A potential new treatment combining natural manuka honey with a widely used drug has been developed by scientists at Aston University to treat a potentially lethal lung infection and greatly reduce side effects of one of the current drugs used for its treatment. The findings, which are published in the journal Microbiology, show that the scientists in […]
Burning candles and fumes from cooking is harmful for people with mild asthma
A cosy set table, a nice steak in the pan, and romantic candlelight may sound like the start of a lovely evening. However, a new study from the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University suggests that you should be cautious about inhaling too much of the cosy atmosphere. Karin Rosenkilde Laursen, a postdoc at […]
Paper drinking straws may be harmful and may not be better for the environment than plastic versions
“Eco-friendly” paper drinking straws contain long-lasting and potentially toxic chemicals, a new study has concluded. In the first analysis of its kind in Europe, and only the second in the world, Belgian researchers tested 39 brands of straws for the group of synthetic chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS were found in […]
Animal vs. Plant Protein: These Protein Sources Are Not Nutritionally Equivalent
Consuming equal ounce-equivalent portions of animal-based and plant-based protein foods, as per the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, leads to varying levels of essential amino acid bioavailability in both young and older adults. Protein derived from two-ounce-equivalents (oz-eq) of animal-based foods offers higher bioavailability of essential amino acids (EAA) than the same amount from plant-based sources, according to scientists […]
Indicator of PFAS found in some — but not all — period products
Period products come in a variety of styles — liners, pads, tampons, cups and underwear — to help people feel comfortable during a menstrual bleed. But their labels don’t usually list the ingredients, so consumers don’t know what’s in their product of choice. Now, researchers have analyzed over 100 period products for fluorinated compounds, an […]
A daily dose of yogurt could be the go-to food to manage high blood pressure
Whether it’s a dollop on your morning cereal or a simple snack on the go, a daily dose of yoghurt could be the next go-to food for people with high blood pressure, according to new research from the University of South Australia. Conducted in partnership with the University of Maine, the study examined the associations […]
Billions of nanoplastics released when microwaving baby food containers
The fastest way to heat food and drink might also rank as the fastest route to ingesting massive quantities of minuscule plastic particles, says new research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Experiments have shown that microwaving plastic baby food containers available on the shelves of U.S. stores can release huge numbers of plastic particles — […]
Lipid researcher, 98, reports on the dietary causes of heart disease
A 98-year-old researcher argues that, contrary to decades of clinical assumptions and advice to patients, dietary cholesterol is good for your heart — unless that cholesterol is unnaturally oxidized (by frying foods in reused oil, eating lots of polyunsaturated fats, or smoking). The researcher, Fred Kummerow, an emeritus professor of comparative biosciences at the University […]
One avocado a day helps lower ‘bad’ cholesterol for heart healthy benefits
Move over, apples — research from Penn State suggests that eating one avocado a day may help keep “bad cholesterol” at bay. According to the researchers, bad cholesterol can refer to both oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and small, dense LDL particles. In a randomized, controlled feeding study, the researchers found that eating one avocado a […]
Snap! Crackle! Pop! Electric bug zappers are useless for controlling mosquitoes
If mosquitoes and other insects are taking a bite out of your summer fun, don’t bother with one of those electric bug zappers, says a University of Florida pest control expert. “They are a total waste of money. Bug zappers will not control mosquitoes or other biting insects such as horseflies, dogflies or deerflies,” said […]