Category: Features
MMR vaccine not linked to autism, even in high-risk kids
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not linked to development of autism spectrum disorders, even among children considered to be at risk, a large new study finds. Among nearly 100,000 children, receipt of the MMR vaccine did not […]
In treating depression, mindfulness is as effective as medication
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) may be just as effective as anti-depressants in helping prevent people with chronic depression from relapsing, scientists said on Tuesday. Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illness, affecting more than 350 million […]
The glycaemic index (GI) explained
The glycaemic index (GI) essentially measures how fast a food is likely to raise blood sugar. The faster it raises blood sugar, the higher its number. If you have are having weight issues, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, knowing the glycaemic […]
Strong muscles help make strong bones for growing kids
Higher muscle mass is linked with stronger bone development in children, according to researchers at the University of Southampton in the UK. Working with children who were measured as newborns and again between the ages of six and seven, the […]
How to reduce pet-to-human infection risk
Pets can be a source of infection, and newborns, the elderly, children with leukaemia and adults with cancer are especially vulnerable, according to a new review of data from previous research. Selecting the right pets and using safe strategies to […]
How human bacteria evolves
Everyone’s body is brimming with bacteria, and these microbes do plenty of good things like building the immune system and helping digestion. But modern diets, antibiotics and hygiene seem to be reducing the range of microbes occupying our anatomy. A […]
Thai toddler the youngest person to be cryogenically frozen
Matheryn Noavaratpong died in January 2015 after her family made the painful decision to take her off life support. She suffered from ependymoblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer that occurs in very young children. In an e-mail interview with […]
Obesity among children in Beijing on the rise
The obesity rate in the capital ballooned from 14 % in 2006 to 20 % in 2013 – significantly higher than the national average – according to the annual Report on Beijing Healthy City Construction, which was released on Monday. […]
How to exercise better
For the best results, which should you do first – cardio or weight training? Anyone who exercises will tell you that they have a penchant for a certain type of workout. There are heavy weight lovers like my co-columnist Fiona, cardio […]
Bananas burn fat
Supplement your diet with fibre, say the researchers, could be key in helping individuals maintain a healthy weight despite a selection of choices from the food industry that can be difficult to navigate. Scientists at the University of Calgary used […]
