Category: Lifestyle

Decoding of Cocoa Genome Saves Chocolate

Cocao-TreeDr. Yana-Shapiro, a researcher from Mars, has claimed that if higher-yielding cacao trees are not engineered, the chocolate demand would overcome the supply within the next fifty years. He also stated that strains such as these could help farmers’ welfare in the appropriate regions. Luckily, the genome of the cacao tree has been released to the public this past September. The accessibility of the genome will probably lead to better tasting, healthier chocolate.

The genome sequencing was a joint effort between Mars, IBM, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and various universities. Dr. Shapiro described the date of the release “the greatest day of my life” while speaking at an event in IBM’s research labs in Zurich. He went on to explain that Cote d’Ivoire is the largest cocoa producer in the world, and that Mars has bought cocoa from there for sixty years. He eventually began to understand the ecological and environmental conditions, as well as the productivity, and realized that this region was at a moment of crisis.

The genomes of rice and wheat have also been decoded, however these crops are generally grown on large, industrial farms. Cocoa, on the other hand, is mostly grown on small farms and sold in more private markets.

Being Green I

paper-recyclingBeing Green is not just for Kermit the Frog. Most Americans now feel a commitment to improving the environment and trying to keep the planet safer and healthier for the next generation. One of the most important changes you can make in your lifestyle is to recycle. There are many materials that can be recycled and a number of methods for assuring that that maximum number of household items are recycled. We’ll go through these different elements one by one, beginning with today’s focus: Paper Recycling.
To recycle paper, you’ll need to have the following:
1. Brown Paper Bags
2. Old Newspapers
3. Recycle Bins
4. Twine
You’ll need to do the following:
1. Find out if your community has a local curbside recycling program or a local drop-off center. You call your country department of public works, check online, or call 1-800-CLEANUP for state recycling information
2. Divide your paper into three groups: white office paper, newspaper and mixed-color paper. That’s how most curbside programs collect it
3. Put newspapers into brown paper bags and tie them into bundles with twine. Make sure to remove rubber bands, paper clips and other non-paper items
4. Combine mixed-color paper, including magazines and junk mail
5. Combine plain white office paper
6. Place your three groups of paper outside on curbside pick-up day or bring them to your community drop-off center.
Remember – for every ton of paper we recycle, 17 trees will live!

Fish Pedicures

You may have heard of “Doctor Fish,” or “fish pedicures,” and wondered what exactly that implies. Interestingly enough, it is exactly what it sounds like. The tradition originated in Turkish spas, where Garra Rufa fish were bred in large outdoor pools. The Garra Rufa are also known as nibble fish, kangal fish and doctorfishen. These fish are similar to comb-fishes; they eat dead and affected skin cells, while leaving the healthy skin exposed to grow. These spa treatments are often used to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. The afflicted spa-goers immerse their bodies in the pools for some time, and relax as they allow hundreds of the fish to clean and remove dead skin from their bodies. The treatment is not meant as a cure, and patients usually revisit the spas on a monthly basis, although some have claimed to be completely healed after undergoing repeated treatment. The fish can also be used for pedicures, to clear callouses from heels and other tough areas of the foot. In 2006, similar spa resorts began to open in other countries across the globe.

The Garra Rufa fish are naturally found in the river basins in the Northern and Central Middle East, primarily in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. These fish are quite hardy.

To Sleep In or Not to Sleep In?

Scientific studies in the past have supported the common knowledge that sleeping in on the weekend will just make it that much more difficult to get up on time for work or school. However, a new scientific study seems to actually give credence to the urge most of us have to use the weekend as a chance to catch up for insufficient sleep during the week.

A study published in the journal Sleep indicated that catching up on sleep during the weekend can in fact help to restore your normal performance levels for the week to come. Getting enough sleep is what’s most important, rather than precisely what sleep routine is used. “The bottom line,” stated Dr. David Dinges, chief of the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology at the University of Pennsylvania, “is that adequate recovery is important for coping with the effects of chronic sleep restriction on the brain.”

So here’s to a great weekend sleep!

Green Technology You Can Use

“Going Green” is the catchword of the times. But even with the best of intentions, many people are not sure how to actually integrate green technology and good environmental habits into their homes and daily lives. To help you help the planet, we’ve brought you a few recommendations on how to make your house more green.
1. Buy Green Appliances: Your refrigerator can be any color you want – but check whether it has the “Energy Star” logo. Such appliances use between ten and fifty percent less energy and water than their non-environmentally friendly counterparts. Since the fridge is one of the biggest users of energy in the home, an efficient one can really help you cut down on your electricity bill as well.
2. Keep Cool: Nearly half the energy consumed in the home is due to heating and cooling. So keep it a bit cooler in winter and hotter in the summer and you’ll save both energy and money. A programmable thermostat can do this for you automatically. Continue reading Green Technology You Can Use