Disturbances of the gut, notably diarrhea, can be a side effect of treatment with antibiotics. New research shows that consuming probiotics can ease symptoms, likely by repopulating the gut with healthful bacteria. Consumption of probiotics (live microorganisms, which may occur naturally in foods such as yogurt, intended to confer a health benefit when consumed) is… [Continue Reading]
Anti-HIV Stem Cells Tested as Treatment in Mouse Models
May 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In a new approach to the treatment of HIV, researchers have tested transplants of stem cells that fight the virus in mice. The transformed cells effectively integrate into the immune system, and develop into a population of immune cells that are not susceptible to the virus. UC Davis Health System researchers are a step closer… [Continue Reading]
Developments in Stem Cell Research Suggest New Treatments for Cystic Fibrosis
April 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Cystic fibrosis is a devastating disease which is characterized by damage to the lungs, leading to their eventual failure, which is lethal. Using advancements in stem cell biology, researchers have now been able to grow lung tissue in the lab that carries cystic fibrosis gene mutations. The work has suggested new approaches to treat the… [Continue Reading]
New Approach to Generating Neural Stem Cells Using Skin Successful
March 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Convincing a group of cells to take on a certain identity, in order to use them to cure diverse diseases, is a major question in biology, and is a hot topic of research. Researchers have now succeeded in finding a shortcut in changing the identity of skin cells into neural stem cells. They have developed… [Continue Reading]
Stem Cells Effective At Restoring Motor Function in Mouse Models of Huntington’s Disease
March 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A major new breakthrough in Huntington’s disease research has been reported. Using stem cells, scientists have been successful at restoring certain connections in the brains of mouse models of the disease, and restoring motor function. Huntington’s disease, the debilitating congenital neurological disorder that progressively robs patients of muscle coordination and cognitive ability, is a condition… [Continue Reading]
Stem Cells Could Create Corneas for Transplant
March 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Cornea transplants are sometimes required to save patients’ vision, but the waiting list for receiving donated tissue is long. Scientist have now reported the creation of a cornea in the laboratory by culturing stem cells and a damaged cornea as a template. A new cornea may be the only way to prevent a patient going… [Continue Reading]
Wade Grindle MD Interview – Learn a Little About the Healing Power of Laugher from Dr Wade Grindle
January 14, 2012 By 7 Comments
Wade Grindle is a board-certified anesthesiologist and blogger. When he’s not helping patients during surgery he’s writing content on two sites: one a straightforward medical blog and the other a medical humor blog. Grindle’s responsibilities are no joke, but his technique is centered on the idea that humor, and ultimately happiness, is one of themost important aspects of the… [Continue Reading]
Compounds in Licorice Fight Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
January 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Researchers studying the properties of licorice, a traditional ingredient in Chinese medicine, report that two components can kill the bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis. The study suggests that the compounds could be used as an anti-bacterial treatment for oral health. Scientists are reporting identification of two substances in licorice — used extensively in Chinese… [Continue Reading]
New Method Invented to Deliver Stem Cells to Damaged Organs
December 28, 2011 By 1 Comment
Stem cells have great therapeutic potential, as they can develop into different tissue types depending on their environment. One difficulty in developing stem cell therapy procedures is how to deliver the cells to the needed location in the body. A new advance in this field has created a system involving attaching tiny magnetic nanoparticles to… [Continue Reading]
Idea of Vitamin B12 Therapy For Stroke and Heart Attack Revisited
December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Previously, vitamin therapy with vitamin B12 was thought to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, but the idea had fallen out of mainstream medical thought. The idea isn’t dead, though, with some calling for research to revisit the issue. A commentary by Dr. David Spence of The University of Western Ontario and Dr…. [Continue Reading]