Health News

Association between angiogenic factor secretion by melanocytesa and pigmentation leve

Date: Dec-31-2013
The decreased vision loss that accompanies age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. Frequencies of AMD development are different among racial backgrounds, with occurrence of AMD highest among individuals of mixed European decent. Furthermore, other diseases associated with dysfunctional neovascularization occur at different frequencies depending on racial background, suggesting a connection between pigmentation and susceptibility to angiogenic disease.

One-third of teens do not discuss sexual health with physicians

Date: Dec-31-2013
It is understandable that some teenagers may find it difficult to talk to their doctors about sexual health. But new research suggests that around one-third of adolescents who have annual visits with their physicians do not have conversations about sex or sexuality issues, and that physicians should provide more education and counseling in this area.This is according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

Gene found that 'protects against neurodegenerative diseases'

Date: Dec-31-2013
Scientists from the University of Queensland in Australia say they have discovered that a gene called mec-17 has the ability to protect against adult-onset progressive nerve degeneration. This is according to a study published in the journal Cell Reports.The research team, led by Dr. Brent Neumann of the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at the University of Queensland, say their discovery may one day lead to a cure for a number of neurodegenerative diseases, such as motor neuron disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

New generation visual browser of the epigenome

Date: Dec-31-2013
This is a software application that provides easily interpretable maps from which to analyse and understand the immense volume of epigenetic and genetic data available.The work is the fruit of collaboration between biostatisticians, biocomputational researchers and molecular biologist at IRB Barcelona. The capacity of ChroGPS is described in an article in Nucleic Acids Research.

Retirement-age fitness predicted by high school sports participation

Date: Dec-31-2013
Health behavior researchers have found that fit and healthy young men who participated in high school and college sports were also more likely to be physically active when they reached their 70s.The study analyzed survey responses from 712 veterans who had fought in World War II and gotten through it in good health without wounding. Before conscription into service, all the American men had been screened for good health and fitness.

Task Force says screen high-risk populations for lung cancer

Date: Dec-30-2013
High-risk adults between the ages of 55 and 80 should receive annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography, according to final recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force being published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Heavy smokers or former heavy smokers who have quit within the past 15 years are considered high risk. Smoking is responsible for about 85 percent of lung cancers in the United States. The risk for developing lung cancer also increases with age, with most lung cancers occurring in people age 55 or older.

Hypothyroidism not associated with mild cognitive impairment in study

Date: Dec-30-2013
Hypothyroidism was not associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a study of older patients, according to a report published by JAMA Neurology, a JAMA Network publication. Some evidence has suggested that changes in the endocrine system, including thyroid function, may be linked to the development of Alzheimer disease and other dementias, according to the study background. MCI is thought to be a precursor of Alzheimer disease. Ajay K. Parsaik, M.D.

Study examines minority physicians' role in care of underserved patients

Date: Dec-30-2013
Nonwhite physicians cared for 53.5 percent of minority patients and 70.4 percent of non-English speaking patients in an analysis of medical providers and their role in the care of underserved patients, according to a research letter by Lyndonna M. Marrast, M.D., of the Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Mass., and colleagues. Researchers analyzed data from 7,070 adults in the 2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey who identified a medical provider.

Slow eating may reduce hunger but not calorie intake

Date: Dec-30-2013
It is a well known fact that the more calories one consumes, the more weight is gained. Previous studies suggest that eating speed may affect how many calories the body consumes. But new research suggests that eating speed, rather than caloric intake, may have more of an impact on hunger suppression.This is according to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Diabetics.

Meat, smoking have strongest links to cancer incidence rates

Date: Dec-30-2013
Using 2008 global cancer rates from the World Health Organization, a new international study has found that certain lifestyle factors - specifically smoking and eating diets high in animal products - have the strongest association with cancer rates.Publishing their findings in the journal Nutrients, the researchers say the results could impact international food policies.The investigators looked at cancer rates for 21 different cancers from 157 different countries in 2008 and statistically compared these rates with indices for risk-modifying factors.