Monday, February 28, 2005
Attention Teenage Girls: You Cannot Win
Skim Milk Linked to Acne Among Teen Girls.
Adolescent Girl, as you read this article, excessively-mascaraed, midriff-bared, you must be hanging your hairsprayed head in defeat. Just when you almost had it all figured out! It's one more kick to the nuts from a world set entirely against you. You will have to start putting Diet Coke on your cereal.
Adolescent Girl, as you read this article, excessively-mascaraed, midriff-bared, you must be hanging your hairsprayed head in defeat. Just when you almost had it all figured out! It's one more kick to the nuts from a world set entirely against you. You will have to start putting Diet Coke on your cereal.
Friday, February 25, 2005
100 Years Ago at JAMA
Sugar as an Exclusive Diet.
The Paris Temps has been publishing a series of articles on the subject. It recently received a letter from an engineer in South Africa, J. Jacquier of Johannesburg, who stated that during the late war he was caught between the two armies and was compelled to remain in his hiding place for six weeks with no food except a supply of sugar. He had six rabbits with him, and he fed himself and the rabbits exclusively with sugar mixed with sawdust. All thrived on it and the rabbits grew fat.
The Paris Temps has been publishing a series of articles on the subject. It recently received a letter from an engineer in South Africa, J. Jacquier of Johannesburg, who stated that during the late war he was caught between the two armies and was compelled to remain in his hiding place for six weeks with no food except a supply of sugar. He had six rabbits with him, and he fed himself and the rabbits exclusively with sugar mixed with sawdust. All thrived on it and the rabbits grew fat.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Bibliography Request
In the Jan 5 2005 issue of JAMA, Robert H. Eckel, M.D., explains that the best diet is a "Low-Fad" diet: a combination of healthy eating and exercise. While "Low-Fad" diet is a clever turn of phrase, I do find it a little irresponsible of Dr. Eckel--as a scholar--not to cite which "Cathy" strip he borrowed it from.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Gotcha!
This headline could have been phrased any number of ways, but the author wanted to make sure the underlying "screw you" in his message came out loud and clear:
Writing Out Feelings Helps, But Not for Asthma.
Writing Out Feelings Helps, But Not for Asthma.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
I Don't Know How Women Who Are Without This Information Will Survive The Year
The cover story of the December issue of Harvard Women's Health Watch reveals some indispensable information in the field of women's health. It is: "Five for 2005: Five Reasons to Forgive." Here's why: "Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself."
Friday, February 18, 2005
100 Years Ago at JAMA
Schoolboy Mosquito Brigades.
In San Antonio, Texas, a campaign against the mosquito has been taken up in a rather peculiar way. The health officer of New Orleans, who has been manfully striving to overcome the difficulties in that city, was apparently forced to go out of the city to demonstrate what might be done. He...has started a movement among the school children to fight the mosquito. We have heard of Mr. Sherlock Holmes' Baker street gang, to which he applied sometimes to search out important facts, using the street boys for his purpose. There is very little that escapes a live boy if his attention is called to it. Dr. Kohnke's demonstrations seem to have started the enthusiasm of the San Antonio schoolboys, and it is a wary wiggletail that is going to escape their attention, according to newspaper accounts...Under properly regulated supervision we can see no more successful mosquito brigade than one composed of thoroughly instructed schoolboys indulging their natural destructive tendencies in killing these pestilent insects.
In San Antonio, Texas, a campaign against the mosquito has been taken up in a rather peculiar way. The health officer of New Orleans, who has been manfully striving to overcome the difficulties in that city, was apparently forced to go out of the city to demonstrate what might be done. He...has started a movement among the school children to fight the mosquito. We have heard of Mr. Sherlock Holmes' Baker street gang, to which he applied sometimes to search out important facts, using the street boys for his purpose. There is very little that escapes a live boy if his attention is called to it. Dr. Kohnke's demonstrations seem to have started the enthusiasm of the San Antonio schoolboys, and it is a wary wiggletail that is going to escape their attention, according to newspaper accounts...Under properly regulated supervision we can see no more successful mosquito brigade than one composed of thoroughly instructed schoolboys indulging their natural destructive tendencies in killing these pestilent insects.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Gamez
From the "Kids' Corner" of the latest issue of Diabetes Forecast:
Magic Boxes
People who enjoy working with numbers sometimes draw what they call "magic" boxes. Here is a very ancient one. Can you see how it got its name? [Ed: Which part of the name? The "magic" part or the "box" part? Because I think I know how it got the box part! (with magic)]
2 7 6
9 5 1
4 3 8
[Ed: I think the thing that will help you solve this puzzle is remembering how ancient it is.]
Magic Boxes
People who enjoy working with numbers sometimes draw what they call "magic" boxes. Here is a very ancient one. Can you see how it got its name? [Ed: Which part of the name? The "magic" part or the "box" part? Because I think I know how it got the box part! (with magic)]
2 7 6
9 5 1
4 3 8
[Ed: I think the thing that will help you solve this puzzle is remembering how ancient it is.]
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Things Are Starting To Pick Up
Scientists in high-pressure environments dealing with deadly, seemingly-incurable diseases probably have a high incidence of crazy batshit freak-outs, but I love where these guys are going with it:
UCLA scientists make HIV attack cancer
UCLA scientists make HIV attack cancer
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Well Titled
From NEJM Dec 23 2004, this is a good title for an article:
"Riboswitches -- To Kill or Save the Messenger"
Especially if, somehow, riboswitches are exactly what they sound like.
"Riboswitches -- To Kill or Save the Messenger"
Especially if, somehow, riboswitches are exactly what they sound like.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Happy Valentine's Day from Bad Science
For your edification:
Please direct all further questions to this man:
Please direct all further questions to this man:
Friday, February 11, 2005
Tidbits from 100 Years Ago at JAMA
"Notwithstanding the popular jocosity on the subject, there is no special relationship or alliance between the medical profession and the undertakers."
"An immense amount of dust is daily inhaled by those living in a great city. No additional evidence on the point is needed."
"Furs and fur rugs were found to contain from 20 to 1,700 times as much arsenic as would be allowed by the law of Massachusetts."
"At present, and probably for a long time in the future, the continuance of life to one hundred years or over is a happy--or shall we say an unhappy--accident, and being a centenarian, with its physical infirmities, is at best a mighty lonesome condition."
"An immense amount of dust is daily inhaled by those living in a great city. No additional evidence on the point is needed."
"Furs and fur rugs were found to contain from 20 to 1,700 times as much arsenic as would be allowed by the law of Massachusetts."
"At present, and probably for a long time in the future, the continuance of life to one hundred years or over is a happy--or shall we say an unhappy--accident, and being a centenarian, with its physical infirmities, is at best a mighty lonesome condition."
Thursday, February 10, 2005
At a Loss
Yesterday I was reading what was less like a scientific periodical and more like a catalog, and I stumbled upon a board game called "Discharge Survival." The only description is this: "Provides an opportunity to actively prepare for re-entry into society."
Although I have no idea what that could possibly mean, I can't imagine a scenario where this game is played that is not terrifying.
Although I have no idea what that could possibly mean, I can't imagine a scenario where this game is played that is not terrifying.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
You're Crazy!
In her article, "Illness and Secrecy on the Supreme Court," (NEJM December 23 2004) Susan Okie, M.D. talks about the fact that throughout history, judges who have been "seriously ill or mentally impaired," have continued to serve on the bench, interpreting the Constitution, and smugly cloaking themselves, withered and dementia-ridden, with the rich tapestry of jurisprudence. Take Justice William O. Douglas, for instance: "Despite difficulty speaking, constant pain, and frequent confusion, Douglas refused to consider retiring..."
Although this is a little disturbing, it does make me glad that I stopped obeying laws a long time ago.
Although this is a little disturbing, it does make me glad that I stopped obeying laws a long time ago.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Things That Make Sense Dept.
"The 'Balance Guide to Blood Glucose Meters' was about as helpful as going to the Yellow Pages to look for a reliable double glazing company." (Balance: Diabetes UK Dec 2004)
Monday, February 07, 2005
A Further Note on Dr. Andrew Weil
My colleagues and I happen to share with Dr. Weil alumniship in a small collegiate gentleman's club. If you were to be made aware of the popular topics of discussion at that club, you would see it as a classic case of taking a joke too far that Andrew Weil actually went on to become a crazy doctor.
At Least One Person Will Be Pleased With This Post
It's probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with this man, Dr. Andrew Weil, who is renowned in the field of alternative medicine, which is where when you're sick, instead of going to a doctor, you just eat some plants or something. Maybe you have seen Dr. Andrew Weil before. He is on TV sometimes.
Here is the kind of thing you will find in his newsletter, Dr. Andrew Weil's Self-Healing:
"Rubenfeld Synergy Method. Developed by psychotherapist and bodyworker Ilana Rubenfeld, this therapy combines gentle touch and verbal dialogue to access emotions and memories stored in the body. If what clients say and what their bodies reveal don't agree (for instance, a man whose fiancee left him says he forgives her, but his back feels hard, suggesting anger), practitioners can help clients listen to their bodies' messages."
What kind of job is bodyworker? I ask because it sounds a lot like the job I have now.
p.s. Ilana Rubenfeld: spare us your life story, lady. Here is a "verbal dialogue" I wrote about you:
[Ilana Rubenfeld is bodyworking her ex-fiancee]
Ilana: Wow, yeah, your back is totally saying that you miss me and want me back.
Ex-Fiancee: How did you get into my house?
Friday, February 04, 2005
100 Years Ago at JAMA
Physicians and Reciprocity.
The physician, because of the nature of the work required of him, may usually be expected to have his wits about him. We have read of the physician who, receiving a large plumber's bill and being scandalized by some of the time-consuming methods of that tradesman, paid the bill and bided his time. Being the family physician of the plumber, he was called one day and went without medicine case or instruments. On finding what was the matter, he went home for his case, and included in his bill a liberal charge for this procedure. The plumber remonstrated, but when it was explained to him that the physician did not know what tools he wanted until he saw that patient, the plumber grasped the situation and paid the bill.
The physician, because of the nature of the work required of him, may usually be expected to have his wits about him. We have read of the physician who, receiving a large plumber's bill and being scandalized by some of the time-consuming methods of that tradesman, paid the bill and bided his time. Being the family physician of the plumber, he was called one day and went without medicine case or instruments. On finding what was the matter, he went home for his case, and included in his bill a liberal charge for this procedure. The plumber remonstrated, but when it was explained to him that the physician did not know what tools he wanted until he saw that patient, the plumber grasped the situation and paid the bill.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Do You Remember...SARS?
A recent JAMA article (December 15 2004) entitled "Civets Off the Menu?" reminds us that those nutty civets are still out there doing what they do best: spreading SARS. And while the last thing I want to do is tell restaurateurs in China how do their jobs, the fact that 70% of civets are infected makes me think that--just maybe--civets should have been taken off the menu several years ago.
When looking for an image to help me illustrate how dangerous civets are, I stumbled upon this one:
which I found a little confusing. What exactly is this picture saying? That civets don't have SARS? Because, listen, I know that they do. Did the civet choose to wear this badge as a warning? Because that doesn't really jibe with the one thing I know to be true about civets: they are exceedingly unreliable.
Here is a more helpful visual:
"I am totally rocking the SARS virus."
When looking for an image to help me illustrate how dangerous civets are, I stumbled upon this one:
which I found a little confusing. What exactly is this picture saying? That civets don't have SARS? Because, listen, I know that they do. Did the civet choose to wear this badge as a warning? Because that doesn't really jibe with the one thing I know to be true about civets: they are exceedingly unreliable.
Here is a more helpful visual:
"I am totally rocking the SARS virus."
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
You Can Relax
"Currently, no FDA approved arthritis medications are derived from snake venom. There's also little scientific data that support its use in treating arthritis." (Mayo Clinic on Arthritis)
This means that next time an old guy shouts that oft-heard mantra at you,"Got an ache? Drink a snake!" you don't have to do it, (unless he seems really serious about it).
This means that next time an old guy shouts that oft-heard mantra at you,"Got an ache? Drink a snake!" you don't have to do it, (unless he seems really serious about it).
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Not As Good
I've rarely been so disappointed as when I encountered the misleadingly titled "The Health of Young Victorians Study," cited in JAMA (Jan 5 2005) which naturally I imagined would read something like this:
This being a good and rightful account the youth, upon whose ruddy Constitution our great Nation has come to rely, &c.
198 killed battling in Crimea.
17 overcome with blushing and faintness upon making eye contact with a Collie dog.
38 overcome with blushing and faintness upon being praised for charity work.
64 overcome with blushing and faintness (unexplained).
15 suffered heartattack upon being informed that George Eliot is a woman.
12 became slightly sweaty from overexertion practicing the violincello.
8 became a cranky but loveable crime-solving invalid.
14 engaged in a self-administered, and poorly executed phlebotomy.
17 presented an unfortunate case of lice and nits.
6 had whatever that kid from The Secret Garden had.
15 consumed not nearly enough morphine.
3 collapsed in a giggle fit after picturing the vicar in a bustle.
13 tried valiantly to, but ultimately could not, be expelled of brain demons.
232 perished while labouring in our great Manufactories, of these
---78 Smoke inhalation
---26 Excessive growth of the tubers
---128 Frailty, generally
Instead, the study looks at how many teenagers living in Victoria, Australia are overweight or something.
In conclusion, for more information on the history of robots in the Victorian era, go here.
This being a good and rightful account the youth, upon whose ruddy Constitution our great Nation has come to rely, &c.
198 killed battling in Crimea.
17 overcome with blushing and faintness upon making eye contact with a Collie dog.
38 overcome with blushing and faintness upon being praised for charity work.
64 overcome with blushing and faintness (unexplained).
15 suffered heartattack upon being informed that George Eliot is a woman.
12 became slightly sweaty from overexertion practicing the violincello.
8 became a cranky but loveable crime-solving invalid.
14 engaged in a self-administered, and poorly executed phlebotomy.
17 presented an unfortunate case of lice and nits.
6 had whatever that kid from The Secret Garden had.
15 consumed not nearly enough morphine.
3 collapsed in a giggle fit after picturing the vicar in a bustle.
13 tried valiantly to, but ultimately could not, be expelled of brain demons.
232 perished while labouring in our great Manufactories, of these
---78 Smoke inhalation
---26 Excessive growth of the tubers
---128 Frailty, generally
Instead, the study looks at how many teenagers living in Victoria, Australia are overweight or something.
In conclusion, for more information on the history of robots in the Victorian era, go here.
