U.S. Birth Rate Declines

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) recently released their latest numbers on the U.S. national birth rate, which demonstrated a 4% decline between 2007 and 2009 – the highest rate of decline in any two-year period during the past 30 years. The sharpest rate of decline (9%) was among women aged 20 to 24. By region, Western and Southeastern states saw the greatest decline. The cause of the trend is likely multifactorial. Some researchers attribute the decline to the current recession, while new research from Stanford University suggest that more college students are reporting that they are virgins. Iowa State University sociologist Teresa Downing-Matibag theorizes that technology may also play a role, suggesting that virtual sex may be competing with the real thing. "They can go to those websites and have sexual relationships watching a webcam. They can still be a virgin and have 100 different partners online through chat rooms or webcams," she says. And what about younger children? Data from the NCHS shows that for women between 15-19 years old, the birth rate fell 8%, to 39.1 babies per 1,000 women

Western Notions of Obesity Globalizing

A new study in the April, 2011 issue of the journal Current Anthropology suggests that the stigma associated with obesity often encountered in Western cultures has spread rapidly to countries that have traditionally valued large bodies. Researchers from Arizona State University surveyed adults in 10 countries around the world, including Argentina, Iceland, Mexico, Paraguay, New Zealand, the UK and the US, on their attitudes toward obesity. The results were compared with respondents in countries which traditionally had positive attitudes toward fatness, including American Samoa, Puerto Rico and Tanzania. The researchers found that negative attitudes toward large bodies in were present in every country they surveyed. In fact, they said that overweight individuals are increasingly regarded as lazy, ugly, undesirable, or lacking in self control. The study didn't investigate the cause of this rapid shift in attitude. However, they speculate that one contributing factor may actually be our anti-obesity public health messages. It remains to be seen what kind of societal impacts these negative notions of obesity will have on these cultures. [via Medical News Today]

 

 

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FDA Issues Warning Against Soladek Vitamin Solution

FDA Issues Warning Against Soladek Vitamin Solution

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a consumer warning against the use of Soladek, an over-the-counter vitamin supplement produced by Indo Pharma, S.A., of the Dominican Republic because the product may contain dangerously high levels of vitamins A and D. Soladek claims to treat "hypo and avitaminosis, rickets, growth, dentition, lactation, fractures, infection, convalescence, protection and regeneration of certain epithelium (bronchial, glandular, ocular, cutaneous), corticotherapy, aging and pregnancy." The product is sold in a box labeled in Spanish and contains a vial of the solution. The FDA has, so far, received seven reports of serious health problems caused by the product. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include anemia, anorexia, alopecia, joint pain, bone weakness, bulging eyes, liver abnormalities, and birth defects. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity include weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in mental status, increased blood pressure, abnormal heart rate or rhythm, kidney damage, and coma. [via FDA]

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EPA: Radiation From Japan Is Safe

EPA: Radiation From Japan Is Safe

Today the states of Colorado and Oregon joined Washington, Hawaii and California in detecting radioactive particles that have drifted over from Japan. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) trace amounts of radioactive iodine, cesium, and tellurium consistent with the Japanese nuclear incident have been captured by monitors in states along the West coast. However, the doses detected are hundreds of thousands to millions of times below the level of concern. "In a typical day, Americans receive doses of radiation from natural sources like rocks, bricks and the sun that are about 100,000 times higher than what we have detected coming from Japan. For example, the levels we're seeing coming from Japan are 100,000 times lower than what you get from taking a roundtrip international flight," said the EPA. Therefore, there is no need for people to start taking potassium iodide, a medication used for radiation poisoning. [via EPA]

Renewed Interest In Primary Care Among Medical Students

Renewed Interest In Primary Care Among Medical Students

The U.S. is in dire need of primary care physicians. If the current shortage of doctors continues, it is estimated that by the year 2020 the U.S. health care system will be 40,000 primary care doctors short. However, with the recent health care reform efforts that have taken place, there may be some sliver of hope. This year, family medicine residency programs attracted 1,317 students (133 more than in 2010), which contributed to a record 94% enrollment rate. Furthermore, an additional 100 slots were added nationwide in order to accommodate the increased demand. The reason? Provisions in recent health care reform laws include measures to increase pay for primary care physicians caring for Medicaid patients, as well as those who choose to work in underserved areas. This shortage has been occurring over the past 30 years, largely because students are attracted to specialist jobs which earn higher salaries. "You can't blame students for not opting for primary care when they carry about $160,000 in debt after they leave school," said Dr. Roland Goertz, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. [via CNN]

First Born Children Have More Hay Fever and Food Allergies

First Born Children Have More Hay Fever and Food Allergies

A Japanese study presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, held in San Francisco, suggests that birth order can impact the risk of specific allergies in children. The researchers surveyed the parents of over 13,000 children and found that firstborn children are more likely to have hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and food allergies. In fact, the investigators found that the prevalence of food allergy was 4% among firstborn children, 3.5% among second-born children and 2.6% in children born subsequently. However, they noted that birth order did not affect the prevalence of diseases such as asthma and eczema

How to Choose Successful Research for your PhD or Master's Degree

How to Choose Successful Research for your PhD or Master's Degree After years of graduate school, choosing a great topic for your doctoral dissertation or master's thesis may feel like one of the biggest pressures yet. You're going to be spending months and perhaps years on this research project, and completion of your PhD or master's degree is contingent upon your success. To make things more stressful, your future employment may depend on choosing a topic that appeals to a hiring committee.
Take a deep breath. Yes, this is a difficult decision, but follow your instincts and you'll find your way to an appropriate and meaningful topic. Here are some criteria to keep in mind when choosing a dissertation or thesis topic.
Choose a topic you love. This may be the most important criteria. You're going to be spending so much time with this project, and your quality of life will be much better if these hours are spent enjoyably. What's more, the quality of your research, writing, and arguments will be much better if you feel genuine passion for your work, choose a topic you find both fascinating and socially significant. Never let someone pressure you into writing about a certain topic!
Pick something your advisor finds interesting and is knowledgeable about. Of course, is this is not possible, you might want to change your advisor instead of changing your topic.
Pick a topic that will be helpful in your career path. If your goal is an academic career, pick a topic that you can easily modify into journal articles or a book, and that will lend itself well to future research. If you want to work at a teaching oriented institution, consider a topic you can use in the classroom. If you are going into industry, choose a topic that will make you more marketable. Ask yourself this: how will my topic sound when I discuss it at an academic interview?
Find a topic that establishes your niche in your field. Do your research and find a topic that fits into existing bodies of literature, but that builds upon theory and expands it.
Choose research that is unique. Do significant research to make sure this topic has not been done before. Be creative and choose an idea that stands out from the pack as original and innovative.
Think carefully before you choose a controversial topic. Academics are a sensitive lot, and in every field there are certain topics and positions that will send highly educated people into intellectual temper tantrums. This doesn't mean you should avoid topics that push people's buttons. However, if you choose a controversial topic, think carefully about whether it might restrict your employment, tenure, or publishing opportunities.
Pick a topic that you already have some expertise about. This will help preserve your sanity and get you out the door faster. This isn't the time to explore a brand new area. Along the way, take coursework and write class papers that will help you write your dissertation or thesis.
Pick a manageable topic. This is a huge project, but it isn't your life's research. A good advisor will help you narrow down your topic.
 

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What are some medical and herbal treatments for dysmenorrhea?

Today's question comes from Marilou:

Q: What are some medical and herbal treatments for dysmenorrhea?

A: Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for menstrual cramps and the goal of treatment is to provide relief of symptoms. In some cases where menstrual cramps are due to other conditions, such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis, surgery may help to lessen symptoms. For the majority of people, some over-the-counter and prescriptions medications will work very well. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, taken at regular intervals one to two days prior to the start of menses can reduce symptoms. Prescription strength NSAIDs are also available. Birth control pills, which block ovulation and decrease menstrual flow, can also aid in symptom control. Some natural remedies and supplements have also been shown to be effective. Some of these include omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, thiamine and vitamin E. Speak to your doctor to find the right dose for you. For example, too much magnesium can cause diarrhea and even lead to arrhythmias. Complimentary therapies can also help the pain of menstrual cramps through different pathways and stress reduction. These include yoga, meditation, massage, acupuncture, and acupressure.

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Mahantesh.I.B
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I got my GATE Rank, Now What???

Well Guys...
Congratulations to those who cracked GATE and Congrats to those too who couldn't, because you probably have learnt your mistakes, may be in a bitter way... So, don't give up... As the father of Robin Hood said: "Rise And Rise Again Until Lambs Become Lions!" ---Enough of Lecture! Coming to the Point.

Here are some of the institutes and there choice of students :P [Remember, exception is everywhere!]
[%ile mentioned here does not signify as their cut-off. If you got that %ile, then you should look for the left most column!]
 

IISc--------[Top 10 or so.]

NITIE------[98%ile, very tough to get into, 100% Job opportunity.]

IIT-K------ [98%ile, Best Faculties, Tie up with Dr. Reddy's, Superb Recognition]

IIT-B-------[99.5%ile, M.Tech in BME, Toughest to get into, only 3/4 intake from BT, u can consider M.Tech in Environment Engg if u got 99%ile]

IIT-M------ [98%ile, MS]

IIT-KGP--- [99%ile, see last yr's admission report, http://gate.iitkgp.ac.in/mtech/]

IIT-D-------[99%ile Again]

IIT-G-------[96%ile]

IIT-R-------[96%ile]

CCMB----- [The The Best Reserch Lab for Life Science, Offers PhD, If u get thr u r in the Heaven!]
IMTech, Chandigarh--- [PhD, look there site]

NCL ------- [CSIR LAB, PGRPE, Notification will be coming out soon, stipend 25 K, post: junior scientist, Tougher than the Toughrst!]

IIP--------- [Same as above!]

UICT------ ["Den of Biocon", good repo]

Univ. of HYD---- [Best publication record, good repo, have seperate test.]

IT-BHU------------- [94%ile, It's Pale now, but still very good.]

NIT-Rourkela------- [90%ile, I don't have any knowledge regarding NITs.]
NIT-Surathkal------- [Same as above!]
NIT-Durgapur------- [Same as above!]
BITS-P-------------- [If you have got money, it's your place. Best 'Private' College.]
VIT------------------ [Same as above!]
Thapar University --- [Heard that it's good.]
RGCB, Trivandram-- [PhD, Autonomous body, lots of funding for the inst. good repo]
Univ. of Pune-------- [Very very good for BioInfo, don't know anything else!]

IIIT-Hyd------------ [Very very good for BioInfo, Highly expensive, Most (30%) of them get highly paid jobs!]
IIIT-Ahd------------ [Same as above!]

State Level Colleges--- [For <90%ile, if you got the money you can even apply for IISc, but if you are not Fortune's favorite then it'll go in vain :P]

Less than 80 %ile?: Listen to me, (if you wish) try next year again. Rather take up the job in your hand, if you have any, in case! Or study in a low cost Government college/univ. if you get a sit there.

Now, I think none of you should have any more queries regarding choice of colleges/univs.to apply, I hope...

Good Luck and God Bless...

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B.Tech? Cracked GATE? Applying for PhD? Read This, first...

Before everything else, u need to keep in mind that where do thesescholarship funding comes from?

NET qualified students get theirscholarship from CSIR.
GATE qualified students get theirscholarship from MHRD.

MHRD doesn't fund PhDs.

All B.Tech guys, those who apply for PhD based on their GATE ranks are considered under GATE-JRF policy.
Their funding comes from CSIR not MHRD.

======================================================================

CSIR'S GATE QUALIFIED JRF FOR PHD FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES
 
INTRODUCTION 
CSIR has introduced a new research fellowship in 2002 for the GATE qualified candidates with BE/ BTech/ BArch/ BPharm degree to pursue research leading to PhD. This will be known as the GATE qualified Junior Research Fellowship (JRF-GATE).  JRF's selected under this scheme will have excellent opportunity to work with the CSIR scientists with state-of-art R&D facility and obtain PhD degree. These fellowships are tenable only at CSIR laboratories.
 
WHO CAN APPLY ?
Candidates fulfilling any of the criteria given below are eligible to apply :
 
Fresh BE/ B Tech degree holders with valid GATE score. The selected candidates will have to pursue Ph.D. There can be two possibilities under this:
 
o        Get direct admission to Ph.D programme of University/ IIT/ NIT/REC etc.
o        After joining as JRF-GATE, the candidate may pursue MTech as a part of PhD programme, where their thesis semester (last semester) should be spent at the CSIR laboratory relating to lab specialization in order to keep the continuity for the PhD programme.
OR
Those who are starting the thesis semester of ME/ MTech programme and having valid GATE score and desirous of pursuing PhD.
 
It may be noted that these candidates have to work on their PhD problem and should not be employed in sponsored projects.
 
WHO ARE NOT ELIGIBLE
MTech candidates (either with BTech/ MTech or with  MSc/ MTech) are not eligible for this fellowship. They have a separate opportunity for direct SRFship through interview .  All those eligible for direct CSIR  SRF cannot apply for this fellowship.
 
AGE LIMIT
The upper age limit for JRF shall be 28 yrs which is relaxable upto 5 years in case of candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes, women, physically handicapped and OBC applicants.
 
STIPEND AND TENURE
The fellowship is to be given to a candidate for a total duration of five years within which the candidate is required to complete the PhD degree. This fellowship amount is Rs 16000/- plus HRA per month. In addition, contingency grant of Rs 20,000/- per annum (calculated on pro rata basis for fraction of a year) is available to each fellowship as per the CSIR guidelines.
 
Further on completion of two years as JRF-GATE, the fellowship may be upgraded to SRF-GATE and stipend may be increased to Rs 18000/- per month in the subsequent years on the basis of assessment as per normal CSIR rules.  In exceptional cases where the fellow has completed MTech within one year of joining JRF-GATE, the Director may assess theperformance of the fellow (through a three member assessment committee) and recommend upgradation of the fellowship to SRF-GATE.   All other conditions of JRF-NET will apply.
 
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Selection of these GATE qualified JRF's can be done by the Director of the CSIR laboratories and forwarded to Head, HRDG for the issue of requisite award letters.   Director may permit the candidate to provisionally join JRF-GATE subject to meeting the eligibility criteria and issue of formal award letter from HRDG.

 

IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE NOTED

o        JRF-GATE should register for PhD within two years of joining,  otherwise the fellowship is deemed to be cancelled and withdrawn.  Intimation about PhD registration is to be sent to HRDG.
o        Aim of JRF-GATE is to attain academic excellence and to generate high level science and these fellows are expected to contribute to lab research through a suitable PhD program.
o        JRF-GATE are not to be deployed in any sponsored project.

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