A recent study review suggests that elderly smokers who quit can significantly reduce their risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and coronary artery disease. Additionally, quitting at an older age can still lead to improved life expectancy and a lower risk of smoking-induced mortality.
A recent study found that older women who engage in multiple preventive practices are more likely to have regular mammograms. The research suggests that health education efforts emphasizing the importance of lifelong health promotion can improve mammography use among this demographic.
Researchers found Sudafed to be relatively safe for divers, but Dramamine could have serious consequences on mental functioning and judgment. The studies used hyperbaric oxygen chambers to simulate pressures at different depths, revealing the effects of medications on scuba diving performance.
A team of researchers has completed the genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the largest bacterium sequenced so far. The findings may lead to innovative therapies for patients with cystic fibrosis and those who develop severe infections.
University of Iowa researchers found that injecting angioblasts, precursor cells for endothelial cells, accelerates blood flow restoration in diabetic mice. This breakthrough has implications for treating diabetes-related circulatory problems and improving limb health.
Scientists have nearly eliminated pre-cancerous colon polyps in mice susceptible to colon tumors by combining an aspirin-like compound with a drug that inhibits epidermal growth factor activity. The combination therapy successfully blocked the development of pre-cancerous polyps and reduced cancerous tumor formation by over 95%.
Researchers have found pore-like holes in red blood cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly form of the malaria parasite. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for malaria, a widespread and devastating disease that affects over 40% of the world's population.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that metformin may help treat fatty liver disease in patients with obesity-related insulin resistance. The drug completely cured fatty liver in mice and showed promise in reducing liver inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.
A team of researchers has discovered the gene responsible for Mucolipidosis IV, a rare genetic disorder affecting Ashkenazi Jews. The newly identified gene is linked to impaired fat breakdown, leading to accumulation of fats and sugars in lysosomes.
Researchers have found a pore-like hole in the membranes of red blood cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. This discovery may lead to new treatments for malaria, a devastating disease that kills over one million people each year. The study provides a new target for potential new malaria treatments.
A new $50,000 grant will establish professional arts programs inside healthcare institutions to support the healing process. The Society for the Arts in Healthcare will develop training programs and provide guidance to help organizations integrate arts into their environments.
The European Respiratory Society warns that hundreds of medicines can cause lung diseases, with 310 therapeutic substances identified as having iatrogenic effects. Early withdrawal of these medicines can reduce the risk of damaging sequelae in 70% of cases.