Bees Can Be Trained to Recognize Face-Like Patterns

FRIDAY, Jan. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Bees can learn to recognize human faces, as long as they think the faces are odd-shaped flowers, a new study reports.

In a series of experiments, researchers from Australia and France determined that bees could be trained to recognize face-like patterns when they were rewarded with a sweet treat for doing so.

However, this doesn't mean that bees can learn to recognize individual human faces. Instead, the bees are able to learn the relative arrangements of features that create a face-like pattern, the study authors explained. Bees may use this same strategy to learn about and recognize different objects in their environment.

The study findings are published in the Jan. 29 issue of the Journal of Experimental Biology...

Cinnamon-Honey Combo a Possible Cure-All?

By Kim Sherman, Shelter Island Reporter, 1/28/2010

In the past I have written about the healing properties of honey and all of its great uses. If you have come into the store, you may also have heard me talk about cinnamon. Cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar in diabetics by slowing the emptying of the stomach, causing a slower rate of blood sugar absorption. This results in less of a blood sugar spike. New studies also suggest that cinnamon might actually have an insulin boosting property that helps the body use its sugars more easily.


Well, with that in mind, what might happen if we combine the two together? No, you can’t use it for the lava in your kid’s science project, but you can use it for a lot of other good things, such as:

• Curing arthritis pain. Make a paste of one part honey with two parts lukewarm water, mix with a small teaspoon of cinnamon. Rub into aching area for 15 minutes, pain should resolve.


• Hair loss/baldness. Make a paste of hot olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Apply 15 minutes before showering. (No, we haven’t tried it yet.)


• Reducing cholesterol. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in 16 ounces of tea. This mixture has been found to reduce cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent in two hours. (Do this before your life insurance physical.)


• Heart disease. Apply honey and cinnamon powder on bread instead of butter or jelly. Eat it on a regular basis for breakfast.


• Acne. Mix equal parts of honey and cinnamon into a paste. Rub it onto skin. Leave it on as long as possible. There will be a mild burning sensation. Wash with lukewarm water. Do this daily for two weeks. The results are pretty dramatic. I have seen this work. A maintenance mask every couple of days will help you to stay radiant.


• Here’s the biggie — weight loss. Steep 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in 1 cup of boiling water, let cool for 30 minutes. Mix in 2 teaspoons of honey. Drink half on an empty stomach before bed and the other half as soon as you get out of bed. If taken regularly it reduces weight and does not allow fat to accumulate on the body. This sounds quite yummy doesn’t it? Well it’s not. I thought, “Great, let me dig out my bikini in time for summer.” I mixed up my first batch, waited my 30 minutes, only to find a cup of slime. The cinnamon turns into a blob when it is steeped. I went back online and found that it is okay to run the blob through a coffee filter. So I dug out my old coffee filters and started filtering. Thirty minutes later, my blob had stressed the filter so much that I now had a blob and wet paper in my cup...

Video: Honey, Royal Jelly Recommended for Skin Treatment

Three super-simple face masks you can do the night before any special occasion to look and feel your best.

Repair & Protect: Honey & Oats

Oats are rich in beta glucan, soluble fiber that stimulates the repair of skin cells, reduces wrinkles, and protects against sun damage. Raw honey soothes skin with amino acids and increases elasticity. The addition of royal jelly boosts cell regeneration.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. ground oats or oat flour
1 tbsp. raw honey
½ tsp. royal jelly or Yogurt

Directions:

Stir ingredients until creamy, apply mixture to face and leave on for 20 minutes.

Propolis Helps Preserve Viability of Knocked-Out Teeth

Propolis as Storage Media for Avulsed Teeth: Microscopic and Morphometric Analysis in Rats
Dent Traumatol, 2010 Feb;26(1):80-5

The maintenance of the avulsed teeth in appropriate media for preserving the cellular viability has been important for repairing the periodontal ligament and preventing the root resorption after tooth reimplantation.

Propolis is a substance capable of preserving cellular viability. This study aimed to analyze the propolis substance as a storage media for maintaining the avulsed teeth, besides to determine the ideal time period for keeping the tooth inside it.

Thus, 60 maxillary right central incisors of rats were extracted and divided into five groups. In groups I and II, teeth were kept in propolis for 60 min and 6 h, respectively; in group III, teeth were kept in milk for 6 h; in group IV, teeth were kept dry for 60 min; and in group V, they were immediately reimplanted. All teeth had their root canals filled with calcium hydroxide paste. Following, teeth were reimplanted in their sockets. After 15 and 60 days, animals were killed and the obtained samples were processed in laboratory for microscopic and morphometric analyzing.

The results showed that the occurrence of inflammatory resorption, dental ankylosis and the formation of the connective tissue parallel to the root surface were similar among groups. It could be verified a greater occurrence of replacement resorption in group IV when comparing to other groups.

In groups I and IV, the presence of periodontal ligament-like connective tissue was substantially smaller than the other groups. Regarding to the cementum amount over the root, it could be observed that this was present in smaller amount in groups I and IV. Group II was similar to groups III and IV.

Therefore, according to the results of this study, the use of propolis as a storage media for maintaining avulsed teeth could be highlighted, and the 6-h period was more appropriate than the 60-min period.

Video: Missing Bees Create a Buzz

Associated Press, 1/27/2010

Honey and Bee Pollen Mix Recommended for Health

Ambrosia Honey for Health
Teatro Naturale International, 1/26/2010

Ambrosia is a combination of wildflower honey and fresh bee pollen.

Would you like a complete raw food that will not spoil and that you can take with you wherever you go and that will provide you with 100% of the vitamins, minerals, protein and enzymes you need to give you energy and increase your stamina? Ambrosia is a combination of raw wildflower honey and fresh bee pollen whipped together.

Each 8 oz. jar contains almost 30 grams of bee pollen; each 16 oz. jar almost 60 grams. No bacteria grows in honey so it keeps the bee pollen fresh. No need for refrigeration. The enzymes in the honey break down the pollen to make it more readily digestible. It is absolutely delicious.

Apitherapy Day Feb. 20 in Pittsfield, Ohio

This event will be held at the Pittsfield, Ohio, Town Hall, located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Routes 303 and 58.

The Presenters will be Jim Higgins and Don Downs of Ohio, both AAS Board Members, and Jerry Catana and Kristine Jacobson of Michigan, two very active members of AAS. All four are experienced apitherapists. A pot luck lunch will be held mid-day.

All people interested in Apitherapy are welcome to attend. For more information call Don Downs at 404-647-2483.

'Dead' Man Found Alive in Coffin After Bee Attack

By David Charter, Herald Sun, 1/26/2010

A Polish beekeeper who suffered a heart attack after being stung was found alive in his coffin, The Times of London reported today.

Josef Guzy, 76, collapsed unconscious after the insect attack earlier in the day and had been pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor, The Times of London reported.

It was only when the undertaker reached into the coffin for the last time, in order to retrieve a necklace requested by Guzy's grieving would-be widow, that he detected a faint pulse.

"Just before closing the coffin, the family asked us to remove a couple of precious things from the body," funeral director Darius Wysluchato said.

"I happened to touch the artery in the neck and was totally shocked. I checked it again and shouted, 'There is a pulse.' My assistant checked as well. I leaned in close and I could tell that he was still breathing. My God, it was a miracle."…

Propolis Helps Prevent, Cure Ulcers

Antiulcerogenic and Ulcer Healing Effects of Indian Propolis in Experimental Rat Ulcer Models

Journal of ApiProduct & ApiMedical Science, Vol. 2 (1) pp. 21-28

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by worker bees from various parts of the plants. It is widely used in Indian folk medicine for the treatment of stomach ulcers.

The preventive and curative effects of Indian propolis for ulcers were evaluated using models of acute gastric lesions induced by ethanol and indomethacin in rats. Moreover, the effects of ethanolic extract of propolis on gastric content volume, total acidity and pH, using the pylorus ligated model were also evaluated.

Animals pretreated with propolis extract showed a significant reduction in lesion index in both ethanol and indomethacin induced ulcer models in a dose dependent manner when compared to the control group. Similarly, post-treatment with propolis (300 mg/kg body weight) for a period of 15 days revealed a statistically significant improvement in the ulcer healing process p <0.05.

In the pylorus ligated model, it was observed that the Indian propolis extract displayed an antisecretory activity, which led to a significant reduction in the gastric juice volume, total acidity and pH.

These findings indicate that Indian propolis displays both ulcer preventive and ulcer curative properties and provides a scientific rationale for the use of propolis in the traditional medicinal system.

Propolis & Essential Oils Combine Synergistically in New Products

Response Source, 1/25/2010
A new approach in combining propolis and essential oils with Vitamin C could bring relief from the ‘common cold’, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and other viral and bacterial infections of the ear, nose and throat.

The basis of the idea is to combine Apitherapy (products from bees) with Aromatherapy resulting in very effective products with a great synergy and enhanced effect.

Propolis is a natural resin collected by bees from plants that has been recognised for decades for its antiviral and antibacterial properties. Due to its biochemical complexity, it has multiple properties and has shown to be antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Its effects appear to be both preventive and therapeutic and particularly well adapted for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.

Free your nose with a combination of concentrated antiviral red propolis, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils. They act together as an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, decongestant and expectorant thus helps to free up the nose, relieve the throat and boost resistance. A clinical study conducted on 430 patients appears to show the effect of concentrated propolis on ENT disorders is increased when accompanied with vitamin C. The authors also suggest that the decrease in viral and bacterial concentrations in the nose and throat may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties of the product in which concentrated propolis is combined with vitamin C…

Propolis Boosts Cancer Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy

A Review of Propolis Antitumour Action In Vivo and In Vitro Journal of ApiProduct & ApiMedical Science, Vol. 2 (1) pp. 01-20

Epidemiologic findings strongly suggest that cancer rates are influenced by environmental factors that can be mitigated to a great extent, for example by a diet rich in polyphenolic/flavonoid compounds.

Among natural products, honeybee propolis has been applied for centuries in traditional medicine as well as in diets and supplementary nutrition. Honeybee propolis and its polyphenolic/flavonoid compounds have been known to exhibit biological activity including immunopotentiation, chemopreventive and antitumour effects.

In this review we consider the inhibition of tumour growth by honeybee propolis and their polyphenolic/flavonoid compounds as well as the mechanisms involved based on in vivo and in vitro studies. Results have shown that propolis and its polyphenolic compounds exerted an anti-metastatic and antitumour effect in mice and rats and considerable cytotoxicity without cross-resistance in both wild-type and chemoresistant human tumour cell lines.

These findings suggest that propolis and their polyphenolic/flavonoid components may serve as a potent adjunct to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of cancers. However, further in-depth studies including clinical trials are needed to fully evaluate the value of flavonoids in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of human cancers.

Abstracts from the 2nd International Conference on the Medicinal Use of Honey

Journal of ApiProduct & ApiMedical Science, Vol. 2 (1) pp. 31 - 60
A total of 59 abstracts from the oral and poster presentations at the conference.

Honey Recommended for Sore Throats, Weight Loss

The Honey Heal Factor

Himadree, Hindustan Times, 1/23/2010

The many wonders of honey are not just restricted to adding sweetness to your taste buds. It is also a natural energy booster. Here are a few health facts about honey…

Honey stimulates the body’s immune system and helps improve digestion.

A teaspoon of honey combined with some garlic juice cures a sore throat. Its anti-microbial property not only heal the throat, but also kills any harmful bacterial infection.

Honey helps in gastric problems and cures infection in the bladder.

One of the sure shot benefits of honey is weight loss. A glass of lukewarm lemon water and honey combo is a natural way to deal with excessive body fat.

Bee Venom May Help Treat Liver Disease

Effect of Bee Venom on Transforming Growth Factor–β1-Treated Hepatocytes

International Journal of Toxicology, Vol. 29, No. 1, 49-56 (2010)

Bee venom (BV) has been used as treatment against a wide variety of ailments, including inflammatory diseases. Various studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of BV.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)–β1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis via the mitochondrial permeability transition. However, there is no evidence or information regarding the antiapoptotic effect of BV on hepatocytes.

The authors investigated the antiapoptotic effect of BV on TGF-β1-treated hepatocytes. The results showed significant protection from DNA damage by BV treatment compared to corresponding TGF-β1-treated hepatocytes without BV.

BV suppressed TGF-β1-induced activation of the bcl-2 family and caspase family of proteins, which resulted in inhibition of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Furthermore, BV is not cytotoxic in the low concentrations used in this study.

Low concentrations of BV potently suppress the apoptotic response in TGF-β1-treated hepatocytes; therefore, BV may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of liver diseases.

Honey Injection May Help Treat Infertility

Post-Cauterization Application of Egyptian Bee Honey for Resistant Cervicitis as Sole Reason for Infertility
2nd International Conference on the Medicinal Use of Honey
Kota Bharu, Malaysia, 13th - 16th January, 2010
Ahmed Tageldin Abdelhafiz, J. Abdelmonaem
Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University
Asyut Gynecology and Infertility Clinic

Background: In many cases of chronic endocervicitis, there are the unsolved problems of resistance, poor post-cauterization healing, recurrence and poor fertility outcome.

Objective: We tried to elucidate the therapeutic value of Egyptian bee honey as post-cauterization intracervical application for infertility due to resistant cervicitis.

Methodology: Sixty patients of resistant, recurrent and unhealed chronic cervicitis as sole reason for infertility have been randomly assigned, into two groups for either cauterization followed by immediate and late intracervical bee honey application under ultrasonographic guidance (Group I), or cauterization alone (Group II). The tested parameters were:1) clinical cure of cervicitis, 2) recurrence rate, 3) healing within 4 weeks, and, 4) occurrence of pregnancy within one year for sub-fertile cases with resistant cervicitis as the sole reason.

Results: Group I patients have got significantly: a) superior rates of clinical cure including: improvement of the discharge complaint 23/30 (77%) versus 7/30 (23%) for group II; P <0.01; pain reduction 13/30 (43%) versus 3/30 (10%); P<0.01; better healing rate within 4 weeks, 29/30 (97%), versus 13/30 (43%)' P < 0.05; less recurrence 4/30 (13%) versus 17/30 (57%); P<0.1, and; b) better fertility outcome with a pregnancy rate of 59% versus 24%; P<0.05.

Conclusion: Intracervical Egyptian bee honey injection is of positive therapeutic value for cases of chronic endocervitis, both in terms of clinical cure and fertility enhancement.