Health & Physiology
Blood-sugar spikes linked to memory loss, new study shows, but peaks can be moderated by exercise. Researcher calls findings 'compelling,' and sees implications for the elderly, overweight children, and those at risk for Type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease in fast-paced, complex society. And: Spiking, falling blood sugar levels from high-carb diet could be risk factor for central vision loss with aging (click 'See also').
By Roni Caryn Rabin
The New York Times 2008-12-31 (entry)
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Twice-daily diet of sushi, use of herbal remedies blamed for elevated levels of mercury in actor's bloodstream. Jeremy Piven, who was starring in 'Speed the Plow' on Broadway, had complained of excessive fatigue, exhaustion. He later left production. And: Eating six pieces of tuna sushi weekly in New York exceeds EPA's safe levels of consumption (click 'See also').
By Dave Itzkoff
The New York Times 2008-12-18 (entry)
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Diabetics eating low-glycemic diet - nuts, beans, lentils - have better glycemic control and reduce heart disease risk factors, than those on fiber-rich diet, study shows. Type 2 diabetics have much higher risk of cardiovascular disease. And: Though exercise, weight loss and low-fat, plant-based diet reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, plan works best when community - parents, grandparents, caregivers - enables and models healthful behavior (click 'See also').
By Shari Roan
Los Angeles Times 2008-12-16 (entry)
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Girls have better sense of taste than boys, but boys are saddled with sweeter tooth, Danish study of 8,900 primary, secondary students polled in science classes shows. Taste recognition increases gradually with age; greatest shift is at 13-14 years when children become markedly more sensitive to sour, less interested in sweet, researchers said.
By Stephen Daniells
nutraingredients.com 2008-12-17 (entry)
As use of nanotechnology grows and researchers plan for use of tiny particles as food additives, in medical treatments and in electronics, report lists serious gaps in federal plan for determining risks and calls for ensuring safety of workers, consumers, environment. And: Studies are lagging behind technology (click 'See also'). One nanometer equals a billionth of a meter.
By Julie Steenhuysen
Reuters 2008-12-10 (entry)
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Adding 1 billion points to global IQ is as simple as adding iodine to salt, and Canada leads way with Micronutrient Initiative, which also advocates adding vitamin A, iron, zinc and folic acid to diets. Simple technology improves lives at low cost and in short time, says World Bank.
By Nicholas D. Kristof
The New York Times 2008-12-04 (entry)
Adding extra fish, omega-3-rich seafood to diet may raise prostate cancer survival by 38 percent; men who ate five servings of fish per week had 48 percent improved survival rate over those who ate one serving a week, study shows. And: Healthy diet should consist of one omega-3 to four omega-6 fatty acids, but American diet contains more than 10 times needed amount of omega-6 oils, mostly from processed foods, cooking oils (click 'See also').
By Stephen Daniells
nutraingredients.com 2008-11-24 (entry)
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New cell biology field probes bacteria inside us, which outnumber our human cells and show regional differences - maybe an Inuit's bacteria help digest Cheerios but an Argentine's wouldn't (click link to listen). Some may cause obesity, and could be changed, but then what? Balance is fragile - certain bacteria linked to stomach ulcers, but kill them with antibiotics, and patients get more asthma, hay fever, allergies, eczema.
By Robert Krulwich
National Public Radio/All Things Considered 2008-11-04 (entry)
Beyond statins, common sense and two studies indicate that eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts cut readings for CRP, which is linked to risk of heart attack, stroke. Needed is total proof that diet- and exercise-reduced CRP levels reduce cardiovascular emergencies. And: Small, consistent increase in dietary fiber helps reduce heart disease risk and controls diabetes, and can make large difference to public health (click See also').
By Stephen Smith
The Boston Globe 2008-11-17 (entry)
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More neighborhood green space reduces risk of heart disease, greatly narrows health gaps and death rates between rich, poor, UK researchers learn. Governments should promote and invest in green areas, which provide opportunities for stress reduction and physical activity. And: Plunging hands into the dirt therapeutic for gardeners (click 'See also').
By Michael Kahn
Reuters 2008-11-07 (entry)
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Those with malfunctioning food-pleasure gene more likely to overeat, study shows. Health expert says those with weakened 'reward strategy' can circumvent obesity by choosing diet rich in whole grains, legumes, beans, fruits and vegetables coupled with moderate level of exercise.
By Jimmy Downs
Food Consumer 2008-10-18 (entry)
Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware ask 11 companies to stop using bisphenol A in making baby bottles, baby-formula containers. FDA has tentatively concluded that chemical is safe, but gives consumers tips on reducing exposure. Animal studies link BPA, also used in food can linings, to reproductive system abnormalities, cancers; experts disagree on whether humans are at risk.
The Associated Press; The Wall Street Journal. 2008-10-14 (entry)
Persistent overeating triggers metabolic response which, once flipped 'on,' can promote overeating, creating vicious cycle, researchers learn in mouse study. Earlier research had shown that eating too much triggered inflammatory responses in muscles, liver, changes that launch development of type 2 diabetes. Now researchers see inflammation may promote obesity as well.
By Amanda Gardner
The Washington Post 2008-10-02 (entry)
Harvard neurobiologist who studies sense of smell of fruit flies wins 'genius grant' from MacArthur Foundation. Her award, says Rachel Wilson, underscores the idea that simple, seemingly primitive organisms may yield powerful insight into how things work.
By Carolyn Y. Johnson
The Boston Globe 2008-09-23 (entry)
Scientists urge 'aggressive action' to limit human exposure to can-lining chemical after study notes that higher levels of bisphenol A in body correspond with higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities. Skeptic notes that drinking lots of high-sugar canned drinks raises risk of diet-related disease and exposure to BPA. And: Chemical, also found in hard plastic water and baby bottles, inhibits brain links (click 'See also').
By Sarah Boseley
The Guardian (UK) 2008-09-16 (entry)
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4004 chart shows chronic wasting disease among free-ranging deer and elk by county.
When prions can jump species barriers, a new kind of prion is produced, researchers learn. Prion proteins cause Creutzfeld-Jakob disease and mad cow disease, and have infected 208 people, mostly in UK. Scientists now study whether prion-induced chronic wasting disease (CWD) in elk and deer could jump to humans; disease has long dormant period. And: CDC, in 2004, said risk of CWD to humans was low (click 'See also').
By Amber Dance
Nature News 2008-09-04 (entry)
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EPA's current 'safe daily limit' for consumption of bisphenol-A (BPA), a leaching chemical used in hard plastic water and baby bottles and food and beverage can linings (click 'See also'), could cause memory/learning impairments and depression, research on primates shows. Scientist says EPA 'may wish to consider' lowering limit.
By Karen N. Peart
Yale University 2008-09-03 (entry)
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Swiss chard is a good source of folate and a very good source of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B deficiencies linked to learning problems, dramatically higher homocysteine levels in mouse study, researchers say. Elevated homocysteine levels in adults raise risk for Alzheimer's disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. And: Vitamin B-rich foods: leafy green vegetables, beans, peas, whole grains, fish, seafood, poultry and meats, eggs and milk, yogurt and cheese (click 'See also').
By Shane Starling
nutraingredients.com 2008-09-04 (entry)
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As understanding of fiber expands, companies develop items to exploit benefits. Researchers now understand that fiber, by way of friendly bacteria called probiotics, provides fuel to the colon, in addition to improving cholesterol, slowing sugars' entrance to bloodstream and speeding transit of food through body. Good sources of fiber: fruits, beans and whole grains.
By Mark Anthony
FoodProcessing.com 2008-08-01 (entry)
Bad economy means that as people worry more, they lose weight, drink less, exercise more, smoke less, and drive less, which then makes them feel better and reduces risks of diet-related disease and car crashes, says economist. Physician concurs, citing good health of laborers of decades past who ate rice and beans and couldn't afford cigarettes.
By Susan Brink
Los Angeles Times 2008-08-25 (entry)
Orange juice, apple juice change absorption rates of several medicines, which means that glass of water is the best chaser, says researcher. For nearly 20 years, physicians have warned against interaction of grapefruit juice and some drugs.
By Kathleen Doheny
HealthDay; The Washington Post 2008-08-19 (entry)
Easy availability of calories through cooking may have allowed diversion of energy from gut to brain in early humans, nurturing cognitive innovations including abstract thinking, creation of art and invention of tools, study suggests. And: Cooking pot responsible for dramatic change in human brain size, Harvard primatologist believes (click 'See also').
By Robin Nixon
LiveScience 2008-08-11 (entry)
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Fat build-up, triglyceride surge greater from fructose consumption than other sugars, small study reports. Researchers also note that fat was created from fructose by liver within four hours of consumption, which means that the next meal's fat is more likely to be stored. Fat synthesis may be revved up in overweight, obese patients.
By Stephen Daniells
nutraingredients.com 2008-07-25 (entry)
Smell, taste experts gather to share latest research, insights to these intimately connected senses that are perceived so differently among individuals. One new tool: the olfactometer. It dispenses puffs of scented air, then judges ability to name a smell; to distinguish one odor from a slightly different one; and to find the threshold of scent detection. And: Asthma drug restores sense of smell for some (click 'See also').
By Sabin Russell
San Francisco Chronicle 2008-07-25 (entry)
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Controversy over risks of BPA, a leaching chemical in some food containers, shows divergence in results of industry- and government-sponsored research because funding sources shape questions asked, data gathered and definitions used. De-linking sponsorship and research is crucial to credibility.
By David Michaels
The Washington Post 2008-07-15 (entry)
Better access to healthful foods, walkable streets and recreational areas and sense of community reduces residents' risk of high blood pressure, study shows. Links diminished when researchers factored in the 2,612 participants' race and ethnicity.
Reuters 2008-07-15 (entry)
UK plans healthful food promotion after report links poor diet with premature death of 70,000 people each year. Program, which will urge fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced intake of saturated fat, sugar and salt, will begin in hospitals and prisons, then radiate outward. For report, click 'See also.'
By Andrew Sparrow
The Guardian (UK) 2008-07-07 (entry)
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After workout, drink caffeine and eat carbs to restore muscles and to gain advantage for next contest, study suggests. Subjects who consumed caffeinated drink had higher levels of blood glucose, insulin and signalling proteins (which transport muscle-powering glucose) than those who drank carb-only beverage.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News 2008-07-02 (entry)
Citrulline in watermelon and its rind relaxes blood vessels and could benefit heart, circulatory and immune systems, researcher reports. Eating the fruit also could help with angina, high blood pressure. But the trick is eating enough: six cups. Also: Watermelon could aid in diabetes treatment (click 'See also').
By Betsy Blaney
The Associated Press; Austin American-Statesman 2008-07-02 (entry)
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Junk food diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding increases child's risk of diet-related disease, study on rats indicates. Offspring had raised levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and insulin, plus harbinger of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. And: In 1986, Barker hypothesis linked adult heart disease to prenatal and early postnatal nutrition (click 'See also').
By Sarah Boseley
The Guardian (UK) 2008-07-01 (entry)
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Most important predictor of a heart attack or death for diabetics is a severe hypoglycemic event (blackout or consciousness change) in the previous three months, preliminary analysis of new study finds. Biggest help: lowering cholesterol levels, controlling high blood pressure.
By Thomas H. Maugh II
Los Angeles Times 2008-06-09 (entry)
Best post-workout recovery begins with protein-carbohydrate snack, researcher learns by comparing study of cyclists with those of diabetics. Eating snack within 30 to 45 minutes of strenuous activity prompts muscles to store even more fuel (glucose, which is stored as glycogen) for next workout, and protein helps repair and strengthen muscles.
By Gretchen Reynolds
The New York Times 2008-06-01 (entry)
In study of 14,000 children in Belarus, researchers see higher intelligence in those who were breastfed, but they're unsure whether the credit goes to the milk, the bond, or a combination of both.
BBC News 2008-05-06 (entry)
Belly fat is potent predictor of dementia associated with Alzheimer's, researchers learn, but skeptics say the two might have same cause. Fat around organs is most harmful, because it oozes noxious chemicals, stoking inflammation and constricting blood vessels, but it's also easiest to lose through diet and exercise.
By Rob Stein
The Washington Post 2008-03-27 (entry)
Group calls for ban on nanoparticles used in food and food-related products - from beer to baby drinks - until government testing is conducted. Then, those products containing tiny particles should be labeled. FDA requires industry to provide tests that show food goods aren't harmful, but there are few published studies on health impact of nanoparticles, which can easily penetrate organs and cells.
By David Biello
Scientific American 2008-03-13 (entry)
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After promising pilot study shows better health and a decrease in violent behavior in inmates given vitamin and mineral supplements, Oxford University expands research. 'We are not saying nutrition is the only influence on behavior but we seem to have seriously underestimated its importance,' says scientist, who adds that decreased violence would have enormous economic benefit.
By Jeremy Laurance
The Independent (UK) 2008-01-29 (entry)
Eating artificially sweetened foods results in a more sluggish metabolism that stores, rather than burns, incoming excess calories, continuation of Purdue University study shows. Research suggests that artificial sweeteners somehow disrupt the body's ability to regulate incoming calories and could foil weight-loss efforts.
By Alice Park
Time magazine 2008-02-08 (entry)
Clever food marketing plus our natural tendency to overeat are underlying causes of the obesity epidemic, according to recent studies. This "environmental theory of obesity" reduces blame on individuals, who may have less power than previously believed to resist a glossy photo of glazed doughnuts.
By Shari Roan
Los Angeles Times 2008-01-14 (entry)
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Compounds in red wine, fruits and vegetables can reduce effects of fat-laden foods in bloodstream, researchers learn in small study. Foods high in polyphenol include artichokes, parsley, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, lychees, and grapes, but apples are a good source as well.
Science Daily 2008-01-02 (entry)
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To balance chronic stress, which makes us crave fatty, sugary foods and is linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other disorders, experts recommend that we focus on a few good thoughts; unplug, if only for a few minutes a day; and have dinner with the family.
By Erin Allday
San Francisco Chronicle 2007-12-10 (entry)
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Infectious diseases and new foods accelerated pace of human evolution once agrarian lifestyle became commonplace, study shows. Illnesses could sweep through large groups, the members of which lived close together for long periods, and when mutation showed nutritional benefit (better health after drinking yak milk, for example), those offspring had advantage.
By Karen Kaplan
Los Angeles Times 2007-12-10 (entry)
Cranberries, likely in the smallest bowl on the Thanksgiving table, are nutritional superheroes, high in compounds thought to reduce risk of chronic disease, slow the spread of cancer, increase effectiveness of chemotherapy, fight stomach bugs and tooth decay and reduce damage from strokes. Native Americans were using them when the Pilgrims arrived.
By Lee Dye
ABC News 2007-11-21 (entry)
Turkey, or at least its tryptophan, could increase trust and cooperation, study shows. Using game theory to study role of serotonin and its precursor, tryptophan, in social interactions, researchers gave volunteers a tryptophan-depleting drink, then had them play Prisoner's Dilemma, a game that rewards cooperation. They did worse. More turkey, anyone?
By Emily Singer
Technology Review 2007-11-21 (entry)
In a study that demonstrates the addictive potential of sweets and might help explain the obesity epidemic, researchers learn that for 40 of 43 rats, sweetened water wins out over cocaine, and even a majority of drug-addicted rodents pick sweets over drug.
By Denise Gellene
Los Angeles Times 2007-11-09 (entry)
In first case of foreign farmworkers winning in a U.S. court against Dole and Dow over pesticide, jury says that, beyond $3.2 million already awarded, Dole is liable for punitive damages. The six men say that Dow's DBCP, used 30 years ago on Nicaraguan banana plantation and now banned in U.S., made them sterile; thousands more suing as well.
By John Spano
Los Angeles Times 2007-11-08 (entry)
For Aristotle and Plato, life, or at least the palate, was sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Years later, Auguste Escoffier invented veal stock while Kikunae Ikeda analyzed seaweed broth - and both found umami, the ultimately yummy flavor found in meat, in aged Parmesan, in soy sauce and in a sun-ripened tomato.
By Robert Krulwich
National Public Radio 2007-11-05 (entry)
In "Scent of Desire," author's clunky prose detracts, but she does explain that though senses of smell and taste forever are entwined, it's really the nose, with its 20 million olfactory receptors, that starts the whole experience. Without a sniff, there would be no "Remembrance of Things Past."
By Bunny Crumpacker
Washington Post 2007-10-28 (entry)
It's the cooking pot that encouraged monogamy and led to smaller jaws, bigger brains, smaller guts, shorter arms, and longer legs, says a Harvard primatologist who believes that fire was used for heating food as long as two million years ago.
By William J. Cromie
Harvard University Gazette 2002-06-13 (entry)
