City birds age faster than their country cousins and traffic noise may be the reason why, a new study suggests. The research focused on telomeres — caps on the ends of chromosomes that protect genes from damage. Shortening of telomeres indicates faster aging. At 120 days of age, Zebra finches that were exposed to traffic… read on >
For years, nutritionists have warned Americans to minimize dairy in their diets, especially high-fat dairy products. But new research involving 24,000 U.S. adults suggests milk and milk-derived products don’t pose the dire health risks suggested by prior research, and maybe those old warnings should be relaxed. “In light of the protective effects of dairy products,… read on >
Depression, anxiety or other forms of mental distress may significantly boost the risk of heart disease among older adults, new research from Australia suggests. The finding is from a four-year study that tracked psychological distress among nearly 222,000 seemingly healthy men and women, aged 45 years and older, with no prior history of heart disease.… read on >
In a new study of patients with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation (a-fib), 4 in 10 had previously undetected brain damage, though none had a history of stroke or mini-stroke. This brain damage could put them at risk for mental decline and dementia, researchers said. Their study included nearly 1,400 patients in Switzerland, average… read on >
Senator John McCain’s long battle with brain cancer ended on Saturday afternoon when he passed away at his home in Arizona. His family had announced Friday that McCain was no longer receiving treatment for his glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive of brain tumors. The 81-year-old Republican Arizona senator and Vietnam War hero had been… read on >
As parents send their kids back to school, they need to remember the school day includes the hours before and after classes, a leading pediatrician’s group says. Children in grade school and middle school require supervision, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). An adult should be available to get them ready and off… read on >
Want to help your kids succeed at school? Watch what they eat. Research shows that children who have a nutritious breakfast have better concentration, more energy and do better in school, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Some schools provide breakfast. If your kids’ school does not, make sure they eat a breakfast… read on >
One sleepless night might tip the body’s metabolism toward storing fat while depleting muscle, new research suggests. Many studies have linked poor sleep — whether from insomnia or working the night shift — to weight gain and health conditions like type 2 diabetes. But that type of research leaves open the question of whether sleep… read on >
Could baby poop hold the key to a healthy gut? A new study suggests that might be the case. An analysis of fecal samples collected from the diapers of 34 healthy infants identified 10 strains of gut bacteria that may boost the body’s production of short-chain fatty acids. “Short-chain fatty acids are a key component… read on >
Do you get way too involved when following sports events? Whether it’s the World Series, the Super Bowl or the Olympics, it’s important to draw a line between being a fan and being a fanatic … so your actions don’t spiral out of control. Rooting for your favorite team is one thing. But researchers from… read on >
