Essence of a walk
December 29, 2010
Whatever the weather and wherever you are, all walks are the same in important ways…bringing natural warmth and light to our lives…
Month: December 2010
Growing case for vitamin D
December 28, 2010
Researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital have found a new link between low vitamin D levels and immune functioning in infants. These latest findings add to the now rapidly growing body of evidence suggesting that extra amounts of this vitamin, naturally obtained principally through sun exposure, may be needed by many of us to promote optimal health. Other studies have highlighted the importance of vitamin D in a number of critical health areas, including bone health, weight management, immune functioning, brain health, and even cancer and multiple sclerosis prevention. Read more about the new study at Vitamin D & Infants.
Perfection helps
December 25, 2010
We don’t need perfection to enjoy the benefits of time in nature, but it helps. Fortunately, nature so often offers us just this…
Wake of the flood
December 24, 2010
After almost a week of rain, several HumanaNatura members and friends went for a hike in the hills…little did we know what nature had waiting for us.
Our rich human legacy
December 24, 2010
Through new genetic analysis, scientists have now confirmed interbreeding between early east-migrating Homo sapiens and Denisovans, an offshoot of Neanderthals and descendents of Homo erectus people. Through similar analysis, researchers had previously confirmed interbreeding between Neanderthals and later north and west migrating Homo sapiens. Learn more about the new findings at Siberian Fossils.
Longer days longer walks
December 23, 2010
Wherever we are, the days are long or getting longer…a good time to make room for more time outdoors.
Home chemicals & children
December 22, 2010
A new study by the Harvard School of Public Health raises concerns that the impact of some household chemicals on children may be significantly under-appreciated. Learn more at HSPH Child Chemical Study.
Supplements questioned
December 22, 2010
A 14-member expert committee convened by the U.S. Institute of Medicine has concluded that vitamin D and calcium supplementation are not needed for bone health in most people. Proposed vitamin D benefits in other areas were not considered by the panel, with some members citing insufficient evidence to substantiate newer claims. Learn more about the panel’s conclusions at IOM Calcium & Vitamin D Report.
Gains in Aging Research
December 22, 2010
Scientists at the Belfer Institute at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have achieved a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the aging process – by manipulating the enzyme telomerase in mice. In the new experiment, scientists genetically altered the mice so that their production of telomerase, a key component of chromosome health in animals, could be quickly turned on or off. Since chromosome health is hypothesized to strongly influence physiological aging, inhibition of the enzyme led to near immediate and rapidly accelerated aging as expected. Researchers were surprised, however, when restoration of natural telomerase levels quickly and significantly reversed these aging effects, suggesting the potential for anti-aging therapies within this line of investigation. Learn more about the new research and a likely source of future anti-aging strategies at Belfer Aging Study.
Aspirin & cancer prevention
December 22, 2010
A new study led by researchers at the University of Oxford have found that people who regularly took low-dose aspirin for several years were significantly less likely to die decades later of cancerous tumors. Read more at Oxford Aspirin Cancer Prevention.
