radiation_nuclear_accidents.html June 16, 2011 Most residents of Southern California try to stay prepared for earthquakes. Creditably, so did Japanese residents. Nevertheless, on March 11th, 2011, a large earthquake and subsequent tsunami upturned the northeastern coastlines of that emerging super power, and no one was prepared for what followed – three nuclear reactor blasts, a fire, loss of basic amenities such as food, water and shelter for the residents, and the biohazard of radiation leaking from the cooling towers. Scientists, physicians and environmental specialists are exploring the nuclear accidents and recalling similar past incidents, such as the 1986 nuclear meltdown in Chernobyl, Ukraine, to determine how the radiation will affect residents near the reactors, other Japanese residents, and those in other neighboring countries. - Tripti Gupta. gardasil_vaccine.html June 16, 2011 Gardasil is the first made human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 in both males and females. Since HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States, HPV vaccination is considered a must by many health care providers. Since Gardasil was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2006, about 33 million doses of Gardasil have been administered in the U.S. and 18,354 adverse side effects, 92% of which were non-serious, have been reported. Physicians and other health care professionals have been debating about the benefits and risks of Gardasil. Most agree that studies need to be done to assess the long-term side effects of this vaccine and to determine if Gardasil can lower cervical cancer rates. - Harmony Phuong Huynh. exercise_science.html June 16, 2011 Exercise is known to promote muscle growth, allow weight loss, and support a healthier body and mind. The scientific details behind muscle growth and weight loss are becoming clearer with ongoing research. For example, research has shown that different types of exercise can alter the physiology of muscle cells in distinct ways, whether they be an increase in muscle strength or enhancement of muscle endurance. Moreover, understanding the impact of different sports, such as swimming, on hormonal levels has allowed people to achieve weight loss more successfully. For most of those who frequent the gym, exercise is simply a way to maintain a healthy weight, relieve stress, and reduce the risk of diseases that accompany the aging process. Understanding the scientific mechanisms behind the physiological effects of exercise can allow athletes and the general public alike to tailor exercise regimens to fulfill their personal goals. - Victoria Saadat. telomerase_activator_TA65.html June 16, 2011 As we blow out the candles on birthday cakes year after year, we may not be completely aware of the changes that are accumulating in our bodies with the passing of time. The mind and body gradually degrade with age, losing their former vigor and resulting in a wide range of effects. Every year, countless attempts are made to reverse aging and recapture youth, from cosmetic products to creams to plastic surgeries. While the search for the elusive fountain of youth is no new phenomenon, recent research has yielded findings that could potentially bring us closer to the end of this search. In experiments performed on mice, it was found that TA-65, a telomerase activator extracted from a Chinese medicinal plant called Astragalus membranaceus, increased the lifespan of adult mice without increasing cancer risk. Raising both excitement and controversy, the company Telomerase Activation Sciences has incorporated TA-65 into a nutraceutical capsule that is meant to prolong the human lifespan when ingested over a period of time. - Hemalatha Bhamidi. computerized_axial_tomography.html April 2, 2011 The CAT or CT scan is a versatile imaging tool that has helped to diagnose a myriad of medical conditions. Since its invention in 1972, researchers have continued to improve the speed and clarity of CT scanners. Today, the CT is used to detect tumors, assist surgeries, and assess post-trauma injuries, including that of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords caused by the January 2011 shooting. - Phuong (Harmony) Huynh. mercury_dental_fillings.html April 2, 2011 The installation of mercury dental fillings is a cost effective yet controversal procedure. Reports from patients and professionals suggest that the amalgam filling may be toxic and cause serious side effects. Research is being done to elucidate the effect of mercury fillings on body tissue. - Victoria Saadat. cardiovascular_disease.html April 2, 2011 Heart disease has become America's leading cause of death, afflicting 81.1 million people and claiming the lives of 831,300 people in 2006 alone. Patients at high risk of heart disease should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to avoid a major cardiovascular event. Studies are being done to determine unknown risk factors as well as novel techniques of repairing heart damage after a heart attack. - Hemalatha Bhamidi. cluster_headaches.html April 2, 2011 The cluster headache is a rare condition, only affecting 0.1 to 0.3% of the population. However, this pain syndrome is associated with severe, debilitating pain. In an attempt to develop more effective medical treatments for the cluster headache, researchers are attempting to elucidate the pathophysiology behind this pain syndrome. - Christine Choi.