MNT weekly newsletter - June 12, 2019

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 Neurobion
Neurobion is a brand of vitamin B supplements that aims to improve nerve function. Learn about the benefits and side effects of Neurobion here.
What is the normal range for troponin levels?
Troponin levels in the blood are normally very low and increase when the heart becomes damaged. Very high levels usually indicate that a person has recently had a heart attack. However, a number of other conditions can also cause elevated troponin levels. Learn more here.
Kidney function tests: Everything you need to know
There are many different types of kidney function tests, usually involving the blood or urine. In this article, learn about the tests and what to expect from the results.


Breast Cancer
Could gut bacteria drive the spread of breast cancer?
New research in mice finds that having an unhealthful balance in the gut microbiome can cause breast cancer to spread more aggressively.


Depression
What to know about secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is a later stage of multiple sclerosis. This article provides an overview of the condition, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
Night owls' health may benefit from 'simple' routine adjustments
Night owls often face various health risks due to the misalignment between their body clocks and regular work schedules. A few easy adjustments could help.
Lack of motivation: Does inflammation alter brain systems?
A new review suggests that low-grade inflammation may sometimes directly affect motivation. Its authors want to explore possible links with depression.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Could gut bacteria drive the spread of breast cancer?
New research in mice finds that having an unhealthful balance in the gut microbiome can cause breast cancer to spread more aggressively.
Normal time between poops
The length of time a person can go without pooping depends on factors such as diet and certain medical conditions. A healthful frequency is difficult to determine, as habits vary. Learn more here.
Gut bacteria may help explain why drugs don't work for everyone
A study with common human gut bacteria and a mouse model investigates whether our microbiome helps explain why drugs work well for some but not others.


Hypertension
Common acne drug could prevent artery hardening
Scientists have identified the mechanism that causes artery hardening and have shown that the antibiotic minocycline can prevent the process in rats.
Heart disease death: 'White coat hypertension' may double risk
New research examines the correlations between untreated 'white coat hypertension,' treated 'white coat effect,' heart disease, and heart disease death.
3 interventions could prevent millions of cardiovascular deaths
A new Harvard study argues that implementing three heart health interventions at a global level could save millions of lives in the next couple of decades.


Men's Health
What causes penis skin to peel?
Many factors can cause the skin on the penis to peel, including chafing, allergic reactions, skin conditions, and infections. Learn about the causes of penis skin peeling and how to treat it here.
New report shows overall cancer mortality on the decline
A joint effort among various governmental bodies, the new 'Annual Report to the Nation' offers fresh insights on cancer incidence and mortality.
What to know about masturbation and testosterone
Abstinence from masturbation and other forms of sexual activity may temporarily raise testosterone levels, but masturbation does not affect testosterone levels in the long term. Learn more here.


Neurology / Neuroscience
What to know about Neurobion
Neurobion is a brand of vitamin B supplements that aims to improve nerve function. Learn about the benefits and side effects of Neurobion here.
What to know about secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS)
Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is a later stage of multiple sclerosis. This article provides an overview of the condition, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
What causes pupils of different sizes?
The medical term for pupils of different sizes is anisocoria. Find out about the possible causes of anisocoria here, as well as when to seek emergency treatment.
Human brains have evolved to 'prefer' music and speech
New evidence suggests that human brains, unlike those of monkeys, may have evolved to 'listen' for pitch, which characterizes music and speech.
What causes lower back and hip pain?
In this article, we look at common causes of lower back and hip pain. We also discuss ways to relieve pain and when to see a doctor.
How ultrasound could help curb Parkinson's
Mouse study shows that focused ultrasound and injected microbubbles can help curb early Parkinson's disease by allowing drugs to access the brain.
Magnetic stimulation may reduce the impact of concussion
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, in Canada, have used magnetic stimulation to reverse symptoms of concussion in mice.
When and why is pain pleasurable?
Some people find painful sensations pleasurable or arousing during sex or erotic play. How is this possible? Read this Spotlight feature to find out.
Parkinson's: New gene therapy shows promise for prevention
Researchers from Japan have tested a new gene therapy against Parkinson's disease using mouse models. Their results suggest that the approach is effective.
What can cause a tingling sensation on the back?
A persistent or recurring tingling, or pins and needles, sensation in the back can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Causes can include infections, injuries, spinal problems, fibromyalgia, and vascular malformations. Learn more here.
Brain changes may explain why exercise relieves autism in mice
Voluntary exercise prompted the brain to prune surplus connections between nerve cells and reduced behavioral symptoms of ASD in a mouse model.
Lack of motivation: Does inflammation alter brain systems?
A new review suggests that low-grade inflammation may sometimes directly affect motivation. Its authors want to explore possible links with depression.


Nutrition / Diet
What to know about Neurobion
Neurobion is a brand of vitamin B supplements that aims to improve nerve function. Learn about the benefits and side effects of Neurobion here.
Almond, hemp, oat, soy, and cow's milk: Which is best?
As plant-based alternative milks grow increasingly popular, it can help to know how they compare nutritionally. Find out in this article.
What to know about eyebrow hair loss
Many factors can cause thinning or hair loss in the eyebrows, including hormonal imbalances, diet, some health conditions, and certain medications. This article looks at the causes and treatments for eyebrow hair loss.
Vitamin D may prolong life in people with cancer
Taking vitamin D supplements does not cut cancer risk but may prolong life once cancer develops, according to an analysis of trials covering 79,055 people.
Can red meat reduce the risk of MS?
Researchers found that one portion of unprocessed red meat per day reduced the chance of developing early signs of multiple sclerosis.
High-salt diet blocks tumor growth in mice
New research in mice suggests that a high intake of dietary salt triggers the immune system in a way that enables it to fight off tumors.
What to know about low urine output
Low urine output can occur as a result of various causes, including infections, dehydration, and urinary tract blockages. The treatment options will depend on the cause. Learn more about low urine output here.
Tomato juice: Could 1 cup per day keep heart disease at bay?
A new study concludes that drinking tomato juice each day can reduce the levels of certain markers of cardiovascular disease. However, more work is needed.
Is white meat really more healthful than red meat?
A new randomized controlled trial compares the effects of both red and white meat on blood cholesterol levels. The study also looks at saturated fats.


Pain / Anesthetics
What causes lower back and hip pain?
In this article, we look at common causes of lower back and hip pain. We also discuss ways to relieve pain and when to see a doctor.
What to know about rib pain during pregnancy
Pain around the ribs is a common complaint during pregnancy. In this article, we look at the possible causes of rib pain during pregnancy and provide tips for relieving pain.


Psoriasis
What causes penis skin to peel?
Many factors can cause the skin on the penis to peel, including chafing, allergic reactions, skin conditions, and infections. Learn about the causes of penis skin peeling and how to treat it here.


Respiratory
What to know about exercise-induced asthma
Exercise-induced asthma involves asthma symptoms occurring during or after exercise. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent asthma from arising during exercise.
What to know about severe asthma
Doctors consider asthma to be severe when symptoms do not respond well to the usual treatments. This article discusses the definition, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of severe asthma.
What to know about brittle asthma
Brittle asthma is a rare form of severe asthma that affects around 0.05% of people with asthma. This article looks at the causes, symptoms, and treatments of brittle asthma.


Sexual Health / STDs
What to know about masturbation and testosterone
Abstinence from masturbation and other forms of sexual activity may temporarily raise testosterone levels, but masturbation does not affect testosterone levels in the long term. Learn more here.
When and why is pain pleasurable?
Some people find painful sensations pleasurable or arousing during sex or erotic play. How is this possible? Read this Spotlight feature to find out.


Urology / Nephrology
Kidney function tests: Everything you need to know
There are many different types of kidney function tests, usually involving the blood or urine. In this article, learn about the tests and what to expect from the results.
What to know about low urine output
Low urine output can occur as a result of various causes, including infections, dehydration, and urinary tract blockages. The treatment options will depend on the cause. Learn more about low urine output here.


Women's Health / Gynecology
Could gut bacteria drive the spread of breast cancer?
New research in mice finds that having an unhealthful balance in the gut microbiome can cause breast cancer to spread more aggressively.
New report shows overall cancer mortality on the decline
A joint effort among various governmental bodies, the new 'Annual Report to the Nation' offers fresh insights on cancer incidence and mortality.
CBT may be effective in managing menopause symptoms
New research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy may be useful for managing several symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and depression.
What to know about rib pain during pregnancy
Pain around the ribs is a common complaint during pregnancy. In this article, we look at the possible causes of rib pain during pregnancy and provide tips for relieving pain.


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