Sanitize with Your Pumpskin

Those addictive, sugary mallowcreme pumpkins may not do the trick, but it turns out that your carved critter may be useful year-round. The shell of pumpkins can be turned into an extract that prevents yeast infections in humans, a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found.

Pumpkin shells display antibacterial properties, an especially useful quality as scientists are worrying about disease strains that are resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. It turns out, our ancestors in the late 17th century used pumpkin rinds for treating illnesses. Besides yeast infections, pumpkin skin derivatives may be useful in preventing infections in the eyes, nose, ears and throat. Peachy! (Well actually, orangey, but you get the idea…)

Several other studies have noted the benefits of consuming the insides of pumpkins as well, due to their high antioxidant levels. It’s so good for you—too bad I can’t get past the smell!

Do you have any favorite “fall foods” like pumpkin? I’m a fan of a steaming bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day.

Image courtesy of Christian Divine and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!”

It’s My DNA Officer, I Swear!

Maybe it’s time to take it easy on the driver in front of you sitting at a green light: it may not be entirely their own fault. Nearly 30 percent of Americans are carrying a gene variant that could be the cause of their poor driving, so says a small study published in the journal Cerebral Cortex.

Apparently, those born with this gene initially make more errors and forget more skills after taking driving breaks than those without the gene. A protein that is normally secreted in the portion of the brain responsible for a specific action is limited, causing a smaller than normal area of the brain to be activated and respond to stimuli.

But on a positive note, this gene variation can be helpful in the event of a memory loss disease such as Parkinson’s: memory declines are less steep among those with this gene.

Image from the New York Times

Water Cooler Conversation Starter: Would you exercise if there was a pill that would keep you thin? Almost 80 percent of people included in an American Council on Exercise and Everydayhealth.com survey said they would still move it. I know that for me nothing can replace that amazing, accomplished post-workout feeling!