Category: Education
Alcohol industry distorts info about drinking and cancer risk, scientists say
The alcohol industry misleads people about the risks of developing cancer from drinking, often using denial, distortion and distraction tactics that are similar to those used by the tobacco industry, according to a study led by scientists at the London […]
Australian researchers trial spiral drawing test to diagnose Parkinson’s
A test involving drawing a spiral on a piece of paper can be used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease early, and Australian researchers have trialed software based on that. The software can measure writing speed and pen pressure on the page, […]
Zika virus can also kill deadly brain cancer stem cells
The Zika virus – which shocked the world in recent years as it infected and killed cells in the brains of fetuses, resulting in babies born with tiny and misshapen heads – may one day lead to an effective treatment […]
Quick mindfulness training may help heavy drinkers reduce consumption
A small experiment in the UK suggests that brief mindfulness training exercises could help heavy drinkers lessen their alcohol consumption by helping them focus on what’s happening in the present moment. Sixty-eight heavy drinkers who weren’t alcoholics were randomly assigned […]
US foreign aid cuts to HIV treatment programs may do more harm than good
The negative impact of the proposed cutbacks in US foreign aid for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs could outweigh any potential savings, according to a report by an international team of investigators. The study is the first to document the […]
Brazil releases millions of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to fight dengue
Scientists in Brazil have begun to release the first wave of millions of mosquitoes infected with the Wolbachia bacteria to prevent them from spreading dengue. Thousands of Aedesaegypti mosquitoes carrying the bacteria were released in front of journalists by scientists […]
Virtual reality game may help scientists spot dementia earlier
Around 850,000 people in the UK alone are living with dementia – a set of symptoms, including memory loss and difficulties with language and problem-solving, that could impair a person’s mental abilities to perform daily tasks. This number is expected […]
Higher lithium levels in drinking water linked to lower risk of dementia
Researchers in Denmark studied 800,000 people and found that people who drink water with higher levels of lithium, which is natural found in tap water, appear to have a lower risk of developing dementia. Although the findings are not clear-cut, […]
Twelve-year study ties high salt intake to doubled risk of heart failure
High consumption of salt (sodium chloride) has been linked to a doubled risk of heart failure in a 12-year study in more than 4,000 people. Prof. Pekka Jousilahti, research professor at the National Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, […]
Vision impairment tied to cognitive decline in old age
An increased risk of cognitive decline in old age has already been linked to hearing impairment, and a new study suggests that vision impairment may have the same effect. Based on data from two large studies of older Americans, researchers […]
