Over-consumption of and craving for salt may be explained by its mood-enhancing qualities.
A study by Professor Peter Rogers of Bristol University argues that, while
people readily admit to being "chocoholics", chocolate is not truly addictive and there is an alternative explanation
for this ubiquitous craving.
Very high doses of
antioxidant polyphenols (commonly found in red wine, fruits, vegetables, and green tea) shut down and prevented
cancerous tumors by inhibiting new blood vessel formation. Conversely, at relatively low doses they play a beneficial
role in cardiac and circulatory diseases by facilitating blood vessel growth.
Mediterranean diet appears to be associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's.
Significant differences in cancer rates between northern and southern
Europeans may be explained by the anti-cancer effects of olive oil in the diet.
Soaking potatoes in water before frying can reduce levels of acrylamide, a naturally occurring chemical
formed when starch-rich foods are cooked at high temperatures.
Research by Kaiser Permanente presented at the recent European Cancer
Conference (ECCO 14) has found that increased risk of breast cancer is related to alcohol itself and the
quantity drunk rather than the type.
The results of a large randomized trial recently published on bmj.com
indicate that prolonged or exclusive breastfeeding fails to protect against development of asthma and allergies
in later life.
A diet rich in fish and "fruity vegetables" such as tomatoes, aubergines, cucumber, green beans and courgettes can
reduce childhood asthma and allergies.
A recent study concludes that
lycopene, an antioxidant predominately found in tomatoes, is not effective in preventing prostate cancer.
A new study by a number of co-authors published in the October issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental
Research examines how helpful parents may be in assessing their children's alcohol
and/or drug use and abuse. Findings indicate that they do not provide valuable
information because they are often unaware of it.
Specific genetic pathways have been identified that drive the aging process in worms.
Humans and rhesus macaque
monkeys share tendencies towards nepotism and political maneuvering.
Religion plays a major role in adult Americans' view of
evolution with only about 40 per cent accepting the basic concept, much lower than any country in Europe.
Female rhesus monkeys use particular vocalizations while interacting with their babies comparable to the way humans use motherese
or baby talk.
Analysis identified 182 species of bacteria on human skin of which 8 per cent
were previously unknown.
The shell of the little known Cyphochilus beetle could hold the answer to manufacture of brilliant white ultra-thin materials.
A set of 50 genes can reliably identify
all four types of breast cancer, potentially enabling personalized therapy for individual patients.
Radical change to traditional hospital management
is a key factor, producing significant improvements in patient and employee satisfaction.
Almost one half of patients with heart failure have memory failure and other
problems in cognitive functioning.
American adults have a higher prevalence of stroke than Europeans, due in part to a higher rate of risk
factors and barriers to health care in the United States.
A review into the effectiveness of regular breast self-examination concludes that despite its promotion in health advice to
women there is no evidence that it has contributed to a reduction in breast cancer deaths.
Chronic insomnia severely impacts future health and functioning of youths.
Blocking the influence of major stress hormones may improve the outcome of cancer surgery.
People with acne who are highly anxious about their condition report being less likely to get involved in
sport or exercise.
Longstanding anxiety significantly
increases the risk of heart attack in men, even when other common risk factors are taken into account.
Abstinence from alcohol and drugs is only the initial stage in recovery for
people with substance abuse disorders.
A recent commentary arguing against routine screening for dementia by physicians
working in primary care settings has been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association
Using negotiation skills to help clinicians handle requests from family members not to reveal bad news to a patient.
Older adults can achieve significant health improvements with simple and realistic lifestyle changes.
Nearly 20 per cent of human cancers result from pre-existing viral infections.
Child health psychologists should play a greater role in development of positive
lifestyles thus contributing to adult disease prevention.
A report from the American Cancer Society estimates that 2007 saw over 12 million
new cancer cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths (about 20,000 a day) worldwide. Of these, 5.4 million cases and 2.9
million deaths occurred in economically developed countries, compared to 6.7 million cases and 4.7 million deaths in
developing economies.
About 3.4 million Americans over the age of 70 (13.9 per cent)
suffer from some form of dementia of whom about 2.4 million (9.7 per cent) have Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Health Services Research has shown that spouses often
mirror each other's positive health behaviors and that intervention programs should be designed with a broader
perspective than the individual patient.
A review of research into the relationship between stress and disease has
found that stress is a contributing factor particularly in triggering or worsening depression, cardiovascular disease
and speeding progression of HIV/AIDS.
A study shows no evidence that legalization of physician-assisted suicide results in disproportionate numbers of vulnerable
people dying prematurely.
Chaotic personal circumstances may
significantly inhibit access to health care for HIV-positive people living in poverty.
The perception of stroke among health professionals and the public must be
changed so that it is viewed as a condition requiring emergency treatment.
A situation in which NICE employs an unsubstantiated range to assess
cost effectiveness and others within UK healthcare make no use of any such threshold is not conducive to efficiency and
fairness in the NHS.
The further patients with life-threatening conditions have to travel by ambulance to reach emergency care,
the more likely they are to die, with people suffering respiratory problems at greatest risk.
Two recent studies have investigated the role of exercise in breast cancer risk,
treatment and rehabilitation.
More Health Articles