Health
How 'jumping genes' could transform gene editing
For years, scientists have used a tool something like a pair of scissors for the complex task of gene-editing, but a newly discovered technique using "jumping genes" could offer a seamless, safer alternative. Gene-editing is the process of altering a part of DNA -- the code that governs much about… Read
New gene tests for germs quickly reveal source of infections
Brian Jetter was on life support, a healthy 40-year-old suddenly battling pneumonia and sepsis, and a slew of tests had failed to find the cause. Mystery illnesses like this kill thousands of people each year when germs can't be identified fast enough to reveal the right treatment. Now genetic tests… Read
Postpartum depression in new dads often missed
While many people can pick up on signs of postpartum depression in new mothers, the same signs are often mistaken for something else or missed entirely in fathers, a British study suggests. There needs to be greater awareness that the mental health disorder can occur in either parent for up… Read
Holidays, vacations around the corner? Step on the scale every day to keep in shape
People who step on the scale every day during holidays tend to avoid gaining extra pounds, a new U.S. study suggests. Nutrition researcher Jamie Cooper of the University of Georgia and her colleagues set out to examine whether the simple act of weighing oneself daily could prevent weight gain during… Read
Abbott device helps in cutting blood sugar in type 2 diabetics: study
Insulin-dependent patients with type 2 diabetes saw a significant drop in their blood sugar levels after wearing Abbott Laboratories Inc's continuous glucose monitoring system for three months compared with those who use routine fingerstick testing, researchers say. The study, which was presented at the American Diabetes Association meeting in San… Read
Scientists edit chicken genes to make them resistant to bird flu
Scientists in Britain have used gene-editing techniques to stop bird flu spreading in chicken cells grown in a lab - a key step towards making genetically-altered chickens that could halt a human flu pandemic. Bird flu viruses currently spread swiftly in wild birds and poultry, and can at times jump… Read
Mediterranean diet tied to better memory for diabetics
People with diabetes may have better brain function if they follow a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish and healthy fats, a U.S. study suggests. Mediterranean diets have long been linked to better heart and brain health as well as a lower risk of developing diabetes.… Read
Cirrhosis, cancer risks higher with fatty liver - especially in diabetics
Fatty liver disease that's not related to alcohol use is linked with an increased risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, especially in people with diabetes, according to a large study from Europe. "We probably need a more systematic way of detecting the liver disease in patients at risk so we… Read
Fit to learn: International schools instil healthy habits
In Japan, physical education and healthy habits go hand in hand with the nation’s culture and school system. The undokai (sport festival) is a mainstay of the school year—from kindergarten through high school—and goes well beyond the activity on the field. It is a family event, especially in the primary years, and serves to build… Read
A look at the emergence and development of the Japanese national health insurance system
Japan currently enjoys one of the world’s best health systems. While it is by no means perfect, as suggested by critiques raised against some of the country’s medical practices, especially in the field of mental health, the end results it has managed to attain are undeniably impressive. Health indicators for… Read
