Are
web-based programmes for weight-loss effective?
According
to a study, web-based programmes are the new effective measures in weight loss
and weight management.
Weight
loss is a topic of concern for nearly 36 percent of Americans who are
considered obese. There are many barriers that can interfere with weight loss.
For those attending face-to-face weight loss programmes, barriers can include
travel, conflict with work and home, need for child care, and loss of anonymity.
In
a study released in the new issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and
Behavior, investigators from the University of Kansas Medical Center continue
to explore alternative weight management delivery methods to eliminate some of
these barriers. Debra Sullivan, lead investigator, says: ‘Although we found
weight loss was significantly greater for face-to-face compared to virtual
reality, weight maintenance was significantly better for virtual reality.’
The
virtual reality weight maintenance programme was conducted using Second Life, a
web-based virtual reality environment available to the public. Participants in
Second Life create virtual representations of themselves, called ‘avatars’,
which can interact with other ‘avatars’ and navigate through the virtual world
of Second Life.
Voice
communication is accomplished via headset, which allows for person-to-person
and group interaction. Education and training takes place on an ‘island’, which
is purchased from Second Life and provides restricted group access to the
nutrition education and training area.
Source:
http://health.india.com
29.04.2013
Drifting
cancer cells more dangerous
According
to a study by biologists and physicists in the US, cancer cells that separate
or drift off from the tumour site are more dangerous than non-malignant cells.
Cancer cells that can break out of a tumour and invade other organs are more
aggressive and nimble than non-malignant cells, according to a new
multi-institutional nationwide study. These cells exert greater force on their
environment and can more easily manoeuvre small spaces.
The
researchers report in the journal Scientific Reports that a systematic
comparison of metastatic breast-cancer cells to healthy breast cells revealed
dramatic differences between the two cell lines in their mechanics, migration,
oxygen response, protein production and ability to stick to surfaces, reports
Science Daily.
The
researchers discovered new insights into how cells make the transition from non-malignant
to metastatic, a process that is not well understood. The resulting catalogue
of differences could someday help researchers detect cancerous cells earlier
and someday prevent or treat metastatic cancer, which is responsible for 90
percent of all cancer deaths, according to the study.
It
was conducted by a network of 12 federally funded Physical Sciences-Oncology
Centers (PS-OC) sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. The PS-OC is a
collaboration of researchers in the physical and biological sciences seeking a
better understanding of the physical and chemical forces that shape the
emergence and behaviour of cancer.
Source:
http://health.india.com
29.04.2013
To succeed, planning alone is insufficient. One must improvise as well
ISAAC ASIMOV
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