After months of debate, the science journal Nature has finally published the first of two controversial papers US security advisers previously warned could play into the hands of ‘bioterrorists’.

When Ron Fouchier, a virologist at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam developed a new strain of deadly H5N1 (bird flu) that could easily pass between mammals, the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) in America, recommended their research findings not be published.

Up until that point, scientists believed the virus was only contracted by people in close proximity to infected birds. But, as Fred Guteri explains in Scientic American, researchers demonstrated that the lab-made virus could be passed between mammals (in this case, ferrets), in the same way that air-borne human viruses are spread.

Earlier this week, researchers were finally granted an export license for their findings, according to Science Insider, allowing Fouchier to send a revised version of his paper to the academic journal Science.

In a statement, the NSABB dropped their objections, saying that they did not believe the papers would "endanger public health or national security".

The federal advisory panel was previously concerned the research could act as a recipe for a terrorist attack, writes The Daily Mail.

Award-winning science blogger Ed Yong told Huffpost Lifestyle: "Despite the concerns about the mutant strains, the paper really underscores how worrying the wild H5N1 viruses are. It shows that the wild viruses can evolve to spread between mammals with worrying ease, and that they are already well on the way."

Since it emerged in Hong Kong in 1997, H5N1 influenza has killed millions of chickens, mostly in Asia, writes The Washington Post. People are rarely infected, but when that happens they are likely to die. Since 2003 there have been 602 human cases and 355 deaths.

By Teresa Dumain

Mucus, saliva, sweat -- the mere mention might make you gag, but these icky substances actually help fight germs, prevent allergies, counteract cavities, and more. Here, a closer look at how these and other body fluids actually keep you healthy.

Your bodily fluids may be sticky, smelly, and downright nasty, but your body needs every single substance it makes -- even the disgusting ones -- to function at its best. “People are always looking for ways to limit their bodily fluids — to stop a runny nose or scrape out every last bit of earwax, for example,” says Wendy Stern, MD, an ear, nose, and throat specialist in Dartmouth, Mass. “But each has a specific and important purpose. Mucus helps protect the lungs, and without earwax, you couldn’t hear.”

No one is saying you have to love the stuff, but maybe understanding why each bodily fluid exists could help you hate it less. Here’s how mucus, ear wax, and other bodily gunk help you stay well.

Mucus
The gross: Those sometimes-slimy, sometimes-crumbly little blobs of snot you blow out of your nose are clumps of mucus mixed with dirt and other debris. "Mucus is made in the membranes that run from the tip of your nose to the base of your lungs," says Dr. Stern. On a normal day, these nasal lining-cells secrete about four cups of mucus, most of which you swallow without noticing. When you're sick, production ramps up and the mucus, which is normally clear, can thicken and change color. White, yellow, or green mucus is a sign of a viral or bacterial infection.

The good: "Mucus helps keep your airways moist so they work properly, and serves as the first line of defense in your nose, trapping bacteria, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that don't belong in your lungs," says Stern. Mucus also contains antibodies and enzymes that help kill bacteria and viruses. When an allergen irritates your nose or a virus infects the tissue, the mucus-making membranes make extra mucus in an effort to usher out the uninvited guests. To clear a snot-stuffed nose, many experts recommend nasal irrigation (with a neti pot) as a natural way to loosen and drain excess mucus.

Related story: What To Do About Sinus Congestion And Mucus

Ear Wax
The gross: If you want to get medical, the official term is cerumen. And if you want to technical, it's not really "wax," but a mixture of secretions from oil and sweat glands in your ear, hair, and dead skin. Ear wax is formed in the outer part of the ear canal, and slowly migrates to the ear opening, where it dries, flakes, and falls out. What gets the ear wax moving? Chewing, talking, and jaw-moving.

The good: Ear wax protects and moisturizes the ear canal so your ears don't get irritated or itchy. It also traps dust and bacteria to prevent them from entering and damaging the ear. Tests have shown that ear wax has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which is important because the dark, warm, and moist environment of the ear canal is perfect for hosting germs. "So leave your ear wax alone," says Stern. "And keep cotton swabs away from your ears." The cotton is abrasive and could scratch the canal, you might go too deep and perforate your ear drum, and you'll likely push more wax in than you remove, she adds, which could lead to an earache or even hearing loss. The safest cleaning method: Wipe the outer lobe with a washcloth only; and if your ears feel stuffed with wax, see your doctor.

Related story: Ear Canal Problems

Pus
The gross: The unsightly appearance of this thick, yellowish-white ooze signals infection. When germs invade the skin -- in an out-of-control, inflamed zit, for example -- your immune system kicks in for protection. White blood cells rush the area and collect within the damaged tissue. Composed of fluid, dead and dying white blood cells, bacteria, decomposing tissue and other debris, pus is the byproduct of this process. A small collection of pus in the top layer of skin is called a pustule or pimple; when it accumulates into a deep pocket, it's an abscess.
The good: As gross as pus looks, its presence means your infection fighters are working, says Joyce Davis, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. "The body is trying to engulf something, but sometimes its needs the help of an anti-inflammatory or anti-bacterial to finish the job." For the occasional pimple, a topical over-the-counter acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid provides just enough support to squash the bacteria. Chronic acne breakouts may need prescription ointments, antibiotics, or other medications. Deep abscesses require a doctor's attention -- treatments include drainage and antibiotics. Never pop a zit, which spreads the pus and can possibly cause more infection and scarring.

Related story: Popping Pimples And Other Bad Habits To Avoid

Eye Gunk
The gross: Eye boogers, crusties, sleepies — there’s no official name for the stuff you pick from the corner of your eye in the morning, which is actually an accumulation of dried-up tears. You have thousands of tiny glands that continually make tears; during the day, blinking spreads the fluid around and sends it down a tear duct that drains into your nose, explains Richard Bensinger, MD, a Seattle ophthalmologist. “But when you’re asleep, the blinking stops, so the fluid collects in the corner of your eye and starts to dry, along with whatever debris might have entered the eye shortly before and during sleep,” he says.

But if your eyes are caked shut, or the discharge is yellow or green or has an odor, that’s a sign of infection and you need to see your eye doctor. If you experience pain or can’t see clearly, get to your doctor immediately, adds Richard Shugarman, MD, an ophthalmologist in West Palm Beach, Fla.

The good: Eye discharge is part of your body’s natural defense system to wash away irritants, as well as the normal shedding of the cells that line the outside of the eyes, says Dr. Bensinger. Normally your eyes tear at a slow and steady rate to maintain lubrication, but when foreign matter invades, some tear glands ramp up their output, which forms discharge.

Related story: Can Diet Help Preserve Eye Health?

Sweat
The gross: If someone says theirs doesn’t stink, don’t scoff — they’re sort of right. Sweat is composed mostly of water, some salt, and small amounts of other substances; on its own, it’s virtually odorless. What makes sweat smell not-so-fresh is the mix of bacteria on your skin and the type of sweat gland it comes from, says Davis. Eccrine sweat glands release unscented fluid directly onto your skin when body temperature rises. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are linked to hair follicles and are found in areas with lots of them, like your armpits and groin. When you get anxious or stressed out, apocrine glands secrete sweat that contains some fatty acids and proteins; when it gets pushed onto your skin, bacteria begin breaking down the fatty components — and that process stinks.

The good: “Sweat serves as a cooling mechanism for your body,” says Davis. The body functions best around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When your internal mercury rises, you perspire; as the sweat evaporates off your skin, your body cools down. How much sweat you pump out depends on how many sweat glands you have — some people have 2 million, others up to 4 million.

Related story: How Much Sweat Is Too Much Sweat?

Diarrhea
The gross: Your colon typically absorbs liquids from the food you eat, leaving your No. 2 in its normal, semi-solid state. But if too much food and drink passes too quickly through the colon, your body doesn’t have a chance to absorb enough liquid — and the result is watery stool. Three loose bowel movements in one day officially means you have diarrhea. Not only is the entire experience unpleasant, it can leave you dehydrated, sometimes dangerously so. Loose stools contain more water and electrolytes than solid waste; when the body loses too much, it can’t function properly.

The good: Think of diarrhea as your body’s way of ejecting undesirables, such as viruses, bacteria, and germs from contaminated food and water, from your intestines. It also alerts you to food sensitivities and intolerances, such as to lactose (a sugar found in dairy). Chronic diarrhea usually signals a functional disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. If diarrhea lasts more than two days, you have severe stomach or rectal pain, a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, or your stool contains blood or pus, see your doctor.

Related story: Help For Chronic Diarrhea

Saliva
The gross: Your mouth makes a ton of this stuff — about four to eight cups a day, which you swallow a little at a time without noticing. If you feel more drooly than usual, it could be because your salivary glands are making more (prompted by certain medications, pregnancy, or reflux, for example) or because you’re swallowing less (which could be the result of allergies or a sinus infection). At the other extreme, too little saliva can lead to dry mouth. It’s most often a side effect of medication, but can also be caused by aging and a number of health conditions.

The good: “You couldn’t talk or eat without it,” says Stern. Saliva moistens your mouth, facilitates swallowing, and contains enzymes that break down food and start the digestion process. Your teeth also need it to stay healthy; saliva helps keep them clean (by washing away food particles), prevents tooth decay (by reducing bacterial growth), and fights off infections.

Related story: Simple Saliva Test Detects Your 'Real' Age

Water Blister
The gross: That blistery bubble of fluid is actually serum, the clear part of blood that contains water and proteins. Friction is the most common cause of water blisters — a result of shoving your feet into ill-fitting shoes or pulling stubborn weeds without wearing gloves. The rubbing causes the top layer of skin to separate from the one below; serum then leaks from damaged blood vessels and pools in the space, forming a blister. Burns and viral infections, like chicken pox, can cause blisters as well.

The good: “Water blisters act as a natural bandage, protecting the injured skin underneath from bacteria and infection,” explains Davis. So fight the urge to pop the bubble. As long as the blister stays intact, the injury beneath will heal on its own. Cover a small blister with a bandage and large one with a gauze pad to prevent further rubbing; change the dressing once a day until the blister deflates. If the bubble is in a bad spot (like the heel of your foot), cut padded moleskin (avaialable at any drugstore) into a doughnut shape, and stick it on with the blister coming through the hole, suggests Davis. This way, you can walk without putting pressure on the blister. If a blister needs to be drained or starts to look infected, see your doctor.

Related story: Home Treatment For Blisters

Urine
The gross: Urine may be the least yucky body fluid of the bunch — probably because you’ve seen it tens of thousands of times since the day you stopped wearing diapers. Urine's normal color ranges from a diluted pale yellow (when you’ve drunk a lot of water) to a more concentrated amber (when you’re borderline dehydrated). Though you might shudder a little if your pee looks more orange, or freak out at the sight of blue urine, most changes in urine color are harmless and temporary, usually the result of consuming certain foods or food dyes or taking a prescription drugs. Occasionally, however, weird-looking urine indicates something serious — red-tinged urine could be a sign of a kidney disorder or kidney cancer; dark brown urine may indicate a liver disorder; and cloudy urine could signal a urinary tract infection or kidney stones.

The good: Peeing is one way your body eliminates waste and extra water. After your body extracts the nutrients it needs from food, waste products are left behind in the blood. That’s where the kidneys step in — they filter urea, which is a waste byproduct of foods that contain protein, from your blood and use it to produce urine. Adults eliminate about six cups of urine each day.

Related story: Urine Test: How It Is Done

Vomit
The gross: The emptying of your intestines and stomach through your mouth is just foul, plain and simple. For adults, common causes of vomiting include viral gastrointestinal infections or food poisoning, as well as motion sickness, migraines, pregnancy, serious ulcers, or head injuries. The timing of when you puke could indicate the cause: Shortly after eating points to ulcers; up to eight hours after a meal, food poisoning (although certain bacteria can take longer to trigger symptoms); about six weeks after your last period … hello, baby!

The good: In most cases, vomiting is just another way your body gets rid of things that irritate it, and it often subsides within a day. To feel better while you wait, stay hydrated (with small sips of water or ginger ale), avoid strong odors, and eat bland foods. Sometimes vomiting is a symptom of something more serious. The presence of blood (which can either be bright red or dark brown, like coffee grounds), for example, could indicate ulcers, torn blood vessels, liver failure, or cancer. Call your doctor if you’ve been vomiting longer than 24 hours, have symptoms of dehydration (such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, or dizziness when you stand), there's blood in your vomit, or you start throwing up after a head injury.

Related story: Vomiting: Symptom checker

Expert dog trainer Victoria Stilwell will be joining me soon on Mondays with Marlo. Now is you chance to ask her anything you'd like to know about:

• Why positive training is the most effective, safe, and humane method
• Why the 'dominance myth' is misunderstood and dangerous
• Tips to preventing dog bites (especially with small children around)
• Why breed specific legislation (BSL) is wrong
• Tips on dogs in small spaces
• What to do if a family member or another animal doesn't get along with your dog
• Your pet's health
• How to keep your pet healthy and happy
• And anything else you want to ask

Be sure to post your questions in the comment section below!

Victoria Stilwell is best known for her role as the star of Animal Planet's hit TV series "It's Me or the Dog", through which she is able to share her insight and passion for positive reinforcement dog training and as a judge on CBS's Greatest American Dog. Having filmed over 100 episodes since 2005, Stilwell is able to reach audiences in over 50 countries while counseling families on their pet problems.

Her two best-selling books, "It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet" and "Fat Dog Slim: How to Have a Healthy, Happy Pet", have been widely praised, and they detail her core reward-based training philosophy: "There’s a better way to train – Positively."

Due to her passion for positive reinforcement training methods, Stilwell created www.positively.com – the online home of positive reinforcement – featuring the world’s leading veterinary behaviorists, dog trainers and behavioral scientists on her Positively Expert Blog. She is a vocal opponent of punitive, dominance-based training techniques which often result in 'quick fixes' but ultimately cause more long-term harm than good while damaging the owner-dog relationship.

In 2010, she launched Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training, the world’s first global network of positive reinforcement dog trainers, dedicated to providing the dog-owning public a brand name they can trust in reward-based training.

She also remains committed to helping the cause of animal rescue and rehabilitation and is heavily involved shelters around the world while also working to increase awareness of the horrific practice of puppy mills. She is a National Ambassador for American Humane and serves as the Behavioral Advisor on Red Rover's Advisory Board.

A regular guest on countless talk shows, news broadcasts and radio programs in the US, Europe and Asia, Stilwell was named 2009's Dog Trainer of the Year at the Purina ProPlan Dog awards and was the recipient of the prestigious 2011 Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award. Since its premiere in 2005, "It’s Me or the Dog" has been the recipient of multiple honors including a 2011 Genesis Award Nomination and a 2009 People's Choice Award nomination. Stilwell is a regular columnist for The Bark and Dogs Today magazines, and she has been featured in numerous national magazines, journals and newspapers.

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By Gary Stix
(Click here for the original article)

NFL legend Junior Seau died today after reportedly shooting himself in the chest, according to various news reports.

What prompted the apparent suicide is still unknown. But Seau’s taking of his own life will inevitably raise questions about a possible role of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disorder that results from repeated concussions and that can produce dementia and other forms of cognitive dysfunction.

The NFL has had to contend with a growing incidence of this disorder. Dave Duerson, an NFL safety, committed suicide in 2011 by shooting himself in the chest and directed that his brain be used for research on CTE. Any player in the NFL, and in other contact sports like hockey, probably leaves a long career with some traces of brain injury. But tests will be needed to determine whether Seau merited a clinical diagnosis.

No reports have emerged so far that Seau suffered from dementia-like symptoms. An SUV that Seau was driving in 2010 near his home in Oceanside, Calif., went over a cliff that fronted on a beach, according to The Los Angeles Times. The incident occurred following his arrest that year related to suspicion of domestic violence.

Seau, a 12-time NFL Pro linebacker following a career as an All-American at University of Southern California, registered 13 seasons with the San Diego Chargers, three seasons with the Miami Dolphins and ended his career with the New England Patriots.

See Scientific American’s In-Depth Report—The Science of Concussion and Brain Injury—and the article “The Collision Syndrome” (pay wall) from the February 2012 Scientific American for more on CTE.

Those who eat plenty of fish (and other foods containing high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids) could be lowering their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a recent study has suggested.

According to researchers from Columbia University Medical Centre in New York, the natural oily acid compound decreases blood levels of a protein called beta-amyloid, which is commonly linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists believe that when this protein forms, it clumps together in the brain, triggering the onset of the degenerative disease.

During the study, researchers studied 1,219 people over 65 who had no signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. The participants were questioned on their diet, lifestyle and had their blood tested for levels of beta-amyloid.

Scientists discovered that the harmful protein was lower in the blood systems of those who consumed the most amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

They also concluded that a daily dose could reduce a person's chance of developing Alzheimer’s by up to 30%.

The study also looked at other nutrients, such as omega-6 fatty acids, mono-saturated fatty acids and vitamin E, C, B12 and D – however none of these had the same effect.

Scroll down to discover what lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent your chance of Alzheimer's disease...

Lead researcher Dr Nikolaos Scarmeas from the study, said in a statement, according to Fox News: "While it's not easy to measure the level of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain in this type of study, it is relatively easy to measure the levels of beta-amyloid in the blood, which, to a certain degree, relates to the level in the brain."

However, a leading Alzheimer’s charity is urging for more research into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at the charity Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "While this study provides interesting clues that omega-3 fatty acids in diet may be linked to amyloid levels in blood, it doesn't show whether this directly translates to less toxic amyloid in the brain and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

“So far, research into omega-3 supplements for prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's in people has not shown conclusive benefits.”

SEE ALSO

• Scientists Discover 'The Bad Guy' Protein That Triggers Alzheimer's
• A Bowl Of Berries A Day 'Keeps Alzheimer's And Dementia Away'
• Does Cleaning Slash Alzheimer's Risk?
• Could Cholesterol Drugs Beat Alzheimer's?
• Fiona Phillips: “I Fear I’ll Get Alzheimer’s In The Next Five Years”

Omega-3 fatty acids are mostly found in oily fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel. Smaller amounts can also be found in nuts, some vegetables including Brussels sprouts, kale and spinach, and vegetable oils.

In the UK, 820,000 people are currently living with dementia.

Jogging for as little as an hour a week can put years on your life, new research has shown.

Regular running increases the average life expectancy of men and women by around six years, a study found.

The greatest benefit came from jogging at a "slow or average" pace - enough to cause slight breathlessness - rather than pushing to physical limits.

Danish heart expert Dr Peter Schnohr, who led the study of almost 2,000 male and female joggers, said: "The results of our research allow us to definitively answer the question of whether jogging is good for your health.

"We can say with certainty that regular jogging increases longevity. The good news is that you don't actually need to do that much to reap the benefits."

The jogging research is part of the Copenhagen City Heart Study which has been monitoring the health of 20,000 Danish men and women aged 20 to 93 since 1976.

A team led by Dr Schnohr looked at death rates among a sub-group of 1,116 male and 762 female joggers over a period of up to 35 years.

Participants were asked how much time they spent jogging each week, and whether they ran at a slow, average or fast pace.

Compared with non-joggers in the main heart study population, the risk of death for both male and female runners was reduced by 44%.

The data showed that, after taking account of age, jogging increased the lifespan of men by 6.2 years and of women by 5.6 years.

Further analysis of the association between jogging and death rate revealed a "U-shaped curve".

This meant improvements were seen with increasing levels of exercise until an optimum point was reached, after which they reduced.

Between one hour and two-and-a-half hours of moderately paced jogging a week, undertaken over two to three sessions, was ideal, said the scientists.

"The relationship appears much like alcohol intakes," said Dr Schnohr, who presented the findings today at a meeting of heart experts in Dublin. "Mortality is lower in people reporting moderate jogging than in non-joggers or those undertaking extreme levels of exercise.

"You should aim to feel a little breathless, but not very breathless."

He said jogging delivered multiple health benefits, including raised oxygen uptake, increased insulin sensitivity, higher levels of "good" HDL cholesterol, lowered blood pressure, and reduced blood clotting.

SEE ALSO

• Why Tai Chi Is 'Best Exercise For Elderly'
• Eating Seaweed 'Better Than The Gym'
• Would You Try The 9-5 Treadmill Workout?
• Claire Squires, London Marathon Runner, Funeral Takes Place
• Are These The Best Workout Superfoods?

Regular running also improved heart and immune function, bone density while reducing inflammation, and protection against obesity. Jogging first became popular in the 1970s when middle-aged men started running to reduce their risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Since then there has been an ongoing debate about whether, on balance, jogging is beneficial or harmful.

"After a few men died while out on a run, various newspapers suggested that jogging might be too strenuous for ordinary middle-aged people," said Dr Schnohr.

Dr Schnohr, from Bispebjerg University Hospital, led another study reported last year which showed that cycling can increase lifespan by five years.

But in this case it was "fast pedallers" who did the most intense exercise who benefited most.

The EuroPRevent2012 meeting, taking place in Dublin over the next two days, is organised by the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation.

Natasha Stewart, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "Physical activity has long been associated with improved health and so it's no surprise to see just how beneficial jogging could be.

"Staying active can help prevent and manage a wide variety of health conditions and keep your heart in great shape. It can help the way you look and feel today but could also help to protect your heart health in the future too.

"Jogging might not be for everybody but there are plenty of other ways to keep active. Swimming, walking or even a spot of gardening can be beneficial, too. If you have concerns about the impact of exercise on your health, visit your GP first."

If you claim that you never have enough time to exercise, take a look at these workout tips for workaholics and busy bees...

Genes may be at least partially to blame when it comes to osteoporosis and fracture risk in women, according to new research.

In a new study published in the journal Nature Genetics, researchers from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg highlighted the discovery of gene variants that they say can cause osteoporosis.

They also found that women who have proportionally more of these genes variants are at a 50 percent increased risk of breaking a bone.

This is important because broken bones and falls can be deadly, with the National Osteoporosis Foundation reporting that 15,802 people ages 65 and older died in 2005 because of a fall-related injury. The NOF also estimated that 2 million fractures occurred in 2005 because of osteoporosis.

"This is the first time anyone has identified the genetic variants that are so strongly associated with an increased risk of fracture," said Claes Ohlsson, a professor at the Sahlgrenska Academy, in a statement.

For the study, researchers examined the genes of 80,000 people and 30,000 cases of broken bones. They found 55 gene regions that seem to have a role in bone density, and 14 specific gene variants that are linked with an increased fracture risk.

"We can prove that women who have a large number of genetic variants associated with low bone density have up to a 56 percent higher risk of osteoporosis as compared with women who have a normal [set-up] of the same genetic variants," study researcher Claes Ohlsson said in a statement.

This isn't the first research to pin osteoporosis risk on genes. Past studies in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet also identified specific gene variants that are linked with osteoporosis, fractures and bone density, WebMD reported.

In the U.S., osteoporosis of the hip, in particular, affects 4.5 million women and 800,000 men, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include being a woman, being older, being of white or Asian race, having a family history of the condition and having a smaller body frame, according to the Mayo Clinic. Problems with hormone levels (which can occur because of thyroid problems, treatments or aging) could also contribute to osteoporosis risk, as does not eating enough calcium, having an eating disorder or going through weight-loss surgery, the Mayo Clinic reported.

If your child is having trouble focusing while doing schoolwork, you might need to take a look at his or her sleep habits, a new study suggests.

New research published in the journal SLEEP shows that excessive daytime sleepiness (or EDS) is linked with an increased risk of trouble paying attention at school, being hyperactive, difficulty learning and conduct problems.

"When children are referred for neurobehavioral problems, they should be assessed for potential risk factors for EDS," study researcher Susan Calhoun, Ph.D., of Penn State University, said in a statement. "Recognizing and treating EDS can offer new strategies to address some of the most common neurobehavioral challenges in young school-age children."

The study included 508 children who were part of the Penn State Child Cohort. The researchers conducted sleep testing on them and had the parents report whether their children had any excessive daytime sleepiness. Then, they divided the children up into two groups: One that had the excessive daytime sleepiness, and one that didn't.

The researchers found that excessive daytime sleepiness was linked with "neurobehavioral (learning, attention/hyperactivity, conduct) problems and poorer performance in processing speed and working memory," researchers wrote in the study.

Rather, researchers found that factors like depression or anxiety, inattention, obesity, asthma and trouble falling asleep were linked with excessive daytime sleepiness in the kids (even those who "got enough sleep" during the sleep testing, and didn't have sleep apnea).

Excessive daytime sleepiness can be caused by a number of factors, including not getting enough sleep at night, sleep apnea, medications, and other mental conditions or sleep disorders, according to a 2009 article in the journal American Family Physician.

Recently, a New York Times article also examined the link between sleep and attention problems at school. That article looked specifically at how some cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might actually be a sign of sleep apnea, which leads to sleep deprivation and, then, problems with focusing and attention.

The New York Times reported on a recent Pediatrics journal article, showing that kids with sleep problems -- such as sleep apnea or snoring -- have a 40 to 100 percent increased risk of ADHD-like behavioral problems.

Forget endless statistics and health warnings: during Sun Awareness Week, it only took one mother, Patricia Krentcil, to remind us of the dangers of sun worship.

After her five-year-old daughter arrived at school with rash and sun run having gone ‘tanning with mommy’ the 44-year-old New Jersey mother was arrested and charged with child endangerment, reported the BBC.

Patricia Krentcil denies allowing her child into a tanning booth with her - yet one look at her worryingly, over-brown face makes it easy to believe her relationship with UV rays is less than healthy.

Yinka Ebo, Cancer Research UK’s senior health information manager, says: “Sunbeds are not a safe way to tan. Some of the UV rays emitted by sunbeds can be 10-15 times higher than those from the midday sun and every time you use a sunbed you are damaging your skin."

Far from improving your looks, Ebo points out, the radiation given off by sunbeds leads to premature ageing - making skin look wrinkled, leathery and old - and can damage the DNA in skin cells.

“Over time this damage can build up and may lead to malignant melanoma – the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Using sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of developing malignant melanoma by 75%.”

In 2010 in the UK, 2,749 people in the UK died from skin cancer.

It also is illegal for individuals under the age of 18 to use a sunbed, thanks to successful campaigning by Cancer Research UK for tighter legislation.”

As leading make-up artist Lisa Stokes (who's worked with celebrities including Kate Moss, Gemma Arterton and Myleene Klass), points out, tanning has only been popular in the western world since the late Sixties, early Seventies.

“The likes of Sophia Loren made it fashionable. Prior to this people used to lighten their skin with cosmetics. In the Forties and Fifties pale was chic."

Stokes adds: “I think women feel a tan will cover their flaws, stops them from looking washed out, even makes them look and feel more slender. There's a celebrity factor, with young girls trying to look like super-tanned reality stars from TOWIE, or sun kissed models such as Gisele."

Stokes has noticed more of her clients will compromise their health in order to achieve the perfect look, indulging in fad diets, botox and chemical peels.

Read more about skin cancer below

However, many women have also woken up to the fact that overexposure to the sun can be extremely damaging to the skin, says Stokes.

"Most of my clients these days slap on the sunscreen and opt for a really good spray tan instead. There are so many great ones available now and it's a much safer option," she says.

A recent survey carried out by the British Association of Dermatologists found that 71% of respondents thought individuals looked healthier with a suntan. Yet, 83% also agreed the risks of skin cancer were not exaggerated.

As Deborah Mason, spokesperson for the British Association of Dermatologists, points out: “People are still putting themselves at risk to acquire a tan under the misapprehension that it makes them look healthier, when in reality a suntan is actually a sign that our skin is already harmed by UV radiation and trying to defend itself against further harm.”

Sadly, we've had more cloud than sun this year- but that doesn't mean our skin is completely safe.

“A significant amount of UV rays (up to 40%) can still get through even when it is completely overcast. For example, if half the sky is covered in clouds, 80% of UV will still shine through,” says Mason.

The organisation has recently launched a World UV App in conjunction with the Met Office – the app tells you the predicted peak UV for your location and what this means for your skin type.

While some children auditioned for the School of American Ballet in New York City last Friday, others halfway around the world celebrated Queen's Day in the Netherlands and played in the rain at the Seville April Fair in Spain.

The gallery below features stunning photography of children around the globe from this past week -- some festive, some playful, all adorable. Click through and tell us which picture is your favorite in the comments below. And then we want to know: What did your kids do this week?

On Monday, Restaurant magazine declared Mugaritz restaurant of Errenteria, Spain (outside San Sebastian) the third best restaurant in the world. This fine dining mecca, helmed by Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, has been responsible for a host of star chefs that have come through its kitchen since its inception in 1998.

In 2010, Mugaritz suffered from a fire that completely destroyed the kitchen. One year after the fire, the restaurant re-opened thanks to the generosity of a small group of Japanese chefs.

"Andoni has helped redefine the standards of Spanish cuisine today," writes Thomas Keller in the book's introduction. "The term 'adventurous' is what immediately comes to mind when describing his cooking," he continues.

The cookbook is probably not one in which you will actually re-create a lot of recipes at home, unless you have a a seriously avant-garde kitchen. Instead, it's a book for both food and art lovers -- there are detailed stories about the restaurant alongside some incredible food photography.

"Mugaritz: A Natural Science of Cooking" by Andoni Luis Aduriz is available for $49.95 and is now available from Phaidon. Chef Aduriz will be in North America starting next week for his book tour (New York and Toronto) and to promote the documentary Mugaritz B.S.O.

Check out some of the dishes from the Mugaritz cookbook below.

All photography by José Luis López de Zubiria

A mother today called for improvements to NHS staff training and systems after doctors failed on three occasions to identify an infection which killed her one-year-old son.

Jodie Conlay was speaking out after a coroner delivered a narrative verdict saying that "had appropriate treatment been instigated on any of these three occasions it is likely Lewis would have survived".

Lewis Mullins died just over a year ago, nine days after his first birthday, after suffering streptococcal pneumonia which he developed after having chickenpox.

He was sent home from an NHS walk-in centre once and Rotherham Hospital twice in the three days prior to his death as doctors failed to spot his condition, lawyers representing the family said.

Parents Ms Conlay, 28, and Andrew Mullins, 32, from Maltby, have been left devastated by the death.

Ms Conlay said: "I still can't believe that Lewis is no longer with us. He was such a content baby, a real happy chappie.
"We have pictures from his first birthday just days before he became ill.

"His big sister keeps telling me she misses her little brother. It has hit both myself and Andrew very hard.

"Hearing that the treatment given to Lewis could have been different and could have saved his life was completely soul destroying.

"I just hope now that changes can be made, and more notice taken of parents' concerns, to try and prevent others from having to go through the heartache that we have."

Medical law experts at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, today joined Lewis' parents in calling for improved procedures and training.

The law firm said Lewis was initially treated for severe chickenpox at an NHS walk in centre on March 30 2011 where he had presented with chickenpox spots and a high temperature.

A doctor sent him home with a prescription for acyclovir, an antiviral drug, but he was rushed by ambulance to A&E at Rotherham Hospital the following day after developing a new rash, difficulty breathing, as well as a persistent very high fever.

He was discharged as doctors thought he was suffering from an allergic reaction to the acyclovir, but he had to visit hospital again on April 1 as his condition deteriorated further, with fever, spreading rash and difficulty breathing.

He was seen by doctors but again discharged, on this occasion without even being seen by a paediatric specialist, the law firm said.

His condition deteriorated further still the next morning. He stopped breathing in his father's arms and was rushed back to hospital by ambulance. Unfortunately the doctors were not able to revive him and he died. Basic blood tests or a chest x-ray in order to rule out bacterial infection were never considered by the doctors who saw Lewis.

At an inquest at Rotherham Magistrate's Court Coroner Nicola Mundy delivered a narrative verdict and said she would write to the relevant people with recommendations regarding the use of documentation at the walk in centre.

The inquest discovered procedural problems had impacted upon the youngster's care.

Heather Kolar, a medical law specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: "There were a number of occasions during Lewis' treatment that medical staff could and should have done more to identify and treat his condition. He was just one year old and clearly very ill. Lewis needed the utmost care when he was at his most vulnerable but tragically, on this occasion the standard of care was not good enough.

"The medical evidence suggests that had Lewis been given appropriate antibiotics the outcome would have been different. Medical staff should have recognised that his illness was more serious and carried out simple blood tests and an x-ray to find out what else was wrong.

"No-one can possibly imagine what Jodie and Andrew have been through, losing their son just days after his first birthday. Nothing can ever bring Lewis back and they will never get over that. But the one thing they are determined to do is to get assurances from the hospital that they have improved their training to ensure that no other parent ever has to go through what they have."

* Arcalyst meant to prevent gout flares
* Staff focus on side effects, limited trial of drug
* Regeneron shares down 2.4 pct
* Advisory committee to review drug on Tuesday (Adds shares, bullets)
By Anna Yukhananov
WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - U.S. drug reviewers said Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc's drug to prevent gout flares worked, but questioned its side effects and whether it did enough to help patients.
The Food and Drug Administration staff on Friday said the injectable drug, called Arcalyst, was meant to be used for only 16 weeks to prevent gout flares - the first treatment for the condition with such a limited timeline.
Shares of Regeneron, the maker of eye drug Eylea, fell 2.4 percent to $130.75 in morning trading on Nasdaq, underperforming the broader market.
The FDA staff review comes ahead of an advisory panel of outside experts, which will vote on whether to recommend the drug next Tuesday. The FDA will make a final decision by July 30, taking into account the panel's recommendations.
Regeneron's drug, known generically as rilonacept, is already approved to treat a group of rare genetic auto-inflammatory diseases. But the small biotech company is hoping to expand its use to prevent gout flares in people starting uric acid-lowering therapy.
Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the bodily waste product, uric acid, is deposited in the joints and soft tissues. It affects about 5 million to 6 million Americans.
While there are already treatments for gout flares in general, none exist specifically for people who are starting therapy to lower their uric acid, and none is meant to be used for only 16 weeks, the FDA staff said.
"From an efficacy standpoint, it will be important to address whether 16 weeks provide for an adequate duration for flare prophylaxis during initiation of (uric acid-lowering therapy)," the staff said, according to documents posted online on Friday.
The FDA staff also said Regeneron's drug, which is an injectable biologic, suppresses the immune system, which could increase the number of cancerous cells. Six people treated with Arcalyst during clinical trials developed malignancies, or cancerous cells that could spread, compared to zero for those taking a dummy drug during the trials.
However, the FDA staff said the treatment duration of 16 weeks was relatively short, making it less likely the drug caused tumors - though the imbalance between Arcalyst and placebo still raised concerns. (Reporting by Anna Yukhananov; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick, Dave Zimmerman)

Don't feel guilty if, on a Friday night, you'd rather get a nice night's rest than go out on the town.

The Daily Mail reports on a British survey of 2,000 people, conducted by the bed company Dreams, finding that, on average, people get as much as nine hours of sleep on Friday nights, with 27 percent of people reporting that their rest feels good because they know they don't have to wake up early on Saturday.

The survey also showed that one-fifth of the survey respondents said they didn't plan things for Friday night so that they could just relax, the Daily Mail reported.

"Our survey shows workers experience relief that their week is over and the weekend is about to begin," Nick Worthington, of Dreams, told The Irish Sun. "On a Friday night the only thing most people have to worry about is how they are going to spend their days off."

The Irish Sun also reported that Sunday was the worst night for sleep, with survey respondents reporting that they wake up three times a night, on average.

[For more on the sleep study, read the Daily Mail's piece here.]

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep per night, while teens need eight-and-a-half to nine hours of sleep, and kids need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night.

However, a study conducted over 2005 to 2007 found that almost 30 percent of adults get six or fewer hours of sleep a night, on average. And a 2009 study concluded that just 31 percent of high-schoolers got 8 hours of sleep or more on a school night, the CDC reported.

In 2007, a study of 47,731 Americans was published in the journal SLEEP, showing that workaholics tended to make room in their schedules for their leisure activities by sacrificing their sleep time (either going to bed later, or waking up at an earlier time), USA Today reported.

But while it feels nice to catch up on lost Zzzs over the weekend, sleeping too much on your days off isn't a long-term solution. In fact, sleep experts say that it doesn't necessarily help our cognitive functioning when we try to make up for the sleep debt accumulated over the week.

Sleep doctor Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., told Psychology Today about several studies illustrating this, including a 2008 study from the Karolinska Institute where people slept just four hours per night over a five-day period. This was followed by getting a full eight hours rest per night the following week. But the researchers found that even though the study participants didn't feel sleepy after getting their full rest, they did have decreased cognitive functioning, Breus told Psychology Today.

However, Breus did add that it does seem that you can prepare for a night of diminished sleep by sleeping extra beforehand. "In other words, if you know you have a week of little sleep ahead of you, try loading up on sleep beforehand, not simply afterward," Breus told Psychology Today. "However it should be noted that you are likely only paying off a bit of sleep debt, to bring your reserves back to normal, before depleting them again."

We want to know -- what weekend night do you get the most sleep? And would you rather catch up on sleep over the weekend, or pack in leisure activities? Tell us why in the comments!

Spending the best part of £400 on a cookbook that contains no recipes may sound absurd to most, but for 45,000 eager (and presumably wealthy) foodies, it cooked up a storm.

According to a recent article by The Wall Street Journal, last year’s costly release, Modernist Cuisine: The Art & Science of Cooking by Nathan Myhrvoid has sold around 45,000 copies despite its hefty price tag.

The five volume book series, which weighs 47 pounds and is 2,400 pages long, was written by the former chief technology officer of Microsoft, who presents the science of food with an array of stunning photographs.

Myhrvoid also enlisted the help of 36 scientists, chefs, editors and photographers, who spent three years helping him create his masterpiece.

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Despite containing no recipes, this visually pleasing cookbook, has been a surprise hit among food enthusiasts and Myhrvoid has banked a cool £20m.

“This wasn’t my big money making scheme in life. From the beginning, I realised I could have lost every penny,” he told The Wall Street Journal.

If a £400 cookbook with no recipes ideas isn’t your bag, take a look at our collection of practical yet fabulous cookbooks.

Mother's Day is fast approaching -- and if you still haven't found the perfect gift for mom, we're here to help. The first installment of our 2012 Gift Guide suggested perfect presents for hipster moms; now, we bring you gifts for dyed-in-the-wool foodies, sourced by the imaginative gourmands of Etsy.

From rustic French linen kitchen towels and a 16-piece Indian spice set to handmade blank recipe books and jars of sinful vanilla-cinnamon caramels, these gifts are thoughtful, handmade, eco-friendly -- and sweet as a strawberry French macaron. Bon appétit!

Maxwell Drew Johnson may only be a few days old, but the baby is making headlines for a reason other than being Jessica Simpson's child -- people can't believe it's a girl's name.

The newborn daughter of singer Simpson and her fiancé, Eric Johnson, was born earlier Tuesday, joining a growing group of next-generation celebrities, like Blue Ivy Carter, and Moses or Apple Martin.

But according to data from Ancestry.ca, a website for users looking to trace their lineage, Canadians have been giving their children unique names since the 1840s. The names are inspired by everything from royalty, religion and even romance.

• Church Blessed - born in Quebec in 1880 (from Quebec Vital and Church Records/Drouin Collection, 1621-1967)

• Queen Brittain - born in 1900 in Brant County, Queen grew up in a house with seven siblings, none of whom were named after royal titles and no doubt felt aggrieved (from Ontario, Canada Births, 1869-1909 and 1901 Census of Canada)

• Horse Love - this 17-year old worked, perhaps predictably, as a farm labourer, earning a meagre $180 in 1910 (from 1911 Census of Canada)

• Happy Newyear Kerwenyee - born on New Year’s Day in 1877 to John, a farmer, and his wife Louisa (from Ontario, Canada Births, 1869-1909)

• Myholy Cupid - a 24-year-old recent Polish immigrant to Canada, working 40-plus hour work weeks as a street labourer, sharing a lodge with other Polish immigrants (from 1911 Census of Canada)

According to US Weekly, Maxwell Drew Johnson's different name draws on both sides of her family. It turns out Maxwell is Johnson's middle name, as well as his grandfather's surname.

Baby Johnson's middle name, on the other hand, comes from her mother's maternal grandmother, Tina Simpson -- whose maiden name is Drew.

Below are some of Hollywood's more... original baby names. Let us know which names stand out the most in the comment section below or by Twitter @HuffPostLivCa.

Around 90% of Asian school leavers suffer from shortsightedness, with experts warning that China, Japan and South Korea are in the grip of a bad eyesight epidemic.

The reason? They work too hard, claim a team of scientists.

According to a report by the Australian National University published in The Lancet, shortsightedness (or myopia), is caused by intense periods of studying and poring over books – an activity encouraged among strict Asian ‘Tiger parents’.

Researchers claim that bad eyesight cannot be entirely blamed on genetics – referencing the biological link between glaucoma and Asian people discovered by the Philippine Glaucoma Society – as lifestyle factors may also be responsible.

The study pointed to the influence of the Asian education ethic that encourages children to push themselves to excel in their studies and extra curricular activities.

“The rise in myopia prevalence in urban east Asia might therefore be plausibly associated with the increasing intensity of education,” explains a researcher from the study.

“Moreover, east Asian countries with high myopia now dominate international rankings of educational performance.”

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The higher prevalence of myopia in Asian cities has also been linked to an indoor lifestyle, as a greater exposure to natural sunlight can increase the eye’s protection against conditions such as myopia.

“The protective effect seems to be associated with total time outdoors, rather than with specific engagement in sport,” said the study's authors.

Experts also believe that eye conditions are the key to spotting underlying health issues.

Ophthalmologists can detect and diagnose a range of medical conditions - from eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma, to systematic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disease - just by looking at a person's retina.

Now, take a look and see what your eyea are trying to tell you…

Death isn't a topic most people want to broach regularly, and when we do think about it, it's often with a chill running down our spines.

But for 17-year-old Australian Shaun Wilson-Miller, that's not an option. The Melbourne teen has contended with heart problems for his whole life, and last week, he discovered his body was rejecting his second heart transplant, and a third wasn't possible, according to 9 News.

Instead of throwing a tantrum or screaming about life's unfairness (though we certainly wouldn't fault him for that), Wilson-Miller recorded a YouTube video, saying goodbye to his family and friends, and calling life "an awesome ride."

"I hope I left footprints in all of your hearts," he said in the video. "Because I'm going to miss you is all, and I love you dearly."

He asked his friends to take care of his dad, and said he's happy now, because he has a girlfriend.

Sadly, some commenters accused Wilson-Miller of faking the video, compelling him to post another one entitled "I Am Not A Fake," and showing his scar from his transplants.

But the vast majority felt touched by his message, even recording their own responses to the video and sending messages of encouragement.

Adam "MCA" Yauch, member of the iconic Beastie Boys, has passed away after battling cancer of the salivary gland, according to news reports.

Yauch, 47, was treated for the cancer in 2009, and in 2011, there were false reports that he had beaten it. But he actually was never cured of the cancer, and he continued to battle the disease, HuffPost Celebrity reported.

Cancer of the salivary gland is quite rare, quite raremaking up only 2.5 to 3 diagnoses out out of every 100,000 cancer cases each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The cancer only represents 3 to 5 percent of total head and neck cancers.

The cancer begins in the salivary glands in the head, which are located in the mouth, throat and neck. The most common place for the cancer to start is in the parotid gland -- near the front part of the ear, the Mayo Clinic reported.

[Click here for a graphic from the American Cancer Society, illustrating where the salivary glands are located.]

Not all salivary gland tumors are cancerous, according to the National Institutes of Health. When the tumor is benign, a doctor may choose to just remove the salivary gland. However, other treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy are needed if the tumor is malignant (surgery to remove the cancerous tumor is also an option), according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Salivary gland cancer is most common amongst people in their 60s and 70s, according to the National Cancer Institute. Risk factors include being exposed to radiation (like that which is used to treat other cancers in the head or neck), and exposure to substances used in asbestos mining, plumbing and rubber manufacturing, the Mayo Clinic reported.

Signs of salivary gland cancer include having a typically painless lump in the mouth or near the ear, jaw, lip or cheek; ear fluid drainage; a numb or weak sensation in the face; problems with swallowing; and facial pain, according to the National Cancer Institute. Tests to diagnose the cancer include screenings like MRI, CT or PET scans, an ultrasound exam and endoscopy.

The Cleveland Clinic reported that a number of factors can influence how deadly salivary gland cancer will be, including how old the patient is and how healthy he or she is; what kinds of cancer cells the tumor is comprised of; which salivary gland the cancer is in; and the size of the cancer tumor.