Wasted in Wisconsin: An examination of Wisconsin's drinking habits

A new article in the Journal Sentinel goes into interesting detail about drinking culture within Wisconsin.

Green spaces reduce risk of stroke and heart disease

In an article on BBC News, two Scottish investigators determined that "green spaces", including parks and other natural environments, actually reduce the risk of stress-related illness. Their article was published in this months The Lancet. The article goes on to say that poor people, thus, are expected to have poorer health because of the lack of these places in the inner-city.

Early exposure to peanuts in a baby’s diet seems to lessen the risk of developing a peanut allergy later

Hmmm....when I read this article it really got me thinking. I wonder if the recent surge in incidence in peanut allergies is directly proportional to the number of parents that are trying to keep their children away from peanuts at an early age.....

Postdocs and "Joe the Plumber"

So I am not a fan of "Joe the Plumber", by any means; however, a recent article in Science really hit home. It talks about how Ph.D.s in todays universities are forming labor unions when taking postdoc positions. It also talks about how, in a much earlier time, a Ph.D. meant literally that you received a teaching job, guaranteeing you employment. It is nicely historic and refreshing...enjoy!

Science, Nov. 7, 2008