If the polar ice caps melted, how much would the oceans rise?

You may have heard about global warming. It seems that in the last 100 years the earth's temperature has increased about half a degree Celsius. This may not sound like much, but even half a degree can have an effect on our planet. According to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) the sea level has risen 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in the last 100 years (see How do they measure sea level?).

This higher temperature may be causing some floating icebergs to melt, but this will not make the oceans rise. Icebergs are large floating chunks of ice. In order to float, the iceberg displaces a volume of water that has a weight equal to that of the iceberg.Submarines use this principle to rise and sink in the water by changing their weight.

But the rising temperature and icebergs could play a small role in the rising ocean level. Icebergs are chunks of frozen glaciers that break off from landmasses and fall into the ocean. The rising temperature may be causing more icebergs to form by weakening the glaciers, causing more cracks and making ice mo­re likely to break off. As soon as the ice falls into the ocean, the ocean rises a little.

If the rising temperature affects glaciers and icebergs, could the polar ice caps be in danger of melting and causing the oceans to rise? This could happen, but no one knows when it might happen.

The main ice covered landmass is Antarctica at the South Pole, with about 90 percent of the world's ice (and 70 percent of its fresh water). Antarctica is covered with ice an average of 2,133 meters (7,000 feet) thick. If all of the Antarctic ice melted, sea levels around the world would rise about 61 meters (200 feet). But the average temperature in Antarctica is -37°C, so the ice there is in no danger of melting. In fact in most parts of the continent it never gets above freezing.

At the other end of the world, the North Pole, the ice is not nearly as thick as at the South Pole. The ice floats on the Arctic Ocean. If it melted sea levels would not be affecte­d.

There is a significant amount of ice covering Greenland, which would add another 7 meters (20 feet) to the oceans if it melted. Because Greenland is closer to the equator than Antarctica, the temperatures there are higher, so the ice is more likely to melt.

But there might be a less dramatic reason than polar ice melting for the higher ocean level -- the higher temperature of the water. Water is most dense at 4 degrees Celsius. Above and below this temperature, the density of water decreases (the same weight of water occupies a bigger space). So as the overall temperature of the water increases it naturally expands a little bit making the oceans rise.

In 1995 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued a report which contained various projections of the sea level change by the year 2100. They estimate that the sea will rise 50 centimeters (20 inches) with the lowest estimates at 15 centimeters (6 inches) and the highest at 95 centimeters (37 inches). The rise will come from thermal expansion of the ocean and from melting glaciers and ice sheets. Twenty inches is no small amount -- it could have a big effect on coastal cities, especially during storms.

When It's More Than Acne

All cases of acne have their roots in hormone production, but some acne is a symptom of an underlying hormonal condition that can cause far more than facial blemishes. If troublesome blemishes are plaguing you long after your teen years are over, it’s possible that they’re telling you to look beyond your skin for the problem.

“Acne is caused by an excess of oil production, which in turn is caused by the action of testosterone,” says Geoffrey Redmond, MD, a New York endocrinologist specializing in female hormone problems. “The oil glands are the most testosterone-sensitive tissue in the human body.”

Typical adolescent acne starts when testosterone levels start to increase during puberty (in both boys and girls), but certain diseases and conditions can also send testosterone and estrogen levels up. These are particularly common in girls and women, and the most common is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

PCOS

The most common female endocrine disorder, PCOS affects between 5%-10% of all women. It involves multiple organ systems, and although it’s not fully understood, doctors believe that it is caused by insensitivity to the hormone insulin. In addition to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation, weight gain, and thinning hair, one of the most notable symptoms of PCOS is acne.  

“Any female patient who presents to me with either persistent acne -- they had it in their teens and it’s continued past the age of 25 -- or acne starting after age 25, I’ll evaluate for PCOS,” says Bethanee Schlosser, MD, assistant professor and director of the women’s skin health program in the department of dermatology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.

PCOS-related acne tends to flare in areas that are usually considered “hormonally sensitive," especially the lower third of the face. This includes:

• Cheeks
• Jawline
• Chin
• Upper neck, especially at the angles of the jaw

“Patients with PCOS tend to get acne that involves more tender knots under the skin, rather than fine surface bumps, and will sometimes report that lesions in that area tend to flare before their menstrual period,” says Schlosser. “They take time to go away.”

So if you tend to get acne in the places Schlosser describes and have noticed irregular periods, it’s a good idea to ask your dermatologist to refer you for PCOS testing.

Diabetes

Many women with PCOS also have diabetes, which isn’t surprising, given that both conditions appear to be related to how the body reacts to insulin. Could that mean that diabetes causes acne, or that your acne might be a symptom of diabetes?

If you look online, you may see a lot of speculation about diabetes causing acne, but Redmond says that’s false. “Acne is not a symptom of diabetes. Obviously, people with diabetes can develop acne, but the presence of acne by itself does not indicate a need to test for diabetes.”

Other Conditions

There are some other hormonal disorders whose symptoms can include acne, but these are much more unusual. For example, people affected by a group of inherited disorders known collectively as congenital adrenal hyperplasia often produce either too much or too little of certain sex hormones, including testosterone. “People with these disorders have a problem with the adrenal glands, which produce and metabolize hormones,” explains Schlosser.

Treating Hormonal Acne

Most women who have acne related to a hormonal condition like PCOS have probably found that more “standard” topical acne therapies, such as retinoid gels and creams, don’t meet their needs. “These people do best with hormonal therapy,” says Schlosser.

There are two primary options for hormonal management of acne:

• Birth control pills (only certain formulations)
• Spironolactone, a diuretic which also blocks the binding of androgen receptors, blunting the hormonal fluctuations that cause acne

Schlosser usually starts patients with acne related to a hormonal condition like PCOS on an oral contraceptive pill containing both estrogen and progesterone; Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Yaz are the three brands approved by the FDA for acne treatment.

It’s not an overnight process. “You have to give this approach at least three months of use before you can judge its impact,” she says. “That’s the point at which studies found a notable difference between placebos and oral contraceptives. Many patients saw further improvement around the six-month mark.”

If oral contraceptives are not working, or only giving partial relief from your acne, your dermatologist may recommend spironolactone. It may also be the first treatment of choice for hormone-related acne if you smoke or have other risk factors that make hormonal contraceptives undesirable. “Many of my patients get significant added improvement with this drug,” says Schlosser. 

Redmond usually starts his patients on 100 to 200 mg of spironolactone per day. “Most people tolerate it fairly well. Since it is a diuretic [meaning that it causes you to urinate more often], you’ll need to keep up your water intake, but as long as you do that, you shouldn’t have too many problems.”

“For women, spironolactone works in a very high percentage of cases,” Redmond says. “For men, it’s not optimal because it blocks testosterone.”

So how long will you need to take these medications? That’s hard to say. “Eventually, the tendency to have acne goes away for most people, but it’s hard to know when,” says Redmond. “The medications are often necessary for a few years. It’s mostly luck in how long it persists.”

How to Manage Oily Skin

Oils produced by the body help keep skin healthy. But too much of a good thing can leave your face looking oily, which no one wants. Excess oil can also lead to blemishes and acne flare-ups. “Fortunately, there are definitely plenty of ways to cut down on oiliness,” says Andrea Cambio, MD, medical director of Cambio Dermatology in Cape Coral, Fla. Options range from over-the-counter cleansers to prescription lotions and cosmetic treatments. WebMD interviewed dermatologists from around the country to find out how they advise patients with oily skin. Here’s what they recommend.

Cleansers

Cleansing your face in the morning and at night is the single most effective way to manage oily skin, dermatologists agree. “Always use a gentle cleanser, since harsh soaps can trigger the skin to increase oil production,” says April Armstrong, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, Davis.” Also, gently wash your face using your hands; a washcloth or buff puff can actually stimulate more oil secretion.

If a basic facial cleanser doesn’t do the trick, try a product that includes an acid such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acid.  Acids help cut oiliness.  “Many products containing these acids are marketed as acne facial care products. They’re great for people with acne, but they’re also fine for people whose problem is just oily skin,” Armstrong tells WebMD.  “Since some of these ingredients can be irritating, buy a small size to see how your skin responds. People often have to try several products before they find the one that works best for them.” When washing your face, use warm water, not hot. Extremes of temperature can also irritate skin.

Toners

Some people love the feeling of splashing on a skin toner, which can help further reduce oiliness. As with cleansers, products that contain salicylic acid or other acidic ingredients are most effective at removing oils. But dermatologists are divided on whether to recommend them to everyone. “I’m not a big fan of astringent toners because they tend to irritate the skin and can lead to more oil production,” says Cambio. “Still, if people like using them, I recommend applying toners only on oily areas of the skin, such as the forehead, nose, and chin. Avoid using them on areas that tend to be dry or you’re likely to create dry patches on your skin.”

That’s worth remembering for all your skin care regimens. “There’s a myth that some people have dry skin, some people have oily skin. In fact, most people have combination skin, oily in some places, dry in others,” says Ellen Marmur, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and author of Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman’s Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin.

Medicated Pads

Another option is medicated pads with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or other oil-cutting acid ingredients. “Medicated pads are a favorite among my patients with oily skin,” says Marmur. “You can carry them in your purse and use them on the run to freshen up your skin and remove excess oil.”  

Blotting Paper

Cosmetic blotting papers offer a great option for removing oil because they don’t dry out your skin.  “Patients with oily skin really love blotting paper, because it’s convenient and easy to use,” says Armstrong. Apply to oily areas, such as forehead, nose, and chin. Don’t scrub your skin with the sheet of blotting paper. Instead, simply press it against the oily area long enough to allow it to absorb oil, usually 15 to 20 seconds.  Some blotting papers are lightly powdered, which further reduces shine.  

Masks and Clays

Applying masks and clays to the skin helps draw out oils and cleanses pores. But like cleansers and toners, masks can also dry out the skin. “My advice is to apply them only to problem areas,” says Rebecca Kazin, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute and director of Johns Hopkins Cosmetic Center. “And use them only occasionally.” Masks and clays are great when people are getting ready for a big event, Kazin told WebMD -- a wedding, a birthday dinner, a big presentation.  

Moisturizers

“People who have oily skin often steer clear of moisturizers, worrying that they’ll make their skin look even shinier,” says Kazin. That’s a bad idea. “Even oily skin needs to be moisturized to look its best,” says Kazin. To avoid an oily sheen, choose an oil-free moisturizer. Vary the amount you apply depending on whether the area tends to be dry or oily.  

Oil-free Sunscreen

“Traditional sunscreens can pose a problem for people with oily skin, since they tend to go on pretty thick and can block pores,” says Armstrong. Even so, protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation is absolutely essential. Sunscreen gels are less likely than creams and lotions to make your skin look oily. And there are a variety of new oil-free products have been developed for oily skin. The latest innovation: facial powders laced with SPF protection. Some of the newest products offer SPF 30 protection, enough to ward off sun damage in most situations.  

Adapt Your Facial Regimen

How oily your skin looks can vary season by season, week by week, even day by day. “Oil production is influenced by hormones, by mood, even by the weather,” says Cambio. “Some people have problems with oily skin only in the summer, when they’re sweating, for example, but not in the winter.” To keep your skin healthy and looking great, it’s important to be aware of how your skin varies so that you can adjust your regimen accordingly. “You may need cleanser with glycolic acid or beta-hydroxy acid every day during the summer but only now and then during the winter,” says Kazin. “That’s important to know, since overusing these products can cause skin to dry out.”  

Talk to Your Dermatologist

If over-the-counter products aren’t enough to help you manage oily skin, talk to your dermatologist. Lasers and chemical peels can help reduce oiliness and improve the overall look of your skin. Creams laced with tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene can also help by altering pores and reducing oiliness. “Since these products can be irritating, it’s best to use only on oily areas and only as often as you really need it,” says Kazin.  

It’s worth remembering, too, that oil production is a normal part of healthy skin. “People with naturally oily skin tend to have fewer wrinkles and healthier looking skin,” says Marmur. So don’t go overboard in your efforts. Remove excess oiliness when you need to look your best. But be careful to preserve your skin’s natural antiaging mechanism.

Quickly find similar links and advertisers

We know that being able to find relevant, high-performing affiliate links and advertiser programs is important to publishers, which is why we're excited to share some new enhancements to our recommendation engine.

Now, when you sign in to your publisher account and click the Links tab, you can find similar links. For example, if you find a link and want to see if there are related links you could also promote, just click on ‘Similar links’. If more links are available, you’ll immediately see different sizes and as well as links with similar performance potential.

We've also enabled the ability to search by category. When you find a link you like and want to find more links in that category -- just click the category you’re interested in and it will automatically set the filter to what you want.

To help you quickly and more efficiently find similar advertisers and advertiser categories, we've also extended this feature to the Advertisers tab.

We've also made these new features available to advertisers. If you're an advertiser, just sign in to your account and click the Publishers tab to also find similar publishers. You can also search by publisher segment and publisher category.

We hope these new changes will help you quickly and easily find links and build affiliate relationships, and we look forward to continuing to enhance these features.

As always, let us know what you think by posting a comment here or in the Google Affiliate Network forum.

Posted by:
Ali Pasha, Product Manager
Robin Anil, Software Engineer

Google Affiliate Ads for Blogger now in the UK!

Earlier this year, we launched Google Affiliate Ads for Blogger in the US and added new enhancements in June. The positive results and feedback we’ve received are very promising, and we’re excited to announce that this gadget is now available to Blogger users in the UK!

To refresh your memory, Google Affiliate Ads for Blogger is a gadget that makes it easy for Blogger users to insert an affiliate ad into a blog post and earn a commission when someone clicks the link and makes a purchase on the advertiser’s site.

Watch the video below for a quick refresher:


Here’s how to get started:

1. If you’re a Blogger user in the UK (or the US), go to the Earnings tab in Blogger and sign up for AdSense if you don’t already have an account.
2. Once you have an AdSense account, you may see the Google Affiliate Ads for Blogger gadget when you write a new blog post.*
3. Write a new post and select a relevant affiliate ad from the 'Advertise Products' gadget.
4. Publish your post, and voilà! You may earn a commission when someone clicks your affiliate ad and makes a purchase.

Participating UK advertisers:
Advertisers including Bestbathrooms.com, Cheapsuites.co.uk, Crooked Tongues, Diamond Manufacturers, eFlorist, Hudsonreed.com, Perfume Click and The Snugg have already come on board, and more are joining every day.

If you’re an advertiser interested in participating in Google Affiliate Ads for Blogger, please reach out to your Google Affiliate Network account team or contact us if you’re not already working with us.

Posted by:
Erica Sievert, Product Marketing Manager


*Note that this gadget will only be available to select UK and US Blogger users whose blogs match available ad categories, so you may not immediately see the gadget even if you have an AdSense account.

Your use of the Google Affiliate Ads for Blogger program is governed by the Google Affiliate Ads For Blogger Online Program Terms and Conditions. Please review the Office of Fair Trading's Q&A that discusses a blogger's obligation to disclose financial benefits you may receive for endorsing products or services. As a reminder, under your Google Affiliate Ads For Blogger Online Program Terms and Conditions, You must comply with all applicable laws relating to the disclosure of financial benefits You receive for endorsing any products or services.  For example, when you include a Blogger Affiliate Ad on Your blog, you will clearly identify, in a manner prominently displayed with editorial content on your blog such that it would be unavoidable to the average user, that the Blogger Affiliate Ad is an advertisement.

Understanding Acne Treatments

Successfully treating acne is one of the hardest things to figure out. For me, finding out how to keep my skin clear is right up there with rocket science. Why is it so hard? Because not only is everyone's skin different, there are also so many products out there that it's difficult to know what will work and where to start. Everyone's skin is also so different that what works for one person may or may not work for you. Additionally, acne can be as much internal as it is external, so the whole thing can get very overwhelming.

Sometimes friends, family members, even strangers (thanks for the unsolicited advice!) will throw their two cents into the mix, recommending products or supplements that worked for them. I usually get all excited about the next possible "acne cure", only to be horribly disappointed. Other times I'll fall for infomercials or random acne kits sold at drugstores. The same goes for all the time I've spent on the internet hunting down acne remedies. And for all the dermatologists I've seen, only to come up empty handed. Overall, the search is pretty fruitless and I rarely find the kind of help I actually need.

After all these years, I have learned one thing though: there is no acne cure. No pill or cream can cure acne and make it so that you will never ever get another pimple in your life. It's also important to not get too fixated on finding that one product that will get rid of your acne because it could be a number of factors that end up clearing your skin.

Whatever your skin situation, treating active acne only treats the symptom and not the cause. To truly clear your skin, you must figure out why you are breaking out and how to prevent that from happening. Because the journey to clear skin can be pretty overwhelming, it's worth taking a few minutes to understand how acne treatments work, how to start treating acne, and when to seek professional help.

How Do Acne Treatments Work?

Acne treatment products help control your breakouts by doing some or all of the following things:

1. Helping your skin shed faster and at a more normal rate - ex. Exfoliants, BHAs, retinoids


2. Killing bacteria - ex. Antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil


3. Reducing inflammation - ex. Azelaic acid, antibiotics, diet


4. Drying out the pimple - ex. Sulfur


5. Balancing your hormones - ex. Birth control pills, anti-androgens, lifestyle changes


6. Eliminating oil - ex. Accutane

Even though acne treatments can be pretty harsh, you don't have to be aggressive with the rest of your skin care routine to get clear skin. Please understand that you can't scrub or wash away pimples!

If you think about it, acne treatments are trying to kill off your existing pimples and help your skin change for the better, but if you start using cleansers that are too drying or over-scrub your face every day, you aren't giving your skin time to react and heal from all the treatment products. This is why many people see their skin clear up when they stop using products and use only water.

It can be really frustrating to be nice to your skin when your skin isn't being nice to you, but it helps to think of it as a separate living organism. You need to nourish, love, and be gentle to it so it can thrive, be happy, and love you back.

Skinacea's 10 Step Plan to Clearing Your Skin

Figuring out what acne treatments will work for you is a long trial-and-error process that takes a lot of willpower. You pretty much have to go through all sorts of products, test drive them, and weed out the bad apples until you find the things that actually work.

Most dermatologists and skin specialists recommend a three-pronged attack for initial acne treatment:

1. Kill bacteria


2. Exfoliate pores


3. Eliminate oil

While this slash-and-burn technique (i.e. prescribe a retinoid and antibiotic) may work for some people, it is hard to say whether or not this plan of attack has a high success rate because everyone's skin responds differently.

I tend to agree with 1 and 2, but have a hard time understanding how you can eliminate oil from your skin. You do have to control bacterial growth (either with antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, topicals, or just being gentle with your skin so your don't ruin your natural acid mantle) and exfoliating your pores will help keep them clear (with retinoids, BHAs, etc.) but to eliminate oil, you'll need more drastic measures such as Roaccutane (Accutane), which not everyone with acne needs. Your skin also needs oils to function properly and to form a protective skin barrier, so completely eliminating oil doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Instead of following such a rigid plan, here's a general outline of the steps you should take to help you figure out how to start treating your acne and clear up your skin:

1. Learn about what type of skin you have so you can choose appropriate products to use on your face.


2. Have a gentle, basic skin care routine. The simple the better! Even if you have pimples, it doesn't mean your skin can't be healthy and non-irritated.


3. Understand the causes of acne and what's causing your acne. If you know why your skin is breaking out, it will give you a better idea of how to start treating it and what to treatment to use.


4. Familiarize yourself with all the different available acne treatments (both topical and internal). Read about how they work, look at the both active and inactive product ingredients, read product reviews, and do as much research as you can.


5. Use one acne treatment at a time. If you use more than one new treatment on your skin, you won't know which one is working or which one is making your skin worse.


6. Treat one thing at a time. It's tempting to want to treat active acne, red marks, and acne scars all at the same time. However, doing so will only complicate the process of clearing your skin. What if an acne scar treatment breaks you out even more? It's best to treat pimples first and then acne marks and scars afteryour skin is clear.


7. Don't over use acne treatments. Washing your face 5 times a day and putting on pimple cream every single hour won't make an acne treatment work any better or faster. In fact, when you over use acne treatments, you end up drying out your skin and irritating it, making it more prone to getting future acne. Being overly aggressive with acne treatments is one of the main ways you can self-induce acne.


8. Don't pick at your skin. When you pop and squeeze your pimples, you spread bacteria and increase the odds that you will get more future breakouts. Even if a zit looks like it's about to pop, keep your hands away from your face at all times.


9. Be patient! Give acne treatments time to work and give pimples time to heal. It usually takes two weeks for a pimple to form so you should give a product at least 2-3 weeks to see if it will work.


10. Remain optimistic! It one treatment product doesn't work, that just means you are one step closer to finding the acne treatment that will. Remember, you are beautiful both inside and out!

The process for treating acne can be very confusing and frustrating. There is the whole "it gets worse before it gets better" type of mentality, so lots of people will stick with a product that's making their skin worse in hopes that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes this risk pays off and sticking it through does give you clear skin. Other times it doesn't and really does end up making your skin worse.

As confusing as it can be, never give up on your skin. Arm yourself with as much information as possible. Google everything and look up reviews for new skin care products you're thinking about using. This is your skin we're talking about here and no one will care more about your skin than yourself.

When to Seek Professional Help

When most people start getting acne, they usually turn to drugstore options first. (A word of advice: before you put anything on your skin, look over the skin care section to get a good idea of how to take care of your skin and choose good products. You want to be able to take care of your skin's basic needs before tackling skin problems like acne, wrinkles, etc).

If over-the-counter acne treatments are not cutting it for you, then it's time to seek professional help. It's also time to see a dermatologist when your acne escalates from mild to moderate or severe. I know some people think that dermatologist visits are too expensive (and they definitely can be) but sometimes it's more worth it to get professional advice instead of shelling out lots of money for over-the-counter treatments that end up not working anyway. Also, dermatologists and doctors are the only way to get prescription products and if you need more aggressive treatments for your acne, you won't have access to them without a dermatologist.

However, don't expect a visit to the dermatologist to be a ticket to clear skin. Just because you go to a skin care professional doesn’t mean you will get to bypass the trial-and-error process of treating acne. Like over-the-counter treatments, prescription products still require a test driving period. Dermatologists may offer good guidance to shorten your trial-and-error endeavor, but you will still have to figure out what works best for your skin.

Be selective about picking your dermatologist because many of them don't care. I've been to four different ones before finding one that actually takes time to talk me through everything. I've also been to several dermatologists who prescribe products without even telling me how to use them before sending me out the door. But good dermatologists do exist! Ask your friends or check out doctor reviews to find the better dermatologists in your area.

Also, for whatever products or treatments (facials, laser, etc) your doctor recommends, make sure you do your own homework. Don't rely on the dermatologist to tell you everything because you are ultimately responsible for your skin and what you do to it.

Having acne sucks, but hang in there! The human body is an amazing healing organism and even if your skin is in the pits now, there's always a silver lining. For a comprehensive list of over-the-counter, prescription, and at-home acne treatments, check here.

iPhone 5 vs Samsung Galaxy S 3 – Which is Better ?

It seems that no matter what the other company does, Apple and Samsung are determined to be at each other’s throats. Reports that Samsung were going to sue Apple over the use of LTE technology in their phones before the iPhone 5 had even been announced shows just how far the companies are willing to push each other.




Now Apple’s use of the technology has been confirmed it is only a matter of time before they are once again in court. Although Apple have faced criticism over the fussy nature of their claims against Samsung it is impossible to ignore that Samsung phones look and work like a cheaper version of the iPhone, which is actually now swinging back round to being in Samsung’s favour. If their phones are like Apples, only less money, then why don’t people just get them instead ?
iPhone 5 and Galaxy S III Side-by-Side
So here we are going to look at both companies flagship phones, the iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S3, to see if it s worth buying what is being called a ‘cheaper version’ of the iPhone.


Dimensions and Weight :

Galaxy S3:
Width 70.6mm, Height 136.6mm, Depth 8.6mm and Weight 133g iPhone 5:
Width 58.6mm, Height 123.8, Depth 7.6 and Weight 112g
iPhone 5 is lighter and thinner than Galaxy s3 . Galaxy S 3 is bigger in both height and width .
Screen and Display :

Galaxy S3:
4.8-inch, 720 x 1080 HD display iPhone 5:
4-inch, Retina Display
Galaxy S3 beats iPhone 5 with a big margin here .
Camera :
Galaxy S3 :
8MP rear camera with full HD recording at 30fps and front facing camera at 1.9MP capable of full HD recording. iPhone 5:
8MP rear camera with full HD recording at 30fps and front facing ‘Face-time’ camera with 1.2MP camera and 720 HD recording. Panorama, face detection, tap to focus, image capture whilst recording, Geo-tagging and video stabilization.
The stats speak for themselves here .
Battery:

Galaxy S3:
Up to 10 hours 3G talk time
iPhone 5:
Up to 8 hours 3G talk time
Price:

Galaxy S3 starting from £444.99 iPhone 5 starting from £529

So which phone should you buy :
So it seems that the Galaxy S3 has a bigger screen, longer talk time and a better facing front camera. Why should you even think about buying the more expensive iPhone ? Well let’s have a quick look at some of the reasons that aren’t included in the specs that make the iPhone not only so popular but also make it cost more than it’s rivals.
The body of the iPhone 5 is made entirely of glass and aluminium. Although all touch screens phones are breakable the casing on the iPhone means that it can be dropped down the stairs without damaging the inner workings (don’t try that at home – although I have done it twice, accidentally, and my iPhone is still working perfectly). The S3’s lightweight polycarbonate, although durable, will never match up in the protection stakes, or to the weighty feel of the iPhone, although it stills weighs less then the S3.


On the subject of breakages, should anything go wrong with your iPhone you don’t need warranty to be able to pop it into a Genius Bar. Apple will provide you with expert help as soon as you need it for no fee at all. iPhone is smooth, it isn’t buggy, it isn’t temperamental, it has been designed, not always with the best specs available, but to work consistently and that it does marvellously.
The iPhone 5 doesn’t have an NFC chip, a massive screen and hasn’t come down in price to match it’s competitors, but Apple ensure that every single little detail they add into their phones is going to work effortlessly.
So do you think the iPhone is worth the money ? Or do you believe it is an overpriced mid-range phone ? However, no matter what anyone says, Apple is one of the most successful and popular companies of all time – and there has to be a reason for that.

iPhone 5 vs iPhone 4S: Should You Upgrade?

Now that Apple has officially revealed the iPhone 5, it’s time we compare it against previous iPhone – the 4S. Check out the full comparison after the jump!

Apple’s iPhone 5, at least on the blogosphere, has received a mixed reaction. Those of us who’ve been following the leaks and reports over the year feel disappointed that everything that  Apple Announced at Yerba for the Arts yesterday was known weeks and, in some cases,months beforehand.

We saw a similar reaction when Apple announced the iPhone 4S, but we all know how it ended up selling like gangbusters. The reason for this is quite simple: the average consumer doesn’t really care about the iPhone 5 not having a quad-core processor, or a 12-megapixel camera; they’ll just look at their ending contract, see the iPhone 5’s larger display, faster processor, LTE support and buy it.

However, I have a feeling most of these buyers will be be shifting from an iPhone 3GS or 4, as the 4S is still a really capable smartphone. There are key areas where the 4S still goes neck and neck with the iPhone 5 – iOS 6 features and camera.

Software-wise, there are no exclusives* on the iPhone 5; iOS 6 on iPhone 4S and 5 has the samefeatures. Both get Panorama Mode, Siri, the new App Store, Facebook integration, and the same set of built-in apps. The experience of using iOS 6 on iPhone 5 will certainly be different though, thanks to the taller display on the iPhone 5.

It’s the hardware department where iPhone 5 sees a nice improvement. It’s slimmer and weighs less. There’s the taller display which will display more content in your apps, let you view movies and TV shows in widescreen format, enjoy games more etc. Then there’s the A6 chip which Apple claims has twice the performance of the A5 on the iPhone 4S. The camera also takes (slightly) better photos more quickly, especially in low light. 4G LTE support will also result in significantly faster Internet surfing for those of you lucky enough to have coverage in their city.

But is that all enough to make you upgrade? It’s a no-brainer for iPhone 3GS and 4 users, that’s for sure; but for iPhone 4S users, it really depends on whether you want the new features like LTE support, taller display, slightly thinner/lighter+aluminum/glass profile (especially for those who are bored of 2.5 year old 4/4S design), faster processor+GPU for gaming etc. If that’s not your cup of tea, then iPhone 4S I suppose is more than good enough.

Here’s a complete comparison between the iPhone 5 and the iPhone 4S:

(source Apple)

*iPhone 4S had Siri, iPad 2 had Photo Booth, and iPhone 4 had iMovie. iPhone 5 has no such exclusive.

Blood Type May Affect Heart Disease Risk

A person's blood type may affect their risk for heart disease, according to a new study that finds people with blood type A, B or AB were more likely to develop the disease than those with type O. However, the researchers said following a healthy lifestyle can still make a difference to protect people with the higher risk blood types.

The senior author of the study is Lu Qi, an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. He and his colleagues report their findings in a paper published online this week in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, one of the American Heart Association journals.

Qi and colleagues analyzed data from two large studies that followed adults for at least 20 years and found those with blood type AB had a 23% increased risk for heart disease, those with type B had an 11% increased risk, and those with type A had a 5% increased risk, compared to people with type O.

Blood type AB is the rarest blood type, it occurs in around 7% of Americans, while type O, the most common, occurs in around 43%.

Possible Reasons Not Explored

The researchers did not look into the mechanisms that cause blood type to affect heart disease risk, but evidence from other studies gives some clues.

Blood type A is linked to higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol that clogs up arteries.

Blood type AB is linked to inflammation, which can affect how blood vessels work.

And people with blood type O have higher levels of a compound that has a beneficial effect on blood flow and clotting. 

But, as Qi suggests in a press statement, it is unlikely to be as straightforward as this:

"Blood type is very complicated, so there could be multiple mechanisms at play," he says.

Nearly 90,000 Participants for 20 Years

For the study, the team examined data covering nearly 90,000 participants aged from 30 to 75 who were followed for 20 years or more in two large well-known American studies: the Nurses' Health Study (62,073 women), and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (27,428 adults).

The proportions of men and women in the studies with various blood types were the same as in the general population, and the researchers were able to control for a number of factors that can affect health and heart disease risk, such as age, gender, race, body mass index, diet, smoking, menopause and medical history.

However, the participants were mostly Caucasian, so it's not clear whether the results would be the same for other ethnic groups. Environment also affects risk, says Qi.

Implications

Although people can't change their blood type, there are things they can do to reduce risk for heart disease.

Qi says it's important to know your blood type, just as it's good to know your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

"If you know you're at higher risk, you can reduce the risk by adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as eating right, exercising and not smoking," he explains.

Also, armed with findings like these, health care providers can tailor treatments more effectively. For instance, patients with blood type A could be advised to reduce cholesterol in their diet to lower their risk of heart disease, says Qi, who suggests further studies should now be done to look at the effect of diet and lifestyle changes on heart disease risk in people with different blood types.

Funds from the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association Scientist Development Award and the Boston Obesity Nutrition Research Center helped finance the study.

30 Minutes Of Daily Exercise As Good As 60 For Weight Loss

A new study from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark found that sedentary, slightly overweight healthy young men who worked up a sweat exercising 30 minutes daily for three months lost a similar amount of weight and body fat as those who did 60 minutes of daily exercise.

The researchers describe the findings of their randomized controlled trial in a study reported online recently in the American Journal of Physiology.

The researchers suggest one reason for the surprising result is that the exercise felt "doable" for the participants in the 30 minutes a day group, who even felt afterwards that they could have done more. Whereas in the 60 minutes a day group, they probably compensated by eating more, therefore losing less weight than expected.

This second point would fit in with the results of previous research that the researchers point to in their background information. This suggests that the reason exercise often produces a disappointing amount of weight loss is because a diet-induced negative energy balance (where calories consumed aren't enough to cover daily energy needs) often triggers "compensatory mechanisms", such as lower metabolic rate and increased appetite.

Perhaps 60 minutes of exercise results in more overcompensation than 30 minutes.

On average, the men who exercised 30 minutes a day lost 3.6 kg in three months, and those who exercised 60 minutes a day lost 2.7 kg. The reduction in body fat was about 4 kg for both groups.

The result is significant because 40% of Danish men are thought to be moderately overweight. Overcoming barriers to exercise in a group that does none at all, should be easier if the aim is to attain 30 minutes a day than 60 minutes a day.

The study is part of an interdisciplinary trial called FINE, a a Danish acronym for Physical Activity for a Long Healthy Life, which has generated strong data in a group of 60 or so participants.

Researchers suggest that 30 minutes of exercise hard enough to cause a sweat produces as much loss in body weight and fat as a whole hour.

In FINE, the participants were followed by health scientists who focused on energy balance, insulin resistance and hormones in the blood.

Ethnologists were also part of the FINE research team: they were interested in exploring the barriers to exercise and in helping the participants overcome entrenched cultural habits.

For the study, the researchers randomly assigned each of 62 healthy, sedentary, moderately overweight young men to one of three groups: a high exercise group (burning about 600 kcal per day with about 60 minutes of aerobic exercise), a moderate exercise group (300 kcal per day, 30 minutes exercise), and a control group that continued to be sedentary.

They monitored the men as they followed their program for 13 weeks.

The participants trained every day through the study period. The training sessions were planned to produce a light sweat, but the participants were also instructed to increase the intensity three times a week.

The results showed that body weight went down by 2.7 kg in the high exercise group, and 3.6 kg in the moderate exercise group. Fat mass went down by 4.0 kg and 3.8 kg respectively.

But what was very surprising was although the energy burned during exercise in the high exercise group was double that of the moderate exercise group, they had roughly the same accumulated energy balance.

Energy balance is the balance of calories consumed through eating and drinking compared to calories burned through physical activity. 

In this study, the researchers calculated it from changes in body composition.

The results showed that the accumulated energy balance was 83% more negative than expected in the moderate exercise group (ie better than expected), and 20% less negative than expected in the high exercise group (ie worse than expected).

"No statistically significant changes were found in energy intake or non-exercise physical activity that could explain the different compensatory responses associated with 30 vs. 60 min of daily aerobic exercise," write the researchers, who conclude:

"... a similar body fat loss was obtained regardless of exercise dose. A moderate dose of exercise induced a markedly greater than expected negative energy balance, while a higher dose induced a small but quantifiable degree of compensation."

First author Mads Rosenkilde, a PhD student in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, told the press:

"Participants exercising 30 minutes per day burned more calories than they should relative to the training program we set for them. In fact we can see that exercising for a whole hour instead of a half does not provide any additional loss in either body weight or fat."

"The men who exercised the most lost too little relative to the energy they burned by running, biking or rowing. 30 minutes of concentrated exercise give equally good results on the scale," he added.

Rosenkilde said they were surprised by the results, and the team now wants to study the effect of other forms of exercise.

He would like to explore ways of building exercise into daily life, for instance as a form of transport:

"Training is fantastic for your physical and mental health. The problem is that it takes time. If we can get people to exercise along the way - to work, for example - we will have won half the battle," said Rosenkilde.