Using modern forensic technology and a decidedly modern understanding of biochemistry, researchers from The University of Western Ontario have taken a look at stress levels in pre-Colombian Peru; their findings are summarized in an upcoming edition of the Journal of Archaeological Science. They found that stress has plagued humanity for at least 1500 years. The researchers were able to get the dead to give up not only their final secrets, but an understanding of their life for a few years before they shuffled off this mortal coil.
When humans get stressed, our bodies release a chemical known as cortisol, which appears in our blood, our urine, and even our hair. Of those three, hair is only one stands the test of over 1000 years of time, and provides a short history of the last years that its owner had. By examining hair strands from 10 individuals at five different dig sites in Peru, the researchers were able to determine how stressed people were, using the levels of cortisol in segments of their hair.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Stress: It ain't a new thing
Anthrax in heroin leads to deaths in Scotland
Liars and Fools
Repugican party's website columnist lies and says health care reform is like Hitler's Enabling Act.
Typical NAZI claiming all others are the Nazis
Lew Rockwell's website warns of coming US civil war.
Can you say Treason?
Guest talking head for Glenn Brick lies saying Senate health care bill requirement will lead to "death squads".
Dead horse's don't get up and run no matter how many times you beat them.
GM to shut down iconic car brand
GM to shut down iconic car brand
GM confirms it will discontinue Saab, the brand with a small but loyal following.
Fighting the blues with green tea
Fighting the blues with green tea
Seniors may be able to reduce depression by drinking green tea, a study finds.
Mom of jailed hiker makes video plea
Mom of jailed hiker makes video plea
Nora Shourd asks Iran's supreme leader to free her daughter and two other Americans.
Infamous Auschwitz sign stolen
Infamous Auschwitz sign stolen
Thieves make off with the 90-pound sign that spans the entrance to the former death camp.
Tracking down the legendary jackalope
Tracking down the legendary jackalope
The cross between a rabbit and an antelope is iconic, but are sightings believable?
Handling your kid's meltdown in the store
Handling your kid's meltdown in the store
Holiday shopping is stressful for everyone, but you can keep a child calm with these tips.
Autism affects 1 in 100 children
Autism affects 1 in 100 children
A disturbing new study is expected to reveal a dramatic increase in autism cases.
The credit score you need to know
The credit score you need to know
You may have several scores, but when it comes to loans, one matters more than the others.
How to maximize Facebook privacy
How to maximize Facebook privacy
You can't keep your name private, but you can hide your friends and opt out of Web searches.
North America's biggest fish in danger
North America's biggest fish in danger
Attempts to prevent the extinction of the 19-foot-long prehistoric sturgeon are failing.
Man kills wife with TV remote control
Senate Democrats block repugican filibuster
Senate repugicans failed early Friday in their bid to filibuster a massive Pentagon bill that funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, an unusual move designed to delay President Obama's health-care legislation.
On a 63 to 33 vote, Democrats cleared a key hurdle that should allow them to approve the must-pass military spending bill Saturday and return to the health-care debate. After years of criticizing Democrats for not supporting the troops, just three repugicans supported the military funding.
And I Quote
- You can't say that civilization don't advance, however, for in every war they kill you in a new way.
- ~ Will Rogers
Humans Brought Monkeys to St. Kitts and Inadvertently Turned Them Into Alcoholics
Images: Youtube
Where Can I Get a Drink Here?
Okay, this one is a bit on the light side, but I found it quite interesting as an illustration of the unintended consequences (sometimes really unintended) of introducing non-native species in foreign ecosystems. The video below shows alcoholic monkeys on the island of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. They were brought there from West Africa 300 years ago by slave traders back when the island was a rum-producing colony, and apparently they developed a taste for alcohol from eating fermented sugarcane left in the fields. Nowadays, they satisfy their liquor habit by stealing drinks from tourists (as seen in the video).
Nearly 100 new species described by California Academy of Sciences in 2009
In 2009, researchers at the California Academy of Sciences added 94 new relatives to our family tree. The new species include 65 arthropods, 14 plants, eight fishes, five sea slugs, one coral, and one fossil mammal. They were described by two dozen Academy scientists along with several dozen international collaborators.
Proving that there are still plenty of places to explore and things to discover on Earth, the scientists made their finds over four continents and two oceans, climbed to the tops of mountains and descended to the bottom of the sea, looked in their owns backyards (Yosemite National Park) and on the other side of the world (Yunnan Province, China). Their results, published in 29 different scientific papers, add to the record of life on Earth and will inform future studies on biodiversity, evolution, and conservation.
Nearly 100 new species described by California Academy of Sciences in 2009
Credit card with a 79.9% interest rate
Credit card with a 79.9% interest rate
The card also charges a minimum of $256 in fees for a credit line of $250.
Unhealthiest fast-food burgers
Unhealthiest fast-food burgers
America's worst cheeseburger has 1,250 calories and is packed with trans fats.
Brands that disappeared in 2009
Brands that disappeared in 2009
You won't be seeing these familiar names and companies in the new year.
Queen shocks train commuters
Queen shocks train commuters
Queen Elizabeth decides to ride public transportation to her annual Christmas retreat.
East Coast braces for tons of snow
Iraqis say Iranians seize oil well in Iraq
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Daily Almanac
There are 13 days left in the year.
Today In History December 18
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Daily Horoscope
Nobody works harder than you do, and nobody will complain if you want to take the day off.
After all, you can point with pride to an accomplishment (actually many) that could not have happened without you.
Think about somewhere special you'd like to go.
Treat yourself like royalty for a change.
Don't worry about the future.
Past inspiration will help get you started on the next project.
Others find your skill and persistence inspiring.
Nobody works harder ... true
But oh, they'll complain if I want to take a day off that means they won't be able to goof off.