I'm dorkily excited about the Science Online 2010 conference starting tomorrow in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. No, not because I'm going (sigh), but because …
Category: Wellness
Negative P.E. experiences can have lasting effects
I still get a sinking feeling in my stomach when I think about Mr. Byrd, my elementary school gym teacher. His stern looks and disapproving …
Is the obesity epidemic in U.S. showing signs of slowing?
Although the U.S. obesity rate is still high, it may have plateaued, according to two studies published today in the Journal of the American Medical …
Research links watching TV to an increased risk of death
Regardless of if you are overweight or physically fit, the hours you spend watching TV each day may be shortening your life according to findings …
Lighten up with the depression news
The news (published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and widely covered by many major media outlets) last week that antidepressant medications may …
More on the debate over "curing" Down syndrome
Last month, my colleague Erin Digitale blogged about Down syndrome research being done here and some parents' concerns over the notion that people with the …
One cappuccino please – hold the croissant
During a recent visit to the Cheesecake Factory in downtown Palo Alto, we couldn’t help but notice the large-print labels that tell customers they may …
Helping make New Year's resolutions stick
I'm going to be honest: I'm a bit of a stress case. Though one could argue that I have an excuse for being one (caring …
Compassion, Darwin, facial expressions, the Dalai Lama – and counterterrorism?
[1-11-10 update: Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances Paul Ekman's talk Thursday Jan. 14 has been postponed and will be rescheduled.] What happens when …
Is your child getting enough excercise?
Although children have a seemingly infinite supply of energy, they lead more sedentary lives than most parents think, according to a new study published in …
Persuading kids to make healthier choices in the lunchroom
Using behavioral economics tactics such as re-labeling peas as "power peas" on menus and prominently displaying fruits and vegetables could help children develop healthy eating …
New research program to study prescription drug use during pregnancy
In an effort to better understand the effects of prescription medications on women and their unborn children, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, researchers at …
Researchers aim to extend how long – and how well – we live
Just before the holiday I came across a U.S News & World Report article on longevity and researchers' quest to manipulate not only "how long …
Company wants to market sleep drug for jet lag
Just in time for holiday travel, the Wall Street Journal's Health Blog is reporting on a prescription drug to potentially treat jet lag. The Cephalon …
Getting kids' sleep back on track when traveling
I used to think that flying was the difficult part of traveling with children. Now I know better: the most challenging thing (at least for …