News

Research Uncovers Wide Range Of Health Risks From Air PollutionCopenhagen, 12 Mar (ONA) --- A study by the European Environment Agency revealed air pollution's grave threat, especially in cities, linking both short- and long-term exposure to diseases.WHO highlights air pollution's ties to stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's, etc., with PM2.5 being a major concern. Children are particularly vulnerable, lacking influence on policies.In 2020, EU saw 238,000 premature deaths from PM2.5, a 45% decrease since 2005.Energy consumption is a key source, but emissions dropped significantly from 2005 ...

Fish Oil Found to Have Significant Role in Cancer Prevention London, 11 Mar (ONA) --- In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers investigated the anti-cancer effects of different oils in ketogenic diets (KDs) using murine models.They compared seven fat-enriched KDs with Western diets and a 15% carbohydrate diet. Results showed all KDs were better at preventing lung cancer induced by NNK compared to Western and 15% carbohydrate diets.Fish oil (FO) KDs stood out, increasing plasma β-hydroxybutyrate, reducing blood glucose, and decreasing fatty acid synthase expression, ...

Diet Drinks Increase Heart Risk: Study Washington, 5 Mar (ONA) --- A recent study suggests that consuming two liters or more per week of artificially sweetened beverages, equivalent to a medium-sized fast-food diet soda daily, increases the risk of atrial fibrillation by 20%.Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat associated with severe health risks such as strokes and heart failure.The study, published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, analyzed data from over 202,000 individuals and found similar risks associated with added-sugar beverages, while pure, ...

Eating Live Microbe-Rich Foods Linked to Better Heart Health Washington, 5 Mar (ONA) --- A study in Frontiers in Nutrition examines the link between consuming live microorganisms and cardiovascular health (CVH) outcomes among US adults. Despite medical advancements, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major global threat. Dietary patterns influence CVH, leading to initiatives like the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 (LE8). The study, analyzing data from 2005 to 2018, involved 10,531 adults over 20 years old, assessing their microbial intake and ...

Sleep Apnea Symptoms Linked to Cognitive Issues: Study Washington, 4 Mar (ONA) --- A recent study sheds light on the link between sleep apnea and cognitive issues, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment. The study will be presented at the 76th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Denver that begins 13 April 2024. Sleep apnea, characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the blood and symptoms such as snorting, gasping, and pauses in breathing. Researchers surveyed ...

Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Health Issues: Study Canberra, 29 Feb (ONA) --- A comprehensive review of 45 meta-analyses involving nearly 10 million individuals reveals alarming connections between ultraprocessed foods and a myriad of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, mental disorders, and premature mortality. Led by researchers from Deakin University in Australia, the study underscores a substantial increase in risk associated with consuming these foods. Findings indicate a 50% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease-related death and common ...

Young Adults' Sleep Woes Tied to Muscle Dysmorphia: StudyWashington, 28 Feb (ONA) --- A recent study published in Sleep Health examined over 900 adolescents and young adults, revealing a concerning link between muscle dysmorphia symptoms and poor sleep. Participants experiencing more symptoms reported shorter sleep durations and greater difficulties falling or staying asleep over two weeks.Lead author Kyle T Ganson, PhD, MSW, emphasized the detrimental effects of inadequate sleep on mental health, especially for those with muscle dysmorphia symptoms. Poor sleep can worsen functional ...

Peru Declares Health Emergency as Dengue Outbreak 'Imminent' Lima, 27 Feb (ONA) --- Peru has declared a health emergency due to a surge in dengue fever cases, attributed to a heat wave and heavy rains. Health Minister Cesar Vasquez reported 32 deaths and 31,300 cases this year (2024), up from 24,981. Dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes, causes fever, nausea, and fatigue. Most cases are in Peru's north, overwhelming hospitals. Climate change exacerbates the issue, with warmer weather fostering mosquito breeding. Last year, 428 people in Peru died from ...

Green Tea Does Not Lower the Risk of Lung Cancer: StudyBern, 22 Feb (ONA) --- A recent study in Frontiers in Nutrition challenges the belief that green tea reduces lung cancer risk.Researchers used Mendelian randomization to analyze green tea's association with lung cancer risk, finding no significant link.Despite previous claims of green tea's protective effects, this study suggests otherwise for both non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.The Mendelian approach, free from observational biases, underscores the complexity of understanding dietary impacts on ...

Researchers Have New Clues about Brain Changes and Alzheimer Washington, 22 Feb (ONA) --- Alzheimer’s quietly ravages the brain long before symptoms appear and now scientists have new clues about the dominolike sequence of those changes — a potential window to one day intervene. A large study in China tracked middle-aged and older adults for 20 years, using regular brain scans, spinal taps and other tests. Compared to those who remained cognitively healthy, people who eventually developed the mind-robbing disease had higher levels of an Alzheimer’s-linked ...

Almonds Enhance Post-Exercise Muscle Recovery and Performance: Study Bern, 20 Feb (ONA) --- A recent study, detailed in Frontiers in Nutrition, highlights the potential benefits of almonds for post-exercise muscle recovery and performance. Over eight weeks, 25 mildly overweight middle-aged participants consumed 57 grams of almonds daily. The study revealed a significant reduction in muscle soreness and enhanced muscle performance during a vertical jump challenge, indicating improved recovery. Notably, the reduction in soreness amounted to nearly 25 percent ...

Working from Home Can Bring Big Health Benefits: Study London, 18 Feb (ONA) --- A study conducted by the UK Health Security Agency and King’s College London reveals significant health benefits associated with working from home. Remote workers reported healthier eating habits, reduced stress, and lower blood pressure compared to office workers. However, they were also more prone to snacking, smoking, and weight gain. Contrary to misconceptions, remote workers exhibited higher productivity, longer work hours, and fewer sick days. The study ...

Mussel Oil Effective for Atherosclerosis Prevention: StudyLondon, 15 Feb (ONA) --- In a study recently published in Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers compared the effectiveness of mussel oil (MO) and fish oil (FO) in preventing atherosclerosis in mice lacking a certain gene name apolipoprotein E gene (ApoE−/−).Over 12 weeks, MO supplementation proved significantly more effective in preventing plaque buildup in the aorta compared to FO.MO-supplemented mice exhibited smooth muscle cell (SMC) content.Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fats and cholesterol in artery walls, ...

Higher Body Temperature Linked to Depression: StudyCalifornia, 6 Feb (ONA) --- A recent study published in Scientific Reports has revealed a potential association between higher body temperatures and depression.Conducted by researchers led by Ashley Mason, an Associate Professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco, the study suggests that individuals experiencing depression tend to exhibit elevated body temperatures.However, it remains uncertain whether depression leads to increased body temperature or if higher temperatures contribute to the development of ...

Risk of Dementia Nearly Three Times Higher One Year After Stroke: StudyOttawa, 4 Feb (ONA) --- A study by McMaster University reveals that stroke survivors face nearly triple the risk of dementia within a year of the event, with a 150% higher risk for those with brain bleeding.Over 5.5 years, nearly 20% of survivors developed dementia, surpassing the rate of recurrent strokes.Post-stroke dementia risk remains elevated for up to 20 years, dropping to 1.5 times higher after five years. Lead author Raed Joundi emphasizes monitoring for cognitive decline post-stroke and advocates lifestyle ...

Fitness Linked to Lower Prostate Cancer Risk: StudyStockholm, 31 Jan (ONA) --- Getting fitter through activities like jogging, cycling, or swimming could slash the risk of prostate cancer by up to 35%, according to a Swedish study.A mere 3% annual increase in cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of developing the disease.Dr. Kate Bolam, co-author of the study, emphasized that even enjoyable activities like brisk walking or line dancing, as long as they raise the heart rate, can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.The seven-year ...

Playing Instruments Protects Older Brains: StudyLondon, 29 Jan (ONA) --- A British study revealed that playing a musical instrument is linked to better brain health in older adults.Examining data from 1,000 individuals aged 40 and above in the 10-year PROTECT dementia study, researchers discovered that playing an instrument was associated with enhanced memory and superior executive function.The benefits were found to be even greater when individuals continued musical activities into later stages of life.While the study highlights the cognitive advantages of musical ...

Energy Drinks Linked to Sleep Issues: StudyLondon, 29 Jan (ONA) --- A research, based on data from 53,266 individuals aged 18 to 35, found that even occasional consumption of energy drinks, one to three times a month, was associated with an increased risk of disturbed sleep.Daily consumption led to a reduction of around half an hour in nightly sleep duration, as well as increased nocturnal wake time and longer time taken to fall asleep.Energy drinks, containing an average of 150 mg of caffeine per liter along with various other ingredients, are marketed as mental and physical ...

Dark Chocolate May Reduce Blood Pressure: StudyCalifornia, 21 Jan (ONA) --- A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports examined how the intake of dark chocolate may help decrease the risk of essential hypertension (high blood pressure).The results also suggest that consuming dark chocolate may decrease blood clot risk, but researchers couldn’t establish a causal relationship.The results point to the potential benefits of this food and the need for future research into its potential health benefits.Non-study author Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a board certified cardiologist at Providence ...

Fruit Juice Linked to Weight Gain Children, Adults: Study Washington, 17 Jan (ONA) --- New research suggests a daily glass of 100% fruit juice is linked to slight weight gain in both children and adults.While the study doesn't establish causation, the analysis highlights an association between juice consumption and increased weight.Nutrition expert Dr. Walter Willett warns of the ease of overdosing on calories, emphasizing that juice lacks the fiber found in whole fruits.Excessive sugar intake from juice may lead to insulin resistance, metabolic issues, and chronic ...

Migraine Linked to Increased Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Scientific Report Washington, 16 Jan (ONA) --- A recent scientific reports explored the potential link between migraine and the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC).Migraine, a neurological disorder causing painful headaches, is often associated with gastrointestinal symptoms and has been linked to irritable bowel syndrome and IBD, suggesting a connection with the gut–brain axis.Utilizing data from the South Korean National Health Insurance ...

Air Pollution Makes People Lazier: Study London, 16 Jan (ONA) --- A new study by the University of Leicester revealed that air pollution is contributing to increased sedentary behavior, causing an extra 22 minutes of inactivity per day.The research, focusing on 644 individuals at risk of Type 2 diabetes, defines inactivity as time spent lying down, sitting, reclining, or standing without movement. The study was conducted in the United Kingdom (UK) and was published on the Journal of Public Health. Despite existing awareness of air pollution's role in respiratory and ...

Tomatoes May Lower High Blood Pressure Risk: StudyLondon, 15 Jan (ONA) --- Eating more tomatoes may lower the risk of high blood pressure, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.The research, involving 7,056 participants, found a 36% reduction in hypertension risk with higher tomato intake.Participants consuming 82-110 grams daily showed reduced diastolic blood pressure, and those with stage 1 hypertension and intermediate tomato consumption experienced lowered systolic and diastolic pressure.Lycopene, abundant in tomatoes, plays a role in ...

Study Links Stress to Metabolic SyndromeOhio, US, 14 Jan (ONA) --- A recent study suggests that stress, known for its impact on inflammation in the body, is linked to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions elevating the risk for serious health problems.Cheap and easily accessible stress-management techniques may improve biological health outcomes, according to researchers.Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when individuals exhibit at least three of five risk factors, including excess belly fat, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated levels of fasting blood glucose ...

Study Links Obesity to Over 70% Increased Risk of Blood CancerLondon, 14 Jan (ONA) --- Obesity increases the risk of developing multiple myeloma by over 70%, according to a study by Massachusetts General Hospital.Smoking and exercise habits also impact the likelihood of multiple myeloma.Published in Blood Advances, the research shows that obese individuals are more prone to monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor to multiple myeloma.The study, involving 2,628 participants, found obesity linked to a 73% higher chance of MGUS.Highly active individuals ...

Fifteen Factors Linked to Early Dementia Risk: Study FindsLondon, 8 Jan (ONA) --- A comprehensive study led by the University of Exeter has uncovered 15 lifestyle and health factors associated with the risk of young-onset dementia (YOD), affecting individuals under 65.Analyzing data from 356,052 participants in the UK, the research identifies factors such as low socioeconomic status, social isolation, hearing impairment, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression as contributors to YOD risk.The study, described as the largest of its kind, also highlights vitamin D deficiency, ...

Study Links Sleep to Memory and Cognitive IssuesWashington, 8 Jan (ONA) --- A recent study published in Neurology, the American Academy of Neurology's medical journal, suggests that individuals experiencing disrupted sleep in their 30s and 40s may face an increased risk of memory and cognitive difficulties a decade later.The research, conducted by Yue Leng, PhD, from the University of California, San Francisco, focused on the sleep patterns of 526 participants with an average age of 40, tracked over 11 years.The study found that the quality of sleep, rather than the quantity, played ...

Pets May Preserve Cognitive Health for Seniors Living Alone: Study Washington, 31 Dec )ONA)--- A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that for the increasing number of older adults living alone, having a pet, such as a dog or cat, may contribute to maintaining a healthy brain. The research, involving 7,945 participants aged 50 and older, revealed that pet ownership was linked to slower rates of decline in verbal memory and verbal fluency among individuals living alone, but not those living with others. The study suggests that pet ownership could ...

Stomach Bacteria May Raise Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: StudyWashington, 31 Dec (ONA) --- New research from McGill University reveals a potential connection between Helicobacter pylori (H pylori), a widespread gut bacteria, and an 11% increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in individuals aged 50 and above.Published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the study analyzed health data from over 4 million UK adults between 1988 and 2019. While Alzheimer's has multifaceted causes, this study adds to evidence suggesting a role for infections like H pylori.The findings prompt exploration into ...

Breathing Patterns During Sleep Linked with Memory Formation: Study Washington, 20 Dec (ONA) --- New research suggests that the way people breathe while sleeping may impact how the brain forms memories. The researchers found a correlation between breathing patterns and the consolidation of memories in the brain, particularly related to sleep-specific brain rhythms. Sleep spindles, short bursts of increased brain activity during sleep crucial for memory processing, were found to be linked to breathing. Thomas Schreiner, the study's corresponding author, emphasized the ...