Environmental News Network

UF scientists reveal how dietary restriction cleans cells
Reduce, recycle and rebuild is as important to the most basic component of the human body, the cell, as it is to the environment. And a University of Florida study shows just how much the body benefits when it â€œgoes green,â€ at least if youâ€™re a rat: Cutting calories helps rodents live longer by boosting cellsâ€™ ability to recycle damaged parts so they can maintain efficient energy production. >> Read the Full Article
Forgo Bottled Water â€“ and Soda â€“ To Save The Planet
The bottled water industry is in the crosshairs of a debate about health, the environment, truth in marketing and the privatization of a public good for private gain. The criticism about this ubiquitous beverage springs from numerous sectors â€“ nongovernmental organizations, religious groups, government officials and restaurateurs. >> Read the Full Article
China Sentances Food Official For Bribery, Tries To Calm World Health Org's
China has sent a notice to the World Health Organisation defending its food safety standards and sentenced another food and drug watchdog official for bribery, its latest moves to assure the world its exports are up to par. A series of scandals involving sub-standard Chinese exports ranging from pet food and toothpaste to toys has put increasing pressure on Beijing to clean up its manufacturing sector. >> Read the Full Article
New Zealand Warns of Toxic Chinese Toothpaste
New Zealand on Wednesday asked retailers and consumers to dispose of 11 brands of Chinese-made toothpaste after tests confirmed they contained toxic chemicals. The Ministry of Health said in a statement that a third of the Chinese-made toothpaste tested contained "unacceptable levels" of diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent used in paint and antifreeze and can cause kidney and liver damage. >> Read the Full Article
He has your... fear of veggies
British researchers have provided an explanation for why some children hate to try new foods -- it's in the genes. In a large study of identical and fraternal twins, researchers from University College London found that nearly 80 percent of children's tendency to avoid unfamiliar foods was inherited. "Parents can be reassured that their child's reluctance to try new foods is not simply the result of poor parental feeding practices, but it is partly in the genes," said Dr. Lucy Cooke and her team. >> Read the Full Article
Mothers' baby cradling habits are indicator of stress, suggests new research
Mothers who cradle their baby to their right hand side are displaying signs of extreme stress, a new study suggests. Although most mums feel stressed in the early stages of their babyï¿½s life, the study by Durham University researchers suggests their baby cradling habits are a key indicator of whether this stress could become overwhelming and lead to depression. Previous research has already shown that the majority of mothers prefer to cradle their baby to their left regardless of whether they are left or right handed. >> Read the Full Article
Biologic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and the risk of cancer
The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease marked by chronic inflammation of the joints and tissue surrounding vital organs, and the incidence of cancer is complicated. Epidemiologic studies have generally demonstrated that blood, lung, and skin cancers are increased among RA patients, while breast and colon cancers are decreased. >> Read the Full Article
Kids At Risk, Christian Leaders Call For FDA To Control Tobacco
NASHVILLE - A diverse coalition of clergy and lay members from throughout Tennessee called on southern congressmen and women to support legislation that gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority over tobacco products. The new legislation would protect kids from tobacco and save lives. As members of the House Subcommittee on Health, Representatives Gordon and Blackburn will play a key role in advancing this legislation, H.R. 1108, The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. >> Read the Full Article
Bacteria Sense Light, Use It To Regulate Virulence
University of California, Santa Cruz - The bacteria that cause brucellosis can sense light and use the information to regulate their virulence, according to a study in the August 24 issue of the journal Science. The discovery comes after 120 years of research into the disease, which causes abortions in livestock and fevers in humans. Researchers found that two other bacteria, including a species that attacks plants, sense light using the same type of protein structure, and at least 94 more species possess the code for it in their DNA. >> Read the Full Article
U.S. Obesity Epidemic Grows: Mississippi Worst For Adults, D.C. For Kids
WASHINGTON - Adult obesity rates rose in 31 states last year, according to the fourth annual "F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2007" report. The report is assembled by a group called the Trust for America's Health. 22 states experienced an increase for the second year in a row; not one state decreased. A new public opinion survey featured in the report finds 85 percent of Americans believe that obesity is an epidemic. >> Read the Full Article