High Fructose Corn Syrup

I have been detecting a bit of concern about high fructose corn syrup in my local atmosphere (gas chromatography, of course), and there is a simple solution: avoid regular indulgence, as you would for popcorn balls, frosting and jolly ranchers.  However, small amounts are extremely unlikely to cause any harm (Please note that as a scientist I have been trained not to make absolute statements.  There is always the possibility that new information will come along, even for very well-established theories like "gravity").  Be rational.  Read widely.  You should neither let those who enjoy fanning flames keep you from enjoying your life, nor let those intent on obscuring truth keep you from making good decisions. 

For a recent review of the current state of the debate about high fructose corn syrup take a look at this publication: Fructose and Cardiometabolic Disorders: the controversy will, and must, continue by Wiernsperger, Geoloen and Rapin from October 2010. Nice work gentlemen, and very much appreciated.  Another review has been published this month by Dekker et al., but I don't yet have access.  Thanks to all for their work in this area.

For a well-crafted response from the Corn Syrup interests click this link.  Wiernsperger et al., Dekker et al. . . . it will be hard to compete.

In the Darkness before Science

We lost power last night, coming home to a darkening house, cold and quiet, fumbled for belongings to pack in bags for the drive to a friend's house.  It reminded me very much of the times we were homeless when my daughter was small and it was just the two of us.  The home in which we sought sanctuary was dark and quiet too, but only because I couldn't figure out the lights.  We sat together my blonde girl, who towers over me now, and I.  I asked her what she remembered of those days.  "I don't remember much from back then, Mom.  But I remember the cold and the darkness, and being alone together, and talking.  And it was nice.  I feel good now too".