Omega watch: Researchers develop new blood test for measuring levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids
Researchers at McMaster and the University of Guelph have discovered a convenient new way to track levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream, making it much easier to access information that is critical to cardiovascular and cognitive health, but which has previously been challenging to gather. While the human body can generate most of […]
Omega-3 discovery moves us closer to ‘precision nutrition’ for better health
University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have obtained new insights into how African-American and Hispanic-American people’s genes influence their ability to use Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for good health. The findings are an important step toward “precision nutrition” — where a diet tailored to exactly what our bodies need can help us live […]
Opinion | ‘The Nose Is the Front Door of the Brain’: What We Heard This Week
“The nose is the front door of the brain.” — Ray Dorsey, MD, of the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, describing how inhaled toxicants may play a role in the development of Parkinson’s and other brain diseases. “He’s going to walk out with a golden parachute we all paid for.” — Westby […]
Scientists find new evidence to explain how we pay attention
A team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has uncovered new clues about how chemicals released by brain cells regulate our attention span. Findings from the study could pave the way for new therapies to treat neurological conditions associated with concentration difficulties, such as depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To communicate […]
Both high-protein and normal-protein diets are effective for T2D management
New findings from the University of Alabama at Birmingham indicate that the type of protein in the diet is not as important as the overall amount of weight loss for those with Type 2 diabetes. Published in the journal Obesity, 106 adults with T2D were randomly assigned to either the high-protein or normal-protein diet for […]
Opinion | ‘Believe in Your Data and Question Conventional Wisdom’: What We Heard This Week
“Two lessons: believe in your data and question conventional wisdom.” — Stephen Hauser, MD, of the University of California San Francisco, discussing his book, The Face Laughs While the Brain Cries. “You don’t always think a chip can be dangerous.” — Scott Krakower, DO, of Northwell Health in New York, about the ‘One Chip Challenge’ […]
Opinion | ‘Our Goal Is Not to Blame’: What We Heard This Week
“Our goal is not to blame.” — Christopher Wallis, MD, PhD, of the University of Toronto, on the differences in surgical care delivery given by female versus male surgeons. “Many of them actually value improvement in symptoms and [reducing] physical limitations as much or more as survival.” — Mikhail Kosiborod, MD, of Saint Luke’s Mid […]
Opinion | ‘This Has Never Been Shown Before in a Human’: What We Heard This Week
“This has never been shown before in a human.” — Jayme Locke, MD, MPH, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, on the successful pig-to-human kidney xenotransplant that assumed normal functioning in a brain-dead decedent. “High smoke days might be taking a toll on our brains.” — Boya Zhang, PhD, of […]
Data researchers connect diet to changes in the microbiome
“Should I be taking a probiotic?” is a question that Maggie Stanislawski, PhD, assistant professor in the University of Colorado Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI), gets asked often. The answer is complicated. Every person’s gut microbiome is unique, and many probiotic supplements sold in grocery stores may not effectively bolster gut health for everyone, she […]
Semaglutide medication may benefit 93 million U.S. adults
Researchers from the University of California, Irvine have just published a study that projects 93 million U.S. adults that are overweight and obese may be suitable for the 2.4 mg dosage of semaglutide, a weight loss medication known under the brand name Wegovy. They projected based on the known weight loss effects (15% average weight […]