MNT weekly newsletter - November 21, 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 to know about ferritin blood tests for anemia
A ferritin blood test is a simple way to check a person's iron levels. In this article, we discuss normal, low, and high levels, what they mean, and how to alter blood ferritin levels.
Hemophilia, coagulation, and blood clotting
If blood does not clot, life-threatening bleeding can occcur. Find out about how blood clots, how clotting factors work, and how treatment has improved the outlook for people with hemophilia.


Bones / Orthopedics
What is bone metastases in prostate cancer?
When prostate cancer spreads to the bones, this is known as bone metastases. Although there is no cure for this advanced stage of prostate cancer, treatment can help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend life expectancy. Learn more here.
Osteoporosis: Could probiotics protect bone health?
According to a new study that scientists carried out in rodents, probiotics might be an effective way to prevent the bone loss that leads to osteoporosis.


Colorectal Cancer
How aspirin and omega-3 may reduce cancer risk
A new clinical trial suggests that taking aspirin and an omega-3 fatty acid can decrease the number of precancerous growths in the colon.


Depression
Suicide: Study finds 4 genes that may raise risk
A new study zooms in on four genetic variants that influence the likelihood of death by suicide. It also finds 207 genes that need further investigation.
Does using testosterone to treat depression work?
A new analysis attempts to end a long-standing debate in psychiatry. The researchers asked whether testosterone really can relieve depression in men.
What are the possible complications of psoriasis?
Psoriasis often causes skin lesions, but a person with psoriasis may also have a higher risk of other conditions, such as celiac or inflammatory bowel disease. Other possible complications range from a type of arthritis to heart problems and depression. Find out more.
New evidence that social media increases loneliness
A recent study investigating Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram concludes that reduced use leads to significant decreases in depression and loneliness.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
What to know about cassava: Nutrition and toxicity
Cassava is a root vegetable that people eat worldwide. Raw cassava can be toxic when people ingest it. Learn about the benefits, toxicity, and uses of cassava here, as well as how to prepare it safely.
Natural colon cleanses: Everything you need to know
A colon cleanse is an alternative remedy that some people claim removes waste and toxins from the colon. Learn about natural colon cleanses and whether they work here.
Why a low-gluten diet may benefit everyone
New research suggests that a diet low in gluten may benefit health, even for people who do not have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.


Hypertension
Blood pressure medications: Everything you need to know
Blood pressure medications help prevent many serious complications, such as stroke and heart disease. Learn about the types and possible side effects in this article.


Men's Health
What is bone metastases in prostate cancer?
When prostate cancer spreads to the bones, this is known as bone metastases. Although there is no cure for this advanced stage of prostate cancer, treatment can help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend life expectancy. Learn more here.
What to know about sperm analysis
A sperm analysis is a test of sperm health, such as the number, movement, and size of sperm. Learn about the procedure and results of a sperm analysis here.
How to find the right condom size
Condoms come in many shapes and sizes. Finding the right fit is important for both safety and pleasure. Learn about condom brand sizes, and how to choose the right size, here.


Neurology / Neuroscience
How you react to stress may predict brain health
New research suggests that the way we respond to minor daily stressors may affect our cognition and brain health well into old age.
Study investigates how MDMA affects cooperation and trust
Study uses game theory model to show that MDMA increases cooperative behavior among trustworthy people and affects brain regions tied to social cognition.
What does autism look like in the brain?
A new study offers a fresh perspective on how autism works in the brain. Symptoms, the authors say, may be linked to persistent connections in the brain.
Can multitasking boost rather than hinder performance?
Newly published research suggests that whether we perceive one or several activities as multitasking can have an impact on our performance.


Nutrition / Diet
What to know about cassava: Nutrition and toxicity
Cassava is a root vegetable that people eat worldwide. Raw cassava can be toxic when people ingest it. Learn about the benefits, toxicity, and uses of cassava here, as well as how to prepare it safely.
What are the benefits of cherry juice?
Cherry juice has many alleged health benefits, including reducing gout symptoms, aiding sleep, and improving short-term memory. Learn more about the potential health benefits of cherry juice here, as well as how to make it.
Health benefits of coconut milk
Coconut milk is made from the flesh of coconuts. It may support weight loss, heart health, and the immune system. Here, we discuss the benefits and nutritional contents of coconut milk, and some other factors to consider.
What are the benefits of flaxseed oil?
Learn about the health benefits of flaxseed oil, such as improved skin and cholesterol, decreased inflammation, and a reduced risk of diabetes. We also cover the potential risks of flaxseed oil, as well as how to use it.
Why a low-gluten diet may benefit everyone
New research suggests that a diet low in gluten may benefit health, even for people who do not have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
'Breakthrough' treatment for peanut allergy awaits FDA check
Millions of people live with peanut allergy, for which there is currently no available treatment. Thanks to a new study, though, this may soon change.
Osteoporosis: Could probiotics protect bone health?
According to a new study that scientists carried out in rodents, probiotics might be an effective way to prevent the bone loss that leads to osteoporosis.
Why a low-carb diet can help you lose weight and keep it off
New research suggests that a diet low in carbs may help people burn more calories, lose weight, and maintain the weight loss in the long run.
Dandelion tea benefits
Dandelion tea offers potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and fighting flu. Most of the research is in vitro or uses animals, so more studies are necessary to confirm its effectiveness in humans. Learn more about the possible health benefits of dandelion tea here.
9 healthful substitutes for butter
There are several common substitutes for butter, including coconut oil, mashed bananas, and avocado. Learn about the possible alternatives to butter here.
What are the health benefits of cucumber water?
Cucumber water is helpful for promoting hydration, weight loss, and lower blood pressure. It is simple to make, and cucumbers are rich in vitamins A and K, as well as potassium and magnesium. It can be a tastier alternative to water. Learn more about the health benefits of cucumber water, and how to make it here.
Are almonds beneficial for people with diabetes?
As part of a balanced diet, almonds and almond milk are good options for people with diabetes. These nuts are rich in protein, healthful fats, and fiber but low in carbohydrates. They may aid blood sugar regulation and weight management. Learn more here.


Prostate / Prostate Cancer
What is bone metastases in prostate cancer?
When prostate cancer spreads to the bones, this is known as bone metastases. Although there is no cure for this advanced stage of prostate cancer, treatment can help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend life expectancy. Learn more here.


Psoriasis
What are the signs and symptoms of psoriasis?
The best-known symptom of psoriasis is the way it affects the skin. However, psoriasis is a complex condition, and its impact can be wide-ranging, with effects on the nails, joints, and mental wellbeing.
What are the possible complications of psoriasis?
Psoriasis often causes skin lesions, but a person with psoriasis may also have a higher risk of other conditions, such as celiac or inflammatory bowel disease. Other possible complications range from a type of arthritis to heart problems and depression. Find out more.


Respiratory
Magnesium sulfate for asthma treatment
People with asthma often experience flare-ups of symptoms. For severe asthma attacks that do not respond to standard treatments, a doctor may administer intravenous magnesium sulfate. Learn more here.
What are the early symptoms of COPD?
Early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often leads to a better outlook. People who recognize the first symptoms, which may include blood in the mucus, excessive mucus, and shortness of breath, should see a doctor. Learn more about the early symptoms of COPD here.
How do you get COPD?
COPD is not contagious. It is a group of progressive diseases caused by lung damage that can get worse over time. Learn more about how COPD develops and why here.
Can people with COPD get better?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive condition with no cure. It is not possible to completely reverse it, but there are many things a person with COPD can do to help enhance outlook and improve their quality of life.
Tonsillectomy: Procedure and recovery
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. In this article, learn about its uses, how the procedure works, and the recovery process. We also cover the risks.
How to respond to chlorine poisoning
Although chlorine is highly toxic, household products containing chlorine are safe when a person handles them correctly. However, swallowing or inhaling chlorine can be very dangerous. If an individual shows symptoms of chlorine poisoning, call the emergency services immediately. Learn more here.
Intubation: Everything you need to know
Intubation is a common procedure doctors use during surgery or in a medical emergency to help a person breathe. In this article, learn about the types, side effects, and recovery.


Sexual Health / STDs
What to know about sperm analysis
A sperm analysis is a test of sperm health, such as the number, movement, and size of sperm. Learn about the procedure and results of a sperm analysis here.
Is blue waffle a real medical condition?
Blue waffle disease is a fictional STD that is said to turn a woman's genitals blue. There is no medical evidence that the condition actually exists. In this article, we look at the truth behind blue waffle disease and the importance of getting reliable sexual health information.
How to find the right condom size
Condoms come in many shapes and sizes. Finding the right fit is important for both safety and pleasure. Learn about condom brand sizes, and how to choose the right size, here.


Surgery
The long-term outcomes of breast implants studied
A recent analysis on existing data unearths information about the rare but serious long-term risks associated with silicone breast implants.
Tonsillectomy: Procedure and recovery
A tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils. In this article, learn about its uses, how the procedure works, and the recovery process. We also cover the risks.
Intubation: Everything you need to know
Intubation is a common procedure doctors use during surgery or in a medical emergency to help a person breathe. In this article, learn about the types, side effects, and recovery.


Urology / Nephrology
What is bone metastases in prostate cancer?
When prostate cancer spreads to the bones, this is known as bone metastases. Although there is no cure for this advanced stage of prostate cancer, treatment can help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and extend life expectancy. Learn more here.
What is lupus?
Lupus is a complex and potentially serious autoimmune condition. It has a variety of symptoms and can affect different parts of the body. It is difficult to diagnose, but new scientific discoveries are making early diagnosis easier. Treatment can provide effective ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.


Women's Health / Gynecology
Pregnancy trimesters: A guide
Pregnancy usually has three trimesters, lasting about 40 weeks from the first day of a woman's last period. Each trimester comes with different symptoms. Learn more about each pregnancy trimester here.
How does social media use affect our body image?
Recently published research examines the effect of active social media engagement on the self-perceived body image of young adult women.
What causes sweating around the vagina?
Sweating in the area around the vagina is normal, but it can sometimes cause discomfort and irritation. Several factors can increase sweating in the groin area, including exercise, nonbreathable underwear, and too much pubic hair. Learn more here.
What is melasma?
Melasma causes dark patches to appear on the skin. It is a pigmentation disorder that is more common in women. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments here.
What to know about ferritin blood tests for anemia
A ferritin blood test is a simple way to check a person's iron levels. In this article, we discuss normal, low, and high levels, what they mean, and how to alter blood ferritin levels.


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