Neuroscience

Neuroscience research got a huge boost last week with news of Professor John O’Keefe’s Nobel prize for work on the “brain’s internal GPS system”. It is an exciting new part of the giant jigsaw puzzle of our brain and how it functions. But how does cutting-edge neuroscience research translate into practical advice about how to pass exams, remember names, tot up household bills and find where the hell you left the car in a crowded car park?

O’Keefe’s prize was awarded jointly with Norwegian husband and wife team Edvard and May-Britt Moser for their discovery of “place and grid cells” that allow rats to chart where they are. When rats run through a new environment, these cells show increased activity. The same activity happens much faster while the rats are asleep, as they replay the new route.

Being Sexually Active Linked to Sharper Mind for Over-70s

Researchers at the University of Manchester have found a link between a happy love life and improved memory. Their findings showed that people who are sexually active in their 70s scored better in various mind and memory tests than those who were not.

Lack of Sleep Could Mean Increased Risk of Diabetes

Getting the right amount of sleep has been named by researchers as a lifestyle factor which could help you avoid type 2 diabetes. Their study has shown that an extra thirty minutes could have a significant impact on your weight and health.

The research was conducted by experts at the Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar and the UK’s University of Bristol. The sleeping habits of 522 participants were examined and the results showed that those with a “sleep debt” were 72% more likely to be obese or suffer from weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Sleep debt was calculated by comparing hours slept on week nights with the amount slept on weekends, and measuring the difference.

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How To Prepare Heathy Juice Using Fruits

Fresh juice recipes packed with fruits and vegetables.

Several studies show that adding more produce to your diet can improve your mental health and sense of well-being, yet most of us don’t get enough. Our fruit juice recipes and vegetable juice recipes are loaded with leafy greens and red, orange and purple fruits and veggies. These juicing recipes are a delicious and easy way to drink about a quarter of your daily recommended produce intake per glass—particularly varieties you might not otherwise eat.

ABAKALIKI: Pastor’s Wife Kidnapped After Thanksgiving Service

The Dominion city church members in Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state has been praying for his abducted pastor’s wife who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen at her residence on Onwe Nkam street , Democracy Estate, Abakiliki.
According to a Vanguard report, the victim was been trailed by a yellow bus to her residence and was kidnapped in front of her gate at gun point.

Pastor Chris Aniamaka, the senior pastor in charge of Dominion City in an interview with Vanguard newspaper, appealed to his church members to put his wife in special prayers. He also pleaded to security agents for speedy investigation into the abduction of his wife, and to facilitate her release.

He said: “this incident came as a shock to me. We just finished our thanksgiving service for the year. My wife decided to drive the children home and they were intercepted at our residence. He explained further that, “from the account of my children, who were also threatened with a gun to highlight from the car, said, the kidnappers followed them until they got o their residence before abducting his wife.

According to report, the kidnappers are said to be demanding a ransom of 20 million naira.
Source: Daily Post

Over 50 Insurgents Killed As Troops Foil Attack On Konduga

Troops of the Seven Division of Nigerian Army on Friday foiled a planned attack on Konduga town in Borno State and killed scores of insurgents believed to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The counter-terrorism operation by the troops is seen as a huge success over the dreaded group, who planned to attack Konduga town in Borno state in the early hours of the day.

Konduga is 40 kilometers south-east of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Foods to Boost Male Health

Lean Red Meat
If you're a steak-and-potatoes guy, you're in luck. Red meat can be good for you, says Leslie Bonci, MPH, RD, a dietitian for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lean cuts of beef and pork are packed with protein and have only a little more fat than chicken breast. Red meat is also a good source of leucine, an amino acid that helps build muscle.