The INTERVAL trial in the United Kingdom investigated the optimal frequency of blood donations and its effect on the donor’s health. Blood donations have saved countless lives by enabling blood transfusions for several clinical indications. However, there have been no studies investigating strategies to obtain the most blood with minimal adverse effects on donors. Consequently,…
Monthly Archives: October 2017
Researchers in Italy explored whether or not the childbirth method determines the quality of breast milk. Maternal breast milk that is first secreted after giving birth is called colostrum. Colustrum is rich in various components including antibodies, mineral salts, and hormones. Colostrum provides babies with their first protective defences allowing them to adapt to the…
A new Chinese study determines whether vitamin A supplements for children with autism spectrum disorders can help alleviate autism symptoms. Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by difficulties in social communication, repetitive motions of arms, fingers, or head, unusually intense and prolonged emotional interactions, and developmental delays. A number of studies indicate altered gut microbiota in…
A review determines whether resveratrol reduces fasting glucose and insulin levels and improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skins of red grapes, is a potent antioxidant that is being touted for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and cardioprotective effects. Some studies have shown that resveratrol intake improves…
With outstanding clinical results, a new cancer treatment attracting attention is cancer immunotherapy using bispecific antibodies. But is this treatment really the way forward? Tumour recurrence and the development of drug resistance are just two factors which contribute to the difficulties of curing cancer. Regardless of the advancements achieved in treating cancer, the development of…
Researchers investigate the differences in asthma management and severity between different ethnic groups in Britain, in order to improve services to all groups. One million children receive treatment for asthma in the United Kingdom. Healthcare practitioners have noticed a difference in asthma management between children of different ethnicities. Children of South Asian heritage were experiencing…
A study explains the important risk factors of the mortality burden during the H1N1 flu pandemic through a literature search and mathematical models. In 2009, the world was hit by the H1N1 flu pandemic. The virus was initially described in April of 2009 where the first death was confirmed in Mexico. Although the pandemic was…
An ongoing study conducted in Norway seeks to target childhood obesity by creating healthy eating habits while the child is being weaned. Childhood obesity is a global issue and negatively affects the child’s physical and mental wellbeing. The prevalence of energy-rich but nutrient-deficient foods makes it important to instill healthy eating habits in children at…
Researchers in Ireland looked at the associations between signs of microcytosis (small red blood cells due to low iron levels) and brain development in otherwise healthy children living in an affluent environment. Having enough iron is very important for a child’s development. It is used to make hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen…
Researchers are investigating whether genetic engineering can restore the ability of natural killer cells to locate, enter and destroy certain tumours. Natural killer (NK) cells may be an important new anti-cancer treatment option. Natural killer cells, as a part of a healthy immune system are able to effectively kill a wide range of tumour cells….