Using hypertonic saline nasal drops can reduce the length of the common cold in children by two days, according to a study that will be presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria [1]. They can also reduce the onward transmission of colds to family members. The results of the ELVIS-Kids randomised […]
Experts call for routine measurement of lipoprotein (a) levels
Studies highlight the role played by Lp (a) in heart and blood vessel diseases London, UK: Heart experts say that everyone should have their levels of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a) measured routinely at least once in life, following research from one of the most populous EU countries, Poland, that shows how common high levels of Lp(a) […]
Does low lipoprotein(a) increase the risk of diabetes? New research suggests it does not
Efforts to reduce Lp(a) levels in patients with cardiometabolic conditions should continue London, UK: New research has shown that, contrary to some previous studies, low levels of lipoprotein (a) – a parcel of fats and protein in the blood – do not cause type 2 diabetes. The findings may alleviate concerns that drugs aimed at […]
Evidence-based information combats misleading and false claims on the internet and social media about the anti-Mullerian hormone test
Researchers in Australia have found that when women are given accurate information about a test that indicates the number of eggs in their ovaries, they have less interest in taking the test compared to women who viewed information available online. The researchers initiated the study, which is published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the […]
Weight gain in young and middle-aged adults is linked to poor heart health in older age
People who gain excess weight from their 20s onwards have less healthy hearts by the time they are in their 60s, according to research published in the European Heart Journal [1]. Scientists found links between weight gain in young and middle-aged adults and enlarged hearts that pump blood less well. This is over and above […]
Amnesia caused by sleep deprivation could be reversed with existing drugs
Vienna, Austria: The loss of social memories caused by sleep deprivation could potentially be reversed using currently available drugs, according to a study in mice presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2024. Lack of sleep is known to affect the brain, including memory, in mice and in humans, but research is […]
Researchers discover how nerve cells in bat brains respond to their environment and social interactions with other bats
First study of social groups of wild bats in a laboratory ‘bat cave’ Vienna, Austria: Researchers have found that nerve cells in the hippocampus region of the brain encode complex information on numerous characteristics of other individuals in the same social group. The work, which is being carried out in bats, is the first to […]
Specific bacteria in your gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity
New research shows how your brain and gut talk to each other Vienna, Austria: An international team of researchers has identified specific bacteria in the gut that are associated with both mice and humans developing an addiction to food that can lead to obesity. They have also identified bacteria that play a beneficial role in […]
Mouse studies reveal possible benefits of CBD and metformin for treating behavioural difficulties
Vienna, Austria: Studies of mouse models of Fragile X syndrome and Phelan-McDermid syndrome show that treatment with cannabidiol (CBD) and the diabetes drug metformin can alleviate behavioural difficulties, according to research presented at the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) Forum 2024. Fragile X syndrome and Phelan-McDermid syndrome are two genetic conditions that cause a […]
New research questions safety of cannabidiol for pregnant women
Mouse studies show alterations in brains and behaviour in offspring exposed to CBD during gestation Vienna, Austria: Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the active ingredients in cannabis, is thought to be safe as it does not cause a “high”. Increasing numbers of pregnant women take CBD, believing that it can help alleviate symptoms such as morning […]