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Caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity does not have long-term harmful effects on sleep

A new study found that caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity does not have long-term harmful effects on sleep or control of breathing in children. The study, which assessed 201 preterm children at ages 5-12, showed no evidence of long-term detrimental effects of caffeine treatment on sleep duration or sleep apnea during childhood.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 5, 2014

Energy drinks linked to teen health risks

A new report finds energy drink consumption among teenagers may be linked with poor mental health and substance use, with nearly two thirds reporting use in the past year. Younger high school students were more likely to consume energy drinks than older ones, highlighting a trend of concern.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 6, 2014

Moderate coffee consumption does not lead to dehydration

A recent study by researchers at the University of Birmingham found no evidence of dehydration in regular coffee drinkers who consumed moderate amounts of coffee. The study measured hydration status using various methods and found that coffee consumption contributed to daily fluid requirements, just like other fluids.

SourceKaizo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 9, 2014

Coffee may help perk up your blood vessels

A study of 27 healthy adults showed that drinking caffeinated coffee significantly improved blood flow in a finger, with a 30% increase compared to decaffeinated coffee. The researchers suggest that caffeine may help open blood vessels and reduce inflammation, providing new insights into how coffee may benefit cardiovascular health.

The first caffeine-'addicted' bacteria

Researchers genetically engineered E. coli bacteria to metabolize caffeine, enabling its use for decontamination of wastewater and production of medications for asthma. This breakthrough could also lead to the development of a sensor to measure caffeine levels in beverages.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMar 27, 2013

Caffeine linked to low birth weight babies

Research published in BMC Medicine found that caffeine from all sources reduces birth weight and increases pregnancy length by 5 hours per day. Caffeine intake from coffee was associated with an even longer gestational length, increasing risk of small for gestational age at birth by almost a third

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2013

Study links alcohol/energy drink mixes with casual, risky sex

A study from the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions found a link between consuming caffeinated energy drinks mixed with alcohol and having casual -- often risky -- sex among college-age adults. The study suggests that mixing energy drinks with alcohol can lead to unintentional overdrinking, increasing the risk of ...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Caffeine Research·DateJul 25, 2012

That caffeine in your drink -- is it really 'natural?'

A team of scientists has created a new method to determine whether caffeine in beverages is naturally occurring or synthetic. Using stable-isotope analysis, the technique identifies differences in carbon isotopes found in plant-based and lab-made caffeine. This breakthrough enables faster categorization of caffeine sources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 7, 2012

Exercise changes your DNA

Researchers discovered that exercise alters DNA molecules within muscles, leading to improved strength and metabolism. The study also found that caffeine can mimic this effect, suggesting a potential alternative to traditional exercise for some individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

NIH study shows caffeine consumption linked to estrogen changes

A new NIH study found that moderate caffeine intake is associated with higher estrogen levels in Asian women and lower estrogen levels in white women. Caffeine consumption from caffeinated soda or green tea also linked to elevated estrogen levels in all ethnic groups, but without affecting ovulation.

More evidence that caffeine lowers risk of skin cancer

A new Rutgers study found that applying caffeine directly to the skin may help prevent damaging UV light from causing skin cancer. The study, which involved genetically modifying mice with diminished ATR enzyme, showed that the modified mice developed fewer tumors and had reduced risk of invasive tumors compared to unmodified mice.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2011