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Monday 1 May 2017

What's new on TRAPPIST-1 system? Life forms from one planet can spread to others in just 10 years


Earlier in February, the US space agency NASA announced the discovery of the first known system of seven Earth-like planets around a single star, called TRAPPIST-1, made by its Spitzer Space Telescope.
This system of seven rocky worlds - all of them with the potential for water on their surface - is an exciting discovery in the search for life beyond our Solar System.
Triggering a new research into this path-breaking finding of TRAPPIST-1 planets, researchers led by Sebastiaan Krijt, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Chicago, analysed whether life forms from one planet can seed life in other planets, owing to their closeness.
The TRAPPIST-1 planets are also very close to each other. If a person was standing on one of the planet’s surface, they could gaze up and potentially see geological features or clouds of neighboring worlds, which would sometimes appear larger than the moon in Earth's sky.
The closeness of the TRAPPIST-1 star - classified as an ultra-cool dwarf - is so cool that liquid water could survive on planets orbiting very close to it, closer than is possible on planets in our solar system.
All seven of the TRAPPIST-1 planetary orbits are closer to their host star than Mercury is to our sun. Three of the planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system are firmly located in the habitable zone.
In the new study, researchers argue that space debris from an asteroid or comet impact could transport bacteria and organisms through the tightly packed system to seed life in other worlds.
“Frequent material exchange between adjacent planets in the tightly packed Trappist-1 system appears likely,” said Sebastian Krijt, lead author of the study.
“If any of those materials contained life, it’s possible they could inoculate another planet with life.”
NASA estimated that the TRAPPIST-1 exoplanets are at about 40 light-years (235 trillion miles) from Earth – which means the system of planets is relatively close to us, in the constellation Aquarius.
For TRAPPIST-1, the probability is too high and that the process of material transfer to other planets could occur in just 10 years, as per simulations conducted by the researchers.
“Transport between planets f and g stands out as being particularly fast and effective, with some material being transferred within 10 years of being released,” the team said.
The study has been published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

10 Truths (and Lies) You Should Know About Coconut Oil

Similar to kale’s swift rise to the top of the health food scene, coconut oil slid onto store shelves faster than you could say “cuckoo for coconuts.” It’s garnered considerable attention across multiple industries, which has sparked conversation, research, and debate over just how beneficial the stuff really is. Can it help with your heart health? Are there alternative uses for it? In short, coconut oil has many benefits, but there are also some false claims that need addressing. Here’s what you should know about coconut oil.

1. True: Good for your cholesterol 

Virgin coconut oil either doesn’t raise cholesterol, or it mainly raises HDL (good cholesterol). According to U.S. News & World Report, this helps improve the ratio of good cholesterol to bad. But while it could help improve your cholesterol, it’s yet to be determined whether coconut oil lowers your risk of heart attack or stroke.
The school of thought that claims coconut oil is good for your heart relies on research that’s not totally conclusive. With this in mind, saying coconut oil will undoubtedly lower your risk of heart disease would be irresponsible. The research cited in this story, which shows those whose diets were high in coconut oil showed low rates of heart disease, doesn’t necessarily account for their diets as a whole, nor their activity level, especially in comparison to that of the average American. Clearly, there needs to be more research.

2. False: Promotes long-term weight loss 

You may have heard coconut oil can help with weight loss, but don’t be fooled by the clever spins you hear from food bloggers and health food marketers. Coconut oil alone will not guarantee significant weight loss. If you look at the composition of the oil itself, you’ll notice a large amount of medium-chain triglycerides, which are shorter than long-chain fatty acids found in other fats and oils. Many proponents say your body can more readily burn this type of fat. However, Mayo Clinic says too much coconut oil will still lead to a calorie overload, which your body stores as fat. Even though coconut oil in moderation isn’t going to harm you, it probably won’t help you shed pounds, either.

3. True: Helps heal wounds faster 

Ever think about swapping out that Neosporin for coconut oil? Maybe you should. Even if you don’t subscribe to the health claims, it’s healing abilities might make you want to get down with your coconut oil-loving self. In a small study, researchers looked at wound closure time, antioxidant status, and biochemical parameters in rats. In the end, wounds treated with virgin coconut oil healed faster than those that were not. This means it might be time to give this remedy a try next the time you find yourself with a scraped knee. Just keep in mind, this was an animal study.

4. False: All coconut oils are created equal 

You need to be a discerning consumer with any product you buy, and coconut oil is no different. In terms of health benefits, it’s important you look at the type of oil you’re buying because virgin coconut oil is different from partially hydrogenated coconut oil. The latter, which contains trans fats, isn’t as healthy as the untouched version. According to The New York Times, partial hydrogenation destroys most of the good essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and the other nutrients found in virgin coconut oil.

5. True: Promotes good dental hygiene 

We’re talking about oil pulling, here. Unsure of what oil pulling entails? The oral therapy involves swishing one tablespoon of oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes before spitting it out. Although it may seem like a trendy practice, WebMD says it actually dates back 3,000 years. And there may be something to it. The story goes on to say oil pulling of any kind can help protect against gingivitis, plaque, and microorganisms that cause bad breath. This happens because the mouth is mostly full of single-celled microorganisms that stick together when they come in contact with the oil. Because coconut oil is antimicrobial, it’s probably your best bet for oil pulling.

6. False: Coconut oil has less fat than butter 

Although often considered a better alternative to butter, coconut oil is more than 90% saturated fat, while butter comes in at about 65%, according to U.S. News & World Report. Coconut oil is also high in calories, with 120 per tablespoon. While it’s great for cooking, just be careful of how much you consume on a daily basis.

7. True: Great at removing makeup 

Some people swear by coconut oil’s power as a moisturizer, and now you have one more reason to incorporate it into your everyday beauty regimen. In an article from Allure, cosmetic chemist Joseph Cincotta says coconut oil is super efficient in breaking up water-resistant substances used in eye shadow and mascara. And what’s even better is that it’ll leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. That’s pretty much a win-win in the coconut oil department.

8. False: Can treat Alzheimer’s 

It’s a hefty claim, and one that’s gotten attention in recent years. However, there’s currently no conclusive research to back it up. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, this belief came to life based upon coconut oil’s ability to act as an alternative energy source. When a person has Alzheimer’s, the nerve cells in their brains are unable to produce energy properly, and therefore, starve. While there’s not enough scientific evidence at this point in time, a clinical trial is currently being conducted in an effort to determine whether coconut oil has any effects on memory.

9. True: Good for your hair 

It’s true, one of coconut oil’s magical healing powers is its ability to prevent hair damage. And who doesn’t want the healthiest hair possible? If that means giving coconut oil a shot, then go for it. Research shows coconut oil, when used pre- and post-wash, can significantly reduce protein loss in both undamaged and damaged hair. This is due to coconut oil’s composition. Its principal fatty acid has a high affinity for hair proteins, and its low molecular weight allows it to penetrate to the interior of the hair strand. In simpler terms, it keeps your hair healthy, so you may want to consider incorporating it into your daily beauty routine.

10. (Maybe) true: It can be used to treat yeast infections 

The truth is, coconut oil could be beneficial for treatment of candida, aka yeast. In fact, research shows coconut oil actively fights species of candida at 100% concentration. There’s even some research showing it can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections, but time will tell if this is really an effective remedy.

13 Amazing Benefits of Walking

You don’t need to train for a marathon, spend hours on an elliptical, or turn your guest room into a gym to get fitter, healthier and happier. Keep reading to find out how a brisk walk can make major improvements to your physically and mental health.

WALKING REVERSES DAMAGE FROM PROLONGED SITTING.

If you go from sitting at your desk at work to sitting on your couch at home, a short walk could mean some big health benefits. A Indiana University study found that the muscle activity and blood flow from even three five-minute walks a day could reverse the damage caused to leg arteries from three hours of sitting. The lesson? If you’re sitting all day during work, take frequent breaks (at least once an hour) for a short stroll around the building.

WALKING IMPROVES CREATIVITY.

Waiting for inspiration to hit? Take a walk—Stanford researchers found that walking increases creativity levels during the walk and shortly after, producing twice as many creative responses as when you’re sitting. You get the benefits whether you’re walking outside or inside, so if it’s too chilly for a stroll, hit the treadmill or an indoor track.

WALKING LOWERS STRESS.

A University of Michigan study found that group nature walks lower stress, particularly in people who dealt with an emotionally traumatic event. Research at Heriot-Watt University even found that the brain enters a meditative state when going through green spaces—all the more reason to take a walk through the park after brunch with friends. 

WALKING LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE.

Just 30 minutes of brisk walking lowers blood pressure—and that holds true whether you walk for 30 minutes at a time or break it up into 10 three-minute walks, a totally do-able goal even for those of us stuck sitting in an office all day.

WALKING ENERGIZES YOU.

If you regularly experience fatigue, don’t shy away from lacing up—low intensity exercise won’t wipe you out, says a study from the University of Georgia. In fact, it can increase your energy level by 20 percent and decrease fatigue by 65 percent.

WALKING CHEERS YOU UP WHEN IT’S PART (OR ALL) OF YOUR COMMUTE.

One study found that the longer people spend commuting via car, the worse their psychological well-being. And just adding 10 minutes of walking to that commute can actually improve well being. “A more active commute to work can be associated with the same psychological benefits as things like a raise in income or starting a new relationship,” study author Adam Martin says.

WALKING HELPS YOU AT WORK.

A walking work station at the office isn’t in reach for everyone—but if your employer is open to it, the benefits could be huge. Researchers found that people who used walking workstations were less bored and stressed, and more satisfied than those who stood or sat at their desks.

WALKING BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

A walk a day keeps the doctor away? Perhaps—a daily 30-45 minute walk at a brisk pace can boost the immune system and keep colds at bay, according to research from Appalachian State University. And not only do regular exercisers get sick less often, their colds are all shorter and less severe.

WALKING CAN REDUCE RISK OF IMPOTENCE IN MEN.

Some time spent in sneakers can lead to a better time between the sheets, according to a nine-year study. Researchers found that a brisk two-mile walk each day can reduce men’s risk of impotence, improving blood flow throughout the body (yep, we mean everywhere).

WALKING LOWERS BLOOD SUGAR.

A 15-minute walk after each meal reduces your blood sugar for over 24 hours, a study published in Diabetes Care found—a good reason to skip dessert and step outside instead.

WALKING KEEPS OLDER ADULTS SHARP.

Living in a walkable neighborhood can be great for older adults, researchers say, resulting in not only physical benefits like lower body mass and blood pressure, but better memory and cognition too.

WALKING MAY LOWER BREAST CANCER RISK.

Spend two and a half hours walking briskly each week and you may cut your risk of breast cancer by 42 percent, a study of over 79,000 women found. According to research in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, exercise alters how the body breaks down the hormone estrogen into either benign or harmful byproducts. It also reduces fatty tissue in women’s bodies, which secretes estrogen.

WALKING CAN EASE FIBROMYALGIA PAIN.

Light exercise like walking—even walking in a pool, for a lower-impact option—has been shown to significantly improve physical function, fatigue, and depression in women with fibromyalgia.

Pine Nuts: Are Their Health Benefits Worth The Cost?

Tasty, buttery pine nuts are considered one of the fanciest of all nuts. They are actually the seeds of pine trees and not really nuts. They are found in the pine cones but only 18 types of pine trees create pine nuts that are large enough to eat. Like most nuts, they are packed full of nutrition and health benefits.
Health Benefits
In numerous studies, the consumption of nuts was found to lower waist circumference, blood pressure, insulin resistance and increase high cholesterol.
Healthier Weight
Those who eat nuts regularly have been found to maintain a healthy weight, according to research. The thought is that those eating nuts regularly have a considerably healthy diet because they are getting more fiber, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and potassium, according to statistics.
Bad Cholesterol Lowered
Mixed nuts (walnuts, peanuts and pine nuts), when included in a healthy diet for six weeks, showed an improvement in cholesterol levels.
Suppresses Appetite
The fatty acids in pine nuts help release an appetite-suppressing hormone (cholecystokinin). When women in a study consumed fatty acid (pinolenic acid from the pine nut) before breakfast it was found to lower the amount of food eaten throughout the day by 37 percent. Pine nut oil was found to help overweight, post-menopausal women suppress their appetite in this study.
Decreases Heart Disease Risk
There was a decrease in cardiovascular disease in participants that ate one-quarter ounce of nuts per day in a 1999-2004 study
Please Note: As with all nuts, they have been known to cause allergic reactions. There is a rare allergic reaction to pine nuts known as Pine Mouth Syndrome which can last a few weeks but it is not dangerous. This causes a bitter or metallic taste after eating pine nuts.
  
Growing and Harvesting Pine Nuts is An Expensive Process
There are about 18 pine trees that produce nuts worthy of harvesting. These trees are found in Europe, Russia, Mongolia, Eastern Siberia, North Korea and North America. There are eight varieties that grow in cold climates such as Canada.
It can take at least 10 years to get pine nuts from a tree; first, it takes between 6-8 years for the tree to mature fully and then 2-3 more years to develop the pine nuts. They ripen in late summer or early fall.
Next is the drying process: they are placed in a burlap bag and exposed to heat to dry out the cone for about 20 days. The outer shell must be removed, the cones are broken apart and the seeds are taken out. This time-consuming process makes it an expensive nut. Learn more reasons why pine nuts are so expensive.
Nutrient Dense
One ounce serving (165 pine nuts) contains a wide variety of nutrients (potassium, protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, thiamin, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin K and more) Go here for more nutrition details.
History
Pine nuts have been consumed since Stone Age times; remains have been found in caves in southern France. The pine nut tree has been cultivated since about 4000 BCE according to Archaeologists.
They have been harvested for over 8,000 years. There is proof of them being found in excavations at Gatecliff Shelter, Nevada, 6,000 years BCE. 
How to Select
Shelled nuts are best in air-tight plastic bags in the stores. Make sure they are fresh, have not lost their light color and are not brown.
How to Store
Their high-fat content makes it important to store them in the refrigerator for 1 – 3 months or kept in an airtight container or in the freezer for up to 9 months.  At room temperature, they will only last for a week before going rancid.
Tips for eating or cooking
They are delicious raw, but you can also eat them roasted, adding a sweet nutty flavor and crunch to vegetable dishes and salads. And of course, there is delicious pesto.

The Hidden Food Ingredient Linked to Pain and Inflammation

There’s a food additive so ubiquitous in the food industry it is found in most packaged foods, restaurant sauces and even many foods that have been “certified organic.” That ingredient is carrageenan. While the additive starts out harmless enough (it comes from the seaweed known as Irish moss) it is then processed to extract the ingredient known as carrageenan, which acts as a thickener or emulsifier for many prepared foods.
Like most people, I originally thought that carrageenan was a harmless extract from seaweed, so I didn’t give it much consideration. Then I heard that researchers were giving animals carrageenan to induce pain and inflammation as a way to prepare the animals for scientific studies exploring anti-pain drugs. That was the first I’d heard of carrageenan being used for harm. So I began to investigate.
Dr. Joanne Tobacman has conducted many studies on the effects of carrageenan consumption, including one in the Journal of Diabetes Research. After eating carrageenan for only six days, animals fed carrageenan developed glucose intolerance, an umbrella term used to describe impaired metabolism involving excessively high blood sugar levels. Dr. Tobacman found that the food additive caused blood sugar levels to skyrocket, indicating that it may lead to the development of diabetes. She indicates that carrageenan used in animals’ diets so commonly cause diabetes that the additive could be used for mouse models of the study of diabetes. 
She also found that carrageenan causes intestinal and systemic inflammation in animal studies. Considering that inflammation is a well-established factor in most chronic disease, including: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, pain disorders and many others, any food additive in common use is a serious concern. Dr. Tobacman also indicates that the amount of carrageenan found in most peoples’ diets is sufficient to cause inflammation.
Sources of Carrageenan
Carrageenan is found in common foods, including:
infant formula
ice cream
cream
butter
soy milk
almond milk
rice milk
cottage cheese
sour cream
yogurt
coffee creamers
vegan cheese alternatives
egg nog
protein supplements
aloe vera gel
deli meats
juices
puddings
pizzas
chocolate bars
coffee beverages
many packaged foods
Additionally, some supplements, particularly those involving gel caps, commonly contain carrageenan. And, most grocery store rotisserie chickens typically contain the additive.
The Cornucopia Institute has compiled a comprehensive list of organic foods that contain carrageenan, since the ingredient is legally allowed in foods bearing the label “organic” or “certified organic.”

31 Clever Uses for a Lemon



Don’t throw that lemon half away! Lemons may be small and sour, but they’re a powerful cleaning, beauty, cooking and healing tool. Let the infographic below be your guide to citrus success!

DESIGN - 31 Clever uses for a lemon

The Only Pesticides You Should Be Using This Summer

The best way to ensure you and your family are eating healthy, organic foods is to take control of your food chain yourself!  The organic food supply in the U.S. is simply just better than the other alternatives.  The organic food industry has become a multi-billion dollar industry that no doubt has its share of cheaters.  Besides, if you think that organic farmers don’t use pesticides you are wrong.  They do!  The difference is they use mostly naturally derived pesticides as opposed to synthetic ones.
  
I say mostly because tragically, some synthetic products are approved for organic farming.  With so much uncertainty about just how organic our organic foods are, the best way is to grow your own!  Whether you grow in the ground or in containers, you will eventually be faced with the dilemma of needing a pesticide or face loosing your crop.  Luckily there are safe and natural ways to fight back against unwanted garden pests. 
 
Prevention:  The best pesticide is to avoid pests to begin with.
  • Clear away unwanted weeds and weak plants:  These can be breeding grounds for garden pests.  They can also attract certain pests that would otherwise not be attracted to your garden.
  • Seaweed mulch or spray:  Seaweed contains elements such as zinc, iron, calcium, sulfur and magnesium.  All help plants grow strong and fight off disease and unwanted pests.  It also repels slugs.
  • Build healthy organic soil:  Natural composting methods and top dressing your soil with natural fertilizers and mulch will create a healthy growing environment for your plants.
  • Water in the morning:  Most insects and garden pests need damp environments to breed.  By watering in the morning, the foliage will be dry for most of the day as opposed to allowing it to be moist all night long.
  • Inter-plant and rotate your crops:  Most pests are plant specific.  By inter-planting, you will discourage the spreading of disease or pests.
Make your own Pesticides:
  1. Garlic Spray:  There is a reason garlic has been used for centuries for all types of antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral purposes, it works!  This general all purpose pesticide is made by adding 5 crushed bulbs of garlic to 17 oz. of water and allowing it to sit for 6-8 hours.  Then dilute with an additional gallon of water and strain into a spray bottle.  Spray the tops and bottoms of leaves and foliage bi-weekly.  Discontinue 2-4 weeks before harvesting vegetables or herbs as it can alter their taste.
  2. Salt Spray:  Works especially well for Spider Mites.  Simply add 2 tbs of Himalayan salt crystals to one gallon of warm water and spray onto leafs and foliage.
  3. Citrus Oil and Cayenne pepper: For ants, mix 10 drops of citrus essential oil with 1 tsp of Cayenne pepper and add to 1 cup of water.  Spray on ants and ant trails.
  4. Eucalyptus oil:  Add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil to anywhere flies, bees or wasps are.
  5. Essential Oil General Pesticide:  Mix 1 tsp vodka, with 10 drops of lemon essential oil, 10 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil and 10 drops of cedar-wood essential oil with 1 oz of water.  Add to a spray bottle and its ready to repel any flying or crawling insect.