Health (General) – Newsletter for December 16, 2010

‘Staph’ bacteria prefer the taste of human blood

WASHINGTON – Vanderbilt University scientists have discovered that “Staph” bacteria prefer the taste of human blood.

“Staph” bacteria feed on blood. They need the iron that’s hidden away inside red blood cells to grow and cause infections.

The researchers report that Staphylococcus aureus (staph) favours human hemoglobin – the oxygen-carrying protein that contains iron – over … Read more »»».

Finally, a ‘fountain of youth’ drug?

LONDON – A fountain of youth drug which could help people stay fit and healthy long into old age has been unveiled by doctors.

In tests, tiny amounts of the drug lenalidomide massively boosted immune system chemicals key to fighting off invaders from bugs to tumours. Concentrations of one of the protective compounds rose more …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Finally, a ‘fountain of youth’ drug?.

Zero-calorie candy for sweet-looking face

LONDON – The first sweet candy claiming to make people look better is to hit the shops here next year.

‘Beauty candy’, part of the ‘Beauty’in’ brand, claims to increase energy levels, boost health, slow down the ageing process and improve skin complexion.
The confectionery supposedly contains zero fat, preservatives, sugar and sodium, has less … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Zero-calorie candy for sweet-looking face.

Being a part of social groups ‘can improve mental health’

WASHINGTON – A new study has concluded that being a part of many different social groups can improve mental health and help a person cope with stressful events.

And it also leads to better physical health, making you more able to withstand-and recover faster from-physical challenges.

Belonging to groups, such as networks of friends, family, clubs … Read more >>.

Body fat distribution linked to a higher risk of ER-negative breast cancer

WASHINGTON – A new study has revealed that body fat distribution does not play an important role in the incidence of every subtype of premenopausal breast cancer, but is associated with an increased risk for estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer.

Previous studies have shown that the association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk … Read more »».

Asthma patients have garden mould growing in lungs

LONDON – A common garden mould that causes an allergic reaction in asthmatics actually grows in many patients’ lungs.

The discovery was made during research into the impact of the mould Aspergillus fumigates on asthmatics. The fungi is usually found in soil and compost heaps.
Andy Wardlaw of the University of Leicester, who led the … Original article on : Asthma patients have garden mould growing in lungs.

Social networks help members cope better with challenges

SYDNEY – Being part of different social groups can improve mental health and enable one to cope better with stressful events, reveals a new study.

Belonging to groups, such as networks of friends, family, clubs and sport teams, affects mental health because groups provide support, help one feel good about self and keep one …. Source  : Social networks help members cope better with challenges.

A quarter of Brit kids are overweight or obese by the age of 5

LONDON – A new report has revealed that a quarter of Brit children are already overweight or obese when they start school at the age of 4.

And by the time they leave primary school at the age of 11, more than one in three will be too fat and at serious risk of long-term health …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : A quarter of Brit kids are overweight or obese by the age of 5.

New discovery shows promise against pancreatic cancer

WASHINGTON – Johns Hopkins scientists have made a new discovery that could be helpful in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

By determining what goes missing in human cells when the gene that is most commonly mutated in pancreatic cancer gets turned on, scientists have discovered a potential strategy for therapy.

The production of a particular cluster of …. Original article  : New discovery shows promise against pancreatic cancer.

How ‘chameleon-like’ HIV virus eludes treatment by mutating

WASHINGTON – A new study has shed light on how chameleon-like HIV virus constantly mutates into forms and gets away even from the best cocktail of current therapies.

This understanding may help developing better tests and treatments for patients.

Stefan Sarafianos, … Read more : How ‘chameleon-like’ HIV virus eludes treatment by mutating.