Evolutionary Advantage-Social Context-Depression

Depression: An evolutionary byproduct of immune system?

Depression is common enough -- afflicting one in ten adults in the United States -- that it seems the possibility of depression must be "hard-wired" into our brains. This has led biologists to propose several theories to account for how depression, or behaviors linked to it, can somehow offer an evolutionary advantage. Some previous proposals for the role of depression in evolution have focused on how it affects behavior in a social context. A pair of psychiatrists addresses this puzzle in a different way, tying together depression and resistance to infection. They propose that genetic variations that promote depression arose during evolution because they helped our ancestors fight infection. read more..

source:http://bit.ly/wQIrbj

Hiv Criminalization-Hiv Exposure-HIV

In Kato’s Africa, USAID Money Spurred Spread of HIV Criminalization Laws

Housing Works: "A decade ago, not a single African country had a law that specifically criminalized HIV exposure. Now, at least 27 African nations punish exposure. These laws open the door for the jailing—or worse—of people with HIV who practice safer sex; mothers who transmit the virus to their children; and even those who have HIV but are undiagnosed."The spread of such laws is in part the result of a 2004 model law created by Action for West Africa Region-HIV/AIDS, a five-year project funded at just under $35 million by USAID.“By funding the creation—and wide dissemination—of a ‘model’ HIV-specific law, USAID has sent mixed messages from the United States,” said Edwin Bernard, editor of HIV and the Criminal Law. “On the one hand, the model law supports human rights by criminalizing stigma and discrimination. But by using vague and imprecise language in its HIV criminalization statute it also creates fear, confusion and the further stigmatization of people living with HIV.” read more..

source:http://bit.ly/yL9e93

National Economy-Mulago Hospital-Women

Uganda: MPs Challenge Sh75 Billion Loan for Women Hospital At Mulago

[New Vision] The Parliament's committee on national economy has rejected a proposal to borrow $30.28m (sh75.7b) for financing the construction of a specialized Women hospital for maternal and neonatal health care at Mulago hospital. read more..

source:http://bit.ly/A8kUox

Turning 40 doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on riding. Pedal on to an old...

Turning 40 doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on riding. Pedal on to an old...

Turning 40 doesn’t mean you have to put the brakes on riding. Pedal on to an older, wiser, and fitter you like this bicyclist!Turning 40 | Fitbiefitbie.msn.comIn which bicyclist Jens Voigt ponders the central questions of life, such as “How old actually is Clint Eastwood” read more..

source:fitbie.msn.com

Healthiest Cities-Hey Ladies-Hometown

Hey ladies! Did your hometown make the list of healthiest cities to live in?

Hey ladies! Did your hometown make the list of Healthiest Cities to live in?The Healthiest Cities for Women | Fitbiefitbie.msn.comWe located the places with the fittest, happiest females. Take a page from their lifestyle playbook--no matter where you call home read more..

source:fitbie.msn.com

Blockade

Reversing Alzheimer's gene 'blockade' can restore memory, other cognitive functions

Neuroscientists have shown that an enzyme overproduced in the brains of Alzheimer's patients creates a blockade that shuts off genes necessary to form new memories. Furthermore, by inhibiting that enzyme in mice, the researchers were able to reverse Alzheimer's symptoms. read more..

source:http://bit.ly/whzW72

Antiretroviral Therapies-Equatorial Rainforest-Rare And Endangered-Population Decline

Genetics of endangered African monkey suggest troubles from warming climate

A rare and endangered monkey in an African equatorial rainforest is providing a look into our climatic future through its DNA. Its genes show that wild drills, already an overhunted species, may see a dramatic population decline if the forest dries out and vegetation becomes sparser amid warming temperatures, researchers report. read more..

source:http://bit.ly/xTmsk4

Old drug reveals new tricks: How interferon works to suppress virus in patients with HIV, hepatitis

A drug once taken by people with HIV/AIDS but long ago shelved after newer, modern antiretroviral therapies became available has now shed light on how the human body uses its natural immunity to fight the virus—work that could help uncover new targets for drugs. read more..

source:http://bit.ly/ywaYhQ