Posts in “ In the News ”

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Wednesday, 11 May 2011 06:38

This article was first published in issue 13, volume 1 / 2011 of The Dot Connector Magazine, official publication of Sott.net.

“Comets are vile stars. Every time they appear in the south, they wipe out the old and establish the new. Fish grow sick, crops fail, Emperors and common people die, and men go to war. The people hate life and don’t even want to speak of it.” -Li Ch’un Feng, Director, Chinese Imperial Astronomical Bureau, 648, A.D.

In 2007, a meteorite fell in Puno, Southeastern Perú. José Macharé – scientist of the Geologic, Mining and Metallurgic Institute in Perú – said that the space rock fell near a muddy area by Lake Titicaca, making the water boil for around ten minutes, and mixing with the soil and emanating a gray cloud, the components of which remain unknown. Having discarded radioactive poisons, this toxic cloud is said to have caused headaches and respiratory problems in at least 200 persons from a population of 1500 inhabitants. Other than this event, how often do we hear about people getting sick due to a rock coming from space? How about birds, fish or other animals? Ancient astrologers cite comets as ill omens of death and famine, but are there any other causes other than the ones due to physical/mechanical consequences of comet impact devastation in our fragile environment of which we should be aware?

As a physician, I usually concentrate strictly on medical and health-related issues, not history or catastrophism. However, like so many other people, I see signs of atmospheric changes on our planet which, according to many experts, may well be due to increasing comet dust loading. When I read about increasing reports of fireballs all around the world, and I know that these factors must have an effect on the health of individuals and societies, it motivates me to do the research to find the connections so that I am better prepared for what may lie in our future. If our planet is entering a new cometary bombardment cycle, and if these comets harbor new species of microbes unknown to mankind’s collective immunological systems (as may well be the case), then being forewarned is being forearmed.

According to the late Sir Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe of the University of Wales at Cardiff, viruses can be distributed throughout space by dust in the debris stream of comets. Then as Earth passes though the stream, the dust and viruses load our atmosphere, where they can stay suspended for years until gravity pulls them down. They compare numerous plagues throughout our history which coincide with cometary bodies in our skies. These researchers are certain that germs causing plagues and epidemics come from space.

In a letter to Lancet [1],Wickramasinghe explains that a small amount of a virus introduced into the stratosphere could make a first tentative fallout east of the great mountain range of the Himalayas, where the stratosphere is thinnest, followed by sporadic deposits in neighboring areas. Could this explain why new strains of the influenza virus that are capable of engendering epidemics, and which are caused by radical genetic mutations, usually originate in Asia? Wickramasinghe argues that if the virus is only minimally infective, the subsequent course of its global progress will depend on stratospheric transport and mixing, leading to a fallout continuing seasonally over a few years; even if all reasonable attempts are made to contain an infective spread, the appearance of new foci almost anywhere is a possibility. Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 11:04

A new study from the University of Chicago shows that a foreign accent undermines a person’s credibility in ways that the speaker and the listener don’t consciously realize.

“The results have important implications for how people perceive non-native speakers of a language, particularly as mobility increases in the modern world, leading millions of people to be non-native speakers of the language they use daily,” said Boaz Keysar, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago and an expert on communication.

“Accent might reduce the credibility of non-native job seekers, eyewitnesses, reporters or people taking calls in foreign call centers,” said Shiri Lev-Ari, lead author of “Why Don’t We Believe Non-native Speakers? The Influence of Accent on Credibility,” written with Keysar and published in the current issue of the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

But on the other hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if there might be countries where foreign accents can make speakers seem more truthful to listeners. I can think of a few countries where being a foreigner is a plus, that is, a European or North American foreigner! One has to take into account cultural beliefs and brainwashing propaganda against or pro all things foreign. It is interesting and very telling of how much can slip our conscious awareness. I am also reminded of the following study from Blink by Malcolm Gladwell:

Blink in Black and White

Over  the past  few years, a number of psychologists have begun  to  look more closely at  the  role these kinds of unconscious—or, as they like to call them, implicit—associations play in our beliefs and behavior, and much of their work  has  focused  on  a  very  fascinating  tool  called  the  Implicit Association  Test  (IAT). The  IAT was devised  by  Anthony  G.  Greenwald,  Mahzarin  Banaji,  and  Brian  Nosek,  and it is based on a seemingly obvious—but  nonetheless  quite  profound—observation. We  make  connections much more  quickly  between pairs of  ideas that are already related  in our minds than we do between pairs of ideas that are unfamiliar to us. What does  that mean? Let me give you an example. Below  is a  list of words. Take a pencil or pen and assign each name  to  the category  to which  it belongs by putting a check mark either  to  the  left or  to  the  right of  the word. You can also do it by tapping your finger  in the appropriate column. Do it as quickly as you can. Don’t skip over words. And don’t worry if you make any mistakes.

Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Monday, 19 July 2010 09:17

So, there is a new study which shows that mercury-based vaccines can cause brain changes found in autism. It supports the data found in the following compelling charts which juxtapose mercury toxicity symptoms versus the symptoms of autism:

Autism: a Novel Form of Mercury Poisoning
Autism Research Institute

Table I: Summary Comparison of Traits of Autism & Mercury Poisoning (Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) references in bold; Mercury poisoning (HgP) references in italics)

Psychiatric Disturbances
Social deficits, shyness, social withdrawal (1,2,130,131; 21,31,45,53,132)
Repetitive, perseverative, stereotypic behaviors; obsessive-compulsive tendencies (1,2,43,48,133; 20,33-35,132)
Depression/depressive traits, mood swings, flat affect; impaired face recognition (14,15,17,103, 134,135; 19,21,24,26,31)
Anxiety; schizoid tendencies; irrational fears (2,15,16; 21,27,29,31)
Irritability, aggression, temper tantrums (12,13,43; 18,21,22,25)
Lacks eye contact; impaired visual fixation (HgP)/ problems in joint attention (ASD) (3,36,136,137; 18,19,34)
Speech and Language Deficits
Loss of speech, delayed language, failure to develop speech (1-3,138,139; 11,23,24,27,30,37)
Dysarthria; articulation problems (3; 21,25,27,39)
Speech comprehension deficits (3,4,140; 9,25,34,38)
Verbalizing and word retrieval problems (HgP); echolalia, word use and pragmatic errors (ASD) (1,3,36; 21,27,70)
Sensory Abnormalities
Abnormal sensation in mouth and extremities (2,49; 25,28,34,39)
Sound sensitivity; mild to profound hearing loss (2,47,48; 19,23-25,39,40)
Abnormal touch sensations; touch aversion (2,49; 23,24,45,53)
Over-sensitivity to light; blurred vision (2,50,51; 18,23,31,34,45)
Motor Disorders
Flapping, myoclonal jerks, choreiform movements, circling, rocking, toe walking, unusual postures (2,3,43,44; 11,19,27,30,31,34,39)
Deficits in eye-hand coordination; limb apraxia; intention tremors (HgP)/problems with intentional movement or imitation (ASD) (2,3,36,181; 25,29,32,38,70,87)
Abnormal gait and posture, clumsiness and incoordination; difficulties sitting, lying, crawling, and walking; problem on one side of body (4,41,42,123; 18,25,31,34,39,45)
Cognitive Impairments
Borderline intelligence, mental retardation – some cases reversible (2,3,151,152; 19,25,31,39,70)
Poor concentration, attention, response inhibition (HgP)/shifting attention (ASD) (4,36,153; 21,25,31,38,141)
Uneven performance on IQ subtests; verbal IQ higher than performance IQ (3,4,36; 31,38)
Poor short term, verbal, and auditory memory (36,140; 21,29,31,35,38,87,141)
Poor visual and perceptual motor skills; impairment in simple reaction time (HgP)/ lower performance on timed tests (ASD) (4,140,181; 21,29,142)
Deficits in understanding abstract ideas & symbolism; degeneration of higher mental powers (HgP)/sequencing, planning & organizing (ASD); difficulty carrying out complex commands (3,4,36,153; 9,18,37,57,142)
Unusual Behaviors
Self injurious behavior, e.g. head banging (3,154; 11,18,53)
ADHD traits (2,36,155; 35,70)
Agitation, unprovoked crying, grimacing, staring spells 3,154; 11,23,37,88)
Sleep difficulties (2,156,157; 11,22,31)
Physical Disturbances
Hyper- or hypotonia; abnormal reflexes; decreased muscle strength, especially upper body; incontinence; problems chewing, swallowing (3,42,145,181; 19,27,31,32,39)
Rashes, dermatitis, eczema, itching (107,146; 22,26,143)
Diarrhea; abdominal pain/discomfort, constipation, “colitis” (107,147-149; 18,23,26,27,31,32)
Anorexia; nausea (HgP)/vomiting (ASD); poor appetite (HgP)/restricted diet (ASD) (2,123; 18,22)
Lesions of ileum and colon; increased gut permeability (147,150; 57,144)

Table II: Summary Comparison of Biological Abnormalities in Autism & Mercury Exposure Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Saturday, 17 July 2010 04:40

The StormI found an article today, which discusses a link between certain types of families and behavioral problems in school: Behavior Problems in School Linked to Two Types of Families.

“Families can be a support and resource for children as they enter school, or they can be a source of stress, distraction, and maladaptive behavior,” says Melissa Sturge-Apple, the lead researcher on the paper and an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Rochester.

“This study shows that cold and controlling family environments are linked to a growing cascade of difficulties for children in their first three years of school, from aggressive and disruptive behavior to depression and alienation,” Sturge-Apple explains. “The study also finds that children from families marked by high levels of conflict and intrusive parenting increasingly struggle with anxiety and social withdrawal as they navigate their early school years.”

The three-year study, published July 15 in Child Development, examines relationship patterns in 234 families with six-year-old children.

But for a wider and in-depth perspective on this problem, one must read The Narcissistic Family by Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman and Robert M. Pressman. The authors describe a “parent system” which is primarily involved in getting its own needs met, therefore taking precedence over the “child system.” Children born into these families try to earn love, attention and approval by satisfying their parents’ needs. Never getting their own feelings validated, these children will then have problems which will further contribute to the narcissistic family system.

The symptoms of this narcissistic wounding are often a chronic need to please; an inability to identify feelings, wants, and needs; and a need for constant validation. From the book: Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Saturday, 26 June 2010 06:24

In this interview, Dr. Symes from DogtorJ.com discusses the latest research on gluten sensitivity, which reveals how everyone might well be gluten sensitive. It seems that only 1/3 of the population is having symptoms at any given moment, but this doesn’t mean that gluten is not damaging the health of the other 2/3! Perhaps the word “celiac” will be shelved and we’ll be talking about “gluten sensitivity” in the future.

In part 2 of the interview, there is a discussion about the glutamic acid in gluten, which is related to seizures.  Also mentioned is how unfortunate it is when many people see idiopathic diseases as the doctor being the idiot, and how this is pathetic for the patients. :)  Well, it is time for doctors to learn more about gluten sensitivities so they won’t be regarded as idiots by this growing community that is benefiting and seeing their idiopathic diseases go away with a gluten, dairy, soy and corn free diet. Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Friday, 28 May 2010 13:44

This study confirms that gum disease is related to heart disease, it is again the inflammatory link. People with periodontitis have a higher than normal risk of heart attack and stroke. People with these conditions have elevated C-reactive protein, a sign of inflammation. Also, people with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of developing periodontitis and gum disease. These are all conditions with strong inflammatory components.

If You Don’t Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day, You’re More Likely to Develop Heart Disease

Franca Tranza
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Fri, 28 May 2010

Research paper: Toothbrushing, inflammation and risk of cardio vascular disease — results from the Scottish Health Survey, BMJ.com

Individuals who have poor oral hygiene have an increased risk of heart disease compared to those who brush their teeth twice a day, finds research published today in British Medical Journal. Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Tuesday, 23 February 2010 18:38

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), is a disabling condition affecting approximately 500,000 Americans. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that fewer than 20% of CFS patients in the United States have even been diagnosed. Patients are usually women in their 40s and 50s, but anyone can develop CFS. Patients with CFS typically have a compromised immune system, elevated blood antibodies, intermittent sore throats, and tender lymph nodes. CFS can affect any part of the body, including the central nervous system, the brain, the blood, muscles, joints, the gastrointestinal tract, and the immune, digestive, and lymph systems.

According to a recent update from healthfinder.gov:

Health Tip: Warning Signs That You May Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Here are possible symptoms

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme tiredness and a feeling of being worn out all the time, even after waking up. Its cause isn’t understood.

Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Tuesday, 10 November 2009 10:56

Teresa Forcades i Vila is a Benedictine nun at Sant Benet of Montserrat’s monastery, near Barcelona, Spain. Before joining the monastery Teresa practiced medicine for several years as a physician specialized in internal medicine and she has a PhD in Public Health from Barcelona’s University. She also carried out her specialization at NY State University, USA.

In these series of videos, Teresa discusses the swine flu’s origins and how WHO’s definition of pandemia was morphed to fit this swine flu as a pandemic. She also discusses the vaccination program, its details and risks, using facts from mainstream science and also including political and economical aspects.

Part 1

Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Monday, 20 April 2009 18:13

Our bodies are simply not made to process the high quantities of the types of sugar that we consume nowadays.

Sugar is in no way nutritional and it actually depletes the body of its vitamin and mineral resources. High sugar consumption is tied to mental disorders, lower IQ, anxiety, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, depression, eating disorders, fatigue, learning difficulties, and premenstrual syndrome among others.

One of the most important factors in brain aging and inflammation is sugar. Insulin triggered by sugar triggers oxidative stress which leads to mitochondrial damage, which in turn contributes to insulin resistance. Insulin also triggers the inflammatory cascade, including cytokines like TNF alfa and interleukins which spreads the damage into the brain and body in general.

Sugar produces high levels of insulin which is the main cause of our chronic disease epidemic and an important factor in mood disorders and dementia. Our insulin response is designed to handle vastly lower levels of sugar than what we consume today. For example, the body can process fruit sugar, but not high fructose corn syrup, which is a potent form of sugar that is sweeter than regular sugar, increases appetite, promotes obesity more than regular sugar, is more addictive than cocaine, and leads to diabetes and an inflammation of the brain.

Read more…

Written by Gabriela Segura, MD
Sunday, 5 April 2009 10:08

Multiple factors like lack of sleep, electromagnetic fields, aluminum (found in anti-acids, water, foil wrap, deodorants, cookware) interact with our genes to produce diseases like Alzheimer’s. In addition, inflammation is always present in most diseases and Alzheimer’s is not an exception. Inflammatory-promoting factors include trans fats, saturated fat, stress, infections, lack of exercise, autoimmune diseases, vitamin deficiencies, celiac disease, colitis, sugar, and diabetes, all of which increase the risk of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Scientists had linked sugar and its ability to create insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes to Alzheimer’s disease. This news item highlights exactly this:

Diabetes Increases Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Elizabeth Walling
Natural News
April 02, 2009

New research confirms that diabetics have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the Stockholm Gerontology Research Center reported that people with diabetes are 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to those with normal blood sugar levels.

Type II diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, a condition where chronic high blood sugar levels have caused an overproduction of insulin. Along with many other side effects, high insulin levels produce inflammation in the body. This inflammation can cause damage in the brain.

Read more…