The incidence of depression is higher in women suffering from migraines, a new study has demonstrated. The work examined thousands of women, and found that those having a history of any type of migraine had a 40% greater chance of developing depression. The finding suggests that there may be a common cause between the two… [Continue Reading]
Correlation Found Between Suffering from Migraines and Depression
February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Breastfeeding Mothers Should Limit Caffeine Consumption
February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Doctors are reminding mothers that caffeine is transmitted through breastmilk, and may have consequences for their baby’s behavior. A recently published interview with a breastfeeding expert has raised questions about how babies metabolize caffeine, highlighting gaps in the research literature. Babies are not able to metabolize or excrete caffeine very well, so a breastfeeding mother’s… [Continue Reading]
Fructose May Not Deserve Bad Reputation in Weight Gain and Obesity
February 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
An increasing consumption of fructose has been singled out as a contributing factor to weight gain and obesity, but a new study suggests that it may simply be a too-high total calorie intake to blame. Is fructose being unfairly blamed for the obesity epidemic? Or do we just eat and drink too many calories? Researchers… [Continue Reading]
Mutated Protein in Parkinson’s Disease Leaves Neurons Unprotected
February 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A genetic mutation in a protein required to protect neurons is linked to Parkinson’s disease, and new research has shown the precise molecular function of the protein. Understanding the function of the protein, called DJ-1, is an essential first step in potentially altering its function with drugs to prevent neurodegeneration. Purdue University researchers revealed how… [Continue Reading]
Mutant Protein Underlies Abnormal Fat Metabolism and Obesity
February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Genetic studies have revealed a protein that has a critical role in the processing of fat in the diet. Mutations in the gene encoding the protein are linked to the incidence of obesity, and work in mouse models has shown that the protein acts as a receptor to sense the levels of fat in the… [Continue Reading]
Nursing Home Visits Reduces Hosptial Use by Asthmatic Children
February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A community program developed to improve the care of children with asthma has shown remarkable success, according to a study of the program published today. The initiative involves home visits by nurses, and significantly reduced the frequency of hospital visits by asthmatic kids. Nearly 1 in 10 children have asthma, according to government statistics, and… [Continue Reading]
Differences in the Brain Structures of Autistic Children Are Detectable From Six Months of Age
February 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Differences in the brains of autistic children are detectable from a very early age, according to a new study. Scientists performed imaging of brain activity in infants at high risk of developing the disease, and found certain differences in the way the brains of children that go on to become autistic are structured. A new… [Continue Reading]
Changes in Brain Activity Correlate With Heavy Drinking
February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Studies of brain activity in young people that drink heavily have revealed a number of worrying differences, according to a new study. Scientists imaging the activation of different brain centers have found that areas that are activated when a risk is present have reduced activity in heavy drinkers, suggesting they may not perceive the risks… [Continue Reading]
Replacing Soft Drinks Has Major Impact on Weight Loss
February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Switching calorie- and sugar-laden soft drinks with lower calorie options can strongly boost weight loss, researchers say. A new study examined different groups of people trying to lose weight, who were advised to switch their usual beverage. Those who switched to water showed the greatest improvement in weight and health, while switching to diet soda… [Continue Reading]
Turmeric Compound Helps Extend Life in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In a model of Alzheimer’s disease using fruit flies as a model, researchers have found that the compound curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric, can extend lifespan and mobility. While scientists saw no reduction in protein plaques in the brain, thought to be a significant cause of symptoms, they reduced the quantities of a… [Continue Reading]