Archives for March 2012

MyHeartMap Challenge Inspires Pennsylvanians to Map AEDs

The University of Pennsylvania has been conducting a contest — the MyHeartMap Challenge — in which participants record locations of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the state. The purpose of the contest is to raise awareness about the importance and location of AEDs, and to build a statewide database of AED locations.

MyHeartMap Challenge

Cellular Mechanisms of Long Term Memory Storage

Dr. Menahem Segal, head of the Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, studies the neuronal basis of long term memory in the brain. Of particular interest are conditions that are associated with deterioration of memory systems, such as those occurring in Alzheimer’s disease patients and mentally retarded children.

Neurons

Cognitive Function and Obesity: Does Your BMI Link to Your IQ?

In addition to the well-known impact on risk for disorders such as diabetes and reduced life-expectancy, the effects of obesity may extend to psychological function. The so-called obesity epidemic may be causing decline in cognitive function through direct and indirect impacts on brain functioning. An expanding waistline thus appears to link to decreasing ability to learn and remember.

Obesity and memory

Brain Awareness Week 2012 at Highlight HEALTH

Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is an annual celebration, coordinated by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and the European Dana Alliance for the Brain, dedicated to raising public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research. Every March, BAW unites the efforts of organizations around the world to bring the excitement of science and communicate the progress and benefits of brain research to the general public.

Brain Awareness Week

New USDA Labeling Requirements for Meat and Poultry

According to the USDA, as of March 1, most meat and poultry products in the U.S. will have nutrition labels [1]. The rule applies to ground and chopped meat and poultry, plus the most popular cuts of raw meat and poultry. The aim of the new requirement is to give consumers access to information that aids in making healthy choices.

Meat nutrition label