Scientists accidentally discover drug that prevents weight gain in mice
(Maya McDowell/ Delish) — Mice are often tested in scientific studies before humans are, as a precautionary measure. A recent study conducted by Yale researchers yielded some results on mice that humans are definitely going to envy.
The researchers found that (in mice) they could prevent fat absorption in the body by stopping …
Soy may strengthen bones before and after menopause
(Sheena Rice-Missouri/ Futurity) — Soy protein in food might be a way to counter the negative effects of menopause on bone health—and may also have benefits for women who haven’t yet reached menopause, a study with rats shows.
Osteoporosis, decreased physical activity, and weight gain are serious health concerns for postmenopausal …
Some heart, blood pressure drugs containing valsartan recalled
(Canadian Press) — Several heart and high blood pressure drugs that contain valsartan are being recalled because of a substance that can cause cancer.
Health Canada says the medications were supplied by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals of China and that the valsartan used in the affected products contains an impurity known as N-nitrosodimethylamine …
Scientists knew blue light from screens contributed to blindness. Now they know why
(Kristin Houser/ Futurism) — BAD, BAD BLUE LIGHT. When it comes to our eyesight, the various colors of light our eyes are subjected to are far from equal. Blue rays of light, which have shorter wavelengths and more energy than other colors, can damage our eyes over time – they contribute to macular degeneration, the primary …
Ritalin-type drugs best to treat ADHD in children, shows study
(Sarah Boseley/ The Guardian) — Ritalin and other drugs of the same class are the most effective and safest medications to prescribe for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a major scientific review.
The review of ADHD drugs shows that they work, and work well, in spite of concerns among …
Women doctors ‘best for female heart patients’
(BBC News) — Women who have a heart attack are more likely to survive if they are treated by a female doctor in hospital, a major US study suggests.
An analysis of 580,000 heart attack cases over 19 years found 13.3% died after being treated by a man compared with 12% who were cared for by a woman.
Their chances were also improved if treated …
Why Alzheimer’s hits women harder than men
(Laura Oliver/ BBC) — Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015, 75-year-old Brenda Whittle still enjoys jigsaws, sewing and dancing. New activities are less appealing, but participating in Alzheimer’s research and drug trials is an exception. She’s so at ease with loud brain scans, she even falls asleep during them.
Brenda is one …
GMO rice may hold the key to fighting HIV on the cheap
(Alexandru Micu/ ZME Science) — An international team of researchers, with members from Spain, the U.S., and the U.K., plans to fight HIV using only cereal; namely, rice. In a new paper, they describe how they developed a strain of the plant that produces HIV-neutralizing proteins, and how the resulting rice can be used to prevent …
Researchers successfully put bioengineered lungs unto pigs
(Lacy Schley/ Discover) — Ah, to live in a world where we can crank out custom-made organs to meet supply. No need for donors or years-long waiting lists.
We’re still a ways off from that organ utopia, but we’re at least a little closer to bioengineered lungs becoming a reality. On Wednesday, researchers from the University of Texas …