A diet rich in magnesium may lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes. Researchers found people with higher magnesium intake had a lower risk of these diseases compared to those with lower intake.
A study of 9,119 men and women found that participating in civic activities was associated with better cognitive function at age 50. The researchers also found that low socio-economic status as a child and worse mental well-being in adulthood were linked to poorer cognitive outcomes.
Researchers found a divergent association between alcohol consumption and different types of stroke, with heavy drinking increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Light to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke but no effect on hemorrhagic stroke.
Researchers found that high levels of pessimism were associated with an increased risk of CHD-induced mortality, even after adjusting for known physiological risk factors. Optimism did not appear to have any protective effect on this risk.
The study identified a suite of genes in the Asian long-horned beetle that aid digestion of woody plant material and detoxify plant chemicals. This research has established a genomic basis for the invasiveness of the species, providing potential tools for management of invasive wood-boring pests.
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to identify a panel of 10 urinary metabolites associated with fetal growth and increased birth weight. Changes in these metabolites could explain 12% of the variation seen in birth weight, independent of other known predictors.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that the prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in West Africa is significantly higher than previously thought. The study revealed that MDR-TB strains were widely circulating and drug resistance was a much bigger problem in the region than anticipated.
The Amur leopard genome sequence reveals that a meat-only diet leads to physiological, biochemical, and morphological adaptations. This finding has implications for the species' conservation status, as specialized diets result in low genetic diversity and small population sizes among cat family members.
A study found that mothers with higher BMI before pregnancy have shorter telomeres in their newborns, indicating a link between maternal weight and biological age. This association may increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
A study of over 1.2 million UK women found that lower education levels and living in deprived areas increased the risk of coronary heart disease due to smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Lifestyle factors accounted for most of the social inequalities in heart disease risk, with smoking being the most significant factor.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that people's judgements of their own levels of intoxication and associated risks are related to the drunkenness of their peers, not objective alcohol consumption. Participants were more likely to underestimate their drinking when surrounded by others who were intoxicated.
The ocean sunfish's unusually fast growth rate and large size may be attributed to altered genes that control growth hormone signalling. The fish's skeleton is largely made of cartilage, a trait that could provide insights into its development.
A new test is required to evaluate the quality and safety of sunglasses, which can deteriorate over time due to UV exposure. The current standard relies on a aging test that simulates 50 hours of sun exposure, but this may not accurately reflect real-world conditions.
Female domestic cats distinguish between kitten calls conveying different levels of urgency and react accordingly, researchers found. In contrast, male cats do not exhibit a similar response to kitten calls regardless of the level of urgency.
A study published in BMC Cancer found that the chemotherapy drug etoposide can damage developing ovaries in female fetuses, potentially affecting their fertility. Researchers exposed mouse ovaries to etoposide before follicle formation and found significant damage, leading to reduced egg supply and early menopause.
The BMC Ecology Image Competition 2016 featured a diverse range of images showcasing biodiversity, natural beauty, and biological interactions. Davide Gaglio's silhouette of antelope grazing against the sunrise in the Kalahari Desert won the top prize.
A study found an association between maternal high-fat diets and changes in infant gut microbiomes, affecting energy extraction and immune development. The researchers discovered that high-fat diets were linked to reduced numbers of Bacteroides microbes, which play a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates.
A comparative study found nonmedical prescription drug use in Europe, particularly among men and those with unemployed status. The study also discovered poly-drug use involving sedatives or opioids, especially among women with psychological distress.
The English bulldog's extreme physical changes, achieved through human-directed selection, have led to significant loss of genetic diversity, particularly in immune response genes. This reduced diversity makes it challenging to improve the breed's health from within its existing gene pool.
A study found that the dietary habits of rat fathers can influence their daughters' breast cancer risk, with high-fat diets increasing risk and vegetable fats reducing it. The researchers also discovered changes in microRNA and protein expression in male rats and their female offspring.
People who have recently attempted to quit smoking are more likely to try to drink less alcohol. They report lower levels of alcohol consumption and are less likely to binge drink compared to other smokers. This finding goes against the common assumption that quitters tend to increase their drinking.
Researchers found that mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on chickens due to their unique odor, which could provide protection for humans at risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases. The study suggests using the odors emitted by chickens and other non-host species as a natural repellent to control malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.
Research found that female bonobos' unreliable sexual swellings make it difficult for males to time their mating efforts accurately. This may reduce aggressive mate competition and result in bonobo societies being more peaceful. The study advances understanding of the evolution of sexual signaling in our closest relatives.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that nearly a quarter of US adults reported looking for information on tobacco constituents, with young adults and smokers more likely to do so. The research suggests that making this information available could improve public health and reduce tobacco use.
Researchers found that females in the Chinese Hume Warbler species prefer males who sing simple songs over those with complex songs. This preference may be driven by the need to minimize predation risk and optimize nesting behavior.
A study of 88 teenage boys found that those who experienced sudden growth spurts had lower coordination and more irregular gaits than their peers, suggesting that the brain needs time to adjust to rapid height increases.
Researchers found that email-based exercises showed sustained improvements in psychological health over two years, with significant effects on stress, confidence, and gratitude. The study suggests that internet-based interventions can be an effective tool for promoting mental health.
A study on the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus found that genetic links between traits favoring one sex may explain same-sex sexual behavior (SSB), with increased SSB linked to improved reproductive performance in siblings of the opposite sex.
A flexible exosuit developed by Harvard University researchers reduces the metabolic cost of loaded walking by 7.3% on average, allowing wearers to return to a natural walking profile. The device is composed of textiles and assists the hip and ankle joints, reducing work done without impacting movement freedom.
A systematic review of seven randomized controlled trials found little evidence of an effect of probiotics on the gut microbiota of healthy adults. The study suggested that measuring the effect of probiotics in healthy individuals is more difficult due to the lack of a clear definition of a normal or healthy fecal microbial community.
Researchers identified factors that make some species more resilient to extinction, including color variation, live birth, and low-latitude habitats. These species are more likely to adapt to future climate changes, helping conservationists predict which species are most at risk.
Adolescents who recall seeing e-cigarettes in shops are more likely to have tried them and intend to try them in the future. The study, which involved 3,808 Scottish adolescents, found a strong association between recall of e-cigarette displays at point of sale and use of e-cigarettes.
A large study of 43,313 women found that infertility and hormone treatment may be linked to higher breast density, a known risk factor for breast cancer. The association was strongest among women who had undergone controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), a common fertility treatment.
The study found that registration of small and medium breeds increased by 4.2% and 5.3% relative to large breeds over a 28-year period. Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are increasingly popular due to their short, wide heads, which may be linked to changes in human lifestyle and living space.
Researchers found that metabolically healthy obese individuals tend to be younger and more likely to engage in physical exercise. They were also less likely to smoke or drink heavily. Metabolically unhealthy individuals, on the other hand, had factors such as high cholesterol, age, and smoking status associated with their health.
A recent study published in Molecular Brain reveals that dementia risk is higher in women due to changes in proteins present in the brain. The research found that degenerative protein modifications were more pronounced in women than men, particularly in the myelin basic protein.
A study of 10,498 11-year-olds in the UK found that nearly 14% had drunk more than a few sips, with factors such as friends' drinking and mothers' behavior strongly associated. Positive perceptions of alcohol and lack of parental supervision also linked to increased odds of drinking.
A study has created global maps showing the geographical limits of chikungunya and dengue viruses, highlighting a rapid expansion in chikungunya's global extent. The research emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic tests and clear protocols for controlling both diseases.
Current gene sequencing methods struggle to decipher medically important genes in troublesome genome regions, leading to false positives and false negatives. Researchers call for more accurate sequencing to optimize medical care and prevent unnecessary surgeries.
Research finds people in deprived areas more likely to combine heavy drinking with other health-damaging behaviors, multiplying risks of ill health. Alcohol consumption is linked to increased rates of smoking, excess weight, poor diet, and low exercise levels.
Researchers found that sub-clinical gut microbiota imbalances occur before T2D symptoms develop, suggesting a potential new way to diagnose the condition early. The study's findings also highlighted the importance of tracking changes in gut microbiota over time and across different stages of disease development.
A combined carbon and sugar tax in the UK could lead to significant environmental and health benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in fiber intake. The tax scenarios predicted a decrease in purchases of beef, lamb, and other meats, as well as an increase in consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Chemotherapy can reduce the body's immune response, leaving breast cancer survivors vulnerable to illnesses. Researchers found that levels of lymphocytes and antibodies dropped significantly after chemotherapy, with only partial recovery in some cases.
A study found that up to 66.8% of households experience catastrophic health expenditure for tuberculosis care, with the poorest households bearing the brunt. Expanding universal healthcare and increasing reimbursement rates could lower these costs and have positive economic effects.
Researchers developed an algorithm to predict five-year dementia risk from UK patient records, identifying 930,395 patients. The Dementia Risk Score could help rule out low-risk patients and aid primary care clinicians.
A study of over 13,000 couples found that genetic variation affecting height influences mate choice, revealing an innate preference for partners of similar height. The research provides new insights into the mechanisms driving sexual attraction and human variation.
A cross-sectional survey of 14,587 patients found that 86% had a preference for at least one aspect of their psychological treatment, with time of day and location being the most popular. Patients who had unmet preferences were less likely to report being helped by the treatment.
Researchers found that wasp larvae jump towards shaded areas to develop, with lower body mass individuals experiencing more jumps. The behavior helps them survive in unfavorable environments, but comes at a cost of increased energy use.
Research reveals that genetically predisposed timid swans are more likely to inhabit non-urban areas, while bolder swans colonize cities. The study found a significant association between specific DRD4 gene variants and wariness levels.
A systematic review found that many health professionals have limited knowledge of FGM/C, its types, complications, and laws. Despite its illegality in many countries, the medicalization of FGM/C perpetuates this practice.