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From CAT Scan to Dog Nose
Three years ago, Mike Holman’s pet Labrador wouldn’t stop sniffing at a sore on Holman’s leg. This dog’s interest prompted Holman to visit his M.D. – where he learned he had skin cancer. Could dogs be the latest tool for cancer detection, up there with CAT scans and X rays? Researchers are having some early success: A dog in Florida detected melanoma correctly in four of seven patients. Surgeons at the University of Cambridge plan to test dogs’ ability to detect prostate cancer by sniffing urine. Dogs can detect odors up to 100,000 times better than humans, and researchers hope to train them to identify cancerous cells, which have a unique chemical composition.
Animal House – Redecorating? Don’t let it go to the dogs….
Having a dog doesn’t mean you have to live in a kennel. If you’re remodeling, here are some great ways to fight Spot’s spots.
Hide the Hair
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Buying new furniture?
Try patterned upholstery. “Solids show hair and oil stains from your pet’s coat,” says Missouri designer Marilyn Raines. If you gotta have solids, avoid dark tones with a light-haired pet and vice versa.
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Snag
Stoppers
The most stain- and snag-resistant furniture fabrics are tightly woven materials such as canvas or linen. A good synthetic choice is Crypton, which is designed for commercial interiors. Most stores don’t carry it, so you’ll need to work with an interior designer. Another option is Ultrasuede, a polyester microfiber with a soft, highly durable texture.
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Rug
Addicts
If you’re getting new carpet, ask about DuPont’s SpillNet: a
thin material that’s installed under a carpet to stop liquids from seeping into the padding. If hair is the problem, try seagrass rugs. They are easy to vacuum because they don’t hold onto dirt particles.
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