MNT weekly newsletter - November 14, 2018

Medical News Today

Dear Kuk,

Welcome to this week's Medical News Today newsletter, containing the headlines from the past week, across your chosen news categories.


Blood / Hematology
What are the benefits of witch hazel?
Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, so many people use it at home for common complaints, such as acne or varicose veins. Learn more.


Breast Cancer
Breast cancer screening: How does it truly impact survival?
New research looking at the data of tens of thousands of women finds that screening for breast cancer has an important impact on survival.


Colorectal Cancer
Can dogs detect cancer?
Dogs have an incredibly sensitive sense of smell. They are able to detect various types of cancer through odor signatures in a person's breath, urine, and skin. Here, we look at how dogs can detect cancer, the types of cancer they can smell, and how medical professionals can use dogs in cancer research and diagnostics.


Depression
Does depression cause obesity or does obesity cause depression?
Depression and obesity are known to be linked, but science has found the relationship between them hard to unpick. A new study uses genetic data to find answers.
Unraveling the neural code of the anxious brain
By measuring the brain activity of participants across a series of days, scientists have encountered the neural signature of low mood in anxious brains.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Drug resistance: Does antibiotic use in animals affect human health?
How does antibiotic use in animals affect drug resistance in humans? What role do intensive farming practices have in this dynamic? We investigate.


Hypertension
Could blue light reduce blood pressure?
According to recent findings, exposing the body to blue light could lower high blood pressure as effectively as taking hypertension medication.


Neurology / Neuroscience
Gabapentin: What to know
Doctors prescribe gabapentin to treat epilepsy, restless legs syndrome, and some types of nerve pain. Learn more about the uses and potential side effects here.
Cannabis and the brain: Recent studies shed new light
Brain research that featured at a recent conference suggests that the potential benefits and harms of marijuana or its compounds vary with age and disease.
Autism: What is the link with zinc?
Past research noted a connection between zinc and autism, but a new study takes a deeper look and helps to further uncover the link.
Scientists confirm the role of 'molecular switch' in Parkinson's disease
Researchers establish that a cellular pathway that protects the brain against damage is disrupted in Parkinson's disease. Two enzymes play key roles.
What to know about focal (partial) seizures
Focal seizures, also called partial seizures, happen when a seizure affects only one part of the brain. Focal seizures differ from generalized seizures, which affect the whole brain. Focal seizures can be simple or complex. In this article, we discuss the types, symptoms, causes, and treatment of focal seizures.
Detecting schizophrenia before symptoms arise
A new study finds a neural signature that might help identify who will go on to develop schizophrenia. Earlier detection could improve outcomes.
Brain injury: New target may help eliminate inflammation
Researchers have identified a new cellular target that may, in the future, allow them to prevent the harmful effects of inflammation after brain injury.
How a key protein boosts memory, learning in the adult brain
New research reveals that a protein that helps make connections between neurons in the developing infant brain also strengthens them in the adult brain.
Unraveling the neural code of the anxious brain
By measuring the brain activity of participants across a series of days, scientists have encountered the neural signature of low mood in anxious brains.


Nutrition / Diet
What are the health benefits of spelt?
Spelt is an ancient grain that people can use in place of wheat. Learn about the health benefits of spelt, including its protein content, and how to use it.
What are the best fish to eat for health?
Some types of fish can be a good source of high-quality protein and other nutrients. Some of the best fish to eat include wild-caught salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines. Larger fish may contain mercury so people should consume them in moderation. Learn more about the best fish to eat and how to prepare them here.
Vitamin D, fish oil supplements of little benefit to heart health
Two large new clinical trials have examined the benefits of vitamin D and fish oil supplements for staving off heart disease and cancer.
7 benefits of rooibos tea
Rooibos tea is a delicious alternative to green or black tea. It is naturally caffeine-free and has many other potential health benefits. Learn about them here.
BMI calculators and charts
Body mass index or BMI is one way to see if a person can see if they are is underweight, if their weight is appropriate, or if they have excess weight. Use these calculators to check your BMI.
Measuring BMI for adults, children, and teens
BMI is one way of measuring whether a person's weight is healthy. It takes both height and weight into account. However, it does not provide an accurate reflection of an individual's body composition. Find out how to measure BMI in adults, children, and teens in this article.


Pain / Anesthetics
What is a TENS unit and does it work?
Some people use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to treat pain. This device works by sending electrical impulses through the skin. It may give people relief from the painful symptoms of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and other conditions. Learn more here.


Psoriasis
Differences between Enbrel and Humira
Enbrel and Humira are medications that doctors prescribe to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. Both help lower inflammation in the joints and are similar, regarding their available forms, storage, and costs. Learn more about Enbrel and Humira, and which might be the most appropriate, here.
Symptoms and treatment of psoriatic arthritis rash
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) causes pain and inflammation of the joints. Many people with PsA also experience the red, scaly rash that is characteristic of psoriasis. Treatments for the rash include topical medications, light therapy, and oral and intravenous drugs. Learn more here.
What is the link between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are related autoimmune conditions. Psoriasis may cause psoriatic arthritis, though they can develop independently. Learn more about the link between these conditions, along with their symptoms, causes, and treatments, here.
Managing psoriasis on the feet
Psoriasis can develop almost anywhere on the body. However, psoriasis on the feet can be particularly painful and challenging to treat. It is also necessary to be able to tell the difference between psoriasis on the feet and athlete's foot, as the treatment for these two conditions is very different. Learn more here.
How to identify and treat scalp psoriasis
When psoriasis affects the scalp, it causes dry, itchy, and flaky skin under the hair. It can be more challenging to treat than other forms of psoriasis. In this article, we provide pictures to help people identify scalp psoriasis and explain the symptoms and treatment of this condition.
What's the difference between inverse psoriasis and intertrigo?
Inverse psoriasis and intertrigo are two skin conditions that cause a rash in areas where the skin folds. They are separate conditions with different causes and treatments. Learn more here.
What to know about psoriasis and keratosis pilaris
Psoriasis and keratosis pilaris are both common skin conditions. People can develop both at the same time, although psoriasis and keratosis pilaris have different causes and treatments. We discuss both conditions here.


Respiratory
Humidity levels and COPD
Some people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) find that extremes in humidity can trigger or worsen symptoms. Managing exposure to humidity can help reduce or prevent COPD flare-ups. Learn more here.
Natural home remedies for COPD
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can improve their symptoms using various home remedies. These may include breathing exercises, essential oils, and supplements. Learn about home remedies for COPD here.
What to know about bradypnea (slow breathing)
Bradypnea is when a person is breathing at a slower rate than is usual for their age and activity level. Learn about bradypnea here, including its definition, causes, and treatment.


Surgery
What to know about gallbladder removal
A doctor may recommend gallbladder removal if other treatments do not provide relief from the symptoms of gallstones. Learn about the procedure and recovery here.
What is aseptic technique?
Aseptic technique is a set of best practices that healthcare professionals use to prevent the transfer of germs in clinics and hospitals and protect patients from infection. Learn more here.


Urology / Nephrology
What to know about late-stage hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can cause substantial liver damage, particularly in the later stages. The treatment and outlook will depend on the progression of the disease. Learn more here.
What to know about gallbladder removal
A doctor may recommend gallbladder removal if other treatments do not provide relief from the symptoms of gallstones. Learn about the procedure and recovery here.


Women's Health / Gynecology
Heart attacks increasingly common in young women
New research, presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions meeting, finds that heart attacks are no longer an 'old man's disease.'
Breast cancer screening: How does it truly impact survival?
New research looking at the data of tens of thousands of women finds that screening for breast cancer has an important impact on survival.
What is a TENS unit and does it work?
Some people use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to treat pain. This device works by sending electrical impulses through the skin. It may give people relief from the painful symptoms of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and other conditions. Learn more here.


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