Wednesday, 1 March 2017
'I only have half a brain'
When Jodie was three she had a rare illness - the treatment involved removing half of her brain. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
Plain packets help smokers quit by killing brand identities
Smokers no longer derive a sense of identity from cigarette brands after plain packaging rule was introduced in Australia, helping them to kick the habit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Was Kim Jong-nam killed by VX nerve gas? Doesn’t look like it
Malaysia says Kim Jong-nam - half-brother of North Korea's Kim Jong-un - was killed with VX nerve gas that was found on his face and hands. But chemical weapons experts are not convinced via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
More Exercise, Fewer Pounds: Cut Your Heart Failure Risk
Link was stronger for common but difficult-to-treat type of heart failure
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Cell 'stickiness' could indicate cancer spread
A new study finds that cells that 'stick' less to surrounding cells are more likely to spread. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
BPA-free water bottles may contain another harmful chemical
A compound called BPA is being phased out of plastic packaging due to fears it may disrupt our hormones – but a replacement for it may be just as harmful via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Living with anxiety: 'I can't leave house'
John in Britain says he hasn't left his house this year due to his anxiety disorder, as politicians in the UK question whether the condition is a disability. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Four questions predict need for skin prick test
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Four simple questions can help GPs identify patients who think they have allergy don’t, study finds Related items from OnMedica Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis Doctor, do I have a food allergy? Good evidence for sublingual immunotherapy Giving babies eggs and peanuts early cuts allergy risk Fewer allergies in those who lived early life on a farm |
Electric appliances can impact on pacemaker function
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Household appliances have an effect but biggest risk from workplace machinery Related items from OnMedica Short battery life of pacemakers puts patients at risk of serious complications Health risks over use of Tasers Atrial fibrillation poses greater risk for women than men AF screening with smartphone cheap and feasible |
The feeling you get when nails scratch a blackboard has a name
Spanish speakers use the word “grima” to describe the feeling when a knife scratches a plate. Now it seems English-speakers react in the same way via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Doctors describe impact on patients of bed shortages in shocking dossier
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‘Least bad’ patients asked to sleep in corridors and investigations cancelled as units turned into makeshift ‘wards’ Related items from OnMedica A&E is the barometer for a health and care system under pressure GMC warns of 'state of unease' amongst doctors NHS pressures could cause staff ‘burnout’ A&E four-hour target only for ‘urgent’ patients The incredible invisible bed crisis |
500 patients may have suffered serious harm in data scandal
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NHS England investigating cases of potential harm related to non-delivery of 500,000 documents Related items from OnMedica Hospitals in Wales failing to give GPs discharge information 55 million patients set to access GP records online New measures proposed to bolster security of health and care information MPs to debate Capita’s failures to deliver on contract NHS investigating data loss 'scandal' |
12 bacteria posing greatest threat to human health named
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List published by WHO highlights particular threat of gram-negative bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics Related items from OnMedica United global effort needed to fight antimicrobial resistance Tackling antimicrobial resistance GPs need support to convince public to stop expecting antibiotics US use of broad-spectrum antibiotics shows worrying increase Point-of-care diagnostics needed to curb antimicrobial resistance |
Blood tests spot ovarian cancer early
There is no screening programme for the disease, so patients say it would be of "enormous benefit". via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Why we like to eat chocolate
It may seem simple - we like chocolate because it tastes nice. But there's more to it than that - and it relates to a balance that is set right from the very beginning of our lives. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Listen up
Scientists at the University of Ottawa have developed a way of growing human cells and tissue on apples. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
'But I'm slim'
Why women who are young, apparently healthy and often pregnant, suffer unexpected heart attacks. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Full disclosure
Saidy Brown discusses the extraordinary reaction after she disclosed her HIV status on Twitter. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Monday, 27 February 2017
WHO publishes list of bacteria for which new antibiotics are urgently needed
WHO today published its first ever list of antibiotic-resistant "priority pathogens"—a catalogue of 12 families of bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health. via WHO news Read More Here..
This Chalkboard Wall Planter Lets You Grow Edible Art That Looks Good AND Tastes Good
Kick off the spring growing season with this living wall in your kitchen. Research shows that indoor plants may help brighten your mood, reduce stress and clean the air too. All you need is a sunny window.
via EatingWell Blogs - All Blog Posts More READ
Call for Nominations: EatingWell's 2017 American Food Heroes
EatingWell is launching an annual list of our top heroes: people who are making food in America better right now. We need your help to make this work! We want to know who you think deserves to be added to our list.
Why is EatingWell doing this? We're committed to shining a light on the most important food, sustainability and nutrition issues of the day. We help readers understand where their food comes from and its impact on the environment, family, health and community. Our list will recognize and celebrate the great work and change happening now.
via EatingWell Blogs - All Blog Posts More READ
UTIs could soon be life-threatening without new antibiotics
For the first time, the World Health Organization has named which bacteria we most urgently need new antibiotics to fight, and common gut microbes top the list via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
World's most threatening superbugs ranked in new list
Top of the list to find new, effective antibiotic treatments are bacteria that poison the blood. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Why we are so bad at spotting if our kids are overweight
At least 80 per cent of parents of overweight children think their kids are a healthy weight, and the reasons for this blind spot are complex via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Live Healthy, Live Longer
Regular checkups, exercise, no smoking, better diet and balance between work and play can add years, health expert says
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Don't Sweat It: Gender Doesn't Dictate Perspiration Rate
Instead, your size and shape influence how the body releases heat and cools down, study finds
Source: HealthDay via Exercise and Physical Fitness New Links: MedlinePlus RSS Feed Read More Here..
Charity says GPs 'failing' patients with eating disorders
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But RCGP defends doctors' treatment and referral procedures Related items from OnMedica Bulimia nervosa The diagnosis and assessment of anorexia Eating disorders cost UK around £15bn per year Prime Minister to announce £1bn investment in mental health Eating disorders in women more common during midlife than expected |
NHS investigating data loss 'scandal'
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Mix-up meant some 500,000 documents, including test results, placed in storage Related items from OnMedica MPs to debate Capita’s failures to deliver on contract New measures proposed to bolster security of health and care information Hospitals in Wales failing to give GPs discharge information 55 million patients set to access GP records online |
Doctors urged to listen more and treat less
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Scotland's CMO outlines her vision for 'realistic medicine' Related items from OnMedica Engage public with resource prioritisation Councils warn of 'deep' cuts to social services STP proposals to cut beds not credible without community investment Scotland’s CMO calls for more ‘realistic medicine’ Practice sees huge benefits from integration |
MPs raise concerns over STPs
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Government must prove changes are 'not just a cover for cuts' Related items from OnMedica Pressure threatens integration and transformation plans Stick with STPs, government and NHS urged Listening to patients and staff key to the future of health and care Sustainability and Transformation Plans Cash shortfall for NHS transformation plans |
Try these simple mental tests to see if you’re a good athlete
Your brain’s mental flexibility and capacity to focus could give you the skills to help make you a world class athlete via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Hospitals 'must' become tobacco-free
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New campaign urges hospitals to do more to stamp out smoking Related items from OnMedica Smoking cessation 'Extinction therapy' could help smokers quit Smoking cessation services face cuts Impose total smoking ban in hospitals, NHS told The role of e-cigarettes to help smokers quit |
Sunday, 26 February 2017
Parents of trans teenagers going private to beat waiting lists
Delays in treatment are forcing transgender patients to get help from private doctors. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Saturday, 25 February 2017
Maps reveal schizophrenia 'hotspots' in England
GP prescriptions reveal pattern of the mental illness. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Friday, 24 February 2017
Sell-By Dates Have You Confused? Not Anymore
We've all been there: you're digging through the fridge to find an ingredient for dinner and you stumble upon a yogurt you bought a few weeks ago. It was buried in the back and you forgot about it (oops!), so you check the expiration date. It was three days ago. What should you do? With more than 10 different types of date labels for food products—including sell by, best by, use by, expires by—it can be confusing. Do we take a whiff, nibble a small bite and hope for the best or just toss it?
via EatingWell Blogs - All Blog Posts More READ
Having a cigarette may make your body crave coffee too
People who smoke may metabolise caffeine differently to non-smokers, leaving them needing to drink more to get the same hit from their coffee via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Fasting diet may help regenerate a diabetic pancreas
"The pancreas can be triggered to regenerate itself through a type of fasting diet, say US researchers," BBC News reports.
Research in mice found a low-calorie diet may help in cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The pancreas is an organ that uses specialised cells known as beta cells to produce the hormone insulin, which the body uses to break down sugars in the blood (glucose).
In type 1 diabetes the pancreas stops producing insulin. In type 2 diabetes either not enough insulin is produced or cells in the body fail to respond to insulin (insulin resistance).
Mice were fed for four days on a low-calorie, low-protein and low-carbohydrate but high-fat diet, receiving half their normal daily calorie intake on day one, followed by three days of 10% of their normal calorie intake.
Researchers repeated this fast on three occasions, with 10 days of refeeding in between. They then examined the pancreas.
They found in mice modelled to have both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, insulin production was restored, insulin resistance was reduced, and beta cells could be regenerated. Early lab study involving human cell samples showed similar potential.
These are promising results, but further studies are needed to validate these findings in humans.
If you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you shouldn't attempt a fasting diet without first seeking medical advice. A sudden change in your calorie intake could have unpredictable effects and lead to complications.
Where did the story come from?
The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Southern California and the Koch Institute at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, and the IFOM FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology in Italy.
It was funded by grants from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the US National Institute on Aging (NIA).
The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal, Cell. It's available on an open access basis and is free to read online (PDF, 6.74Mb).
The UK media coverage of the research is generally accurate. BBC News provided useful advice from one of the authors, Dr Longo, who cautioned: "Do not try this [fasting] at home. This is so much more sophisticated than people realise".
What kind of research was this?
This animal study examined whether a diet mimicking fasting cycles is able to promote the generation of new pancreatic beta cells in a mouse model of diabetes.
Beta cells are found in the pancreas. The cells' primary function is to store and release insulin in response to changes in blood glucose concentration.
In people with diabetes, the beta cells are either destroyed by the person's own immune system (type 1) or are unable to produce a sufficient amount of insulin (type 2).
Beta cells are reported to be highly sensitive to the availability of nutrients. The researchers wanted to see whether prolonged fasting and refeeding could regenerate pancreatic cells.
Animal studies like this one are useful early-stage research to help better our understanding of cellular mechanisms.
However, the human body has complex biology and we're not identical to mice, so further studies would be needed to see whether the same effects are observed in humans.
What did the research involve?
The first phase of the study involved male mice aged 10-16 weeks, some of whom had injections of a chemical to destroy their beta cells to mimic type 1 diabetes. Others were genetically bred to have type 2 diabetes, and normal mice acted as controls.
The researchers put the mice on a four-day fasting regimen consisting of a low-calorie, low-protein, low-carbohydrate and high-fat (FMD) diet.
They were fed 50% of their standard calorie intake on day one, followed by 10% of their normal calorie intake on days two to four.
At the end of the four days, the mice were fed regularly for up to 10 days to ensure they regained their body weight before the next fasting cycle. They underwent three dietary intervention cycles.
Blood glucose measurements were taken regularly. Pancreatic cell samples were taken to look at gene activity and investigate whether there were any changes.
The second phase of the study involved analysing human pancreatic cell samples collected from people with type 1 diabetes.
Researchers also recruited healthy human adult volunteers without a history of diabetes, who underwent three cycles of a similar five-day fasting regimen. The blood samples from these people were applied to the cultured pancreatic human cells.
What were the basic results?
In the mouse model of type 2 diabetes, after the FMD cycles insulin secretion was restored and insulin resistance was reduced. The FMD cycles seemed to induce beta cell regeneration.
In the mouse model of type 1 diabetes, FMD cycles were able to reduce inflammation and promote changes in the levels of cytokine proteins, which may indicate the restoration of insulin secretion. There was an increase in the proliferation and number of beta cells generating insulin.
The results in the human cell samples suggested similar findings to those seen in mice. FMD cycles – that is, in blood samples from fasted individuals applied to human pancreatic cells in the laboratory – may be able to promote reprogramming of cell lineages and generate insulin in pancreatic islet cells.
How did the researchers interpret the results?
The researchers concluded that, "These results indicate that an FMD promotes the reprogramming of pancreatic cells to restore insulin generation in islets from T1D [type 1 diabetes] patients and reverse both T1D and T2D [type 2 diabetes] phenotypes in mouse models."
Conclusion
This animal study examined whether a diet mimicking fasting cycles would be able to promote the generation of new insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells in a mouse model of diabetes.
Overall, researchers found in mice models of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, insulin secretion was restored and insulin resistance and beta cells could be regenerated or have their function restored. Very early laboratory study on human cell samples suggested similar potential.
These results show promise, but further research is needed to validate these findings in humans.
Professor Anne Cooke, professor of immunology at the University of Cambridge, commented: "This is good science and does give promise for the future treatment of diabetes, but we need further studies to see whether this works in people as well as it has in mice."
Don't suddenly try fasting, or any other radical change to your diet, without first consulting the doctor in charge of your care. Sudden changes to your diet could cause complications.
Links To The Headlines
Fasting diet 'regenerates diabetic pancreas'. BBC News, February 24 2017
Hope for millions of diabetics as condition could be reversed with yo-yo starvation diet. Daily Mirror, February 23 2017
Fasting diet could prove the cure for type 2 diabetes. The Times, February 24 2017 (subscription required)
Links To Science
Cheng C, Villani V, Buono R, et al. Fasting-Mimicking Diet Promotes Ngn3-Driven β-Cell Regeneration to Reverse Diabetes. Cell. Published online February 23 2017
Was Kim Jong-nam killed by VX nerve gas? Doesn’t look like it
Malaysia says murdered Kim Jong Nam - half-brother of North Korea's Kim Jong Un - had VX nerve gas on his face and hands. Chemical weapons experts are not convinced via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Fasting diet 'regenerates diabetic pancreas'
Restoring the pancreas through diet could be "immensely" beneficial, doctors say. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Straight women have fewest orgasms
US study explores "orgasm gap" between genders and different sexual orientations. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Patient access to GPs in Wales has soared
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Welsh health secretary praises GPs but asks other professionals to help relieve pressure Related items from OnMedica Watchdog questions plans to improve access to GPs Wales offers incentives for GPs to train and stay in Wales What lies ahead for healthcare in Wales in 2017 and beyond? Wales invests £95m in healthcare professionals’ training Hospitals in Wales failing to give GPs discharge information |
NHS 111 redirects callers from A&E to general practice
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Advises 60% of callers to go to GP not A&E; a third would have done so without advice Related items from OnMedica Most patients sent to A&E unnecessarily by NHS 111 NHS pilots medical advice smartphone app What value do GPs offer? GPs face nearly 10% rise in patient contacts in two years GPs have limited role in relieving winter A&E pressure |
Prescribing daily step count benefits patients’ health
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People prescribed steps moved 20% more and had lower HbA1c and insulin resistance |
Schizophrenia risk higher with poor maternal nutrition
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Inadequate weight gain during pregnancy linked to higher risk of schizophrenia in children Related items from OnMedica Offspring of obese mothers at higher risk of early death Unhealthy diet during pregnancy may be linked to ADHD Experts warn of high sugar level dangers in pregnancy Assess pregnant and new mums’ mental health Fifth of all children referred to specialist mental health services rejected for treatment |
Depression raises risk of developing psoriatic arthritis
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Psoriasis patients over a third more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis if depressed Related items from OnMedica Gene breakthrough confirms existence of psoriatic arthritis New research reveals psychological impact of psoriasis Major depression common in people with psoriasis Psoriasis photo library |
Thursday, 23 February 2017
Cheshire woman pregnant with late husband's baby
Sarah Beattie lost her husband to cancer but is now expecting his child after IVF treatment success. via BBC News - Health Read More Here..
Ten portions of fruit and veg key to longer life
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But doctors warn upping the five-a-day recommendation 'creates unrealistic expectations' Related items from OnMedica ‘Five a day’ may be enough to lower risk of death ‘Mediterranean’ diet reduces risks for heart patients Diabetes risk lower with high intake of fruit and veg Signage increased share of spending on fruit and veg Vegetarians have lower bowel cancer risk than meat-eaters |
Plain packets help smokers quit by killing brand identities
Smokers no longer derive a sense of identity from cigarette brands after plain packaging rule was introduced in Australia, helping them to kick the habit via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
Effective altruism is re-inventing how we do good – can it work?
Philanthropy is full of fuzzy uncertainties. A new approach promises a scientific revolution in the art of giving. Are there hidden dangers? via New Scientist - Health Read More Here..
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