An antioxidant found in green tea may increase levels of p53, a natural anti-cancer protein, known as the “guardian of the genome” for its ability to repair DNA damage or destroy cancerous cells. Published today in Nature Communications, a study of the direct interaction between p53 and the green tea compound, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), points to […]
Cannabis provides relief for “desperate” endometriosis sufferers
Some women desperate for relief from the chronic pain of endometriosis have found using cannabis provides more effective relief from their symptoms than other over the counter or prescribed medication, a new study reveals. Of the 213 women surveyed who had ever used cannabis – either prescribed or illicit – for their endometriosis symptoms, 170 […]
Cocoa flavanols may boost memory in older people
A clinical trial has shown that in older people, a diet supplemented with cocoa flavanols– naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa beans – may improve performance on a specific memory task. The study is published on Monday 15 February in the journal Scientific Reports. Researchers from Columbia University and New York University recruited 211 healthy […]
Brain changed by caffeine in utero
New research finds caffeine consumed during pregnancy can change important brain pathways that could lead to behavioral problems later in life. Researchers in the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) analyzed thousands of brain scans of nine and ten-year-olds, and revealed changes in the brain structure in children […]
High intake of refined grains linked to higher risk of heart disease and death
High intake of highly processed (refined) grains is associated with higher risk of heart disease and death than whole (unrefined) grains, finds a study published by The BMJ today. Cereal grains, such as oats, rice, barley and wheat make up around 50% of daily caloric intake across the world and up to 70% in low and middle income […]
Biotin supplements caused misleading test results, almost led to unnecessary procedure
A new case report in the Journal of the Endocrine Society documents how a patient’s use of a common biotin supplement, also known as vitamin B7, caused her to have clinically misleading test results, which prompted numerous consultations and unnecessary radiographic and laboratory testing. The patient in the case report took a 5000 mcg dose of biotin […]
Super-agers show resistance to tau and amyloid accumulation
Super-agers, or individuals whose cognitive skills are above the norm even at an advanced age, have been found to have increased resistance to tau and amyloid proteins, according to research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) 2020 Annual Meeting. An analysis of positron emission tomography (PET) scans has shown that […]
Venus flytrap for nuclear waste: New material finds ‘needle in a haystack,’ shows promise for clean-up
Not every object is food to a Venus flytrap. Like the carnivorous plant, a new material developed at Northwestern University permanently traps only its desired prey, the radioactive ion cesium, and not other harmless ions like sodium. The synthetic material, made from layers of a gallium, sulfur and antimony compound, is very selective. The Northwestern […]
High fat diet reduces gut bacteria, Crohn’s disease symptoms
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have shown a high fat diet may lead to specific changes in gut bacteria that could fight harmful inflammation — a major discovery for patients suffering from Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel syndrome, causes debilitating intestinal swelling, cramping, and diarrhea. The disease […]
Pepper Component Hot Enough To Trigger Suicide In Prostate Cancer Cells
Capsaicin, the stuff that turns up the heat in jalapeños, not only causes the tongue to burn, it also drives prostate cancer cells to kill themselves, according to studies published in the March 15 issue of Cancer Research. According to a team of researchers from the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, […]