The link between GM cotton and antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea—scientists sound the alarm

We may not associate much risk with seemingly "inedible" genetically modified crops like cotton, but the dangers are very real. GM cotton actually poses a triple threat -- Bt pollen, widespread use of cottonseed oil in the food industry and cottonseed cake fed to animals. Researchers are now concerned that Monsanto's genetically modified cotton crops -- grown around the world, from India to the United States, Europe, Australia and South America -- are creating antibiotic-resistant superbugs that would make gonorrhea, and possibly tuberculosis, untreatable.

The history of Monsanto's genetically modified cotton is far from the "white gold revolution" purported by the controversial biotech corporation. Claiming lower insecticide usage and higher crop yield, Bt cotton is the poster child for Monsanto success. Or is it? Navigating away from corporate rhetoric, other sources paint a much different picture.

How microbes in the gut influence anxiety, depression

We may not give much thought to the 100 trillion microbes living within our guts, but new discoveries within psychiatry have found that these organisms can profoundly affect our moods. In fact, psychiatrists are now exploring the possibility of manipulating these microscopic populations with the goal of treating clinical depression and anxiety—all without resorting to potentially harmful pharmaceutical drugs.

The mind-gut connection

The bidirectional link between the emotions and the gut is nothing new. Scientists have long known that the enteric nervous system (ENS) found within the gut is connected to the brain via the vagus nerve, and is so influential that it's often referred to as the "second brain." When we experience sadness, fear or another emotional state, the gut is affected. And yet, the reverse is also true. When imbalances within the gut are present, such as inflammation or an infection, our emotional state suffers as well.

3 easy habits for a long, disease-free life

Telomeres (tiny bits of DNA that influence longevity and health) have been causing quite a stir among researchers lately—and for good reason. The length of these protective caps on the end of chromosomes determine how quickly cells age, and how prone we are to having a stroke or developing cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, vascular dementia, diabetes and osteoporosis. Essentially, the shorter your telomeres, the shorter your lifespan. And yet, we don't have to be at the mercy of our genetics. Have a look at the following tips which help foster strong telomeres—as well as resistance to disease and aging.

Want to increase telomere length? Adopt these three habits