HEALTH SECRET

The loss of social memories caused by sleep deprivation could potentially be reversed using currently available drugs, according to a study in mice presented today (Friday) at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2024. Read More

A year of treatment with a medicine made of an antibody and chemotherapy drug has proven highly effective in preventing stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer from recurring in patients, a team led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers has found. http://dlvr.it/T8tCqd

New research suggests that most plant-based meat alternatives are healthier for your heart than the real thing. Anastasiya Mihailovna/Getty Images * A new study indicates that plant-based meats can be good for your heart. * They were found to be linked with reduced cardiovascular risk factors. * However, another says ultra-processed plant-based foods appear to increase risk. * The discrepancy may lie in whether foods are high in sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. * It’s important to read labels on processed plant-based foods to avoid these. While one recent study indicates that plant-based ultra-processed foods might increase the risk of heart disease and early death, a systematic review and meta-analysis, including 12 controlled trials, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) might be an exception, actually helping to improve cardiovascular health. According to the study, while the nutritional...

Researchers determined the relationship between loneliness and incident stroke risk in the United States. http://dlvr.it/T8rFH6

Macrophages play a critical role in the immune system by fighting infections and aiding in tissue repair. Understanding how these cells are activated in different scenarios is important for developing new medical treatments. However, identifying and studying macrophage activation has been challenging due to the complex nature of these cells and their responses. http://dlvr.it/T8qrkF

A new study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) describes the outcome of a new approach to testing for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), guided by the principles of diagnostic stewardship. At Memorial Health care System in Hollywood, Fla., revised rules for when C. diff tests could be ordered helped to reduce inappropriate testing by 20%, which in turn can help rein in the overtreatment of patients. Read More

One in six integrated care boards (ICBs) in England have stopped accepting new patients for specialist weight management services as their referral numbers spiral out of control, an investigation by The BMJ has found. http://dlvr.it/T8qHbZ

/ /> Requesting simple swaps when you order can help you reduce calories and sugar while improving the nutritional value of Starbucks’ three new summer menu drinks. Photography courtesy of Starbucks * Starbucks has added three new drinks to its summer menu.  * These drinks are high in sugar and calories, but you can make them healthier with a few simple swaps.  * Experts recommend choosing a smaller size, adding extra ice or water, and opting for light lemonade.  Starbucks has introduced three new drinks to its summer menu this season.  The rollout includes a trio of Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers beverages. They feature a layer of new popping raspberry-flavored pearls that add a burst of fruity flavor. New drinks are:  * Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers Beverage: It features a blend of raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry flavors, shaken with ice and poured over a layer of popping raspberry-flavored pearls.  * Summer-...

The warm summer weather can make adults feel like kids again. The Weekend Warrior comes roaring out, and the excitement and bursts of exertion can lead to a very common injury among that group: Achilles tendinitis. Read More

Research in nonhuman primates is opening the possibility of testing treatments for the early stages of Alzheimer’s and similar diseases, before extensive brain cell death and dementia set in. http://dlvr.it/T8nCX2

Even though there is substantial variability in the contents and nutritional profiles of plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs), the nutritional profiles tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern. A review article of the available studies directly comparing the impact of plant-based and animal-based meats consistently suggests that the plant-based alternatives improve cardiovascular risk factors. http://dlvr.it/T8mtr5

Los Angeles County supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to buy up and forgive millions of dollars in medical debt as part of a comprehensive plan to tackle a $2.9 billion burden that weighs on almost 800,000 residents. http://dlvr.it/T8mgKd

New research finds that ketamine may be a more effective treatment for severe depression than electroconvulsive therapy. damircudic/Getty Images * A new study compares ketamine with electroconvulsive therapy in people with treatment-resistant depression. * The researchers identify subsets of people who respond better to ketamine and vice versa. * This study will help guide a more personalized treatment of the condition. Antidepressants are not effective for all people. Treatment-resistant depression refers to someone who has tried two or more drugs without adequate improvement. Currently, there is a focus on personalizing treatment plans to increase the chances that the next type of treatment will work for these people. In a recent study, scientists compared intravenous (injected) ketamine with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in people with treatment-resistant depression. While both are common treatments for the condition, they only work in approximately h...

We get healthy dietary fiber from consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. But why is fiber so good for us? A team of researchers has discovered that dietary fiber plays a crucial role in determining the balance between the production of healthy and harmful substances by influencing the behavior of bacteria in the colon. http://dlvr.it/T8l2gj

Using animals to study heart disease doesn't always translate well to human health outcomes, and human heart cells available for research don't work outside the human body. http://dlvr.it/T8kfx5

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discover a link between birthweight and the risk of health complications from obesity during childhood. http://dlvr.it/T8kLwj

Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images * The FDA has granted accelerated approval to a novel drug for the treatment of a rare autoimmune disease that damages the liver. * Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) occurs when the immune system attacks the bile ducts, leading to liver damage and other serious health outcomes. * Treatment options for PBC are limited and frequently not well-tolerated by patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has just approved a first-in-class drug for the treatment of a rare autoimmune liver disease. On June 10th, the FDA granted accelerated approval to the drug Iqirvo (elafibranor) to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). PBC is a rare autoimmune liver condition in which the small bile ducts in the liver are inflamed and damaged, causing bile and toxins to build up. As the bile collects in the liver, it damages the surrounding tissue, which can lead to severe health problems like cirrhosis of the liver and destruction of th...

Long-term care residents whose primary language was a language other than English and French were less likely to visit the emergency department, be hospitalized or die when their family doctor spoke their language, according to new research from ICES. http://dlvr.it/T8jcR1

In coordinated raids last September, multiple California agencies stormed a network of illegal cannabis-growing warehouses across Oakland while state cannabis regulators singled out a salmon-colored warehouse complex surrounded by 7,000-volt security fencing. http://dlvr.it/T8hRZn

Associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in dementia-free adults. http://dlvr.it/T8hCLG

Mindfulness meditation significantly reduces gaming cravings and addiction severity in adults with Internet Gaming Disorder. The study reveals decreased activation in brain regions associated with craving, such as the lentiform nuclei and medial frontal gyrus. http://dlvr.it/T8gw5k

Study examines the impact of vitamin D supplementation on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients with low vitamin D levels, finding that it improves pain relief and symptom severity when added to corticosteroid therapy. http://dlvr.it/T8gjwR

When summer starts with a stifling heat wave, as many places are seeing in 2024, it can pose risks for just about anyone who spends time outside, whether they're runners, people who walk or cycle to work, outdoor workers or kids playing sports. http://dlvr.it/T8gJ0B

It's winter, so many of us will be bringing out, or buying, winter bedding. But how much of a difference does your bedding make to your thermal comfort? Can a particular textile help you sleep? Is it wool, or other natural fibers, such as cotton? How about polyester? With so much choice, it's easy to be confused. http://dlvr.it/T8dW8L

Novo Nordisk today announced the presentation of 34 abstracts highlighting the breadth of its portfolio at the upcoming 84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). http://dlvr.it/T8ckq7

Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, and current treatments often rely on opioids, which carry risks of addiction and overdose. http://dlvr.it/T8cKYv

Heart attack, stroke, and several other health risks can increase significantly on hot summer days. Nes/Getty Images * Temperatures are rising across the U.S. (and the globe) as summer and climate change take hold. * Research indicates that heat can raise the risk of all-course mortality. * Specifically, doctors and data point to certain health risks that increase along with temperatures, including migraine episodes, heart attacks, and strokes. While heat and summer go hand in hand, research and experts indicate that rising temperatures and health risks do, too. One 2022 study of more than 219 million U.S. adults ages 20 and older suggested a link between extreme heat and all-course mortality. The most significant risks were to older individuals. However, health experts say it’s critical for everyone to understand the health risks that can come with extreme heat. “It is easy in the summer to be distracted by lots of fun outdoor activities, but heat can imp...

People may be at increased risk from cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease—as rising global levels of micro- and nanoplastics (MnPs) are absorbed into the human body, a new study reveals. http://dlvr.it/T8bJD7

A concerning number of Australian women are drinking at dangerous levels despite knowing that it is likely to be causing them harm, warn Flinders University researchers. http://dlvr.it/T8ZtnZ

Advances in organoids and embryonic models of human development have the potential to prompt social and existential questions-;e.g., what defines human individuality? However, bioethicist Insoo Hyun of Harvard Medical School and the Museum of Science in Boston says that these models have the potential to strengthen rather than weaken the concept of human individuality when considered within the philosophical frameworks of "personhood" and sentience. http://dlvr.it/T8ZW7t

A University of Queensland-led study has found a link between exposure to gardens and a lower risk of being diagnosed with obesity-related cancer. http://dlvr.it/T8Yxg5

A type of bacterial infection is on the rise in Japan. DuKai photographer/Getty Images * Japan is reporting a record number of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) cases this year. * STSS is a severe, life-threatening complication of Group A Streptococcus, the same bacteria responsible for strep throat. * Group A Streptococcus cases in Japan have also been associated with the “flesh-eating” condition necrotizing fasciitis. For the second year in a row, Japan is reporting record-setting numbers of a life-threatening bacterial infection. Experts are still trying to figure out what is behind the surge. One potential cause could be related to the effects of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Japan Health Ministry has reported 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) as of June 2nd, according to the Japan Times. That’s the most ever recorded in a single year, already outpacing last year’s record of 941 infections. Seventy-seven i...

Climate change is one of the greatest public health threats humanity has ever faced. http://dlvr.it/T8XnVm

Cassidy Yermal, 32, began experiencing debilitating migraines when she was 17 years old. As a teenager growing up in northeastern Pennsylvania, she saw numerous neurologists and tried a variety of medications before finding one that provided relief. http://dlvr.it/T8XLjz

Esther Kangali felt a sharp pain while on her mother's farm in eastern Kenya. She looked down and saw a large snake coiling around her left leg. She screamed, and her mother came running. http://dlvr.it/T8WxVb

A team of researchers, led by scientists at UCL and University Medical Center Goettingen, Germany, have developed a simple blood test that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict Parkinson's up to seven years before the onset of symptoms. http://dlvr.it/T8WMnM

The world is becoming clogged with plastic. Particles of plastic so tiny they cannot be seen with the naked eye have been found almost everywhere, from the oceans' depths to the mountain tops. They are in the soil, in plants, in animals and they are inside us. The question is: what harm, if any, are they causing? http://dlvr.it/T8W8wP

Future Labs Live is the leading global event for innovation and technology, serving as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to engage in discussions, share insights, and foster collaborations that will drive technological advancements. http://dlvr.it/T8VDTX

The findings indicate that while the majority of parents have bedtime routines in place for their children, many children experience anxiety or disturbances at bedtime and that one in five children is given melatonin to help them sleep. http://dlvr.it/T8Tpgg

Australian researchers, led by Monash University, have invented a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool which is poised to reshape virtual screening in early stage drug discovery and enhance scientists’ ability to identify potential new medicines. http://dlvr.it/T8TQQT

Researchers used 3D transport-based morphometry to visualize brain changes linked to 16p11.2 CNV, achieving high prediction accuracy and advancing autism precision medicine. http://dlvr.it/T8SsW6

GLP-1 drugs can help reduce your risk of early death from several health conditions. adamkaz/Getty Images * GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity over the last few years for their remarkable ability to help people lose weight. * Doctors are beginning to examine other benefits of this class of drugs, which may help you to live longer. * In addition to treating diabetes and obesity, research suggests these drugs can also help reduce the risk of a number of additional health issues, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. You may not be familiar with GLP-1 agonists, but there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the brand names attached to this class of drugs: names like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. GLP-1 agonists are drugs that act like your natural GLP-1 hormone, which is a hormone that your body produces when you eat. One of its many functions is to give you the feeling of satiation — or fullness — which is a message to stop eating. While they can h...

Recent advancements show nanobodies from camelid antibodies excel in food allergen detection with superior stability, specificity, and cost-effectiveness. This innovative approach aims to improve accuracy and efficiency, crucial for preventing severe allergic reactions. The study highlights nanobodies' potential in reliable immunoassays, addressing rising food allergies and enhancing safety measures. Food allergies pose significant health risks, affecting millions worldwide, with the prevalence rising over the past decades. http://dlvr.it/T8QYvJ

Strokes, which affect millions of people globally, occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, which prevent brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. A few minutes of delay can result in permanent damage to the brain cells. http://dlvr.it/T8QYd9

A recent study found a significant post-pandemic surge in pediatric RSV infections, with increased hospitalizations and respiratory support needs, especially among older children. http://dlvr.it/T8QYLK

A new study looked at the impact of taking GLP-1 drugs before bariatric surgery. Halfpoint/Getty Images * New research finds that using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic before bariatric surgery can help improve the health of people with extreme obesity. * Extreme obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 70 or more. * In 2022, there were nearly 280,000 metabolic and bariatric surgeries in the United States. People with extreme obesity can reduce their risk of complications from bariatric or metabolic surgery by taking GLP-1 drugs before the procedures, according to a study presented over the weekend at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting. The results of the study haven’t yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Extreme obesity, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 70 or more, presents patients and doctors with complications during and after weight-loss surgery c...

WNBA legend Diana Taurasi (above) is sharing how she learned to manage painful eczema flair-ups. Photography courtesy of Sanofi Regeneron * WNBA legend Diana Taurasi is opening up about her journey with eczema for the first time. * The basketball star has been living with the skin condition for decades. * Taurasi is speaking out to spread awareness and ignite confidence in others to take control of their condition. WNBA icon Diana Taurasi is known for being one of the greatest players in women’s basketball. The 42-year-old star is the league’s all-time scoring leader by more than 2,500 points. Plus, with five Olympic gold medals to her name, she is currently tied with Sue Bird for the most Olympic titles in U.S. basketball history — for men or women. This summer, she is vying for a sixth title at the 2024 Paris Olympics. For years, Taurasi has wowed fans by knocking down three-pointers, mid-range shots, and contested layups. However, what many fans don’t k...