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Stranger Than Fiction: Spider Venom For Erectile Dysfunction

TresSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:00:00 PDT

How desperate are some men to cure their erectile dysfunction, otherwise known as impotence? They might be desperate enough to use spider venom - as a drug ingredient, of course.

Researchers in Brazil are looking closely at the Brazilian wandering spider. Its bites are extremely painful and can cause priapism, which is basically a painful erection that could last for hours. (I'm wondering who the poor research subject was who led them to this conclusion!) The researchers purified the toxin, tested it in rats and mice, and found that it causes a chemical reaction that helps blood flow in penile tissue.

Since erectile dysfunction is the result of an inadequate supply of blood flow in the penis, the venom is a promising treatment for the condition. See, people? Although many of you are afraid of them, spiders can be your friends!

Could Topher Grace Carry an Entire Venom Movie?

BuzzSugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:30:35 PDT

To be honest, I actually think a Spider-Man spinoff focusing solely on Venom would be a good way to rejuvenate the Spider-Man franchise, since Spidey's stories themselves seem to be getting pretty tiresome. It seems like this idea is going to work out well for the X-Men series, as they devote one whole movie to Wolverine's story.

However, while it sounds like the bigwigs at Sony are interested in the Venom movie idea, they're not convinced that Topher Grace - who played Venom in the last Spidey flick - could carry an entire blockbuster superhero movie.

What do you think? Would you want to watch Topher venomize for a full movie? And if not Topher, then who?

Source

J.J. Abrams Talks About Going to a New TV Island With Alcatraz

Shannon Vestal — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:40:26 PST

Lost alums J.J. Abrams and Jorge Garcia found themselves at TCA together again to promote the show they're collaborating on now: Alcatraz. Garcia stars with Sam Neill and Sarah Jones as a team of people trying to track down prisoners who disappeared from the famed prison over 50 years prior. Abrams and the actors talked about the genesis of the series, and the whole slate of mysterious characters.

Abrams talked about how he had been surprised to discover there had never been a TV series about Alcatraz when the show started taking shape. He also revealed that Garcia was the first person cast, and coincidentally, Garcia's girlfriend was writing a book about Alcatraz when Abrams brought it up to him. Abrams joked that Garcia simply said "Yeah, it's cool," when Abrams asked him if he wanted to be a part of the show. Garcia added, "If J.J. asks me to do anything, I say yes, and read second."
Neill lauded the creepy atmosphere of the island prison, saying that "just the name puts a shiver down my spine." It's the perfect place for a mystery series because "the charisma of that strange place has permeated the show." As for his character, an enigmatic government agent, Neill says "he does bad sh*t, but he does what's necessary."
Producers want to employ the rich mythology of The Rock, but Abrams lamented that the island's most famous prisoners, Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly, were transferred far before the '60s, the time frame the series flashes back to. It's "definitely a bummer they weren't there to time travel" like the other inmates we'll meet, but Abrams noted that since they're already doing flashbacks, "who's to say we can't flash back further?"
Though it's a procedural, showrunner Jennifer Johnson said Alcatraz is a unique crime show because the team has to think outside of the box to catch the returned prisoners, who are from a different time and haven't aged. "These guys are ghosts," she said, with "no credit cards, friends, or family members." Additionally, they have all committed "tremendous, heinous crimes," and they "have the same venom and urgency that they did before."

Healthy Dose Link Time: Was Pippa Middleton's Wedding Derriere "Enhanced"?

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:57:59 PDT

Still obsessed with Pippa's backside? Rumors arise that her wedding day look was "enhanced" - Fit Celeb
Never, ever order these high-calorie pasta dishes! - Prevention
Bee venom might replace Botox as nature's cure for wrinkles - Blisstree
Study reveals the best three moves to cure triceps flab. So get toning! - DailySpark
Yoga and Pilates moves to help you look 10 pounds thinner instantly - Fitness
Roseanne Barr is spreading her love of organic farming and yoga by creating a DVD series for kids. Surprised? - Mind Body Green
Green tea may be healthful, but avoid this oversweetened bottled brand - Vitamin G
Mix plenty of cherries with your spinach, and your green smoothie will be disguised as a lovely shade of purple - Fitnessista

Speed Read - The Hypocrisy of Defunding Planned Parenthood

TresSugar — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 09:30:02 PST

Kristen Schaal calls out Congress for defunding Planned Parenthood - The Daily Show
Apple to unveil the iPad 2 on March 2 - GeekSugar
Beyoncé paints her face for French magazine - PopSugar
Jared Loughner's new mug shot is just as creepy - Daily Mail
Parody of Spider Man musical to open soon - New York Times
India considering banning lavish weddings - Reuters
Alexander McQueen exhibit previewed in London - Huffington Post
Spider venom is the new viagra - Nerve

If Countries Had Perfumes, What Would They Smell Like?

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 03:30:59 PST

Lithuania has announced that it's concocted its own national perfume called "Feeling Lithuania." The scent, according to creator Mindaugas Stongvilas, is "representing Lithuania and the Lithuanian character. For Lithuanians to identify themselves with this perfume, we've added the smell of wood fires that can be associated with pagan rituals, as well as moss and wildflowers." Yep, nothing like the smell of something burning and dandelions to remind you of home.

What if other countries go the Lithuanian route, though, and create their own fragrance? We've come up with a few suggestions for other national fragrances from some of our favorite places, so just keep reading.

Painful Summer Hazard: Jellyfish Stings

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:00:35 PDT

If you've been to a beach, you understand this Summer health hazard: jellyfish. These critters come in all shapes and sizes, and are found in every part of every ocean, from close to the surface to deep sea waters.

Why does a sting hurt so much? A jellyfish sting comes from its tentacles, which carry venom - though only certain kinds of jellyfish will cause a reaction in humans. Tiny stinging structures called nematocysts cause the sting. When you come in contact with a jellyfish tentacle, millions of nematocysts fill with pressure until they burst, releasing a lance that pierces the victim's skin, followed by the venom. Depending on the type of jellyfish, the sting can feel like a mild prick to extreme pain. And even beached jellyfish can sting, so if you see one washed up on the beach, stay away.

To find out how to avoid and treat stings (and the truth or fiction behind a popular remedy), keep reading.