Science we're excited to see in 2016

When it comes to incredible science, 2015 will be hard to top. Among a number of notable events, we got our first, thrilling look at Pluto, found evidence that liquid water still flows on Mars and began facing the reality that human gene editing is closer than ever thanks to the CRISPR system....

via L.A. Times - Science http://ift.tt/1IGjUd6

New maps show spread and impact of drought on California forests

New maps reveal the extreme impact the years-long drought has had on California’s trees and offer a prognosis for future forest health.

Up to 58 million trees have been severely stressed by the drought and related factors, such as rising temperatures and a plague of bark beetle infestations. If...

via L.A. Times - Science http://ift.tt/1RSL0QT

Well: Ask Well: Should You Filter Your Water?

Although municipal tap water is regulated and most utilities stay within legally mandated limits on certain contaminants, some of the limits may be too lenient, a research analyst says.











via NYT > Fitness & Nutrition http://ift.tt/1RayWZJ

Planned home births entail small but significantly increased risk of death, study says

Couples that plan to have their babies at home instead of in a hospital take on a slightly increased risk of serious complications for their newborns, including death, a new study shows.

An analysis of births in Oregon finds that for every 1,000 deliveries intended to occur at home or in a residential-style...

via L.A. Times - Science http://ift.tt/1JgqGWY

Well: Psychotherapy May Have Lasting Benefits for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Cognitive therapy, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, behavioral therapy and dynamic psychotherapy all showed benefits against the symptoms of I.B.S.











via NYT > Fitness & Nutrition http://ift.tt/1QZ7m3z

Well: Ask Well: Does Melatonin Aid Sleep?

Melatonin has been shown to be effective in randomized clinical trials, but it may work better for some sleep problems than others.











via NYT > Fitness & Nutrition http://ift.tt/1Ugcv4P

Well: Can Too Much Exercise Harm the Heart?

New findings should reassure most of us with ambitious fitness goals for the new year — with a note of caution.











via NYT > Fitness & Nutrition http://ift.tt/1QXKph4

American moms set new record for twin births, CDC says

They say good things come in pairs, and that’s increasingly true for American babies, new government data show.

The U.S. twinning rate hit a record last year, with 33.9 out of every 1,000 births involving twins. That increase from the 2013 rate of 33.7 per 1,000 births isn’t big enough to be statistically...

via L.A. Times - Science http://Births, twins, U.S., CDC

Well: Ask Well: Is Mild Cognitive Impairment Reversible?

Depending on its cause, mild cognitive impairment is potentially reversible.











via NYT > Fitness & Nutrition http://ift.tt/1RPiMGN

What constitutes brain death? Depends on which hospital you're in, study finds

A new study finds that when it comes to diagnosing brain death, policies that vary from hospital to hospital could open the door to unthinkable errors.

Since 2010, neurologists have had a clear set of standards and procedures to distinguish a brain-dead patient from one who might emerge from an...

via L.A. Times - Science http://ift.tt/1JcSUSs

More than 90% of people who overdosed on prescription painkillers can still get refills, study says

Even after overdosing on opioid medications, more than nine out of 10 patients continued to get prescriptions for the powerful painkillers, according to a new study. As a result, some went on to suffer another overdose.

The findings, published Monday in Annals of Internal Medicine, are “highly...

via L.A. Times - Science http://ift.tt/22vmYPL

After I was sexually assaulted, it was yoga that transformed my life

My news feed provides regular updates on stories that involve allegations of sexual abuse and sexual assault.While it's a relief that people are talking about it, that it's now part of an ongoing national dialogue, we also need to start focusing on how we can support those who were assaulted.

Yes,...

via L.A. Times - Health http://ift.tt/1Ophr2C

To strengthen the thighs, push through the ups and downs

If you're like most of us, you want tighter thighs in 2016. This dance-inspired move by BarreAmped creator Suzanne Bowen will do the trick.

What it does

Tightens and tones the thighs.

What to do

Start with a quick warm-up. A few minutes of walking or jogging will do. Grab onto a countertop — or...

via L.A. Times - Health http://ift.tt/1MDazgV

Christie Brinkley keeps on smiling with daily exercise and relaxation

At 61, an age when not many people might choose to be photographed in a swimsuit, supermodel Christie Brinkley joyfully poses for selfies while wearing a bikini, a hat and her trademark smile. Brinkley has appeared on the covers of more than 500 magazines, including three consecutive swimsuit issues...

via L.A. Times - Health http://ift.tt/1mKztq8

Well: Posture Affects Standing, and Not Just the Physical Kind

Slouching can have ill effects on body and state of mind. But with some solid effort, and sometimes exercises, muscular imbalances can be corrected.











via NYT > Fitness & Nutrition http://ift.tt/1mdWkdS