Scarring Childhood Leaves Scars

Considering the fact that I have been studying for my genetics exam for a few days now, I figured I would post about a new, interesting discovery made within the field of genetics.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for children to experience rough, sometimes traumatic times during their early lives. While many of these children suffer from damaging emotional problems, these traumatic experiences may be leaving even deeper, more severe scars. Researchers believe found that abused or bullied children tend to have shorter telomeres, structures found at the tip of chromosomes. The problem with shortening telomeres is that the length of one's telomeres is believed to be linked to how long you will live as well as health problems. Each time cells divide, telomeres reduce in size. Thus, as you age, your telomeres get shorter. Scientists are considering stress as an accelerator of telomere loss, leading to increased risk of developing diseases at an earlier age. For those who can relate to childhood violence or traumatic experiences, there is hope for a healthy future. Studies show that making healthful changes that reduce stress, such as eating healthy and exercising, can slow down the rate of telomere loss. With beach season quickly approaching, daily exercise and a healthy diet won't just get you in shape but give you even more years to enjoy the summer sun!

Scorching Summers

With the school semester coming to an end, students everywhere look forward to Summer. Students at Rutgers University countdown the days until they can kick back, layout, and enjoy the warm weather. Some may be unaware of just hot our Summers are becoming. Scientists studying climate change have observed that the high summertime temperatures are occurring much more frequently over the past few years. Research shows that the increasing frequency of summertime-average temperatures is consistent with the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. While some may believe these occurrences are due to the effects of natural climate variability, scientists believe that this trend directly relates to pollution of the air. Future climate models predict that rare summertime high temperatures will occur in over 50% of summers by the middle of this century. The South, Southwest, and Northeast are expected to experience the greatest increase in frequency of unusually hot summers. This prediction is based on the assumption of future emissions of carbon dioxide that have been being emitted heavily in these regions over the years. Carbon dioxide is one of the main causes of human-caused climate change. With this said, I ask the students ready to hit the beach one question. Can you take the heat?

Stressed About Finals?

It's that time of year again. Finals are approaching quickly. Poor hygiene, sleepless nights, and splitting headaches are starting to become more frequent. As the stress builds, many students tend to feel physically unwell. But why? Scientists says that stress has more of an impact on our health than we realize. As we try and deal with stress, our immune system begins to suffer. The body releases pro-inflammatory cytokines, or signaling proteins that promote inflammation. The problem with these molecules is not only do they decrease our body's ability to fight infection and heal wounds, but inflammation also increases risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases like Type 2 Diabetes. With Spring's beautiful weather also comes allergies. Stress contributes to an increased risk of allergies, worsening stressed students who suffer from pollen or other allergies. How do we avoid stress in such a stressful week? About.com provides 6 easy ways to help relax during finals week and get through the end of the semester. Personally, I have always found that exercise is a great stress reliever. The endorphins released during physical exercise not only make you feel good, but you'll feel better about yourself. Going into finals with confidence is one of the best ways to do well. Another tip not on the list is to make a reward system. Give yourself an incentive to get studying done, so you'll be able to stay focused and not give in to temptation. Follow these tips and you'll be sure to study away, stress free. Good luck!