I’ve heard other mentions of “gut” related theories regarding autism spectrum disorders, but not specifically this one. It sounds as if more study should be done. I’m not sure there is a scientific basis for this, but perchance Autism spectrum disorders will have to be treated as HIV and AIDS are, with “cocktail” of treatments ranging from dietary, occupational therapy, and medicine. I’m not entirely convinced that a significant portion of ASD “symptoms” aren’t the manifestation of an evolutionary trend due to the changing needs of humanity in the first world. Does first world life bring about breading patterns that promote a genetic trend that manifests itself as what we call autism spectrum disorders?
Children with autism do not appear to leak damaging proteins from their intestines, a study into the so-called “leaky gut” theory has suggested.
We know so very little about the depths of our oceans. While I can’t say I have a grasp on what the total implications for this are, my gut tells me that it’s a good thing that we’re finding items lower on the food chain are more robust than we thought.
Shrimp-like krill can thrive in icy waters 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) deep off Antarctica as well as near the surface, according to a study on Monday that shows krill stocks can survive far deeper than previously thought.
[From Antarctic krill found in waters 3,000 meters deep | Science | Reuters]
While I’m sure there’s something exploitative about this that would worry some people, to me this is pure genius.
Like the canaries that once sniffed the air in coal mines, the Australian rainbow fish are living proof that the city’s water is safe.
If they don’t like what they are swimming in, they have the power to shut down much of Sydney’s supply system.
[From www.smh.com.au - Sink or swim: eight fish who guard the health of millions]
The basic idea is that every few minutes they cycle water in and out of a tank containing fish. If the water in the city’s system has problems, the fish will let them know.
I’d love to see David Sloan Wilson’s take on this (he studies religions from an evolutionary standpoint). It certainly speaks against the Dawkins/Hitchens crowd that believes religion is evil, though I suppose one could contend that just because you’re happy doesn’t mean you’re “good.”
Religious people are better able to cope with shocks such as losing a job or divorce, claims the study presented to a Royal Economic Society conference.
I’ve actually got an article in my head on this that I’m working on after listening to the audiobook for Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert.
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