Public Health News - SciTechDaily

Researchers Uncover Alarming Link Between Plastic Exposure and Autism in Male Offspring

University of Melbourne — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:06:38 +0000

A common type of plastic has been linked to autism in boys. Researchers at the Florey Institute have discovered higher levels of the plastic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in pregnant mothers who gave birth to sons with autism. The study, published in Nature Communications and led by Florey scientists Dr. Wah Chin Boon and Professor [...]

Scientists Uncover Hidden Mechanism Behind Opioid Addiction – Discovery Could Revolutionize Addiction Treatment

Medical University of South Carolina — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 08:21:50 +0000

Opioid receptors located in the dorsal peduncular nucleus uniquely contribute to the rewarding effects of opioids. Opioids, such as the widely prescribed painkiller oxycodone, are notorious for their high addiction potential. In 2022, opioid overdoses claimed the lives of nearly 85,000 people in the U.S., as reported by the Centers for Disease Control. Despite this, [...]

Lyme Disease Genetic Mapping: The Breakthrough That Could Revolutionize Treatment

The Graduate Center, CUNY — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:00:32 +0000

Researchers at CUNY Graduate Center have conducted an extensive genetic analysis of Lyme disease bacteria, mapping the complete genetic makeup of 47 strains from around the globe. This groundbreaking work could lead to more accurate diagnostic tests and personalized treatments for Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in North America and Europe. The study [...]

The Unexpected Superfood for Diabetes: Scientists Identify New Health Benefits of Potatoes

University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:39:41 +0000

Nutrition sciences professor Neda Akhavan’s recent research identifies potatoes as a potential superfood for individuals with Type 2 diabetes. New research reveals that properly prepared potatoes can offer significant health benefits, including cardiovascular improvements, for people with Type 2 diabetes, challenging their negative dietary reputation. The potato is small enough to fit inside a person’s [...]

Global Surge: Type 1 Diabetes Cases Triple in Elderly

BMJ — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 22:06:19 +0000

While more individuals with type 1 diabetes are achieving longer lifespans, significant worldwide disparities persist in the access to and quality of diabetes care. The number of people aged 65 and older with type 1 diabetes increased from 1.3 million in 1990 to 3.7 million in 2019, while death rates fell 25% from 4.7 per [...]

Low Testosterone in Men Linked to Increased Risk for Death

American College of Physicians — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 16:04:35 +0000

Research on over 24,000 men revealed that low testosterone levels significantly increase the risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular issues, underlining the hormone’s impact on aging men’s health. A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that men with low baseline levels of endogenous serum testosterone face a higher risk of all-cause mortality, with those [...]

A Waste of Money: New Study Reveals That CBD Is Ineffective for Pain Relief

University of Bath — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 18:19:16 +0000

New research suggests that CBD products may not alleviate chronic pain and could be both a financial burden and a potential health risk. New research led by the University of Bath in the UK suggests that CBD products, despite their popularity as an alternative pain treatment, do not alleviate chronic pain and may be both [...]

A Legal Loophole Is Allowing Companies To Include Unsafe Ingredients in US Foods

New York University — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 18:11:42 +0000

The food industry can decide which substances are considered “generally recognized as safe” due to gaps in FDA oversight. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the safety of the U.S. food supply, including setting nutrition labeling standards, collaborating with companies on food recalls, and addressing foodborne illness outbreaks. However, a recent [...]

Better Than the Mediterranean: A New Study Reveals That This Type of Diet Is Best for Weight Loss

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 15:33:07 +0000

A study finds that a low-fat vegan diet cuts down inflammatory AGEs by 73% and leads to significant weight loss, challenging the weight loss superiority often claimed for the Mediterranean diet. New research published in Frontiers in Nutrition by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reveals that a low-fat vegan diet can reduce harmful inflammatory [...]

According to a New Study, Following This Type of Diet Could Slow Biological Aging

University of California - San Francisco — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 03:54:08 +0000

Researchers found that diets high in essential nutrients and low in added sugars can reduce cellular aging, as shown by “epigenetic clock” measurements. High sugar consumption, however, accelerates biological aging, underscoring the importance of a nutrient-rich diet for longevity. Researchers at UC San Francisco have discovered a connection between adhering to a nutrient-rich diet, particularly [...]

At Risk of High Cholesterol? According to Scientists, Try Taking This Popular Supplement

University of Georgia — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 14:45:28 +0000

Research shows that omega-3 supplements can lower the genetic likelihood of elevated cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. Fish oil supplements represent a multi-billion dollar industry both in the U.S. and internationally, with roughly two out of every 25 individuals consuming these popular omega-3 capsules. And a new study from the University of Georgia might encourage a [...]

Cleveland Clinic Warns: This Popular Sugar Substitute May Trigger Heart Issues

Cleveland Clinic — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 20:02:51 +0000

Erythritol, a common artificial sweetener, is found in baked goods, beverages, gum, and candy. Recent research from the Cleveland Clinic indicates that consuming foods containing erythritol, a widely used artificial sweetener, may elevate the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The study, conducted with healthy volunteers, found that erythritol made platelets—blood cells [...]

Better Than Traditional Shots: New Nasal Vaccine Halts COVID-19 Transmission

Washington University School of Medicine — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:55:54 +0000

Research on hamsters suggests that vaccines aimed at the nose and mouth could be crucial in curbing the transmission of respiratory infections. The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines within months of the virus’s emergence was a remarkable achievement of modern science, saving millions of lives. But for all the good they did in reducing illnesses [...]

New Study: Cut LDL Cholesterol With This Simple Diet Swap

Grain Foods Foundation — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 06:13:24 +0000

The cross-over clinical trial examined impacts on the gut microbiota. The recent randomized crossover clinical trial published in the Journal of Nutrition shows that substituting foods made from refined corn flour and corn bran can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 5% to 13.3% within four weeks. The trial compared the impact of whole-grain corn meal, [...]

Safety Warning: 35% of Tattoo Inks Tested Positive for Harmful Bacteria

American Society for Microbiology — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 05:30:52 +0000

New research has discovered bacterial contamination in about 35% of commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks in the U.S., highlighting the importance of enhanced safety measures and continuous monitoring to mitigate health risks. Researchers have discovered both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks. These findings, published in Applied and Environmental [...]

According to Scientists, Eating Less of This Vitamin Could Boost Longevity

Texas A&M AgriLife Communications — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 21:16:41 +0000

New research suggests that lowering dietary folate can enhance metabolic flexibility. In a study published in Life Science Alliance, scientists from Texas A&M AgriLife Research discovered that reducing folate intake can promote healthier metabolisms in aging animal models. This finding challenges the traditional belief that high folate consumption is universally beneficial for health. The study [...]

Study Reveals Pesticides’ Cancer Risk Rivals That of Smoking

Frontiers — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:51:44 +0000

Researchers evaluated the effects of common agricultural pesticides on cancer rates, discovering that the use of these pesticides is linked to a higher risk of cancer. In contemporary agriculture, pesticides are crucial for maintaining high crop yields and ensuring food security. However, these chemicals can negatively impact plant and animal life, as well as pose [...]

Scientists Uncover Alarming Rise in Early-Onset Dementia

University of Eastern Finland — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 04:35:54 +0000

Recent research shows an unexpectedly high rate of early-onset dementia in adults under 65, with particularly significant findings for Alzheimer’s, challenging previous data on the condition’s prevalence. A recent extensive study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Oulu, and Neurocenter Finland investigated early-onset dementia among the working-age population in Finland. This [...]

New Study Reveals Only 1 in 10 Age Gracefully – and Identifies the Key to Success

American Society for Nutrition — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 03:01:53 +0000

Harvard research highlights link between midlife dietary habits and successful aging. A study tracking over 100,000 people for 30 years found that maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats from midlife can significantly enhance the likelihood of aging healthily. The research highlighted that healthy diets not only prevent diseases but [...]

Thought To Be Exclusive to Humans: Scientists Uncover Remarkable Cognitive Skills of Fruit Bats

Tel-Aviv University — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:15:29 +0000

Research on Egyptian fruit bats revealed their capability for memory and planning, challenging the notion that these cognitive abilities are uniquely human. A team of researchers from Tel Aviv University tracked free-ranging Egyptian fruit bats to investigate whether animals possess complex cognitive abilities, previously attributed only to humans. Their study, recently published in Current Biology, [...]

New Research Reveals That Fish Oil Could Help Prevent Alzheimer’s in Certain High-Risk Individuals

Oregon Health & Science University — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 08:21:13 +0000

Clinical trial at OHSU demonstrates significant benefits for individuals with genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s. A clinical trial at Oregon Health & Science University indicates that fish oil supplements may benefit certain older adults who have a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. The study was recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open. The results come [...]

Breakthrough Research Supercharges Naloxone’s Power Against Deadly Opioids

Washington University School of Medicine — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 22:04:31 +0000

Newly identified compound enhances naloxone’s potency and duration, according to a mouse study. The ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S. claims tens of thousands of lives annually. Naloxone, known by its brand name Narcan, has been instrumental in saving numerous lives by reversing opioid overdoses. However, the emergence of new, more potent opioids is making [...]

New Strategies To Combat Dementia: 14 Risk Factors You Can Control

The Lancet — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 15:08:35 +0000

The 2024 Lancet Commission report identifies vision loss and high cholesterol as new risk factors for dementia, adding to 12 others previously known. It emphasizes the importance of early and lifelong management of these factors, including for those with a genetic predisposition to dementia. The report provides 13 recommendations targeting both individuals and governments to [...]

New Cambridge Research: “Love Hormone” Could Help Treat Genetic Obesity and Postnatal Depression

University of Cambridge — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 04:41:54 +0000

A newly identified gene, TRPC5, is linked to obesity, behavioral problems, and postnatal depression, with oxytocin potentially serving as a treatment. Researchers have discovered a gene that, when dysfunctional or absent, may lead to obesity, behavioral issues, and postnatal depression in mothers. This finding, published in the journal Cell, could have significant implications for treating [...]