New drug could be safer, non-addictive alternative to morphine

Posted: 28 Jan 2016 03:00 AM PST

Researchers at Tulane University and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System have developed a painkiller that is as strong as morphine but isn't likely to be addictive and with fewer side effects, according to a new study in the journal Neuropharmacology.

Most top-selling, over-the-counter sexual treatments unproven, some could be harmful

Posted: 11 Jan 2016 01:00 AM PST

From horny goat weed to ginseng and maca, over-the-counter dietary supplements sold to improve male sexual health contain a wide variety of "natural" ingredients. Researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center reviewed the scientific evidence for the most common ingredients to determine if they are effective - and most importantly - safe.

Midday naps associated with reduced blood pressure and fewer medications

Posted: 31 Aug 2015 12:00 AM PDT

Midday naps are associated with reduced blood pressure levels and prescription of fewer antihypertensive medications, according to research presented at ESC Congress by Dr Manolis Kallistratos, a cardiologist at Asklepieion Voula General Hospital in Athens, Greece. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the effect of midday sleep on blood pressure (BP) levels in hypertensive patients.

Trans fats, but not saturated fats, linked to greater risk of death and heart disease

Posted: 12 Aug 2015 12:00 AM PDT

A study led by researchers at McMaster University has found that that trans fats are associated with greater risk of death and coronary heart disease, but saturated fats are not associated with an increased risk of death, heart disease, stroke, or Type 2 diabetes. The findings were published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

Vitamin C related to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and early death

Posted: 07 Jul 2015 02:00 AM PDT

New research from the University of Copenhagen and Herlev and Gentofte Hospital shows that high vitamin C concentrations in the blood from the intake of fruit and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and early death. Fruit and vegetables are healthy. We all know that. And now there is yet another good reason for eating lots of it.

Nut consumption associated with reduced risk of some types of cancer

Posted: 16 Jun 2015 05:00 AM PDT

Cancer and type 2 diabetes are two of the most significant public health burdens facing the world today, and currently available data suggests their prevalence is expected to continue to increase. Nut consumption has long been hypothesized to have a role in preventing both of these diseases, but until now evidence has been inconsistent.

Bacteria may cause type 2 diabetes

Posted: 02 Jun 2015 02:00 AM PDT

Bacteria and viruses have an obvious role in causing infectious diseases, but microbes have also been identified as the surprising cause of other illnesses, including cervical cancer (Human papilloma virus) and stomach ulcers (H. pylori bacteria). A new study by University of Iowa microbiologists now suggests that bacteria may even be a cause of one of the most prevalent diseases of our time - Type 2 diabetes.