA seeks comment on proposed Gulf of Alaska fisheries management program EIS NOAA Fisheries to host Ted Stevens Day Open House at namesake research institute NOAA seeks information on Steller sea lions killed near Cordova, Alaska - Reward offered for information leading to a conviction Species in the Spotlight campaign brings new focus to NOAA Fisheries' endangered species conservation efforts Top Stories - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/spotlight-stories-news/Can-This-Book-Really-Put-The-Kids-To-Sleep Can This Book Really Put The Kids To Sleep? - MyModTown.com - Can This Book Really Put The Kids To Sleep? video. For many parents, getting kids to fall asleep can be a nightmare. But a children's bedtime story currently topping Amazon's Best Sellers List promises to make the process easier and help kids to drift off to sleep faster. Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin "The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep," a self-published picture book written by Swedish author Carl-Johan Forssen Ehrlin, employs psychological and positive reinforcement techniques to promote relaxation and induce sleep. The tale follows Roger The Rabbit and his mother as they journey to meet Uncle Yawn to help him find sleep. Along the way, they meet characters like Sleepy Snail and the wise Heavy-Eyed Owl who give Roger advice on how to fall asleep faster. The key is the story's language pattern and sentence structure, Ehrlin says. "The entire story is focused on getting the child involved and to get the child to identify with Roger who will fall asleep in the end," he told CBS News. "The main goal is to keep the child focused on the goal of relaxation. One could say that this story is the verbal equivalent of rocking the baby to sleep." By the time Roger reaches Uncle Yawn, he is already feeling tired. Magical sleeping powder ultimately does the trick and he can barely get home before falling asleep and getting a good night's rest. The book - with the words "I can make anyone fall asleep" emblazoned on a sign on the front cover - allows parents to personalize it by using the child's name, and it offers written cues for parents, such as encouraging them to yawn at the end of a sentence, to help them tell the story more effectively. Dr. Umakanth Khatwa, Director of Sleep Laboratories at Boston Children's Hospital Dr. Umakanth Khatwa, Director of Sleep Laboratories at Boston Children's Hospital, likened the book to "gentle hypnosis." "The authors have created a character that is just like the child and who has a similar problem as the child - trying to fall asleep," he told CBS News. "So the whole time, you're talking about sleep, you're trying to solve a problem about sleep and you see how the character falls asleep. The authors use the words, the patterns and the story in a way to induce a kind of hypnosis. The characters' names even sound like sleep initiation." "The Rabbit Who Wants to Fall Asleep" was originally published in Swedish in 2011. In 2014, an English translation was released and it is now available in seven different languages. It is currently outselling big releases like Harper Lee's "Go Set a Watchman" and Dr. Seuss' "What Pet Should I Get?" on Amazon. This is Ehrlin's third book, and his first for children. His previous two books, focusing on adult psychology, leadership and personal development, have not been translated into English. Reviews of the book online are largely positive. "My two year old daughter always fights sleep," one parent wrote. "It normally takes 1 -2 hours & she was out cold within minutes. This will definitely be a regular part of our bed time routine." "I am amazed!" another parent said. "We battle sleep every night with my now 2 year old. We got to page 3 and he was out!" "It feels almost like a guided meditation," another reader observed. Ehrlin said he is happy the book has reached so many families, many of whom have reached out to him with suggestions for future stories that could help their children. His next book, he said, may focus on similar techniques for potty training. By Ashley Welch CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/book-uses-psychological-tricks-to-get-kids-to-sleep-faster/ Amazon Book: The Rabbit Who Wants To Fall Asleep: A New Way Of Getting Children To Sleep Read more stories from CBS News Latest polls for 2016 race reveal GOP shake-up Anonymous essay exposes sexual abuse in the OR 10 of the worst DIY projects for your home Kathie Lee Gifford makes an emotional return to TV 10 of the safest cars you can buy Top Stories - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/spotlight-stories-news Spotlight Stories News - MyModTown.com - MyModTown.com, Modesto, Stanislaus County, California news site with local News and health stories with links to media sites. Find City Rankings, Recent Studies, Videos, and upcoming events.

http://www.mymodtown.com/recent-studies-news/Coping-as-a-Caregiver Coping as a Caregiver - MyModTown.com - Coping as a Caregiver, video. Coping as a Caregiver Here you'll find information on what to expect if you are caring for someone with cancer, as well as tips on taking care of yourself. You'll also find checklists that can help caregivers spot signs of anxiety or depression in themselves or others, and learn about their own coping methods. What It Takes to Be a Cancer Caregiver In this guide we will give you some idea of what to expect if you become a caregiver for a person with cancer. We will also offer some tips on ways to take care of yourself during this time. Coping Checklist for Caregivers Caring for someone who is sick, taking on new responsibilities, and worrying about the future can be exhausting at the very least --and can quickly lead to "burnout." When you are busy caring for the person with cancer, who is taking care of you? Distress Checklist for Caregivers If you are taking care of someone with cancer, this checklist can assist you in deciding if you need more help. Connect with Other Caregivers - Cancer Survivors Network The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is our online community by and for people with cancer and their families. It offers a private, secure place for cancer patients and caregivers to exchange practical information and support one another. here you can find and connect with others through our member search, discussion boards, chat rooms, and private CSN e-mail. Story: What It Takes to Be a Caregiver (pdf) American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/copingasacaregiver/index Read more stories from American Cancer Society American Cancer Society's New Breast Cancer Screening Guideline Study: Cancer Patients with Strong Beliefs Report Better Health Donate To Help Fight Breast Cancer Five Ways to Fight Breast Cancer Searching for a Solution for When ER-positive Breast Cancers Outsmart Treatment Health - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/recent-studies-news/No-Amount-of-Alcohol-Should-be-Considered-Safe-During-Pregnancy-Study No Amount of Alcohol Should be Considered Safe During Pregnancy, Study - MyModTown.com - No Amount of Alcohol Should be Considered Safe During Pregnancy, Study, video. A new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) identifies prenatal exposure to alcohol as the leading preventable cause of birth defects and intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities in children. The report, "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders," in the November 2015 issue of Pediatrics (published online Oct. 19) stresses that no amount of alcohol should be considered safe to drink during any trimester of pregnancy. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) is an all-encompassing term for the range of effects that can occur in someone whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Neurocognitive and behavioral problems from prenatal alcohol exposure are lifelong, but early recognition, diagnosis and therapy for any FASD condition can improve a child's health. Janet F. Williams, MD, FAAP Unfortunately, a lack of uniformly accepted diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol-related disorders has critically limited efforts that could lessen the impact of FASDs, says Janet F. Williams, MD, FAAP, one of the report's lead authors. "Even though fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are the most commonly identifiable causes of developmental delays and intellectual disabilities, they remain significantly under-recognized," said Dr. Williams. Prenatal alcohol exposure is a frequent cause of structural or functional effects on the brain, heart, bones and spine, kidneys, vision and hearing. It's associated with a higher incidence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and specific learning disabilities such as difficulties with mathematics and language, visual-spatial functioning, impaired impulse control, information processing, memory skills, problem solving, abstract reasoning and auditory comprehension. In surveys, about half of all childbearing age women in the United States report consuming alcohol within the past month, and nearly 8 percent of women said they continued to consume alcohol during pregnancy. A recent study found increased risk of infant growth retardation even when a pregnant woman's consumption was limited to 1 alcoholic drink per day (a 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer). First-trimester drinking, compared to no drinking, results in 12 times the odds of giving birth to a child with FASDs. First- and second-trimester drinking increased FASDs odds 61 times, and women who drink during all trimesters increased the likelihood of FASD odds by a factor of 65. "The research suggests that the smartest choice for women who are pregnant is to just abstain from alcohol completely," said Dr. Williams. American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/AAP-Says-No-Amount-of-Alcohol-Should-be-Considered-Safe-During-Pregnancy.aspx Read more stories from American Academy of Pediatrics AAP Says Disaster Preparedness Planning Should Focus More on the Unique Needs of Children Study Examines How Family History of Breast Cancer Impacts Girls' Psyhosocial Development Primary Care Physicians Treat One Third of Children With Mental Health Conditions Use of a Metronome Can Help Improve CPR Survival Rates Screening Children for Physical Abuse Could Identify Children Earlier Health - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/recent-studies-news/New-York-City-has-passed-a-bill-to-improve-the-nutritional-value-of-kids-fast-food-meals New York City has passed a bill to improve the nutritional value of kids’ fast food meals - MyModTown.com - New York City has passed a bill to improve the nutritional value of kids’ fast food meals, video. New York City has passed a bill to improve the nutritional value of kids’ fast food meals, possibly advancing the fight toward greater public health. The bill is expected to significantly reduce the amount of fat, calories, and sodium found in existing meals, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. The bill was based on this study and overseen by council member Benjamin J. Kallos, who represents both the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. It requires that any meal marketed toward children (with the use of a toy or other promotional item) be served with a fruit, vegetable, or whole grain. The meal must also be 500 calories or less, with fewer than 35 percent of those calories coming from fat. Additionally, fewer than 10 percent of calories should come from saturated fat; fewer than 10 percent from added sugar; and less than 600 milligrams of sodium. In order to test whether a bill like this would make an impact on public health, researchers from New York University (NYU) teamed up to analyze receipts detailing fast food purchases made at multiple Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Burger King’s in the New York or New Jersey area from 2013 to 2014. They ended up gathering receipts from 358 adults, some of which included more than 400 kids’ meals on them. On average, researchers found kids’ meals contained 600 calories, with 36 percent of total calories coming from fat. Researchers also found that 98 percent of the kids’ meals that were ordered did not meet the nutritional standards of the newly-proposed bill. Had the meals met the standards defined in the bill, there would have been a nine percent drop in calories, bringing the total calorie countdown to around 54 calories, the researchers said. Dr. Brian Elbel NYU “While 54 calories at a given meal is a small reduction, small changes that affect a wide number of people can make a large impact,” said Dr. Brian Elbel, lead author of the study and associate professor in the department of population health at NYU, in a statement. “Passing the bill could be a step in the right direction, though no single policy can singlehandedly eliminate childhood obesity.” The mean age of the children eating at fast food restaurants, at least in this study, was 7 years old. Of these children, 87 percent were either black or Hispanic — two populations that are considered more likely to eat fast food because of its low cost. The study suggests that while no single policy can eradicate obesity, policymakers can use legislation to effect widespread change, especially among seemingly targeted populations. According to a 2012 Federal Trade Commission report, the fast food industry has spent nearly $714 million in 2009 on marketing to children, which appears to have already influenced the obesity rate. Obesity remains the leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported, affecting one out of three children and adolescents. Councilman ben Kallos Councilman Kallos is set on making sure that NYC provides healthier meals for children, namely those living in black and Hispanic communities. “It is difficult enough for parents to give their children healthy food without the fast food industry spending hundreds of million dollars per year advertising to children, and nearly half of that on toys,” said Kallos in a press release. “If restaurants are going to incentivize children, they should incentivize them to eat healthy.” Researchers Say 'Happy Meals' Bill Could Help Kids By Christopher Cruz Medical Daily: http://www.medicaldaily.com/fast-food-councilman-introduces-happy-meals-bill-will-fight-child-obesity-nyc-350458 Read more stories from Medical Daily I Ate Like A Prisoner For A Week — Here's What Happened Penis Enlargment Is Tricky Business: Here's What Works If You Want To Protect Your Brain, You Have To Start Early In Life The Science Of Dirty Talk 4 Little-Known Ways To Stay Awake Without Caffeine Burning Incense May Be Equally As Bad As Smoking A Cigarette If You Want To Protect Your Brain, You Have To Start Early In Life The Science Of Dirty Talk Penis Enlargment Is Tricky Business: Here's What Works Health - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/recent-studies-news/Research-indicates-food-craving-is-hard-wired-in-the-brain Research indicates food craving is 'hard-wired' in the brain - MyModTown.com - Research indicates food craving is 'hard-wired' in the brain, video. An international group of researchers have found that food craving activates different brain networks between obese and normal weight patients. This indicates that the tendency to want food may be 'hard-wired' into the brain of overweight patients, becoming a functional brain biomarker. Obesity is one of the most difficult problems facing modern society. Treating obesity is a health priority, but most efforts (aside from bariatric surgery) have met with little success. In part, this is because the mechanisms associated with the desire to eat are poorly understood. Recently, studies are beginning to suggest that the brain mechanisms underlying obesity may be similar to those in substance addiction, and that treatment methodologies may be approached in the same way as other substance addictions, such as alcohol or drug addiction. To test this, a group of researchers in the University of Granada, Spain, and Monash University in Australia, have looked for the functional connectivity differences in brain reward systems of normal-weight and obese individuals. The researchers gave buffet-style food to 39 obese and 42 normal-weight individuals. Later, they were put into functional MRI brain scanners and shown photographs of the food to stimulate food craving. The functional MRI scans showed that food craving was associated with different brain connectivity, depending on whether the subject was normal-weight or overweight. They found that in obese individuals, the stimulus from food craving was associated with a greater connectivity between the dorsal caudate and the somatosensory cortex, implicated in reward-based habits and the coding of the energetic value of foods, respectively. However, with normal weight individuals, food craving was associated with a greater connectivity between different parts of the brain - e.g. between the ventral putamen and the orbitofrontal cortex. The researchers then measured Body Mass Index (BMI) three months afterwards and found that 11% of the weight gain in the obese individuals could be predicted by the presence of the increased connectivity between the dorsal caudate and the somatosensory cortex areas of the brain. According to lead researcher, Oren Contreras-Rodríguez: Oren Contreras-Rodríguez "There is an ongoing controversy over whether obesity can be called a "food addiction", but in fact there is very little research which shows whether or not this might be true. The findings in our study support the idea that the reward processing following food stimuli in obesity is associated with neural changes similar to those found in substance addiction. This still needs to be viewed as an association between food craving behaviour and brain changes, rather than one necessarily causing the other. However, these findings provide potential brain biomarkers which we can use to help manage obesity, for example through pharmacotherapies and brain stimulation techniques that might help control food intake in clinical situations". Press Release EurekAlert: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-08/econ-sst082715.php Read more stories from EurekAlert Scientists 'squeeze' light one particle at a time Scientists 'squeeze' light one particle at a time St John's College, University of Cambridge Evidence of ancient life discovered in mantle rocks deep below the seafloor Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oysters harbor, transmit human norovirus: Avoid raw ones American Society for Microbiology Cardiologists fail to identify basic and advanced murmurs American College of Cardiology Researchers discover new mechanism in adrenal gland tumors Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health Psychotic patients distinguished from controls while watching movie 'Alice in Wonderland' European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Health - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/recent-studies-news/Drinking-500ml-of-water-at-half-an-hour-before-eating-main-meals-may-help-obese-adults-lose-weight Drinking 500ml of water at half an hour before eating main meals may help obese adults lose weight - MyModTown.com - Drinking 500ml of water at half an hour before eating main meals may help obese adults lose weight, video. Researchers from the University of Birmingham have shown that drinking 500ml of water at half an hour before eating main meals may help obese adults to lose weight. They believe that the simple intervention could be hugely beneficial, and be easily promoted by healthcare professionals and through public health campaigns. Obese adult participants were recruited from general practices and monitored over a 12 week period. Each of the participants, all adults with obesity, were given a weight management consultation, where they were advised on how to adapt their lifestyle and improve their diet and levels of physical activity. 41 of those recruited were asked to preload with water, and 43 were advised to imagine that they had a full stomach before eating. Those in the group who were instructed to ‘preload’ with water lost, on average, 1.3kg (2.87lbs) more than those in the control group. Those who reported preloading before all three main meals in the day reported a loss of 4.3kg (9.48lbs) over the 12 weeks, whereas those who only preloaded once, or not at all, only lost an average of 0.8kg (1.76lbs). Dr Helen Parretti Dr Helen Parretti, NIHR Clinical Lecturer at the University of Birmingham, explained, “The beauty of these findings is in the simplicity. Just drinking a pint of water, three times a day, before your main meals may help reduce your weight.” “When combined with brief instructions on how to increase your amount of physical activity and on a healthy diet, this seems to help people to achieve some extra weight loss – at a moderate and healthy rate. It’s something that doesn’t take much work to integrate into our busy everyday lives.” Participants were encouraged to drink tap water. Sparkling water, sodas or sweetened drinks were not allowed as part of the study. The study, published in the journal Obesity, showed encouraging initial results for the trial, and the team hope that the findings will inform further research into the benefits of water preloading before meals. They hope to receive backing for a trial with a larger number of participants and over a longer period of time in order to confirm the findings. Dr Parretti added, “Losing a few extra pounds over the course of a year can be significant to an individual, and this could be an easy way to help with that weight loss. It’s a simple message that has the potential to make a real contribution to public health.” By Luke Harrison University of Birmingham: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2015/08/Abottleofwaterbeforeeachmeal260815.aspx Read more stories from University of Birmingham A taste of university life gives local teens a chance to excel New research sheds light on end of Snowball Earth period University of Birmingham School welcomes new Sixth Formers Birmingham ranked among the world's top 150 universities Ageing muscles: can an apple a day really keep the doctor away? Keeping cool essential to future sustainable cities Ancient Qur'an just one of many 'hidden treasures' at the University of Birmingham Health - Update Every 2 Min

http://www.mymodtown.com/recent-studies-news/About-40-percent-of-Americans-are-nearsighted-and-more-than-a-third-of-teens-and-pre-teens-are-affected About 40 percent of Americans are nearsighted and more than a third of teens and pre-teens are affected - MyModTown.com - About 40 percent of Americans are nearsighted and more than a third of teens and pre-teens are affected, video. The end of summer is a good time to look out for your child's eyesight. About 40 percent of Americans are nearsighted, and more than a third of teens and pre-teens are affected by this common vision problem, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Even so, many children don't get the eye exams they need as they head back to school. Dr. Anne Sumers Dr. Anne Sumers, an ophthalmologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmologists, told "CBS This Morning" why it's so important to have kids' eyes tested. "It's a huge academic effect," said Sumers. "If you can't see the blackboard, you can't do well in school." Sumers noted that visual learning -- lessons absorbed through reading or using a computer -- accounts for an estimated 80 percent of learning. And students face increasing demands on their visual abilities as they progress in school. An infant's eyes should be checked at birth, but as children get older, vision screening requirements at school vary by state. "Kindergartens might check your child, your pediatrician might do an annual exam for your child, but here's the shocking thing: Lots of children become nearsighted and don't realize they're nearsighted. They don't complain, " Sumers said. "So a mother will bring a child in when they failed a screening test at kindergarten or at a preschool, and ... the mother is shocked the child can't see the big 'E' on the eye chart." What signs should parents look for? "Your child is squinting, your child is sitting very close to the television or the video, your child is resisting reading," Sumers said. "If you feel there's a problem, there definitely should be a screening." Other signs of possible vision issues include coordination problems in sports, headaches, frequent eye rubbing or blinking, developmental delays, failure to maintain eye contact, and poor eye tracking skills, according to the American Optometric Association. If you notice signs of a problem, or if your child has failed a vision screening, Sumers says it's time to see an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam. And if glasses are needed, Sumer says there's a positive way to spin it. "With these glasses, you can see better for school, for sports, for video games. You're going to hit that baseball, you're going to play better soccer -- it's a very positive experience." By Ilene Manacher CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/child-nearsighted-vision-problem/ Read more stories from CBSB News New advice for parents on peanut allergies 11 things you should know about caffeine Pros, cons and little-known facts about the world's most popular stimulant Do fish oil and exercise boost brain power? 3 generations of Swedish family linked by single womb Back-to-school health tips for parents and kids Here's what you need to know to help your kids have a healthy and successful start to the school year School lunch fruits and veggies often tossed in trash Report: Dementia cases could double in 20 years Steep decline in heart disease deaths, but not for all Health - Update Every 2 Min

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Nicole Lopez - Diablo never disappoints

I wanted to see if the capsules have me as much energy as the powder does and it definitely does! I am having a hard time not missing the taste of the pineapple passion fruit every morning though. This stuff give me the right amount of energy to start my day and to get my workout in. And oh boy does it make you sweat a lot more during your workout. I live the Diablo brand and will forever be a customer.

Daniel Soto - Felt no change at all. Would Never buy again ...

Felt no change at all. Would Never buy again. Took a blood test and the levels were the same as before

M. Silverman - Mediocre

I agree with some other reviews that this is over priced and exaggerated in its marketing and, equal help can come from some less expensive sources. Reading the book Parent Survival Training gave me more "how tos" than my trial with this kit.

Floyd DaBarber - Quicken 2011 = Bug-filled Bloatware (as usual)

All software has bugs in it, and so it is sometimes necessary to release software before one has all defects fixed 100%. And all companies deserve to sometimes override customer comfort in favor of the bottom line. But Quicken does both in such a ham-handed and amateur way that they have become the poster child for mediocrity, bloatware, and authoritarian mandatory upgrades.

Apree - Works Great!

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. I was eager to try it out and see how it worked, I believe i opened it like instantly! I went out with a few friends and hung out and decided to take it to the bathroom and try it. It worked instantly. I was a little afraid that it would cause problems because I'm very sensitive to things like this but it was no issue. Very good product and very fast shipping!

Larry - Libman is a good mop

My wife ordered this since her older mop broke. She found out a couple weeks later while shopping in Wal-Mart that she could have bought it there for half the price she paid on line. Live and learn. This really is a good mop though.