New evidence reveals that exposure to higher prenatal estrogen levels may be predictive of a higher risk of autism. Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than females. This male bias for autism has suggested that sexual differentiation may be involved with its development. Although autism is strongly heritable and specific

A study has shown that hearing loss can have physical, mental, and social impairments in older adults. The gradual onset of hearing impairment, or presbycusis, occurs naturally with age. As humans, speaking and listening are one of our fundamental forms of communication and experiencing difficulty with hearing can lead older adults to feelings of depression,

Researchers show that estrogen affects muscle health in women at a cellular level. Hot flashes and mood changes are amongst the most commonly recognized effects of menopause. Less commonly known changes during menopause include a decline in muscle mass and strength. Muscle strength and the ability of muscle cells to regenerate after injury decrease with

New research investigates the potential use of resveratrol for depression and anxiety. Resveratrol is a plant compound found in delicious foods like blueberries, cranberries, dark chocolate, and red wine.  This compound has been shown to have a variety of positive effects, and taking resveratrol supplements has been correlated with lower systolic blood pressure and improved

A recent study has investigated whether there is a link between BPA substitutes and childhood and adolescent obesity. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used chemical in the production of plastic food containers, metal food can linings, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. Because of the widespread use of BPA, 93% of Americans in 2003-2004

Keeping farm animals may promote early immune development via changes to the infant gut microbiome. The gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria that colonize the human gastrointestinal tract. This vast community of microbes is intimately involved in numerous aspects of host health and disease. Gut microbes and their fermentation products can influence the development

A clinical trial is currently recruiting patients to assess the effectiveness of Olorinab to treat abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a gastrointestinal disorder that is frequently associated with cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. There is no cure for IBS and patients manage symptoms typically with

The therapeutic activity of Prozac (Fluoxetine), a widely used anti-depressant, includes more than changes in serotonin levels, study shows. Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a chemical produced in the brain and intestines. It is a neurotransmitter that transmits chemical messages between different parts of the brain. Serotonin is thought to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep,

Light emitting diode (LED) therapy has been gaining popularity for use in treating multiple dermatological conditions. As such, the accompanying research has also been gaining traction, with many positive results being reported. LED light stimulation causes natural photobiochemical reactions to occur in the skin. The biochemical processes will have different effects on the skin depending

Researchers examined participants over a two-year period to understand the health benefits of a nutrient-filled calorie-restricted diet. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death around the globe. Previous studies have shown that calorie restriction can reduce the risks of atherosclerosis. How does a two-year, nutrient-filled calorie restriction help reduce the risks of long-term cardiovascular

Traditional blood glucose monitors versus continuous glucose monitors – ever wondered how blood glucose monitors work? Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a major concern in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. If left unmanaged, high blood sugar can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and induce significant nerve and kidney damage. Additionally, hyperglycemia

The fourth annual review by the Cleveland Clinic on Alzheimer’s disease drug development pipeline highlighted several new advances in the field. Alzheimer’s disease drug development programs have a high failure rate and only a few treatments are currently available. Therefore, analysis of the Alzheimer’s drug development pipeline can provide some insight into the evolution of

Three prominent healthcare providers recently debated whether or not obesity should be given the label of a disease, in the BMJ Today. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise in most developed nations. Many health complications for obese individuals can occur including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and hormone-dependent cancers, to mention a

Researchers aim to develop a simple urine test for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome, with potential use to monitor response to IBS treatment. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the digestive tract, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Diagnosis of this syndrome is complicated and requires invasive procedures like colonoscopy

Researchers at Oregon State University have improved techniques that use magnetic nanoparticles to kill cancer cells with heat. The improved magnetic nanoparticles – particles that measure close to one-billionth of a meter- created by these researchers generate heat in the cancer cells when activated using an alternating magnetic field. This form of cancer treatment is

Updated guidelines for the detection of high blood pressure can lead to improved diagnoses of pregnancy-related high blood pressure, study finds. High blood pressure during pregnancy is associated with many risks for both the mother and the baby. High blood pressure, both chronic and pregnancy-associated (gestational), is linked to approximately 14% of maternal deaths worldwide.

New research on mouse neural stem cells investigates the effects of nicotine on the brain with short and long-term use of e-cigarettes. Cigarettes, which contain the highly addictive drug nicotine, are harmful and have been shown to cause oral, throat, and respiratory system cancers.  Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, are currently marketed to cigarette smokers as

Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that might be able to accurately predict cancer outcomes in patients. Cancer is a group of complex diseases, characterized by the abnormal growth of cells. One of the major challenges of caring for cancer patients is the inability to accurately predict long-term health outcomes. Specifically, it is difficult for

Researchers investigate what effect the measles vaccine has on child growth, cognition, and schooling outcomes. Measles is a highly contagious virus and is spread through the air via spit droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The first symptoms start to develop seven days after infection. These include; fever, lethargy, coughing, stuffy nose, and

Researchers investigated whether goat milk formula provided any of the same anti-infection protections as breast milk. Breastfeeding is considered the best form of nutrition for infants. However, breastfeeding is not always an option for every mother. In those cases, infant formula is usually the best replacement for breastfeeding. Most infant formula is made from cow’s

A recent study reveals key components that reduce inflammation and insulin resistance in cocoa shells. Chocolate contains chemicals known as phenols, which have many potential health benefits. Cocoa shells are a by-product of chocolate production and are considered a waste product. A recent study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research examined the components of

New research investigates the effects of using turmeric as an alternative to traditional chemotherapy for bone cancer. While most cancers primarily affect older adults, osteosarcomas, which are the most common type of bone cancer, mostly affects children and youths. Chemotherapy is a standard treatment for bone cancer because it is difficult to remove cancerous tumours

A recent study found that using a remote-controlled drug delivery implant can help with chronic disease management. Millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and other ailments that require a lifelong treatment option.  Researchers examined the benefits of implanting a drug delivery device that can regulate and provide chronic

A recent study used 3D printing technology to design flexible meshes for various medical applications, including ankle and knee braces. 3D printing technology has allowed researchers to make several impressive medical devices, including hearing aids, dental crowns, and limb prosthetics. All these devices are made with solid, relatively inflexible material so that they can provide

Since this week is men’s health week, let’s take a closer look at five of the top health concerns for men. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide. Currently, the successful treatment of prostate cancer is highly dependant on early diagnosis. For cases with later diagnosis, treatment options

A recent study assessed the cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and metabolic benefits of naps in children. Poor sleep affects physical, mental, and psychological factors in children. Napping may be valuable in insufficient sleep compensation and reduction of daytime sleepiness. Napping is practiced as part of a healthy lifestyle in China, among all age groups. In most

A recent study investigated the benefits of Enzalutamide, a new drug treatment for prostate cancer, on survival outcomes. Prostate cancer is commonly treated with testosterone suppression as first-line therapy with the addition of a nonsteroidal antiandrogen drug, to help reduce testosterone levels, as standard care. Unfortunately, patients can develop resistance to the nonsteroidal antiandrogen drugs,

An international group of researchers compared suicide rates before and after the airing of the Netflix show ‘13 Reasons Why’ to try and understand reasons for suicide in youth. The airing of the Netflix series, ‘13 Reasons Why’, caused a media storm, both from the content of the series itself and the implications of the