Most of us believe that our big brain is what sets humans apart from other species. And that’s what anthropologists thought for decades. All the fossils of our hominid ancestors indicated larger brains.
But everything changed in 1974.
That’s when the fossilized skeleton of a female human ancestor was unearthed in Ethiopia. Scientists called the specimen “Lucy.”
Her remains were 3.2 million years old.… Read More
Anybody who’s tried to lose weight knows that it’s not a one-size-fits-all proposition.
A weight-loss strategy that works wonders for one person often fails miserably in others.
Why is this?
A study at Texas A&M University found that it may have to do with genetics.
Researchers discovered that individuals with similar genetics tend to have success with same diet that has worked for a sibling, a parent, or another close blood relative.… Read More
Fish oil is America’s most popular nutritional supplement. About 19 million of us take it in hopes of staving off heart disease and other serious conditions.[1]
But the science behind it has always been controversial. Some studies show it works. Others don’t.
The confusion extends to doctors. Some enthusiastically recommend fish oil. Others tell patients it’s a waste of money.… Read More
Antidepressant drugs have become so common that it’s easy to forget that they are potent medications that can have serious and disturbing side effects.
About 13% of Americans over age 12 take them regularly. That’s a 65% increase since 1999.[1]
These medications include Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Celexa (citalopram), and Lexapro (escitalpram). A major review from Canada’s McMaster University found that they may be more dangerous than you think.… Read More
If you’re worried about your heart, you can go to the best cardiologists…
Get a myriad of blood tests…
Undergo cutting-edge diagnostic imaging and EKGs…
But answering one simple question may be among the most reliable indicators of whether or not you’re headed for a heart attack. This marker of heart health is accurate whether you’re obese or thin, smoker or nonsmoker, in shape or sedentary.… Read More
Getting rid of fat is high on just about everybody’s fitness wish list. But it’s not easy.
Body fat can be stubbornly resistant to even the strictest diets and most strenuous workouts.
But now, a new study shows that there may be an easy way to unlock the fat-burning power of exercise. Researchers at the University of Granada in Spain discovered that you can burn up to 29% more fat during your workout if you drink a cup of coffee a half-hour before exercising.… Read More