The founders of our nation set out to create a place where people could build a life for themselves. Their original idea was that U.S. citizens would be free to pursue happiness and prosperity. But more than 200 years later, a body of evidence shows the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. [Read more…]
Is science reliable?
February 22, 2016 By 1 Comment
Here at EBL, we’re written before about the pitfalls of science reporting in popular media. Even well-researched, comprehensive scientific reports often draw conclusions that we later learn are inaccurate. [Read more…]
Transition to kindergarten
January 29, 2016 By Leave a Comment
My middle child is four years old, and will be starting kindergarten in the fall. While that may seem like a long time away, I know from experiencing this transition once before that it helps to start thinking about it early. [Read more…]
An evidence-based look at a football scandal?
January 26, 2016 By Leave a Comment
If you pay any attention to sports, you have likely heard about the football scandal that erupted last year when the Indianapolis Colts accused the New England Patriots of deflating footballs to give their quarterback, Tom Brady, an unfair advantage. [Read more…]
New dietary guidelines: Updates on sugar, coffee, and alcohol
January 21, 2016 By 1 Comment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released updated dietary guidlines earlier this month, which include some recommended changes in American diets.
The report is significant because it determines the foods served in school lunches and sets priorities for the food assistance programs. The guidelines also impact labeling, advertising and the advice given by medical professionals.
Low back pain? Exercise may help
January 20, 2016 By 2 Comments
Low back pain is one of the most common ailments among adults in the U.S., with nearly 80 percent of Americans experiencing the ailment at some point during their life. [Read more…]
A new measure for aging
January 15, 2016 By Leave a Comment
For centuries, humans have been searching for a fountain of youth to reverse the effects of aging. While no one has ever found one, scientists are getting closer to understanding why some people age with fewer ailments than others, and what that means for anti-aging therapies. [Read more…]
The link between relationships and health
January 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment
For decades, social science researchers have believed that social interactions play an important part in our health and well-being. If you think about your own daily life, it makes perfect sense. When you feel supported by a network of family and friends, you likely feel happier and more relaxed. But do those feelings translate into better health? [Read more…]
Wearable fitness trackers: Accurate or imprecise?
January 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Wearable fitness bands — which can provide data including how many steps you take in a day, how many calories you burn and even your sleep patterns — have become extremely popular. According to market research data, nearly 70 million are sold worldwide each year. But do they work? [Read more…]
Everything you need to know about stretching and exercise
January 4, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Happy New Year, and welcome back to EBL in 2016!
Does your New Year’s resolution involve a pledge to exercise more? Mine does. And one of my goals to avoid getting injured as I ramp up my workouts. So I was happy to come across this systematic review on stretching. [Read more…]
