Common human skin bacteria could protect against cancer, say researchers
(Nicola Davis/ The Guardian) — A type of bacteria commonly found on human skin produces a substance that may help protect against skin cancer, researchers have revealed.
The scientists say the surprise discovery regarding a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis highlights the importance of the community microbes found on …
Are varicose veins a warning sign of potentially deadly clots?
(Susan Scutti/ CNN) — Varicose veins may be an early warning sign of potentially deadly blood clots, suggests a study published Tuesday in the journal JAMA.
Enlarged and gnarled varicose veins and deep venous thrombosis, a clot that forms in the deep veins of the body, are strongly associated, the Taiwanese researchers found. …
No link between birth control and depression, study says
(Sandee LaMotte/ CNN) — An analysis of 30 years of research finds no correlation between progestin-only birth control methods and depression, said Dr. Brett Worly, lead author of the new study and OB-GYN at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
“A lot of my patients want to know if their birth control will lead …
Scientists are peeking into the brains of ‘superagers’ to uncover their secrets
(Lauran Neergaard/ Associated Press) WASHINGTON — It’s pretty extraordinary for people in their 80s and 90s to keep the same sharp memory as someone several decades younger, and now scientists are peeking into the brains of these “superagers” to uncover their secret.
The work is the flip side of the disappointing hunt for new drugs to …
Common blood pressure drug may prevent type 1 diabetes
(Honor Whiteman/ Medical News Today) — Researchers from Colorado and Florida have found that a drug commonly used to control blood pressure could have another use: preventing and treating type 1 diabetes.
The new research — co-authored by Dr. Aaron Michels, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado …
Cleaning products linked to poorer lung function
(BBC News) — Regular exposure to cleaning products significantly affects lung function, research has suggested.
The study of 6,000 people by a team from Norway’s University of Bergen, found women appeared to be more badly affected than men.
They said cleaning chemicals were “unnecessary” and microfiber …
New acne diagnoses linked to increased depression risk
(Thomson Reuters) — In the first year after being told by a doctor that they have acne, patients’ risk for a diagnosis of major depressive disorder spikes by more than 60 per cent compared to the general population, according to a new study.
Dermatologists and other doctors treating acne should keep an eye on patients’ mood …
Drinking soda daily may harm your fertility
(David Railton/ Medical News Today) — New research — which has now been published in the journal Epidemiology — finds that drinking one or more sugary drinks each day is linked to reduced fertility, for both men and women.
In the United States, infertility is experienced by around 15 percent of couples, with the annual cost …
Doctors need to play a bigger role in improving medical system: QMA president
(Jacob Serebrin/ Montreal Gazette) — In an open letter published on Friday, the president of of the Quebec Medical Association said he’s now embarrassed to tell people he’s a doctor.
“Recently, I find myself, in taxis, at restaurants, no longer longer daring to say that I am a doctor. When asked the question, I hear my self responding …