October 31, 2014

Can eating healthy make you happy? New research found that people who ate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables had more vitality and satisfaction, and less stress. Eating fruits had the most impact, and the effects were stronger for women. Source Link

For older adults, an occasional drink might be the prescription for a better memory. Light alcohol consumption for people 60 and older who did not have dementia led to improved recall of events. The alcohol use may promote the growth of new nerve cells in the brain and increase brain chemicals associated with information processing. Source Link

You may want to think twice before you reach for a cup of coffee at the office. A study found that the communal coffee pot was a hot spot for spreading germs in an office. Researchers say you may want to adopt the habit of washing your hands after you pour that cup of coffee to avoid those nasty microbes. Source Link

October 30, 2014

Chocolate lovers might remember this -- a new study has linked a key ingredient in chocolate to improved memory. Cocoa flavanols reversed age-related memory decline in healthy older adults. But a typical chocolate bar won’t do the job and researchers don’t recommend that you stock up on sweets to boost your brain power. Source Link

If your aim is to always look good from hand to toe, daily nail trimming may do more harm. Experts say serious conditions such as ingrown nails can occur with poor daily trimming. If you must manicure or pedicure on a daily basis, choose a straight or slightly curved shape to minimize stress on nail growth. Source Link

Unlimited data was a big selling point in cell phone service and now it’s coming to cloud storage. Microsoft says it will offer unlimited online storage space for subscribers to its Office 365 cloud-based productivity suite. The uncapped storage space and Office 365 service will carry a price tag of $6.99 a month. Source Link

October 29, 2014

Drinking sugar-sweetened soda might be causing you to age faster. Researchers have found that a carbonated sugar-sweetened drink can affect metabolism and chromosomes much the same as smoking. A daily 8-ounce soda was linked to an additional two years of aging. Source Link

Many of today’s babies are getting an early start in the world of social media. A survey showed that 40-percent of mothers aged 18 to 34 have created social media accounts for their infants. Parents say it’s an easier way for friends and family to choose to see photos without overloading their own feeds with baby pictures. Source Link

That flashlight app on your Android phone could be shedding light on more than just what’s in front of you. A study by a cyber-security firm found that all of the top ten free Android flashlight apps collect unnecessary user data and some appear specifically designed to collect and expose your personal information. Source Link

October 28, 2014

It looks like there isn’t a “berry” good way to whiten your teeth. Experts say a popular homemade mix of baking soda and fruit such as strawberries doesn’t work as well as store-bought strips to brighten those pearly whites. The fruit mix only cleans the surface, but whitening strips penetrate into your teeth to break down stains. Source Link

Some dads-to-be may want to skip the java and reach for a stiff drink instead. A study found that mild alcohol use by would-be fathers might help boost the odds of pregnancy through in vitro fertilization. Coffee drinking was shown to hamper the success of fertility treatments. Source Link

If you’re carrying a new iPhone 6, you may not want to stash it in your jeans pocket. Reports claim that the white plastic strips on the back of the new iPhone can become stained by dye from denim. If you like to pocket your iPhone, you might need to use a protective case. Source Link

October 27, 2014

If you plan to indulge in some extra calories, why not make it something that’s better for your heart?  Researchers found that unsaturated fats in the diet improved cholesterol levels despite the extra calories and weight gain. Nuts are a good source of unsaturated fats. Source Link

Identity theft isn’t something that just happens online and experts have some advice on how to avoid becoming a victim. Using a mailbox with a lock and shredding of personal documents can prevent theft of bank or credit card statements. And don’t leave a wallet or purse in your car for thieves to spot, especially if you carry paycheck stubs in it. Source Link

How can public concerns about Ebola make Americans more healthy? The symptoms can mimic those of the flu, and experts think that might prompt more people who have the flu to get medical care and contain the spread of influenza. Up to 20-percent of Americans get the flu each year, but most won’t see a doctor. Source Link

October 24, 2014

Slow and steady weight loss may not always be the best way to win the battle of the bulge. A new study found that the rate at which you shed excess pounds has no bearing on whether or not those pounds will come back. A very low-calorie rapid weight loss diet can trigger the body to suppress hunger and speedy weight loss may also motivate people to stick with their diet. Source Link

It’s a heavyweight match between the big boys of the Android world. The latest version of the reigning champ the Samsung Galaxy Note faces competition from Google’s new Nexus 6 phablet. Both sport screen sizes of nearly six inches, 4K video recording and off-contract price tags of well over $600. Source Link

Breaking a bad habit of too much barking doesn’t have to mean using a shock collar for your dog. A veterinarian has developed a new system called the Hush Puppy that uses a bark-sensing collar combined with an automatic feeder. The longer the dog goes without barking, the more the feeder doles out food. Source Link

October 23, 2014

A favorite brain food might also help those who suffer from depression. Researchers say eating more fish high in Omega 3 could help the nearly half of people who don’t find relief with anti-depression medication. The next step is to see if eating more fish could help with treatments for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia. Source Link

Looking for premium cable TV programing without the cable? It’s coming soon. HBO says it will offer a streaming service to Internet subscribers beginning next year. It’s the first time that television’s top premium service will be offered to those who don’t have a cable or satellite subscription. Source Link

Keeping little trick-or-treaters safe starts with choosing the right kind of costume. Experts say skip the capes, dress trains, and dangling sleeves that can trip you up. And for DIY costumes, stick with with polyester, nylon, wool, and acrylic fabrics and avoid materials made of natural fibers like cotton balls that can be a fire hazard. Source Link

October 22, 2014

A good family meal could be a key to keeping kids at a healthy weight. A study found that positive, calm and friendly family meals might help a child avoid becoming overweight or obese. Researchers say regular, positive family meals provide a sense of stability that can influence a child's eating habits. Source Link

Facebook is launching a new feature to make it easy to notify friends that you’re safe during or after a natural disaster. The “Safety Check” tool uses your current location to see if you’re in an area affected by a natural disaster and will send  a notification asking if you’re safe. A “yes” answer will be shared with your Facebook friends. Source Link

How would you like a cell phone with a battery that can recharge in two minutes? Scientists say the technology is coming soon. They’ve tweaked the design of the standard lithium-ion battery to achieve the super-fast recharge. Because it uses existing technology, the speedy-charging battery could be available within a few years. Source Link

October 21, 2014

You can dial-up a clearer mind when you set the thermostat at home. A study found that you think best when the room is at an air temperature that makes you feel the most comfortable. Researchers believe that working in a comfortable temperature slows the use of energy required to do mental tasks. Source Link

Is the “five-second rule” safe to live by? It depends on where the food lands. Researchers found that a cookie or sticky food dropped on carpeting was unlikely to pick up much bacteria in just five seconds. But dropping the same food on a hard floor or outdoors had a higher risk of bacterial transfer. Source Link

A job that requires more brain work now could help keep you sharp long after retirement. A long-term study found that challenging jobs could enhance and protect mental functioning in later life. This included jobs with data analysis, developing objectives and strategies, making decisions, solving problems, evaluating information and thinking creatively. Source Link

October 20, 2014

Americans are feeding their appetite for tech gadgets at the expense of their stomachs. Nearly half of those surveyed have cut back on spending for food, as well as travel and health care, to afford technology. And more said that if they fell on hard financial times, the first bill they’d pay would be for their cell phone. Source Link

Women who are planning a family may want to step away from the fryer. A study found that regularly eating fried food before pregnancy may increase a woman's risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. The link between fried food and an increased risk of gestational diabetes was stronger with fried foods eaten in restaurants. Source Link

The FDA has approved a high-tech helmet designed to battle baldness. The iGrow uses low-level laser light to stimulate hair growth in men within six months or your money back. The $695 device includes headphones to let you listen to music, TV, or video games while you feed those follicles. Source Link

October 17, 2014

Experts are warning that one of the most dangerous places for a sleeping baby is a sofa. A study found that one in eight infant sleep-related deaths occurs on a sofa. Infants can fall asleep on the sofa when one parent is trying to feed the baby without disturbing the other, or as they watch TV while they are up with the baby overnight. Source Link

Can you chew gum and get ready for surgery at the same time? The answer is “yes.” A study found that there was no additional risk from chewing gum while fasting before surgery. You can’t eat or drink before surgery because food in the stomach can increase the risk of complications during anesthesia. Source Link

It’s official -- mobile devices now outnumber all the humans on earth. There are more than 7.2 billion active data cards that can power smartphones, tablets, and more on mobile networks. Some of the fastest growth is coming not from people using phones but from machines that use mobile networks to connect to the Internet. Source Link

October 16, 2014

Looking for a strategy to avoid overeating when you dine out? A study found that people ordered healthier foods if they sat by a window or in a well-lit part of the restaurant.  The closer a table was to a TV screen, the more fried food a person bought, and people sitting at high-top tables ordered more salads. Source Link

The MRI could become a new tool in early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers say an MRI test was able to pick up reductions in blood flow to a brain region linked to memory in healthy adults before the onset of symptoms. With more study, the technique might help to catch mental decline earlier. Source Link

The smartphone is a constant companion for most users, according to a new study. The average person picked up their smartphone about 1,500 times a week, or 220 times a day. The interaction is almost becoming unconscious, as two-thirds said they manage to log in and browse Facebook without thinking about it. Source Link

October 15, 2014

When it comes to counting calories, what you see is often what you eat. Experts say storing foods on counters where you can see them makes it likely you’ll indulge more often, so stash those sweets and cookies.  And in the fridge, wrap tempting leftovers in aluminum foil and use clear plastic wrap for healthy foods. Source Link

It might be a longer wait for a new bigger iPad, and you can blame it on the popularity of Apple’s new bigger iPhone. The company wants to offer a larger iPad, but suppliers say they’re too busy making screens for the new larger iPhone Plus. The production squeeze will likely push back the debut of a bigger iPad well into next year. Source Link

The old saying about New York being the city that never sleeps might really be true. Figures from the makers of the Jawbone Up fitness and sleep tracker show that users in New York City are the last to hit the sack, with average bedtimes near Midnight. The early-to-bed crowd can be found in Hawaii, where people in Honolulu typically call it a day around 10:30 p.m. Source Link

October 14, 2014

This could be good news for many home budgets. An Energy Department forecast calls for a less severe winter and lower heating costs for most Americans. Natural gas and electric heating bills will be slightly less, with the bigger savings for those who heat with oil and propane. Source Link

It isn’t just prescription drugs that can lead to dangerous drowsy driving. The FDA is warning that nonprescription antihistamines, anti-diarrheals, and anti-nausea medications can impair your ability to drive. Carefully read the labels of nonprescription medicines before you take them, especially if you know you're going to be driving. Source Link

A new online service can give you a replacement house key with a click of your smartphone camera. Keysduplicated.com uses a photo of your key to make a perfect duplicate. But some are concerned that the service could also make it easier for criminals to break in using keys made from sneaky snapshots. Source Link

October 13, 2014

There may be a biological reason why people think of their pets as their children. MRI testing found that subjects had the same brain activity when looking at photos of their children and their dogs. Images of pets and children triggered the same brain areas associated with reward, relationships and social interaction. Source Link

Your old family sedan may be the key to what you buy for yourself. A study found that young people are 39 percent more likely to buy a particular brand of automobile if their parents bought that brand. The findings could point automakers to market more toward middle-aged buyers in hopes of nabbing their children later. Source Link

America’s retailers are expecting a happier holiday at the cash register, with sales increasing at the highest rate since 2011. But they’re also expecting shoppers to be on the hunt for bargains, so discounting will be a key factor. Seasonal hiring could also mean up to 800,000 temporary jobs in stores and delivery companies. Source Link

October 10, 2014

Those voice-activated infotainment systems in cars today may be driving people to distraction. New studies have shown  that most of the systems are so error-prone and complex that they require more concentration than traditional equipment. Apple’s Siri system ranked the worst among those used in automobiles. Source Link

Pumping iron can help your muscles and your memory. A study showed that a few days of 20-minute weight lifting workouts boosted long-term memory in healthy adults. Researchers say aerobic exercises such as running can improve memory, but the results take months to show up in testing. Source Link

What happens in Vegas apparently makes it the world’s most popular honeymoon destination, according to a Facebook study of newlywed check-ins. Las Vegas was the number-one international honeymoon spot, followed by Maui and Honolulu Hawaii. For Americans, Maui, St. Lucia and Honolulu topped the list. Source Link

October 9, 2014

Is your love of java a matter of genetics? Scientists say “yes” and have identified a number of genes that can modify caffeine’s effect on your health, including cholesterol levels and blood sugar. Researchers say the findings could someday help doctors identify patients who need extra help in cutting down on coffee if recommended. Source Link

It seems like using a smartphone is a dangerous habit when combined with almost any kind of transportation. A survey found that 40 percent of teens say they’ve been hit or nearly struck by a car or bike while walking. In many of those cases, young people were listening to music, texting or browsing websites on a phone while crossing a street. Source Link

Choosing healthy foods doesn’t just benefit your waistline because it can help your mouth too. Protein and calcium-rich dairy foods can strengthen teeth and high-fiber fruits and vegetables and clean your mouth. And drinking water versus sweetened juices and sodas reduces your exposure to cavity-causing sugar. Source Link

October 8, 2014

Coffee might work, but turning up the music isn't the answer to staying awake behind the wheel. Testing showed that caffeine could improve alertness and driving ability for those who were fatigued. But music can be distracting and did not contribute to driving performance for those who were tired. Source Link 

To give kids a brain boost, send them outside to play after school. A study found that children improved their attention skills, were better able to switch between ideas, and were less distracted after one hour a day of physical activity. The results showed that playing in groups was part of the benefit. Source Link

First, it was a new model of world’s most popular smartphone, and now Apple is ready to unveil the latest edition of its top tablet. An event next week will feature the new iPad Air that should hit stores just in time for holiday shopping. Some reports say the iPad Air 2 will include a fingerprint ID feature. Source Link

October 7, 2014

Could eating right help to cure a disease? An animal study found that a healthy dietary fat that's in olive oil can restore heart health. The fat called oleate brought about an immediate improvement in how the hearts contracted and pumped blood. The next step is to duplicate the animal tests in humans. Source Link

The all-you-can-watch streaming video buffet known as Netflix is becoming a big part of the day for millions of Americans. The company says its average subscriber watches about 90 minutes of Netflix programming daily. Regular TV viewing still averages about five hours per day. Source Link

Learning online can be just as effective or even better than teaching that takes place in a classroom. Researchers compared students of an online MIT physics course to those who took the same class on campus. The learning was the same in both settings for students, including those who were less prepared before taking the class. Source Link

October 6, 2014

If you’re living with a smartphone that has dings, scratches and cracks, you’re not alone. A survey found that half of all people are using a damaged cell phone, but only about 10-percent of them are coping with a cracked screen. The typical repair cost is $144, which is quite a bit more than the price tag for a protective case. Source Link

People who suffer from Alzheimer’s may lose their memory of events, but can hold on to the emotions they feel from it. A study showed that feelings of happiness and sadness lingered even if there was no memory of what caused them. Researchers say it’s more evidence that positive interactions are important for Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers. Source Link

Can an apple a day help keep obesity away? Nondigestible compounds found in Granny Smith apples can change gut bacteria for the better. The discovery could help prevent some of the disorders associated with obesity such as low-grade, chronic inflammation that can lead to diabetes. Source Link

October 3, 2014

Can all work and no play increase your risk of diabetes? It may depend on the job. An international study found that people who worked more than 55 hours a week at manual labor or lower-skilled jobs were 30 percent more likely to develop diabetes. Researchers say people who work long hours may have less time for exercise and adequate sleep. Source Link

The personality of your spouse may affect your career success. People who were married to someone with a "conscientious" personality -- reliable, well-organized and self-disciplined -- were more successful at work. Having a conscientious spouse might mean having less personal burden in managing the household. Source Link

If you’re feeling blue, maybe you should eat your greens. A study found that eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day boosted mental health. And researchers say that mental well-being can also help in the prevention of some of the major diseases such as cancer and heart problems. Source Link

October 2, 2014

You can beat the blues by stepping into the outdoors with some company. A study found that taking nature walks with other people may lower your stress levels and reduce your risk of depression. Researchers say walking is an easy form of exercise and may also be a very powerful stress buster. Source Link

Some in Congress want to safeguard your right to issue a one-star review online. Legislation would outlaw companies from including a clause in terms of service that prohibits you from posting a poor review. Experts say such rules are being been used by professionals including doctors, dentists and architects. Source Link

Teaching kids the fundamentals of sports includes educating them about the way to avoid injuries. Experts say aches and pains might signal an undiagnosed sports injury, and playing through the pain could make it even worse. That’s why young athletes should always tell a parent or a coach about any pain they’re experiencing. Source Link

October 1, 2014

A handful of healthy habits can add up to an 80-percent lower risk of heart attack for men. A study found that staying away from tobacco lowered heart disease risk in men by 36 percent. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and low-fat dairy was a big bonus too, along with keeping the waistline under 37 inches and limiting yourself to two drinks a day. Exercise was a minor factor. Source Link

Banning electronics from your kid’s bedroom can help them get a good night’s sleep. Those bright screens and beeping alerts can break a sleep cycle fast and cost an average of an hour’s shut-eye each night. Experts suggest that phones and tablets be recharged elsewhere and TV watching ends at least an hour before bedtime. Source Link

Checking your closet can help you determine your risk for breast cancer. A study found that women who go up a skirt size every decade between their 20s and their 60s may be at increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Skirt size reflects abdominal fat, and some believe that’s an important factor in cancer risk. Source Link