Left or right preference in birds

Handedness is an individual’s preference for the use of a hand, and can also be described as being left-handed or right-handed. We all know that some people are right handed, and some are left handed, while others are blessed with ambidexterity, but did you know that individual birds also favor a particular side? Scientists at The University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institution (QBI) and the Australian Research Council Center of Excellence in Vision Science have worked together and discovered that budgerigars (also known as common pet parakeet or shell parakeet) display an individual bias to fly to the left or right.

Picture of a budgerigar. Source: Wikipedia

 

The researchers flew the budgerigars down a tunnel that has an obstacle in the middle of it. The budgerigars then had to pick between two paths to fly through. Sometimes, the paths are the same in size, other times one is bigger. Some birds showed no preference and flied through the larger path every time, while others had a bias towards one side and flied in that path even if it was narrower and more difficult to fly through. Scientist speculate that this allowed groups of birds travelling together to navigate past obstacles by splitting up in different directions and not slowing down to crowding.

What’s really remarkable though, is that birds can display a preference for one direction in one task, and another direction for a different task, such as which side they land on a perch or which feet they use to land. This showed that an animal’s thought could be more complex than we initially believed. However, researchers said more investigation must be done in order to observe the behavior of the birds in groups and examine if their different side preference when flying stayed the same.

YouTube Preview Image

-Jean

 

 

 

Hips Don’t Lie: Are You Poised For Pain?

      As students begin to face the ever looming threat of finals they will hopefully be putting in more study time. This likely means more time sitting in chairs, hunched over with terrible posture. Too often the cries of students throughout libraries can be heard: “ow! my back”. While most people are aware of what bad posture looks like (have you ever been told to sit-up straight?), more often than not, the cause of back pain and likewise improper posture, goes unnoticed.

Obtained from Flickr commons

Many people can recognize one of the tell-tale signs of bad posture from curvature of the upper back; this is referred to as thoracic kyphosis. Though kyphosis on its own can lead to various forms of discomfort, its cause can be complicated, especially when in a seated position.

The lumbar spine is the lowest and strongest part of the spinal column. It is comprised of five vertebrae (though some people are born with six!) which remain largely immobile.

Compare the thoracic (left) vertebrae with the lumbar (right). Note the ‘paddle’ like joints called facets which lock-in to one another to prevent rotation in the lumbar.
Obtained from Wikimedia commons.

When in a seated position, the hips are flexed and the pelvis is pulled under the body. This can force hyper-extension of the lumbar spine though a condition known as posterior pelvic tilt (PPT). Due to the extremely limited mobility of the lumbar spine, its extension will transfer force into the more mobile components of the spinal column (upper back, neck).

Effects of posterior pelvic tilt
Obtained from Google images

While the vertebrae of the upper back area (thoracic spine) do allow for movement through three planes (forwards/backwards, side-to-side, rotational), this movement is limited. In an attempt to maintain normal curvature of the spinal column, the hyperextension of the lumbar spine is often coupled with thoracic kyphosis. Unfortunately the problems associated with PPT and long bouts of sitting can be self-perpetuating. The backwards tilting of the pelvis can lead to short and stiff hamstrings, which in turn contribute to more, or difficult to treat posterior pelvic tilt. This coupling of muscular tightening and joint misalignment can be very uncomfortable.

There’s no getting around the fact that being a student comes with a four year contract of studying related back problems.

Obtained from Flickr commons

What then, can you do about this? The go-to move is usually a quick straightening of the back, or the dreaded twist until you hear a crack. While these options may seem to provide relief, the problem is probably coming from your pelvis. Every now and then take a study break and go for a short walk. Try to find some stairs; climbing stairs will help to get the musculature of the hips energised and re-engaged so as to support your pelvis. If you’re studying at home try some simple hip and back stretches. If you have access, use a foam roller to slowly and gently release the tight muscles along the entirety of your spine. However, if none of these options are available simply remember your mother’s advice: sit-up straight and take your elbows off the table!

 

YouTube Preview Image

For the anatomically inclined, check out this video for a more comprehensive view of the lumbar.

– Gregory McMaster

From Dormant to Dangerous: Volcanic Eruptions

Mount Hood, an active volcano in Oregon, USA. Image source: wikimedia commons

How long does it take a volcano to convert its stored magma (molten rock) into moving, liquified magma which causes an eruption? According to new research done cooperatively by scientists at the Universities of Oregon  and California, and published in the journal Nature, this time-span can possibly be as short as a few months!

This finding came from scientists who analyzed magma stored in Mount Hood,  in Oregon, USA. Magma deep inside the earth is extremely hot and mobile. However magma stored about 4 to 5 km deep approximates a solid.   In the case of Mount Hood, scientists examined the magma at the surface which had cooled to form crystals. Using radioactive dating they were able to determine the age of the crystals and thus the amount of time spent in “cold storage” when the deep magma was not heating the cooler magma to result in an eruption.

They determined that the upper magma had spent, for at least 88% of its time in this “cold storage” where an eruption is highly unlikely.  By using technology to detect the initial liquefaction of the upper magma, scientists may now be able to more accurately predict future eruptions.

Here is a short video which explains volcanic eruptions in more detail:
YouTube Preview Image
Video Source: Twig World on Youtube

It is very important to be able to predict volcanic eruptions because as mentioned in the above video, volcanoes have the potential to do great harm.  A few of main dangers associated with volcanic eruptions are: eruption clouds and gases, lava, pyroclastic flows, and lahars.

Eruption Clouds and Gases
When eruptions occur, large pieces of rock (called bombs)  are propelled into the air in combination with small rocks, minerals and glass (ash).  Ash can harm airplane engines, collapse buildings and even destroy crops.  This is then coupled with a large release of gases, mainly water (90%) , as well as others such as sulphur dioxide which leads to acid rain and fluorine which is toxic and can contaminate water supply.

Lava, Pyroclastic Flow and Lahars
When magma  reaches the earth’s surface, it is called lava. Slow moving lava tends to form mounds (lava domes) which can collapse and travel away from the volcano carrying a mass of rock, ash and gases known as a pyroclastic flow. These are highly dangerous with temperatures up to 815 C, as they simply destroy everything in their path. When such a flow mixes with water, often from melted ice or snow, a mudflow forms, called a lahar, similar in consistency to wet concrete which can uproot homes and trees.

Thus given all these dangers, since this research helps to determine when a volcano will erupt, it could have lifesaving consequences. For more information on volcano monitoring in the USA see the U.S. Geological Survey.

Julia Brown

Energy Drinks: Drink Fast, Die Young

With over 20 billion dollars in sales last year in the United States sales alone, it is safe to say that energy drink consumption is not slowing down. The “dangerous” and “bad-boy” names, such as Monster, Rockstar, and Cocaine, are clearly meant to target a younger market. In fact, Cocaine energy drink’s packaging even reads: “Warning- this beverage should be consumed by responsible adults. Failure to adhere to this warning may result in excess excitement, stamina, fun and possible feeling of euphoria.

A few of the numerous brands of energy drinks
Image Source: Flickr Commons

 Ignoring the high levels of sugar, the main culprit in energy drinks remains the caffeine content. As they are considered “nutritional supplements”, energy drink companies can ignore the caffeine limits set by the USA Food and Drug Administration. On a cup-to-cup basis, it appears that energy drinks do not contain much more caffeine than coffee, though brands vary.

Caffeine content per cup (8 oz.):                                                          Energy Drinks 40-150 mg                                                                                            Generic Black Coffee 35-100 mg                                                                                      Black Tea 14-61mg                                                                                                                    Coca-Cola 20-23mg

However, energy drinks such as Monster are generally sold in large 16 oz. cans, doubling the caffeine intake to 80-300 mg. For the average healthy adult, whose daily caffeine limit is approximately 400 mg, one or two cups of coffee and an energy drink later in the day may not be an issue. The problem arises, however, with overconsumption in teenagers, who continue to be the main consumers of the product. The daily recommended caffeine limit for teens is much lower, at approximately 100 mg. A single energy drink can exceed this limit and doesn’t account for any other sources of caffeine throughout the day.

Overconsumption of caffeine has been associated with numerous negative health effects from tremors, cardiovascular problems, to mental health issues. A study from the University of Waterloo found a positive relationship between teen energy drink overconsumption, depression, and substance addiction. “The trends we are seeing are more than cause for concern,” said Azagba, the main researcher on the project.

Initial effects of caffeine overdoses
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

            As teen energy drink overdoses continue, there has been a call to limit their availability for those under 18. Attempts to pass this bill in Maryland, USA, are met with controversy. The short clip below, courtesy of WBAL-TV 11 News Baltimore, reports on the situation:

YouTube Preview Image

 Should we actually ban the sale of energy drinks to minors, or fine them for “possession” as the video suggests? Probably not. Restricting materials to minors, such as alcohol, is often fraught with complications. Additionally, many other energizing caffeine products would still be widely available. Ultimately, public education on the subject is key. Individuals have to be aware of their own limitations when it comes to consuming products; everything is harmful at a certain dose.  Know your limit and stay within it.

-Richelle Eger

References:

 “Dieticians of Canada.” Food Sources of Caffeine. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2014. <http://www.dietitians.ca/Nutrition-Resources-A-Z/Factsheets/Caffeine/Food-Sources-of-Caffeine.aspx>.

 “Energy Drinks Linked to Teen Health Risks.” ScienceDaily. N.p., 06 Mar. 2014. Web. 07 Mar. 2014 <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140306- 095358.htm>.

Is Obesity Caused By Pollutants Around Us?

If you are trying earnestly to maintain your weight, you may have the phrase “watch what you eat” in mind.  Junk food and sweets are out, but the question you forgot to ask is: should you be wary of other foods on your plate as well? The answer is yes.  

Studies have revealed that Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) play an indirect role in adding fat mass to the body.  People are affected by the environment because all our needs ultimately come from the surroundings and these very pollutants are able to enter your diet to alter the endocrine system, organ function, tissues, as well as fat cells.

Where Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Come From

Predominantly used as pesticides, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are now under restricted usageThese chemicals were created for industrial processes and were also released as by-products. 

Smog filled with pollutants created from factories easily reach neighbouring crop fields.
Source: Gustavo Madico, Flickr

Once exposed to the environment, POPs travel far and wide, made possible by its resistance to most chemical and biological processes in normal degradation.  Naturally, animals consume available POPs, leading to its bioaccumulation  in tissues.  The problem is then amplified with biomagnification in food webs, and humans are, of course, at the top of the food chain.

This video by Sustainable Consumption and Production Regional Activity Centre summarizes the impact of POPs:

YouTube Preview Image
The Link to Obesity

Since POPs accumulate in fatty tissues of animals, we consume them when our meal includes fatty fish, meat, and dairy products.

Fatty fish are victims of POP bioaccumulation.
Source: Ivan Walsh, Flickr

An increasing number of studies are finding a strong link between POPs and body weight.  POPs have been shown to affect key endocrine pathways in the human fatty tissue and there is a strong correlation between the expression of obesity marker genes (determinants of obesity) and POP concentrations.  In another study, a group of mice tested with a high-fat diet containing high POP levels gained more visceral body fat then the group of mice with a low-fat diet.   This indicated that metabolic processes were altered, leading to obesity and insulin resistance, which can progress to Type 2 Diabetes.  In fact, diabetes poses a possibly even more harmful health problem than obesity itself!

Possible Solutions

Despite the fact that POPs are highly regulated to limit its toxic effects, they can still be found in many environments because of the movement within food chains.  Does this mean you should lose all faith in the foods you eat? Hopefully not! As further research gives more evidence to support the causal role of POPs, awareness will increase and perhaps POPs will no longer be put in use.

It may be helpful to eat food grown with fewer pesticides, but a normal, balanced diet without excessive amounts of fatty fish and meat should be fine.

Post by Madeleine Tsoi

Death by Sitting

Source: El Alvi from Flickr

Sitting too much is bad for you.  Everyone knows that.  As long as you follow the recommendation of 150 mins of exercise a week, you’ll be fine, right?

Nope.

Sitting is a great way to relax for people.  Whether it be to rest during a car ride or to focus on some work, humans like to sit.  This is quite notable with the availability of chairs almost everywhere — in restaurants, in theaters, in cars, at homes, in parks, at bus stops etc.  It is a great way to rest the body when there isn’t much to do, without taking as much space as lying down.

Source: loop_oh from Flickr

With today’s modern lifestyle, many people are sitting pretty much all day everyday. For example, students sit to eat meals, sit during travels, sit during class and sit to do work.  Sure, sitting is very useful and comfortable. But this comes at a cost. Not only are there problems associated with bad posture, its harmfulness to human health has earned it the slogan ‘sitting is the new smoking‘.

The British Journal of Sports Medicine published a paper which claims that each hour of sitting while watching TV will reduce a person’s lifespan by 21.8 min.  The study suggests that someone who watches an average of 6 hr of TV a day throughout their entire life would die 4.8 years earlier than someone who has not watched any TV.

There is also a popular belief that sitting time can be negated by exercise time.  But like I said at the start, that isn’t true.  A recent study published by the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that every additional hour of sitting (after sitting for 9 hr) was correlated with a doubling of disability risk. This held true in the study regardless of how much the person exercised.

Example of a Standing Desk
Source: Simplified Building from Flickr

Studies from the Journal of American College of Cardiology and PubMed also found that the increased mortality rates due to sitting persisted despite high levels of physical activity.

Does this mean that we are all doomed to die under the hands of sitting? Worry not!  There are solutions!  People have come up with products such as standing desks or even treadmill desks…where you can walk while working.  However, It would be much easier (and free) to just move around for 20 seconds for every 20 mins of sitting.

– David Ng