Category: Health News

Researchers discover a way to peer inside proteins to see how they are wired: The technique could help scientists develop methods for switching on or off specific proteins associated with diabetes and other diseases

The proteins in our bodies are sophisticated structures that perform specific jobs to keep us functioning and healthy. In many cases, these tiny machines are switched on or off through a two-step process where one part of the protein sends messages to another part called the “active site,” triggering the protein to start or stop

Mapping the genetic controllers in heart disease: A 3D map of the gene interactions that play a significant role in cardiovascular disease could lead to new treatment and prevention strategies

Researchers have developed a 3D map of the gene interactions that play a key role in cardiovascular disease, a study in eLife reports. The map will help researchers identify the most important genes to focus on for the development of new treatments for heart attacks, heart failure and heart rhythm disorders. More than 500 genetic

TECH Parenting Can Limit Negative Impact of Media on Kids

TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 — The talk, educate, co-view, and house rules (TECH) parenting framework can promote positive and specific media parenting behaviors that could help mitigate the potential negative impacts of media consumption for youth, according to an article published in the July issue of Pediatrics. Joy Gabrielli, Ph.D., from Dartmouth College in Hanover,

Shift Work Is Messing With Your Digestive Health, Study Says

It’s well established that irregular shift work can wreak havoc on your body clock, but new research has highlighted just how much it can impact your gut function. This is a factor that could play a significant role in your risk of developing a range of metabolic diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. For the laboratory-controlled, simulated

What's the Difference Between An STD and An STI?

Think back to when you first heard the term sexually transmitted disease (STD). Middle school, right? Probably in a classroom where giggles and darting eyes abounded, sandwiched between information on where babies come from and the lowdown on your period. But fast-forward a few years (to, like, now) and all of a sudden everyone is

Multivitamins do not promote cardiovascular health

Taking multivitamin and mineral supplements does not prevent heart attacks, strokes or cardiovascular death, according to a new analysis of 18 studies published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, an American Heart Association journal. “We meticulously evaluated the body of scientific evidence,” said study lead author Joonseok Kim, M.D., assistant professor of cardiology in the

Teen crash risk highest during first three months after getting driver’s license: Study uses software and cameras to monitor teen driving behaviors

Teenage drivers are eight times more likely to be involved in a collision or near miss during the first three months after getting a driver’s license, compared to the previous three months on a learner’s permit, suggests a study led by the National Institutes of Health. Teens are also four times more likely to engage

Brain arousal compound noradrenaline plays critical role in sensory perception: Discovery paves way for detecting situations of dangerous lapses and for improving anesthesia protocols

Being aware of our surroundings is a fundamental aspect of our existence. But what in our biological makeup determines how we access and interpret the endless stream of information around us? A new Tel Aviv University study published in Current Biology suggests that noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter responsible for arousal in the brain, plays a vital

Finding work a struggle in the heat? Scientists discover why

Warning to office managers during the heatwave: Scientists discover workers in offices without air conditioning are slower as soaring temperatures make it harder for the brain to work and affect memory Office workers may be finding work a struggle during the ongoing heatwave But that is not because they would rather be on the beach,

High rates of Salmonella contamination ID’d in kratom

(HealthDay)—High rates of Salmonella contamination have been identified in kratom products collected and tested since February 2018, according to a statement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified an outbreak of illnesses due to Salmonella initially involving 24 people, a high proportion of whom reported

Warm handoffs do not improve attendance at behavioral health intake appointments

In programs that integrate behavioral health services into primary care, “warm handoffs,” in which primary care clinicians introduce patients to behavioral health professionals, are commonly used. Researchers at Boston Medical Center have found that warm handoffs are not associated with improved attendance at behavioral health intake appointments. It has been theorized that warm handoffs could

CDC: wildfire smoke poses health risks

(HealthDay)—Wildfire activity continues to increase throughout the western states, as well as in Alaska, Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas, but there are steps those living in wild fire areas can take to minimize smoke exposure. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoke from wildfires can be harmful to eyes and respiratory systems,

Sarah Hyland Puts Her #ScarsOnDisplay With Inspiring Bikini Snap

Sarah Hyland has revealed the scars that have come from her lifelong battle with kidney dysplasia in an inspiring bikini selfie. The Modern Family star shared a snap from her recent 4th of July celebration with the empowering hashtag #ScarsOnDisplay. While there were some body shaming comments (naturally, this is the internet after all) there were

Parents Urged to ‘Look Before You Lock’ Cars

MONDAY, July 9, 2018 — With 21 confirmed child vehicular heatstroke deaths already recorded this year in the United States, KidsAndCars.org is urging parents to be extra vigilant during changes in routine brought about by summer holidays. On average, 37 children die in hot cars in the United States every year. In 2017, 43 young

New patch boosts brightness in medical diagnostic tests

Fluorescence-based biosensing and bioimaging technologies are widely used in research and clinical settings to detect and image various biological species of interest. While fluorescence-based detection and imaging techniques are convenient to use, they suffer from poor sensitivity. For example, when a patient carries low levels of antigens in the blood or urine, the fluorescent signal