Implanting insulin-producing cells into the eye could help treat diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most pressing health concerns of our time, and now Swedish scientists have demonstrated a new potential way to manage the disease. It turns out the eye might be a useful place to implant insulin-producing cells to control blood s… Continue reading Implanting insulin-producing cells into the eye could help treat diabetes

New findings challenge ‘hygiene hypothesis’ behind allergy development

Does early childhood exposure to a broad variety of germs and bacteria make one less likely to develop asthma and allergies? A new animal study challenges this popular idea, finding diverse microbial exposure when young may have little effect on allerg… Continue reading New findings challenge ‘hygiene hypothesis’ behind allergy development

Red blood cells trigger protective mechanism against heart damage

Researchers have found that red blood cells have an innate ability to trigger a pathway that protects the heart from injury during periods of low oxygen, such as during a heart attack. The effect was stronger in people fed a diet high in nitrates, foun… Continue reading Red blood cells trigger protective mechanism against heart damage

Statins linked to reduced cancer risk in people with ulcerative colitis

A new study has found that taking cholesterol-lowering statins was associated with a lowered risk of developing colorectal cancer in people with ulcerative colitis. The researchers say that statins, commonly prescribed for heart health, could be used a… Continue reading Statins linked to reduced cancer risk in people with ulcerative colitis

Antioxidants such as vitamin C found to spur cancer growth & metastasis

A new study has found that antioxidants like vitamins C and E activate a mechanism that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in cancer tumors, helping them to grow and spread. The researchers say their findings highlight the potential risk of tak… Continue reading Antioxidants such as vitamin C found to spur cancer growth & metastasis

Subset of brain immune cells identified, linked to cognition and memory

Researchers have identified a subset of microglia, the brain's immune cells, called ARG1+ microglia (shown here in yellow), surrounded by regular microglia (red)

A new study has discovered the important role that a subset of microglia, the brain’s immune cells, plays in early brain development, cognition and memory. The finding gives us a better understanding of how these cells work and could pave the way for new treatments for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

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Continue reading Subset of brain immune cells identified, linked to cognition and memory

Protocol predicts Alzheimer’s 10 years in advance with 80% accuracy

The number of people with dementia is set to almost double every 20 years, according to Alzheimer's Disease International

In seeking a safe yet effective way to predict Alzheimer’s disease, researchers found a sugar molecule in the blood of affected patients. When combined with a simple memory test and genetic analysis, the research team was able to predict the onset of the condition up to a decade in advance with a significant degree of accuracy. The protocol could soon join others in helping scientists spot Alzheimer’s in advance of its symptoms and take steps to halt its progression.

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Continue reading Protocol predicts Alzheimer’s 10 years in advance with 80% accuracy

Higher blood caffeine levels may reduce weight, risk of type 2 diabetes

Caffeine is consumed worldwide in coffee, tea, and soft drinks, and its health benefits have been studied for years. Now, researchers have looked at the genes associated with caffeine metabolism to determine how the level of caffeine in the blood affec… Continue reading Higher blood caffeine levels may reduce weight, risk of type 2 diabetes

Cold-activated brown fat soaks up glucose to starve tumors of fuel

Scientists investigating the way a certain type of fat behaves in response to cold have made a discovery that could have ramifications for cancer treatment. The breakthrough centers on the way the body metabolizes glucose, and hints at the possibility … Continue reading Cold-activated brown fat soaks up glucose to starve tumors of fuel

New potential diabetes treatment regenerates insulin-producing cells

An emerging way to treat diabetes is to repair or replace the cells in the body that naturally produce insulin. Swedish researchers have now identified a molecule that helps stimulate the growth of new insulin-producing cells, and uncovered how it work… Continue reading New potential diabetes treatment regenerates insulin-producing cells