Health News

I suddenly understand why Ma fed me PB&J sandwiches from kindergarten clear through junior high. Because Day 5, my friends? Was brought to you by peanut butter.

We cleared the 2600 minimum by more than 200 calories, thanks to six tablespoons of Jif Extra Crunchy spread among various dishes. (Er, plus an enormous brunch – picture to the right.) The Husband-Elect loves him some peanut butter, especially on banana bread, so he didn’t mind one bit.

He does mind the lack of grazing. “I feel good,” he says, “but I miss the simple pleasures of snacks and random eating.” When we started this, I didn’t realize how often we take food when we want it, as opposed to when we’re allowed. Now, I have a lot more sympathy for people who don’t have that option.

There are two more days to go, but this is already an eye-opening experience. Looking forward to sharing with yis all on Wednesday.

In the meantime, have a lovely night, and here are Sunday’s numbers.

DAY 5 TOTALS: 2824 calories, 123.3 g fat, 26.8 g fiber, $3.27
GRAND PRICE TOTAL (SO FAR): $17.73

BRUNCH
2 jumbo eggs: 191 calories, 12.8 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.41
2 tablespoons peanut butter: 190 calories, 16 g fat, 2 g fiber, $0.13
1 piece Light Banana Bread: 197 calories, 3.3 g fat, ~1.7 g fiber, $0.20
1-1/3 potato’s worth homefries: 209 calories, 0.3 g fat, 4.9 g fiber, $0.15
2 ounces Tasty Kitchen Puerto Rican Pork: 153 calories, 5.8 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.30
1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil: 192 calories, 21.7 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.14 (1/2 for eggs, 1/2 potatoes, 1/2 for pork)
1 apple: 77 calories, 0.3 g fat, 3.6 g fiber, $0.17
TOTALS: 1209 calories, 60.2 g fat, 12.2 g fiber, $1.50
PREP TIME: 30 minutes, mostly to roast the homefries

SNACK
1 serving Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream: 216 calories, 8.4 g fat, 4.5 g fiber, $0.30
1/2 tablespoon mini chocolate chips: 35 calories, 2 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.07
1 Snickerdoodle: 150 calories, 6.8 g fat, 0.5 g fiber, $0.10
TOTALS: 401 calories, 17.2 g fat, 5 g fiber, $0.47
PREP TIME: 5 minutes

DINNER
2 ounces Tasty Kitchen Puerto Rican Pork: 153 calories, 5.8 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.30
1/2 tablespoon peanut oil: 60 calories, 7 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.06
6 oz pasta: 631 calories, 2.6 g fat, 5.4 g fiber, $0.25
1/4 serving Vegan Peace peanut butter sauce: 305 calories, 24 g fat, 3.2 g fiber, $0.42
2/3 cup Earthbound Farms mixed baby greens: 5 calories, 0 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.20
1/2 tablespoon olive oil: 60 calories, 6.7 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.06
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.01
TOTALS: 1214 calories, 46.1 g fat, 9.6 g fiber, $1.30
PREP TIME: 20 minutes, mostly waiting for the pasta to cook

NOTES

• Try the Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream. It’s just bananas and peanut butter, and it’ll knock your face off.
• Will you LOOK at that brunch tally? Who knew that eggs and meat fried in oil could have so many calories?
• The uncontrollable apartment heater fused my mini chocolate chips into one big chunk. There’s a metaphor in there somewhere.

Dr Alan Barclay

Finding healthy low GI breakfast cereals
Despite all the noise about sugar there’s more to making healthy choices in the breakfast aisle than going for the one with the least amount of sugar on the nutrition info panel. Good choices will:

• Be high in fibre (from wholegrains or dried fruit)
• Be low in added salt (sodium)
• Contain only good fats (e.g. from nuts, seeds and grains ), and
• Be low GI.

Carbs: The carbs in breakfast cereals come from both the sugar and starch. The nutrition info panel tells you how much there is in a typical serving but doesn’t tell you anything about the type or nutritional value of either of them. (Note: If you want to work out the amount of starch in a food, it’s the grams of total carbohydrate minus the grams of sugar.)

Not all sugars are the same. The sugars found in Australian ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are typically sucrose or table sugar (GI 65) which is refined and usually added to the product, and fructose (GI 19) and lactose (GI 46) which come naturally with the dried fruit or yoghurt in the product and are a nutritious source of dietary fibre (dried fruit), and/or vitamins and minerals (dried fruit and yoghurt).

Not all starches (or ‘complex carbohydrate’) are the same either. First of all, there are two types of starch in food – amylose is harder to digest than amylopectin and the ratio of one to the other has a powerful effect on a food’s GI. Prof Jennie Brand-Miller explains how that works HERE.

Secondly, less processed grains like steel cut oats or traditional rolled oats are much harder to digest than finely milled re-constituted grains like bran flakes (See Prof Jennie’s comments in GI Update, below). Unfortunately, it is not possible to tell how refined the starch is by reading the food label – even the latest buzz word ‘wholegrain’ does not tell you the full story. So while a ‘wholegrain’ breakfast cereal is a good overall choice (it is higher in fibre, vitamins and minerals), its wholegrain content does not provide you with any real indication of how it will affect your blood glucose.

Fat: Many cereals from corn flakes to porridge oats naturally contain relatively small amounts of fat. However, it’s increasingly popular to add tasty and nutritious nuts and seeds to cereals boosting the amount of fibre and vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that they are high in total fat, so can add significantly to the product’s overall calorie content. However, the fat is predominantly mono- and poly-unsaturated, so it will not adversely affect blood cholesterol levels. Be aware that some mueslis are toasted in added oil or fat, often a highly saturated fat like palm oil. Traditional (untoasted) mueslis are better choices.

Salt: Because most cereals are relatively bland, it is common for food manufacturers to add salt to enhance the flavour – even if they have already added sugar (a little salt enhances sweetness believe it or not). Excessive salt intakes are associated with higher blood pressure, amongst other things, so salt-reduced or no-added salt are the ones to look for if available.

Tips for making good choices: Use our GI Symbol nutrient criteria for breakfast cereals to help you make a healthy choice an easy choice:

• Fat: 5g per 100 g or less, or 5–10g per 100g, provided that saturated fat is not more than 20% of the total fat content (or up to 15g per 100g if the source of saturated fat is grains, seeds or nuts but not coconut)
• Salt: (sodium) 400mg per 100g or less
• Dietary fibre: 3g per 100g or more

Breakfast cereals that carry the GI Symbol in Australia and New Zealand:

• Morning Sun Natural Style Muesli – Fruit Free Nuts and Seeds GI 55
• Morning Sun Natural Style Muesli – Apricot & Almond GI 49
• Morning Sun Natural Style Muesli – Peach & Pecan GI 49
• Naytura Fruit and Nut Muesli GI 48
• Woolworths Select Traditional Rolled Oats GI 57

Beware! Some manufacturers claim on their packs that their breakfast cereal is low GI when consumed with milk. The cut-off for low GI foods (55 or less) is for individual foods (i.e. the cereal itself), not a mixed meal (i.e. cereal and milk). The cut-off for mixed meals and diets is 45 or less.

For more information about the GI Symbol Program
Dr Alan W Barclay, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Glycemic Index Foundation (Ltd)
Phone: +61 (0)2 9785 1037
Mob: +61 (0)416 111 046
Fax: +61 (0)2 9785 1037
Email: alan@gisymbol.com
Website: http://www.gisymbol.com/

NATURE

25 February 2010 Volume 463 Number 7284, pp 999 – 1112

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———————-
EDITORIALS
———————-
Simplification is essential p999
The new European research commissioner deserves political support
from member states of the European Union to drastically reduce
the dead weight of Brussels bureaucracy.
doi:10.1038/463999a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=92&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Bridges, not barriers pp999-1000
Industry talent should be welcomed into academia, not seen as a
corrupting influence.
doi:10.1038/463999b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=100&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

An absurd law p1000
Turkey's government is about to pass legislation that could cripple
the country's biological research.
doi:10.1038/4631000a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=98&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
———————-
Energy: Carbon from the mountains p1002
doi:10.1038/4631002a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=65&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Neuroscience: Baby blues p1002
doi:10.1038/4631002b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=70&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Particle physics: Dazzling dysprosium p1002
doi:10.1038/4631002c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=77&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Molecular imaging: Tumour glows out p1002
doi:10.1038/4631002d
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Evolutionary biology: On the invasion front p1002
doi:10.1038/4631002e
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Cell biology: Lost in the mail pp1002-1003
doi:10.1038/4631002f
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Organic chemistry: Catalysts cooperate p1003
doi:10.1038/4631003a
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Biology: Colour-blind p1003
doi:10.1038/4631003b
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Genetics: Male regulator switched p1003
doi:10.1038/4631003c
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Developmental biology: Heads or tails p1003
doi:10.1038/4631003d
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———————-
JOURNAL CLUB
———————-
Journal club p1003
Luke Harmon
doi:10.1038/4631003e
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=40&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
NEWS
———————-
News briefing: 25 February 2010 pp1004-1005
The week in science.
doi:10.1038/4631004a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=216&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

'Seek, test and treat' slows HIV p1006
Studies in several nations show that treating people before they
fall ill can curb the spread of disease.
Erika Check Hayden
doi:10.1038/4631006a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=259&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Reserves 'win–win' for fish and fishermen p1007
Marine protection areas could offer fisheries a boost.
Rex Dalton
doi:10.1038/4631007a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=257&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Did design flaws doom the LHC? pp1008-1009
Catastrophic failure that caused accelerator shutdown was not a
freak accident, says project physicist.
Geoff Brumfiel
doi:10.1038/4631008a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=255&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Pebble-bed nuclear reactor gets pulled pp1008-1009
South Africa cuts funding for energy technology project.
Linda Nordling
doi:10.1038/4631008b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=252&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

German paper chase to end p1009
Funding agency cuts number of publications needed for grant
applications.
Quirin Schiermeier
doi:10.1038/4631009a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=288&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Cosmic-ray theory unravels p1011
Astrophysicists ponder whether ultrahigh-energy particles really
do come from the centre of galaxies.
Eric Hand
doi:10.1038/4631011a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=285&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

A land without Google? pp1012-1013
A survey by Nature reveals how Chinese scientists could be affected
by the stand-off between their government and the search-engine giant.
Jane Qiu reports.
doi:10.1038/4631012a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=282&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
NEWS FEATURE
———————-
Earth science: The climate machine pp1014-1016
A new generation of sophisticated Earth models is gearing up for its
first major test. But added complexity may lead to greater
uncertainty about the future climate,
finds Olive Heffernan.
doi:10.1038/4631014a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=269&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
CORRESPONDENCE
———————-
Research thrives on integration of natural and social sciences p1018
Erik Fisher, Simon Biggs, Stuart Lindsay and Jie Zhao
doi:10.1038/4631018a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=36&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Rigid animal-rights views not useful to ethics debate p1018
Rob Campbell
doi:10.1038/4631018b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=38&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

New NMR machines are set to boost biomedical potential p1018
Jeffrey C. Hoch
doi:10.1038/4631018c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=31&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Skewed assessment values have stifled textbook-writing p1018
Tristram D. Wyatt
doi:10.1038/4631018d
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=34&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Futures perfect — food for thought and welcome light relief p1018
Robin Thompson
doi:10.1038/4631018e
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=55&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
OPINION
———————-
Globe still in grip of addiction pp1020-1021
After five years, the World Health Organization's tobacco-control
treaty is starting to have an effect, but we need to tackle the
smoking epidemic in the developing world,
say Jonathan M. Samet and Heather L. Wipfli.
doi:10.1038/4631020a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=53&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
BOOKS AND ARTS
———————-
Theft or innovation? pp1022-1023
A history of intellectual-property rights reveals how the pirating
of ideas and goods has transformed science publishing, drug
development and software, explains Michael Gollin.
Michael Gollin reviews Piracy: The Intellectual Property Wars from
Gutenberg to Gates by Adrian Johns
doi:10.1038/4631022a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=51&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Stamps celebrate Royal Society scientists p1023
doi:10.1038/4631023b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=49&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Symmetry and hubris pp1023-1024
W. F. Bynum reviews Francis Crick: Hunter of Life's Secrets
by Robert Olby
doi:10.1038/4631023a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=47&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

How lateral thinking saved lives p1024
Martin Kemp is struck by the surreal quality of a home-made iron lung.
Martin Kemp
doi:10.1038/4631024a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=8&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Q&A: Georgina Ferry on writing biography p1025
Acclaimed biographer Georgina Ferry has chronicled the lives of two
Nobel prizewinning chemists, Dorothy Hodgkin and Max Perutz. In the
fourth in our series of five interviews with authors who each write
science books for a different audience, Ferry reveals how detachment
is needed to turn an attic's worth of personal letters into a
compelling story.
Nicola Jones
doi:10.1038/4631025a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=11&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
NEWS AND VIEWS
———————-
Applied mathematics: The statistics of style pp1027-1028
A mathematical method has been developed that distinguishes between
the paintings of Pieter Bruegel the Elder and those of his imitators.
But can the approach be used to spot imitations of works by any artist?
Bruno A. Olshausen and Michael R. DeWeese
doi:10.1038/4631027a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=2&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Cell biology: A brake on lipid synthesis pp1028-1029
Although sphingolipids are vital cellular components, the path to
their production is paved with toxic intermediates. Orm proteins
allow cells to form these lipids without killing themselves in
the process.
Fikadu G. Tafesse and Joost C. M. Holthuis
doi:10.1038/4631028a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=4&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Low-temperature physics: Surprise in the strong regime pp1029-1031
The finding that the normal phase of an ultracold gas of fermionic
atoms in the strongly interacting regime is close to a Fermi liquid
isn't quite what theorists expected for these systems.
Yong-il Shin
doi:10.1038/4631029a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=7&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

50 & 100 years ago p1030
doi:10.1038/4631030a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=29&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Regenerative medicine: Cell reprogramming gets direct pp1031-1032
In a feat of biological wizardry, one type of differentiated cell
has been directly converted into another, completely distinct type.
Notably, the approach does not require a stem-cell intermediate stage.
Cory R. Nicholas and Arnold R. Kriegstein
doi:10.1038/4631031a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=27&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Climate change: Tropical cyclones in the mix pp1032-1033
What was responsible for the unusual climatic conditions that
prevailed during the early Pliocene, 5 million to 3 million years
ago? Modelling studies point to intense tropical-cyclone activity
as a possible answer.
Ryan L. Sriver
doi:10.1038/4631032a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=18&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Geomicrobiology: Sediment reactions defy dogma pp1033-1034
Redox reactions in widely spatially separated layers of marine
sediments are coupled to each other. This suggests that bacteria
mediate the flow of electrons between the layers — an idea that
would previously have been dismissed.
Kenneth H. Nealson
doi:10.1038/4631033a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=293&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
BRIEF COMMUNICATIONS ARISING
———————-
Location of corneal epithelial stem cells ppE10-E11
Tung-Tien Sun, Scheffer C. Tseng and Robert M. Lavker
doi:10.1038/nature08805
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=275&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=300&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Majo et al. reply pE11
Francois Majo et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08806
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=277&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=309&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
ARTICLES
———————-
Direct conversion of fibroblasts to functional neurons by defined
factors pp1035-1041
Mouse and human fibroblasts can be reprogrammed to a pluripotent
state with a combination of four transcription factors. Here, mature
differentiated cells are directed, via a combination of a few
transcription factors (distinct from those described for generating
iPS cells), to form functional neurons in vitro, without having to
revert the fibroblasts to an embryonic state.
Thomas Vierbuchen et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08797
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=279&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=260&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Reprogramming towards pluripotency requires AID-dependent DNA
demethylation pp1042-1047
To elucidate regulatory mechanisms involved in reprogramming to
generate pluripotent cells from somatic cells, this study generates
interspecies heterokaryons (fused mouse ES cells and human fibroblasts)
that induce reprogramming efficiently, rapidly and without cell
division. SiRNA-mediated knockdown reveals that AID is required for
active DNA demethylation and initiation of nuclear reprogramming
towards pluripotency in human somatic cells.
NIdhi Bhutani et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08752
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=280&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=270&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Orm family proteins mediate sphingolipid homeostasis pp1048-1053
Mutations near the ORMDL3 gene have been associated with childhood
asthma. Here, in yeast, Orm proteins are shown to function in
sphingolipid homeostasis; alterations in this control result in
misregulation of sphingolipid production and accumulation of toxic
metabolites. This raises the testable hypothesis that misregulation
of sphingolipids may directly contribute to the development of asthma.
David K. Breslow et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08787
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=295&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=278&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
LETTERS
———————-
WASP-12b as a prolate, inflated and disrupting planet from tidal
dissipation pp1054-1056
WASP-12b is a planet of 1.4 Jupiter masses that orbits at a mean
distance of only 3.1 stellar radii from its star; its orbital period
is 1.1 days, and its radius (1.79 times that of Jupiter) is
unexpectedly large. An analysis of its properties now reveals that
the planet is losing mass to its host star at a rate of ~10-7 Jupiter
masses per year, and that dissipation of the star's tidal perturbation
in the planet's convective envelope provides the energy source for
its large volume.
Shu-lin Li, N. Miller, Douglas N. C. Lin and Jonathan J. Fortney
doi:10.1038/nature08715
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=290&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=240&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Exploring the thermodynamics of a universal Fermi gas pp1057-1060
In principle, it is possible to simulate some astrophysical phenomena
inside the highly controlled environment of an atomic physics
laboratory: previous work on the thermodynamics of a two-component
Fermi gas (a system suited for such studies) led to thermodynamic
quantities averaged over the trap. Now a general experimental method
is reported that yields the equation of state of a uniform gas,
providing new physical insights and enabling a detailed comparison
with existing theories.
S. Nascimbène et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08814
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=292&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=235&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Simultaneous phase and size control of upconversion nanocrystals
through lanthanide doping pp1061-1065
Many technological materials are intentionally 'doped' with foreign
elements to impart new and desirable properties, a classic example
being the doping of semiconductors to tune their electronic behaviour.
Here lanthanide doping is used to control the growth of nanocrystals,
allowing for simultaneous tuning of the size, crystallographic phase
and optical properties of the hybrid material.
Feng Wang et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08777
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=301&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=232&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Tropical cyclones and permanent El Niño in the early Pliocene epoch
pp1066-1070
Palaeoclimate data show that 3-5 million years ago in the early
Pliocene the equatorial Pacific experienced persistent warm, El Nino
conditions. Here a hurricane model and a coupled climate model show
a feedback between sea surface temperature and frequent hurricanes
that could account for such conditions.
Alexey V. Fedorov, Christopher M. Brierley and Kerry Emanuel
doi:10.1038/nature08831
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=303&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=110&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Electric currents couple spatially separated biogeochemical processes
in marine sediment pp1071-1074
It has been previously demonstrated that some microbes are capable of
extracellular electron transport through so-called nanowires or
electron shuttles. Here it is demonstrated that this may be a
significant process in the marine sediment.
Lars Peter Nielsen et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08790
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=296&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=119&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Fossilized melanosomes and the colour of Cretaceous dinosaurs and birds
pp1075-1078
Here the presence of melanosomes — characteristic bodies that give
feathers their colour — is demonstrated in feathers and feather-like
structures of fossil early birds and dinosaurs from the Early
Cretaceous Jehol Group of China. Not only is it shown that the
feather-like structures of dinosaurs such as Sinosauropteryx really
are akin to feathers, it is also possible to speculate in an informed
way about their colour.
Fucheng Zhang et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08740
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=299&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=117&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Arthropod relationships revealed by phylogenomic analysis of nuclear
protein-coding sequences pp1079-1083
The evolutionary interrelationships of arthropods has long been a
matter of dispute. A new phylogeny applies an arsenal of techniques
to more than 41,000 base pairs of DNA from 75 arthropod species. The
results support the idea that insects are land-living crustaceans,
that crustaceans comprise a diverse assemblage of at last three
distinct arthropod types, and that myriapods (millipedes and centipedes)
comprise the closest relatives of this great 'pancrustacean' group.
Jerome C. Regier et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08742
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=308&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=62&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Ancient animal microRNAs and the evolution of tissue identity
pp1084-1088
Recent work suggests that microRNAs might have been important in
the evolution of complexity in multicellular animals. Here it is
shown that the most ancient known microRNA, miR-100, was initially
active in neurosecretory cells around the mouth. Other highly
conserved varieties were first present in specific tissues and organ
systems. Thus, microRNA expression was initially restricted to an
ancient set of ancient animal cell types and tissues.
Foteini Christodoulou et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08744
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=310&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=71&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Neural evidence for inequality-averse social preferences pp1089-1091
Social science hypotheses suggest that humans prefer more equality
in outcome distributions because the knowledge of inequality reduces
the reward experience. Here, functional MRI was used to test directly
for inequality-averse social preferences in the brain during monetary
transfers between pairs of participants and an experimenter. The
results indicate that the brain's reward circuitry is sensitive to
distribution inequality and is actively modulated relative to context.
Elizabeth Tricomi, Antonio Rangel, Colin F. Camerer and
John P. O'Doherty
doi:10.1038/nature08785
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=305&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=176&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

An essential role for XBP-1 in host protection against immune activation
in C. elegans pp1092-1095
The unfolded protein response, known to contribute to the defence
against infectious agents and toxins, is shown here to protect
Caenorhabditis elegans larvae against detrimental effects of the
innate immune response to infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The findings establish innate immunity as a physiologically relevant
inducer of ER stress during C. elegans development.
Claire E. Richardson, Tristan Kooistra and Dennis H. Kim
doi:10.1038/nature08762
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=223&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=178&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Tbx3 improves the germ-line competency of induced pluripotent stem cells
pp1096-1100
The transcription factor Tbx3 is shown to significantly improve the
quality of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Tbx3 binding sites
in embryonic stem cells are present in genes involved in pluripotency
and reprogramming factors. Furthermore, there are intrinsic
qualitative differences in iPS cells generated by different methods
in terms of their pluripotency, thus highlighting the need to
rigorously characterize iPS cells beyond in vitro studies.
Jianyong Han et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08735
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=224&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=182&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Genome-wide erasure of DNA methylation in mouse primordial germ cells
is affected by AID deficiency pp1101-1105
The extent of epigenetic reprogramming in mammalian primordial germ
cells (PGCs) and in early embryos, and its molecular mechanisms, are
poorly understood. DNA methylation profiling in PGCs now reveals a
genome-wide erasure of methylation, with female PGCs being less
methylated than male ones. A deficiency of the cytidine deaminase AID
interferes with the genome-wide erasure of DNA methylation, indicating
that AID has a critical function in epigenetic reprogramming.
Christian Popp et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08829
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=225&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=215&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
CORRIGENDA
———————-
The sequence and de novo assembly of the giant panda genome p1106
Ruiqiang Li et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08846
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=207&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Dense packings of the Platonic and Archimedean solids p1106
S. Torquato and Y. Jiao
doi:10.1038/nature08847
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=205&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
NATUREJOBS
———————-
News
Mixed budget outlook for young scientists p1108
Biomedical researchers face fewer competing grants in 2011.
Karen Kaplan
doi:10.1038/nj7284-1108a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=134&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Prospects
Salary boost p1108
Negotiating for a pay rise can be a smooth, fruitful process if you
follow a few guidelines, says Deb Koen.
Deb Koen
doi:10.1038/nj7284-1108b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=138&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Careers Q&A
Zhenrong Zhang p1109
In January, Zhenrong Zhang obtained her first faculty position as an
assistant professor, at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She will
set up Baylor's first scanning tunnelling microscopy lab.
Virginia Gewin
doi:10.1038/nj7284-1109a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=136&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

In Brief
Postdocs waltz to Vienna p1109
Life-sciences initiative targets young scientists.
doi:10.1038/nj7284-1109b
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=148&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

In Brief
Science courses at risk p1109
Growing budget deficit raises alarm for US higher education.
doi:10.1038/nj7284-1109c
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=145&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

In Brief
Biotech beats recession p1109
Outlook seems relatively sunny in California.
doi:10.1038/nj7284-1109d
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=162&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
FUTURES
———————-
Distraction p1112
A fine romance.
Julian Tang
doi:10.1038/4631112a
http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=211&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

———————-
Advance Online Publication
———————-
24 February 2010
Compensatory evolution in mitochondrial tRNAs navigates valleys of
low fitness
Margarita V. Meer, Alexey S. Kondrashov, Yael Artzy-Randrup and
Fyodor A. Kondrashov
doi:10.1038/nature08691
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=159&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=159&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Antagonistic coevolution accelerates molecular evolution
Steve Paterson et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08798
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=156&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=156&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

An intrinsic vasopressin system in the olfactory bulb is involved
in social recognition
Vicky A. Tobin et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08826
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=151&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=151&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

21 February 2010
Metabolic streamlining in an open-ocean nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium
H. James Tripp et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08786
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=172&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=172&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Targeted deletion of the 9p21 non-coding coronary artery disease risk
interval in mice
Axel Visel et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08801
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=168&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=168&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Mad2-induced chromosome instability leads to lung tumour relapse after
oncogene withdrawal
Rocio Sotillo, Juan-Manuel Schvartzman, Nicholas D. Socci and Robert Benezra
doi:10.1038/nature08803
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=165&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=165&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

Sister chromosome pairing maintains heterozygosity in parthenogenetic
lizards
Aracely A. Lutes et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08818
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=263&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=263&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

ITPA gene variants protect against anaemia in patients treated for
chronic hepatitis C
Jacques Fellay et al.
doi:10.1038/nature08825
Abstract: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=271&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0
Article: http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=271&m=34654702&r=MjA1NTkxMDA2MAS2&b=2&j=Njc5MDY0NDES1&mt=1&rt=0

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We’re more than halfway through our experiment, and things are mostly pretty swell. Admittedly, I’m developing a little agita. The planning and math are fairly intense, and I’m kicking myself for not including protein in my calculations. Maybe I’ll remember next year, when I try to feed the Chicago Bears for eight weeks on 80% of a May 2007 Euro.

On the bright side, this is only due to the blog element. I think the non-obsessive layperson would have a much easier time, as you wouldn’t be calculating the price of 3/4 of a pineapple ring.

But enough whining! On to today.

We don’t really eat lunch on weekends, preferring instead to do a big brunch. Husband-Elect also had two cups of coffee, creating another caloric obstacle. As a result, we missed the 2600 minimum and failed miserably on the produce front.

After much therapy, I am okay with this. He’s far from hungry, and our fridge is filled with leftovers. It’s entrancing, really. Like a lava lamp made of pork.

And with that, the numbahs!

DAY 4 TOTALS: 2454 calories, 95 g fat, 28.1 g fiber, $3.58
GRAND PRICE TOTAL (SO FAR): $14.47

BRUNCH
5 homemade pancakes (Betty Crocker recipe): 550 calories, 21.5 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.50
1 banana: 121 calories, 0.4 g fat, 3.5 g fiber, $0.23
1/2 tablespoon butter: 51 calories, 5.8 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.03
1/3 cup Aunt Jemima butter lite syrup: 131 calories, 0 g fat, 1.3 g fiber, $0.25
1 cup coffee: 2 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.22
TOTALS: 855 calories, 27.7 g fat, 5.8 g fiber, $1.23
PREP TIME: 15 to 20 minutes

SNACKS
1 cup coffee: 2 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.22
1 tablespoon Coffee mate: 25 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.05
2 Snickerdoodles: 300, 13.6 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.20
TOTALS: 337 calories, 13.6 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.47
PREP TIME: 2 minutes

DINNER
3 ounces Tasty Kitchen Puerto Rican Pork: 229 calories, 17.3 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.46
2 corn tortillas: 100 calories, 1 g fat, 2 g fiber, $0.09
1/4 teaspoon Adobo sauce: 2 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.01
1 pineapple ring: 30 calories, 0 g fat, 0.6 g fiber, $0.18
1 cup brown rice: 219 calories, 1.5 g fat, 3.5 g fiber, $0.15
1 serving refried black beans: 220 calories, 7.9 g fat, 10.5 g fiber, $0.39
2/3 cup organic mixed baby greens: 5 calories, 0 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.20
1/2 tablespoon olive oil: 60 calories, 6.7 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.06
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar: 0 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.01
TOTALS: 875 calories, 34.4 g fat, 17.6 g fiber, $1.55
PREP TIME: about 15 minutes for everything but the rice, which took another 15 or 20 minutes of waiting

DESSERT
2 tablespoons peanut butter: 190 calories, 16 g fat, 2 g fiber, $0.13
1 piece Light Banana Bread: 197 calories, 3.3 g fat, ~1.7 g fiber, $0.20
TOTALS: 387 calories, 19.3 g fat, 3.7 g fiber, $0.33
PREP TIME: 2 minutes

NOTES

• I scored a 5-ounce clamshell of Earthbound Farms mixed baby greens for $0.99 this week. It was in the markdown bin, presumably because it hit its inspiration date. The greens were perfectly fine, though. So, YAY! Organic greens for less than a buck!
• Our favorite Mexican place makes a dish called Tacos al Pastor, which is basically spicy pork with pineapple. I tried to mimic it with leftover pork and pineapple juice mixed with a little adobo sauce. All considering, it worked well. It’ll never be confused for the real thing, but I’d eat it again and twice on Sunday.
• The refried beans are basically: beans, olive oil, salt and pepper. Heat em, mash ‘em, and *poof*, there you go. Easy and delicious.

Everthing you ever wanted to know about The Bloom Box – the future of home energy? Via Mashable

The Atlantic Monthly asks who has better local produce, Whole Foods or Walmart?

The New York Times takes a contrarian look at dietary salt reform.

Marion Nestle and David Ludwig make the case for banning all front-of-package labels in the month’s Journal of the American Medical Association.

The New York Times on bribery and Big Food.

Dan Gardner continues his critical look at the Olympics – in this week’s column he tackles the cost/benefit of it all.

[BTW - will be on Dr. Barry Dworkin's Sunday House Call radio show tomorrow from 4-5EST chatting about Codex and Canada's drive to fortify the global food supply and taking calls. You can listen online at www.cfra.com]

Phoebe Allens just sent me a message on Facebook.    Great news!    She laid an egg yesterday morning at 6:17 am!    She is using Jade and Julip’s nest from November.    There should be a 2nd egg in a couple days.    They usually take 17 days to hatch.

Streaming live video by Ustream
Phoebe is a Channel Island Allen (S.s. sedentarius) hummingbird in Orange County, California.

Day 3 is almost over, and Snowmageddon 2010 proved to be excellent for slow cooking a pork shoulder. It ultimately yielded about 26 ounces of meat, meaning we have more than enough leftovers to get us through the week. This is excellent, as is the garlicky fragrance wafting through the apartment. Honestly, I think most people buy crockpots for the free deodorizing.

Husband-Elect is feeling “a little peckish, but not weary or whatever.” I see his point. While the $25 project is working well so far, it doesn’t leave a lot of room for grazing. When this is all over, I’m going to sit him in front of the fridge with the door open and let him pick to his heart’s content.

Also, there will be beer. MARK MY WORDS, SWEET MAN.

But first, today’s numbers!

DAY 3 TOTALS: 2613 calories, 78.2 g fat, 37.7 g fiber, $3.43
GRAND PRICE TOTAL (SO FAR): $10.89

BREAKFAST
1-1/2 servings Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal: 526 calories, 16.9 g fat, 11.2 g fiber, $0.60
1 apple: 77 calories, 0.3 g fat, 3.6 g fiber, $0.17
TOTALS: 603 calories, 17.2 g fat, 14.8 g fiber, $0.77
PREP TIME: 8 minutes

LUNCH & SNACK
4 oz pasta: 421 calories, 1.7 g fat, 3.6 g fiber, $0.17
3 tablespoons Ragu: 30 calories, 1 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.09
1/4 bag carrots: 44 calories, 0.2 g fat, 3 g fiber, $0.22
1/4 cup Ellie Krieger’s White Bean Dip: 115 calories, 4.5 g fat, 4 g fiber, $0.28
2 Snickerdoodles: 300, 13.6 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.20
TOTALS: 910 calories, 21 g fat, 12.6 g fiber, $1.07
PREP TIME: during breakfast, plus 3 or 4 minutes

DINNER
5 ounces Tasty Kitchen Puerto Rican Pork: 381 calories, 28.8 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.77
4 ounces No Yolk egg noodles: 420 calories, 1 g fat, 6 g fiber, $0.17
1 tablespoon horseradish: 7 calories, 0.1 g fat, 0.5 g fiber, $0.13
2/3 cup string beans: 30 calories, 0 g fat, 2 g fiber, $0.21
1 clove garlic: 5 calories, 0 g fat, 0.1 g fiber, $0.05
1/2 tablespoon olive oil: 60 calories, 6.7 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.06
TOTALS: 903 calories, 36.7 g fat, 8.6 g fiber, $1.39
PREP TIME: 10 minutes the night before, about 20 the day of

DESSERT
1/10th loaf Light Banana Bread: 197 calories, 3.3 g fat, ~1.7 g fiber, $0.20

NOTES

• It was a starchy day, punctuated by an unexpected request by the Husband-Elect for egg noodles. I was all set to go with a chickpea salad, but the stomach wants what it wants. (Or was that the heart? I forget.)
• Speaking of egg noodles, they were a fantastic bargain this week. Bags were on sale for $1 each, with a coupon for $1 off two. So, $0.50/bag. Noice.
• I made up Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal. It’s mostly, uh, bananas, peanut butter, and oatmeal. Go literal or go home, yo!
• Tomorrow: BACON.

Day 3 is almost over, and Snowmageddon 2010 proved to be excellent for slow cooking a pork shoulder. It ultimately yielded about 26 ounces of meat, meaning we have more than enough leftovers to get us through the week. This is excellent, as is the garlicky fragrance wafting through the apartment. Honestly, I think most people buy crockpots for the free deodorizing.

Husband-Elect is feeling “a little peckish, but not weary or whatever.” I see his point. While the $25 project is working well so far, it doesn’t leave a lot of room for grazing. When this is all over, I’m going to sit him in front of the fridge with the door open and let him pick to his heart’s content.

Also, there will be beer. MARK MY WORDS, SWEET MAN.

But first, today’s numbers!

DAY 3 TOTALS: 2613 calories, 78.2 g fat, 37.7 g fiber, $3.43
GRAND PRICE TOTAL (SO FAR): $10.89

BREAKFAST
1-1/2 servings Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal: 526 calories, 16.9 g fat, 11.2 g fiber, $0.60
1 apple: 77 calories, 0.3 g fat, 3.6 g fiber, $0.17
TOTALS: 603 calories, 17.2 g fat, 14.8 g fiber, $0.77
PREP TIME: 8 minutes

LUNCH & SNACK
4 oz pasta: 421 calories, 1.7 g fat, 3.6 g fiber, $0.17
3 tablespoons Ragu: 30 calories, 1 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.09
1/4 bag carrots: 44 calories, 0.2 g fat, 3 g fiber, $0.22
1/4 cup Ellie Krieger’s White Bean Dip: 115 calories, 4.5 g fat, 4 g fiber, $0.28
2 Snickerdoodles: 300, 13.6 g fat, 1 g fiber, $0.20
TOTALS: 910 calories, 21 g fat, 12.6 g fiber, $1.07
PREP TIME: during breakfast, plus 3 or 4 minutes

DINNER
5 ounces Tasty Kitchen Puerto Rican Pork: 381 calories, 28.8 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.77
4 ounces No Yolk egg noodles: 420 calories, 1 g fat, 6 g fiber, $0.17
1 tablespoon horseradish: 7 calories, 0.1 g fat, 0.5 g fiber, $0.13
2/3 cup string beans: 30 calories, 0 g fat, 2 g fiber, $0.21
1 clove garlic: 5 calories, 0 g fat, 0.1 g fiber, $0.05
1/2 tablespoon olive oil: 60 calories, 6.7 g fat, 0 g fiber, $0.06
TOTALS: 903 calories, 36.7 g fat, 8.6 g fiber, $1.39
PREP TIME: 10 minutes the night before, about 20 the day of

DESSERT
1/10th loaf Light Banana Bread: 197 calories, 3.3 g fat, ~1.7 g fiber, $0.20

NOTES

• It was a starchy day, punctuated by an unexpected request by the Husband-Elect for egg noodles. I was all set to go with a chickpea salad, but the stomach wants what it wants. (Or was that the heart? I forget.)
• Speaking of egg noodles, they were a fantastic bargain this week. Bags were on sale for $1 each, with a coupon for $1 off two. So, $0.50/bag. Noice.
• I made up Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal. It’s mostly, uh, bananas, peanut butter, and oatmeal. Go literal or go home, yo!
• Tomorrow: BACON.