Breastfeeding may literally help your baby breathe more easily, according to new research that found the longer an infant is fed mother’s milk exclusively, the lower the baby’s chances of developing asthma. “Breastfeeding for at least six months was the most protective but, importantly, it is likely that shorter amounts also provide some protection against… read on > read on >
The APOE4 gene is the most powerful genetic factor driving a person’s risk for developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. “It probably increases your risk two or threefold if you have one APOE4 copy, and if you have two APOE4 copies, it probably increases your risk about tenfold,” said Dr. Michael Greicius, a professor of neurology at… read on > read on >
The percussive skill needed to bang out rhythms on a drum may help improve socializing, inhibition control and focus among teens with autism, new research suggests. The finding follows work with 36 teens with an autism spectrum disorder. Half were randomly chosen to receive two months’ worth of drum training, based on a standard electronic… read on > read on >
It’s a classic case of male machismo jeopardizing health: A new survey finds many American men believe they’re healthier than other men and don’t bother with annual checkups, even though a yearly exam can catch health problems in the early stages. The online survey of nearly 900 U.S. men 18 and older was conducted in… read on > read on >
Frailty exams are recommended for older adults who have blood cancer, and new research shows they can be done virtually, not just in person. While the screenings are typically conducted at a clinic or doctor’s office, that became a challenge during the pandemic because people with blood cancers are at high risk of infection. A… read on > read on >
No matter how old you are, your liver is always roughly less than three years old, according to a new study. That’s because the liver is constantly renewing itself and replaces its cells equally well in young and old people, the German study explained. The liver clears toxins from our bodies, putting it at risk… read on > read on >
New research reveals why popular treatments for asthma attacks are often ineffective. Corticosteroids are used as an emergency treatment during asthma attacks to decrease airway swelling and irritation. While effective in people with moderate asthma, they often fail to help those with severe asthma. “Our study has uncovered a potential mechanism to explain why patients… read on > read on >
Reading to little ones builds bonds with their caregivers and boosts their language and literacy skills, but story time also benefits older kids, a new study reports. Reading to 6- to 12-year-olds for an hour a day in school can boost their intelligence, Italian researchers report. “Does it work? Yes, we found some compelling evidence… read on > read on >
Type 2 diabetes is linked to memory and thinking problems, and a new study suggests it’s because the disease makes the brain age faster. Looking at data from 20,000 middle-aged and older adults, researchers found that — consistent with past studies — people with type 2 diabetes generally did worse on tests of memory and… read on > read on >
Most parents know that placing newborns on their backs to sleep can slash the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but a new study suggests that many may forget that rule when baby wakes up wailing in the middle of the night. It’s very common for babies to wake up in the wee hours,… read on > read on >
