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A Super Bowl commercial draws tens of millions of viewers and costs millions of dollars, but it may not a good way to drum up new business. A viewer survey found that 80-percent of last year’s Super bowl ads didn’t help to increase sales of the product or service. Super Bowl commercials are more memorable, but viewers often don’t attach the brand name to the memory. Source Link
Your smartphone can do lots of things, and soon it may be able to open your hotel room. The Starwood chain is testing a new hotel door lock that uses Bluetooth technology to unlock by connecting to an app on your smartphone. Designers say the unique code for the lock would only be stored in your phone to prevent anyone else from accessing it. Source Link
Thanksgiving may be the busiest travel period of the year for Americans, but this week marks the world’s biggest travel holiday. In China, an estimated 1.8 billion people were expected to travel home for the annual Spring Festival. The celebration culminates on January 31st with the arrival of Chinese New Year. Source Link
This could be the prescription for bigger sales of this year’s hottest wearable tech. Google is partnering with the nation’s biggest provider of vision insurance to cover the purchase of prescription lenses and custom frames for Google Glass. That would add $375 to the $1500 price tag for the computer glasses that let you browse the web on a tiny screen just above your eye. Source Link
Is a strong marriage something you can feel in your bones? A new study found that men who were married for the first time after age 25 had stronger bones that those who never married. Women who said they had supportive spouses also had better bone health.Experts say social factors can contribute to good habits that promote bone health. Source Link
To prevent a cold, you should take matters into your own hands, and get more Z’s. A new study found that frequent hand washing and taking zinc supplements were the most useful weapons to fight colds. For treating a cough from a cold, one of the most effective remedies was a dose of honey before bedtime. Source Link
Food nutrition labels may be getting an overhaul. The FDA is considering proposals to change what is listed and how it appears. One change could be to show calorie counts in bolder type, while others say the food industry should re-think portion sizes to make them bigger and more realistic for the average person. Source Link
It seems like texting doesn’t mix well with many forms of transportation. A new study found that texting while walking affects head and body posture and can make it harder to keep your balance. Just looking at the screen on your cell phone while walking had a similar effect, but not as bad as when texting. Source Link
Can babies be hard-wired to have a higher risk of obesity based on their mother’s eating habits late in pregnancy? A new study using mice found evidence that could suggest that a high-fat diet in the third trimester of pregnancy will affect the part of the brain that regulates metabolism. Even non-obese mothers may potentially be putting their children at risk. Source Link
Could enjoying a chocolate-dipped strawberry with a glass of tea be a prescription to fight diabetes? A new study found that women who ate foods high in flavones, such as red or blue-colored berries, herbs, and chocolate had lower insulin resistance and less inflammation, which has been linked to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Source Link
Fans of the iPhone may have a choice between “bigger” and “biggest” when Apple unveils it’s new model this year. Reports say the iPhone 6 could come in two sizes, with a 4.5-inch screen and an iPhone with a 5-inch screen. And the colorful plastic cases of the iPhone 5C are reportedly being dropped. Source Link
Cutting down the drama in the office could be as easy as dimming the lights. A study found that bright light intensifies emotional responses, and dimming the lights had a calming effect on people. Researchers say that while bright light on a sunny day can make some people feel better, it can also make people who are already depressed feel worse. Source Link
Which commercials are you looking forward to seeing during the Super Bowl? A survey found that viewers are most excited about the upcoming ads for Dorito’s, Coca-Cola, Hyundai and M&M’s. The $4 million price tag for a commercial may not pay off for brands like Dannon Oikos and TurboTax that ranked near the bottom of the list. Source Link
That swing shift may be murder on your genes. A new study found that people who sleep during the day disrupt the activity in about one-third of the body’s genes, and that could contribute to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Researchers say that shifted sleep was worse that no sleep at all. Source Link
There’s a new winner atop the list of worst passwords. A company that looks at data breaches found that “123456” is now the most common password, followed by “password.” Other still-popular passwords that should never be used include “12345678,” “qwerty,” “abc123” and “logmein.” Source Link
There’s new evidence that points to the value of pregnant women getting the flu vaccine. A report says the incidence of flu was cut in half for pregnant women who were vaccinated. A flu shot has also been shown to provide some immunity to the newborn child during the first six months of their lives. Source Link
It’s no guarantee of happiness, but wedding insurance is becoming a popular way to take the financial risk out of expensive plans to say “I do.” The protection can cover the cost of everything from no-show limousines to meeting halls that shut their doors. There are even policies to protect against loss from a wedding cancelled by runaway bride or groom. Source Link
A perfect set of picks in March Madness will be worth a billion dollars. Quicken Loans and Warren Buffet’s investment company are teaming up for the “Billion Dollar Bracket Challenge” that offers the top prize to anyone who picks every winner in the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. If there’s more than one perfect entry, the prize will be split. Source Link
If the risk of lung cancer isn’t enough reason to quit smoking, a new Surgeon General’s report has more ills that can be linked to the habit. Diseases caused by smoking can include diabetes, arthritis, macular degeneration, and erectile dysfunction.The report also concludes that exposure to secondhand smoke is known to cause strokes in non-smokers. Source Link
Are your plans for when to retire based on how long your parents lived? A new study says that’s the case for many people, and it’s a problem because lifespans have grown longer in the past generation. That could mean people will be living longer in retirement with less financial resources. Source Link
We’ve all experienced it when a parent rolls through all of their kid’s or even the dog’s name before getting the right one. A new study says it’s more likely when names sound alike, with first letters or last syllables that are similar. As for the dog, researchers say it can happen when the pet was the last family member that the parent spoke to. Source Link
It looks like those Internet-connected home appliances may not be so smart after all. Investigators have found the first evidence of smart TV’s and refrigerators being infected with viruses that allow the device to be used by hackers to send spam emails. Experts say many smart appliances are set up with default passwords that are easy to break. Source Link
Young people seem to have better memories because they’re remembering in HD. Testing found that young and older people had about the same ability to store memories, but people in their early 20’s recall images in higher definition, meaning they can remember details better. Source Link
What’s the best winter health tip to avoid illness? Step to the sink as often as possible. Experts say frequent hand washing is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy. Regular soap in cold or warm water will work, but be sure to wash for at least 30 seconds, and use lotion to avoid chapped hands, which can make it easier for germs to invade. Source Link
There’s a drive to put a simple lifesaving medical device in every school. A new federal law offers a financial incentive to states that require schools to stock epinephrine pens that are used as an antidote for allergic reactions to food. About one in four first-time food-allergy reactions happens at school. Source Link
Brain training for the elderly can have lasting benefits long after the programs are completed. A new study found that problem-solving and quick-reaction training stuck with participants for up to 10 years. The training did not help long-term with memory skills, and researchers say brain training cannot reverse the effects of dementia that’s already occurring. Source Link
What
do most people consider to be a full life? A new survey found that the
median ideal lifespan would be 90 years, or about 11 years longer than
the typical life expectancy. But enough is enough -- about six out of
ten people say they would not be interested in treatments that would
slow aging and extend life perhaps to 120 years old. Source Link
That morning cup of wake-up may also tune up your memory. A new study found that the caffeine in coffee enhances certain memories for up to 24 hours after it's consumed. But you might need to switch to a grande size, because at least 200 milligrams of caffeine was needed to enhance memory consolidation. Source Link
Tens of millions of drivers are on a first-name basis with their cars. A new survey found that one in five people give their car a nickname, with women twice as likely as men to name their cars. The most popular nicknames for cars were “Baby”, “Betsy” and “Bessie.” Source Link
Want to get your kid’s to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day? There’s an app for that. The free Toothsavers app combines mobile gaming with practical incentives for good dental hygiene. When kids use a timer function to measure their daily brushing, the app rewards them with new levels of a built-in game. Source Link
There’s a new push to have smartphones equipped with a “kill switch” to take the profit motive out of thefts. A California legislator is proposing a state law to require a kill switch built into phones sold there. Apple and Samsung say they have such technology ready for their phones, but U.S. carriers won’t agree to implement it. Source Link
Before you worry about computers taking the place of the human brain, consider this. Researchers used the world’s fourth most powerful supercomputer to simulate brain activity. The computer that has 700,000 processor cores and 1.4 million gigabytes of RAM needed 40 minutes to process what the brain can accomplish in just one second. Source Link
With all the concern over security breaches affecting shoppers at the nation’s biggest retailers, what can you do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft? Experts say you can review your credit report for free up to three times a year, and use credit cards versus debit cards for less risk to your money. And remember to shred any card offer that comes in the mail before throwing it away. Source Link
Could there be a simple solution to one of the biggest slowdowns of air travel? Researchers say they’ve found a faster way to board the plane when seats are assigned based on carry-on luggage. Tests showed that there were fewer bottlenecks in the aisles when each row included a mix of people with and without carry-ons that need to be stowed in overhead bins. Source Link
Eating out often means filling up for the whole day in one sitting. A new study showed that the typical restaurant meal with a beverage and dessert weighed in with all the daily calories needed for the average adult. Every so-called “healthy” entrees were often high in sodium and low in fiber. Source Link
It’s something that you touch hundreds of times each day, and now your smartphone screen could clean itself. The maker of touchscreens for many of the world’s most popular phones has unveiled a new antimicrobial glass. Designers say a special chemical coating can kill over 90-percent of germs on the surface. Source Link
If dieting is on your New Year’s to-do list, a meal plan designed to lower high blood pressure is getting top marks. The DASH diet was rated best for healthy outcomes by experts at U.S. News. Weight Watchers was the number-one commercial diet plan for weight loss and the easiest to follow. Source Link
Will the tone of best-selling books in 2020 reflect the economic miseries of the Great Recession? A study that scanned the the words in millions of books published in the last century found that tough times were reflected in works written about a decade later. The theory is that difficult childhood experiences affect authors in adulthood. Source Link
We’ve all heard how sitting too long is bad for your health, and now there’s a desk that tries to get a rise out of you. The Stir Kinetic Desk keeps track of your sitting time and nudges up to encourage you to use its motorized stand-up setting. The high-tech hint doesn’t come cheap, as the desk will sell for about $3,900. Source Link
Here’s another good reason to get your teen off the couch. A new long-term study found that people who are aerobically fit as teenagers are less likely to have a heart attack in middle age. Cardiovascular exercise as a teen even appears to help people who become obese later in life. Source Link
It’s a first in the search for an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say vitamin E might slow the progression of mild-to-moderate dementia. High doses of the vitamin delayed the decline in daily living skills, and for some people that could make the difference between living independently or needing a nursing home. Source Link
Most of us are suffering side effects from staring at so many screens. A new survey found that 70% of people report dry eyes, blurry vision, or neck and shoulder strain. Experts say eye problems can occur because people don’t blink as often when looking at a screen and don’t look away enough, which allows your eyes to re-focus and ease the strain. Source Link
If quitting smoking is one of your New Year’s resolutions, having a coach will improve your odds of success. A new study found that smokers who work with a counselor specially trained to help them quit are three times more likely to kick the habit than those who only use medications or nicotine patches or gum. Source Link
A new study claims the most common form of knee surgery may be no better than physical therapy for most people. Researchers found similar outcomes after conducting fake surgeries to repair a torn cartilage in the knee. The exceptions were when surgery was done on a younger person or someone who suffered an acute sports injury. Source Link
The cure for stagefright might be getting more excited rather than trying to calm down. Researchers say test subjects performed better by telling themselves they were excited rather than trying to talk themselves into calming down before a speech. The difference is that being excited focuses on the positive instead of worrying about what could go wrong. Source Link
If you’re an older heavy smoker, there’s a test that you should add to your annual health checkup. A government panel says annual CT lung scans are recommended for anyone who has smoked a pack-a-day for 30 years and is over the age of 55. The screening could prevent as many as 20,000 deaths a year from lung cancer. Source Link
Slow and steady might help you beat the battle of the bulge. A new study found that eating more slowly can significantly reduce how much people eat in a single sitting. Experts say slower eating allows more water intake and helps people to better sense their feelings of hunger and fullness. Source Link
The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is featuring lots of tech that you can wear. Look for more fitness trackers and smart watches that will pair-up with your smartphone to deliver information about how active you are and what kind of sleep you’re getting. Wearable tech is also going to the dogs with a new pet collar that feeds the owner canine health information and location data. Source Link
Keeping with a daily routine may be the key to a good night’s sleep. A new study found that people who went to work and ate dinner around the same time every day typically slept better and woke up fewer times during the night. The particular time didn’t matter as much as keeping with the same schedule. Source Link
A real world study confirms that a cellphone in hand is a recipe for big trouble behind the wheel. Researchers say drivers whose cars were equipped with cameras and sensors had a higher risk for a crash or a near-miss while texting, dialing, or just holding a cellphone.Younger drivers were more likely to drive distracted. Source Link
Can Fido really recognize the face of his master? Scientists say new testing shows that a dog can identify a familiar face among a sequence of photos. But man isn’t their best friend, as the same study showed that dogs prefer looking at pictures of other dogs most of all. Source Link
If your power bills have been lower you weren’t alone, as 2013 should mark America’s lowest electric consumption in 12 years. Experts say the drop in power usage is the result of better insulated homes, more energy-saving appliances, and the growing use of energy-efficient lighting. Even the popularity of tablets is saving electricity compared to browsing on a big desktop computer. Source Link
There could be a biological reason why kids battle with bedtime. Experts say a child’s body clock may not be in-sync for sleep. Cues such as yawning and rubbing eyes are a good sign, but bright lights and electronics use can scuttle the natural sleep cycle, so avoid any screens for at least an hour before bedtime. Source Link
When it comes to social media, women love Pinterest, young people dig Instagram, and most everyone is on Facebook. The findings of the latest annual survey show that 71-percent of online adults use Facebook, or three times more than any other site. LinkedIn connects about one out of five people, and Pinterest is the fastest growing social network, followed by Instagram. Source Link
If you’re at-risk for diabetes, how far would you go to cut your risk of heart attack? How about 2,000 steps? A new study claims that walking 20 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack for pre-diabetics. The benefits of extra walking appeared regardless of a person's weight or other level of activity. Source Link
Can a good night’s sleep improve your golf game? Researchers found that golfers who were treated for sleep apnea lowered their handicap after six months of treatment using a positive airway pressure device at night. Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk for hypertension, cardiac disease and death. Source Link
There are many ways to watch video these days, but one location remains the hub for TV viewing. The streaming video service Hulu says the living room is still the place where most subscribers watch programs, whether they’re using a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or watching through a set-top box connected to the TV. Source Link
It’s the start of a new era in home lighting, as the new year brings a ban on the manufacture of 40-watt and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs. Stores can sell remaining stocks, and some expect people will stock up before supplies are gone. It’s all part of a five-year old law designed to save energy by encouraging use of compact fluorescent or LED lighting. Source Link
There’s new evidence that could link brain concussions with dementia. A study found that people who suffer concussions may be at a higher risk of developing plaques on the brain that are found with Alzheimer’s. A number of pro athletes who had multiple brain concussions have been found to suffer from dementia. Source Link
Mr. Mom isn’t a myth these days, as a new survey says today’s dad’s are heavily involved with hands-on parenting. Nine out of ten fathers say they help with bathing, dressing or feeding their children, and two out of three took kids to activities or read to them at least several times a week. The number of stay-at-home fathers doubled since the last survey in 2000. Source Link
