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 Doctors believe that IVF treatments may be more successful for older women if their eggs are spliced with the eggs of a woman that is younger.
In fact, scientists believe that splicing and combining the eggs may double the chance of pregnancy from IVF, due to the fact the younger women’s eggs help to counteract the damage to eggs due to age.
On the other hand, critics of the process consider that babies born from this type of treatment have two different mothers which is not a natural process.
In any IVF treatments things that can decrease the chances of success, damage to the nucleus, the jelly like cytoplasm that surrounds the egg, or damage to the area where the DNA is stored.
According to the New Scientist reports, Atsushi Tanaka has attempted to splice 31 eggs out of which 25 cases were successful.
Out of these eggs, seven of the eggs started to develop into embryos when injected with sperm, which is a little over double the traditional rate.
Since the DNA is held in the nucleus the baby would still look like the male and female parents, but technically it would have two mothers and fertility laws in the UK do not allow babies to have three parents.
Reproductive Ethics member Josephine Quintavalle said that nature has been great at taking care of human reproduction and the idea that science feels they can make the process better is ridiculous.
 Many food companies such as Cadbury, Kelloggs, Rowntree, and more have set up their websites to be filled with cartoon characters, free games, and videos in an attempt to lure children onto their websites where they can advertise to them. In addition, these retailers also use their Twitter and Facebook accounts to lure children into their websites and to see their products. This has caused controversy from many charity groups who claim that the companies should not be able to market children junk food online when they are not allowed to so during children’s television programming.
Ministers have already drawn controversy on the subject by allowing many food companies that produce junk food to sit on committees that have the sole intent on deciding public health regulations which has led many doctors to protest. According to television regulations, TV adverts that portray foods high in sugar, salt, or fat cannot be shown during kids’ television programming, however online the same rules do not apply.
Now the Children’s Food Campaign and the British Heart Foundation are asking for online regulations to be tightened stating that the companies are using techniques to lure children into their websties that they cannot perceive as advertising. The report stated that companies are using regulatory gaps to their favour in order to reach children outside of the television format and that online marketing is more valuable allowing them to create a lifestyle image that promotes poor nutritional diet habits to children. Therefore, children are still getting the same messages that legislation has been created to protect them from.
Websites that have been targeted for criticism include Kellog’s Krave cereal, Chupa Chups, Rowntree, Nesquik, Capri-Sun, Cadbury Buttons and more. Over three quarters of those websites offer high salt, fat, or sugar food items that have pages on Twitter or Facebook. Given the fact that children can like a product and then the like is displayed to their friends Facebook is especially concerning to the charities who are worried that peer pressure will lead kids into thinking that the unhealthy foods are popular and trendy choices.
Researchers that took part in the report chose to sign up and receive emails from Sugar Puffs in order to see what children have access to. Those who sign up are only asked to verify they are over 16, which a child can easily do by clicking yes to gaining access to the information contained within.
On the Cadbury Buttons website there is an animated character that can actually be made to look like a child by changing the features and name of the child. The website asks adults to verify their age by entering a birthday, but once again a child could just pick one of the options at will.
This trend is the same for many of the websites in the study prompting concerns from researchers who stated that children can easily access the marketing of the websites without any real knowledge that they are being influenced to think one way or another about the junk food items. Researchers claim that this no doubt makes marketers happy since they must be aware that they are protected, but that children are still accessing their websites and seeing their products on full display.
The recent poll that was undertaken by the Independent Taskforce for Student Finance Information has revealed that 59% of the respondents have said that they have little or no understanding as you how the new fee systems are going to work. This could, according to Perspective, the Midlands based pioneering company of student tracking sytems have a massive and detrimental affect on student numbers.
As the recent demonstrations have shown, both existing and prospective students are deeply unhappy about the sharp rise in tuition fees. This is a situation that already is, to some extent, bound to the lower university applications, but complete confusion over how the system actually works is set to cause more damage.
As well as this, another survey revealed that 55% of respondents have said that going to university is now less, or much less, attractive thanks to the new system for tuition fees.
Paul Davis, managing director of student management system provider, Perspective, commented: “The rise in tuition fees has already clearly riled a large percentage of young people; no doubt leading some being put off from applying to university. This further lack of understanding could quite easily lead to even more looking elsewhere to further their education.”
Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert, who is chair of the Independent Taskforce on Student Finance Information, commented on the matter saying: “The communication of tuition fees by all parties over the last few years is a national scandal. They’ve left us as a nation ill-equipped and uneducated about how this crucial and very different form of finance works. We need to start a war on this ignorance – after all, if students don’t understand the true cost, how can they decide if it’s worth it?”
Paul continued: “Although it’s a little while yet before the new fees systems starts, this really needs to be resolved sooner rather than later before any lasting, and avoidable damage is done.”
Perspective is a provider of learning management software with its Collaborative Learning Manager product utilised by over 60 local authorities and, Sunesis implemented by companies and training providers around the UK. For more information visit www.perspective-uk.com.
 Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs by narrowing the airways and this can mean that the passage of air into the lungs is restricted. Of all the long-term diseases, it is the most common that affects children but there are ways that it can be controlled and these can lead your child to have a normal and active life just like those children who do not suffer from asthma.
If your child is suffering from asthma then it is wise to make sure that you know the potential causes of asthma attacks. There are many triggers that can be found inside the home and some of the most common include dust mites, pets, mold and second-hand smoke. There are also some foods that can contribute to the likelihood of having an attack.
If you think your home is free of dust mites because you can’t see them you should think again as they are not visible to the human eye. They are microscopic creatures that thrive on things such as pillows, bedding, carpets and stuffed toys.
Generally, these are items that are found in the rooms of children so if your child spends a lot of time inside then it is wise to make sure that everything is washed regularly so that the dust mites are killed. If your child is suffering from severe asthma then it might be a good idea to invest in technology for filtering dust out of the air.
Mould is also something that can be present in the home that can be easily eradicated. Generally you will find mould in moist areas such as in bath materials and on a shower curtain.
This can generally be removed with soap and water and you can prevent it coming back by making sure that your bathroom is well ventilated. Opening the windows is a good step but you can also install an exhaust fan to draw moist air out of the bathroom.
Secondhand smoke can be harmful for anyone but it is particularly dangerous for people to smoke around asthmatic children. If someone in your home as a smoker make sure they do it outside and don’t allow anyone to smoke in your house. If you are out in public make sure that you keep your child away from smoky places, something that has become easier since the introduction of the smoking ban.
Unfortunately, in many cities are pollution is rather common and it can be one of the main triggers for an asthma attack. This type of pollution can include that emitted by vehicles as well as from factories. If you can, try and avoid bringing up your child in an area of high air pollution, if you must spend time outdoors in a polluted environment then insist your child wears a mask to prevent an attack.
 Pet dogs may be able to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorders The charity ‘Dogs for the Disabled’ are seeking to define what exactly it is about the behaviour of pet dogs that brings about the improvement in the development of children who suffer from ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorders, and also pinpoint those traits that trigger off desirable behaviour.
Dogs for the Disabled has over 20 years of experience in training assistance dogs to help both adults and children who have physical disabilities and also children with autism. Following on from the positive experiences that have come from training dogs for autism assistance, and the anecdotal evidence that is also available, the charity is now collaborating with the NAS, National Autistic Society and the University of Lincoln.
Their aim is to investigate exactly what is with dogs and their behaviour that has brought about such amazing changes in children who have autism, and help them in both their emotional and social development.
The pioneering PAWS (Parents Autism Workshops and Support) research project, funded by the Big Lottery, was established last year and the charity now needs more families to take part.
Since its inception in June 2010, nearly 200 families across the UK have benefitted from the workshops that are run alongside the research project. These workshops provide parents of children with ASDs with the opportunity to come together and share experiences, find out more about owning a pet dog, and explore the potential of training it to help them and their child overcome the effects of their condition through focusing on building solid, positive relationships between the pet dog and child.
Miri, a short-haired Jack Russell, has given eleven year old Josh who has Aspergers Syndrome a greater sense of responsibility and a vehicle to relieve stress. His Mum Suzanne comments: “Most people with an ASD find it extremely difficult to cope with sudden changes and things outside their normal routine, and Josh was no different. Miri has had a great impact on Josh and the functioning of my family. Before introducing Miri Josh never used to like getting ready for school, however now that Miri needs feeding and sorting out in the morning Josh is up and eager to get on with the day. Miri is also who he will talk to when stressed.”
Corri Waitt, PAWS Research Coordinator at Dogs for the Disabled, comments: “It’s very exciting to be involved in a great project that could benefit so many families today and in the future that have children with an ASD. If you are a parent of a child with autism you will understand the challenges and frustrations caused as a result of their condition. At Dogs for the Disabled we believe that pet dogs can help your whole family overcome these challenges and enhance everyday life.
“If you are considering dog ownership, I urge you to think about taking part in the PAWS research project so families with children with ASD can better equip themselves to overcome the challenges of their child’s condition.”
If you have a child aged three to sixteen that has been diagnosed with an ASD and you are considering taking on a pet dog in the next year, or if you already have a pet dog, then the charity would like to hear from you.
The PAWS research project consists of two stages, but you do not have to take part in both. The first stage includes three telephone interviews, conducted before and after adding a pet dog to your family. This is only applicable to families intending on getting a pet dog in the next year. The second stage involves a home visit to video record the interactions between a child with autism and the pet dog.
If you’re interested in taking part in this ground-breaking research project and helping thousands of families in a similar situation, please click on the PAWS link at www.dogsforthedisabled.org
 A recent study that has been conducted by the British Heart Foundation has shown that children in Scotland who are aged between 11 years old and 15 years old are obese or overweight. The study also investigated whether children were eating enough vegetables and fruit every day and it found that nine in every 10 of them were not.
Health experts who’ve read the study have commented that it shows children are eating an alarming amount of unhealthy foods, including junk food. The study showed that Scottish students were most likely to eat crisps as a snack and this was ahead of fruit and other healthy options.
Andy Carver works with the British Heart Foundation in Scotland and he has recently commented, “Eating a poor diet can lead to long-term health consequences and the five-day rule is something that is seeming to be ignored in the country. Instead of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables, Scottish students tend to be eating sweets, fizzy drinks, crisps and chocolate instead of healthier alternatives.
“The previous generation of Scots tended to have a healthier lifestyle than the children today and new predictions are showing that Scottish children are probably going to live several years less than their parents. Much of this is due to increased levels of type II diabetes and obesity.”
It is not just Scotland that has shocking figures, the rest of the UK seems to be indulging in an equally unhealthy diet. Nearly one quarter of schoolchildren had an unhealthy snack more than three times a day. The survey involved over 2000 children and of these 40% said that they consumed an energy drink or a fizzy drink during the course of the day. The survey was conducted in September and is aimed at helping to tackle the childhood obesity problem.
By 2020, there could be as many as 100,000 children and young people being hospitalised each year due to self harming. This is according to new figures just revealed by YoungMinds, the leading children’s and young people’s mental health charity in the UK.
The figures were made public by Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem MP. Showed that in the past decade admissions to hospital caused by self harming has risen by 68% amongst young people. In just 2010 alone, the inpatient admissions for the under 25′s who had self harmed rose by 10% and the increase in admissions of young women under 25 has risen by a shocking 77% due to self harming over the past 10 years.
Lucie Russell Director of Campaigns, Policy and Participation, YoungMinds said:
“These shocking statistics should act as a wake-up call to everyone who cares about the welfare of young people. More and more children and young people are using self-harm as a mechanism to cope with the pressures of life and this just isn’t acceptable. Self harm is often dismissed as merely attention seeking behaviour but it’s a sign that young people are feeling terrible internal pain and are not coping.
“Young people today are growing up in a harsh environment with ever increasing stress to perform at school, next to zero job prospects and the constant pressure to keep up with the latest consumer trends. Social networking although creating ever greater circles of ‘friends’ often leaves young people feeling even more isolated and alone.
“Everyone should take responsibility for the next generation if we don’t want these projected figures to become a reality, parents need the tools to give their children the necessary support, schools need to place much more emphasis on teaching emotional resilience and coping skills and services that intervene early when mental health problems first arise need to be given much greater priority and appropriate investment.
Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat MP for East Dunbartonshire said:
“Worryingly these figures are only the tip of the iceberg as they only record hospital inpatient admissions. The true figure of how many children and young people are self-harming is likely to be far far higher.”
“The Government has rightly recognised the importance in the new mental health strategy of supporting children and young people when problems first arise but we need to make sure that this is happening at a local level.
“We must look as a society at what pressure we put young people under. The constant pressure to look and act in a certain way in order to be accepted is greatly affecting children and young people today.”
Any parent or carer who is worried that their child might be self-harming should call the YoungMinds Parents’ Helpline on 0808 802 5544.
 The modern day step family is now referred to as a blended family, but blending families together is never an easy task, and there are the invariable common conflicts to contend with. Most of these occur between the parents who are trying to blend their respective children’s lives together, and the most common one is where one parent is upset because they feel as if the other is taking the side of their own offspring whenever problems occur.
What many seem to forget is that when there is a blended family, the children suddenly have two different kinds of parent. They will have their biological parent as well as the step parent. If their other parent also remarries, that gives them two separate blended families so it is little wonder that they play up at times and test the ground to see if the same boundaries are in place in each family.
Another thing to remember is that love and respect grows over time, you can’t expect it to be instant, and the happiest blended families have more than likely taken a long time to develop. Think about it this way, you have taken time to get to know your partner as your relationship has evolved, there could have been months or even years between meeting, falling in love, getting engaged and then married.
Even if your child knew your partner from the beginning, the step from being their parent’s boyfriend or girlfriend to step father or mother is huge for children, and a new relationship between them needs to develop. This is even more important is they have also now acquired step siblings. You can’t make kids get along, fact, and they will need time and patience to develop any kind of relationship.
 There are many reasons why a child or baby will have trouble sleeping. Some of these are because of a change in routine, going on holiday or suffering an illness. There are also some reasons to do with development which might affect how well your child sleeps.
If you find your child is having trouble sleeping then it is important to evaluate their sleeping situation. Your first thought should be about the condition of the room and one of the most important factors here is temperature. If the seasons have changed then it is possible that the ambient temperature in the room has dropped so consider turning up the thermostat or dressing them more warmly for bed.
Changes in the baby’s development, such as learning to crawl will also cause changes in their sleeping routine. Babies will want to crawl at every opportunity once they have learned how to do it and this can disrupt their sleeping. There is also a problem that when babies learn to stand they are not so good at sitting down afterwards and find they need help in doing so.
In order to deal with these changes in your babies sleeping pattern it is important that you don’t change anything too suddenly. Sudden changes in routine can actually worsen the sleeping problems. Remain consistent about everything you do around bedtime and during the night.
Many celebrities became parents for the first time during 2011, and now that we are in the last month of the year, a new study has revealed who the British have deemed as the best new celebrity parents in 2011. Celebrities like Mariah Carey, Pink and Cynthia Nixon have all made appearances on the list.
Now that we are heading for the end of 2011, a unique website which specialises in gifts which allow parents to purchase a domain in their childs’ name has held a study amongst 2187 Brits to try and discover which celebrities who became first time parents in 2011 are considered to be the best of the new batch of 2011 celebrity parents.
The study, conducted by www.YourBabyDomainName.com, asked the respondents the multi-answer question ‘Which of the following new celebrity parents do you believe are worthy of being named 2011’s Best new Celebrity Parents?’
According to the research, 71% of the respondents agreed that Pink and her husband, Carey Hart, have taken to parenthood ‘brilliantly’ and therefore they topped the poll of ‘Best Celebrity Parents of 2011’. Following Pink and Carey Hart was Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon with 68% of the votes, and Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr with 64%.
Respondents selected the celebrity parents from a list of possible answers and were able to pick more than one couple, if they felt they had taken to parenthood particularly well. According to the research, below are the top ten ‘Best’ New Celebrity Parents of 2011:
1.Pink and Carey Hart – 71%
2.Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon – 68%
3.Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr – 64%
4.Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied – 59%
5.Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch – 52%
6.James Corden and Julia Carey – 46%
7.Owen Wilson and Jade Duell – 43%
8.Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem – 37%
9.Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum – 34%
10.Cynthia Nixon and Christine Marinoni – 31%
In a bid to investigate the matter further, the respondents were asked to explain their reasons for choosing the above celebrities as the ‘best’ new celebrity parents of 2011. More than two thirds, 67%, of the respondents who voted Pink and Carey Hart as 2011’s ‘best’ new celebrity parents, said it was because when photographed they looked ‘extremely content’ as parents.
The majority, 47%, of those who voted Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon as 2011’s ‘best’ new celebrity parents said it was because they seemed to have ‘handled the pressure of parenthood well’; whilst 18% felt they deserved the title because, when photographed, they looked ‘extremely content’ as parents.
More than two fifths, 41%, of the respondents who cited that Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr were 2011’s ‘best’ new celebrity parents said it was because they appeared to ‘juggle a career and parenthood successfully’.
Just under a quarter, 24%, said that because Miranda Kerr had ‘maintained her bikini body’ she should be named 2011’s ‘best’ new celebrity parent. Similarly, 18% stated Abbey Clancy was the ‘best’ new celebrity parent of 2011 due to the fact she too had ‘maintained her bikini body’.
Wayne Bloore, Managing Director at YourBabyDomainName.com, said the following:
“All of these celebs seem to be handling parenthood fantastically; whenever you see a snap of Pink in the press with her child she certainly does seem content and happy. It is clear she has taken to motherhood very naturally.”
He continued,
“Parenthood can be a daunting time in a person’s life, especially when they become a parent for the first time. I would imagine becoming a parent for the first whilst juggling a career in the public eye is a challenge. I would certainly agree that Pink, and her husband Carey Hart, seem to be doing a brilliant job!”
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