BUFFALO, N.Y. — For a rich source of stem cells to be engineered into new blood vessels or skin tissue, clinicians may one day look no further than the hair on their patients’ heads, according to new research published earlier this month by University at Buffalo engineers.
“Engineering blood vessels for bypass surgery, promoting the formation of new blood vessels or regenerating new skin tissue using stem cells obtained from the most accessible source — hair follicles — is a real possibility,” said Stelios T. Andreadis, Ph.D., co-author of the paper in Cardiovascular Research and associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering in the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Researchers from other institutions previously had shown that hair follicles contain stem cells.
Continue reading ‘Stem Cells from Hair Follicles May Help “Grow” New Blood Vessels’
Popularity: 11% [?]
Analysis identifies potential new therapeutic targets
An international team that included scientists from the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), today reported it has identified six more genetic variants involved in type 2 diabetes, boosting to 16 the total number of genetic risk factors associated with increased risk of the disease. None of the genetic variants uncovered by the new study had previously been suspected of playing a role in type 2 diabetes. Intriguingly, the new variant most strongly associated with type 2 diabetes also was recently implicated in a very different condition: prostate cancer.
The unprecedented analysis, published today in the advance online edition of Nature Genetics, combined genetic data from more than 70,000 people. The work was carried out through the collaborative efforts of more than 90 researchers at more than 40 centers in Europe and North America.
“None of the genes we have found was previously on the radar screen of diabetes researchers,” said one of the paper’s senior authors, Mark McCarthy, M.D., of the University of Oxford in England. “Each of these genes, therefore, provides new clues to the processes that go wrong when diabetes develops, and each provides an opportunity for the generation of new approaches for treating or preventing this condition.” Continue reading ‘Major collaboration uncovers surprising new genetic clues to diabetes’
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Selenium, an antioxidant included in multivitamin tablets thought to have a possible protective effect against the development of type 2 diabetes, may actually increase the risk of developing the disease, an analysis by researchers at the University at Buffalo has shown.
Results of a randomized clinical trial using 200 micrograms of selenium alone showed that 55 percent more cases of type 2 diabetes developed among participants randomized to receive selenium than in those who received a placebo pill.
Results will appear in print in the August 2007 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine and were posted online on July 10.
Self-reported diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was a secondary endpoint in a clinical trial designed to test the benefit of selenium supplementation in prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer in areas in the Eastern U.S. where selenium levels are lower than the national average. Selenium is a trace mineral that is an essential component of proteins involved in antioxidant activity. Continue reading ‘Selenium supplements may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes’
Popularity: 11% [?]
New research by Yale medical student identifies different factors for optimal short- versus long-term recovery.
The factors associated with poor short-term recovery from knee surgery appear to be different than those found to mar long-term outcome from the same surgery, according to new research released today at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine at the Telus Convention Center (July 12-15).
“We found that women showed poorer short-term recovery than men in the first year following arthroscopic meniscal tear removal surgery, and people with osteoarthritis also did not do as well as others,” says principal investigator Peter Fabricant, BS, a medical student at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn. “The factors associated with a poorer long-term outcome, such as larger tear size, greater amount of tissue removed, advanced patient age, and higher Body Mass Index, are not the same as those we can associate with short-term surgical recovery.” Continue reading ‘Women, Arthritis Sufferers have Poorer Short-Term Recovery from Arthroscopic Knee Surgery’
Popularity: 11% [?]
Don’t look at me. Some visual expert named Meme Roth has expressed her dismay at Jordin Sparks for not being a good role model because “apparently”, she’s not fat, but obese. Now this is some good TV, everything is going crazy at FOX News!
I’m pretty careful with the articles I write in this blog, citing sources whenever applicable. And I believe so should everybody else, especially professionals in the medical field. I didn’t see any MD attached to her name. Dietitian? Nutritionist, maybe? Her website mentions nothing but a cute slogan, “I am the picture and message of prevention…” Uh, if preventing me from getting fat is this eye-soring, sorry, ma’am, I’ll pass.
Sure, you don’t need to be an MS or have a PhD to call someone fat, as much as Rachel Ray needs no measuring cups, miraculously eyeballing all her fluid ingredients to concoct a fabulous 30-minute meal (not that I have anything against RR). However, this video clip is such a hair-pulling moment.
Continue reading ‘Jordin Sparks is Fat!’
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Sheik Md Jalal Uddin asks:
I am suffering from diabetes [sic].
Is rice ok for diabetes?
How do I measure it?
Thank you for asking, Sheik. You have at least three options to choose from. In my opinion, using the Glycemic Index (GI) is a simple tool to determine the type of rice that is best not only for people with diabetes, but also for individuals suffering from glucose intolerance, a symptom often overlooked that precedes a number of medical conditions including inflammatory diseases. To refresh your memory, GI measures how rapid carbohydrates affect the blood glucose (sugar) levels, within two hours of intake. Think of it as a ranking system for carbs; the lower the value, the lesser effect on glucose levels. If you have a very selective palate, may I recommend that you skip to the last choice, Basmati rice, otherwise, if you are after the best type for regulating glucose levels, not so much the taste, kindly continue to the Continue reading ‘Three Rice Options for Diabetics’
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The United States FDA is at it again. They have been notorious for decades for their biased attacks and uneven handling of natural, non-drug/surgery/radiation based health options. This times, though, they are Continue reading ‘FDA Tries to Regulate Health Supplements yet Again’
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Perhaps everybody will agree if I say everybody wants to stay young and beautiful. Well, pretty good guess I may say but that’s the truth. Everybody just hate aging and even seeing signs of it.
We resort to medications, treatment options and even cosmetics in order to combat and halt aging. Scientists today have identified a compound (resveratrol) that stimulates sirtuin a gene that promotes youthfullness, and inhibits the body’s predestination to aging and such compound is found in red wines and skins of grapes. More readings on voaNEWS.com.
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Reading on the news today, it shows that New York City could be the first State to radically ban the use of transfats in cooking and other food preparation activities.
It was shown that the consumption of trans fat may contribute to clogging of the arteries which results to various types cardiovascular diseases leading to heart attack.
Transfats are created through the addition of hydrogen to a vegetable oil. This activity increases the possibility of producing more dangerous types of cholesterol that are hazardous to health.
NewsScientists has the news. Check it out.
Popularity: 49% [?]
Stretching techniques, Yoga and other relevant exercises are part of some people’s effective regime to grow taller. But much of what is known in Yoga are not well understood by common people unless one has to religiously engage themselves in this exciting exercise program and build an internal discipline that will help you and others achieve desired height.
Yoga
Yoga is an exercise system that helps the body maintain body and mind balance. This type of exercise improves breathing and if you ever had experienced such, you can experience a relatively high degree of flexibility and tolerance to stress.
I have tried attending several sessions of Yoga and it was fun! It creates an entirely different you and I would say that it even improved my posture and added some centimetres to my extremities and torso.
Yoga increases the stretching capacity of your muscles and bones so it is but proper to note that Yoga can help tone and muscle development of your back and other parts of the body and helps add a permanent inch/es to your height.
To sum it up, Yoga increases height due to three things:
1. Stretches muscles and helps them stay strong
2. Helps lengthen the bone of the upper and lower limbs
3. Stretching may help add an inch between spine disks due to repeated
stretching and decompression
Popularity: 48% [?]
Perhaps sleeping at night may not be applicable for everyone due to varying work schedules, better yet, we would like to focus on the benefits of sleeping as a whole.
America may be one of the countries where sleeping is valued. The demands of everyday work and social commitments have taken toll on Americans’ sleeping habit. The following are just some of the reasons why getting the recommended hours of sleep has been hard to get.
• Work demands
• Shifting work schedules
• Existing sleeping problems
• Pathological Worrying, etc.
• Eating habits, etc.
While the above causes might not be the case for some people who are experiencing such condition, there will always be some people who will get susceptible to developing pathological sleeping problems.
The body can only endure much so following just simple recommendations below will put you out of this possible health danger.
• Follow regular sleeping patters, sleep and get up at the same time
of the night/day daily
• Do not do other stuff in bed other than sleeping and sex
• Eating lightly before sleeping will help you relax and fall asleep
• Keep room lighting at a level comfortable for sleeping (dim is
recommended)
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For most people, multivitamins are thought to only benefit children and those who frequently get sick. But the truth of the matter is, everyone needs multivitamins: no exceptions! Contrary to what others say, a well-balanced diet would not provide all the needed vitamins and minerals needed for a day.
The American Journal of Epidemiology provided writings about the long-term benefits of regular intake of multivitamins. The study offered a big proof of protection against colon cancer and other cancer illnesses of the digestive system.
Just this morning while taking my groceries I was able to speak to someone who happens to be a cancer survivor. During the course of the conversation, she mentioned that it was her poor eating habits and stressful career which brought her body more susceptible to developing cancer. Sad but true.
We can now see a big proof as to why diet and receiving complete nutrition, including multivitamins can save you from the devastating effects of cancer and other illnesses.
All in all, below are the ways to an effective eating lifestyle:
1. Reducing animal food product consumption, including fat
2. Eat healthy food stuffs like fruits and vegetables (especially, leafy ones)
3. Drinking fluids (potable water) and juices
4. Enough rest
5. Multivitamin Intake
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There has been a lot of questions that were raised after an initial intriguing observation was released regarding the effect of breast cancer among Black women in the United States.
It was revealed that black Americans are frequently more prone to complications. Moreover, tumors having drug resistance features were also observed to develop.
According to the head of the cancer research team at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, it shows that there are a lot of convincing clues that supports the direct relationship between race and the likelihood of one developing cancer in the future.
Another important fact is that most cancers which develops among black women turns out to be more aggressive and hard to cure (due to the presence of drug resistance tumors).
More detailed information is found at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre website.
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Cancer is just one of the horrors of today’s health. According to the latest records of the American Cancer Society, it shows that 27% of the cause of death in the United States is brought about by one type of cancer and people may develop any of its types during their lives. This alarming statistics cancer currently provides genuinely deserves immediate attention.
Being physically healthy does not guarantee you to be free from getting cancer but you should rather check on the type of lifestyle you live in order to make sure that you are not making yourself more susceptible to cancers. Below are lifestyles that kick you off from increasing individual cancer risk.
- Exercise and Avoiding Too Much Stress
- Avoiding Vices such as cigarette and tobacco smoking
- Eating highly nutritious food rich in fiber, vitamins and, minerals such as fruits and vegetables
- Taking Vitamin Supplements
- Taking Enough Rest
Also, regular checkups with cancer experts is just one of the things that you can do in order to reduce the possibility of acquiring cancer. WholeHealthMD lists more of this stuff so you may go check that out.
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There’s no secret to a long and youthful life but a right, balanced, and disciplined diet. While dieting is the language of people who seeks for a lean body mass, it must be emphasized that proper dieting coupled with the right amount and kinds of food to take are important to starting off with your strategic life to a better health.
Although we are all aware of the dangers of maintaining a risky diet (that is, unchecked by a dietician) and those that maintains what we call “cheesecake diet’’ it must be admitted that it’s hard to change some eating habit that puts you more into greater health risk.
Below are just some of the fine-tuning health tips that may help you fire up your way to a healthy lifestyle. It’s easier to remember.
5 Cs to Health
- Cut on Cholesterol Consumption
- Cut on Refined Sugars
- Cut on Instant Foodstuffs
- Cut on Sleeplessness Abuse
- Cut on Vices
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I am a bit surprised by the news today regarding whitebread having a close association with cancer incidence among people who consumes them. The research is based on a study published in the International Journal of Cancer.
The research also aims to promote the consumption of whole grains and vegetables in order to avoid the horrors of Kidney cancers (Renal Cell Carcinoma). Its surprising to know that most foodstuff that we regularly eat unknowingly jeopardizes our health.
In the study, it shows that among the 6000 recorded case of renal cell carcinoma, more than 80% of them were found out to have consumed more than 5 slices of whitebread a day while the remaining population were recorded to have approximately consumed 1 and a half slices per day. Moreover, the study confirms that the former are twice more likely to develop kidney cancer within their lifetime than those who consumes less.
More of this information can be found in this site
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Before trying on a new weight loss program or deciding to enroll in another gym class, consider some practical ways that can help rid unwanted pounds. These ways have been carefully studied by health experts and are likely to significantly aid in one’s slimming pursuit.
- Scientists and experts believe that the color blue is actually an appetite suppressant, while the colors red and yellow are appetite enhancers. This may be the reason behind the absence of blue and the excess of yellows and reds in restaurant logos, signage, even decorations and interior. Surrounding yourself in blue especially during meal times may help suppress hunger resulting to less food consumption. Serve food in blue plates, cover you table with a blue table cloth, add touches of blue in your dinning area, whichever works.
- Another practical weight loss strategy is to downsize your dinner plates. Dinner plates commonly measure 10 to 14 inches, instead of using these, we can serve our food in salad plates that measure about 7 to 9 inches wide. Scientists and researchers believe that the less food served, the less food you eat. Smaller plates equal smaller servings = lesser food consumption.
Serving food on plates rather than putting them in separate bowls is another practical way of losing weight. This is helpful in controlling food consumption since once you finish your plate, there are not bowls to reach into for seconds or thirds.
Hanging a mirror opposite to where you are seated while eating has been proven to decrease food consumption by as much as 30%. Seeing yourself in the mirror while eating is a constant reminder of your weight loss goals and inner standards.
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Losing weight is one of the common dilemmas that a lot of people face these days. The reasons behind shedding a few pounds is not confined to aesthetic reasons, or wanting to be thinner or sexier. These days, more and more people are joining the slim team to promote better health and well-being.
Heart disease, diabetes, strokes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers are some of the risks and illnesses associated to obesity or being overweight. The fear of having such intensifies people’s drive to lose weight.
When one wishes to slim down, they take on stringent measures like significantly decreasing their calorie consumption or increasing exercise or sports activities to burn more calories. Although these may work, people must also be aware that most diets and quick weight loss strategies may promote an unhealthy and imbalanced way of shedding extra poundage. Rather, proper weight loss techniques must be integrated to one’s daily routine. This would not only make slimming healthier, it also makes it more practical and cost-effective.
The cardinal rule in proper weight loss programs that can be done daily is to increase vegetable and fruit intake and lessen meat intake (more fiber, less fat) along with increased physical activity. Physical activity need not be in a gym or in a sports center but in doing daily tasks such as walking farther to the office, taking the stairs rather than the elevator, and the like.
The ways of losing weight may be proper but have we ever wondered about the motivations behind losing all this weight? If dieters are trying to shed off pounds to alleviate risks of illnesses, good! Who wants to be unhealthy in the first place? But more and more dieters are in it for the supposed satisfaction they get when they look at their slim selves in the mirror, which a lot take too far.
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Naomi Moriyama’s book, “Japanese Women Don’t Get Fat or Old: Secrets from My Mother’s Tokyo Kitchen,” talks about the seven pillars of Japanese food – fish, vegetables, rice, soy, noodles, tea and fruit. All of which, she believes, are the secrets behind Japanese health and vitality. Of the seven pillars, fish was introduced first and was given much attention to. Since Japan is mainly surrounded by water, it’s no wonder that Japanese diets are fish-based, rich in fish and seafood, with sparse beef offerings (perhaps also owing to limited land space).
However, people must be aware that not all fish or seafood is healthy, especially if consumed in large quantities. A lot of fish and seafood contain high amounts of cholesterol and may not be healthy alternatives at all.
Scientists and health experts believe that fish oil derived from herbivorous fish species like mackerel, salmon and sardines contain natural fish oils considered to be natural anti-cholesterol agents. Fish oil contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, more popularly known as omega-3 that lower blood cholesterol levels and improves blood coagulation properties. They are also proven to prevent the risks of heart attacks, depression and some forms of cancer. Continue reading ‘Japanese Meals: Fishy, fishy, fishy’
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As a child, my dad used to fold a piece of paper, insert into the upper part between the chopsticks and secure it with a string or rubber band. This method allowed me to use chopsticks like a tong until I eventually learned to use them without properly.
Whenever my son is given his set of chopsticks, he commonly uses it to poke the food or to spear whatever is on his plate. Because of this, I employ the same technique as my father applied to me (and my chopstick use) with my son, who manages to pick some food using his mommy-made chopsticks.
According to a popular Eastern legend, the idea of using chopsticks originated from cranes, who would eat their food one bite-sized piece at a time using their beaks. Can this be the reason behind the absence of obese or even fat cranes? Properly paced eating? Maybe, maybe not. Continue reading ‘Japanese-style Eating (how to use chopsticks)’
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