The Society for Neuroscience recently released an article about the effects sleep deprivation has on the human brain. When the human brain loses focus, the frontal and parietal regions of the brain compensate by increasing attention. However, sleep-deprived people showed less activity in these areas of the brain, which lead to longer attention lapses because the brain enters a sleep-like state and becomes less responsive to sensory stimuli. So, if you plan on doing tasks that involve critical thinking, adequate rest is essential.

This is an interesting article about the lifestyle of a 114-year old man. Apparently, he had cycled every day until he was 102, has a Mediterranean diet (he lives in Spain), and lives in a mild climate. Researchers analyzed his genetics but were unable to discover any genetic mutations that contribute to his longevity.

A latest study from the University of Illinois showed that people eating sterol chocolate had significantly lowered their cholesterol levels and blood pressure during the eight week study. Dark chocolate, however, appeared to have no such affect. CocoaVia was the sterol chocolate bar used during the test. I never heard of the candy, and I'm sure many others haven't either, so I bet the company is enjoying the spotlight.

New Scientist has a great article debunking 24 common myths about evolution. The article is not only geared toward creationist myths, but also general misinterpretations that are prevalent among society today.

Understanding evolution is important for science because it uncovers new knowledge about genetics and it's important for society so we can explain why we think and act the way we do. We are the only species on this planet with minds capable of beneficially thwarting the process of evolution, so, like it or not, we must be careful with every decision we make.

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By shooting high-powered laser pulses at a thundercloud, a team of European scientist triggered electrical activity in the cloud. Not only is this cool, but it may aid in the study of lightning for future scientific applications. The generated lightning traveled only in the clouds, though, as their laser was too weak to channel it to the earth.

Scientist may have found vaccine that prevents lyme’s disease. The injection was 100% effective when tested in mice and contains doxycycline hyclate, which humans have been using for over 20 years with no adverse effects.

This news caught my eye because I had lyme’s disease when I was a toddler. Luckily my mother, who is a nurse, saw the symptoms early and I was promptly treated. Till this day, I always try to keep up-to-date with any developments in treating the disease.