Coffee addiction may be grounded in genes

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, April 6th, 10:34 am

Genetics may help determine how much caffeine one craves, new research indicates, with differences in two specific genes driving people to consume more -- or less -- of the world's most popular stimulant.

New research suggests that individuals who carry a so-called "high-consumption" variation of either gene appear to drink more coffee, relative to those who carry a "low-consumption" variant.

"It's really an incredible story," said study co-author Dr. Neil Caporaso, branch chief of genetic epidemiology at the National Cancer Institute. "People don't really suspect it, but genetics plays a big role in a lot of behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. And now it turns out that it has a part in how much caffeine we drink."

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Scottsboro driver's license office moves to Jackson County Courthouse

Submitted by Kym Graves, your community website staffer

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011, 3:27pm

Scottsboro driver's license office moves to Jackson County Courthouse

Jackson County’s Driver License Examining Office is moving to the Jackson County Courthouse.

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Health tip: help prevent back injury

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, April 4th, 2:57 pm

The premise is simple: Maintaining good posture lessens your risk of developing back problems.

Even if your back feels OK at the moment, you may be straining it if you have poor posture, perform awkward movements, are out of shape, or are overweight. Good body mechanics include reducing strain on your back when you lift heavy loads. The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma offers these suggestions:

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Scientists spot 4 new alzheimer's genes

Submitted by Anonymous on Monday, April 4th, 11:01 am

The identification of four new genes associated with Alzheimer's disease is a major advance that will help improve understanding of what causes the condition, say scientists who pinpointed the genes.

Each of the genes individually contributes to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, according to the study in the April 3 issue of Nature Genetics.

The four genes -- MS4A, CD2AP, CD33 and EPHA1 -- were identified after the team of scientists from 44 universities and research institutions in the United States analyzed genetic data from more than 54,000 people.

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Laughter not only feels good, it's good for the heart

Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, April 1st, 2:38 pm

Having a good laugh on April Fool's Day or any other day of the year helps relieve stress and benefits your blood vessels, an expert says.

"Laughter increases blood flow and improves the function of blood vessels. Reducing stress is especially beneficial for persons who have hypertension [high blood pressure]," Dr. Vivienne Halpern said in a Society for Vascular Surgery news release.

April is National Stress Awareness Month in the United States.

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