Alarming Increase in Colorectal Cancer in Young
A study from the American Cancer Society shows a sharp rise in the rate of colorectal cancer in young adults, even while the disease has been declining in the elderly. The Smithsonian has more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-study-shows-sharp-rise-colorectal-cancers-among-young-adults-180962318/
False Penicillin Allergies Boosting Superbugs
It turns out that many people mistakenly report to healthcare providers being allergic to penicillin. This is fueling the rise of antibiotic resistant “superbugs”. Ars Technica provide the details: https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/03/false-penicillin-allergies-fuel-superbugs-and-doctors-are-fighting-back/
Pink Noise May Aid Sleep in Older Adults
As people age, the quality of their sleep suffers, which is thought to adversely affect memory. A new study suggests pink noise can help restore sleep quality for such individuals. The Smithsonian has the news: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/pink-noise-may-improve-sleep-and-memory-older-adults-180962466/
B vitamins May Protect Lungs From Dirty Air
While Oregon doesn’t suffer from air pollution as badly as much of the world, it is still a reality of urban life, here. Trials in the US now suggest high doses of vitamin B can protect lungs from damage from fine particulates. The BBC explains: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39231896
European Genes Demand More Vegetables and Grains
It turns out that if you have European heritage, your genes have evolved to favor a diet high in vegetables and grains. Interestingly enough, this finding tends to debunk the concepts behind the paleo diet. Ars Technica elaborates: https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/03/europeans-evolved-to-eat-more-vegetables-several-thousand-years-ago/
World’s Healthiest Hearts Found
The Tsimane people of Bolivia have been found to have the lowest rates of cardiovascular disease in the world. Their big secret? Diet and lots of exercise, (and maybe intestinal worms). Wanna go paddling now? The BBC expands: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-39292389
Using GPS Switches Off Brain’s Guidance System
An intriguing study detailed in Scientific American suggests that using GPS guidance systems causes the portions of brain associated with direction finding to turn off. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-brain-takes-a-guided-tour-of-london/
Drains Splash Pathogens Easily
“Down the drain” is generally considered gone and forgotten. Not so fast. Research has found that germs in the P-trap can climb out when the tap is turned on, causing the microbes to splash out. Major hospital infections of antibiotic-resistant pathogens are attributed to the phenomenon. Ars Technica has the disturbing news: https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/03/superbugs-fester-in-sink-p-traps-and-can-crawl-back-up-to-cause-infection/
BPA Alternatives Just As Bad?
While the shift from plastics giving off BPA was supposed to solve the problem, new research suggests that at least some of the replacements are no cure. At issue are the hormone-mimicking characteristics of the substances, and Ars Technica has the details: https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/03/bpa-free-another-stand-in-chemical-also-disrupts-hormones-in-lab-tests/
Nighttime Bathroom Trips Linked to Salt
If you are beset with the inconvenience of frequent potty trips during the night, your salt consumption may, at least partially, be to blame. The BBC elaborates: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-39382339
