MNT weekly newsletter - January 09, 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 do TSH levels mean?
A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels test helps diagnose or monitor common disorders of the thyroid gland. It is a simple test that is similar to a standard blood test. Learn more about it here.


Bones / Orthopedics
'Coaxing' stem cells to form new bone tissue
New research finds out how to drive stem cells to form new bone tissue, and these results could help improve outcomes for spinal surgeries.


Breast Cancer
New molecule stops cancer from 'tricking' the immune system
Scientists reveal how cancer 'tricks' immune cells into working for tumors rather than against them, and a molecule that may stop this deceptive mechanism.
Triple-negative breast cancer responds to new dual-target therapy
An experimental therapy that targets two growth pathways reduced cancer cell proliferation and spread in mice with triple-negative breast cancer.
Childbirth may increase risk of breast cancer
A new study reveals that contrary to popular belief, having recently given birth may result in a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.


Colorectal Cancer
Bowel cancer: New biomarker may also boost treatment
Researchers investigating a new biomarker for colorectal cancer have also uncovered a novel intervention that might help treat a range of cancer types.


Depression
Bullying alters brain structure, raises risk of mental health problems
A recent study demonstrates that being bullied can have long-lasting effects on the structure of the brain, raising the risk of mental health problems.
How do our emotions affect our immune response?
Emerging evidence suggests that experiencing negative moods often may put our health in danger by affecting inflammation levels in our bodies.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
What causes shortness of breath after eating?
People may experience shortness of breath after eating for various reasons, including food allergies, hiatal hernias, or COPD. Learn about the causes and treatments for breathlessness after eating here.
How to tell if you have a femoral hernia
A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through the muscle wall of the groin or inner thigh. Symptoms include a lump and sometimes pain in the area. Diagnosis may include imaging tests, and there can be complications. Learn more here.
Causes of abdominal pain and chills
The causes of stomach pain and chills include gastroenteritis, salmonella, and even the common cold. Treatment depends on the cause. Learn more about these, and the other causes of stomach pain and chills, here.
Immune system vs. gut bacteria: How vitamin A 'keeps the peace'
New research illuminates the vital role that moderate levels of vitamin A have in preventing the immune system from attacking the bacteria in our guts.


Hypertension
Spirulina: Could eating these bacteria reduce blood pressure?
Spirulina — a blue-green algae used as a supplement — appears to reduce blood pressure. A recent study pins down the molecular mechanisms involved.


Men's Health
Orgasmic dysfunction: Everything you need to know
Orgasmic dysfunction is when a person cannot orgasm despite feeling sufficiently sexually aroused. In this article, we cover the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.


Neurology / Neuroscience
What to know about ventriculoperitoneal shunt
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a medical device that surgeons use to treat hydrocephaly. The article looks at the types, procedure, possible complications, and tips for recovery.
Candida infection can reach brain and impair memory
New research shows that the Candida albicans fungus may lead to brain inflammation and impair memory in mice. The results have implications for dementia.
13 early signs of Parkinson's disease
People can sometimes miss the early signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as they can be subtle and sporadic. In this article, we look at 13 signs of Parkinson's disease to look out for.
What to know about femoral neuropathy
Femoral neuropathy refers to any disorder that causes damage to the femoral nerve. These conditions primarily affect the thighs, often causing numbness or pain. Learn more about femoral neuropathy here.


Nutrition / Diet
What foods help burn fat?
Foods that help people burn fat include split peas, chili peppers, coconut oil, and oily fish. Learn more about the best foods for burning fat, and how to add them to the diet, here.
Does this common food additive stop us exercising?
New research, conducted in both mice and humans, finds a strong link between the consumption of phosphate and reduced levels of physical activity.
20 ways to lose weight safely
Fad diets and rapid weight loss can be unsafe and often lead to people regaining the weight later on. In this article, learn how to lose weight safely by making long-term lifestyle changes.
What causes shortness of breath after eating?
People may experience shortness of breath after eating for various reasons, including food allergies, hiatal hernias, or COPD. Learn about the causes and treatments for breathlessness after eating here.
Does L-theanine have health benefits?
L-theanine is a natural compound that is present in green tea and black tea. In this article, we look at the potential health benefits and risks of L-theanine as well as its dosage.
What is the truth about type 2 diabetes?
Many people have misconceptions about type 2 diabetes. In this article, we discuss five of the common myths surrounding this condition and provide the truths.
Can the Isagenix diet help you lose weight?
The Isagenix diet is a weight loss system that involves eating Isagenix products for 30 days. In this article, we look at the effectiveness, safety, and evidence behind the Isagenix diet.
Artificial sweeteners make 'no difference' to health
According to a recent meta-analysis, non-sugar sweeteners make little or no difference to health outcomes, including weight loss, diabetes risk, and BMI.
How common are food allergies, really?
Millions of adults in the United States believe that they have a food allergy, but new research suggests that only around half of them actually do.
A guide to eating a balanced diet
A balanced diet fulfills all of a person's nutritional needs and includes foods from the five essential food groups. Learn more about building a healthful, balanced diet here.
What happens when you remove fluoride from tap water?
Twelve years ago, Juneau, AK, stopped adding fluoride to community water sources. A newly published study looks at how this has affected its inhabitants.
10 health benefits of dandelion
While most people consider dandelions to be pesky weeds in the garden, they also offer a variety of health benefits. Learn about the uses and possible side effects of dandelion here.
Spirulina: Could eating these bacteria reduce blood pressure?
Spirulina — a blue-green algae used as a supplement — appears to reduce blood pressure. A recent study pins down the molecular mechanisms involved.
Immune system vs. gut bacteria: How vitamin A 'keeps the peace'
New research illuminates the vital role that moderate levels of vitamin A have in preventing the immune system from attacking the bacteria in our guts.
Giving up alcohol for just 1 month has lasting benefits
A new study shows that going alcohol-free for as little as 1 month or even less brings both immediate and long-lasting health benefits.


Pain / Anesthetics
What to know about oxycodone
Oxycodone is an opioid drug that doctors prescribe to help manage moderate to severe pain. In this article, we look at the uses, risks, and effectiveness of oxycodone, along with its addictive potential.
What to know about femoral neuropathy
Femoral neuropathy refers to any disorder that causes damage to the femoral nerve. These conditions primarily affect the thighs, often causing numbness or pain. Learn more about femoral neuropathy here.


Psoriasis
Best home remedies for an itchy scalp
Whether dandruff, psoriasis, or another condition is causing an itchy scalp, various home remedies can relieve the itch. In this article, we discuss the options and evidence, including essential oils, apple cider vinegar, and shampoos.


Respiratory
What causes shortness of breath after eating?
People may experience shortness of breath after eating for various reasons, including food allergies, hiatal hernias, or COPD. Learn about the causes and treatments for breathlessness after eating here.
How pulmonary function tests work
Pulmonary function tests check the lungs for issues including asthma, allergies, and bronchitis. Learn more about what pulmonary functions tests are for, and how they work, here.


Sexual Health / STDs
Orgasmic dysfunction: Everything you need to know
Orgasmic dysfunction is when a person cannot orgasm despite feeling sufficiently sexually aroused. In this article, we cover the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.


Surgery
How to tell if you have a femoral hernia
A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through the muscle wall of the groin or inner thigh. Symptoms include a lump and sometimes pain in the area. Diagnosis may include imaging tests, and there can be complications. Learn more here.
What to know about ventriculoperitoneal shunt
A ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a medical device that surgeons use to treat hydrocephaly. The article looks at the types, procedure, possible complications, and tips for recovery.
6 incredible cases of autosurgery
Here, we share the fascinating stories of six people who have turned the scalpel on themselves. This Spotlight feature is certainly not for the squeamish.


Urology / Nephrology
Causes of abdominal pain and chills
The causes of stomach pain and chills include gastroenteritis, salmonella, and even the common cold. Treatment depends on the cause. Learn more about these, and the other causes of stomach pain and chills, here.
Abdominal pain and painful urination causes
Pain in the abdomen and pain while urinating can result from a range of issues, including a urinary tract infection. Learn more about the potential causes here.


Women's Health / Gynecology
What to know about luteinizing hormone tests
A luteinizing hormone (LH) test is a blood or urine test that measures the levels of LH in a person's blood. This hormone plays a key role in the reproductive system of both males and females. Learn about normal, high, and low LH levels here.
Orgasmic dysfunction: Everything you need to know
Orgasmic dysfunction is when a person cannot orgasm despite feeling sufficiently sexually aroused. In this article, we cover the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments.


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