Artificial biomaterial closely mimics human tissue

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Jorn van Dooren

Nanoengineers at the University of California have developed a new biomaterial with properties similar to those of human tissue. The material is designed for repairing damaged human tissue.

Men’s pill one step closer

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Rolf Schuttenhelm

Birth control pills for men have been researched for years – with little success, because of hormonal side effects. The newest pill works as an ‘anti-vitamin’ and leaves the libido untouched.

Eat more beans and live longer

Posted on May 17, 2011 by Willem Koert

In our special series on the unfolding protein crisis, we take a good look at some interesting ‘new proteins’ – and some very old proteins that may witness a renaissance in face of ever-growing nutritional demands. Today that’s beans – … Continue reading →

Metastudy: soya does not lower men’s testosterone level

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Willem Koert

Men do not produce less testosterone as a result of eating soya proteins. American nutritionists came to this conclusion after doing a meta-analysis of other studies in which men had been given proteins derived from soya or soya-isoflavones.

WHO meeting on non-communicable diseases

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Judy Keen

WHO increases awareness of rising death rates due to non-communicable diseases (diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, obesity, cancer). Estimates are that rates in Africa, Middle East and Asia will rise by 50% by 2030. More details from the WHO Moscow … Continue reading →

New CDC guidelines

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Judy Keen

Today, the CDC released its latest list of recommendations to improve health and reduce obesity in children. Some of the recommendations include reducing intake of low-nutrition, high sugar foods by limiting access in middle and high schools, reducing time watching … Continue reading →

Potential new markers detecting heart attacks

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Judy Keen

Scientists have found that changes in expression of small RNA molecules, termed microRNAs, may be a novel way to detect acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart attack. Two microRNAs, miR208 and miR499, in particular were shown to be significantly increased … Continue reading →

Trial of HIV drug stopped

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Judy Keen

The clinical trial testing the efficacy of the oral HIV antiretroviral drug, Truvada, was terminated in South Africa yesterday. External analysis by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee determined there was no detectable decrease in HIV transmission rate between those receiving … Continue reading →

Gut bacteria can influence cardiovascular disease risk

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Judy Keen

High fat diets are known to lead to obesity and other diseases. A new study in Nature shows how lipids are processed by the bacteria in the gut and can increase the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. continue reading

Insights into tobacco smoking addiction

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Judy Keen

Scripps Institute Scientists revealed new insights into tobacco smoking addiction. When high levels of nicotine in the brain are achieved, the α5 subunit of the nicotinic receptor is activated and transmits inhibitory signals to stop further intake of nicotine. continue … Continue reading →

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