December 31, 2014

A high-flying Christmas gift has the FAA worried about owners who don’t realize that a drone is more than just a toy. The agency has launched a website -- knowbeforeyoufly.org -- to educate new owners on how to pilot their drones safely and wisely. FAA rules do not allow drone flights for profit, near airports or around crowds, or any higher than 400 feet. Source Link

Can a hug a day keep the cold bug away? New research found that social contact like getting a hug can fight the stress which weakens your immune system. Those who got more hugs were less likely to succumb to the cold virus or experienced less-severe symptoms if they did come down with a cold. Source Link

Imagine a hearing aid the size of an eraser on a pencil. That’s the Nanoplug, a new device that’s invisible when placed in the ear and can help nine of out ten people who suffer hearing loss. An online effort raised over a quarter-million dollars for the first shipments of the Nanoplug that will sell for $399. Source Link

December 30, 2014

Are those daytime talk shows hosted by doctors more entertainment than good information? A study found that nearly half of the health advice given on “Doctor Oz” and “The Doctors” couldn’t be supported by scientific evidence. The worst advice usually involved dietary and nutritional claims. Source Link

Creative and puzzling were popular themes in top apps of 2014 for the iPhone and iPad. Apple’s favorite apps of the year were “Elevate: Brain Training” on iPhone and powerful image editor Pixelmator on iPad. The most downloaded apps in the iTunes store were Minecraft and the party game “Heads Up.” Source Link

That beer belly could literally be the death of you. A long-term study found that people with a big belly were more than twice as likely to die of sudden cardiac death, when the heart begins to beat erratically and shuts down blood flow to the brain. Sudden cardiac death is the cause of about half of all heart-related deaths. Source Link

December 29, 2014

The FDA is warning expectant parents to avoid storefront operations that offer “keepsake” baby ultrasounds. The agency says ultrasound scans should be done only when there is a medical need and only by medical professionals. The baby ultrasound video business has grown because there are generally no licensing requirements for use of the equipment. Source Link

That year-long wait for the next model of your favorite smartphone keeps getting shorter. It’s expected that Samsung will unveil its new Galaxy S6 phone next week at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The Galaxy S5 was revealed to the public in February of this year and went on sale in March. Source Link

There may be a reason why parents can’t get their kids to “friend” them on Facebook. A new report says teenagers are leaving the biggest social network in a trend that’s been growing for several years now. As Facebook drops in popularity for teens, services like Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram are getting more younger users. Source Link

December 26, 2014

You can get the creative juices flowing by putting one foot in front of the other. A study found that creative thinking improves while a person is walking and shortly thereafter.  Environment was not a factor because the improvement was seen whether people walked indoors or outdoors. Source Link

Does the price of your meal make the food taste better? A study found that people who ate the same item but paid a different price said it tasted better when it was more expensive. But researchers said the higher or lower pricing did not make a difference in how much people ate. Source Link

Keeping the peace with your family could mean a longer life. A study found that people who argue often with spouses and children had up to three times the risk of dying in middle age. It’s believed that higher levels of stress hormones and increased blood pressure from conflicts are factors in raising the risk for early death. Source Link

December 23, 2014

Most people don’t ask, but soon menus will be telling you how many calories are in that mixed drink or beer that you order with your restaurant dinner. New labeling rules will require chain restaurants to list the amount of calories in alcoholic drinks. That doesn’t include alcohol ordered at the bar and the wine list will still be guilt-free. Source Link

Childhood diseases aren’t kid’s stuff when they hit adults like the chicken pox suffered by actress Angelina Jolie and a mumps outbreak occurring among players in the NHL. Health experts say every child needs to be vaccinated but those protections can fade over time and adults often suffer more complications when a childhood disease hits later in life.  Source Link

Thumb warriors can rejoice -- the old school Blackberry is back. The new Classic model brings back the physical keyboard that made it the most popular phone for power users before the touchscreen smartphone conquered the market. The Classic Blackberry will be available through AT&T and Verizon. Source Link

December 22, 2014

You’ll have two ways to keep track of Old St. Nick on Christmas Eve. Google and the NORAD air defense system are each offering their own online Santa tracker and mobile apps. Google Maps has its Santa tracker in an extension for the Chrome browser and noradsanta.org is the website that uses Bing Maps to follow the jolly old elf. Source Link

The common cold breeds an uncommon number of myths about things like what causes it and how long it might last. Health experts say you can’t get a cold from not wearing a coat in chilly weather and a cold can last more than one week. And over-the-counter medicines won’t shorten a cold, but may relieve some symptoms. Source Link

A famous spoonful of sugar, a dose of hard reality from war, and a day for the ages are among the classic film moments being preserved for future generations by the Library of Congress. This year’s additions to the National Film Registry include the 1964 musical “Mary Poppins,” the World War Two epic “Saving Private Ryan,” the comedy “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off.” Source Link

December 19, 2014

High-tech smoking is overtaking the real thing for many teenagers. A report says more teens now smoke e-cigarettes than regular ones. Health experts are concerned that the switch to vaping could reverse decades of effort to drive down smoking rates for young people. Source Link 

A shocking celebrity death drove more people to the Internet than any other event in 2014. Google says the top trending search of 2014 was for actor-comedian Robin Williams, who took his own life in August. Other top search topics included Ebola, World Cup soccer, and the terror group ISIS. Source Link

If you’ve ever wondered why the waiting room at the doctor’s office never seems to have any good current magazines, there’s an answer. Researchers who kept track of reading materials in a waiting room found that new magazines didn’t last long. Those with multiple celebrity photos on the cover were taken home quickly by patients. Source Link

December 18, 2014

It may be America’s favorite sport, but half of all parents don’t want their sons playing it. A new poll found that 50 percent of Americans say they wouldn't want their son to play football. Experts think the trend could send the gridiron sport down the same path as boxing, which lost its popularity amid changing perceptions of brutality during the last half of the 20th Century. Source Link

Brain training is all the rage with people who want to stay sharp as they age, but experts doubt if those smartphone apps and computer games are having a long-term effect. Research shows that people who play brain games get better at them, but it’s hard to tell if those skills improve function in other aspects of life. Source Link

The drivers license is undergoing a high-tech makeover with a head-turning feature. The state of Iowa is ready to begin issuing a smartphone-based drivers license that will feature a rotating photo. The virtual license would be optional and available free in addition to a normal drivers license card you carry in your wallet. Source Link

December 17, 2014

Saving for college is taking a back seat to a bigger budget battle for many young parents. A new report says the average annual cost for infant day care was higher than a year of college tuition in 30 states. For parents of two children in the Northeast, Midwest and South, daycare is the top household expense. Source Link 

Want to reduce the stress in your life? Step away from the email app. A study showed that people felt less stress when they checked their email just three times a day, but they found it difficult to resist the temptation. Researchers say businesses may want to advise employees to reduce the number of times they check their email. Source Link

Depression is no laughing matter, but the treatment might be. Laughing gas has shown to be an effective treatment with quick results for severe depression. Researchers say laughing gas treatment might be very useful in patients with severe depression who are at risk for suicide and need help right away. Source Link

December 16, 2014

If you’re battling to lose that baby weight, you’re not alone. A study found that three-quarters of new mothers are heavier a year after giving birth than they were before becoming pregnant, and that leads to more obesity.  Nearly one-quarter of all new mothers were carrying more than 20 extra pounds. Source Link

Facebook is making it easier to find that fun video or interesting article that you saw recently in your feed. An improved search function will be kept relevant by pulling up only the posts made by the friends, pages and people you follow. The new search feature is available on desktop and mobile versions of Facebook. Source Link

There may be new scientific evidence to back up claims that using high fructose corn syrup in foods makes you eat more. Compared to the sucrose in sugar, researchers say fructose doesn’t do as good a job with brain areas that help control appetite and the motivation to eat. Source Link

December 15, 2014

If you’re scanning the ads online and in print looking for real deals on holiday gifts, you’re probably coming up short. A website that checks out those sales found less than one-percent of advertised holiday specials are real rock-bottom bargains. The biggest fib in many ads is the suggested list price that’s used to make a claim of big savings. Source Link

When it comes to germs, a trip to the public restroom is probably no worse than using the bathroom at home. A study found that the baddest bugs just don’t last very long on the cold, hard surfaces of a public restroom. Researchers still advise that you wash your hands after every visit to avoid bringing anything unwanted home with you. Source Link

Big sports, a deadly epidemic and a shocking celebrity death were among the most talked-about topics on Facebook this year. The social network says the World Cup, the Ebola outbreak and the suicide of actor-comedian Robin Williams fueled the most comments. The most talked-about movie of the year was the animated hit “Frozen.” Source Link 

December 12, 2014

If you who like to haggle a bit when you shop, you can now do it in one of the biggest online stores. Amazon is  offering a new feature to allow buyers to suggest a lower price. The option will be available on 150,000 items including sports and entertainment collectibles, collectible coins, and fine art. Source Link

The FDA is making it easier for pregnant women and nursing mothers to understand the risks and benefits of prescription drugs. A new labeling system will clearly explain the potential benefits and risks for the mother, the fetus and the breast-feeding child. The new labeling rules will take effect in six months. Source Link

When you’re waiting for important personal news, believe the old adage to "prepare for the worst, but hope for the best." Researchers who followed law school graduates waiting on bar exam results found that trying hard to not feel so anxious actually backfires. And those who had a harder time waiting fared better emotionally after the result, whether it was good news or bad. Source Link

December 11, 2014

The people who bring you the world’s favorite search engine also want to make it easier for Parkinson’s patients to enjoy a meal. Google’s new Liftware utensils use sophisticated technology to steady the shaking that can occur from hand tremors. The Liftware spoon starter kit is priced at $295. Source Link

Students who are cramming for college finals may want to crank up the classics, as in Beethoven and Bach. Research has shown that students perform better on a quiz when they listen to classical music during learning time. And listening to classical music has also been shown to lessen anxiety. Source Link

If you’re thinking of creating a real “12 Days of Christmas” gift blitz, it’s going to cost you more this year. The annual survey for giving all of the gifts from the classic holiday song pegs the total price tag at $116,000. Those six geese-a-laying rose in price by 50-percent, and seven swans-a-swimming are the most expensive set and will set you pack $7,000. Source Link

December 10, 2014

A favorite toy is fueling a growing number of visits to emergency rooms for kids. Foot-powered scooters are among the riding toys that account for nearly half of all injuries.  Experts say if you’re giving your child a ride-on toy, be sure to include a helmet. Source Link

Is your technology coming between you and the one you love? A survey found that 70-percent of women feel that smartphones, computers and TV are interfering with couples time. Researchers say people should set rules about when it’s appropriate to be using gadgets to avoid what they call “technoference.” Source Link

Here’s how a text message can keep you healthy. People who used blood pressure or cholesterol medicine were much less likely to miss a dose if they got a daily reminder via text message. About one-third of people don't take their medications as prescribed. Source Link 

December 9, 2014

You still need a flu shot, but this year’s bug is bedeviling the vaccination effort. Health experts say the flu shot isn’t very effective against the strain that’s hitting the hardest. They recommend anyone who begins to suffer flu symptoms should be treated with anti-viral drugs to avoid any serious complications. Source Link

A new report says more than half of babies are put to sleep with unsafe bedding. The CDC study found that  54-percent of babies sleep in cribs with blankets, pillows and other loose bedding that has been shown to dramatically raise the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Infants should sleep on their backs in a room warm enough for comfort without blankets. Source Link

You can say “goodbye” to deciphering those curly word combinations on websites to prove you’re a real person. Google has unveiled a new system that lets you confirm your humanity with a single mouse click. The technology analyzes at how the mouse moves toward that click box to determine if you’re real or a robot. Source Link

December 8, 2014

Is Man’s Best Friend really hearing what we say? New research has found that a dog’s brain processes human speech much like we do, gauging emotional tone with the right side and evaluating the meaning of words with the left side of the brain. But experts cannot prove that dogs understand everything that we say. Source Link

It may be a tough pill to swallow, but parents need to get over their fear of a young child’s cough. The FDA says you should avoid over-the-counter cold medicines for children under two because they aren’t effective and carry a risk of serious side effects. Usually that cough you hear is a good thing because it helps to clear mucus and protect the lungs. Source Link

The writing’s on the wall-mounted TVs in many American homes where more people are watching shows that stream online. A Nielsen report says 45-percent of Americans get some of their TV from streaming services like, Netflix, Hulu or Amazon. That viewership is growing, while live TV viewing from cable and satellite is beginning to shrink. Source Link

December 5, 2014

If you want your kids to eat better, get them into the kitchen. Experts say cooking programs and classes for children might help them develop long-lasting healthy habits. Kids between the ages of 5 and 12 who learned to cook ate more fruits and vegetables and were more willing to try new foods. Source Link

It’s a couch potato’s dream come true -- a drink that substitutes for exercise. The Nestle company says it has identified a compound that could be the first step to creating a consumable product that mimics the fat-burning benefits of exercise. But don’t ditch that treadmill piled with clothes just yet, because the final product could be years away. Source Link

Need an ugly Christmas sweater but can’t find something that hideous in your closet? The folks who run a popular online clothing rental service can come to the rescue. Rent the Runway is offering a collection of ugly Christmas sweaters that will set you back $15 plus shipping for four days of holiday embarrassment. Source Link

December 4, 2014

That midnight snack might be ruining your recall. Scientists who are investigating what happens when we sleep discovered that mice that ate during their normal sleep time scored worse on memory tests. Researchers say people may want to skip that trip to the fridge if they want their memory to work normally the next day. Source Link

The same technique used to remove tattoos could also work to eliminate some scars of adolescence. Laser treatments have been shown to reduce visible signs of acne scarring by up to 50-percent. Test subjects underwent six treatments using a lower-dose laser that’s similar to the type used to remove tattoos. Source Link

Now’s the perfect time to complete a purge that will clean out those old, unused toys before the kids get new holiday gifts. Experts suggest setting a top number of toys and then sorting all of them for those that you’ll keep, hand-down, or donate. A toy purge can be done before every birthday and before the holidays. Source Link

December 3, 2014

Girl Scout cookies are moving online with a new cyber option to sell those Thin Mints and Samoas. Girl Scouts can now sell and ship the cookies to friends and relatives around the country using a website. The program includes a mobile app along with a dedicated page for each girl who sells online. Source Link

It’s an age-old debate -- is it more sanitary to use paper towels on an air dryer in the rest room? Researchers say testing found that air dryers left many more germs floating around the sink area. The latest in high-speed jet-air dryers were the worst offenders and bacteria could be detected up to 15 minutes after its use. Source Link

Is the new  kid on the iPhone block cannibalizing sales of his big brother? This year will be the first with a decline in sales of the Apple iPad, and tablet sales are down for Android models too. Experts blame the popularity of larger phablet phones like the iPhone Plus and the fact the people replace tablets less often than phones. Source Link

December 2, 2014

First it was the “trick knee” and then “tennis elbow,” but now millions are at-risk for “text neck.” The condition is caused by muscle strain from staring at a smartphone for long periods of time with your head bent downward. Experts say it’s the equivalent of carrying a 60-pound weight around your neck. Source Link

Can a calorie-tracking smartphone app help you shed those extra pounds? A study found that most people who tried the My Fitness Pal app didn’t lose any more weight than those who used regular diet methods. Researchers say many people don’t want to commit to entering calorie counts for every meal and snack. Source Link

Move over Barbie -- there are some new queens of the doll world. The toys depicting the  female leads from the animated hit “Frozen” have taken the top spot on this year’s wish list for girls. The survey of parents who are shopping for holiday gifts found that the number-one toy for boys are Legos, which also headlined an animated film this year. Source Link

December 1, 2014

Soon you’ll be able to look at a menu and see what that meal costs your waistline. The FDA has approved new rules to require calorie counts for prepared foods sold at national chain restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, movie theaters and in vending machines. Americans eat about one-third of their calories away from home. Source Link

If you have a webcam, video baby monitor or home security camera that’s linked to the Internet, you may want to change the password. A Russian website is posting shots from cameras around the world without the owner’s permission. It’s happening because many people never change the default password that comes with the camera. Source Link
 
Contrary to the old saying, some seniors  may need to run before they can walk. A study found that jogging helps older people maintain their ability to walk. Those over 65 who jogged for 30 minutes three times a week were able to walk with the energy of someone in their 20s. Source Link