Monday 30 July 2012

Affordable skin replacement technology around the corner.

Engineers from South Korea and the United States working together have developed a new type of artificial skin that is less complex, cheaper to make and more sensitive than other electronic sensors designed to mimic human skin. This is very good news for anyone that is in need of serious skin replacement operations.  Up until now, only a select few could enjoy the benefits of having access to artificially made skin.  Will it ever be made available to the cosmetic surgery industry? 
 Guaranteed Breast Growth Without Surgery.  Stop wasting time and money - Try BREASTACTIVES NOW

In their paper published in Nature Materials, the team says the idea for their strain gauging material came from the way tiny hairs on some beetles’ bodies interlock with equally tiny hairs on their wings, allowing them to sense very small external stimuli. To replicate the beetle sensing abilities, the team attached a multitude of polymer fibers, each just 1 micrometer long and 100 nanometers around, to a solid base, forming what looked like a tiny bed of nails. They then created another just like it and placed in on top of the first, causing the “hairs” of each to intermingle, sort of like pushing two hairbrushes together. Since each fiber was coated with a very thin layer of metal, the team was able to measure electrical current sent though them. 

The amount of current varied at each hair junction depending on how much of the hair touched another, and that varied depending on external stimulation. With this arrangement, the team was able to measure torque (twisting motion), direct overhead pressure and sheer, which is what happens when the material is subjected to sideways movement, such as a gentle caress. In testing their artificial skin, the team found that they were able to trace the path of a tiny bug as it made its way across its surface, to detect the motion of a water droplet and even the subtle beating of a human heart when it was placed against the skin. The researchers say that their method replaces the complex circuits that others have used to allow robots to “feel” their environment with something that is much simpler to create and use. Their design is also somewhat proven in that the sensor reception electronics is not unlike that used in some screen displays that rely on tactile input via user’s fingers. In addition to allowing robots to gain a better understanding of their environment, it’s possible the new technology might one day be used to help human beings who have lost feeling in their skin or better, as way to restore sensation to those with artificial limbs. 

More information: A flexible and highly sensitive strain-gauge sensor using reversible interlocking of nanofibres, Nature Materials (2012) For more info click here 

Abstract Flexible skin-attachable strain-gauge sensors are an essential component in the development of artificial systems that can mimic the complex characteristics of the human skin. In general, such sensors contain a number of circuits or complex layered matrix arrays. Here, we present a simple architecture for a flexible and highly sensitive strain sensor that enables the detection of pressure, shear and torsion. The device is based on two interlocked arrays of high-aspect-ratio Pt-coated polymeric nanofibres that are supported on thin polydimethylsiloxane layers. When different sensing stimuli are applied, the degree of interconnection and the electrical resistance of the sensor changes in a reversible, directional manner with specific, discernible strain-gauge factors. The sensor response is highly repeatable and reproducible up to 10,000 cycles with excellent on/off switching behaviour. We show that the sensor can be used to monitor signals ranging from human heartbeats to the impact of a bouncing water droplet on a superhydrophobic surface.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2012-07-ultra-sensitive-artificial-skin.html#jCp

Sunday 22 July 2012

Natural Ways to Enhance/Enlarge Your Breasts Size

Many women secretly long for larger breasts. Even from an early age, most girls have a vision of themselves that involves well-shaped, large breasts.


Guaranteed Breast Growth Without Surgery.  Stop wasting time and money - Try BREASTACTIVES NOW

Many females have a misconception that large breasts are too costly or too painful to obtain. However, there is a safe and painless way to get the breast size that you would like to have. 


So, what's the big deal with big breasts? There are some Advantages Larger Breast Woman have in today's society. Women quickly notice other females that have large breasts (Men Notice Large Breasts As Well :) They get more attention, are happier and have more self-confidence. Benefits, if you want to call it that, of Large Breasts might be that you are perceived as having a  

* Higher level of attractiveness 
* Better-fitting clothes and bathing suits 
* Improved body image 
* Enhanced physical intimacy 
* Maintaining a youthful appearance 
* More Opportunities 

I don't always agree with the way society looks at woman but this is the world we live in. Larger breasts positively complement your body so that you can feel better about yourself, as well as look better. 

Avoiding Drastic Measures 

Women these days are choosing to avoid drastic breast surgeries that are lengthy and risky. In addition to the hefty expense, women simply do not want to have to take time off from work, undergo anesthesia, have scarring and pay for prescription medication post-surgery. Every operation has its dangers and most women want to avoid risky situations. There are other breast enlargement products on the market, but hand exercises, pills and injections do not provide you with the results that you need. This is why all-natural ingredients are on the rise. 

Keeping it Natural 

Staying away from painful or unnatural methods is the best solution. Breast enlargement does not have to be unsafe; there are natural ingredients that are just as effective as a breast surgery. I did some research and there were a couple of products that came out on top : I would recommend Triactol because they have a 60 day moneyback guarentee and have scored great with most review sites. Triactol Bust Serum contains Mirofirm, which is a pure extract of P. mirifica, an Asian plant that  grows in deciduous forests. This organic ingredient has no synthetic hormones, chemicals or preservatives, which is always a good thing. It even has an all-natural scent. Since Triactol does not contain harmful ingredients, women can finally get larger breasts without any risks - and if it doesn't work for you there is always something else to try like Revitabust. The product is recommended for females over the age of 21. It is clinically proven to work and is reasonably priced.

Using an all-natural product is a desirable attribute for you and your body. You will not put your health at risk when you apply plant-based products on the surface of your skin. Triactol comes in a 50ml airless bottle that provides a non-greasy, non-messy application. You can choose from a 1-month, 3-month or 6-month supply. Check out Triactol's website.  For an alternative look at RevitaPlus.  They are also scoring very high with the review sites and are also proven to work.  These products don't come cheap but it sure as hell is more affordable than breast implants!!

Toodools...

Why Women Prefer to Have Larger Breasts

Many women secretly long for larger breasts. Even from an early age, most girls have a vision of themselves that involves well-shaped, large breasts.


Guaranteed Breast Growth Without Surgery.  Stop wasting time and money - Try BREASTACTIVES NOW

Many females have a misconception that large breasts are too costly or too painful to obtain. However, there is a safe and painless way to get the breast size that you would like to have. 


So, what's the big deal with big breasts? There are some Advantages Larger Breast Woman have in today's society. Women quickly notice other females that have large breasts (Men Notice Large Breasts As Well :) They get more attention, are happier and have more self-confidence. Benefits, if you want to call it that, of Large Breasts might be that you are perceived as having a  

* Higher level of attractiveness 
* Better-fitting clothes and bathing suits 
* Improved body image 
* Enhanced physical intimacy 
* Maintaining a youthful appearance 
* More Opportunities 

I don't always agree with the way society looks at woman but this is the world we live in. Larger breasts positively complement your body so that you can feel better about yourself, as well as look better. 

Avoiding Drastic Measures 

Women these days are choosing to avoid drastic breast surgeries that are lengthy and risky. In addition to the hefty expense, women simply do not want to have to take time off from work, undergo anesthesia, have scarring and pay for prescription medication post-surgery. Every operation has its dangers and most women want to avoid risky situations. There are other breast enlargement products on the market, but hand exercises, pills and injections do not provide you with the results that you need. This is why all-natural ingredients are on the rise. 

Keeping it Natural 

Staying away from painful or unnatural methods is the best solution. Breast enlargement does not have to be unsafe; there are natural ingredients that are just as effective as a breast surgery. I did some research and there were a couple of products that came out on top : I would recommend Triactol because they have a 60 day moneyback guarentee and have scored great with most review sites. Triactol Bust Serum contains Mirofirm, which is a pure extract of P. mirifica, an Asian plant that grows in deciduous forests. This organic ingredient has no synthetic hormones, chemicals or preservatives, which is always a good thing. It even has an all-natural scent. Since Triactol does not contain harmful ingredients, women can finally get larger breasts without any risks - and if it doesn't work for you there is always something else to try like Revitabust. The product is recommended for females over the age of 21. It is clinically proven to work and is reasonably priced.

Using an all-natural product is a desirable attribute for you and your body. You will not put your health at risk when you apply plant-based products on the surface of your skin. Triactol comes in a 50ml airless bottle that provides a non-greasy, non-messy application. You can choose from a 1-month, 3-month or 6-month supply. Check out Triactol's website.  For an alternative look at RevitaPlus.  They are also scoring very high with the review sites and are also proven to work.  These products don't come cheap but it sure as hell is more affordable than breast implants!!

Toodools...

Stem Cell Technology And Breast Enhancement Research

For the many women considering breast enhancement, the idea of painful surgery and hard implants being placed in their breasts does not sound appealing.

It is welcome news that this type of invasive surgery is not the only option women have for breast enhancement. There is now research that has been preformed that has shown women can now enhance their breast s by means of using their own stem cells! This is fantastic news.

This is new research, but it indicates that within ten years tissue grown from a woman's own stem cells will be the basis for breast enhancement. This means a real alternative to surgery with excellent results.

This research was spear headed by Japanese Scientists who constructed a system that was meant to develop stems cells into tissue similar to the fatty tissue in the human breast. This produces the same conditions found in the human body that creates the breast tissue growth. After initial research was done, the Scientists injected this tissue into mice and after several weeks saw that the tissue injected retained its shape and size.

This is where the idea of using this procedure for breast enhancement came in. This new procedure brings to mind the possibilities of affording breast enhancement patients with a completely natural look to their breasts, with all the shape and curves one would see in naturally grown breasts of our youth. The tissue would integrate into our own breast tissue, not stay as a foreign body in your breast. It is your breast tissue.

One very interesting thing to know about this tissue, it forms its own blood supply. The results of these studies and research projects have been getting a lot of attention from women around the world who wish to have more shapely and larger breasts that are really their own. There are no side effects with this procedure that can be thought of, as it is your own stem cells. No leaks from implants, no recovery time from surgery.

Even the medical community has received this research with enthusiasm, but everyone has to remember it may still be many years before we see a procedure that can be done on the mainstream public. This due to more study being needed on the long term effects of this procedure. I still am very excited for this as it promises so much hope for women all over the world. Imagine what else can be done with our own stem cells? Speak soon everyone :) Have a dashing week!

Thursday 12 July 2012

Eating Healthy - Simple Tricks To Stay On Track


Here, in South Africa, we are dead centre in the holiday season and you know what that means, eating healthy is seriously tough. It's not impossible, just a little more challenging. To help you stay on track try some simple 'tricks'. 


There are many things you can do to make sure you eat better besides just your foods. Remember too, that it's not just about eating healthy, it's also about how much exercise you get. So, if you know you are going to splurge on your holiday meal, or just on a Friday night, you can 'undo' some of the bad side effects by working a little harder. So if you normally spend 30 minutes in the gym, you may want to do a little extra.


Another great strategy is to simply get right back up on the wagon if you fall off. Every day is a new beginning to your weight loss efforts. One day here and one day there isn't going to completely undo all your hard work, as long as those 'slips' do not happen too often. 


So, what should you eat? Well, to a degree that will depend on you and your overall health and whether or not you have any underlying health concerns. If you do, you may want to talk to your doctor to help you set up a healthy diet plan. 


For the most part, though, a healthy diet will consist of eating mostly natural foods. Try to stay away from eating too many processed foods. Many people will go to the store and pick up a bunch of frozen 'diet' dinners. This isn't really all bad except that whenever you eat prepared food there are usually a lot of preservatives and sodium in them. It is always better to make your dinner from scratch using only fresh ingredients. 


To take it up a notch try to eat only organic foods. There are more and more organic stores popping up all around the country, I live in a very small town and we even have an organic food store. 


When you eat foods like rice, pasta or bread stay away from the 'white stuff'. White bread, white rice and regular pasta do not add anything to your diet but they can add a lot to your hips. Instead eat whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and brown rice. 


Do not underestimate the number of calories that are in fruit juices either. Many people will think that they are getting some helpful fruit into their diet by drinking fruit juices, but in many cases they are adding hundreds of extra calories a day. 


One last tip, drink enough water. Most people in this country are actually dehydrated. A good rule of thumb is to remember that by the time you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. It is recommended that you drink half your body weight in ounces of water everyday. 


Eating healthy does not have to be a chore. Some simple daily changes in your diet can have a huge impact, for the good, on your health. Start small and you can build up from there.

Sunday 8 July 2012

FDA approves life extending pill for cancer survivors


The FDA has approved Perjeta (pertuzumab).  This pill will extend progression-free survival by roughly 50% more than any other drug available today.


The new drug has been readily available from the 1st of July 2012 to women facing stage 5 breast cancer. 

“Given the need for additional treatments for metastatic breast cancer, we made the decision to approve this drug today and not to delay its availability to patients pending resolution of the production issues relating to future supply,” said the FDA’s Dr. Janet Woodcock in a press release highlighting the drug’s approval. (Jefferson, 2012)

At this stage no additional side effects have been identified from using the drug. It really sounds good. Almost too good. Unfortunately so. Not only does Genentech have problems producing sufficient quantities of the drug, they charge ridiculous prices for it. It will cost you about $187,000 to extend 18-months of your life.

Can you put a price on someone's life -  or the little bit they have left? You decide.




Friday 6 July 2012

Major advancements in skin cell research

Scientists have discovered how certain cells control transcription factors to avoid premature differentiation, as reported today by Sciencedaily.com.  What does this mean?

"In short," said George L. Sen, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and cellular and molecular medicine, "the exosome functions as a surveillance system in cells to regulate the normal turnover of RNAs as well as to destroy RNAs with errors in them."
Sen and colleagues Devendra S. Mistry, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow, and staff scientist Yifang Chen, MD, PhD, discovered that in the epidermis the exosome functions to target and destroy mRNAs that encode for transcription factors that induce differentiation.

The findings provide new insights into the role and importance of exosomes (a fragment of exogenous DNA that, when taken up by a cell, is not readily integrated into the chromosome but can replicate, and be expressed) and their targeted gene transcripts, and may help point the way to new drugs or therapies for not just skin diseases, but other disorders in which stem and progenitor cell populations are affected. This is truly a magnificant discovery.


Stem cells, of course, are specialized cells capable of endlessly replicating to become any type of cell needed, a process known as differentiation.

Throughout life, human skin self-renews. Progenitor and stem cells deep in the epidermis constantly produce new skin cells called keratinocytes (Keratinocyte is the predominant cell type in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, constituting 95% of the cells found there) that gradually rise to the surface where they will be sloughed off. One of the ways that stem and progenitor cells maintain internal health during their lives is through the exosome -- a collection of approximately 11 proteins responsible for degrading and recycling different RNA elements, such as messenger RNA that wear out or that contain errors resulting in the translation of dysfunctional proteins which could potentially be deleterious to the cell.


"Without a functioning exosome in progenitor cells," said Sen, "the progenitor cells prematurely differentiate due to increased levels of GRHL3 resulting in loss of epidermal tissue over time."

Sen said the findings could have particular relevance if future research determines that mutations in exosome genes are linked to skin disorders or other diseases. "Recently there was a study showing that recessive mutations in a subunit of the exosome complex can lead to pontocerebellar hypoplasia, a rare neurological disorder characterized by impaired development or atrophy of parts of the brain," said Sen.

I will be looking into the amazing world of age-defying drugs and research over the next week. That will, in my opinion, change the world whether we like it or not.  If you don't believe in it, buckle up, it's real and might be on the shelves sooner thatn you think.

Please feel free to leave a comment and request information and articles that interest you.

It's the weekend baby, enjoy :)

Thursday 5 July 2012

Bad Break Up - Hurts - But Can Be Positive


We have all been there.



The first thing you will want to do after a bad break up is to let yourself feel the hurt. Don't bottle it up or push it down and pretend everything is ok. We all know everything is not ok and it is not healthy to pretend you are not hurting. If you ignore it, it will not go away and someday will come back to bite you in the butt.


Now, I don't mean you have to go off the deep-end either. Never threaten your ex. Nothing good will ever come of threatening someone. There are healthy ways to handle what you are feeling.


You must realize that you will not be over your ex tomorrow. Getting over someone takes time. Make the time constructive and treat it as a time to learn new relationship skills. You will not only be healthier for yourself but also for the next time around with someone new.


So, feel your pain, but do not let it consume you. Put a time limit on it. When the anger starts to surface, and it will, trust me, there are safe ways to let it out where no one gets hurt. 


If you still have a picture of your ex, draw a target on it and tack it up on the wall. Go buy some marshmallows and stand about ten feet from the tacked up picture. Throw the marshmallows one at a time, as hard as you can at the picture while telling him/her off. Scream at the top of your lungs, just get everything out. There are about forty-five marshmallows in a bag, throw each one and when you are done, yeah, you will have a mess but you will feel a lot better. You might even be laughing when you are finished. Ha, what bad break up?


There is something to be said for being able to laugh. If you can laugh, whatever the trouble is, it probably isn't really that bad. You know you can handle anything at this point. You will survive and realize that it was not the end of your world, just the end of a relationship that had been bad for a long time. 


If you have given yourself plenty of time (minimum six months) to get your world put back together then consider dating again. The next time you find someone you would like to get to know better, take it slow. What the heck, even play hard to get. You are stronger now and know more about what you need and want in a new relationship. 


Do not give up on love, love is the most beautiful thing to be in, in the whole world.
Just take your time getting into a new relationship. Talk to whoever you are considering dating and let them know that your previous relationship ended badly and you are going to do whatever it takes to not let yourself get hurt again and avoid another bad break up.

Tuesday 3 July 2012

Dummie's guide to what happened in Europe

Hi there everyone
Today, I'm posting on something different. Not skincare related.  It disturbs me deeply and I feel the need to share my knowledge.

We are all aware of the global economic crisis. It quietly, discreelty casts a shadow over our thoughts as we try to ignore its effect on our personal finances and spending.  It's getting harder and harder to get that must-have you ALWAYS use... All of a sudden I have to compromise on my way of living.  We should at least know why and how this happened.

Hopefully this article will diminish any uncertainties as to what and why the economic meltdown occurred and why it influences you! Because we need to know and we need to teach our kids what happened here. Pleae take 2 mins to read the following story : 


Helga is the proprietor of a bar.  She realizes that virtually all of her customers are unemployed alcoholics and, as such, can no longer afford to patronize her bar.  To solve this problem she comes up with a new marketing plan that allows her customers to drink now, but pay later.

Helga keeps track of the drinks consumed on a ledger (thereby granting the customers' loans). Word gets around about Helga's "drink now, pay later" marketing strategy and, as a result, increasing numbers of customers flood into Helga's bar. Soon she has the largest sales volume for any bar in town.

By providing her customers freedom from immediate payment demands Helga gets no resistance when, at regular intervals, she substantially increases her prices for wine and beer - the most consumed beverages. Consequently, Helga's gross sales volumes and paper profits increase massively.  A young and dynamic vice-president at the local bank recognises that these customer debts constitute valuable future assets and increases Helga's borrowing limit.  He sees no reason for any undue concern, since he has the debts of the unemployed alcoholics as collateral. He is rewarded with a six figure bonus.

At the bank's corporate headquarters, expert traders figure a way to make huge commissions, and transform these customer loans into DRINKBONDS. These "securities"  are then bundled and traded on international securities markets.
Naive investors don't really understand that the securities being sold to them as "AA Secured Bonds" are really debts of unemployed alcoholics. Nevertheless, the bondprices continuously climb and the securities soon become the hottest-selling items for some of the nation's leading brokerage houses. The traders all receive a six figure bonus.

One day, even though the bond prices are still climbing, a risk manager at the original local bank decides that the time has come to demand payment on the debts incurred by the drinkers at Helga's bar. He so informs Helga. Helga then demands payment from her alcoholic patrons but, being unemployed alcoholics, they cannot pay back their drinking debts. Since Helga cannot fulfil her loan obligations she is forced into bankruptcy. The bar closes and Helga's 11 employees lose their jobs.

Overnight, DRINKBOND prices drop by 90%. The collapsed bond asset value destroys the bank's liquidity and prevents it from issuing new loans, thus freezing credit and economic activity in the community. The suppliers of Helga's bar had granted her generous payment extensions and had invested their firms' pension funds in the BOND securities.  They find they are now faced with having to write off her bad debt and with losing over 90% of the presumed value of the bonds.   

Her wine supplier also claims bankruptcy, closing the doors on a family business that had endured for three generations; her beer supplier is taken over by a competitor, who immediately closes the local plant and lays off 150 workers.

Fortunately though, the bank, the brokerage houses and their respective executives are saved and bailed out by a multibillion dollar no-strings attached cash infusion from the government. They all receive a six figure bonus.

The funds required for this bailout are obtained by new taxes levied on employed, middle-class, non-drinkers who've never been in Helga's bar.
Now do you understand…………..?


Monday 2 July 2012

Staple Foods for a Healthy Pantry


by: Floyd Adan

Whether you’re single or have a whole family to feed, planning meals can be pretty stressful at times when you’re on the go and want to stay healthy.  But it doesn’t have to be if your pantry is stocked with the necessary healthy staples.  Then again, when was the last time you took inventory of your pantry?  If its been a while and even if not, here is a list of pantry staples to inspire and support your healthy meals and lifestyle…

Almonds:  High in protein, minerals, and vitamin E, these crunchies help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and even promote weight loss. Great as a snack, chopped or ground and added to oatmeal, yogurt or baked goods.  Walnuts are also great for all of the above—buy in bulk and store them in the freezer to keep’m fresh!

Oatmeal:  Its high in fiber, protein, and B vitamins and is great for reducing stress. Its a classic for breakfast, in muffins, home-made energy bars, and of course oatmeal cookies.

Brown rice: High in fiber and magnesium brown rice is great as a side dish, with stir-fry, and in soups.  It even makes a great last minute breakfast—warm up leftover brown rice and eat with a bit of milk and cinnamon—yum!

Flaxseeds:  High in fiber and omega 3 fatty acids, flax helps prevent heart disease, cancer, promote good digestion and healthy skin. Sprinkle ground seeds on oatmeal, cereal, toast, or put into smoothies.

Legumes:  High in protein, fiber, and iron, can be added to salads, soups, chili, or blended into hummus or bean dip.

Honey: A great alternative to sugar, use in baking to sweeten tea, spread on toast, or include in home-made salad dressing or marinades.

Garlic: High in minerals, B vitamins and vitamin C, garlic helps prevent heart disease, and cancer.  Use in everything from stir-fries, soups, salad dressing, and cooked veggies, to plain roasted garlic, mixed into mashed potatoes or spread on bread/ crackers.

Sunday 1 July 2012

How To Relieve Menopause Symptoms - Getting A Handle On It


It's no big secret to most women that they will some day have to face the effects of menopause. This may not be a big deal to some, but to others it can be a devastating change in life that takes its toll in many different ways. Common symptoms include a decreased or absent libido, night sweats, and hot flashes. They may not sound all that bad, but to any woman who has gone through them, they can put a lot of extra stress on the body throughout the course of the day. 


Not being able to sleep well at night, as the result of the symptoms of menopause, and being expected to live your life normally can have a cumulative negative effect on your health; physically and mentally. While it may not always be easy to find relief from the symptoms of menopause, it's possible. The key is to take the right steps to reduce the harmful effects and pain that menopause can have on your system. It comes down to finding the remedies that work best for you. Not all methods will work the same for everybody, so you may need to try several things before finding something that works for you. 


Keep in mind that there are many choices out there to ease the effects of menopause, and there are even certain vitamins that may help. A lot of doctors simply will not prescribe hormone replacements to patients who could potentially benefit from them, due to the risk of dangerous side effects. While hormone replacement therapy has been shown to dramatically improve the symptoms of menopause, it has also been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, and this has been shown in more than one study. That's one reason why a lot of doctors will suggest alternatives such as natural menopause remedies for some of their patients. Again, how effective they are will vary from woman to woman, but they are definitely worth trying if they will bring relief. 

To be fair, anybody experiencing constant irritability, mood swings and hot flashes would be willing to try just about anything to ease their symptoms. One herbal remedy that a lot of women have found success with is black cohosh. While a common vitamin cure for hot flashes is vitamin E, which you can take in supplement form, or try to increase in your diet. 


Another thing that helps to ease menopause symptoms is to have good overall health. In fact, before taking anything else, you should take a look at how healthy you are. While it may not be much of a consolation, women have handled menopause forever, without the need for prescriptions or special remedies. Either way, you should know that it may take some trial and error to find the best solution for you, but that relief is entirely possible if you stick with it.

Fashion

Health