Author: Tom Patriot

New view on the mechanisms of how the brain works

Tom Patriot

After a series of studies, researchers at Lund University in Sweden, together with colleagues in Italy, have shown that not only one part, but most parts of the brain can be involved in processing the signals that arise from touch. The results open the way for a new approach to how the brain’s network of neurons processes information, and thereby the mechanisms by which the brain works. The researchers conducted in-depth analyses of how touch signals are transferred and processed in neurons of various parts of the brain and the…

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Being a car commuter with obesity linked to a 32% increased early death risk

Tom Patriot

New research presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity in Glasgow, Scotland (28 April — 1 May) shows that individuals with obesity who commute by car have a 32% higher risk of death, from any cause, compared with those individuals with a normal weight and commute via cycling and walking. The study is by Edward Toke-Bjolgerud, University of Glasgow, UK, and colleagues. Previous work, using UK Biobank data, has shown that active commuting, mainly cycling, was associated with a 50% lower risk of death, from any cause, and heart…

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The “Vampire Facial” May Have Exposed Patients to HIV and Hepatitis B and C in a New Mexico Spa, Says the New Mexico Department of Health

Tom Patriot

(UPDATE May, 2019): Last September, it was reported by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) that “vampire facials” at VIP Spa in Albuquerque may have exposed patients to HIV and hepatitis B and C. Now, the New Mexico Department of Health is advising anyone who’s gotten a vampire facial at the spa to get tested for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C as soon as possible. In addition, the NMDOH is recommending that former clients get tested if they had any injection-related procedure performed at VIP Spa, especially if it was done…

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Google Misses Revenue Estimates, Has Worst Day on Stock Market Since 2012

Tom Patriot

The stock market recovered from a sharp drop, but the Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.66 percent from a record high thanks to Alphabet Inc. and other weak technology stocks. The S&P 500 index was up 0.1 percent while the Dow gained 0.15 percent. The Entrepreneur Index™ fell 0.7 percent with the tech sector being the biggest drag on performance. Shares in Alphabet Inc. had their worst day since 2012, after the company missed revenue estimates for the first quarter. The stock was down 7.7 percent from a record high on Monday after the internet giant reported…

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