UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT A desire for a simpler, cheaper way to do common laboratory tests for medical diagnoses and to avoid “washing the dishes” led University of Connecticut researchers to develop a new technology that reduces cost and time. Their pipette-based technology could also help make certain medical testing available in rural or remote areas where traditional methods might...
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A new pathway for an anti-aging drug
by Morgan Sherburne, University of Michigan In 1972, Easter Island, called Rapa Nui, famous for its moai statues, offered a new wonder: the discovery of the drugrapamycin. Over the past three decades, rapamycin, which was isolated from soil bacteria, has been applied as an immuno-suppressor in a multitude of ways, including to coat coronary stents and to reduce the...
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Proof it’s possible to enhance or suppress memories
Boston University neuroscientist shows that stimulating different parts of the brain can dial up or down a specific memory’s emotional oomph BOSTON UNIVERSITY What if scientists could manipulate your brain so that a traumatic memory lost its emotional power over your psyche? Steve Ramirez, a Boston University neuroscientist fascinated by memory, believes that a small...
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Study shows how diet can prevent a mid-life microbiome crisis and improve brain health
A number of physiological and psychological changes occur as we age, and many studies have shown that our gut microbiome also changes as we grow older. A fascinating new study is suggesting that a shift in gut bacteria in our middle-age could trigger a process that plays a role in cognitive decline in our later...
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How much coffee is too much for the heart?
Published TodayBy Maria CohutFact checked by Jasmin Collier For many people, coffee is the magical brew that kickstarts the day, a much-needed pick-me-up in the afternoon, and sometimes even a well-appreciated digestive after dinner. However, how much coffee is too much? A large new study claims to hold the answer. How much coffee might increase habitual drinkers’...
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Sleeping in Doesn’t Mitigate Metabolic Changes Linked to Sleep Deficit
Rita Rubin, MA JAMA. Published online May 15, 2019. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.4701 One of the first studies to suggest that insufficient sleep can disrupt metabolism came out 2 decades ago. And yet, despite growing evidence that inadequate slumber is a risk factor for obesity and diabetes, approximately a third of US adults sleep fewer than the 7 hours a night recommended by the American Academy...
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Dietary cholesterol or egg consumption do not increase the risk of stroke
UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN FINLAND A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that a moderately high intake of dietary cholesterol or consumption of up to one egg per day is not associated with an elevated risk of stroke. Furthermore, no association was found in carriers of the APOE4 phenotype, which affects cholesterol metabolism...
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Walking and strength training may decrease the risk of dying from liver disease
DIGESTIVE DISEASE WEEK San Diego, Calif. (May 19, 2019) — Physical activity, including walking and muscle-strengthening activities, were associated with significantly reduced risk of cirrhosis-related death, according to research presented at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2019. Chronic liver disease is increasing, partly due to the obesity epidemic, and currently there are no guidelines for the...
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Sleep problems in teenagers reversed in just one week by limiting screen use
EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF ENDOCRINOLOGY Sleep in teenagers can be improved by just one week of limiting their evening exposure to light-emitting screens on phones, tablets and computers, according to findings to be presented in Lyon, at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting, ECE 2019. The study indicates that by simply limiting their exposure to...
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Pinterest homemade sunscreens: A recipe for sunburn
by Nationwide Children’s Hospital Credit: Marina Shemesh/public domain Social media and other online tools have changed the way people seek and share health information. Recent consumer interest in natural, organic, and ethically-made personal care products has led to an increase of shared recipes for homemade products including sunscreen. A new study conducted by researchers at the...