MNT weekly newsletter - June 19, 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
Mouse study finds enzyme that prolongs life
New research in mice finds that an enzyme found in the blood of young rodents can extend life and promote healthy aging in older mice.
How long is acid detectable in the body?
Acid, or LSD, is a drug that can cause hallucinations and feelings of euphoria. In this article, learn how long these effects last and how long the drug stays in the human body.


Breast Cancer
Are dogs better at detecting cancer 'than advanced technology?'
In a new study, beagles were able to detect the presence of cancer with extremely high accuracy. Could their 'sniff skills' lead to novel screening tests?
What causes a lump on the areola
A lump on the areola may have a variety of causes, including skin irritation and bacteria. Treatments depend on the cause. Learn more about the causes and treatments of a lump on the areola here.


Depression
What to know about overdosing on antidepressants
Antidepressants can help treat a wide range of mental health conditions. It is possible to take too many, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and tremor. Learn more about overdosing on antidepressants here.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Diagnosing IBD: Noninvasive method trialed in mice
New research finds that immuno-PET imaging can accurately detect IBD in mice. The findings reveal information about specific inflammation mediators.
Gut bacteria: The surprising impact of viruses
The role of gut bacteria in health and disease is complex. A new study examines the impact of bacteriophages, which are viruses that attack bacteria.


Men's Health
Women are better than men at remembering words and faces
A new meta-analysis of over 600 studies has found that women are better than men at recalling certain types of memories, such as verbal information.


Neurology / Neuroscience
Is there a link between ADHD and dopamine?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder that can occur in both children and adults. Research suggests that there may be a link between a dopamine imbalance in the brain and the development of ADHD. Learn more here.
Phantom sensations: The mystery of how brains process touch
Phantom sensations — misattributing tactile sensations to the wrong parts of the body — are a puzzling phenomenon. What can they tell us about the brain?
What to know about epinephrine and norepinephrine
Epinephrine and norepinephrine are chemical messengers that play an important role in the body's fight or flight response. Although these two chemicals are similar, they act on different parts of the body. Doctors also use synthetic versions of these substances to treat a variety of conditions. Learn more here.
How frontotemporal dementia affects 'moral emotions'
Scientists find a key difference between Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia: the latter affects a person's 'moral emotions' while the former does not.
Mouse study finds enzyme that prolongs life
New research in mice finds that an enzyme found in the blood of young rodents can extend life and promote healthy aging in older mice.
Guanfacine vs. Adderall: What is the difference?
Doctors prescribe the two drugs guanfacine and Adderall for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which people more often call ADHD. These medications work in different ways and have different side effects. Learn about both here, how to take them, and which one may be more suitable.
How the online world is affecting the human brain
An international report examines how online behavior is affecting brain function. Scientists looked at concentration, memory, and social cognition.
What to know about MS in children
Multiple sclerosis in children can cause weakness, tremors, and muscle spasms, among other symptoms, which treatments can reduce. Learn more about multiple sclerosis in children here.
What to know about surgery for MS
In some cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) can respond to certain types of surgery, which may include deep brain stimulation. Many other surgical treatments are available that can also help reduce symptoms. Learn more here.
What to know about optic neuritis and MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) can damage the optic nerve and cause optic neuritis. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, treatment, and diagnosis of optic neuritis in MS.
Women are better than men at remembering words and faces
A new meta-analysis of over 600 studies has found that women are better than men at recalling certain types of memories, such as verbal information.


Nutrition / Diet
Is decaf coffee harmful to health?
Decaffeinated coffee, or decaf, is similar to regular coffee but contains very little caffeine. Research suggests that drinking decaf is not harmful and may share some of the health benefits of regular coffee. Learn more here.
What to expect during a physical exam
Physical exams are routine checkups of a person's general health. A healthcare professional will visually inspect, feel, or listen to different areas of a person's body to look for potential health conditions. They may also ask about any problems and take a detailed medical history. Learn more here.
Foods with similar nutrition content affect the gut differently
Researchers came up with an innovative approach for comparing foods with similar nutritional labels and found that they affect gut bacteria differently.
Vitamin D supplements may not prevent type 2 diabetes
A large-scale new trial of over 2,000 adults found that taking vitamin D supplements does not help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
What is the difference between veganism and vegetarianism?
Vegetarians and vegans do not eat meat and fish. While many vegetarians choose to consume eggs and dairy products, vegans do not consume these animal byproducts. Strict vegans also avoid other products that come from animals, such as honey, leather goods, wool, silk, and tallow. Learn more here.
Low vitamin K may reduce mobility in older adults
Researchers found that older adults with vitamin K deficiency were more likely to develop mobility disability, such as difficulty walking and using stairs.
Low fruit and vegetable intake may account for millions of deaths
New research estimates that an insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables is likely to be behind millions of cardiovascular deaths worldwide.
Red meat and death risk: Study offers new insights
A first-of-its-kind study reveals that consuming increasingly more red meat over an 8-year period raises mortality risk in the following 8 years.


Pain / Anesthetics
Rheumatoid factor: What to know
Rheumatoid factor is an immune system protein. Doctors can measure its levels using a blood test to help diagnose autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we explain the test, normal rheumatoid factor ranges, and what the results mean.
How a lethal toxin might help in the opioid crisis
In the midst of the opioid crisis, scientists are searching for nonaddictive alternatives. Some have turned to a toxin present in certain sea creatures.


Respiratory
What to know about status asthmaticus
Status asthmaticus is a life-threatening asthma state with symptoms that include anxiety, fatigue, and shortness of breath. An inhaler may not treat the symptoms, so a person should seek immediate medical treatment. Learn more here.
What to know about intermittent asthma
Intermittent asthma causes symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing. However, these symptoms are not present all the time. Treatment includes the use of inhalers. Learn more about intermittent asthma here.
What to know about cold-induced asthma
Cold-induced asthma involves cold weather triggering asthma symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Treatment can include using an inhaler and moving to a warmer environment. Learn more here.
What to know about stress-induced asthma
Stress can make a person more susceptible to asthma triggers. In this article, we look at the link between stress and asthma. We also discuss ways to reduce stress.
What to know about lung diffusion testing
Lung diffusion tests measure how well a person's lungs take in oxygen from the air. This test helps diagnose and monitor a range of lung-related conditions. Learn about its uses, procedure, and results here.
How does humidity affect asthma?
Humid weather can trigger asthma symptoms. This article discusses the link between humidity and asthma, treatments, and ways to prevent flares.
How to use an inhaler with a spacer
Spacers are plastic tubes that attach to the end of an inhaler. In this article, we discuss their benefits, how to use and clean them, and tips for using inhalers.
What to know about bullectomy
A bullectomy is a type of surgery to remove enlarged air sacs called bullae from the lung. Learn more about the uses, procedure, and risks of a bullectomy here.


Surgery
What to know about bullectomy
A bullectomy is a type of surgery to remove enlarged air sacs called bullae from the lung. Learn more about the uses, procedure, and risks of a bullectomy here.
What to know about surgery for MS
In some cases, multiple sclerosis (MS) can respond to certain types of surgery, which may include deep brain stimulation. Many other surgical treatments are available that can also help reduce symptoms. Learn more here.


Tuberculosis
Scorpion venom compounds can kill dangerous bacteria
Researchers have found two chemicals that are effective against dangerous bacteria. The source of these healing compounds? The venom of a Mexican scorpion.


Urology / Nephrology
How long is acid detectable in the body?
Acid, or LSD, is a drug that can cause hallucinations and feelings of euphoria. In this article, learn how long these effects last and how long the drug stays in the human body.


Women's Health / Gynecology
What causes a lump on the areola
A lump on the areola may have a variety of causes, including skin irritation and bacteria. Treatments depend on the cause. Learn more about the causes and treatments of a lump on the areola here.
Artificial light during sleep puts women at risk of obesity
Researchers found that women who slept with lights or a television on in the room were at greater risk of weight gain and obesity during a 6-year study.
Women are better than men at remembering words and faces
A new meta-analysis of over 600 studies has found that women are better than men at recalling certain types of memories, such as verbal information.


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