Prof. Ahmad Agil Abdalla, the principal investigator of the project. Credit: University of Granada Researchers from the University of Granada, University Hospital La Paz (Madrid) and the University of Texas (USA) have identified a new molecular mechanism underlying the anti-obesity effects of the chronic administration of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone released by the pineal gland...
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New link between gut microbiome and artery hardening discovered
The level of diversity of the ‘good bacteria’ in our digestive systems has been found to be linked to a feature of cardiovascular disease – hardening of the arteries – in new research by experts at the University of Nottingham and King’s College London. The gut microbiome is under increasing scrutiny in medical research as it is known to affect many...
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Neuroprotective molecule could improve memory and cognition, reduce Alzheimer’s degradation
Graphic shows how SERCA activator may improve memory and cognition for Alzheimer’s patients by preserving calcium ion balance in neurons and offering a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration drug development. A Purdue University graduate and a Purdue ResearchPark of Northwest Indiana (NWI) startup have published a research study in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters that identifies a small...
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Spinal surgery for osteoporosis no better for pain relief than injections
Vertebroplasty (surgery to repair spinal fractures) is no more effective for pain relief than a sham (placebo) procedure in older patients with osteoporosis, finds a trial published by The BMJ today. The researchers say their results “do not support vertebroplasty as standard pain treatment in patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures.” Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become weak and more...
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New drug reduces rate of progression of incurable eye disease
An international study has found a way to slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). An international study including researchers from the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) has found a way to slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – one of the most common causes of vision loss...
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VR Opens Up Classic Theme Park Rides to those with Disabilities
Netherlands-based theme park Efteling has created a VR experience of one of their popular non-accessible attractions — allowing disabled visitors to experience the roller coaster as their friends and family do. Droomvlucht, meaning “dream flight” in English, is a magical journey through the mystical realm of fairies and woodland creatures. The attraction is a dark,...
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Lightening is dangerous for those with brain implants
“Try not to get shocked by lightning” is generally sound advice for anyone. But we now know it’s particularly important for one group of people: those with brain implants. Five years ago, doctors implanted electrodes into a Slovenian woman’s brain. These electrodes connected to a device in her chest known as an implantable pulse generator...
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Using diet to stave off diabetes
(HealthDay)—Diabetes has become a worldwide epidemic, but you can protect yourself with a healthier diet. And the same type of diet can help you manage diabetes if you already have it. According to experts at Boston’s Joslin Diabetes Center and the Harvard School of Public Health, specific foods that help reduce your risk include green leafy...
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Drinking more water does not slow decline of kidney function for kidney disease
A new study, published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) by researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University, found that coaching patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) to drink more water does not slow down the decline of their kidney function. “Despite widespread beliefs, little scientific data exists on the optimal amount of...
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Is integrative medicine right for you?
(HealthDay)—Any approach that differs from conventional—or Western—medicine is typically considered complementary and alternative, or CAM. But these practices have become much more mainstream, leading to growth in the health care approach called integrative medicine, which draws on traditional and non-traditional systems tailored to each individual’s needs. The U.S. National Institutes of Health agency that reports on CAM therapies...