Author: Barbara Flanderson

California Condors Face More Challenges in Their Efforts Back to Viability

Califoria-CondorCalifornia Condors have sure had a difficult time of it in recent years. On the verge of extinction for many years, attempts to get their population up have been going through hurdles to confound the most dedicated of biologists. Back in 2006 the first nesting attempt in Central California in more than a century happened with a nest 200 feet up a redwood tree. At first delighted with this great new development, biologist Joe Burnett of the Ventana Wildlife Society was stunned to find that the reason the birds did not immediately reproduce was not because of inexperience, but because the eggs which they did produce had fatally thin shells, too thin to support the development of condor chicks inside.

“The eggshell fragments we found appeared abnormally thin,” Mr. Burnett said. “They were so thin that we had to run tests to confirm that it was a condor egg.” The fragments reminded him of the thin-shelled eggs from birds like brown pelicans and peregrine falcons, which had been devastated by DDT but are now on the rebound.

Looking for possible sources of DDT which is a pesticide that has been banned from use since 1972 led Mr. Burnett to suspect the California sea lions, food for the California condors, may themselves by contaminated with DDT.

What Are Fish Oils and Omega 3?

You have undoubtedly heard of “Omega-3” or fish oils and their miraculous effects on health. The huge amount of information or just pure skepticism may have discouraged you from pursuing the topic, but fish oils are in fact a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are indeed incredibly healthy.
Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory qualities, which can be highly effective when it comes to reducing pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, cystitis, and prostatitis. The Omega 3 in fish oils have also been shown to regulate the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. This plaque can break loose and cause blockage of arteries which lead to the brain or other vital organs and result in a stroke. The fatty acids in fish oils have been proven to break up the clots before the condition becomes serious. The Omega 3 acids also help reduce LDL, the ‘bad’ cholesterol in the body, and increase HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol. These compounds greatly reduce the risk of numerous cardiovascular disorders. People who get a lot of Omega 3 in their diets are also less prone to psychiatric issues and depression. These oils can help eliminate skin disorders and promote a healthy complexion as well.
Women who have a healthy intake of Omega 3 fatty acids may be reducing the risk of childhood disorders in their babies. Pregnant women should add fish oils to their diet to help the development of their fetus’s eyes and brain.

Fearless Behavior Linked to Lack of Empathy in Pre-Schoolers

Fearless-ChildrenThe faculty at the Haifa Faculty of Education in Israel has just revealed that pre-school age children who are characterized as ‘fearless’ also show more aggressive behavior towards children around them and less empathy.

“The results of this study show that fearless behavior in children can be identified and is related to neurological and genetic predisposition. This type of behavior has less correlation — at least in infancy — with standards of educational processes or parenting practice,” says Dr. Inbal Kivenson-Baron, who carried out the study as part of her doctoral thesis.

The study examined the relationship, if any, between fearless behavior in 3-4 year-olds and physiological and social-emotional characteristics. The researchers also looked at parenting, socioeconomic status, birth order and parental well-being, child-rearing and other parameters in the children’s lives.

“Since fearless behavior correlates with genetic and neurological characteristics, it is important to find the most effective ways — through education at the preschool and at home — to assist these children in developing the ability to recognize and value social prohibitions. As a society, we must discern the optimal stimulation that can be provided in the child’s natural surroundings, in order to awaken those emotions that are necessary for the development of empathy toward another and for refraining from aggressive behavior,” Dr. Kivenson-Baron concludes.

Best Children’s Hospital

The U.S. News and World Report has come out with their yearly survey for this year ranking the best children’s hospital throughout the United States in a number of different specialties. The magazine requested information from 170 pediatric centers and used the results of surveys taken from thousands of physicians in 10 different pediatric specialties who were asked to which hospitals they would send their sickest children. The combined results list 62 different hospitals which ranked in at least one of those specialties, and there are eight hospitals which rank for all 10.
The honor roll for 2010- 2011 include:
• Children’s Hospital in Boston
• Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles
• Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
• New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Komansky Children’s Hospital
• St. Louis Children’s Hospital-Washington University
• Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston

The Importance of Sunlight

In today’s world, everyone knows about the potential risks involved with too much sun. Talk of sunburn, skin cancer, premature wrinkles and other conditions are very common. It is true that over-exposure can result in serious problems, but what people seem to be forgetting is that sunlight is a completely necessary part of our lives; both long-term and on a daily basis. A moderate amount of sunlight can actually be incredibly beneficial for your skin.

Aside from giving your skin a healthy complexion, regular sun exposure can actually help your skin develop a natural resistance to ultra-violet light. This is usually seen as what we call a tan. A tan is a result of increased production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is a pigment which the body produces to defend itself from harmful rays.

The dangerous ultraviolet rays are not only harmful to humans; they can kill viruses, bacteria, molds, fungi and mites in the water, air and even on your skin. The exposure to the rays in the sun can improve skin diseases like acne, boils, athletes foot, diaper rash, psoriasis and eczema.
Sunlight can also stimulate your appetite as well as improve digestion, elimination and metabolism. Regular doses of sunlight can be good for your immune system as well. It can increase the number and performance of white blood cells in the body, as well as improve circulation.
Sunlight also has psychological effects. Studies have shown that sunlight can improve a person’s mood. This is even more apparent in the winter month when sunlight is scarce. The natural light of the day also increases melatonin production in the body. Melatonin is a hormone that enhances sleep.
Last but not least, sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D, a substance that lowers cholesterol levels.