Page 49 - Health Medical Pharma
US plans rollback of transgender healthcare protections
US President Donald Trump's administration on Friday announced plans to roll back anti-discrimination protections for transgender people in the healthcare system, provoking an outcry from rights groups. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed removing a provision of the Affordable Care Act introduced by former president Barack Obama in 2016 that defined discrimination "on the basis of sex" to include gender identity. Gender identity was defined as whether an individual considered themselves "male, female, neither, or a combination of male and female." But the measure was blocked after several states and healthcare entities sued. The proposed new rule would define gender identity in healthcare law "to conform with the plain understanding recognized by the court," the HHS said. "When Congress prohibited sex discrimination, it did so according to the plain meaning of the term, and we are making our regulations conform," said Roger Severino of the HHS Civil Rights ...
Researchers develop test that detects stress levels
Scientists have developed a new test, using ultraviolet light which can easily measure common stress hormones using sweat, blood, urine or saliva.Stress is often called "the silent killer" because of its stealthy and mysterious effects on the heart and mental health."I wanted something that's simple and easy to interpret," said Andrew Steckl, an Ohio Eminent Scholar."This may not give you all the information, but it tells you whether you need a professional who can take over," Steckl said.UC researchers developed a device that uses ultraviolet light to measure stress hormones in a drop of blood, sweat, urine or saliva. These stress biomarkers are found in all of these fluids, albeit in different quantities, Steckl suggested."It measures not just one biomarker but multiple biomarkers. And it can be applied to different bodily fluids. That's what's unique," he explained.Findings of the study were published in the Journal of ACS Sensors.Steckl has been studying biosensors for years in ...
Amazon wants to 3D scan your body in exchange for USD 25 gift card
Amazon is running a study to understand the human body better. As part of the study, the e-commerce giant is offering USD 25 in a gift card to the participants who allow their bodies to be 3D scanned.Those who are willing to get scanned will be required to participate in a 30-minute session at Amazon's Union Square office in New York City. After height and weight measurements, 3D scans will be taken in everyday clothing.Another set of 3D scans will be done in form-fitting clothing such as bikini or form-fitting shorts for the women. It is unclear as to how the study results will be used but Amazon says it is to learn about diversity among body shapes and the data will be used for internal product research and not for marketing purpose.
Researchers find hormonal link between diet and obesity
In a new study researchers have found that low levels of a circulating hormone called adropin predict increased weight gain and metabolic dysregulation during consumption of a high-sugar diet in a nonhuman primate model.According to the study published in the 'Journal of Biological Chemistry,' these findings will help set the stage to develop new therapies for managing metabolic diseases.Obesity is a growing public health crisis, bringing with it many serious risk factors, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. As the number of people who are either overweight or obese now outnumbers those with a healthy body weight by a ratio of two to one, researchers face an urgent need to better understand how the body burns fuel.Several years ago, Andrew Butler, professor of pharmacology and physiology discovered the peptide hormone adropin. Research by Butler's lab suggested that adropin regulates whether the body burns glucose or fat.They also found that young men with high ...
VR can identify early Alzheimer's more accurately: Study
Virtual reality (VR) technology can identify early Alzheimer's disease more accurately than 'gold standard' cognitive tests currently in use, says a study.
Virtual reality can spot early symptoms of Alzheimer's: Study
Virtual reality (VR) can identify early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease more accurately than 'gold standard' cognitive tests currently in use, a study claims. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK noted that brain contains a mental 'satnav' of where we are, where we have been, and how to find our way around. A key component of this internal satnav is a region of the brain known as the entorhinal cortex. This is one of the first regions to be damaged in Alzheimer's disease, which may explain why 'getting lost' is one of the first symptoms of the disease. However, the pen-and-paper cognitive tests used in clinic to diagnose the condition are unable to test for navigation difficulties. In collaboration with Professor Neil Burgess at University College London (UCL) in the UK, a team at Cambridge led by Dennis Chan, developed and trialled a VR navigation test in patients at risk of developing dementia. In the test, a patient dons a VR headset and undertakes a test of ...
Gene linked to obesity in children identified
Researchers have identified a common gene variant that increases the risk of obesity in children.
Virtual Reality can better detect early Alzheimer's: Study
Virtual reality can better detect early Alzheimer's than the 'gold standard' tests, a new study suggested.The findings of the study were published in the journal Brain."These results suggest a VR test of navigation may be better at identifying early Alzheimer's disease than tests we use at present," said Dr Dennis Chan, lead researcher.A key component of this internal satnav is a region of the brain known as the entorhinal cortex. This is one of the first regions to be damaged in Alzheimer's disease, which may explain why 'getting lost' is one of the first symptoms of the disease.Researchers developed and tried a VR navigation test in which patients wear a VR headset and undertake a test of navigation while walking within a simulated environment. Successful completion of the task requires intact functioning of the entorhinal cortex.The team recruited 45 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Patients with MCI typically exhibit memory impairment, but while MCI can indicate ...
Leonardo da Vinci likely suffered from ADHD: Scientists
Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci may have struggled to complete some of his iconic art works because he suffered from Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), scientists claim. According to Professor Marco Catani from King's College London in the UK, as well as explaining his chronic procrastination, ADHD could have been a factor in da Vinci's extraordinary creativity and achievements across the arts and sciences. Da Vinci produced some of the world's most iconic art, but historical accounts show that he struggled to complete his works. Five hundred years after his death, Catani suggests the best explanation for da Vinci's inability to finish projects is that the great artist may have had ADHD. In a research article published in the journal Brain, researchers lay out the evidence supporting this hypothesis, drawing on historical accounts of da Vinci's work practices and behaviour. "While impossible to make a post-mortem diagnosis for someone who lived 500 years ago, I am
Self-weighing can help to prevent holiday weight gain: Researchers
Daily self-weighing can prevent people from gaining extra weight during holidays, researchers have found.Obesity defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can pose a risk to health is a major risk factor for more than 200 comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Approximately 1.2 billion people worldwide have obesity, according to a new study published in the Journal of Obesity.Researchers engaged in a 14-week follow-up period with participants who weighed themselves on a daily basis with participants who did not.The study's authors reported that participants in the intervention group were instructed to try to maintain their baseline weight throughout the holiday season. However, no additional instructions on how to achieve that goal were provided.This allowed each participant to self-select how they would modify their behaviour. For instance, an individual could become more physically active or decide to eat less if a weight
Unhealthy food at work may up risk of lifestyle ailments: Study
Employees who purchase unhealthy food at office may indulge in such diet outside work as well, increasing their risk of lifestyle ailments such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a study suggests. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, demonstrated that employees at a large urban hospital who purchased the least healthy food in its cafeteria were more likely to have an unhealthy diet outside of work, be overweight and obese. They also were more likely to have risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, compared to employees who made healthier purchases. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship of eating behaviours at work with overall diet and health and can help to shape worksite wellness programmes that both improve long-term health outcomes and reduce costs. "Employer-sponsored programmes to promote healthy eating could reach millions of Americans and help to curb obesity, a worsening epidemic that
Exercising during pregnancy keeps placenta healthy, study suggests
Do you know that exercising during pregnancy can keep your placenta healthy? A recent study shows that maternal exercise is important for fetal development in obese mothers.The study was published in the journal, 'The Journal of Physiology'Over 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight or obese, and by 2025 this is projected to increase to 2.7 billion. Obesity significantly raises the risk of developing 11 different types of cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.The placenta performs nutrient and oxygen exchanges between the mother and her fetuses, and placental function is impaired due to maternal obesity, which likely alters nutrient and oxygen delivery to the fetus.Exercise during pregnancy is known to be beneficial for both maternal health and fetal development. This study found that exercise improved the function of the placenta, and also the metabolism of the mother. Importantly, they found that the babies were not born larger ...
Daily self-weighing may help cut holiday weight gain
If you want to avoid adding extra kilos during holidays, engaging in daily self-weighing may help, according to a new research.
MilkLane, a dairy start-up launches 'Toxin and Antibiotic Safe' milk
MilkLane, a Bengaluru based dairy start-up, launches its first milk product for the retail consumers in the city. The company, which adheres to international quality standards, is promoting and differentiating the new product as 'Toxin and Antibiotic Safe' milk.Its forays into the mass market consumer segment, after being active in the B2B segment delivering milk to industrial scale off-takers such as FMCG companies, industrial processors and milk product manufacturers.The high-quality milk is available in packaging of 500 ml and at an attractive price point of Rs 35. With no added preservatives, the milk is processed with Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) technology to provide safe and enhanced 90-days non-refrigerated shelf life.Earlier test-marketed in Bengaluru, MilkLane continues to receive a good response from consumers and the retail stores. Within a very short span, the company has been able to expand its network with the product available on most e-commerce platforms such as Big ..
Unhealthy food at work ups risk of lifestyle ailments
If you tend to keep guards on unhealthy foods down at workplace, you may be at an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, compared with those who eat healthy food, says a study.
Simple body care tips for moms-to-be
For some women, pregnancy brings a healthy glow but for others it may bring many skin issues like temporary acne break-outs, itchy skin and pigmentation. Have healthy and nutritious food and exercise in moderation to battle it, say experts.
High education reduces the risk of heart attack, says study
Education is not only limited to brain but heart disorders too. A new study has highlighted that people who completed higher levels of education, were less prone to heart attack and stroke.Previous researches have shown that every 3.6 years spent in education can reduce a person's risk of heart disease by a third.Analysis in the study published in the journal BMJ suggested every 3.6 additional years in education was linked to a reduction in BMI of 1kg/m2, and a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 3mm/Hg.Dr. Dipender Gill, the co-first author said, "We know from previous research that someone who spends more time in education has a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, we didn't know why.""One possibility is that people who spend more time in education tend to engage more with healthcare services, and see their doctor sooner with any health complaints," he added.Alice Carter, co-author explained, "By lowering BMI, blood pressure or rates of smoking in individuals who left school .
Do you know blood donation can reveal dangerous genetic cholesterol condition?
Now, there is one more reason to donate blood as it can help detect life-threatening genetic cholesterol condition. The researchers have found that blood donation programs give an opportunity to public health portals to screen for diseases such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes extremely high levels of cholesterol at an early age. When one person is diagnosed, other family members can be identified. However, only an estimated 10 per cent of those with FH are diagnosed, leaving many others at risk."For someone with FH, the risk of heart disease is higher because their clock started early. They've been bathed in high cholesterol since birth. At the same time, they may not know their kids are at risk. Sometimes by identifying one patient with FH, we find as many as eight or 10 more family members who are at risk," said preventive cardiologist Dr Amit Khera, Principal Investigator for the study."The blood donor screening
Zydus receives USFDA approval for Esomeprazole Magnesium Delayed-Release Capsules
Esomeprazole belongs to the group of medicines termed as proton pump inhibitors. Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid secreted by the stomach. It is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in some people taking pain medicines, to treat patients with stomach infection (Helicobacter pylori) along with certain antibiotics and long-term treatment of conditions where stomach makes too much acid.
Zydus Cadila gets USFDA nod for acid reflux drug
Zydus Cadila has received final approval from the US health regulator to market Esomeprazole Magnesium delayed-release capsules, used to treat acid reflux. The approval has been granted in the strengths of 25 mg and 40 mg, the company said in a BSE filing. Zydus Cadila said the drug will be produced at the group's formulations manufacturing facility at Ahmedabad. The company said Esomeprazole belongs to the group of medicines termed as proton pump inhibitors. Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid secreted by the stomach. It is used to treat the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers in some people taking pain medicines, to treat patients with stomach infection (Helicobacter pylori) along with certain antibiotics and long-term treatment of conditions where stomach makes too much acid. The group has more than 266 approvals and so far filed over 350 abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) since it started filings in 2003-04. Shares of Cadila