With finals approaching and students spending countless hours of studying for exams for exams, the amount of sleep per night is likely to be cut short. But, this does not necessarily mean students will sleep less, maybe just sleep more during the day. We are told that it is important to get 8+ hours of sleep each night, but what if the number of hours we sleep are spread out throughout the day? Does this have a different affect on us and your bodies; will we be more tired or will we feel rejuvenated and more energized after sleeping for shorter periods of time more sporadically throughout the day?

In a recent study conducted by the University of California Berkeley, 39 average, healthy adults were chosen and then divided into two groups – nappers and non-nappers. At 12:00 noon both groups were given a learning tax and were required to learn the information given. After, at 2 pm, the napping group proceeded to take a 90 minute sleeping break while the non-nappers stayed awake. Later at 6 pm, both groups were subject to more exercises and activities regarding learning and other tasks. The napping group showed better results in their performance and their abilities increased, as opposed to the non-nappers whose performance lacked and decreased.

As many may or may not know, while sleeping, the brain produces different kinds of wave which are an indication of how deep of a sleep you are in. After a short period of time (approximately 20 minutes or more) the brain can move into a different phase, the slow-wave sleep, which is the deepest sleep phase possible. If submerged into this deep phase of sleep and nap for too long, it could cause you to wake up feeling disoriented and dazed and confused and not as refreshed or able to perform tasks well.

While the study conducted at UC Berkeley does not consist with the above fact about napping and the brain waves, it is not to say that either of these can definitely prove that taking naps will or will not make you more tired or more energized to do tasks. There are other factors that could contribute to the validity of the study done by US Berkeley. The study did not mention how long the adults slept for the night before, or if caffeine was consumed by the non-nappers. In addition, the fact about brain waves and sleeping does not address the fact that shorter naps might not cause a person to fall into the “slow-wave sleep” phase. While both provide good information to be used to further the study, neither can prove one or the other wrong.

In another research study by NASA, it was found that pilots who took 25 minute naps in the cockpit were more than 35% more alert than other colleagues and twice as focused. While this study tests a shorter amount of time spent napping, it provides consistent results to the first study by UC Berkeley that show napping improves performance in many aspects. No conclusions can be drawn from the information given, but two consistent studies show similar results which could lead to more developed research.

Sources:

http://www.prevention.com/health/sleep-energy/9-sleep-myths-make-you-tired/2-napping-only-makes-you-more-tired

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/179882.php

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2587568/How-feel-refreshed-little-sleep-MUST-afternoon-nap-Never-wake-tired-again.html

Yes, I know we’ve all been guilty of it at least some time or another (girls definitely)! There is something about listening to sad music when you are down that just makes you feel better and picks you up. But how could this be? Wouldn’t sad music just make us sadder? Music has an incredible hold over our emotions and our mood in general. Many researchers and studies have been conducted to determine what about sad music makes us so happy.

In a study conducted by researchers, a group of 44 participants were subject to listen to two sad songs and one happy song and then rate their feelings on perceived emotions and emotions felt, based on a scale of how much they identified with each. The results showed that people thought the sad songs were “tragic” but had a more enjoyable, pleasant experience while listening to these over the happy song. Researchers made a statement that emotion is not induced by personal events but rather just an indirect relationship to the music, forgetting what it could remind them off. While this is a well thought out experiment, there is a chance that listeners could be biased to the sad songs over the happy purely because they like the artist better, or recognize with it more, third variables influencing their opinions. It is also possible that people feel happier when listening to sad music because many argue that it is “more beautiful” and pleasant to hear.

In another case, it was discovered that people find sad music more comforting when they are going something and could listen to music that relates to their current situation. It is said that the experience is more powerful and connecting with a song instead of feeling the sadness it is describing.

I agree that sadder music makes up happier because it provides us with a comfort when we are going through something and usually has a softer, tenderer emotional connection than something happy.

Sources:

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119188/sad-music-elicits-pleasant-feelings

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263558.php

One of hardest parts of leaving home before school started was saying bye to the world’s greatest friend: my dog. As emotional I was, I could only wonder if he felt the same way or could sense/understand the strong feelings I had at the time. I’ve only been told that dogs are smart, but never fully could figure out if he was able to feel emotions just as humans do.

Recent studies have provided information that dogs have the similar brain structure as humans in terms of our emotions. Just like us, they have hormones and undergo the same chemical changes in their brain in body that we do when we experience a change in our feelings and emotional states. While we are both made up of the same contents, it is easy to conclude that dogs feel emotions similar to ours. It is apparent that dogs have a lesser range of emotions than we are able to feel, but still have some sort of emotional state. During infancy and younger ages of our lives, we have a limited amount of emotions we are able to access and call upon. Researchers believe this is how the emotions of a dog work. They have less developed, limited emotions compared to the average aged human. They are able to feel basic emotions; sad, love, happy, fear and even anger.

A recent study was tested to try and provide evidence that dogs are able to feel emotions even beyond the basics. A small sample group of 16 dogs all of different breeds, pugs, dachshunds, corgis and terriers, were chosen to interact in a room as their owner played with 3 different such as a stuffed animal dog, pumpkin and a children’s book. While the owner ultimately ignored their presence, the dogs displayed jealous behaviors as their owner interacted with the other objects AND ignored them. While this was experimental, it could have been executed better. It seems that the dogs chosen were smaller, less violent breeds. If many different types of dogs were used, such as big, small, loud, old, young, etc. you could get a better idea if this jealousy only pertains to a certain group, or the dog population in general. While this study is helpful in providing information about dog emotions, it is not conclusive on the topic. More studies need to be done to further develop which types of emotions dogs can and cannot feel.

As I look forward to seeing my little companion again soon, I can only hope he is just as emotional and feeling the same about our reunion!

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/25/living/study-dogs-jealousy/

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201303/which-emotions-do-dogs-actually-experience

The innies, the outies and the in-betweens. Of course we all know the different types of belly buttons out there, but does anyone really know why we are the way we are? How is it that some people have that little extra piece of skin protruding out while others have a little hole?

Our belly buttons all start off the same way: as an umbilical cord waiting to be cut and have the remains fall off forming what we know as the belly button. About 90% of bellybuttons are innies, while the other 10% are outies. It is a believed theory that the way a doctor handles the umbilical cord can influence how a belly button will develop. Doctors clamp several inches of the umbilical cord from the body and once that falls off, the remaining piece cannot be manipulated or surgically changed. Perhaps there is a certain distance of clamped UM cord that is more likely to create an outie or vice versa. Since there is no evidence to prove this true, we cannot assume that this correlation equal causation. There is always a possibility that events are due to chance and with this topic of belly buttons, it could possibly be that outie bellybuttons are more rare and are a product of chance.

Dr. Cetrulo from a hospital in Boston does not agree with the theory of doctors influencing the belly button outcome. He explains that the outcome of a bellybutton is due to the space between the skin and the abdominal wall. He claims that, “if the soft tissue protrudes though, you’ve got an outie”.

I’m not sure what type of experiment could be tested to try and determine the cause of the bellybutton. The information we have provides an observational outlook of the topic.

As no one has control over what type of bellybutton a child will develop, it is hard to determine what causes either kind. While there are a larger percentage of people with innie bellybuttons, there is just about an equal chance of receiving other. You never know!

Sources:

http://www.nbcnews.com/health/body-odd/what-makes-innie-innie-more-belly-button-mysteries-f1C6437359

http://community.babycenter.com/post/a8878985/what_makes_baby_have_an_innie_or_an_outie_belly_button

http://www.wisegeek.org/why-do-some-people-have-innie-belly-buttons-while-others-have-outies.htm

Throughout our lifetime, we’ve been blessed (or cursed) with the ability to watch TV, movies, live stream or just about watch anything, any time and anywhere. We even have to ability to search the worldwide web from the very palm of our hands! With so much advanced technology, people constantly have their eyes glued to screens and for long periods of time at that. Could this be a cause for blindness or strains on our eyes? Or is sitting to close to a screen the real cause of future eye problems?

A doctor from the American Academy of Ophthalmology made a bold statement and concluded that he wouldn’t be concerned and that sitting close or far away will remotely have physical no effect on the eyes but eye strains and fatigue are possible from watching at odd angles. This conclusion is not solely based on experiment and seems to be purely from Dr. Duffner’s own observations. From this, we can’t prove that sitting close does or does not have an affect on our eyes. We also can’t assume correlation equal causation because we have no evidence and have not results from any trials or experiments.

In turn, another researcher who wanted to develop more on this topic proposed, “sitting close to a TV (or screen) does not make children nearsighted, but nearsighted children sit closer to the TV or screen.” While this reverse causation is feasible, there is no consideration as to what could have caused the nearsightedness in the first place. Third variables are very possible here. The nearsightedness could be from genetics being passed on, or blurred vision and potential visual stress which could lead to sitting close to screens and ultimately, straining eyes.

With many more possible conclusions, it is hard to accept or reject this hypothesis. In my opinion, I think further tests need to be run and eye exams need to be given after excessive period of screen watching. Maybe running a double blind placebo trial and testing the vision and affect on eyes could provide a clearer consensus. The best way to prevent any type of future eye problems is to limit exposure to screens!

Sources:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-talk-tv-eyesight/

http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/myopia?sso=y#1

As we all know by now, college is the ultimate haven for getting sick. There is no getting around it and there is certainly no easy, quick remedy for getting better. Although, we’ve all heard it before “chicken soup is good for the soul” (and the common cold). With many other ways to prevent getting sick such as washing your hands, good hygiene and trying to avoid germs; chicken soup is proven to be just as good of a remedy as these.

Often times, symptoms from colds are related to your body’s inflammatory immune response to working to fight against the developing virus. Researchers from the University of Nebraska conducted recent studies to determine chicken soup’s effect on the immune cells. Dr. Stephen Rennard of the Medical Center in Omaha took volunteers and fed them his wife’s homemade chicken noodle soup recipe. Then, he took blood samples from the volunteers, which showed the movement of “neutrophil chemotaxis”, a white blood cell commonly known for fighting off infections. The specific ingredient responsible for these neutrophils is unknown, but it is said that the combination of vegetables and chicken work well together.

In another study, Mount Sinai researchers claimed that there is more to chicken soup that just a placebo effect. Researchers looked into how chicken soup effects airways and mucus in the nose. A group of 15 selected volunteers drank hot water, cold water or chicken soup broth and then were examined on how the liquids affected their airflow and mucus flow. It was found that the warm liquids increased flow, but chicken soup showed an improvement over the hot water.

Although results show that chicken soup can be beneficial, no results are final. There is almost always a possibility that the results could be due to chance. Also, we must take into account that humans could be prone to thinking that chicken soup is better because that is simply what they’ve been told all their life. Our parents tell us, who heard it from their parents, and so on. It is a psychological factor that could alter people’s opinion on its true effects. Being that it is a comfort food to some, this could make them biased or unbiased to the fact that it works.

Whether or not chicken soup is the newest medical remedy for treating an illness, there is no doubt that it is nutritious and delicious on any occasion!

Sources:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=117888

With the colder months slowly creeping up on us, I’m sure we are all longing for those warm, sunny, summer days again. Along with cold wintery weather come rain and other forms of precipitation, which we connect to gloomy days. When the sun is shining and the air is warm, it always seems like a happier day with happier people. Could a warm, beautiful day have a direct relationship to our feelings or health? Or our minds just conditioned to believe sunny relates to happy and rain relates to gloomy?

There are many speculations on the issue of sunshine being good for us or making us happier people. As we’ve all probably been told sometime in our life “don’t forget to use sunscreen!” The sun is powerful and can cause incredible damage to our skin but how can it be that something so harmful can make us feel so good?

From the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun, we receive endorphins, often called “happy hormones”. These endorphins can help to relieve pain, boost energy and even create a sense of euphoria and pleasure. This correlation between sunlight and “happy hormones” could possibly mean causation in this situation. This is not controlled or manipulated but rather based on people’s reactions towards the sun. People who are exposed to the sunlight more could be found to have more energy and euphoric, pleasurable traits. But, it is possible that other variables attribute to these endorphins. These endorphins also give us a similar feeling after engaging in sexual intercourse and an extensive workout, so it is possible that engaging in one of these activities and then proceeding into the sunlight will increase those endorphins from the sun and ideally make us feel better.

To further the topic of endorphins and sunlight, a recent study was conducted in a local tanning salon by researchers at Wake Forest University. Researchers were interested in finding out what made regular tanning salon customers choose the tanning beds that they did. They conducted an experiment where customers only had 2 tanning bed choices for their session. The tanning beds were the exact same except one gave off UV light power and the other did not. In the study, customers were asked to use each one of the beds once a week and on their third session, they could pick between the 2 based on which they liked best. As a result, approximately 95% of tanners chose the bed with the UV rays because it “made them feel better”. In general, the experiment might not have had the best design. While the experiment was not double blind and customers knew one had UV rays and the other did not, some could have biased to the fact that the UV rays may make their skin darker, ultimately increasing their happiness.

Whether it is proven or not, there are many benefits to getting some sun and fresh, warm air. Take advantage of the beautiful days as you will soon be wishing they didn’t pass by so quickly!

Sources:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/emotions/sun-happiness1.htm

http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/self-discovery/can-sun-make-us-happy

We all know the feeling referred to as being “drunk”, but how exactly does drinking a liquid cause us to act differently and think differently? Alcohol is just like any other liquid we consume daily, but there are side effects that come along with it. Slurred words, loss of coordination and stumbling (lots of it) are all direct results of consuming this liquid. What happens in our bodies to make us feel this way?

When alcohol is consumed, a portion of it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. When alcohol is in your blood, it flows throughout your body and even to your brain. The effects alcohol has an a person depends on which part of the brain it reaches. When alcohol is consumed in large quantities, it can reach more parts of the brain, increasing the affects on our body and our behavior. Normally, the brain receives chemical signals from other parts of the brain but when you drink alcohol, the ethanol replaces these chemical signals and sends signals of its own. This slows down the brain and the regular cycle and flow. As mentioned in this article, once the alcohol has hit all parts of the brain it finally reaches the medulla. This is the center of responsibilities  and keeps you from doing things without thinking. When this is affected, poor choices tend to be made without even remembering or recognizing what is going on (drunk verging on a blackout and losing consciousness).

Alcohol is a depressant and depresses the nerves but yet makes people lively, confident and talkative. It can make people feel good or bad. This brief video clip describes how alcohol makes it’s way through the body, affecting all of our decisions. Think before you drink!!

Sources:

Your Body: How Alcohol Gets You Drunk

Why do we get drunk?

http://io9.com/5939522/how-does-alcohol-get-you-drunk

If you don’t live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of the infamous “beer belly” and probably have seen a few in your lifetime. What’s the difference between a normal fat belly and a beer belly? Where does this alleged beer belly come from? Does this really happen? Is that where all those calories really go?

According to nutritionist Dr. Kathryn O’Sullivan, drinking beer is no different than drinking wine or a mixed drink, in terms of gaining weight. The beer belly could come from the idea that one must drink a greater volume of beer to get the same amount of alcohol that you would from another drink. The amount of calories in beer  is definitely something to watch and when consumed in large quantities frequently and in a short amount of time it can add up. A beer belly forms from an excessive amount of calories which can come from beer, among many other sources of calories and fats. Beer is not the only food that will contribute to a “beer belly”, which is really just a belly.

A researcher from the Mayo Clinic, Michael Jensen, states that “alcohol intake is associated with bigger waists, because when you drink alcohol, the liver burns alcohol instead of fat” (http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-beer-and-your-belly). This could be the reason that alcohol is to blame for the increased belly fat that some are subject to. 

Is it that we blame our big bellies on beer, or does beer actually play a part in it? It’s possible that people with already big bellies use beer as their scapegoat and excuse to having such a large stomach. Have you ever seen a teenager with an already large beer belly? We will all be well on our way to getting beer bellies if people continue to consume beer in today’s fashion!

Sources:

Beer Bellies Are a Myth

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-beer-and-your-belly

With fall just beginning, the “plague” has already begun to make it’s way around. Once the plague strikes your building, it comes after everyone in it’s way. It makes it’s way through every floor, infecting people like crazy. Sure there are many things you can do to avoid being the next victim. It is important to always wash your hands, take vitamins and get enough rest. But is it possible that eating an apple a day will save you from illness?

It is commonly known that apples are filled with good fibers, can help maintain a healthy weight and are always a better alternative to junk foods. But is an apple the secret to a longer, healthier life? As stated in this web source, apples are composed of many different nutrients such as Pectin, Boron, Quercetin, Vitamin C and Phytonutrients. All of these nutrients have beneficial factors such as building strong bones and healthy brain, lowering blood pressure, lower cancer risk, eliminating free radicals and boosting immunity. Who wouldn’t want to eat an apple a day!? But is this just an enough to prevent sickness alone? Nutritionists recommend eating a variety of fruits, all which are loaded with nutrients and work to keep us healthy. The best way to keep the doctor away is to vary your diet- keep your options open!

Eating an apple a day didn’t hurt anyone though!

Sources:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/health-myths/an-apple-a-day.htm

Being as athletically challenged as I am, I never quite understood the benefits of drinking Gatorade over water. Of course it is important to stay hydrated while exercising and engaging in any physical activity because we lose so many electrolytes through sweating, but does choosing one drink over another really provide that many more benefits?

In a recent fitness article, it is discussed that drinking Gatorade may be a greater benefit thank drinking water during an intense workout or while intense physical activity. Water seemed to be highly recommended for moderate physical activity and less extreme exercise. It is said in the article that the carbs in Gatorade help to restore the lost glycogen that occurs during a more strenuous workout. It is recommended to avoid Gatorade on a regular basis due to the high amount of calories and carbs that could fluctuate a normal diet. Water should typically be the drink of choice whenever possible, aside from the extreme cases of rigorous exercise. Nutritionist Heidi Skolnik suggested that “Water provides no sodium, which helps the body hold onto water and helps fluid get to the right places in the body, like muscles and blood”, which could be more of a reason to quit sipping on the water and grab the Gatorade! 

Before anyone rules either of these drinks out of their diet, it is important to consider what type of exercise you will be engaging in and the appropriate liquid needed to hydrate your body. The Gatorade vs Water issue will continue!

Sources: http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-drink/sports-drinks-vs-water

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/exercises/drinking-gatorade-vs-drinking-water-during-sports-games.html#b

http://0701.static.prezi.com/preview/x6rejb4yxle3cjkeankcqm3saeadw6rhlm5vs2oll757hbaoaxlq_0_0.png

At this point, we’ve all been through the horrors of puberty and have had our fair share of acne and embarrassing pimples. Many of us like to blame puberty, our oily skin and stress for causing us these troubles, but of course there are many contributing factors that affect our skin and it’s appearance. In many recent studies, the question whether or not chocolate can cause and further the development of acne has come up. Will eating more chocolate cause you to have a face full of pimples? Or are all sugary, fatty foods bad for us and our skin? Or is dark chocolate really that much better for us and our bodies?

Before you cut chocolate out of your diet completely, it is important to understand why people link chocolate and increased blemishes. In an interview with Dr. Ava Shamban, she explains that “a high-sugar/high-fat diet can increase sebum production and promote inflammatory responses in the body — which can lead to acne.” Although chocolate is high in sugar and can be fatty, there are plenty of other junk foods out there that can cause the same effects in the body. Cookies, cakes, pies, soda and candy can all fall into this category, along with chocolate. While it is still not even certain that these types of food can be a direct cause of acne, it is more likely to develop the condition when these foods are consumed. In this video, a Proactiv specialist tackles the dilemma of chocolate causing acne and claims it to be a myth.

As there are many contributing factors to our horrific breakouts, there is a apparent connect between chocolate and women who are menstruating. It is discussed in the Huffington Post, that women are more likely to breakout from their menstrual cycle than the chocolate they consume (or crave) during this time. The changes in the body due to estrogen levels and changing hormones can cause skin to become oily and kick start the development of acne during that period.

Before you point fingers and blame chocolate for your nasty breakout, think again! Your body is constantly changing due outside medications, hormones and of course your diet. Just because you eat one chocolate bar, does NOT mean you will breakout. But be careful what you eat, those sugary junk foods may be all fun and games for now..

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/does-chocolate-cause-acne_n_1566076.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/basics/causes/con-20020580

Hi, my name is Kelsey and I’m from East Brunswick, NJ. I’m undecided right now but I’m mostly interested in majoring in Business or possibly something in the Math field. I chose this course because I need to fulfill a science requirement and none of the other options seemed appealing. This course interested me because it is for non-science majors and it would be easy to relate to others in the class who feel the same as I do, as we are all in the same boat. I am not a science major because I absolutely hated physics in high school and could never pursue any career or interest in that in the future. It ruined my outlook on science.

This is just because I love the beach.