July 2, 2008

Old muscle got a shot of youthful vigor in a stem cell experiment by bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley, setting the path for research on new treatments for age-related degenerative conditions such as muscle atrophy or Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

"We are one step closer to having a point of intervention where we can rejuvenate the body's own stem cells so we don't have to suffer from some of the debilitating diseases associated with aging," said the study's lead author, Morgan Carlson, a recent Ph.D. graduate of Conboy's lab.

My doctor, who battled cancer two years ago, told me about a website
that she used/loves to improve her mind after the rigors of treatment left
her feeling less sharp than before.

Lumosity is a site that is made up of several fun, if not completely addicting exercises. It's based on the concept that we can improve our neuroplasticity by giving ourselves a mental work out. The site says users have experienced:

. Clearer and quicker thinking
. Improved memory for names, numbers, directions, etc.
. Increased alertness and awareness
. Elevated mood
. Better concentration at work or while driving

It's a pay site, ($10/month) but there is a two week trial so you can decide if it's for you. For me, it was $10 well spent. I frankly cannot get enough of the "Word Bubbles" game. If anyone knows of any sites that help with online word game addiction, please speak up. :-) Also - if anyone else feels like this site helps them, I'd love to hear that as well.

~Debbie Mellor