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news archive: Mar-Apr 2007
Health & longevity news archive: March-April 2007
Research opens way for bionic eye
(Apr 25, 2007)
US scientists have opened the way for the development of a "bionic
eye". They used electrodes to stimulate an area of the brain that
processes visual information, the Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences reported. The results in monkeys increase
the chance that people with conditions such as glaucoma will one
day have their vision restored with a prosthetic eye.
Read
more. Source: BBC |
Blood pressure 'is in the brain'
(Apr 16, 2007)
The cause of high blood pressure may lie within the brain, rather
than with problems relating to the heart, kidneys or blood vessels,
research suggests. Scientists at Bristol University say the findings
could lead to new ways of treating the condition, which affects
about one in five Britons. The scientists isolated a protein,
JAM-1, which appeared to trap white blood cells, obstructing blood
flow. This can cause inflammation and result in poor oxygen supply
to the brain.
Read
more. Source: BBC |
Heart valve grown from stem cells
(Apr 2, 2007)
British scientists have grown part of a human heart from stem
cells for the first time. Heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub, who
led the team, said doctors could be using artificially-grown heart
components in transplants within three years. His researchers
at Harefield hospital managed to grow tissue that works in the
same way as human heart valves. Sir Magdi told the Guardian newspaper
a whole heart could be produced from stem cells within 10 years.
Read
more. Source: BBC |
Blueberries fight bowel cancer
(Mar 26, 2007)
A compound in blueberries may be good for preventing bowel cancer,
US scientists believe. The key ingredient, pterostilbene, is a
natural antioxidant and mops up highly reactive molecules called
free radicals that can trigger cancer growth. Similar antioxidants
have already been identified in grapes and red wine, the American
Chemical Society heard.
Read
more. Source: BBC |
Stressful event kills brain cells
(Mar 15, 2007)
A single episode of severe stress can be enough to kill off new
nerve cells in the brain, research suggests. Rosalind Franklin
University researchers believe their finding may give new insights
into the development of depression. Working on rats, they found
that cells were lost in the hippocampus, an area of the brain
which processes learning, memory and emotion.
Read
more. Source: BBC |
Cocoa nutrient for 'lethal ills'
(Mar 11, 2007)
A nutrient in cocoa called epicatechin appears to lower the risk
of four common killer diseases, work suggests. Among the Kuna
people of Panama, who can drink up to 40 cups of cocoa per week,
rates of stroke, heart disease, cancer and diabetes are less than
10%. The Kuna also appear to live longer than other Panama inhabitants
and do not get dementia, a US scientist reports in Chemistry and
Industry.
Read
more. Source: BBC |
Gene determines sleep demands
(Mar 10, 2007)
How well a person can get by with just a few hours sleep is down
to their genes, scientists say. A team from the University of
Surrey said the "clock gene" called Period 3 is responsible. The
same gene dictates if someone is an "owl" or a "lark". Most people
need around eight hours sleep a night – but famous exceptions
such as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher have survived
on much less.
Read
more. Source: BBC |
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