Thursday, January 15, 2015

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

How to Overcome Shyness

Edited by Ben Rubenstein, Rhiana F, Serena Greenslade, Nicole Willson and 107 others

Five Parts:Help with Shyness Understanding Your Shyness Conquering Your Mind Conquering Social Situations Challenging Yourself

Does the simple thought of talking in front of people make you want to stick your head out the window after a shower in hopes of getting a cold? If so, you are far from alone. Many people in the world suffer from mild to extreme shyness and are struggling to overcome it. Remember that breaking out from that shell doesn't magically happen overnight. It takes time, effort, and of course, the desire to change. You're on the right track by just being on this page -- now let's keep going.

Help with Shyness

Sample Ways to Overcome Shyness

Sample Ways to Build Confidence

Part 1 of 4: Understanding Your Shyness

1
Think about the root of your shyness. Shyness doesn't necessarily equate to being introverted or not liking yourself. It simply means that for some reason you get embarrassed when the spotlight hits you. What's the root of your shyness? It's generally the symptom of a larger problem. Here are three possibilities:
- You have a weak self-image. This happens when we evaluate ourselves and that voice in our heads is negative. It's tough to stop listening to it, but at the end of the day it's your voice and you can tell it what to say.
- You are preoccupied with how you come off. This happens when we focus too much on ourselves. Because we spend all day monitoring our actions and making sure we don't mess up, we assume everyone else is too. We'll talk about turning the focus on others if this sounds like you.
- You are labeled as shy by others. Sometimes, when we're little, we're shy. Unfortunately, people latch onto that and treat us as such, even when our personalities grow out of it. It's possible that others have lumped you into this category and you're trying to accommodate them. The good news? You only have to accommodate yourself.
  - Whatever your reason, it's doable to get over it. They're all ways of thinking and thinking is the one thing you have control over. Yes!
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2
Accept your shyness. One of the first step to overcome your shyness is try to accept your shyness and be comfortable with it. The more you will resist it unconsciously or consciously, longer it will prevail. If you are shy then accept it and embrace it totally. One way it could be done is by saying to yourself repeatedly 'Yes I am shy and I accept it'.
3
Figure out your triggers. Do you become shy in front of new audiences? When learning a new skill? When venturing into a new situation? When surrounded by people you know and admire? When you don't know anyone somewhere? Try to pinpoint the thoughts that go through your head right before the shyness hits.
- Odds are not all situations make you shy. You're okay being around your family, right? How are they that different than the strangers around you? They're not -- you just know them better and what's more, they know you. It's not you, it's just the situations you're in. This proves that it's not a global, 100% of-the-time thing. Excellent.
4
Make a list of situations that make you feel anxious. Order them so that those things that cause you the least anxiety are first and those that cause you the most anxiety are last. When you put things in concrete terms, it feels like a task you can tackle and tackle successfully.
- Make them as concrete as possible. "Talking in front of people" may be a trigger, but you can get more specific. Talking in front of those who have more authority than you do? Talking to those you find attractive? The more specific you are, the easier it will be to identify the situation and work through it.
5
Conquer the list. Once you have a list of 10-15 stressful situations, start working through them, one-by-one (after you read the article, of course). The first few "easier" situations will help build your confidence so that you can continue moving to more difficult situations on your list.
- Don't worry if you have to go backwards on the list sometimes; take it at your own pace, but make an effort to push yourself.

Part 2 of 4: Conquering Your Mind

1
Use this shyness as a Cue. Whatever inside you that triggers shyness is because we perceive it as a trigger for shyness. Its like computer programming when in a 'program' gets a certain type interrupt it behaves in the same way how we have programmed it to handle interrupts. Similarly our mind can be programmed too. Think a little deeper we were programmed since our childhood, to react to certain stimuli like stay away from strangers, heights, dangerous animals etc. However for certain stimuli our reactions are default, means we perceive them and react in a way which comes naturally to us (by default) and this reaction could be flawed. For example When people see a lizard some would it as an ugly reptile, while some would perceive it as a beautiful pet, this could be because of their natural(by default) reaction or response to the stimuli(lizard). In the same way when shy people see people(stimuli) your natural response is shyness. The truth is that you can change this response by re-programming your mind. Some ways this could be done by...
- Questioning yourself and checking the validity of your reasons. For example
  
  .
- Its essential that you practice speaking in public to really overcome the problem of shyness. Try to see this shyness as a Cue to push yourself hard and to do the opposite of what you have been doing when you feel shy. When you feel shy in public you probably leave to another quiet place because this has been your default reaction for so long but this time when you feel shy, push yourself and do the opposite I.E talk to people. Yes you will feel extremely uncomfortable and negative but again see these emotions as a trigger to push yourself even harder. More the magnitude of these negative emotions, the harder they will motivate you to push yourself. After trying this for several times you will realize that these negative feelings and emotions were actually your good friends because they motivated you to push yourself even harder.
2
Place your attention on others. For 99% of us, we become shy when we think if we speak up or stand out, we'll embarrass ourselves. That's why it's important to focus on others, placing our (mental) attention elsewhere. When we stop focusing on ourselves, we stop being able to be worried how we come off.
- The easiest way to do this is to concentrate on compassion.^[1] When we're feeling compassionate, sympathetic, or even empathetic, we stop being concerned about ourselves and start devoting all our mental resources to understanding others. Remembering that everyone is fighting some sort of battle -- big or small (big to them!) -- helps us remember everyone deserves our care.
- If that doesn't work, imagine a thinking pattern like you imagine other people have. If you're worried about how you look, you're assuming everyone else is outwardly focused (hint: they're actually not). Thinking patterns are contagious; once you start, you won't be able to stop.
3
Visualize success. Close your eyes and visualize a situation where you might be shy. Now, in your mind's eye, think about being confident. Do this often, and for different situations. This is most effective if you do this daily, especially in the morning. It might feel silly, but athletes use visualization to develop their skills, so why not you?
- Involve all your senses to make it feel the most real. Think about being happy and comfortable. What do you sound like? What are you doing? That way when the time comes, you'll be prepared.
4
Practice good posture. Standing tall gives the world the impression that you are self-confident and receptive to others. Often we are treated the way we feel -- so if you feel open and approachable, your body will emulate that feeling. Body over matter!
- This will fool your brain, too. Research says that good posture (head held high, shoulders back, and open arms) makes us feel authoritative, confident, and -- to top it off -- reduces stress.^[2] And you didn't even need more reasons!
5
Practice speaking clearly to yourself. This will help avoid the potential embarrassment of needing to repeat what you said due to mumbling or talking too quietly. You gotta get used to hearing your own voice! Loving it, even.
- Record yourself pretending to have conversations. Sounds ridiculous, sure, but you'll notice patterns, when and why you drop off, times when you assume you're speaking loudly but you're really not, etc. At the beginning you'll feel like an actor (and do things actors do to get in the moment), but it will become old hat. Practice makes habit, you know!
6
Don't compare yourself to others. The more you compare yourself to others, the more you will feel that you are not able to measure up and the more intimidated you will feel, which will make you shyer. There is no use to compare yourself to anybody else -- but if you do, do it realistically. Everyone else is overwrought with self-assurance problems, too!
- Seriously. If you have some super confident and extroverted friends or family members, ask them about this topic. They'll probably say something, "Oh, yeah, I totally make it a conscious thing to put myself out there" or "I used to be terrible. I really had to work at it." You're just on a different phase of the process than they are.
7
Think about how gosh darn great you are. Everyone has some special gift or trait to offer to the world. It may sound corny, but it's true. Think about what you know, what you can do, and what you have accomplished, rather than fixating on how you look, sound, or dress. Keep in mind that everyone, even the "beautiful people," has something about themselves or their life that they don't like. There's no particular reason why your "problem" should make you shy while their "problem" doesn't make them shy.
- When you concentrate on this, you'll realize you have plenty to offer any group or situation. Your resources and skills are needed to improve any issue, conversation, or circumstance. Knowing this, you'll feel more inclined to speak up.
8
Identify your social value and strengths. Just because you're not the alpha in the room, have the most booming voice, or get the party started doesn't mean you lack social strengths. Are you a great listener? Do you have an eye for detail? It's possible it's something that's not even occurred to you, so sit back for a second. Are you better at observing than most of those around you? Probably.
- Your strengths can give you an advantage. If you're a great listener, you'll probably be able to see when someone has a problem and needs to vent a little. In this circumstance, they are the one that needs you. There's nothing threatening about that situation. So ask them what's up! You noticed they're steaming at the ears a little bit -- can you lend an ear of yours?
- In every social group, all the roles need to be filled. You have a place even if you don't see it. None is better than any other -- know that your value, whatever it may be, completes the group dynamic.
9
Don't get caught up in labels. For the record, popular people aren't happy. Extroverts aren't necessarily popular or happy and shy people aren't necessarily introverts, unhappy, or cold and aloof. Just as you don't want to be caught up in labels, don't tack them onto anyone else either.
- The popular kids at school are trying super hard, day in and day out, to be popular. They're trying to conform and fit in and succeeding. Good on them, but it doesn't mean they're happy or that it'll last. Trying to emulate something that isn't as it seems won't get you anywhere. You're better off going to the beat of your own drum -- the high school drum ends, the college drum ends, and then what would you be left with? A couple of drumsticks and a funny hat.

Part 3 of 4: Conquering Social Situations

1
Get informed. If you're attending a party next week, it's a good idea to prepare yourself with a couple hot topics. Is the government shutting down again? A hot TV show finale? An international event? Read up. That way when the topic comes up in conversation, you'll be able to chip in.
- You're not looking to impress here with your thorough and in-depth knowledge. You're simply looking to join in. Others aren't looking to be judged or be handed opinions, so keep it light and friendly. A simple, "Man, I wouldn't want to be in Boehner's shoes" can keep the conversation from hitting a standstill.
2
Think of conversations in stages. Social interaction can be simplified, to a point. When you get down the basic steps and internalize them, you'll be ready to go about conversations on autopilot, which is a lot less stressful. Think about all conversations in four stages:
- Stage one is a simple opening line. It's small talk at it's finest.
- Stage two are the introductions. Self-explanatory.
- Stage three is finding some common ground, some topic you can both talk about.
- Stage four is closing, one party informing the other of their departure, and summing up, possibly exchanging information. "Well, it was great talking to you -- I never thought about Walt that way. Here's my card -- let's chat again soon!"
3
Start a conversation. Remember that awesome project you completed? That mountain you hiked up? That illness you overcame? If you can do all those things, this conversation will be a piece of cake. A random comment about something you two share will start it off -- "This dang bus is always late," or "Just gotta have faith that the coffee is coming!" or "Did you see Mr. Bossman's tie today? Ho. Ly. Cow." They'll take it from there.
- Add a detail to basic statements. If someone asks you where you live, it's easy for the conversation to stop in a super-awkward, feel-like-you've-failed dead halt. Instead of saying "On Jump Street," say, "On Jump Street, right next to that awesome bakery."^[3] That way, the person has something to comment on, keeping the conversation going. Instead of replying, "Oh, cool." They'll say, "Ohmigod, have you tried their chocolate croissants?!"
4
Warm up. If you're at a party, you can have the same exact conversation over and over and over. Hit up one or two people at a time and practice the same social pleasantries and platitudes until you've got it and are practically nauseated. Then move back to the people you really enjoyed talking to. You can zero in on a real conversation then.
- Start off quickly, each conversation only lasting a few minutes. This will take the pressure off you and probably make you less nervous -- when the end is 120 seconds away, it's not that scary. Then you can focus your time and energy on those you'd like to be friends with. Really, it makes the most sense for your time and resources!^[3]
5
Look and act approachable. Convey an open, friendly attitude with your body language. Make sure to keep your arms uncrossed, your head up, and your hands not preoccupied. No one will talk to you if you're buried in a game of Candy Crush. They're just being polite!
- Think of the people you would want to approach. What do their bodies and faces say? Now think of the people you wouldn't want to approach. How you're sitting right now -- where does it fall on the spectrum?
6
Smile and make eye contact. A simple smile in the direction of a stranger may brighten your day, and it will brighten theirs too! Smiling is a friendly way to acknowledge others, and it makes a pretty good lead-in to start a conversation with anyone, stranger or friend. You're showing you're harmless, friendly, and wanting to engage.
- Humans are social creatures. A simple look at prisoners in solitary confinement will prove that. All of us are seeking interaction and reaffirmation. You're not imposing on their day -- you're making it more vibrant and, well, better.
7
Think about your body. When you're in a group of people (or even just one person), you'll probably get caught up in some shy thoughts. That's normal at the beginning. If you find yourself getting anxious, ask yourself these questions:^[4]
- Am I breathing? If you can slow your breath, your body will automatically relax.
- Am I relaxed? Move your body to a more comfortable position if not.
- Am I open? You may be taking cues from your own positioning. Opening up may change how others view you as part of the group.

Part 4 of 4: Challenging Yourself

1
Set goals for yourself. It's not enough to think "I'm gonna go out there and not be shy!" That isn't really a tangible goal -- that's similar to saying, "I want to be awesome." How do you do that? You need action-oriented goals, like talking to a stranger or initiating conversation with a cute boy or girl you know. (We'll cover these actions in the next section).
- Focus on small, daily accomplishments, then gradually become more daring. Even asking a stranger the time can be a daunting task. Don't write off these small chances as no big deal -- they're huge! You can work up to talking in front of huge crowds in a bit. Sloooow down!
2
Find what's comfortable for you. Straight up, moshing at a rave or drinking all night long at a club may not be for you -- that has nothing to do with shyness. If you'd rather be trimming your grandmother's toenails, listen to that. Don't try to conquer your shyness in environments you straight up can't stand. It won't stick.
- You don't have to be doing what everybody else is doing. And if you do, you're not going to stick with it and you're not going to find people who you like and are similar to you. Why waste your time?! If the bar scene isn't for you, that's totally fine. Practice your social skills in coffee houses, at small gatherings, or at work. They're more applicable to your life.
3
Practice placing yourself in not-so-comfortable situations. Alright, so we don't want you in places where you are hiding in the corner pinching yourself to numb the social pain, but you do need to put yourself in environments where you're just a step or two out of your element. How else will you grow?
- Start at the top of your list, remember? It could be making small talk with the CVS girl, stopping a person at the bus stop for the time, or chit chatting it up with the guy who has the cubicle next to yours. Most people are crap at initiating (have you figured out why that is yet? They're just like you), but the opportunities for conversation are there.
4
Introduce yourself to one new person each day. It is often easier to talk with strangers, at least briefly. After all, you may never see them again, so who cares what they think about you? That guy down the street, walking to the bus. Try to make eye contact with him and smile. It's literally 3 seconds of your time!
- The more you do this, the more you find that people are receptive and friendly. Once in a while you'll get the occasional freak who's paranoid and wonders why you're smiling at him -- consider him just fun to mess with. What's more, smiling makes people wonder why you're smiling -- now you're getting in their heads instead of the other way around!
5
Put yourself out there. Talk to somebody you would not normally think about having a conversation with. Try to find people who share one or more of your interests and make plans to talk to them. At some point or another, you'll find yourself in front of a group. Chime in with even the most basic of statements (or in support of someone else's). Get involved. It's the only way to grow.
- This will get easier with time. Remember how driving or riding a bike was hard at first? It's the same with social interactions; you just haven't had a lot of practice. After a while, you'll be all "been there, done that." Nothing will phase you. Huzzah.
6
Record your successes and keep going. In that notebook you have your social triggers listed, write down your successes. Seeing the progress you've made is great motivation to keep going. In a few weeks, you'll be amazed at the control you're taking over this, convincing you all the more that this thing is doable. Awesome.
- There is no timeline for this. For some people, it won't happen until a lightbulb clicks on and all of a sudden they get it. For others, it's a slow path that takes 6 months. However long it takes is however long it takes. Trust in yourself. You'll get there.
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Tips

"Fake it till you make it" - is a good motto. Keep pretending to be confident and after awhile you will find that you really are. Remember though that pushing yourself too hard into situations you don't feel comfortable will just reinforce the problem. Shyness and social anxiety is a behaviorally learned trait and you'll need to ease into things at a semi-comfortable rate.^[5]
Just know that almost everyone is shy to some extent. The difference is the degree of shyness. You can boost your confidence through practicing conversation skills and having new topics to discuss.
Fear and excitement share the same chemistry, adrenaline. If you focus on the positive aspects of the event, speech, activity, etc. and think of your tension as anticipation, you can flip your fears over into a thrill that makes you enjoy being outgoing. Many outgoing, eloquent people go into public situations with as much tension as you do but they interpret it as excitement and share it with others. Stage fright can vanish into a stellar performance when you make that switch in what you think the feeling is.
Volunteer or join a club or social group! Join a club you are interested in and you'll meet other people with common interests. This is a great way to make friends.
There's nothing wrong with being shy, but there's nothing wrong with being outgoing either!
Overcome stage fright by imagining you are someone else, such as a favorite celebrity you admire. Picture yourself as that person until you feel comfortable onstage.
Make a list of things you love about yourself and post it on your wall. It may strike up some confidence before leaving the door.
Remember that shyness is an emotion, not a permanent personality trait. You have the power to change your feelings of shyness through desire and actions.
Say " yes" to more things. At first it will be difficult. Start with small things, like saying hi to a classmate or something; the thing is that when you accept to do thing you don't often do, you can get so many cool moments. Plus, you'll feel better about yourself because you were brave enough to do it.
Give yourself lots of time to talk. Speaking slowly gives you more time to think about what to say, as well as often adding weight to your words.

Show 1 more tip

Warnings

If you were known for being shy among family members and friends, watch out for the harmless teasing. Some may be uncomfortable with you existing outside the category they've put you in, in their own minds. Ignore them. They mean well, but don't let them scare you back into your shell!
Sometimes shyness is a phase -- many people grow more confident and outgoing with age. Don't go about trying to change yourself unless it truly makes you unhappy; you may grow out of it with time.

Sources & Citations

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Monday, September 3, 2012

Salmonella Outbreak Traced to Mexican Mangoes

Information and Resources

Salmonella Outbreak Traced to Mexican Mangoes

Daniella Brand Mangoes Recalled in U.S.; 105 Sickened in 16 States

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Salmonella in Mangoes Not Same as Salmonella in Cantaloupe

The salmonella outbreak traced to mangoes is not linked to the ongoing salmonella outbreak traced to cantaloupe.
The cantaloupe outbreak, caused by a different salmonella strain (Salmonella Typhimurium), has now sickened at least 204 people in 22 states, with two known deaths. This week, 12 states reported 26 new cases.
CDC and FDA investigators have traced the outbreak to cantaloupe grown by Chamberlain Farms Produce Inc. of Owensville, Ind. The company recalled all of its cantaloupe and will not ship any new melons for the rest of this growing season.
Salmonella cases linked to cantaloupe occurred in Alabama (13 cases), Arkansas (5), California (2), Florida (1), Georgia (4), Illinois (24), Indiana (22), Iowa (8), Kentucky (63), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (6), Minnesota (5), Mississippi (5), Missouri (13), New Jersey (2), North Carolina (5), Ohio (5), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (3), Tennessee (8), Texas (2), and Wisconsin (4).

Salmonella Symptoms, Salmonella Treatment

Within 12 to 72 hours of eating salmonella-contaminated food, most people get:

Diarrhea
Fever
Abdominal cramps

These symptoms usually last four days to a week. Most people recover without treatment, although the diarrhea may be so severe that a person needs hospital care.
Sometimes salmonella bacteria escape the gut and get into the bloodstream. From there, different parts of the body are infected. These infections can be fatal. Immediate treatment with antibiotics is needed.

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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Lost Egyptian Pyramids Found?

Analysis by Rossella Lorenzi
Fri Aug 10, 2012 10:22 AM ET
( ) Comments | Leave a Comment

Two possible pyramid complexes might have been found in Egypt, according to a Google Earth satellite imagery survey.
Located about 90 miles apart, the sites contain unusual grouping of mounds with intriguing features and orientations, said satellite archaeology researcher Angela Micol of Maiden, N.C.
One site in Upper Egypt, just 12 miles from the city of Abu Sidhum along the Nile, features four mounds each with a larger, triangular-shaped plateau.
The two larger mounds at this site are approximately 250 feet in width, with two smaller mounds approximately 100 feet in width.
NEWS: Egyptian Pyramids Found With NASA Satellite
The site complex is arranged in a very clear formation with the large mound extending a width of approximately 620 feet -- almost three times the size of the Great Pyramid.
"Upon closer examination of the formation, this mound appears to have a very flat top and a curiously symmetrical triangular shape that has been heavily eroded with time," Micol wrote in her website Google Earth Anomalies.
Intriguingly, when zooming in on the top of the triangular formation, two circular, 20-foot-wide features appear almost in the very center of the triangle.

DNEWS VIDEO: FIND OUT WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A MUMMY-HUNTER

Some 90 miles north near the Fayoum oasis, the second possible pyramid complex contains a four-sided, truncated mound that is approximately 150 feet wide.
ANALYSIS: Satellite Views Reveal Early Human Settlements
"It has a distinct square center which is very unusual for a mound of this size and it almost seems pyramidal when seen from above," Micol wrote.
Located just 1.5 miles south east of the ancient town of Dimai, the site also contains three smaller mounds in a very clear formation, "similar to the diagonal alignment of the Giza Plateau pyramids," Micol stated in a press release.
"The color of the mounds is dark and similar to the material composition of Dimai's walls which are made of mudbrick and stone," the researcher wrote.
HOWSTUFFWORKS: Building the Pyramids
Founded in the third century B.C. under the Ptolemaic king Ptolemy II Philadelphus (309 B.C.–246 B.C.), Dimai was built on top of an earlier neolithic settlement.
Also known as Dimeh al-Siba, Dimeh of the Lions, the town is surrounded by a mudbrick wall that stretches up to 32 feet high and 16 feet thick, and features at its center a ruined stone temple dedicated to the crocodile god Soknopaios.
Indeed, the town's Greek name, Soknopaiou Nesos, means "Island of Soknopaios."

Well known to scholars for the amount of papyri and other inscribed material found among its ruins, Dimai reached its peak during the first and second century A.D. thanks to a major trade route. It was abandoned during the mid-third century A.D.
According to Micol, both sites have been verified as undiscovered by Egyptologist and pyramid expert Nabil Selim, whose findings include the pyramid called Sinki at Abydos and the Dry Moat surrounding the Step pyramid complex at Saqqara.
Selim found that the smaller 100-foot mounds at the site near Abu Sidhum are a similar size as the 13th Dynasty Egyptian pyramids, if a square base can be discovered.
BIG PIC: Man Etches Name in Sand, Visible from Space
"The images speak for themselves. It's very obvious what the sites may contain but field research is needed to verify they are, in fact, pyramids," Micol said.
The researcher has previously located several possible archaeological sites with Google Earth, including a potential underwater city off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula.
She believes the use of infrared imagery will allow scientists to see the extent of the complexes in greater detail.
The sites have been sent to Egyptologists and researchers for further investigation and "ground truthing," she said.
Photos: The site near Abu Sidhum contains four mounds with a larger, triangular-shaped plateau. Credit: Angela Micol;
-- Enhanced image of the 150 foot wide, four-sided mound near the ancient town of Dimai. Credit: Angela Micol;
-- The site also contains three smaller mounds in a formation similar to the diagonal alignment of the Giza Plateau pyramids. Credit: Angela Micol.

Analysis by Rossella Lorenzi
Fri Aug 10, 2012 10:22 AM ET
( ) Comments | Leave a Comment

DNEWS VIDEO: FIND OUT WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A MUMMY-HUNTER

Cipla launches four in one drug for HIV patients

MUMBAI: India's second largest drug company Cipla has launched Qvir, a combination of four HIV drugs in one single strip that would be used for a single day's treatment. The four drug kit contains Tenofovir and Emtricitabine and Atazanavir and Ritonavir. These drugs will be used for both first and second line treatment of HIV AIDS.

Cipla said by the end of 2010 close to 34 million people were living with HIV and that same year saw 2.7 million patients getting infected by the disease. "Every year about 5-10% of patients fail their first line treatment due to various reasons such as missing doses and the virus developing resistance", said Cipla.

The company said since the tablets are in one strip, there won't be a possibility of patients missing their dosage.

"While we are committed to making drugs affordable and accessible, we also endeavour to have more options for HIV infected patients which are potent, effective, patient-friendly and easy to take", said Y.K.Hamied, Chairman and Managing Director, Cipla.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

lue Sugars claims first cellulosic RIN, extends Petrobras deal

Blue Sugars Corp., formerly KL Energy Corp., can lay claim to a first in the world of cellulosic ethanol technology developers. “It was surprising to us when EPA confirmed [we got] the first RIN [renewable identification number] credit for cellulosic ethanol in the U.S.,” CEO Peter Gross said. The ethanol was produced at the company’s subsidiary demo plant, Western Biomass Energy LLC, in 2011 as part of Blue Sugars’ development agreement with Petrobras SA. The cellulosic ethanol was shipped to Brazil for testing and used during the Rio+20 Conference. Petrobras used the second-generation ethanol to fuel a dedicated minivan fleet servicing the United Nations-sponsored international meeting on sustainable development in June.
The Rapid City, S.D.-based company revamped its cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant to adapt its process technology for sugarcane bagasse after signing the initial development agreement with Petrobras in 2010. "Producing ethanol from waste is an achievement. It means more energy with the same acreage,” said Petrobras Biocombustível President Miguel Rossetto in a statement announcing the ethanol’s use at Rio+20. “Applying this technology of second-generation ethanol, Petrobras has already produced 80,000 liters of ethanol in a second-generation demonstration plant located in the United States. Research has been conducted by the Research Center of Petrobras (Cenpes) since 2004, in partnership with scientific institutions and technology companies nationally and internationally, achieving yields of 300 liters (80 gallons) of ethanol per ton of dry bagasse.”
With the goals of the original development agreement met, Blue Sugars signed a technology and patent license agreement with Petrobras. The company has begun engineering work on Petrobras’ first commercial plant, which is to be completed in 2013.
Last week, Blue Sugars announced it has extended its development agreement with Petrobras to do further work on process optimization. Part of the product produced this year will stay in the U.S., Gross said. “We may have the first cellulosic ethanol actually produced and sold in the U.S.”
The name change, from KL Energy Corp. to Blue Sugars Corp., took place June 27 to reflect the changes in the past two years and a new business focus. “Our core product is sugar,” Gross said. “Those sugars can be converted to ethanol, plus there are companies converting sugars to all kinds of biochemicals. That is a market as big and interesting to us as ethanol.”
After two years of working with bagasse, the company is also poised to return to its earlier work with woody feedstocks. In February, Blue Sugars started a joint development program with Finland energy company St1 Group Oy and its biofuels division St1 Biofuels Oy to convert pine wood residues into fuel-grade ethanol. Following a dispersed biofuels production model, St1 has seven ethanol plants in Finland using its trademarked Etanolix process to convert food industry waste and side streams into ethanol, using waste streams from food processing industries such as potato, bakery, dairy and brewing.

Coffee May Help Protect against Skin Cancer

At least three cups of caffeinated coffee a day appear to protect against basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, but more studies are necessary to confirm the association

By Anna Azvolinsky and MyHealthNewsDaily | July 2, 2012 | 5

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Protection against skin cancer can be added to the list of health benefits that come with drinking coffee, a new study says.
Women who drank more than three cups of coffee daily were 21 percent less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma (BCC), compared with women who drank less than one cup of caffeinated coffee per month, the study showed. For men, this risk reduction was 10 percent.
"Most likely, the protective effect is due to caffeine," said lead author Jiali Han, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. People in the study who drank decaffeinated coffee did not appear to have a lower risk of developing the skin cancer.
Additionally, the researchers found that the more caffeinated coffee that people in the study drank, the lower their risk of developing BCC, the most common type of skin cancer.
But the findings don't mean that your cup of joe can substitute for daily sunscreen.
"I would hope that people would not decide to spend a lot more time in the sun because they are drinking coffee," said Lorelei Mucci, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study. "There is a lot more about the prevention of BCC that we need to understand," Mucci said.
Caffeine and skin cancer
BCC accounts for about 80 percent of all skin cancer cases, according to the American Cancer Society. An estimated 2.8 million cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. BCC does not readily spread to other parts of the body, and so it is rarely deadly. Chronic exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation in tanning booths is the major environmental factor that causes BCC.
The researchers analyzed data gathered from 113,000 nurses and health professionals during two long-term studies. Study participants completed questionnaires about their diets, and provided information regarding their cancer risk factors, including family history of melanoma, sunburn reactions, complexion and exposure to direct sunlight. They were also monitored for signs of skin cancer.
Over the 20-year study, 22,786 participants developed basal cell carcinoma, while 1,953 developed squamous cell carcinoma and 741 participants developed melanoma.
The researchers found that the reduction in the risk of developing BCC seen in those who drank coffee was similar to the reduction in risk in people who consumed similar amounts of caffeine from other sources, including tea, chocolate and soda. Still, coffee was the major source of caffeine among the study population, accounting for 78.5 percent of all caffeine intake.
No link was found between caffeinated coffee intake and melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, because the number of study participants diagnosed with melanoma or SCC were small, it is unclear whether caffeine truly has no effect on these skin cancers, or whether more time would be needed to see an effect, Han said.
"In another 10 years or more, it may be clearer whether caffeine also helps stave off these other types of skin cancer," Han said.
The study is not conclusive — it showed an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship between caffeinated coffee and skin cancer risk. Although mouse studies have shown that caffeine may prevent the development of SCC due to UV exposure, there is still no direct, convincing data showing coffee prevents skin cancer in people.
Han also emphasized that while it seems likely the benefit of the coffee comes from caffeine, researchers cannot yet know for sure. "There are lots of compounds in the coffee, including antioxidants. The process of decaffeination can wash out other compounds in the coffee, so we cannot 100 percent tease out that caffeine is the only factor responsible for the effect," Han said.

Monday, July 2, 2012

The Importance of WATER

Water is the common name applied to the liquid form (state) of the hydrogen and oxygen compound H2O. Pure water is an odorless, tasteless, clear liquid. Water is one of nature's most important gifts to mankind. Essential to life, a person's survival depends on drinking water. Water is one of the most essential elements to good health -- it is necessary for the digestion and absorbtion of food; helps maintain proper muscle tone; supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cells; rids the body of wastes; and serves as a natural air conditioning system. Health officials emphasize the importance of drinking at least eight glasses of clean water each and every day to maintain good health.
Since water contains no calories and can serve as an appetite suppressant and helps the body metabolize stored fat, it may possibly be one of the most significant factors in losing weight. In his book, titled "The Snowbird Diet" Dr. Donald Robertson says the body will not function properly without enough water and discusses the importance of drinking plenty of water for permanent weight loss: "Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention; the overweight person needs more water than the thin one; water helps to maintain proper muscle tone; water can help relieve constipation; drinking water is essential to weight loss."
Water is a key component in determining the quality of our lives. Today, people are concerned about the quality of the water they drink. Although water covers more than 70% of the Earth, only 1% of the Earth's water is available as a source of drinking. Yet, our society continues to contaminate this precious resource. Water is known as a natural solvent. Before it reaches the consumer's tap, it comes into contact with many different substances, including organic and inorganic matter, chemicals, and o ther contaminants. Many public water systems treat water with chlorine to destroy disease-producing contaminants that may be present in the water. Although disinfection is an important step in the treatment of potable water, the taste and odor of chlorine is objectionable. And, the disinfectants that are used to prevent disease, can create byproducts which may pose significant health risks. Today, drinking water treatment at the point-of-use is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity! Consumers are taking matters into their own hands and are now determining the quality of the water they and their families will drink by installing a drinking water system that will give them clean, refreshing, and healthier water.
Properties: The freezing point of water is 0° C (32° F), and its boiling point is 100° C (212° F). Water reaches its maximum density at 4° C (39° F) and expands upon freezing. Water combines with salts to form hydrates and reacts with metal oxides to form acids (see Acids and Bases).
Occurrence: Water is the only substance that occurs at ordinary temperatures in all three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. As a solid, ice, it forms glaciers, frozen lakes and rivers, snow, hail, and frost. It is liquid as rain and dew, and it covers three-quarters of the earth's surface in swamps, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Water also occurs in the soil and beneath the earth's surface as a vast groundwater reservoir. As gas, or water vapor, it occurs as fog, steam, and clouds.
Water in Life: Water makes up 50 to 90 percent of the weight of living things. Protoplasm is a solution of water and fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and salts. Water transports, combines, and chemically breaks down these substances. Water also aids the metabolic breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates.
Natural Water Cycle: The continuous movement of water between the earth and the atmosphere is the hydrological cycle. Water vapor from water and land surfaces and from living cells circulates through the atmosphere and falls as rain or snow. When it reaches the earth, water either flows into streams and then into oceans or lakes, or it enters, or infiltrates the soil. Some water becomes soil moisture, which may evaporate directly or move up through the roots of plants and be released by leaves. Some water percolates downward, accumulating in the so-called zone of saturation to form the groundwater reservoir, the upper surface of which is the water table. Under natural conditions, the water table rises in response to inflowing water and then declines as water drains into natural outlets such as wells and springs.
Composition: Because water dissolves numerous substances in large amounts, pure water rarely occurs in nature. Precipitation absorbs carbon dioxide and other gases, as well as traces of organic and inorganic material from the atmosphere. Because water reacts with minerals in the soil and rocks, surface and groundwater may contain many different dissolved substances. Surface waters may also contain domestic sewage and industrial wastes. Groundwater from shallow wells may contain nitrogen compounds and chlorides, but water from deep wells generally contains only dissolved minerals. Seawater contains many soluble compounds in addition to salt.
Water Purification: Impurities are removed from water by screening, sedimentation, filtration, chlorination, or irradiation. See also Sewage Disposal. Aeration saturates water with air, usually by spraying fountains of water into the air. Aeration removes odors and tastes caused by decomposing organic matter, industrial wastes, and some gases. Various salts and metals cause hardness in water. Hardness may be removed by boiling, by adding sodium carbonate and lime, or by filtering through natural or artificial zeolites.
Water Desalinization: Three desalinization processes, which involve evaporating salt water and then condensing the resulting steam, are known as multiple-effect evaporation, vapor-compression distillation, and flash evaporation. Freezing is another desalinization method, based on the different freezing points of fresh and salt water. Ice crystals are separated from the salt brine, washed, and melted into fresh water. In reverse osmosis, pressure forces fresh water through a membrane that does not allow minerals to pass. In electrodialysis, the positive and negative ions of the dissolved salt are removed from water by an electric current through special membranes.
These fine drinking water systems reduce a wide range of contaminants of health concern for a low cost per gallon. The superior effectiveness of solid carbon block systems is confirmed by testing and certification by NSF International; independent laboratory tests; certification by the State of California Department of Health Services; and more importantly, by the more than two million satisfied customers throughout the world. The performance of the solid carbon block filter technology exceeds that of all other filter types and meets only the highest standards for quality!

Friday, June 29, 2012

WITHOUT FOOD BACTERIA ALIVE

உணவே இல்லாமல் உயிர்வாழும் பாக்டீரியா

டென்மார்க் நாட்டில் உள்ள ஆர்பார்ஸ் பல்கலைகழகத்தில் இந்திய வம்சாவழியை சேர்ந்த ஹன்சிராய் என்பவர் விஞ்ஞானியாக இருக்கிறார். அவர் பாக்டீரியாக்கள் பற்றி ஒரு ஆய்வு நடத்தி உள்ளார். வடக்கு பசிப்பிக் கடல் பகுதியில் கடலுக்கு அடியில் வாழும் பாக்டீரியாக்கள் பற்றி இந்த ஆய்வு மேற்கொண்டார். அதில் ஒருவகை பாக்டீரியா உணவு எதுவும் உட்கொள்ளாமலேயே உயிர்வாழ்வது கண்டுபிடிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

மேலும், இந்த பாக்ட்டீரியாக்கள் 8 கோடியே 60 லட்சம் ஆண்டுகளாக உயிர்வாழ்ந்து வருவதாக அவர் தெரிவித்துள்ளார். உணவுக்கு பதிலாக ஆக்சிஜணை மட்டும் சுவாசித்து இவை உயிர்வாழ்ந்து கொண்டிருக்கின்றன. ஆக்சிஜன் மூலம் அதற்கு தேவையான சக்தி கிடைக்கிறது. இது எப்படி சாத்தியமாகிறது என்பது ஆச்சரியமாக உள்ளது. இந்த பாக்டீரியா பற்றி மேலும் விரிவான ஆய்வு நடந்து வருவதாக ஹன்சிராய் கூறியுள்ளார். இந்த வகை பாக்டீரியாக்கள் கடல் மட்டத்தில் இருந்து 100 அடி ஆழத்துக்கு கீழே காணப்படுகின்றன என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.

குளிர்ந்த பாலை பிஸ்கட் விரைவில் உரிஞ்சாதது ஏன்?

அணுக்கள் அல்லது மூலக்கூறுகளுக்கிடையே கவர்ச்சி விசையினால் உண்டாகும் பிணைப்பை வேண்டர் வால் பிணைப்பு என்பர். பிஸ்கட்டைப் பொறுத்த வரையில், அதன் துகள்களுக்கிடையே நிலவும் மேற்கூறிய அப்பிணைப்பு வலிமை குன்றியதாக உள்ளது. இதனால் பிஸ்கட் மென்மையாக இருப்பதுடன் எளிதில் தூளாகியும் விடுகிறது. அடுத்து பிஸ்கட் தண்ணீரை எளிதில் உறிஞ்சி விடுவதைக் காணலாம். இதற்குக் காரணம் அதன் துகள்களுக்கிடையேயுள்ள வேண்டர் வால் பிணைப்பு தண்ணீரின் தொடர்பால் சிதைக்கப்பெற்று மிகவும் மிருதுத் தன்மை அடைந்துவிடுவதேயாகும்.

பாலைப் பொறுத்தவரை, அது தண்ணீர் மற்றும் பாகுத்தன்மை கொண்ட புரதம், கொழுப்பு ஆகியவற்றின் கலவையாகும். பிஸ்கட்டைப் பாலில் தோய்த்தவுடன், அதிலுள்ள தண்ணீர் ஏற்கனவே குறிப்பிட்டவாறு பிஸ்கட் துகள்களுடன் வினைபுரிந்து பிஸ்கட்டை மிருதுத்தன்மை அடையச்செய்துவிடும். மேலும் சூடான பாலில் புரதம் கொழுப்பு ஆகியவற்றின் பாகுத்தன்மை மிகவும் குறைந்து போய்விடுகிறது. பிஸ்கட் சூடான அந்நிலையில், சூடான பால் மிகவும் விரைந்து பிஸ்கட் துகள்களுக்கிடையே பரவுகிறது. இதன் காரணமாக பாலை விரைந்து உறிஞ்சிக்கொள்கிறது. இவ்விரைவுத் தன்மை ஆறிய பாலில் இல்லாமல் இருப்பதற்குக் காரணம் அதிலுள்ள பாகுத்தன்மை குறைவின்றி இயல்பு நிலையில் இருப்பதேயாகும்

நீரிழிவு நோயை குணப்படுத்த தினமும் 4 கப் டீ போதும் : ஆய்வில் தகவல்

தினமும் 4 கப் டீ குடித்தால் நீரிழிவு நோயை கட்டுப்படுத்தலாம் என்று சமீபத்திய ஆய்வொன்றின் மூலம் தெரியவந்துள்ளது. ஜெர்மனியில் உள்ள ஹெயின்ரிச் ஹெயின் பல்கலைக்கழகம் மற்றும் லிப்னிஸ் சென்டர் ஃபார் டயாபடிக் ரிசர்ச் ஆகிய நிறுவனங்கள் இணைந்து, க்ரிஸ்டியன் ஹெர்பர் தலைமையில் நீரிழிவு நோய் குறித்து பல்வேறு பகுதிகளை சேர்ந்த 12 ஆயிரத்திற்கும் மேற்பட்டோரிடம் ஆய்வு நடத்தினர். தினமும் அவர்களுக்கு டீ கொடுக்கப்பட்டு கண்காணிக்கப்பட்டதில் டைப் 2 வகை நீரிழிவு நோய் கட்டுக்குள் இருப்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்தி உள்ளனர்.

மேலும், டீ குடிக்காத மற்றவர்களுடன் ஒப்பிடும் போது இவர்களுக்கு 20 சதவீதம் அதிக பாதுகாப்பு கிடைப்பது ஆய்வில் தெரிய வந்துள்ளது. ஆனால், பால் மற்றும் சர்க்கரை சேர்க்காமல் தயாரிக்கப்படும் டீ மட்டுமே அருந்த வேண்டும் என்கின்றனர் ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள். டைப் 2 நீரிழிவு நோய்க்கு நார்ச் சத்துள்ள உணவுகள் பரிந்துரைக்கப்படுகின்றன. உணவு, உடற்பயிற்சி, மருந்துகள் இணைந்தே நீரிழிவு நோயை கட்டுக்குள் வைக்கும். இவற்றுடன் தினசரி 4 கப் டீ, டைப் 2 நீரிழிவு நோயை கட்டுப்படுத்துவது உறுதியாகி உள்ளது. இதனால் பக்க விளைவுகளும் பாதிப்புகளும் இருக்காது என்று ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்கள் கூறியுள்ளனர்.இப்படிக்கு ஏழுமலை BIOTECHNOLOGY

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Help with Shyness

Part 1 of 4: Understanding Your Shyness

Part 2 of 4: Conquering Your Mind

Part 3 of 4: Conquering Social Situations

Part 4 of 4: Challenging Yourself

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Monday, September 3, 2012

Information and Resources

Salmonella Outbreak Traced to Mexican Mangoes

Why do I need to register or sign in for WebMD to save?

Salmonella in Mangoes Not Same as Salmonella in Cantaloupe

Salmonella Symptoms, Salmonella Treatment

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Lost Egyptian Pyramids Found?

Cipla launches four in one drug for HIV patients

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

lue Sugars claims first cellulosic RIN, extends Petrobras deal

Coffee May Help Protect against Skin Cancer

Monday, July 2, 2012

The Importance of WATER

Friday, June 29, 2012

உணவே இல்லாமல் உயிர்வாழும் பாக்டீரியா

குளிர்ந்த பாலை பிஸ்கட் விரைவில் உரிஞ்சாதது ஏன்?

நீரிழிவு நோயை குணப்படுத்த தினமும் 4 கப் டீ போதும் : ஆய்வில் தகவல்

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