Editor's Pick
MRI scans more effective at detecting prostate cancers
September 11th, 2019 Using MRI scans to target biopsies is more effective at detecting prostate cancers that are likely to need treatment than standard ultrasound guided biopsies alone. Research, led by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and Universities...
Simple blood test identifies concussions absent on CT scans
September 11th, 2019 Many patients with concussion have normal CT scans and are discharged from the hospital without follow-up. But a blood test that is currently under development and costs a fraction of the price of a brain scan may flag concussion in these...
Concussions linked to erectile dysfunction in former football players
September 4th, 2019 Former professional football players who experienced concussion symptoms, including loss of consciousness, disorientation or nausea after a head injury, are more likely to report low testosterone and erectile dysfunction (ED), according to the...
Pets, especially dogs, linked with better cardiovascular health
September 4th, 2019 Pet owners were more likely to report more physical activity, better diet and blood sugar at ideal level, with the greatest benefits for those who owned a dog, independent of age, sex and education level, found an ongoing international...
Massive study concludes that there is no 'gay gene'
September 4th, 2019 The largest study to date on the genetic basis of sexuality has revealed five spots on the human genome that are linked to same-sex sexual behaviour – but none of the markers are reliable enough to predict someone’s sexuality. The findings,...
Tramadol associated with significantly greater risk of hypoglycaemia
September 4th, 2019 The opioid tramadol produced a 10-fold greater risk of developing hypoglycaemia than virtually every other opioid, found a US study. Since its approval in 1995, the opioid tramadol (marketed as ConZip and Ultram) has become a widely prescribed...
Daily 4-in-1 polypill could cut CVD risk in low-income countries
August 28th, 2019 A study has shown that a daily pill containing four medicines can cut the number of heart attacks and strokes by a third, BBC News. The polypill contains blood-thinning aspirin, a cholesterol-lowering statin and two drugs to lower blood...
Elite athletes found to have poor oral health despite regular brushing
August 28th, 2019 Elite athletes have high rates of oral disease despite brushing their teeth more frequently than most people, finds a new University College London (UCL) study. The findings highlight potential for improvement as most of the athletes expressed an...
Omega-3 fats have little or no effect on type 2 diabetes — meta-analysis
August 28th, 2019 Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of illness and death, with annual costs estimated at over $800bn worldwide. The rise in type 2 diabetes is mainly due to increased body fatness and inactivity so diet and body weight are key in treating,...
Veterinarians have up to 3.5 higher risk of suicide — US study
August 21st, 2019 While it might sound like fun to work around pets every day, veterinarians and people who volunteer at animal shelters face particular stressors that can place them at risk for depression, anxiety and even suicide, according to research presented at...
Major surgery increases odds of decline in brain functioning
August 21st, 2019 Major surgery is associated with small, long term decline in brain functioning. On average, this was equivalent to less than five months of brain ageing but the odds of substantial cognitive decline also increase after surgery – approximately...
Three or more caffeinated drinks could trigger migraines
August 21st, 2019 A study by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health (HSPH) evaluated the role of caffeinated beverages as a potential trigger of migraine. Led by Dr...
War metaphors in cancer treatment may do more harm than good
August 14th, 2019 The ubiquitous use of war metaphors when referring to cancer may do more harm than good. The Guardian reports that this is according to research into the psychological impact the phrases have on people’s views of the disease. Framing cancer in...
Higher vitamin A intake linked to lower skin cancer risk
August 14th, 2019 People whose diets included high levels of vitamin A had a 17% reduction in risk for getting cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the second-most-common type of skin cancer, as compared to those who ate modest amounts of foods and supplements rich in...
Vaccine for genital chlamydia shown to be safe and effective
August 14th, 2019 The first ever early clinical trial for a vaccine for genital chlamydia has shown it to be safe and effective at provoking an immune response. The latest findings, from a randomised controlled trial of 35 healthy women led by Imperial College...