In 2007, Dr. Nicholas Christakis, a medical sociologist at Harvard University, published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine on the effect of social networks on the prevalence of obesity. I recently came across this study online, through links in a post by a friend, and revisited the results of the study. You can view a 3-minute interview with Dr. Christakis about his study and findings here.

After watching this interview and looking over Dr. Christakis’ website, I composed this email to him: (more…)

Today I had an appointment with Judith Townsend, the Physician’s Assistant who works with Dr. Louis Arrone, in New York City. Dr. Arrone is an expert in medications to treat obesity. I go there with the intention of trying medications to help me reduce my weight, which is an approach I haven’t yet tried. (more…)

Humans, mice — indeed all mammals — have two types of fat cells in their bodies; white and brown. White fat cells store energy. In contrast, brown fat cells dissipate energy as heat, thus counteracting obesity. Much to the chagrin of humans living in industrialized societies, (more…)

Believe it or not, but the future of medicine may not just be in taking a few pills to cure a sickness. Recently, scientists have discovered that your brain may hold to key to recovering from illness. (more…)

Do you remember sitting in a Freshman Living Environment class in high school and learning of Mendelian genetics? At that time, we students learned that Mendel’s theory is fact, when in reality, it’s not. (more…)

The United Nations and Council of Europe recently held a panel to discuss issues surrounding organ trafficking and policies to shut down heartless brokers of the underground market. (more…)

A vast majority of Indians living in rural areas do not have reliable access to electricity or petroleum-based fuel, but this doesn’t stop them from cooking up feasts of delicious dishes.

(more…)

With about 550 million people in poverty, it’s safe to say that a lot of Indians don’t have much in the bank– but that’s about to change. Soon, Indians will have the opportunity to bank their babies’ umbilical cords for free, which is priceless when it comes to health.

(more…)

With about 550 million people in poverty, it’s safe to say that a lot of Indians don’t have much in the bank– but that’s about to change. Soon, Indians will have the opportunity to bank their babies’ umbilical cords, which is priceless when it comes to health.

While the Bush administration is limiting stem cell research at home, India is opening their arms to welcome partnerships with some of the best brains in America. Being from the United States, I would lower my voice a bit when telling you: these hot scientists who are pioneering new stem cell research in India are…Canadians. Eh? Yes, Canadians.

Keep an eye out for the next post to find out how umbilical cords are likely to solve enormous health problems that affect millions of people world-wide.