None of the mutations currently documented in the SARS-CoV-2 virus appear to increase its transmissibility in humans, according to a study led by UCL researchers. The analysis of virus genomes from over 46,000 people with COVID-19 from 99 countries is published today in Nature Communications. First and corresponding author Dr Lucy van Dorp (UCL Genetics Institute) […]
Zinc helps against infection by tapping brakes in immune response
New research suggests that zinc helps control infections by gently tapping the brakes on the immune response in a way that prevents out-of-control inflammation that can be damaging and even deadly. Scientists determined in human cell culture and animal studies that a protein lures zinc into key cells that are first-responders against infection. The zinc […]
Big Tobacco knew radioactive particles in cigarettes posed cancer risk but kept quiet
Tobacco companies knew that cigarette smoke contained radioactive alpha particles for more than four decades and developed “deep and intimate” knowledge of these particles’ cancer-causing potential, but they deliberately kept their findings from the public, according to a new study by UCLA researchers. The analysis of dozens of previously unexamined internal tobacco industry documents, made […]
Healthy sleep habits help lower risk of heart failure
Adults with the healthiest sleep patterns had a 42% lower risk of heart failure regardless of other risk factors compared to adults with unhealthy sleep patterns, according to new research published today in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation. Healthy sleep patterns are rising in the morning, sleeping 7-8 hours a day and having no […]
Research adds evidence that weed killer glyphosate disrupts hormones
New research is adding worrisome evidence to concerns that the widely used weedkilling chemical glyphosate may have the potential to interfere with human hormones. In a paper published in the journal Chemosphere titled Glyphosate and the key characteristics of an endocrine disruptor: A review, a trio of scientists concluded that glyphosate appears to have eight out of ten key characteristics associated […]
Eco-friendly leather made from cactus
With the purpose of creating an alternative to animal leather, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, both hailing from Mexico, developed vegan leather made with nopal (a cactus), which they successfully showcased last October 2019 in Milan, Italy. After two years of research and development, the creators could finally finish marketable cactus leather in July […]
Temperature checks not very effective in detecting COVID-19 infection in symptom screenings
Temperature and COVID-19 symptom checks like the ones used at schools and doctor’s offices have again proved inadequate for spotting coronavirus infections and preventing outbreaks. A study of Marine recruits found that despite these measures and strict quarantines before they started training, the recruits spread the virus to others even though hardly any of them […]
Zinc Citrate Absorption Superior to Oxide
According to new research published online in The Journal of Nutrition*, zinc citrate showed superior absorption compared to zinc oxide and was on pair with the nutritional benchmark zinc gluconate. Despite of the benefits of zinc citrate over soluble zinc salts concerning zinc content and more neutral taste, no human absorption data was available to […]
Could Vitamin D Save Us From Radiation?
Radiological health expert Daniel Hayes, Ph.D., of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene suggests that a form of vitamin D could be one of our body’s main protections against damage from low levels of radiation. Writing in the International Journal of Low Radiation, Hayes explains that calcitriol, the active form of […]
Chess skill is linked to intelligence
Intelligence — and not just relentless practice — plays a significant role in determining chess skill, indicates a comprehensive new study led by Michigan State University researchers. The research provides some of the most conclusive evidence to date that cognitive ability is linked to skilled performance — a hotly debated issue in psychology for decades […]