Microchips run our cars, washing machines, and even our coffee machines. Soon they could also do without medicine. The first study of this approach in people shows that microchips implanted under the skin deliver regular doses of a drug to fight against osteoporosis, the bone weakening common condition in the elderly. Ultimately, this technology can help treat a variety of diseases, including multiple sclerosis and cancer.

The delivery devices Automated drugs are already widespread. Insulin pumps that release doses automatically spared many diabetics from painful and heavy routine of daily insulin injections. But patients with osteoporosis taking the medication teriparatide bone-boosting, a version of parathyroid hormone, have yet to be injected daily. Even former soldiers are reluctant, said Robert Adler, head of endocrinology at McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, who was not involved in the study. "You have people who were in foxholes get shot and you wave a hand to them, and they run the other way," he said. So even if teriparatide is the only drug on the market that builds bone, "its use is limited by the disadvantages of the administration," said Michael E. Lewiecki, a researcher of osteoporosis at the University of new Mexico of medicine in Albuquerque, who also was not part of the study.

A team that included biomedical engineer Robert Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and colleagues of microchips, a company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, was a possible solution: a microchip that releases a certain amount of the drug after receiving a radio signal from a computer. Tucking two of these chips and electronics to run them in a protective case created a device the size of a computer flash drive. The team slipped the devices just under the abdominal skin in seven elderly women who had osteoporosis. The procedure requires only local anesthesia, and none of the beneficiaries reported that the implant was embarrassing, says Langer. "They did not even know it's there."

During 20 days, the researchers prompted chips to release doses of teriparatide and took blood samples to measure the effects. Compared to injections, slightly smaller units produced, but less variable pulses of drug in the blood, the researchers report online today in Science Translational medicine . the doses appeared to work. patients had blood levels high of P1NP, a molecule that indicates bone building. And they showed no signs of kidney damage, a possible side effect of the drug. Langer said the results show that "for the first time in human beings, you can ... make the administration of remote control drugs over a long period of time. "

" We have to consider these interesting but preliminary data, "says Adler. Lewiecki is also cautiously optimistic. Both researchers agree that developers need to demonstrate that the devices operate over a longer period of time and can carry enough of the drug, they need to be replaced frequently. Researchers are studying other ways to administer the drug, such as patches users can apply to their skin, said Lewiecki. So if patients will opt for implanted devices will likely depend on how small they are and how often they need to be changed, he said.

Langer said the company is working on chips that could contain up to 400 doses, so that implants can work for a year without needing to be replaced. Similar chips might be able to provide medicines for cancer treatment or release painkillers. Future devices could also be interactive, sending updates on the condition of patients to their doctors, which could then tweak the dosage. "We entered the Star Trek time," said Langer.

Ask the dietitian: Healthy Super Bowl Snacks

Q: What are good healthy snack ideas for my super Bowl party this Sunday?

Masha Rabinovich Fox

Instead of serving too much junk food typically found at Super Bowl events, Masha Fox-Rabinovich MA, RD, LDN, CDE, outpatient dietitian at Washington Adventist Hospital, offers the following healthy alternatives will please any crowd!

Chips Make home and Dips

It is easier and tastier than you imagine, and more impressively than serving the one from the store. Most prepackaged creamy dips are highly processed, high in sugar and unhealthy fats and contain few nutrients

• Try this simple recipe hummus, homemade :.

most store-bought hummus is correct, but it is something that is super easy to make from scratch! In a blender or food processor, add a can or two no salt added chickpeas (garbanzo beans), a few tablespoons of olive oil and virgin extra lemon juice and a spoonful of tahini or seed sesame. Blend until smooth and the consistency of a creamy dip.

Make changes by adding roasted red peppers, black beans, and / or garlic to the mix. Hummus is rich in fiber, protein and many micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals). Most people enjoy it as much as most commercial dips like ranch or blue cheese, but it is a much healthier alternative

• Speaking of blue cheese dressing or dip make this healthier substitute instead :.

Combine all plain Greek yogurt, blue cheese crumbles, onion and garlic powder to a consistency you like. Serve with raw vegetables or chicken wings baked.

• ever made your own guacamole? Here's how:

Mash fresh avocados and mix with fresh diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and lemon or lime juice. Adjust ingredient amounts depending on your preference. Avocados are rich in heart healthy unsaturated fats, and additional ingredients make is a tasty, real nutrient-rich food.

• Include raw vegetables alongside the chips and dips to add more color and nutrition to the party. .

Carrots and celery sticks are great, but most of us have seen in this context served before

Eat the rainbow heaven: Add cherry tomatoes, various types of peppers cut into strips or rings, cucumber slices, raw broccoli and cauliflower, snap peas, radish and other vegetables that catches your eye when grocery. All these would go well with dips described above.

• If the purchase of chips, make sure they are baked and not fried. Or, make your own!

Slice tortillas with whole grains into small triangles, place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Serve with hummus, guacamole and / or salsa.

Come back tomorrow for Part II of our ideas for healthy snacks Super Bowl! We will discuss winner snack alternatives and how to be smart with the drinks you serve!

Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been disoriented when Richard Horton, editor of the Lancet , February 11 published reviews the institution's Centre for global health that he had received an anonymous letter. But CDC kept mum. When Horton ran complaints by two most anonymous reviewers center CDC March 3, CDC Director Thomas Frieden and the head of the division under attack, Kevin De Cock, decided to take the criticisms point by point, that they are in a rebuttal (PDF) yesterday appeared online in on Lancet.

CDC formed the Centre for Global Health there are 18 months to meet five major programs of work in this area. In addition to specialty center for HIV / AIDS De Cock has divisions that focus on parasitic diseases and malaria, the global disease detection and emergency response, health systems strengthening and global immunization . The center has a budget of more than $ 300 million, employs 1,100 staff, and has people on the ground in 55 countries.

The first letter writer asked that an "objective assessment" of the program took place, claiming that the center needed a change of direction and "looks more and more like a big missed opportunity. " Excerpts of two letters, which appeared under the title, "Is CDC an organization based on science," was even more severe, suggesting that a congressional investigation "might be in order." As noted by Horton, the letters "raise questions on leadership, resource management, proper use of authority and power to the CDC, and the scientific rigor of the research CDC."

No complaints offer specific examples, and many more severe attacks are the opinion which can neither be proved or disproved: staff morale is "very low", there are "huge amounts of tension and confusion, "" there is no strategic direction ... other than spending money at lightning speed, "and employees have not talked about waste" for fear of losing their jobs . "But others are lined questions of fact. Contractors working abroad purportedly deliver "low quality products and services with minimum supervision and appropriate monitoring." It is supposed to be a "duplication," a rivalry between the CDC and the US Agency for International Development that affect programs in the country, "inappropriate" use of funds. "We were surprised and puzzled," De Cock said, adding that "no evidence for the claims being made has been presented."

The refutation of the CDC, measured in tone, says the center's achievements in the epidemiology training course, in collaboration with ministries of health in many countries, and countries in helping emergency sanitary fight. The center has helped efforts against HIV / ADS, malaria, cholera, cryptic liver disease, plague, measles, lymphatic filarisis, and polio. Frieden and De Cock also note that CDC last year began a program review.

De Cock accepts that there is room for improvement in its organization. "We do not claim to be a perfect organization," he said. And he acknowledges that tensions exist with other US government agencies. "It is no secret that the collaboration between the different intra-governmental organizations can be challenging," said -he.

The allegations of waste, he says, are unfounded. "If you make global health, you must travel," he said. "People travel in economy class, unless you have a health reason." It characterizes the claim that a central evaluation is "long" absurd. "Long delay?" he asks. "When this assessment should have been done? We are 18 months. "

Horton said the letters were from CDC members of staff who raised concerns internally, but were ignored." They felt that their only recourse was to us Contact "says Horton." It seems that it is the responsibility of the CDC to listen to the questions raise and executives to address these issues appropriately. According to our correspondents, which was not done in this case. "

De Cock firmly rejects the idea that there is a culture of repression and intolerance of dissent." We are committed as an organization to open scientific debate, "he said." I committed to this. "in his view, this is a" golden moment "in efforts global health of the CDC as it is "a top priority for the agency."

Food for Thought: Mushroom Health Services

• ever wondered how certain foods affect your body?
• do you know what ingredients can help support your health?
• looking for new creative recipes?

Masha Fox Rabinovich

Welcome to our Food for Thought blog series that will aim to answer these questions and more every month! Tune in to get nutritional advice from experts Masha Fox-Rabinovich , outpatient dietitian and diabetes educator at Washington Adventist Hospital, and kitchen savvy techniques Randall Smith , executive chef for Adventist HealthCare.

This month, it's all about mushrooms!

fungi are unique in that they are vegetables mushrooms, not plants, Masha explains. Although there are many different types that vary nutritionally, they all share the following features that make it a wonderful food make to include in your diet!

• Fiber (both soluble and insoluble fiber) : good for blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, digestion and heart health. In addition, fiber can reduce the risk of certain cancers, among other benefits
• beta glucans : .. These are special types of molecules known fiber to stimulate the immune system
• Copper :. A trace mineral that is essential for red blood cell production in the blood, bone health and nervous system function
• Selenium : a mineral antioxidant that protects body cells against oxidative damage, heart health support, immune system, thyroid function, and even contributes to depression
• potassium :. a mineral necessary for fluid balance and maintain healthy blood pressure, muscle. and nerve function and heart health
• vitamin D2 : Mushrooms are the only source of plant food vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a vital role in lot reactions in the body. Specifically, it helps the body absorb calcium. It promotes healthy bones and muscles, nerves and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency has been connected with heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other serious medical problems. Ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels
• B vitamins In particular pantothenic acid, riboflavin and niacin, B vitamins are essential for energy metabolism (the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and nervous system health.

In addition to being rich in nutrients, the fungi can be very generous and they have the umami taste. Umami is one of the five basic tastes (the other four are sweet, salty, bitter, sour), which is best described as tasty and flavorful. Eat umami-rich whole foods such as mushrooms can help reduce portion sizes and the use of salt.

Having a healthy Easter

Easter Sunday is only a few jumps away! In addition to its religious significance, fun traditions, such as decorating eggs and egg hunts have evolved to become a standard part of this holiday. Easter is a great time for you and your family to participate in an egg hunt at the community level or even hunting in the comfort of your own backyard. Find a good hiding place for the basket and provide clues for your children to run around and find!

According to the Association of National Confectioner, Easter is the second most important festival of eating Candy, next Halloween course. While it is good to indulge in sweets every now and then, high sugar and grumpy accidents are probably not the most ideal way to spend your day. Although we may be tempted to load our Easter baskets with Peeps, Cadbury eggs, and an assortment of chocolates, Easter baskets provide the perfect opportunity to practice smart snacking

It's okay to put candy in your Easter basket. just remember to eat in moderation and incorporate fun activities into your Easter.

Tips for a healthy and delicious basket!

• Use a smaller basket. Portion control is the key. A smaller basket is less candy and encourage you on your own, rather than gorging on sweets.
• exchange the candy for a toy. A small toy, like a matchbox car, or an inflatable ball is equally suitable in an Easter basket. Just be sure that the toys are safe and age appropriate.
• Step snacks. There are many delicious and healthy snack foods you can put in your cart. Try some Craisins pomegranate, yogurt covered pretzels, almonds cocoa or dark chocolate candy.
• Go home. banana or zucchini muffins house or a mixture of trails Cheerios, popcorn, nuts and banana chips can make a great addition to your cart.

Did you know?

• more than 0 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made each year.
• Americans consume more than 16 million Easter jellybeans, enough to round the world three times.
• White House hosts an Easter Egg roll the lawn each year.
• When the coloring of Easter eggs, it is recommended to use food grade dyes, liquid food coloring, or drink fruit powders.

Ask the dietitian :? What's in Season

Masha Rabinovich Fox

By Masha Fox-Rabinovich, MA, RD, LDN, CDE, outpatient dietitian at Washington Adventist Hospital, and Shayna Frost, Sodexo dietetic intern:

What is "in season" means [?

"in-season" refers to a time of year where fruits and vegetables harvest is at its peak production over time for farmers.

what does this mean for consumers?

Fruits and vegetables sold in season are cheaper than if sold in other months of the year because they are available. A budgeting tip for consumers is to buy fruits and vegetables in season and freeze them to eat during the later months when they are not in season. in addition, in season fruits and vegetables as fresh and delicious taste during their peak periods.

What is the purpose?

The purpose of eating seasonal vegetables and fruits is to vary one's intake of fresh produce throughout the year. To receive a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, consumers are encouraged to "eat the rainbow." In other words, it is recommended to eat products of several different colors to optimize the nutritional benefits. In addition, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can make a tasty and exciting healthy diet.

See below for a list of fruits and vegetables in season throughout the year. Be sure to visit local farmers markets for these types of fruits and vegetables to support and buy fresh produce!

In season fruits and vegetables during March, April and May

• Apricots
• Artichokes
• Asparagus
• Artichokes
• broccoli
• Chives
• Collard greens
• of corn
• Fennel
• green beans
• Honeydew
• Limes
• Mango
• mustard greens
• Orange
• pea
• Pineapple
• red leaf lettuce
• Rhubarb
• peas
• spinach
• Strawberry
• chard
• Vidalia onion

in season fruits and vegetables during June, July and August

• Apricots
• Asian Pears
• Beets
• Peppers
• Blackberries
• Currant black
• Blueberries
• boysenberries
• butter lettuce
• cantaloupe
• Cherries
• of corn
• Cucumbers
• edamame
• aubergine
• Elderberries
• figures
• garlic
• Grapefruit
• Grapes
• Beans
• Honeydew
• Jalapeno Peppers
• Lima Beans
• Limes
• Nectarines
• okra
• Passion Fruit
• Fisheries
• Peas
• Plums
• Radish
• Raspberry
• Shallots
• Strawberry
• sugar snap
• Summer Squash
• Tomatillo
• tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Yukon Gold Potatoes
• Zucchini

in season fruits and vegetables during September, October and November

• Acorn squash
• Asian pear
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• butter lettuce
• Butternut squash
• cauliflower
• crab apples
• Cranberries
• plum date
• garlic
• Ginger
• grapes
• Guava
• Jalapeno peppers
• kumquats
• Fungi
• passion fruit
• Pear
• pineapple
• pomegranate
• Pumpkin
• sweet potatoes
• chard
• turnips

in season fruits and vegetables during December, January and February

• Brussels sprouts
• Chestnuts
• Clementine
• Collard
• plums Date
• dates
• Grapefruit
• Kale
• kiwis
• Leeks
• mandarin oranges
• orange
• fruit passion
• Pear
• Red banana
• redcurrants
• sweet potatoes
• Tangerines
• turnips

Fruits and vegetables all year

• Amaranth
• apple
• Arrowroot season
• Apricots, dried
• Avocados
• bananas
• Peppers
• Black Eyed Peas
• Bok Choy
• Broccolini
• chou
• Carrots
• Cranberries, dried
• Celery
[1945015tomates] cherry
• Coconut
• Leek
• Lemons
• lettuce
• Papayas
• parsnip
• pearl onions
• Potatoes
• rutabagas
• snow peas
• Yucca root

more by visiting www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/whats-in-season

Look out for healthier our resident dietitian advice, coming soon! Do you have questions about food or dieting? We would like to hear from you! Please share your questions in the comments section below

The National Institutes of Health posted on its website all the recommendations of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, which met on 29-30 March to consider the risks and benefits of the publication of two documents describing how to make the H5N1 avian virus transmissible in mammals.

Black Bean and Bulger salad with asparagus, arugula and strawberries

Chief Randall Smith, executive chef for Adventist HealthCare, is the author of "Farm fresh Flavors", a valuable guide to cooking with fresh, local ingredients. Learn more about www.cooklocalfood.com or follow @cooklocalfood

Need to add a little life in your lunch? season of strawberries and fresh vegetables tossed in a house vinaigrette might do the trick! "This bean and bulgher black salad is a great lunch salad on its own with good bread," says Randall Smith, executive chef for Adventist HealthCare.

Makes 5 cups

Salad Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked beans black
• 1 cup soaked wheat bulger
• 1 cup of blanched asparagus
• 1 wilted arugula cup
• 1 cup sliced ​​strawberries

dressing ingredients

• 3 tablespoons tablespoons cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice or lime
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup oil olive
• salt and pepper

Combine all salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lime juice and cilantro. Continue whisking and slowly pour in the oil. Dressing should be cloudy and foamy. Pour over salad ingredients and mix well.

Chief Randall Smith, executive chef for Adventist HealthCare, is the author of "Farm Fresh Flavors", a valuable guide to cooking with fresh, ingredients local. Learn more about www.cooklocalfood.com or follow @cooklocalfood.

The US government will soon ask university officials to comment on how best to implement rules dual-use research recently published at the university level, a senior official of the US science announced today.

"which must be resolved and will be resolved is how [dual use reviews are] sorted institutionally," Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said at a workshop sponsored by the national Academies in Washington, DC

this announcement marks the latest US response to the controversy over a pair of studies that show how to make the virus of H5N1 avian influenza transmissible in mammals. On March 29, the government issued a new policy that requires federal agencies that fund research unclassified to systematically examine the potential risks of studies involving 15 pathogens "high risk" and toxins, including H5N1. The exams are designed to reduce the risks associated with the dual use research of concern (DURC) that could be used for good or evil. The policy also requires donors, scientists and institutions to work together to develop risk mitigation plans, including possibly change the search search results or withholding.

At the time, Fauci and other officials have made clear that although the new policy applied only to federal agencies, they expected that academic institutions and scientists funded by the government would play a increasing role in Durc journals. In particular, the past recommendations of various expert groups have suggested that university institutional biosafety committees (IBCs), originally established to oversee the safety studies on the techniques of recombinant DNA, take a greater role in helping to identify studies Durc before they start.

Fauci has not discussed the details of the new policy, which he said should be published for public comment "soon." But he said that officials will seek feedback on the exam practice this university would be "practical and impractical. ... We do not want to have a government policy that can be implemented. ... What we are talking about is the way to go. "

The university groups have expressed concerns about how the new policy will be implemented DURC and how disagreements between scientists and government could be solved. Fauci said he expects "a lot of constructive conversation" on the new rules.