Archives for June 2012

A Heavy Heart: Depression and Cardiac Function

Two recently published studies have found that changes in heart function are seen during major depression [1] and also seen in some people who have recovered from depression [2]. This link between mental health and physical health emphasises how the body and mind are linked. Furthermore, it also suggests that some people with depression may be at increased risk of cardiac disease. The research also sheds further light on the biological pathways of depression.

Depressed woman

Disney Bans Unhealthy Ads During Kids Shows

Disney is getting a makeover in their programming. The happiest place on earth now wants to be the healthiest. Over the next few years, the company is doing away with all advertisements promoting unhealthy food choices on Disney television channels, websites and radio stations. Disney is the first major media company to introduce new standards for food advertising on programming targeting kids and families.

Disney healthy living

Using the Brain to Control Robotic Arms

The BrainGate Company is a privately-held firm focused on the creation of technology that will allow severely disabled individuals, including those with traumatic spinal cord injury and loss of limbs, to communicate and control common everyday functions by thought alone.

The BrainGate neural interface system consists of a sensor to monitor brain signals together with computer software and hardware, which turns brain signals into digital commands for external devices. This is a type of brain-computer interface intended to put robotics and other assistive technology under the brain’s control. The size of a baby aspirin, the sensor contains 100 hair-thin electrodes that can record the activity of small groups of brain cells. It is implanted into the motor cortex, a part of the brain that directs movement.

NIH Director Discusses Accelerating Translation of Biomedical Research to the Clinic

TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, is a nonprofit devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading.”  The annual TED conference brings together some of the world’s most fascinating people to talk briefly about science, business, the arts and global issues facing our world.  TEDMED, an independent event operating under license from the TED conference, is a three day annual conference where cutting-edge science and technology leaders “connect, understand and inspire” to advance the art of health and medicine with new ideas, the latest science and innovative technology.

FDA Revises, Strengthens Sunscreen Regulations

In an effort to ensure that consumers have the information they need to make wise sun protection choices, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced an updated list of sunscreen regulations [1].

Woman applying sunscreen