Category: Science

Strongself > Blog > Science

Dogs providing Insight into Human Diseases…

Posted on by Lenny Variano

In the past 20 years researchers have grown more interested in how closely dogs and humans are connected in both health and disease. Studies have included pedigrees, mutts, working dogs and even remains of ancient canines. Decades ago, dogs were not considered subjects to be taken seriously. In the past scientists preferred to study wild or big-brained animals such as apes. What was discovered is that dogs are quite gifted at interpreting clues and following pointing gestures given to them by humans. What is of interest to researchers is how closely dogs are connected to humans and how they are susceptible to the same diseases such as diabetes, and cancer. In studying the genome of short leg dogs such as Corgis and Dachshunds they discovered the close relation to bone development in humans. The Golden Retriever Lifetime study has worked with over 3.000 dogs in hopes of discovering the genetic and environmental risk factors for developing cancer. The pet industry is working closely with veterinarians to identify the common illness that are found in both cats and dogs. Can we increase longevity in them? Why are white boxers always deaf? The project Darwin Dogs has studied the data of 44,000 dogs to find clues relating to bone cancer and OCD. Do these illnesses coincide with the same illnesses as humans? Pets not only share some of our genes but also share our homes which is a strong environmental connection. Research has shown that dogs who live an active lifestyle do not suffer from dementia. Maybe it is time to start jogging with a new partner.

 

https://darwinsark.org/category/darwins-dogs/

https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/golden-retriever-lifetime-study

Physical Therapy Before an Injury…

Posted on by Lenny Variano

Working with a good physical therapist can be beneficial in avoiding months of inactivity or even in some cases surgery. Should you seek Physical Therapy before a serious injury occurs? These therapists are miracle workers after surgery or a serious sports injury, but they can also help with strengthening parts of the body that may become future injuries due to certain activities. Prehab (preventive physical therapy) is now recommended by many physicians who work especially with athletes. They can foresee a future injury and recommend PT as a part of their training routine to stay ahead of what may be a debilitating injury. An experienced physical therapist will be able to advise you on where a certain feeling of discomfort is originating. For example, knee pain may need to be treated by strength exercises relating from the ankle or hip. If you have a nagging injury such as chronic tendonitis it may be helpful to work with a physical therapist who can give you strength and mobility exercises. Prehab before surgery can also speed up the recovery process afterwards. Word of mouth from those involved in the same activities is one of the best ways to seek out a PT. Many are specialized and work with certain injuries. Come prepared for your first appointment with a list of specific ailments to give as clear a picture as possible. Be ready to do home exercises as part of a successful recovery.

https://www.hss.edu/article_what-is-prehab.asphttps://www.reloadpt.com/pain-management/how-prehab-physical-therapy-can-help-athletes-prevent-injuries-4

 

Oldest Wild Bird (age 74) Lays an Egg…

Posted on by Lenny Variano

The average age of a Laysan Albatross is 30 years. It is a rare occasion when a bird lives to 45 years of age. “Wisdom” is in her 75th year. Albatross are said to mate for life but because of her age she is on her third mate. Scientists have been tracking her existence since the Eisenhower administration. Wisdom has laid over 60 eggs in her lifetime and has hatched over 30 chicks. Her breeding ground is the Midway Atoll Wildlife Refuge where she usually returns when it is time to mate. She was given the name Wisdom since she has survived despite all the environmental dangers that exist especially to Albatross. Plastic pollution and rising sea levels that are threatening their nesting grounds are just a few of these obstacles. Wisdom spends most of her life at sea and it is estimated that she has flown at least 3.7 million miles during her lifetime. Along with outliving her mates she has also outlived the scientist who originally tagged her in 1956. An albatross can lay one egg a year and it will take 6 months before a chick will leave the nest.

https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/wisdom-the-74-year-old-albatross-lays-an-egg-with-new-mate/

Sand from Recycled Glass…

Posted on by Lenny Variano

Glass Half Full is a recycling company that converts glass into sand. It was founded by Franziska Trautmann, who has a background in chemical engineering. The goal was to find a solution to coastal erosion. Sand is part of coastal restoration, construction, landscaping and flooring. Her and her partner Max were students at Tulane University and wanted to do something regarding disaster relief after severe storms. The company started small in 2020. Instead of glass bottles going to a landfill, Glass Half Full now recycles over 100,000 lbs. of glass in its 40,000 square foot facility every month. After the glass is pulverized, it is then sorted into different size sand particles which can be utilized in different ways. Fine sand is used to fill sandbags while courser sand is used for coastal restoration. This is truly a positive solution to addressing our coastline which is eroding at an alarming rate.

https://www.ted.com/speakers/franziska_trautmann