Breast Milk May be Protective Against Devastating Intestinal Disorder
Growth factor found in breast milk may be protective against devastating intestinal disorder of newborn infants
Gut Flora Influences HIV Immune Response
Normal microorganisms in the intestines appear to play a pivotal role in how the HIV virus foils a successful attack from the body’s immune system, according to new research from Duke Medicine.The study, published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, builds on previous work…
Ebola Protein Blocks Early Step in Body’s Counterattack on Virus
Findings Provide Framework for New Drug Development Efforts One of the human body’s first responses to a viral infection is to make and release signaling proteins called interferons, which amplify the immune system response to viruses. Over time, many viruses have evolved to undermine interferon’s…
Regular Marijuana Use Bad for Teens’ Brains
Psychology and public health experts weigh in on potential effects of legalization on youth Frequent marijuana use can have a significant negative effect on the brains of teenagers and young adults, including cognitive decline, poor attention and memory, and decreased IQ, according to psychologists discussing…
Air Pollution May Affect Levels of Obesity-Related Hormone
Higher Exposure to Traffic Pollutants Linked to Increased Leptin Levels
Study: Viral Infection in Nose Can Trigger Middle Ear Infection
Middle ear infections, which affect more than 85 percent of children under the age of 3, can be triggered by a viral infection in the nose rather than solely by a bacterial infection, according to researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Reduced Testosterone Tied to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure
Phthalates found in plastics could block hormone involved in sexual, cognitive function Men, women and children exposed to high levels of phthalates – endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and some personal care products – tended to have reduced levels of testosterone in their blood compared…
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Reduces Colorectal Cancer Incidence, Rate of DeathFlexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Reduces Colorectal Cancer Incidence, Rate of Death
Among about 100,000 study participants, screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy resulted in a reduced incidence and rate of death of colorectal cancer, compared to no screening, according to a study in the August 13 issue of JAMA. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly occurring cancer…
Delay in Correcting A-Fib Linked With Increased Complications
A delay of 12 hours or longer to correct an abnormal cardiac rhythm from atrial fibrillation was associated with a greater risk of thromboembolic complications such as stroke, according to a study in the August 13 issue of JAMA.In 1995, practice guidelines recommended a limit…
Preparation Takes the Sting Out of Childhood Vaccinations
Shots hurt. But there’s a lot parents can do to ease kids’ pain and anxiety about vaccinations. From early childhood through adolescence, the most important thing is to explain to kids an age-appropriate way that the shots can keep them healthy, says Rita John, director…
What Are the Advantages of Being Married to a Physician?
University of Michigan Medical School study shows strategies for success amid career demands Physicians tend to marry later and their marriages last longer even as they face the challenges, like others with demanding professions, of giving time and attention to their partners and families.The University…
Clinical Practice Guidelines: Trying to Get them Right the First Time
Penn researchers perform a critical analysis of the guideline-development process The common thought in the medical community is that the randomized, controlled trial is the gold standard in medical research. Findings from these studies are thought to be most reliable and are often endorsed by…