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Dr Darren Baker, of the Mayo Clinic, has shown that ageing cells in mice can have detrimental effects on the healthy cells around them. Further, he has found that if the ageing cells are destroyed, the negative effects on surrounding cells are removed. This new finding suggests that something known, as the Hayflick limit might be true. The Hayflick limit describes the upper bound of how many times a cell can divide and multiply. It is possibly an anti-cancer mechanism. (more…)

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We’re sharing some ideas for Christmas now so that when the time comes, deciding what to prepare will be made a whole lot easier. This rosy plum crumble will give you the look and taste of Christmas: dark plums allow for a ‘Christmasy colour’ while nutmeg, star anise and cinnamon add a certain ‘spiciness’. You could always use some blackcurrants or blueberries with apples if you can’t get your hands on dark plums. This recipe allows for six very generous servings. Serve it with cream. (more…)

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Are musicians born with a natural ability or does practise really make perfect? Can people learn to play a musical instrument at any time in life? Maria Popova shares neuroscientist Gary Marcus’ views on her fabulous site called Brain Pickings. Marcus’ book Guitar Zero: The New Musician and the Science of Learning was inspired by his lifelong interest in music, together with his ‘self-admitted chronic musical inaptitude.’ In his book he challenges the idea of critical learning periods. (more…)

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Michael Heald’s book The Moving World reflects his interest in meditation, which began with a ten day Vipassana retreat. As challenging as the practice was, he found that it allowed him to perceive processes that were normally beneath his awareness. Meditation, he realised, was different from other ways of perceiving and knowing. This has become a major driver in his work. He now meditates daily to bypass ‘knee-jerk reactions’ and to continue exploring those facets of life that have always interested him. (more…)

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Dr. James Gordon is a psychiatrist as well as a pioneer in integrative medicine. He believes that depression is a wake-up call, a sign that our lives are out of balance. With 40 years of experience in psychiatry, he is not of the opinion that antidepressants are the best solution for those who suffer from depression. His book Unstuck is a practical guide on how to transform depression and begin the journey of self-healing to step out of the darkness. (more…)

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Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin and Hobbes, gave an off-beat speech to a group of Kenyon graduates several years ago. His message was that there are different kinds of success and that ‘having an enviable career is one thing but being a happy person is another’. He explained that ambition is often only understood if it means ‘rising to the top of some imaginary ladder of success.’ But that there are other options — like taking a less demanding job to pursue one’s interests. (more…)

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If you are thinking about getting a dog, why not consider adopting one? There are many organisations in the UK that provide new homes for crossbred and purebred dogs. These adoption centres would have assessed available dogs based on breed, background and temperament. Their aim, then, is to find the right owner for the right dog. Many centres are open every day of the week while others may require an appointment. Whatever the case, visit the relevant website for more information. (more…)

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Step foot in Argentina or Bolivia and you may find yourself asking “what are these people drinking?” it’s not unusual to see people holding a bowl filled with hot water that is lined with leaves that is sipped, unusually, through a straw. It’s called Yerba Maté and it’s to some South Americans what tea is to the English. It’s made from a small shrub, while the hollow gourds that this drink is served in are found in marketplaces throughout the continent and makes for a popular trinket for tourists. (more…)

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This butternut bake recipe does not require any pastry skills as the crust is made with breadcrumbs making it great for cooks who want to get a simple – if indirect – introduction into what goes into making pastries The breadcrumbs are blended with chopped tomato, sesame seeds, grated cheddar cheese and olive oil. The crust doesn’t require any rolling as it is simply sprinkled over the filling and baked until golden brown. Ingredients for the filling include butternut, onion, garlic, feta cheese, hyme, olive oil, mixed spice and seasoning. Replace the butternut with spinach for a spinach and feta cheese dish. Serve with couscous. (more…)

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Amanda Hocking is a writer of paranormal fiction. She published a novel as an ebook in an attempt to raise some urgently needed extra cash. Her previously unpublished book has since sold over 1.5m books. Not only has it made the author a fortune but it has changed the publishing game as we know it. Ed Pilkington points out in his article for The Guardian that Hocking ‘has emerged from obscurity to bestselling status entirely under her own self-published steam.’ (more…)