New research investigates the possibility of monitoring blood pressure with smartphone cameras. Nearly 50 percent of American adults have high blood pressure, and a large proportion of those do not know they have it.  High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, heavy alcohol consumption, a high-fat

Aronia berry extract positively affects indicators of cardiovascular health. In a recent study, researchers investigated the effects of Aronia berry supplements in healthy participants. Specifically, they wanted to test the effects of these supplements on vascular function and the composition of the gut microbiome. In this clinical trial, 66 healthy men were divided into three

A new study has evaluated if yellow-lens glasses actually improve night time driving and aid in spotting pedestrians at night Many people suggest that yellow-lens glasses make nighttime driving easier by reducing the glare from oncoming vehicles. In fact, several marketing campaigns from eyeglass manufacturers highlight the many advantages of using yellow-lens glasses. Some of

Researches study the effects of low-level traffic-related air pollution on respiratory health. Comprised of gaseous and particulate matter (PM), air pollution is a risk to health. Impacting lung function, air pollution can cause lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Close to two million people a year die from the harmful effects

A recent study compared the effectiveness of a digital game and mindfulness app on smartphones in promoting post work recovery. Workplace stress is a harmful physical and emotional response that can happen when there is a conflict between job demands on the employee and the amount of control an employee has over meeting these demands.

Researchers in Fairfax, VA discover the effects of various birthing modes on the fetal autonomic system As expectant mothers prepare for the labors of childbirth, the only thing on their mind is how to birth a healthy and happy baby. During this time, the human body undergoes its own methods of preparing the fetus for

A new technique has recently been developed at The University of Waterloo, which will hopefully allow doctors to detect autism more effectively. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 2% of the population. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving limitations in social communications and repetitive behaviours. Those with ASD also display attention biases during social interactions,

Researchers investigated the impact of posture on the perception of food taste. Outdoor meetings and picnics are a common occurrence in the summertime. More often than not, attendees eat and drink while standing, chatting or carrying an object. Physical motion as simple as carrying an object or mere standing, are forms of stress and can

Researchers studied children with ASD across geographical locations, finding the greatest link to risk being genetic factors. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also known as autism, is a brain development disorder that affects a child’s social skills. ASD is said to have both environmental and genetic origins. In a recent study published in JAMA Network, researchers

A recent study determined the health benefits of exercise in space in relieving post-flight orthostatic intolerance for astronauts when they return to earth. Orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure that happens when an individual stands up from sitting or lying down. It can make a person feels dizzy or lightheaded, and maybe

A recent study found that routine blood tests can help predict the risk of diabetes. Diabetes is a global health concern. It can lead to various complications like stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and neurological complications. Early diagnosis of diabetes ensures prompt care, thus minimizing the risk of developing these complications. However, many people

A study evaluated how blood pressure self-monitoring helps encourage patients with hypertension to exercise compared to exercise without blood pressure self-monitoring. A study published in the Journal of Hypertension by UConn researchers collaborating with Hartford Hospital evaluated self-monitoring of blood pressure and exercise adherence in hypertensive patients. There were 11 men and 13 women with

A recent report has summarized current knowledge regarding the early introduction of peanuts to infants to lower their risk of developing peanut allergies. Peanuts and peanut products are delicious and very nutritious.  Peanuts are actually a legume, and they contain lots of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, vitamin E, niacin, copper, folate, manganese, iron, and more. 

Researchers in France looked at data from the NutriNet-Santé to investigate whether sugary drinks increase risk of cancer. The consumption of sugary drinks has increased by a staggering 40% in the past 25 years. Previous research has linked sugary drinks with a number of health issues including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

  A concussion is a form of head injury that can be detrimental for a child’s health. Children who suffer from a concussion may experience difficulties in brain development. Due to the sensitivity of the brain at such an age, concussions are a serious health concern among younger populations in particular.  It is essential to

A new study investigates whether the paleo diet could be doing more harm than good by putting you at risk of heart disease. The paleo diet is often promoted to be beneficial to gut health. The diet is based on the consumption of meats, egg, fish, nuts, vegetables, and fruits while avoiding dairy, grains, and

In a recent study, researchers determine how effective UV detection stickers are in encouraging the re-application of sunscreen in participants who are outdoors for long periods of time. Sunscreen provides protection against the ultraviolet radiation from the sun if applied correctly and consistently. The recommended application concentration of sunscreen is 2mg/cm2. Unfortunately, much of the

A recent report discusses the current understanding of the psychological effects of genetic screening. Since the inception of the Human Genome Project in 1990, there has been ceaseless controversy surrounding research into human genetics. Ethicists, psychologists, and doctors have been warning of the potential for negative consequences that may come with increased genetic knowledge. These

A recent study determined the health benefits of resveratrol supplements in preserving muscle mass and strength under simulated Mars gravity. Humans have not been beyond Earth’s orbit in decades, but this is about to change. In the next few years, NASA plans to transport astronauts back to the moon, and eventually on to Mars. The

Scientists in Australia have developed a precise new way to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease using nuclear medicine. A study recently published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine discusses how to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease in a quicker, more efficient way by categorizing inflammatory markers. Researchers used immuno-positron emission tomography (Immuno-PET) to image antibodies that target

In a recent study, researchers explored the hypothesis that a low-carb diet improves brain function. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition characterized by cognitive decline. In recent years researchers have attempted to produce medications to help treat the disease, but the majority of them have had no significant effects. Now researchers are looking at alternative

Have you wondered how your home blood pressure monitor works? Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a long-term condition that can increase the risk of other complications, including heart attacks and strokes. Doctors recommend that hypertensive patients take the appropriate precautions necessary to ensure that they manage their blood pressure within the recommended

Researchers study if children experience a change in neurocognitive function due to head impacts from playing tackle football. Contact sports being played by children are still a concern among medical professionals and parents. Experiencing head impacts can lead to short- and/or long-term neurocognitive effects. In a study published by the Journal of Neurotrauma, children who

A recent clinical trial reports on the safety of the prolonged use of pantoprazole – a proton pump inhibitor. What are proton pump inhibitors? Proton pump inhibitors are a group of drugs that are designed to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. They are one of the most commonly prescribed medications for

To see how stress affects children, researchers studied the effect of negative early-life experiences on stress hormone levels and the ability to focus. Negative early-life experiences in children such as poverty, parental divorce, or substance abuse can lead to the poor adjustment of children in social, emotional, and academic situations. The fact that this is

Blood donation can do a lot more to help than you probably think. Happy World Blood Donor Day, enjoy the cookies and juice! Is blood more than the sum of its parts? It’s not likely and that’s a great thing! In the past blood was collected, stored, and used for transfusions when needed. Now blood

A recent study carried out at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, examined the effects of eating comfort food when stressed. We are all aware that eating a lot of high-calorie foods is bad for our health. However, a recent study carried out in Australia, and published in the journal Cell Metabolism, investigated the effects

In a recent study, researchers assessed the advantages an extrovert at work experiences, compared to introverts. What is the difference between extroverts and introverts? Extroverts tend to be viewed as sociable, outgoing, and leaders. Introverts tend to be viewed as reserved, calm, and observant. Extraversion and introversion in the workplace is a frequently studied topic.