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If you believe that things can be a bit strange during a full moon, there’s some evidence to back it up. A new study found that sleep patterns are disrupted at the time of the full moon. There’s not much we can do about it either, because the human brain is hardwired from ancient times to run on a lunar cycle and spend less time asleep when the moon is at its brightest. Source Link
Today’s couch potatoes may not be parked in front of a TV but fixed on their smartphones. Researchers studying college students found that cellphone use may significantly decrease physical activity and fitness levels. The typical college student spends five hours a day on their phone and is sedentary for most of that time. Source Link
You can’t ask your salad for the time, but researchers have discovered that fruits and vegetables do keep track and respond to light signals after harvest to change their biology. The findings could help scientists pinpoint the best time of day to harvest and freeze fresh produce to lock in the most nutritional value. Source Link
When you’re just out of college or just into retirement are considered the two happiest times for people, according to a new survey in which the ages of 23 and 69 were listed as the most satisfying. Work and family obligations slow down the good times for about three decades, but those dealing with a mid-life crisis can take heart, because the rebound begins at age 55. Source Link
Here’s some meal advice than men need to take to heart -- don’t skip breakfast. A long-term study found that men who didn’t eat a morning meal were more likely to develop heart disease. Researchers think the breakfast-skippers may be eating bigger and less-healthy meals later in the day. Source Link
If food can be labeled for its contents, why not an mobile app for how it uses your personal information? A new code of conduct for developers would require a smartphone and tablet app to show you how it shares your information. That could be revealing for some apps that routinely gather your location and contact information. Source Link
Parents are picking up less of the tab for their kid’s college education. A new report from student loan giant Sallie Mae says grants and scholarships are filling the gap for some students whose parents don’t have the money. The average family contribution toward college costs has dropped by 35% since 2010. Source Link
Would putting cigarettes in a plain brown package help smokers kick the habit? An Australian study showed smokers felt that cigarettes were less satisfying in the plain packaging now mandated by law there. An FDA plan to force American tobacco companies to change cigarette packaging was dropped after a court challenge. Source Link
Can Facebook help to bridge the generation gap between teens and their parents? A new study found that adolescents who maintain social connections with their parents online had better offline relationships too. Only about half of teens say they are Facebook friends with their parents. Source Link
Online self-tests that measure your risk of Alzheimer’s are getting an “F” from experts who say most of them are unreliable. And all of the tests that were evaluated scored poorly at protecting privacy or clearly explaining test results. Eight out of ten Internet users, including many older persons, seek health information or diagnoses online. Source Link
Your kitchen and bathroom may be safe from tiny hands, but is your technology toddler-proofed? You can disable power buttons on laptop or desktop computers and use power strip covers to prevent accidental switch-offs. And be sure that smartphone has a good screen lock to keep a curious child from opening apps or dialing a call. Source Link
Why watch a flat screen when you can get ahead of the curve with the latest in TV technology. Samsung and LG are unveiling new curved screen TVs that are easier to view from sides of the room using a screen with a thin, bendable layer of organic LEDs. Your wallet will need to be more flexible too, because the curved TVs are priced at $15,000. Source Link
If managing your online life is becoming just another job, maybe you need a vacation from it. Nearly half of those surveyed about their social media habits say they plan to take a break. The typical person manages three e-mail accounts and spends at least 30 minutes a day visiting social media sites and answering personal emails. Source Link
The timing of when you start your baby on solid foods may be critical to reducing their risk of type 1 diabetes. New research found that babies who start on fruits before four months or rice or oats after 6 months of age were at increased risk. Breastfeeding while wheat or barley were introduced appeared to reduce the risk of diabetes. Source Link
What if your “sleep number” let you set the temperature of your side of the bed? That’s the idea behind new products aimed at baby boomer couples dealing with hot flashes and menopause. A special mattress or topper allows you to set the temperature on your side of the bed for warmer or cooler. Source Link
Many young adults enjoy a daily shopping spree without ever stepping foot into a store. A new survey found that nearly half of the “millennial” generation spends an hour a day shopping online. And one-third of those 18-to-34-year olds say they’d do all of their shopping online if they could. Source Link
Here’s another reason to make breakfast part of your daily routine. A long-term study found that skipping breakfast just one day a week increased the risk of type-2 diabetes by 20-percent. And for full-time working women, the risk of diabetes rose by over 50-percent for those who were skipping the morning meal. Source Link
Is it proof that absence does make the heart grow fonder? A new study found that people in long distance relationships shared more about themselves and idealized their partner more than couples who lived together. There are 3 million married couples and up to half of college students in long distance relationships. Source Link
The traditional one-income family is becoming an endangered species in America. A new survey found that only one out of four households have a husband holding down the only paid job. That’s not likely to change either, because three-fourths of young adults favor a marriage in which husband and wife both work and take care of the house and children. Source Link
A regular bedtime schedule for kids means more than just sanity for Mom and Dad. A new study found that children with irregular bedtimes had lower scores on tests of math and reading skills. Researchers think the children may suffer from sleep deprivation that could harm their ability to acquire and retain information. Source Link
The sun can be really hot, but is there a fire risk from using sunscreen? The FDA has warned that anyone using alcohol-based sunscreen sprays should avoid any open flames, including outdoor barbecuing. There have been several incidents in which alcohol-based sunscreen caught fire on the skin. Source Link
When
you’re brushing-up that resume for a job search, here are some ways to
keep it from landing in the circular file. Among the top pet peeves for
hiring managers are resumes that use tiny fonts or colored paper or have
a job objective that's too vague. And with the popularity of social
media sites, there's no need to add a photo. Source Link
Many
Americans are taking a short-sighted view to the need for long-term
care in old age. A survey found that only one in four people over the
age of 40 think it’s likely they’ll need help, even though half say
they’ve helped care for their aging relatives. Statistics show that
nearly 70% of Americans will need long-term care. Source Link
Convenience
beats security for many people when it comes to picking an online
password. A survey found that 55 percent of people said they used the
same password to access all or most of their Internet accounts. And one
in four people used passwords that were too easy to guess, such as
birthdays and their kids' names. Source Link
Living
heart-healthy might also keep you cancer-free. A new study found that
the same healthy habits that can prevent heart disease could also keep
cancer at-bay. That includes being active, maintaining a healthy weight,
keeping cholesterol and blood sugar under control and not smoking.
Source Link
A
little straight talk with your college-bound child can go a long way
toward keeping them from too much partying on-campus. A study found that
the most effective time to discuss underage drinking is the summer
before freshman year. Talking about moderation once the school year had
begun had little or no impact on drinking habits. Source Link
In
today’s social media world, the blind date isn’t so blind. A survey
found that nearly half of women research a date on Facebook before their
first meeting. The most popular way to arrange a first date was through
a friend, followed by use of an online dating site. Only 7% said they
meet a first date at a bar or club. Source Link
This
could be why those all-night fast food drive-thru windows are so
popular. A study found that lack of sleep can lead you to eat larger
portions of high-calorie foods and increase your long-term risk of
weight gain. Researchers say sleep deprivation increases food intake
regardless of whether a person feels full. Source Link
The
pop quiz isn’t just an effective tool in the classroom. A study found
that older adults who haven't been in school for a while learn just as
much from tests as do younger adults. And people of all ages learn more
when tested on material. Researchers say employers can use tests to
boost learning in the workplace. Source Link
This
may explain why listening to someone else’s cell phone calls seems so
annoying. A new study found that overhearing a live two-way conversation
as just one side of a cell phone call was significantly more
distracting. Researchers say the mind appears to be less able to tune
out cell phone conversations compared to two-person exchanges. Source Link
Want
to play with your dog in the name of science? That’s the idea behind
the “Dognition” project that’s recruiting people around the world to
take part in simple play experiments with man’s best friend. The
research could help answer questions about whether different dog breeds
really have different levels of intelligence. Source Link
Who
needs the gym when everyday life can be your exercise space? Health
experts say an active lifestyle can be as effective as structured
exercise in preventing high blood pressure, high cholesterol and risk factors associated with heart disease and type 2 diabetes. More walking can help many reach the suggested 30 minutes a day of exercise. Source Link
Pregnant
women would do well to watch their caffeine intake from coffee, sodas,
and even chocolate. A study found that women with higher daily amounts
of caffeine had longer pregnancies and babies who weighed less. The
current recommendation is no more than 16 ounces of coffee a day. Source Link
If
you’re trying to get over a breakup, resist the urge to write about it.
A study of recently divorced or separated people found that they had
more trouble moving on the more they journaled about it. Researchers say
the findings show that indulging your angst only prolongs your
suffering. Source Link
Free
access to the Internet is now nearly as important to library patrons as
borrowing books. A survey from the Pew Internet and American Life
Project also found that more people would like to try new technology
devices through their library and receive customized book and music
recommendations as they do from online retailers. Source Link
The
next miracle weight-loss product could come from the break room. A
study found that an extract made from raw green coffee beans promoted
weight loss in subjects who did not go on a diet. But don’t try to brew
up a smaller you -- researchers say the substance disappears after
coffee beans are roasted. Source Link
In
today’s keyboard world, you may curse the old days when you had to use
cursive, but some experts say handwriting could be good for your health.
Writing by hand uses motor-skills, memory, and more, and it’s good
cognitive exercise for baby boomers who want to keep their minds sharp
as they age. Source Link
If
you want your toddler to ace that math class in elementary school, give
them something to count now. New research shows that just memorizing
number order isn't enough. Instead, give your child things to count to
build the brain's ability to master the basics of mathematics that will
serve them well in school. Source Link
A
colorful diet can be an effective weapon against cancer, as experts say
many colorful fruits and vegetables provide cancer-fighting nutrients.
Apples can help prevent throat, mouth and lung cancer, while cranberries
have a natural substance that could inhibit leukemia. To get the most
benefit, remember to eat fruits and vegetables raw and with the skin on.
Source Link
Companies that pass on job applicants based on their Facebook posts may be missing out on some good employees. A study found no correlation between a worker’s conscientiousness on the job and whether they used Facebook to talk about partying. In fact, such people often had personalities that were the best for sales or marketing positions. Source Link
It may seem like the Internet is America’s first stop for news, but an old favorite remains our go-to source for what’s happening. A Gallup Poll found that 55% of Americans depend on TV for news, compared to 21% who go online first. Newspapers are the number-one news source for only 9% of Americans. Source Link
There’s a special summer road trip underway for what some are calling the automobile of the future. The makers of the three-wheeled Elio are showing off their vehicle that gets 84 miles to the gallon and seats two people tandem-style inside a cab complete with three airbags. The company is taking orders for the $7,000 vehicle that will go on sale next year. Source Link
Your life on Facebook just got easier to track. The social network is rolling out its new Graph Search feature that allows anyone to search public posts, photos and “likes.” If you’d rather not open your profile to the world, you can change privacy settings to limit who can see what you post on Facebook. Source Link
When it comes to saving the lives of stroke victims, every minute counts. A new study found the faster that patients were given blood clot-reducing treatments, the greater their chance of being able to walk out of the hospital. Researchers say even 15 minutes can make a difference and encourage people to call 9-1-1 at the first sign of a possible stroke. Source Link
It’s Christmas in July and the gift is a low price on your next TV. Experts say now is one of the best times to buy a television because retailers are trying to clear out current models. That’s because the new models arrive just in time for the return of the NFL football season in September. Source Link
If you’re hooked on sweets, cakes and other goodies, it may not be just a bad habit. New research found that refined carbohydrates can trigger cravings similar to drug use. Brain scans showed that corn syrup activates the same part of the brain that’s tied to reward and cravings, raising the appetite and the urge to eat. Source Link
There’s a new treatment to turn down the heat for the three out of four menopausal women who experience hot flashes. A study showed that the anti-depression drug paroxetine also works to reduce the discomfort . The FDA has approved a daily low-dose treatment for women who experience moderate to severe hot flashes. Source Link
A small New York community battered by Hurricane Sandy could represent the future of phone service. Verizon wants to replace its damaged telephone lines on Fire Island with an all-wireless system for homes and businesses. Critics say the switch will mean less-reliable service and an end to using fax machines and other phone line devices. Source Link
A lifelong hobby that keeps your brain active might lead to a long life without dementia. A new study found that people who read books, wrote letters or solved everyday problems through old age avoided memory loss. Researchers think the brain tasks helps to build channels that can work around the effects of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Source Link
Burning the midnight oil could leave you with more calories to burn off in the light of day. A study found that night owls are more likely to gain weight than people who get good sleep because they tend to graze the kitchen for junk food in the wee hours of the morning. People who stayed up until 4 a.m. consumed 550 more calories per day. Source Link
Imagine a weekly round-the-clock marathon on your computer or smartphone. It’s not really make-believe, because a new survey says the average American spends 23 hours a week emailing, texting and using social media.The habit is hard to break, but half of those questioned say they’re trying to cut back on their tech time. Source Link
American women are becoming moms later in life. The latest figures show that rates of teenage births and births for women in their early 20s are at all-time lows. The average age for first-time mothers is now 25. About 40 years ago, the average new mother was just 21 years old. Source Link
Food safety sometimes means just using common sense to avoid contamination and the risk of illness. When you’re barbecuing, don't put cooked meat back on the same plate that held the meat when raw. Don't put marinade that was used on raw meat on cooked food. And don’t taste milk to see if it’s gone bad. Source Link
What kid hasn’t had a sip of beer from their parent’s glass or can? Not many. A new study found that one-third of 8-year olds have tasted alcohol, and that jumps to two out of three kids by age 12. It’s a concern for some because studies have shown that childhood sipping can predict an early start of drinking by age 14 or younger. Source Link
Online privacy rules for kids have updated into the age of social media. The new rules now require websites and phone apps that collect photos or geo-location data from children to obtain express permission from parents. Some worry that the new limits will push more kids to try to lie their way onto websites that bar anyone under age 13. Source Link
Millions of older Americans with diabetes will be saving money on their testing supplies with a new Medicare program. It requires beneficiaries to order their supplies through a national mail-order program or a Medicare-approved pharmacy. Co-pays will drop from about $15 a month to just under $5 a month. Source Link
Trees do more than provide shade and natural beauty -- they may also save lives. A new study found that trees in major U.S. cities filter enough fine particle pollution from the air to prevent some deaths from lung disease. Researchers say the findings may lead to more strategic planting of trees, perhaps near roadways to help offset pollution from cars. Source Link
As the skies light up in celebration of Independence Day, it’s also prime time for fireworks injuries. And it’s not just big bangs that are to blame, because the second-leading cause of fireworks injuries is the sparkler. Experts advise keeping a bucket of water or garden hose nearby if you plan to light up your holiday with fireworks. Source Link
You would think most adults have mastered walking and talking, but the cellphone is making the practice downright dangerous. New figures from hospital emergency room visits show that pedestrians are becoming more likely to be injured while using a cellphone. And people who are walking are more likely to have close calls with cars if they are using their cellphones. Source Link
Many people see their dogs as their babies, and now there’s scientific proof that the comparison is valid. Researchers found that dogs are dependent on their human caregivers just as babies are to a parent. Both dogs and babies can be indifferent to another human, even when treats are offered by a stranger. Source Link
Helping your baby learn to talk takes more than just a steady stream of words. New research found that parents who regularly linked words with objects in everyday settings had children with a better vocabulary by age four. The ability to provide non-verbal clues helps an infant figure out what words mean. Source Link
The last lingering effects of smoking may be among the most dangerous. Researchers have found that thirdhand smoke can cause significant genetic damage in human cells. Thirdhand smoke is the noxious residue that clings to virtually all surfaces after secondhand smoke has cleared away. Source Link
It’s a high-tech twist on the old trick of hiding a spare key for when you’re locked out. A new service allows you to store a digital copy of your key and make a new one at an automated kiosk simply by scanning your thumbprint. The service is being tested now in New York City and could go nationwide. Source Link
To help your teenager avoid obesity, don’t talk fat but do discuss healthy eating. A new study found that connecting food with fatness or talking about needed weight loss could encourage unhealthy eating habits in teens. Instead, experts say parents should focus on encouraging older children to eat a healthy diet. Source Link
Many Americans are getting low grades when it comes to proper use of their prescription medications. A national report card survey found that one in three people scored a “D” or an “F” for failing to take prescriptions as directed, forgetting refills, taking outdated medicine, or stopping a prescription too early. Mail order pharmacy customers were at the biggest risk. Source Link
Bringing that favorite smartphone game to your big-screen TV could be getting easier. Google is reportedly developing its own game console to play Android games across the living room. One company has already begun selling a $99 Android game console, and others are in the planning stages. Source Link
