A blood test for Alzheimer’s? It’s coming, scientists report
(Gina Kolata/ New York Times) — For decades, researchers have sought a blood test for beta amyloid, the protein that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Several groups and companies have made progress and, on Aug. 1, scientists at Washington University in St. Louis reported that they had devised the most sensitive blood test yet.
The …
Plant-based diet may reduce cardiovascular death risk by 32%
(Ana Sandoiu/ Medical News Today) — New research adds to the mounting body of evidence that eating more plant-based foods and fewer animal ones may contribute to a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.
Not only is eating fewer animal products good for the planet, but it is also good for your health, as more and more studies suggest. …
Can bananas help you lose weight?
(Beth Sissons/ Medical News Today) — Bananas are a healthful addition to a balanced diet, as they provide a range of vital nutrients and are a good source of fiber.
Although eating bananas cannot directly lead to weight loss, some of the properties of these fruits may help a person reduce bloating, control their appetite, and replace processed …
Go easy on caffeine during pregnancy, for the sake of your baby’s liver: study
(Robert Preidt/ HealthDay News) — No matter how tired you get during your pregnancy, a new animal study suggests that countering your fatigue with too much coffee might harm your baby.
Female rats that were given caffeine during pregnancy had offspring with lower birth weights, altered growth and stress hormone levels, and impaired …
The vaccine whisperers: Quebec counsellors gently engage new parents before their doubts harden into certainty
(Eric Boodman/ Stat) SHERBROOKE, Québec — As a mother, Marie-Hélène Étienne-Rousseau wasn’t dead-set against vaccination, in a mind’s-made-up, won’t-even-talk-about-it sort of way. But she was vociferous enough to have the nurses worried. Again and again, she’d explain that she’d read plenty online. That she’d heard frightening …
Testosterone replacement therapy effects: increase stroke and heart attack risks for men
(Darwin Malicdem/ Medical Daily) —Testosterone plays a significant role in a man’s development from muscle and bone mass to sexual functions. However, this hormone offers benefits when balanced but poor levels in the body could lead to health problems.
Low testosterone levels affect many men across the world. In the U.S., 2 in every …
Vitamin A linked to lower risk of common skin cancer
(Sumbo Bello/ Edgy) — Ever considered adding another layer of sunscreen to help with skin cancer? While that’s not entirely a bad idea, getting more Vitamin A could also help.
In a study of about 125,000 Americans, researchers found that people with the highest Vitamin A intake has a 15 percent lower risk of squamous cell skin cancer. What’s …
WHO says e-cigarettes, ‘smoke-free’ products do not help reduce cancer
(Reuters) — Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are not helping fight cancer, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, urging smokers and governments not to trust claims from cigarette firms about their latest products.
The seventh “WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic” said blocking the industry’s …
Nurture a healthy gut to avoid Parkinson’s
(Juhi Kumari/ The Health Site) — Gut infection can lead to a pathology resembling Parkinson’s disease, says a recent study published in the journal Nature. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic nervous system disorder. Tremor, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements, changes in speech …