MNT weekly newsletter - June 26, 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 cardiac muscle tissue
Cardiac muscle tissue exists only in the heart. Here, it is responsible for keeping the heart pumping and relaxing normally. Conditions that affect this tissue can affect the heart's ability to pump blood around the body. Doing aerobic exercise can help keep cardiac muscle tissue strong and healthy. Learn more here.
What to know about bruising easily
Possible causes of easy bruising include certain medications, liver disease, and vitamin deficiencies. The treatment options will depend on the cause. Learn more about why some people may bruise more easily here.


Bones / Orthopedics
Vagus nerve stimulation may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
A new study suggests that electrostimulation of the vagus nerve may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions.


Breast Cancer
Why do women face higher heart disease risk after breast cancer?
New research confirms that women who have undergone breast cancer therapy are more at risk of cardiovascular disease, and it also shows why this may be.


Colorectal Cancer
Colon cancer: Could yogurt prevent precancerous growths?
A new study has found that men who eat yogurt regularly have a lower risk of abnormal growths in the bowel, or adenomas, which can precede colon cancer.


Depression
These common drugs may increase dementia risk
Drugs that doctors often use in the treatment of overactive bladder, gastrointestinal conditions, and depression may increase dementia risk by almost half.
How to support a partner with depression
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that can often take its toll on relationships. However, supporting a partner with depression, both emotionally and practically, can help them go through the recovery process. Learn more here.


GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
What to know about shellfish allergies
Many people are allergic to shellfish. The symptoms can be mild or severe and may include wheezing, coughing, and confusion. Learn more about the symptoms of a shellfish allergy here.
Could certain gut bacteria protect against food allergy?
New research shows that babies with food allergy have missing gut bacteria. Giving the bacteria to allergy-prone mice protected them from the disease.
People with fibromyalgia have different gut bacteria
A new study shows that gut bacteria composition is different in people with fibromyalgia and that it varies with the severity of pain and other symptoms.
Gut bacteria can alter how well a medication works
New research uses the example of a Parkinson's disease drug to show how gut bacteria can influence the efficacy of certain medications.
Study ties unhealthy gums to liver cancer risk
A large study finds that people with unhealthy gums and teeth have a higher risk of liver cancer, which kills nearly 32,000 people per year in the U.S.


Hypertension
Hypertension: Looking beyond the classic risk factors
In a recent study, scientists have investigated the impact of the environment where we live on the risk of developing hypertension and metabolic syndrome.
Hypertension treatment may slow down Alzheimer's progression
New research finds that nilvadipine, a drug doctors commonly use to treat high blood pressure, increases the blood flow to the brain's hippocampus.


Men's Health
What to know about a cut on the penis
The thin skin around the penis is prone to cuts and tears. Causes of a cut on the penis can include friction, scratching, and accidents. Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections can sometimes also resemble cuts. Learn more about the causes and treatment of a cut on the penis here.
What to know about friction burns on the penis
Friction burns on the penis can cause red, swollen skin in the affected area. They can occur due to vigorous sexual activity or tight fitting clothing and may cause symptoms similar to those of a sexually transmitted infection. Learn more about penile friction burns, including how to treat and prevent them.
Colon cancer: Could yogurt prevent precancerous growths?
A new study has found that men who eat yogurt regularly have a lower risk of abnormal growths in the bowel, or adenomas, which can precede colon cancer.


Neurology / Neuroscience
First-of-its-kind robotic arm works without brain implant
In a breakthrough move, researchers have developed a high-fidelity, noninvasive interface that allows users to control robotic arms with their minds.
Vagus nerve stimulation may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
A new study suggests that electrostimulation of the vagus nerve may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Hypertension treatment may slow down Alzheimer's progression
New research finds that nilvadipine, a drug doctors commonly use to treat high blood pressure, increases the blood flow to the brain's hippocampus.
How does your brain take out the trash?
Until recently, no one knew how the brain removed waste. In 2013, the glymphatic system was discovered. Here, we discuss its role in health and disease.


Nutrition / Diet
What to know about shellfish allergies
Many people are allergic to shellfish. The symptoms can be mild or severe and may include wheezing, coughing, and confusion. Learn more about the symptoms of a shellfish allergy here.
What to know about sugar in fruit
Fruit contains natural sugar. Although natural sugar is good for health, it is important to remember that consuming fruit juices and canned fruit can increase overall sugar intake. Learn more about the sugar in fruit here.
What are the best ways to eat more protein?
Protein is an important part of anyone's diet. A person can increase the amount of protein that they consume in various ways, including eating certain foods, trying supplements, and possibly by eating at specific times. Learn more here.
Fighting obesity with a single cup of coffee
A first-of-its-kind study finds that caffeine is an effective way to stimulate brown fat in cultured cells and humans, pointing to new obesity treatments.
What to know about not having a half-moon on the nails
People typically have a half-moon shape on their nails. This appearance may be less visible in the case of people with malnourishment, anemia, or vitiligo. Learn more about the half-moon on the nails here.
Cocoa shells may help prevent obesity-induced insulin resistance
A study of immune and fat cells from mice found that cocoa shell extract can reduce and prevent some of the cell dysfunctions that can result from obesity.
Could processed foods explain why autism is on the rise?
A first-of-its-kind study finds a molecular link between high levels of a food preservative compound and neuronal disruptions that may explain ASD.
What is the link between gluten and rheumatoid arthritis?
Some people find that eating gluten can trigger rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptom flares. In this article, we discuss the link between gluten and RA, foods to eat and avoid, and when to see a doctor.
Nutrition: Even identical twins respond differently to food
The largest ongoing nutrition study reveals important differences in how people respond to food and why personalized diets are the future of nutrition.
Colon cancer: Could yogurt prevent precancerous growths?
A new study has found that men who eat yogurt regularly have a lower risk of abnormal growths in the bowel, or adenomas, which can precede colon cancer.


Pain / Anesthetics
What to know about a ruptured eardrum
Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum include ringing, hearing loss, and loss of balance. Causes include trauma to the ear and ear infection. A ruptured eardrum will often heal on its own. Learn more about ruptured eardrums here.
What causes a chronic sore throat?
Many factors can cause a chronic sore throat, including allergies, smoking, and infections. In this article, we explore the possible causes and describe when to see a doctor.
People with fibromyalgia have different gut bacteria
A new study shows that gut bacteria composition is different in people with fibromyalgia and that it varies with the severity of pain and other symptoms.
What to know about pulmonary tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs. Symptoms include a persistent bad cough, chest pain, and breathlessness. TB can be life-threatening if a person does not receive treatment, which typically involves a long course of antibiotics. Learn more here.
Is chemotherapy effective for rheumatoid arthritis?
Chemotherapy drugs, such as methotrexate, are one of the first-line treatments for people with rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs can help relieve symptoms and prevent further joint damage. However, they can cause a number of side effects, and doctors will closely monitor people on these drugs. Learn more here.


Psoriasis
What to know about cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is a prescription drug that works to suppress the immune system. It can help treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This article looks at its uses, dosage, side effects, and risks.


Respiratory
Risks of dying from pneumonia
Pneumonia is a disease that can kill. Risk factors include age, with very young children and older adults at a higher risk than others. Existing medical conditions are another risk factor. However, people can also recovery from pneumonia. Learn more here.
What to know about congestion in babies
Congestion is common in babies, often affecting the nose or chest. It is usually harmless but can be uncomfortable. In this article, we look at the causes of and treatments for baby congestion.
What is pursed lip breathing?
Pursed lip breathing is a breathing technique that can help people get more air into their lungs. This technique may be particularly beneficial for people with respiratory conditions, such as COPD. Learn more about the benefits of pursed lip breathing and how to do it here.
What causes shortness of breath when lying down?
Some potential causes of shortness of breath when lying down include heart failure, obesity, and emphysema. Learn more about the causes of shortness of breath when lying down here, along with their treatment options.
What causes a chronic sore throat?
Many factors can cause a chronic sore throat, including allergies, smoking, and infections. In this article, we explore the possible causes and describe when to see a doctor.
What to know about intrinsic and extrinsic asthma
Intrinsic (nonallergic) and extrinsic (allergic) asthma are subtypes of asthma that have similar symptoms but different triggers. Learn more about their differences, causes, and treatments here.
What to know about pulmonary tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs. Symptoms include a persistent bad cough, chest pain, and breathlessness. TB can be life-threatening if a person does not receive treatment, which typically involves a long course of antibiotics. Learn more here.


Sexual Health / STDs
What to know about a cut on the penis
The thin skin around the penis is prone to cuts and tears. Causes of a cut on the penis can include friction, scratching, and accidents. Symptoms of sexually transmitted infections can sometimes also resemble cuts. Learn more about the causes and treatment of a cut on the penis here.
What to know about friction burns on the penis
Friction burns on the penis can cause red, swollen skin in the affected area. They can occur due to vigorous sexual activity or tight fitting clothing and may cause symptoms similar to those of a sexually transmitted infection. Learn more about penile friction burns, including how to treat and prevent them.


Tuberculosis
What to know about pulmonary tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs. Symptoms include a persistent bad cough, chest pain, and breathlessness. TB can be life-threatening if a person does not receive treatment, which typically involves a long course of antibiotics. Learn more here.


Women's Health / Gynecology
How does methotrexate affect pregnancy?
It is not safe to take methotrexate during pregnancy. The drug affects folic acid levels in the body and can lead to birth abnormalities. In this article, we look at the effects of taking methotrexate during conception or pregnancy, how to stay safe, and alternative medications.
When do periods start again after an abortion?
Women often experience bleeding right after having an abortion, which may last for 1–2 weeks. However, their first period will usually occur several weeks later and may be lighter or heavier than usual, depending on the type of abortion. Most women's periods return to normal after two to three cycles. Learn more here.
How does the cervix change in early pregnancy?
The cervix has a different position and texture in early pregnancy. Cervical discharge also changes. In this article, we look at changes to the cervix during early pregnancy.
Why do women face higher heart disease risk after breast cancer?
New research confirms that women who have undergone breast cancer therapy are more at risk of cardiovascular disease, and it also shows why this may be.


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