The Life-or-Death Molecule By Jane Farrell articleResearchers have zeroed in on a molecule that’s involved in cell death, a discovery that could lead to better treatment for inflammatory illnesses such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. The investigators found that a previously identified molecule, RIPK1, inhibits necroptosis (cell death), which is implicated in inflammatory conditions. Paradoxically, RIPK1 is also responsible for initiating cell death.
_ Women's Health and WellnessCervical Cancer Screening Guidelines May Be Wrong By Jane Farrell articleA study has found that cervical cancer rates are higher than previously believed, especially among women 65 and older as well as African-American women in all age groups. The finding brings into question current screening guidelines that don’t recommend Pap smear screenings for women 65 and older. The study, led by researchers from the University of Maryland School of medicine, was published in the journal Cancer.
_ A Molecule That Could Battle Breast Cancer By Jane Farrell articleResearchers have developed a new technique that uses a so-called “energy molecule” to trigger the release of anti-cancer drugs directly into cancer cells. It may be especially effective in breast cancer treatment. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications. Once inside the cancer cells, the molecule, adenosine-5’-triphosphate (ATP), releases its “payload”: a collection of molecules embed with an anti-cancer drug called doxorubicin, which targets the nucleus of the cancer cell.
_ Heart HealthDetermining The Benefits Of Aspirin By Jane Farrell articleScientists have developed a method for figuring out who should take aspirin to prevent heart attacks. Although the remedy has been recommended for more than 30 years, it’s been unclear exactly which individuals might benefit. New research published today in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes shows that coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, a measurement of plaque in arteries that feed the heart, could help determine whether a person should take aspirin.
_ A Smartphone App to Detect Bipolar Disorder By Jane Farrell articleThere’s an app for everything – and now, there’s even one that can detect early signs of mood changes in people with bipolar disorder and other conditions. The app, developed by researchers from the University of Michigan, still needs much more testing before it can be widely used. But, the researchers said, a study of a small group of patients indicated its potential. The six participants all had Type 1 bipolar disorder and a history of manic and depressive episode. It could also help people with other conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
"Energy Source" Implicated in Dementia By Jane Farrell articleResearchers now know that a specific energy source is crucial to cells that maintain cognitive function. That discovery could lead to a better understanding of the cognitive decline in illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. The source, NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), is a molecule that harvests energy from nutrients in food and converts into a usable form for cells.
Why Seniors Get Addicted to Drugs By Jane Farrell articleFor older people who have chronic conditions or find themselves in a lot of pain temporarily, medicine can be a godsend that vastly improves quality of life. But senior citizens may find it all too easy to abuse prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Just because such medicines are bought in drugstores rather than on the street, say, doesn’t mean that they are any less dangerous. Overuse of drugs can lead to additional health problems, family problems, and even fatalities.
Watch: Anti-Aging Myths Exposed By Jane Farrell articleHere's another video from our Third Age collection. Press play to start learning.
_ Vision HealthA Dry-Eye Discovery By Jane Farrell articleResearchers are working toward an understanding of the distribution of tears in the eye, and the discoveries they’re making could lead to better treatment or even a cure for dry eye disease. The newest study was published in the journal Physics of Fluids. Dry eye disease afflicts millions of people worldwide, with symptoms such as pain, dryness, redness, reduced visual sharpness, and feelings of grittiness. Eye drops can help, but over time, dry can damage the cornea and lead to permanent reduced vision.
_ Age Discrimination Worse Than Sexism or Racism By Jane Farrell articlePeople who believe they are a victim of age or weight discrimination are linked to worse health than those older adults who are the targets of racism and sexism, according to a new study. The findings, by researchers from the Florida State University College of Medicine, were published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
_ Positive Self-Talk To Reduce Stress By Jane Farrell articleIs your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you're optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affect your health.
_ Living Well With Hepatitis C By Jane Farrell articleBy Jane Farrell Hepatitis C, an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus, is a discouraging, debilitating condition. It affects an estimated 3.2 million Americans, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The illness is usually caused by receiving donated blood that is infected, having had a bad organ transplant, or sharing a needle or having sex with a person who is contaminated with the virus.
_ A Plan for Better Heart-Patient Care By Jane Farrell articleMayo Clinic researchers have found that a uniform method to treat lower-risk cardiac surgery patients can improve outcomes, reduce time in the hospital and lower patient cost by 15 percent. The study was published in the journal Health Affairs. Despite their findings, researchers didn’t discount a remaining need for care that doesn’t necessarily adhere to their model.
_ Sleep HealthSleep and "Exploding Head" Syndrome By Jane Farrell article“Exploding head syndrome” sounds like the latest slang term, but it’s a real, though underdiagnosed, sleep disorder. People who have the syndrome usually hear loud noises – doors slamming, fireworks or gunshots – as they are going to sleep and waking up.
_ WidowhoodMourning the Death Of A Spouse By Jane Farrell articleLosing a spouse is one of life’s most heartbreaking events. You may react in a number of different ways: sorrow, fear, even anger (that your husband didn’t look after his health, for example). You can also feel guilty that you have survived, while he hasn’t. You may even feel a certain sense of relief, especially if you have been an in–home caregiver or your spouse has been in a nursing home.
_ Watch: Common Toe Problems By Jane Farrell articleHere's another addition to the Third Age video collection. Press play to start learning.
_ Protein Implicated In Kidney and Heart Disease By Jane Farrell articlePhosphate-rich foods such as processed cheese are known to increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Now scientists have found exactly why that’s so. The culprit is the hormone FGF23 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 23). When the level of FGF23 is raised, putting strain on the cardiovascular system. FGF23 controls renal excretion of sodium, and that affects blood pressure. The study, from researchers at Vetmeduni, Vienna, was published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.
Caring for Horses Can Help Dementia Symptoms By Jane Farrell articleSpending time with horses eases dementia symptoms for Alzheimer’s patients, according to the first study of its kind. The research, a collaboration between The Ohio State University and an adult daycare center, revealed that patients could groom, feed and walk horses under supervision. That experience improved patients’ mood and made them less likely to resist care or become upset later in the day.