A breakthrough technology allows scientists to obtain DNA samples from the air. The new technology collects environmental DNA (eDNA) shed by animals and humans for identification. Previously used to study fish, animals and invasive species, eDNA now shows promise in fields such as infectious disease epidemiology and forensics. Prior to the study, eDNA had been … Continue reading Breakthrough (and scary) technology allows scientists to collect DNA from the air
Intermittent fasting found to boost health, lower diabetes risk
A recent study revealed that intermittent fasting can help with heart health, improve blood chemistry and reduce the risk of diabetes. The study, published in Nutrition Research, looked at the benefits of time-restricted feeding – in particular, the 16:8 intermittent fasting method – in healthy college men. “What we are doing is time-restricted feeding. It is a way … Continue reading Intermittent fasting found to boost health, lower diabetes risk
Researchers explore the antimalarial properties of a little-known South American plant
Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that’s known to cause malaria in humans. It infects certain species of mosquitoes (only females) from the genus Anopheles, which transmit the parasite through their bite. Among the Plasmodium species associated with the disease, P. falciparum is by far the deadliest. Malaria caused by this particular parasite is common in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is estimated to kill … Continue reading Researchers explore the antimalarial properties of a little-known South American plant
Understanding the importance of the human endocannabinoid system for healthy aging
In this article, a researcher at the University of California, Davis discussed current knowledge of the key components of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that contribute to appetite and influence energy metabolism, as well as dietary factors that affect the activation of cannabinoid receptors and their impact on the brain. This review was published in the journal Nutrition Research. … Continue reading Understanding the importance of the human endocannabinoid system for healthy aging
Immunity to the coronavirus lasts at least 8 months after infection, study says
A study published in February in the journal Science shows that immunity to the Wuhan coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) lasts at least eight months after a person has contracted COVID-19. This finding is an optimistic sign that immunity can probably last for many years. “There was a lot of concern originally that this virus might not induce much memory,” Shane Crotty, an infectious disease … Continue reading Immunity to the coronavirus lasts at least 8 months after infection, study says
Lycopene found to inhibit pathway involved in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer
In this study, researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea evaluated the effects of lycopene on hyperproliferation induced by Helicobacter pylori infection. They reported their findings in an article published in the journal Nutrition Research. H. pylori is known to colonize the human stomach and is linked to an increased risk of gastric diseases, including gastric cancer.According to studies, H. pylori increases the … Continue reading Lycopene found to inhibit pathway involved in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer
GET OUTSIDE: Sunlight inactivates Wuhan coronavirus 8 times faster than previously predicted, researchers found
Researchers found that sunlight inactivates the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) more than eight times more quickly than predicted. Paolo Luzzatto-Fegiz, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara), and his colleagues reviewed recent studies that explored the effects of different bands of ultraviolet (UV) light – namely, UVA, UVB and UVC radiation – on SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19. … Continue reading GET OUTSIDE: Sunlight inactivates Wuhan coronavirus 8 times faster than previously predicted, researchers found
Modern bone healing: Scientists design device that helps accelerate bone regeneration
As many as 6.3 million cases of bone fracture are reported in the U.S. annually. While the body usually begins to repair itself within minutes of a fracture’s occurrence, that process can sometimes be impaired. This can result in debilitating injuries. As a way to address the latter, surgeons at the University of Michigan Medicine (U-M) are … Continue reading Modern bone healing: Scientists design device that helps accelerate bone regeneration
Study: Chemical compound in certain essential oils promotes wound healing
A study from Indiana University revealed that a chemical compound in essential oils may enhance wound healing, especially when applied topically. According to co-author Sachiko Koyama, essential oils – like those from lavender, rosemary, ylang-ylang and black pepper – contain a chemical compound called beta-caryophyllene. This contributes to improved wound healing, based on a murine model. “This is the first finding … Continue reading Study: Chemical compound in certain essential oils promotes wound healing
Research explores the many health benefits of curcumin
Turmeric, known scientifically as Curcuma longa, is a multipurpose plant that’s known by many names. It earned the monikers “the golden spice” and “Indian saffron” not only because of its brilliant yellow color, but also its culinary use. Today, however, turmeric has gained popularity more for its medicinal uses than its usefulness in the kitchen. A … Continue reading Research explores the many health benefits of curcumin
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 