A new study on a flock of island sheep says a lifetime of stress can quicken the aging process. Researchers at Edinburgh University, who studied sheep under different conditions, claim that the finding could help understand the aging process in humans. After analyses, researchers found that sheep living in harsh winter conditions tend to be more vulnerable to illness as they get older, suggesting that continuous stress has an effect on long-term health. The researchers learnt that sheep that had suffered most stress in their lives aged faster and found it harder to reproduce or survive than those sheep, which had suffered less stress. From this study, scientist claimed that a man, aged 50 might be healthier than another of the same age depending upon how stressful their lives have been.
Medindia.net, August 17, 2009
The Mediterranean diet such as fruits, nuts, legumes and cereals and fish, with olive oils as the primary source of monounsaturated fat etc. may help people with type 2 diabetes stay off blood sugar-lowering medications, as well as help them lose weight and lower cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers said that Mediterranean diet prevented anti-hyperglycemic drug therapy in about one-third of patients. They also added that the Mediterranean diet had been associated with a number of healthful outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality.
healthday.com, August 31, 2009
Researchers from Harvard School of Public Health found that whole grain foods and foods high in bran bring a boost to heart health. They said that higher intake of whole grains was associated with a lower risk of hypertension. The researchers found that men who ate the highest amount of whole grains were 19 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure compared with men who ate the least amount of whole grains. In addition, the study found that men who ate the most bran reduced their risk of developing high blood pressure by 15 percent compared with men who ate the least bran.
Nlm.nih.gov, August 28, 2009
An experimental tuberculosis vaccine called MVA85A proved safe in a small phase I clinical trial. The study included 12 people with latent tuberculosis infection, which, when re-activated, can cause full-blown TB. It's believed that about a third of the world's population has this latent infection. The participants, who had no other complicating factors, such as hepatitis or HIV, were given the vaccine and then followed for a year. The researchers concluded that the vaccine was safe, did not produce any immunopathology and was immunogenic in the patients. Some participants had side effects that included fever, headache, fatigue and mild concerns at the site of the vaccination.
healthday.com, April 8, 2009
According to a new study, practicing yoga regularly may help your eating habits so you can maintain a healthier weight. The study was based on analysis of a questionnaire about mindful eating habits (such as being distracted by other things while eating or responding to emotional situations with food) and other health and exercise-related factors. Though the average weight of the participants was within normal ranges, people who practiced yoga tended to have a noticeably lower body mass index than those who didn't. Although about half of the new study's participants also engaged in at least 90 minutes of walking or moderate and strenuous exercise, only regular yoga class participation was linked to mindful eating.
HealthScout.com, August 27, 2009
Using skin cells from people with type 1 diabetes, researchers were able to produce cells that made insulin in response to changing blood sugar levels, though not as efficiently as normal insulin-producing cells do. The major immediate implication from this experiment is that scientists now have a preliminary lab model of human type 1 diabetes cells, and the hope is that an animal model of the disease could be developed from this research. This finding could lead to a way to replace the islet cells that were destroyed when the disease first developed.
healthday.com, August 31, 2009
As governments gear up to launch National Vaccination Programmes against swine flu, questions are beginning to emerge about how many people will be prepared to take up the offer of the vaccine. A survey published online this week in the BMJ found that just over half of 8500 healthcare workers in Hong Kong said they would not be vaccinated against swine flu because of fears of side effects and doubts about the vaccine’s effectiveness. Evidence from 11 focus groups conducted in Canada before the current pandemic also indicates that parents and healthcare workers may refuse to be vaccinated or to vaccinate their children if they believe that the risks outweigh the benefits. And a survey by Israel’s ministry of health similarly found that at least 25% of the population is not willing to be vaccinated against swine flu.
Bmj.com, August 26, 2009
Reducing levels of a brain enzyme may curb appetite and boost energy, thereby helping people to control their weight, says a new study. Prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) regulates the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a body chemical that reduces hunger while revving up the body's energy levels. If PRCP enzyme is blocked, alpha-MSH levels stay high and keep appetite in check. The researchers next plan to study how the body regulates PRCP.
healthday.com, July 21, 2009
During the first week of September, a total of 394 new swine flu deaths have been reported around the world (average of 56.3 deaths per day). Brazil topped the list for the fifth consecutive week in number of deaths, with 145 new fatalities reported this week - an increase of 24%. The United States (including territories) had the second highest number of deaths, adding 39 more to their count. India came in third this week, with 30 new deaths, for an increase of 29%. Mexico and Venezuela each reported 23 new deaths, while Peru reported 18, Paraguay reported 11, and Australia added 10 more to the tally. As on today (September 7, 2009), Swine flu has already caused infection to 329976 cases including 3644 deaths worldwide. In India alone, 145 deaths have been reported among 5130 infection cases in the last few months.
Flucount.org, September 7, 2009
