New research backs up the long-held claim, and shows that drivers make more mistakes chatting away on cell phones than when talking to a passenger in the seat next to them.

In the December issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, published by the American Psychological Association, a study finds drivers on cell phones are more likely to drift from their lane, miss their exit, and make other dangerous mistakes.

Drivers using a hands-free cell phone also found their performance at the wheel was significantly compromised. "Cell phone and passenger conversation differ in their impact on a driver’s performance; these differences are apparent at the operational, tactical, and strategic levels of performance," the researchers wrote.

Image above caption: University of Utah psychology graduate students Russ Costa and Janelle Seegmiller demonstrate the driver and passenger roles used by participants in a study of how drivers are affected by conversations with passengers versus conversations over a cell phone. The study, which used the sophisticated driving simulator shown in the photo, found that when drivers talk on cell phones, they are more likely to drift out of their lane and miss exits.
Photo Credit: Nate Medeiros-Ward

Frank Drews, PhD, of the University of Utah, led the study which analyzed the driving performance of 41 mostly young adult drivers paired with 41 friends who served as conversation partners. Both sexes were equally represented.

The study used three experimental conditions (conversation with hands-free cell phone, conversation in the car, or no conversation). One person in each pair was randomly selected to be the "driver" and the other the conversation partner.

A sophisticated simulator that presented a 24-mile multilane highway with on- and off-ramps, overpasses and two-lane traffic in each direction put the drivers to the 10-minute test. They drove under an irregular-flow condition that mimics real highway conditions — with other vehicles, in compliance with traffic laws, changing lanes and speeds. This context required "drivers" to pay attention to surrounding traffic.

In the cell-phone conversation test, conversation partners were at another location. In the in-car conversation option, partners sat next to drivers. All drivers were told to exit the simulated highway once they arrived at a rest area about eight miles from the starting point.

Drivers talking on cell phones drove significantly worse than drivers talking to passengers. The cell-phone users drifted more in their lane, kept a greater distance between their car and the car in front of them, and were four times more likely to miss the instructed rest area exit. Passenger conversation insignificantly affected all three testing options.

At 5:00 p.m., Fay’s center was closest to Destin, to the east of Pensacola with maximum winds near 45 mph.

While never reaching hurricane strength, Fay has still proven deadly in Florida, as she had in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba before her arrival in the U.S. on Monday. Florida emergency officials report that Fay has caused 11 deaths since first making landfall.

Tropical Storm Fay is forecast to move in a westerly direction across the Florida Panhandle over the next 12-24 hours. Onshore winds will create a storm surge of 2-4 feet above normal tide levels, and a High Surf Advisory remains in effect along West Central Florida beaches.

Heavy rains are spreading westward across the I-10 corridor, with some locations in the Florida Big Bend already receiving more than 15 inches of rain and another 5-10 inches are possible through Sunday.

Map photo courtesy: National Hurricane Center

On Friday, DNA test results were released in a much-hyped news conference in Palo Alto, California. At the microphone were Tom Biscardi, Matthew Whitton and Rick Dyer. Biscardi is the host of a weekly Bigfoot radio show, and owner of the website Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. Whitton and Dyer are two Georgia men who claim to have found a Bigfoot corpse. Also of note is the fact that Whitton and Dyer are also co-owners of a company that sells Bigfoot merchandise from hats to coffee mugs.

The DNA test results seemed to seal the fate of the well-publicized discovery when the scientist performing the analysis said the two samples he tested were from a human and an opossum.

Adding insult to injury were the other items presented at the news conference. They included a photograph of an alleged Bigfoot corpse in a freezer, an image many said resembled a common gorilla suit.

Before the news conference, Biscardi’s website issued a press release with the following specifics on the creature in Whitton and Dyer’s freezer:

*The creature is seven feet seven inches tall.
*It weighs over five hundred pounds.
*The creature looks like it is part human and part ape-like.
*It is male.
*It has reddish hair and blackish-grey eyes.
*It has two arms and two legs, and five fingers on each hand and five toes on each foot.
*The feet are flat and similar to human feet.
*Its footprint is sixteen and three-quarters inches long and five and three-quarters inches wide at the heel.
*From the palm of the hand to the tip of the middle finger, its hands are eleven and three-quarters inches long and six and one-quarter inches wide.
*The creatures walk upright. (Several of them were sighted on the same day that the body was found.)
*The teeth are more human-like than ape-like.

On Friday, Biscardi commented that the DNA samples could have been contaminated. He said also that the group would next conduct an autopsy of the corpse being kept at a secret location.

Stocking Hominid Research, Inc., a Florida-based group dedicated to the scientific pursuit of knowledge and classification of Hominids typically known as Sasquatch, Bigfoot, and Skunkape calls last week’s events in Palo Alto, a hoax. More specifically, it published the following on its website: “True to form, the Biscardi Circus continues. As yet, nothing new has been gleaned from the news reports on August, 15, 2008. But, for anyone who wishes to join the GA Boys and Biscardi on their next expedition, it will only cost you $1000.00. Just waiting for the MIB to join the fray.”

The Bigfoot Researchers Field Organization, an organization that seeks to resolve the mystery surrounding the bigfoot phenomenon, also weighed in on the claims, saying on its website: “On Friday, August 15, 2008, Biscardi’s gang held a hyped press conference in Palo Alto, after assuring the press they would “shock the world” with their evidence. They told a lame, implausible story about how they found the body, but then did NOT show the body at all, but instead showed MORE fake photos (and not even large blow-ups of the fake photos), and some DNA results which proved that they do not have a bigfoot corpse. That’s what happened on Friday, August 15, in Palo Alto, California. It was a high profile hoax/scam by a desperate, nearly broke, career con-man, and his new corrupt cop business partner.”

Searching for Bigfoot, Inc. has not yet said when an autopsy on the alleged corpse would take place.

The flu bug is the target of new seasonal vaccines announced today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The influenza vaccines include new strains of the virus likely to appear during the 2008-2009 season. The strains were identified in a group effort with the FDA, the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other institutions after study of virus samples and patterns collected around the globe during the last year.

“One of the biggest challenges in the fight against influenza is producing new vaccines every year,” said Jesse L. Goodman, M.D., M.P.H., director of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “There is no other instance where new vaccines must be made every year. The approval of flu vaccines is a part of FDA’s mission to promote the health of Americans throughout the year.”

While many Americans reported getting the flu last year, even after receiving a flu shot, experts say vaccination remains the cornerstone of preventing the contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

The CDC says an average of 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu annually. Of those, more than 200,000 are hospitalized from flu complications and there are about 36,000 flu-related deaths.

The rare white tigers were born last month at the Safari Zoological Park in Caney, Kansas, just north of the Oklahoma border.

When their mother refused to have any contact with the little ones, the park’s resident Golden Retriever “Isabella” stepped in and took over their care and feeding.

Isabella was perfect for the role of wet nurse since she had just weaned a litter of puppies.

The Safari Zoological Park is a privately owned conservation program that is home to tigers, lions, bears, primates and other animals. The park invites interested individuals to sponsor a particular animal, or one of its ongoing habitat projects.

The arrival of Typhoon Fengshen via the eastern Samar island on Friday, has left floods, landslides, and a ferry disaster in its wake. By Sunday morning, the storm was battering the capital of Manila.

The death toll by Sunday afternoon was 229, with another 700 missing in the ferry sinking off the island’s Romblon province. The Philippine Coast Guard reports that four survivors were able to swim ashore, and that rescue operations continue.

The country’s National Disaster Coordinating Council reported Sunday morning that more than 70,000 people are being housed in evacuation centers.

Storm path photo courtesy Japan Meteorological Agency. 

The Centers for Disease Control said Monday that the total is now 277 people in 28 states and the District of Columbia. The outbreak of the Saintpaul strain of salmonella dates back to April 10.

Meanwhile, federal officials have announced two more states (New Mexico and Indiana) have been cleared in the investigation, as well as part of Mexico (Baja California).

One possible lead in the case is nine illnesses that have been linked to an unnamed restaurant chain.

The FDA believes the salmonella contamination likely started in the two major tomato-producing areas of Florida or Mexico.

Consumers are advised to avoid any fresh Roma, plum or standard round tomatoes that are not from the 37 states (see the list below) that have been excluded as the source of the outbreak. The FDA has said since the beginning of the scare that cherry and grape tomatoes and tomatoes still attached to the vine are fine.

Most major restaurant chains, including Wendy’s, Burger King and McDonald’s are restocking tomatoes, after pulling them earlier this month.

For the time being, the FDA advises consumers to eat tomatoes grown only in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida (counties of: Jackson, Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Suwannee, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, DeSoto, Sarasota, Highlands, Pasco, Sumter, Citrus, Hernando, Charlotte — but only with a certificate from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services), Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

For more information, read the CDC’s FAQ on Salmonella in tomatoes:
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/faq.html

Sixteen states have reported people sickened after eating two varieties of raw tomatoes that were grown in Texas and New Mexico.

The Centers for Disease Control and the Food & Drug Administration are looking into the situation, along with other state agencies.

The outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Saintpaul infections points to large tomatoes, including Roma and round red, as the source.

Since mid-April, 145 people in 16 states have been affected: Arizona (12 persons), California (1), Colorado (1), Connecticut (1), Idaho (2), Illinois (17), Indiana (1), Kansas (3), New Mexico (39), Oklahoma (3), Oregon (2), Texas (56 persons), Utah (1), Virginia (2), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (3).

Patients range in age from 1 to 82 years, and half are female. At least 23 people were hospitalized, and there have been no deaths reported in the outbreak.

According to the CDC, most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts 4 – 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections may occur. Infants, elderly persons, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness.

The FDA is advising U.S. consumers to limit their tomato consumption to those that are not the likely source of this outbreak. These include cherry tomatoes; grape tomatoes; tomatoes sold with the vine still attached; tomatoes grown at home; and raw red Roma, red plum, and round red tomatoes from specific sources listed on the FDA website.

Consumers everywhere are advised to:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours or discard cut, peeled, or cooked tomatoes.
• Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any that appear spoiled.
• Thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water.
• Keep tomatoes that will be consumed raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood, and raw produce items.
• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and counter tops with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.

Temperatures inside a parked car can easily reach over 105º F on a relatively mild day, even when parked in the shade. If you see an animal that is not being properly cared for, you should call your local animal control agency.

Signs that an animal is suffering from heat stroke include:

• excessive panting and salivation
• glassy staring
• high pulse rate
• dizziness
• vomiting

If an animal is suffering from heat stroke, they require immediate veterinary attention. Immediate first aid action may include applying ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck and chest.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS SUMMER

• Never leave your pet in a parked car, even if the windows are open. Even on a moderately warm day, the temperature in the car can climb to fatally high levels in a matter of minutes. Dogs and cats do not perspire; they are left “panting” for air that is so hot it brings them no relief.

• Never leave your pet without proper food, water or shelter. Think hard about your pet’s access to these three necessities, during both your presence and your absence. Remember that all your pet is wearing is a fur coat and they can suffer from the effects of heat stroke very quickly.

• Do not walk or exercise your animal in the afternoon heat. We advise dogs and other animals be walked or exercised in the early morning or later in the evening. The heat will cause premature exhaustion and the hot pavement can damage the soft padding on dog’s paws.

One of the latest studies shows that younger women battling the disease may benefit from a drug used to treat the brittle bones disease known an osteoporosis.

Austrian researchers have found that women who took Zometa had a one-third lower risk of the cancer spreading to the bone, along with other benefits.

The findings were presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago.

Zometa (zoledronic acid) is used to treat bone metastases and was recently approved to treat osteoporosis. When given to premenopausal women undergoing ovarian suppression and hormone therapy, it was found to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence in early-stage breast cancer.

Although about 5 percent of participants had had chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor, none received later chemo. In Europe, breast cancer patients are commonly treated with endocrine therapy alone,” said Dr. Joanne Mortimer, vice chairwoman of medical oncology at City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, Calif. In the United States, some, but not all, women in this group are treated without chemotherapy.

“This is not a trial about hormones instead of chemo. It’s about Zometa,” Mortimer said. “We know that this drug improves bone health, but there is also some evidence that it may actually have an effect on cancer cells, and the fact that this was seen in this population is very exciting.”

The press briefing also highlighted research on the effectiveness of chemotherapy after
surgery for older women with early-stage breast cancer. The study suggests that standard adjuvant chemotherapy is effective in older women and cannot be replaced by the entirely oral chemotherapy agent, capecitabine. The study is important since little data exist on the effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in older women, and physicians have little guidance about whether chemotherapy may do more harm than good in this population.

For more information on cancer, visit www.cancer.net