health
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Ask Umbra: Are cell phones safe to use?
A cell phone user writes in to ask about the potential health impacts of using the device. This is no LOL’ing matter! Umbra makes a call on ways to use your mobile phone more safely. If you use a cell phone, read this.
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Guy stops using soap for a year, loves it
Sean Bonner hasn't used shampoo or soap in a year -- and he says he smells great.
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Scientists say carbs — not fat — are the biggest problem with America's diet
The L.A. Times reports on the growing scientific evidence that carbohydrates -- not fat -- are more likely to be responsible for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and the other ills of modern civilization. I've certainly gotten healthier on a low-carb diet.
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New York’s fracking ban is a mixed bag
New York Gov. David Paterson this weekend banned high-volume fracking in his state til July. Green groups are pleased but worried about a loophole.
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Court gives green light to EPA carbon pollution standards
Big news: The Supreme Court just gave the green light to implementing the EPA's first carbon pollution standards.
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California sacrifices farm workers in favor of strawberries
California has approved the use of methyl iodide, a powerful neurotoxic pesticide that will affect those who harvest strawberries far more than those who eat them. How does that make you feel?
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Ask Umbra on potentially toxic hair and nail salon treatments
Ask Umbra weighs in with some healthy alternatives to the potentially poisonous salon scene.
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Bicycle safety by the numbers
A new study of injury rates among Portland bike commuters suggests we could do more to make bicycling safe, starting with simple infrastructure fixes.
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More revelations of FDA bad behavior around GE salmon
A second consumer advocacy group has obtained even more documentation that the FDA is ignoring serious concerns from government scientists over the safety of GE salmon. Perhaps it's time to rethink our fish priorities: some smoked Arctic char on that bagel, anyone?