"Rogue" Stem Cell Clinics Exploit Hope: Report
Rogue clinics around the world may be exploiting hope and ignorance by offering unproven stem cell therapies, a group of stem cell experts said in a report released on Wednesday....
Vaccine Makers Urge Speedy Accord On Pandemic Plan
Governments need to overcome their "pandemic fatigue" and act quickly to finalize a response plan to potential flu threats, leading drugmakers said on Thursday....
Global Effort Prompts Huge Drop In Measles Deaths
Measles deaths have plummeted by 74 percent globally this decade thanks to a concerted effort to vaccinate children in Africa and other hard-hit regions, health officials said on Thursday....
Measles deaths drop by 74 percent
Measles deaths worldwide declined dramatically to about 200,000 a year, continuing a successful trend, global health authorities reported Thursday.
Report: Vermont Is Healthiest State
Vermont is the healthiest state and Louisiana has the longest way to go, according to the 2008 America's Health Rankings.
FDA, WebMD Announce Partnership
In the first such partnership, the FDA will publish health alerts, safety information, and polls on WebMD's web site and magazine.
Unused Embryos Vex Infertility Patients
Couples who have unused and unwanted frozen embryos as a result of infertility treatment often feel conflicted about what to do with them, with disposal and donation frequently seen as unacceptable options.
Latest GMO Research: Decreased Fertility, Immunological Alterations and Allergies
(NaturalNews) Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are created through an inexact science of shooting genes spliced from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or humans with a .22 caliber pistol into the DNA of plants or animals laced with a metal such as tungsten. This unsafe science ostensibly supplants millions of years of evolution with little or no scientific justification. In fact, recent research on GMO crops have reported yields to be between 4 to 20 percent less than conventional crops [1-6]. In the 1970's when genetic engineered was pioneered, scientists believed the genome was static and genes could be altered in a uniform manner with the organism only expressing the one intended modification. As research progressed in the 1980's, scientists scrapped the idea of the static genome and moved towards a dynamic genomic belief model. This came about from the realization that by inserting a new gene into a plant, a cascade of unintended consequences arose. Scientists found that there was no possible way to introduce a new gene into an organism and only get one intended result. The genes quickly changed based on a myriad of unknown circumstances that sometimes could not be repeated in the lab even though the exact same procedures were used. The levels of instability from these newly created organisms were overwhelming, but many scientists were silenced. Safety has always been the number one priority of consumers when it comes to GMOs; antithetically, the seed companies' only priority has been to increase profits at any expense. Therefore, it is no surprise that objective and unbiased researchers have recently added to the growing knowledge of the realities of the increased instability and unintended consequences regarding the long-term safety of GMOs. These researchers recently found clear links among the consumption of GM-corn and decreased fertility, immunological alterations in the gut and the exacerbation and creation of allergies. Fertility in GM-Fed Mice Scientists in Austria recently conducted the first ever long-term multi-generational feeding study of Monsanto's genetically modified (GM) corn (NK 603 x MON 810) in mice [7]. The study consisted of two groups: an experimental group, which was fed a 33% GM corn (maize) feed, and a control group, which was fed an equivalent non-GM corn feed. The mice were allowed to live a natural life and were monitored for four generations. Scientists recorded organ weight, gene expression, body mass, metabolism, life span and number of offspring of both groups of mice. The scientists found that mice fed GM corn had significantly less pups per litter than the control group on the third and fourth generation. Furthermore, pups whose parents were fed GM-feed weighed less at birth and at weaning and experienced significantly higher mortality rates than those fed non-GM corn. Lead author of the study Professor Zentek reported that there was a direct link between the decrease in fertility and the GM diet and mice fed non-GM corn reproduced more efficiently. Gene Expression in GM-Fed Mice Using a microarray analysis, the scientists reported that 1016 genes had been differentially expressed in the mice fed GM corn with most being up-regulated. Essentially, the GM-fed mice had hundreds of their proteins, which are encoded by genes, expressed in an increased or decreased quantity, which as a corollary altered certain biological processes in their bodies. For example, sensory perception, ion transport and the ability to breakdown proteins (proteolysis) were down-regulated or under-expressed, while the ability of the mice to regulate T-cells (a primary immunological response especially in fighting cancer), circadian rhythm regulation and the FAS signalling pathway (which is a major pathway for cell apoptosis and is important in the elimination of cancers) were over-expressed. This study elucidates the fact that biologic damage from GMOs may not manifest until the third generation and details strong evidence for the mandatory labelling, and even more so for the mass extinction, of these highly dangerous and unnecessary foods. Immunological Reactions in GM Fed Mice Italian researchers at the National Institute of Nutrition in Rome, Italy, recently published a study examining the effects of a 50 percent GM-corn (maize) diet on the intestinal immune response of mice [8]. The GM-corn was known as Monsanto's transgenic MON810 and was created using an inserted foreign DNA sequence from the bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) designed to protect against a fungus known as the Fusarium species. The study was conducted over 30 and 90-day periods respectively, with mice from two groups, weaning age (mean of 21 days) and old age (mean of 15 months). The study evaluated the peripheral and intestinal immune response to long-term GM-corn and non-GM corn consumption of each group across the two periods. The young and old mice were used because of the lack of research on these subsets as well as their potential susceptibility to immunological changes, more so than non-aged adult animals. The results of the long-term study revealed significant changes in the immunophenotype of the gut, spleen, circulating lymphocytes and the level of serum cytokines of the mice fed GM-corn. Immunophenotyping essentially determines the expression of proteins by the cells. Any differences in the expression of proteins between the control and the experimental groups would be attributable to the GM diet. Specifically, the researchers found an increased presence of several cytokines in the GM fed mice, which are specifically involved in inflammatory and allergic responses by the body. The researchers also found an increase in the protein expression of lymphocytes (TCR?d+ population). Within this population, the ?dT cells reside in the gut and are associated with regulatory elements of the immune response, specific to infectious agents [9-11]. Elevated amounts ?dT cells have been found in asthmatics, children suffering from food allergies, gastrointestinal symptoms and juvenile arthritis [12]. The GM-fed mice also exhibited significant alterations in the number of T and B cells, indicating a significantly abnormal immune response to the genetically altered feed. Furthermore, other researchers have found a newly expressed protein from the consumption of GM corn (50 kDa ?-zein), which is a widely known allergenic protein [13]. In conclusion, from the newly presented research it is apparent that ingesting genetically engineered BT corn not only invokes an anaphylaxis (allergenic) response within the body, it also deregulates several proteins, inhibits fertility and alters the overall immunological response by the body. Clearly, Monsanto whose sole goal is to control the world through food, has a lot of explaining to do. References 1. Benbrook, C.M. (1999). Evidence of the magnitude and consequences of the Roundup Ready soybean yield drag from university-based varietal trials in 1998. Ag BioTech InfoNet Technical Paper Number 1, www.biotech-info.net/RR_yield_drag_98.pdf 2. University of Nebraska (2000). 'Research shows Roundup Ready soybeans yield less', IANR News Service, www.biotechinfo.net/Roundup_soybeans_yield_less.html 3. Griffiths, M. (1999). 'The emperor's transgenic clothes', Are GMO lemmings in the US leading all of us over the biotechnology cliff? www.btinternet.com/~nlpwessex/Documents/gmlemmings.htm 4. www.btinternet.com/~nlpwessex/Documents/wisconsinRRsoyatrials98.htm 5. Oplinger, E.S., M.J. Martinka, and Schmitz, K.A. (1999) 'Performance of transgenetic soybeans - Northern US', presented to the ASTA Meetings, Chicago. 6. Reported in Farmers Weekly (UK), 4th December 1998. Clark, E.A. (1999) '10 reasons why farmers should think twice before growing GE crops', www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/eclark/10reasons.htm 7. Cyran, N. Gully, S., Handl, G., Hofstatter, F. Meyer, Skalicky, M., and Steinborn, R. (November 11, 2008). Biological effects of transgenic maize NK603xMON810 fed in long term reproduction studies in mice. Unpublished report: Institute fur Ernahrung, Austria. 8. Finamore, A., Roselli, M., Britti, S., Monastra, G., AMbra, R., and Mengheri, E. (In Press). Intestinal and peripheral immune response to MON810 maize ingestion in weaning and old mice. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. 9. Tsuchiya, T.; Fukuda, S.; Hamada, H.; Nakamura, A.; Kohama, Y.; Ishikawa, H.; Tsujikawa, K.; Yamamoto, H. Role of ?d T cells in the inflammatory response of experimental colitis mice. Journal of Immunology. 2003, 171, 5507,5513. 10. Groh, V., Steinle, A., Bauer, S., Spies, T. (1998). Recognition of stress induced MHC molecules by intestinal epithelial ?d T cells. Science, 279, 1737,1740. 11. Mombaerts, P., Arnoldi, J., Russ, F., Tonegawa, S., and Kaufmann, S. H. (1993). Different roles of R and ?d T cells in immunity against an intracellular bacterial pathogen. Nature, 365, 53,56. 12. Kokkonen, J., Arvonen, M., VaBRBRbAbout the author/bbrDr. Gregory Damato enjoys a vegan lifestyle and runs a Quantum Biofeedback clinic treating various clients ranging from autism to cancer. He is currently authoring a book for parents educating on the many hidden dangers of vaccines, chemical toxicity in toys, GM foods, the effects of EMFs and EMRs and ways to combat rising childhood illness and neurological disease by naturally building immunity, detoxification and nutrition. His goal is to increase global awareness of the myriad of health issue facing us today and the fact that 100% of them are preventable and completely reversible. brbrhttp://www.NaturalNews.com/025001.htmlThu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PDTStudy Shows Misleading Health Claims on Food for Children(NaturalNews) Most of the food products made specifically for children are unhealthy and non-nutritious, even though the majority claim to provide some health benefit, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Calgary, Canada, and published in the journal iObesity Reviews/i.brbrThe researchers examined the nutritional labels of 367 products targeted at children, including those featuring cartoons on the packaging or specifically tied to children's movies, television programming or merchandise. Only 11 percent of these products were found to provide good nutritional value, according to standards set by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).brbrAccording to CSPI guidelines, healthy children's food should provide no more than 35 percent of its calories from fat (except for nuts, seeds and nut butters). Added sugar should comprise no more than 35 percent of a product by weight, and sodium levels should be kept to a maximum of 230 milligrams per portion in snacks, or 770 milligrams per portion in pre-prepared meals.brbrCSPI notes that this does not constitute an ideal meal, but rather a compromise allowing for moderately unhealthy products as part of a balanced diet.brbrOf the children's food products that failed to meet the CSPI nutritional guidelines, 68 percent made positive nutritional claims on their packaging, such as claiming to be high in iron, a good source of whole-grain or low in fat.brbr"Parents may have questions about which packaged foods are good for their children," lead researcher Charlene Elliott said. "Yet certain nutritional claims may add to the confusion, as they can mislead people into thinking the whole product is nutritious."brbrSeventy percent of the products with poor nutritional quality were placed in that category because excessive sugar. Cereals and fruit snacks were among the most likely to make positive nutritional claims while having high sugar levels.brbrSources for this story include: www.foodnavigator-usa.com; www.reuters.com.http://www.NaturalNews.com/025000.htmlThu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PDTStudies Prove that Obesity has Nothing to do with Bad Genes(NaturalNews) The current mainstream model of human health tells us that we are predestined to encounter certain illnesses, and that our weight is largely down to genes. Yet scientists in New Zealand are dispelling the common myth that obesity is caused by "bad genes." Scientists from Auckland University's Liggins Institute have discovered that genetic pre-disposition to obesity can be reversed through good nutrition in early childhood.brbrTheir research shows that when a mother is undernourished, her child's body is pre-set to cope with a life of scarcity. And remember, undernourished does not necessarily mean not eating enough food. Many overeaters in the western world are severely undernourished due to an appalling diet of junk food. Not only are their children likely to become fat because they eat the same foods as there parents, but also because they are biologically storing for not enough nutrients....a double whammy.brbrIn laboratory tests, newborn offspring from both well-fed and undernourished rats were given leptin, a hormone that signals to the body when it has eaten enough. When they became adults, the long-term effects were measured by looking at genes that regulate metabolism in the liver. Rats from well-fed mothers reacted to leptin in the opposite way to those from undernourished mothers.brbrThe researchers urge mothers to eat a more balanced diet (with the right amounts of protein and vitamins) during pregnancy. However, if the fetus is under-nourished in the womb, the long-term effects can still be corrected through good nutrition in early childhood.brbrbSome Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant Women and Children/bbrbr1.Cut down on simple carbohydrates. Humans require food that is alive and nutritious. The majority of our foods need to offer us something valuable, and there is no time that this is more important than in the womb and during early childhood, and children generally enjoy them. Simple carbs like bread, pasta and cake are filler foods that offer no nourishment whatsoever, and are in fact harmful.brbr2.Eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. The more the better. Fruit smoothies and fresh green vegetable juices are good ways to increase your fruit and vegetable intake. Ensure that every mealtime includes at least some raw, organic where possible fruit or vegetable.brbr3.Include plenty of seeds. Pumpkin, sunflower, chia and sesame seeds add essential fats, nutrients and flavor to meals. They also make wonderful snacks.brbr4.Cut out sugar and discover the amazing world of sugar free desserts. There are incredible recipes out there that are packed with super foods that will absolutely blow your taste buds away! Raw chocolate, for example is revolutionizing the chocolate world. It is healthy and incredibly delicious. Children love it, and so do it adults. And that is just one example of healthy sweet eating. With so many natural sugar alternatives, refined sugar is slowly but surely becoming and outdated and completely unnecessary food...even for those with the biggest sweet teeth!brbrImagine our world if babies were never exposed to sugar or in the womb and grew up virtually sugar free. Where children ate primarily live, foods packed with nutrients. Imagine how many diseases and illnesses, including obesity and diabetes would begin to disappear. BRBRbAbout the author/bbrSheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner. Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous. And her latest website www.raiselibido.com offers a vast quantity of information on how to increase sex drive and enjoy a vibrant sex life. brbrhttp://www.NaturalNews.com/024999.htmlThu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Male suicide a growing concern in tough times
In today's world, the stressors are out in force: war, debt, joblessness, divorce. A lot of guys are fighting depression, and if they lose that battle, they might just become casualties of the most needless death of all: Suicide.
Brain-injured troops face long-term risks
Many of the thousands of troops who suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan are at risk of long-term health problems including depression and Alzheimer's-like symptoms, researchers say.
ACA rolls out chiropractic advocacy network
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) announced that it has rolled out the pilot phase of its patient advocacy network, enabling an initial group of nearly 400 doctors of chiropractic to introduce their patients to a specially-designed Internet portal.
Cancer Communication Research Project Awarded $8.6 Million NIH Grant
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has awarded a second grant to the Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies (CHESS) to continue their work on cancer communications research.
Pull Medical Ads From YouTube, Group Says
TV ads for drugs and medical devices contain warnings and disclaimers. Online, they don't. That's a problem, a consumer group says.
Baby Faith remains seriously ill
A baby girl remains seriously ill after her conjoined twin died following emergency surgery to separate them.
Psychiatric drugs force queried
The practice of forcing psychiatric patients to take medication is not backed by evidence, say researchers.
Americans Send Mixed Signals About Healthcare
Americans do not give a clear-cut mandate on healthcare, with 49% preferring to maintain the current system, and 41% preferring a new government-run system.
Hype! Antioxidants Do Not Prevent Aging
Antioxidants and their widely touted anti-aging properties cannot slow aging, according to the results of a study conducted by UK scientists....
Abortion Not Seen Linked With Depression
No high-quality study done to date can document that having an abortion causes psychological distress, or a "post-abortion syndrome," and efforts to show it does occur appear to be politically motivated, U.S. researchers said on Thursday....
Dr. Paul Donohue: Quitting smoking creates weight gain
Dear Dr. Donohue: After 42 years of smoking, I quit even though I didn't have any noticeable ill effects from it. Since quitting, I have tried to do more cardio exercise and have cut back on calories. My weight has soared from 211 to 237 pounds, and my waist has gone from 34 inches to 40.
DNA searches generate debate
A dead baby, wrapped in a flannel shirt and plastic bag, then stuffed into a knapsack, had been abandoned in the woods in North Union, Pa., sometime in 2000. As police tell it, the dozen or so girls questioned were perfectly willing to allow a trooper to take a saliva swab from their mouths so a lab could trace the DNA.
'Stuart Little' teaches children big lessons
The Marquis Theatre presents the musical "Stuart Little," a stage production about a smart, spiffily dressed mouse that is treated like a son by human New Yorkers Mr. and Mrs. Little.
Teach kids about money at an early age
Tis the season -- the season for setting a bad financial example for kids as families charge gift after gift on credit cards and overspend in general.
Seeking a Second Opinion on Change in Health Care
The nation's largest provider of health insurance for federal employees, under fire for changes to its benefits package, says it is willing to make adjustments in answer to the complaints if only Uncle Sam would let it.
Study: Don't Delay Follow-Up Cancer Treatments
While it might be tough to do, a new study says don't delay when it comes to follow up treatment for early stage breast cancer. Yet one in five patients takes their time or don't complete the radiation treatments after the initial surgery.
Rowing awarded bigger budget than athletics
Rowing was awarded a bigger budget than the whole of athletics today as UK Sport concentrated its funding on past medal successes in preparation for London 2012. Sports that performed well in Bei...
Brand Name Heart Drugs No Better Than Generic, Study Finds
There is no evidence that brand-name drugs given to treat heart and other cardiovascular conditions work any better than their cheaper generic counterparts, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. The findi...
One in Three Have Toxins
In this file photo, a warning sticker about possible hazardous chemicals required for some toy products sold in California is seen on a toy purchased in Washington state alongside a nearly identical t...
Cheap drinks promotions face ban
"All you can drink" promotions in pubs and bars would be banned under government plans in the Queen's Speech. Anyone selling alcohol would also have to sign up to a compulsory code of conduct, after ...
Eyes Stuck Shut and Other Odd Conditions
More Photos They are conditions that you may be hard-pressed to find in the medical literature. Bring them up in front of a physician, and in some cases you may get little more than a blank stare. ...
Pozen reports positive results on arthritis medicine
Comment on this story Chapel Hill drug maker Pozen announced this morning that patients taking an experimental arthritis medication developed fewer ulcers than those who used a painkiller alone.
Family Killed in Sleep
Family of four killed by high levels of carbon monoxide in vacation home. The newly built 3,250-square-foot house had three bedrooms, three full and two half bathrooms and private river access. It ...
West Indies to tour England next summer
The West Indies have confirmed they will tour England at the start of next summer and replace Sri Lanka for the first Test series of the summer. The majority of Sri Lanka's leading players are sig...
Be Wary of Web Sites Touting Stem Cell Therapies, Study Says
Consumers should be wary of Web sites from clinics that offer stem cell treatments, says a study that found a lack of firm medical evidence to back up their claims. The Web sites in the study generall...
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