UF Health Podcasts

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Music can alter your memories Jan 16, 2025

If you’ve ever heard a song and been instantly transported back to your senior prom or your first concert, then you know music holds memories.

But you might not know that music can also alter the way you feel about those memories. New research suggests that not only can music trigger memories, it can also change what you remember.

University of Colorado Boulder and the Georgia Institute of Technology researchers conducted a three-day experiment to determine how music, emotion, and memory interact.

On the first day, participants memorized short, emotionally neutral stories. The second day, they were asked to recall the stories while listening to positive music, negative music, or none at all. The researchers also measured the participants’ brain activity using scans that detect changes in blood flow.

On the last day, participants were asked to recall the stories again without music.

The researchers found that when participants listened to emotionally charged or negative music while recalling neutral stories, they were more likely to add emotional elements to the story. When they listened to positive music, they remembered the stories more positively.

The experiment also showed that while participants listened to music, there was increased activity in the parts of their brains that control emotional memory processing.

The researchers say their findings could someday be used for therapeutic purposes, helping people handle difficult memories by reframing them.

For those with post-traumatic stress disorder or depression, musical therapy could help make the past less painful so the present can be more rewarding.

Co-workers can positively influence your lifestyle Jan 15, 2025

When it comes to living a healthier lifestyle, listen to and watch your co-workers. Their positive habits could eventually help you.

That’s the main message from researchers in the Netherlands, who tracked the influence that employees can have on their colleagues when it comes to eating better and working out. While much is known about the effects that neighbors, friends, and relatives have on lifestyle choices, there’s much less evidence about how co-workers influence those behaviors.

Using data from more than 4,300 people across 113 organizations, this is what the researchers found: People are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables when their colleagues encourage them. The same held true for exercise, although the effect was less pronounced.

So why do our co-workers hold more sway over our eating habits than our exercise routines? The researchers theorize it may be a matter of proximity: Most people eat at work — often together — whereas exercise usually happens after work.

The study is one of the first to address co-workers’ influence on healthy behaviors. Unlike some prior research, it used an approach that allowed for a more fine-tuned analysis of the relationship between co-workers and healthier behaviors.

Now, the researchers said, workplace leaders and public policymakers can use the findings when making important decisions about ways to encourage healthier living. Colleagues can now be relevant sources of social support when it comes to healthy behaviors, just like friends and neighbors have been.

So keep up with your work friend in the next cubicle. Their good habits could soon become yours.

Maple syrup a healthier alternative to sugar Jan 14, 2025

Most people know you can’t enjoy a stack of pancakes without a healthy drizzle of syrup. But the sweet breakfast staple might make more than just your tongue happy.

New research suggests that replacing refined sugar with pure maple syrup could decrease risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Canadian researchers studied 42 healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 75 with body mass indexes between 23 and 40. The study targeted overweight adults with mild cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Each participant replaced 5% of their daily calories with either a refined sugar syrup or maple syrup for eight weeks. They took a four-week break and then repeated the process for another eight-week cycle.

The researchers found that those who replaced 5% of their calories with maple syrup saw a significant reduction in risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes compared with those who used the refined sugar syrup.

The maple syrup group had better control over their blood sugar, lower blood pressure, reduced abdominal fat, and improved gut health. Poor blood pressure control, high blood pressure, belly fat, and harmful gut bacteria have all been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.

The researchers said maple syrup is beneficial because it has 12% fewer calories than light corn syrup, and it also contains essential nutrients like manganese, calcium, thiamin, potassium, and copper.

Please don’t take this as an invitation to drown your flapjacks in syrup. But in moderation, maple syrup may deserve a spot on your breakfast plate.

High hypertension often undetected in U.S. adults Jan 13, 2025

As we turn the page to 2025 and pack away decorations after another holiday season, it’s a great time to evaluate our own health and well-being.

After all, like many adults in the United States, you could have a health condition and not even know it.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 40% of American adults who have hypertension, or high blood pressure, are unaware of that fact. Left untreated, this can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In some cases, it can lead to premature death.

The American College of Cardiology defines hypertension as having a systolic blood pressure of 130 over a diastolic blood pressure of 80.

The new report revealed that just over half of adults with high blood pressure were currently taking medication to lower blood pressure. But only about 20% of adults who knew of their high blood pressure had it under control.

Several factors such as old age, genetics, being overweight, not being physically active, a high-salt diet, and drinking too much alcohol can increase your chances of hypertension. Severe headaches, chest pain, dizziness, and nausea are among its many symptoms.

Lifestyle changes can help. From eating more vegetables and fruits to becoming more physically active, there are ways to tackle high blood pressure.

You can also lower your risk by managing stress more effectively, monitoring your blood pressure with regular checks, reducing your exposure to polluted air, and using medications for high blood pressure treatment.

Whatever you do, don’t wait until it’s too late.

Fat cells, what long memories you have Jan 10, 2025

With the holiday season in the rearview for another year, many of us are looking at getting a fresh start and forgetting about past diet and exercise challenges.

For our fat cells, that’s easier said than done.

A new study shows that fat cells “remember” being overweight, thanks to chemical markers that control which genes are activated in our cells.

These chemical stamps make it easier for fat cells to return to their previously plump state with little effort. This evidence provides a biological reason that confirms the suspicions of many who have struggled to maintain weight loss — that even if you lose weight, it’s incredibly easy to gain it back.

Researchers said that fat cells live for about 10 years on average before being replaced by new ones, which explains the cells’ extended memory. While there are currently no medications available that can erase our fat cells’ memory, it’s an area researchers hope to study more.

In the meantime, researchers emphasize prevention through maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, especially for young people. The best way to avoid regaining weight is not to gain it to begin with.

The same team is also delving into whether other types of cells, like those in our brains or blood vessels, might also harbor weight-gain memories. If that’s the case, the research could offer even more insight into why keeping the pounds off can feel like a losing battle.

While we’d like to forget about times when we were overweight, our fat cells aren’t so quick to move on. Let’s hope that as we take a stroll down memory lane after the 2025 holiday season, we won’t remember any undue weight gain.

Egg consumption is good for women, study finds Jan 09, 2025

When it comes to nutrition, eggs have been a tough nut — or shell — to crack.

The small, oval, protein-packed goodies were once declared a no-no because they are naturally high in cholesterol. More recently, eggs have swung back into the good foods category, thanks to their high levels of vitamins, minerals, protein, and good fats.

Now, a new study offers more evidence favoring the humble egg. Researchers found that women aged 55 and over who ate eggs on a regular basis saw notable improvements in their brain health. The women experienced less decline in executive brain functions and less memory loss over time.

The researchers accounted for a variety of factors, including age, education, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle factors — and the positive results remained.

So, eggs are good for women’s brain health, but how many eggs should women consume to see these positive benefits? Researchers found that five eggs per week seems to be the optimal number, so nearly an egg per day.

Interestingly, the study did not note any significant link between egg consumption and improved brain health for men.

Researchers said the reason for the healthy brain boost in women isn’t completely clear, but they suggest the lesser-known nutrients packed into eggs, like choline [ko-lean] and lutein [loo-teen], may have something to do with it. These nutrients are known to benefit brain health.

This study ultimately puts another point in the “good” category for eggs and adds to the ever-growing collection of evidence showing that the once-spurned egg may not be as bad as it’s cracked up to be.

Are scented candles bad for you? Jan 08, 2025

Scented candles are a great way to spruce things up at home. But there may be health risks, based on the candle you choose.

The primary concern: candles made from a byproduct sourced from a refinement of petroleum called paraffin. The National Candle Association says paraffin is the most used candle wax in the world.

A paraffin candle releases volatile organic compounds, also known as V-O-Cs, that quickly vaporize into the air at room temperature. These compounds are commonly emitted from paints, cleaning products, car exhaust, and fuel-burning appliances like gas stoves, among other things.

VOCs are harmful on their own and react to gases to form pollutants in the air.

Toluene and benzene are two VOCs released from paraffin candles. Toluene [tall-you-een] is a registered toxin with exposure limits because it’s a neurotoxin associated with dizziness and headaches. Benzene is a known carcinogen with long-term exposure linked to blood disorders such as leukemia.

Research shows that candles made from soy wax, beeswax, coconut oil, or animal fats are considered healthier. But anything that is burned emits harmful particulates or chemicals — it’s just that paraffin wax is more polluting.

Experts say there are several ways you can minimize health ramifications. Choose candles labeled as 100% soy wax, beeswax, or stearin [steer-in] wax, and ensure the wick is cotton, wood, or synthetic. If you can’t resist scented candles, look for those with essential oils or candles labeled as phthalate-free. It’s also important to avoid dyed candles.

These precautions will go a long way in keeping your room as fresh as it is healthy.

Everyday physical tasks can boost brain health Jan 07, 2025

They say age is just a number. But some days we all wish that number was lower.

Humans have been exploring ways to slow down or even reverse aging for thousands of years. It’s only natural … our mortality reveals itself to us on a regular basis.

But what if you could be four years younger with minimal cost and effort? A new brain study reveals that this is possible, in a way.

According to a new study, engaging in everyday physical tasks like walking the dog and taking out the trash can give a healthy boost to our brain’s processing speed.

The study participants’ cognitive processing speed, the speed at which our brains receive and process information, was on par with a person four years younger on the days they engaged in physical activity. Researchers found the same positive results whether participants went for a short walk or an intense jog.

Researchers said the study did not show enhancements to working memory, the ability to retain and analyze information, but the response time on working memory tasks improved.

While the study reveals the positive short-term effects of physical activity, it did not measure improvements over time, something future studies may explore.

Ultimately, researchers say the study shows the important role that movement plays in our brain health, even if it’s through small, everyday tasks.

Walk the dog, mow the lawn, take out the trash — these activities may not quite be as exciting as stumbling across a flowing fountain of youth, but they still give our brains a healthy boost.

Age may be just a number, but if we can reverse that number just a little bit, why not?

New treatment in the works for asthma, COPD Jan 06, 2025

More than a billion people around the world have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, called COPD [C-O-P-D).

That’s a lot of huffing, wheezing, and coughing. And when those conditions flare up, breathing can be restricted, sending them to emergency rooms for help.

For the past 50 or so years, the standard treatment for flare-ups has been steroid pills. The steroid can reduce lung inflammation, but it also can mean side effects like diabetes and osteoporosis. And it doesn’t always work on the first try.

Now a new study led by researchers in the United Kingdom suggests a new treatment that could shift the landscape for those with asthma and COPD.

Their study finds that an injection given during breathing attacks works better than current treatments and cuts the need for more treatment by 30%.

The drug is called benralizamab [ben-ruh-lie-zoo-mab], a monoclonal antibody that targets specific white blood cells to reduce lung inflammation. It is now used to treat severe asthma.

The researchers separated 158 people at high risk of an asthma or COPD attack into three groups. One group received an injection of benralizumab and a placebo tablet, a second received the usual steroid tablets and a placebo injection, and the third group received both the benralizumab injection and steroids.

After 28 days, the groups treated with benralizumab had less coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. After 90 days, they were four times less likely to have had to repeat a treatment, compared with the steroid group.

An extra benefit: Patients can manage the injection themselves, so a flare-up would not necessarily require an ER visit.

What a breath of fresh air.

Researchers find new ways to make habits stick Jan 03, 2025

As is tradition, the new year brings about a flurry of new habits we’d like to form to become our best selves.

But if you’ve ever struggled to break a bad habit — let alone form a good one — you might be interested in some expert tips that could make all the difference.

Irish researchers have uncovered a framework for habit change that taps into your brain’s unique systems for automatic responses and goal-directed control.

The idea is simple: Habits are shaped by two brain systems. One triggers automatic actions based on familiar cues (like scrolling through social media when you’re bored), while the other helps us exercise conscious control (like putting the phone away to focus on work).

The trick, their study discovered, is finding the right balance between these systems. When automatic responses outweigh our conscious control, bad habits take over. But by understanding how these systems work together, we can use it to our advantage.

The study emphasizes the role of repetition and rewards. Repeating a behavior strengthens the brain’s connection between cues and responses, making habits stick. To break a bad habit, the key is to replace old behaviors with new ones, creating competing automatic responses.

Your environment also plays a big role. Adjusting your surroundings to make good habits easier and bad habits harder can help, such as picking a gym that is on your way home from work.

Keep in mind that stress and fatigue can trigger old patterns, so staying mindful and intentional is crucial when trying to form lasting good habits, like reaching for a carrot instead of a candy bar when a deadline draws near.

Flavanols may protect against fatty foods eaten during stress Jan 02, 2025

Picture this: You come home from work, where you spilled your coffee, missed a meeting and forgot your lunch. The only thing on your mind? Chips. Maybe pizza. After all, stress and unhealthy food choices often go hand in hand.

Now, new research from scientists at the University of Birmingham suggests that adding a flavanol-rich cocoa drink to your diet can help protect your vascular health, even after indulging in fatty foods.

The team set out to investigate how food choices impact vascular function during periods of stress. Previous studies show that high-fat foods can impair blood vessel function, affecting oxygen delivery to the brain. On the other hand, flavanols, found in cocoa, green tea, and other plant-based foods, have been shown to have cardiovascular benefits.

In their study, researchers asked participants to consume a high-fat breakfast of two butter croissants, cheddar cheese, and whole milk — along with either a high- or low-flavanol cocoa drink. After a rest, folks completed a mentally stressful math test while the team measured various aspects of cardiac function, like blood flow and brain oxygenation.

The results? Those who drank the low-flavanol cocoa experienced a significant decline in vascular function following the test, lasting up to 90 minutes. However, participants who drank the high-flavanol cocoa showed no such decline, indicating that the flavanols helped protect vascular health.

For the average shopper, finding a cocoa powder that isn’t alkalized, a process that lowers flavanol levels, can be tricky. Luckily, the less decadent but more accessible green tea is a good stand-in.

Holiday pounds are the gift that keeps on giving Jan 01, 2025

Eating too much during the holidays is almost an American tradition. In January, cold reality hits with the realization that an expanded waistline doesn’t disappear like our memories of Santa Claus.

Ask yourself: Will you still carry this added weight on New Year’s Day 2026?

For a quarter of us, that is probably going to prove true.

A representative survey of 2,000 Americans by Talker Research found that 24% of respondents reported they still carried the weight they put on during the holidays a year earlier. That’s an average of 10 extra pounds. And, of course, that’s on top of whatever they gained during the most recent season.

That’s a mountain of turkey, mashed potatoes, and gingerbread cookies.

The poll by the market research firm noted that Americans tend to break with sound eating habits and their diets during the holidays. About 36% of participants admitted breaking a diet because they could not resist rich seasonal foods.

Respondents note how the holidays are simply more enjoyable if they temporarily suspend their worry and anxiety about their weight during these happy days.

Many people say this is especially true as they grow older.

Mouth-watering foods aren’t the only reason we gain weight during this time. The poll notes how stress from current events triggers overeating and weight gain, too.

Doctors suggested mixing those naughty treats with some healthy foods and some physical activity during the holidays. But please, don’t put out celery and a glass of water for Santa. He’ll still expect milk and cookies next year.

Nobody’s expecting the big man to go on a diet.

How long is forever? PFAS found in drinking water in 15 countries. Dec 31, 2024

Water is the elixir of life. We can’t live without it. Fifty-five to 60 percent of our bodies are composed of it. Beach vacations would be very tricky without it. But what happens when drinking water goes awry?

A recent study reveals that drinking water in 15 countries were found to contain PFAS [pea-fass], or forever chemicals, which are synthetic products with applications from firefighting to making fabric stain- and water-resistant.

They are also believed to cause cancer, increase cholesterol, disrupt hormones, and contribute to a variety of other health issues.

The study examined still water, sparkling water, water in glass bottles, and water in plastic bottles. It also compared 55 tap water samples from the United Kingdom and China.

Researchers found that two of the most common forever chemicals were present in 99% of the bottled water they examined. There was no notable difference between the levels of PFAS found in the water, whether it was bottled in glass or plastic bottles, or if it was sparkling or still.

The study also showed natural mineral water sourced from groundwater contained higher levels of PFAS than water advertised as being purified.

Forever chemicals were also found in much higher concentrations in tap water in China versus the U.K.

The researchers did not leave us high and dry, however. They found that boiling or applying activated carbon filtration removes a significant amount of forever chemicals from the water.

Since cutting water out of our diet is not exactly an option, pouring your H2O into a water filtration bottle is a simple solution for now, as more research studies unfold.

Why triplets are less common Dec 30, 2024

When you were growing up, it was very possible that you went to school with someone who was a twin, maybe even a triplet.

If you are in school today, that’s much less likely, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reports the rate of triplets, quadruplets, or even more being born in a single pregnancy has declined by 62% since 1998. For every 100,000 total births, nearly 74 are triplets, quadruplets, or more.

The decline appears connected to guidance about the number of embryos transferred through assisted reproductive technologies such as vitro fertilization.

Couples have a higher likelihood of having more babies in a single pregnancy when using assisted reproductive technology. That’s because fertility treatments may involve multiple embryos being transferred into the uterus.

The more embryos there are, the higher the likelihood of a viable pregnancy.

In 1998, the incidence of triplets was at an all-time high of about 194 births per 100,000. Fertility treatments grew in popularity during the 1980s and after.

The decline appears to have come about when the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology began to issue guidelines that called for fewer embryos to be transferred for one pregnancy. This was meant to reduce the risk of health complications, including premature births.

In recommendations three years ago, the guidelines included a suggestion that only one embryo be used for patients 35 years old and younger.

For families undergoing fertility treatments, one healthy baby is a much safer bet.

Skin’s natural elasticity protects against punctures Dec 27, 2024

We slather on moisturizer, dab on makeup and, often begrudgingly, slop on sunscreen. Our skin is our largest organ; something to be protected. But now, a new study from researchers in Illinois reminds us that it’s also our biggest protector.

Although we often think of skin as just a barrier, its innate “stretchiness” transforms it into a defensive structure that can significantly minimize damage from punctures. Specifically, thin, stretchy skin, like that of pigs and humans, outperforms even the best synthetic materials designed to mimic it.

In a series of experiments, researchers tested the puncture resistance of pig skin and underlying tissue against various projectiles. They discovered that the skin’s ability to dissipate energy from sharp objects could considerably reduce damage to the tissues below it. In fact, pig skin reduced puncture damage by up to 73% at high speeds compared with tissue without skin.

That’s right: a mere 2.5 milimeter thick piece of pig skin could outperform synthetic substitutes that were not only thicker, but stiffer.

How? Thanks to the collagen fibers woven into the skin. When these fibers break, they absorb and redistribute the energy of the puncture, preventing deeper tissue damage. Here, synthetic gels fall behind.

So, what does this mean for us? While synthetic materials have their place, they can’t replicate what our largest, even wrinkled or pimply organ does best.

Eventually, it’s possible material scientists someday will be able to better mimic these natural defenses … but if they ever do, will pricking your finger on a rose bush still hurt?

Taurine: A double-edged sword for heart health Dec 26, 2024

When you need a boost, do you quell your caffeine cravings with coffee or reach for a supplement-rich energy drink? If you fall into the latter category, you may want to reconsider your caffeination habits.

One common ingredient found in many energy drinks is the amino acid taurine, which has been touted as offering an array of health benefits to the brain and immune system. It’s also believed to reduce the size of plaque deposits in the heart. Taurine occurs naturally in our bodies but it is often included as an additive in energy drinks and supplements, as it is believed to also aid in energy production.

But too much taurine may increase the risk of heart attack, according to a recent study. Researchers uncovered evidence that despite reducing plaque, taurine might destabilize plaque deposits. This would make the plaques more likely to rupture and lead to heart attack or stroke.

When mice with arterial heart plaques were treated with taurine, results showed that the plaques possessed less collagen and fewer smooth muscle cells than untreated plaques — two important factors in keeping the plaques stable. The reduction in collagen is due to taurine boosting production of enzymes that break down collagen in blood vessel walls.

Researchers suggested the study results don’t necessarily mean people should avoid all taurine, as it is important to several processes in the body.

But the findings should serve as a reminder that you can have too much of a good thing.

Just remember, the next time you’re in need of a caffeine fix, your energy needs might be best served by brewing a pot of coffee.

Standing isn’t the answer to prolonged sitting Dec 25, 2024

If the phrase “sitting is the new smoking” has you scrambling to buy a standing desk, you might want to take a moment.

New research suggests that standing desks might not be the holy grail they’re marketed as, and prolonged standing can bring its own set of health risks.

Researchers from Australia and the Netherlands studied a pool of 83,000 people to find out if standing desks were as beneficial as they are made out to be.

Each participant wore a device that tracked their sitting, standing, and physical activity over several years, providing accurate data about their daily habits.

The study found that sitting for more than 10 hours a day increased the risk of heart attack and stroke. But the researchers also found that standing for the same period did not reduce this risk. Instead, it increased the risk of circulatory problems and conditions like varicose veins, which is caused by blood pooling in the legs.

Standing might not be the answer to your sitting struggles, but hope is not all lost. Our bodies are built to move, so simply incorporating movement in your day can mitigate some of the risks associated with prolonged sitting and standing.

Sit-stand desks can also offer a compromise, encouraging you to change positions and move more often. Taking short, active breaks can make a big difference in your day-to-day health.

Any kind of prolonged static position can be harmful in excess, so before you commit yourself to standing all day, try taking the stairs or doing a lap around the office first.

And if you do decide to get in on the standing desk trend, think of it as an alternative to sitting rather than an antidote.

Take a holiday walk with family Dec 24, 2024

Winter holidays often mean eating big meals and sitting around watching TV with extended family.

These are fun, to be sure, and the laughter over shared memories and stories retold are part of what make family gatherings so special.

But we all want to try to stay healthy, and we all know that a day of overindulging and under-exercising probably isn’t our best bet.

So this year, take your large or small family out for a walk. It is free and not likely to get anyone hurt, unless they’re wearing nonsensible shoes.

If the weather is good, it’s even pleasant. And there are a number of health-related reasons to get everyone out there for an amble.

First, it regulates blood sugar. One study found that even just a 15-minute post-meal walk helped avoid blood sugar spikes for several hours afterward. This can mean fewer unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms later in the day, especially the post-meal “crash.”

It expends calories. Walking one mile, even at a leisurely pace, burns about 100 calories, depending on your size, age, and sex. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the walk will put much a dent in your large meal, but everything helps.

It’s likely to improve your mood. Holidays can be stressful. Walking makes your brain more sensitive to the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, which ease the feeling of depression. They also stimulate the release of endorphins, which make us happy.

Parent-child bonds improve and family members get along better when they spend time in nature.

And it’s even a fix for feeling stuffed. Walking eases heartburn. Getting some steps in will help your digestion far better than settling in for a nap.

Can you offset sedentary life with exercise ‘snacks’? Dec 23, 2024

I sit, you sit, we sit — at most of our jobs, after work and even on the weekends. There’s no doubt about it — much to the detriment of our muscle mass and general well-being, sedentary lifestyles are increasing and only becoming more common.

Now, research from the University of Toronto is offering one means of staving off complete muscular atrophy by way of snacks.

Unfortunately, they’re not the tasty kind. “Snacks” are how researchers conceptualize small, active breaks in between the sedentary lifestyles many of us have grown far too accustomed to.

Even something as small as two minutes of walking (how far away is the bathroom, again?) or body weight sit-to-stand squats, encourage the body to use more amino acids from meals to build muscle proteins, thus preserving both muscle mass and muscle quality.

Sitting for extended periods of time can weaken your body’s ability to filter sugar from your blood after a meal, according to the study.

Although long periods of inactivity are sometimes unavoidable, like bedrest after an injury, phases of low muscle activity tend to result in a loss of muscle mass that occurs in tandem with, or because of, our muscles’ inability to build new proteins, even after we eat a meal that contains protein.

But this study indicated that even tiny periods of activity can also improve the efficiency of dietary amino acids used for muscle protein synthesis, or how our bodies repair or replace old or damaged proteins.

In short: A short walk — and a couple squats — are meaningful-but-manageable ways in which you can break up the Zoom meeting marathon or streaming binge.

Harm from smoking can linger for years Dec 20, 2024

The health worries you have after smoking can last for years after you stubbed out your final cigarette.

It all depends, a new research study from South Korea shows, on how long a person smoked and how heavily.

Cardiovascular disease is not the only toll smoking takes, but it’s one of the deadliest. It can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

The study looked at more than 5.3 million South Koreans. They took a deep dive into the health records of the mostly male participants, who had an average age of almost 46. Roughly 16% were current smokers, almost 2% had quit, and 82% had never smoked.

Researchers tracked the participants an average of 4 years and two months, monitoring cardiovascular disease development. They recorded each participant’s smoking history.

Depending on how much and how long someone smoked, they found, the path to cardiovascular health could take a few years to more than 20.

The study’s “tipping point” was eight so-called “pack years” of smoking. They calculated a pack-year by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years a person smoked.

Smoking one pack a day for eight years would equal eight pack years. So would smoking two packs a day for four years.

Those who quit smoking before eight pack years are lucky. Their cardiovascular risk drops quickly and their heart health returns to that of someone who never smoked between five and 10 years.

For smokers with more than eight pack years, it takes about 25 years to equal the heart disease risk of a never-smoker.

So don’t start smoking. If that ship has sailed, quit as soon as you can. Every extra puff counts.

Worried about holiday weight gain? Hop on a scale. Dec 19, 2024

If you know that Christmas pound cake might result in some extra weight, it might be a good idea to lug out the scale this holiday season.

New research suggests weighing yourself daily could help prevent holiday weight gain. Holiday weight gain is a worry because many adults add weight each year, meaning many become overweight or even obese.

A study from the University of Georgia separated 111 adults between the ages of 18 and 65 into two groups. One group was asked to weigh themselves every day for 14 weeks beginning in November 2018 until after holiday festivities concluded.

Participants in the first group used scales provided by the university that gave researchers insights on weight fluctuations and targets. They were asked to do their best not to gain weight but were given no instruction on how to avoid doing so.

The second group acted as the control and were not asked to weigh themselves every day.

The researchers found that all the participants who completed a daily weight check avoided gaining weight during the holiday season. Some even lost weight. Those who did not weigh themselves every day gained weight.

Researchers think this simple trick to avoiding weight gain worked because constant weight reminders and daily weight targets incentivize people to stick to their diets or work harder to keep extra weight off. They said better weight awareness can lead to behavioral change since many of us are sensitive about the number on the scale.

In short: If you want to emerge this January no heavier than you were in November, it might be time to make friends with that scale. Or ask Santa to bring you one.

Our eyes and face tell a tale Dec 18, 2024

People often put on a brave face when they’re feeling blue. Your smartphone, however, isn’t easily fooled.

A researcher at a New Jersey university is working on a pair of phone apps that he hopes will be able to identify signs of depression. The programs take and analyze photos of the eyes and face while someone uses the smartphone for other purposes.

While the apps are in the early stage of development, it’s hoped they are a first step toward an inexpensive diagnostic tool to detect early signs of depression.

The apps are trained to detect patterns in eye and facial movement indicative of depression. It isn’t foolproof, of course. More research is needed.

The eye app looks at the differences between the sizes of the pupil and iris that have been correlated with depressive episodes. The program takes 10-second photo bursts of the eyes when a user first opens the phone.

After analyzing 16,000 interactions by 25 volunteers, a small pilot study found that the app was on the mark in identifying depressive feelings 76% of the time.

Research on the smartphone app indicates that smiling more frequently might signal depression. A team member suggests this could indicate someone putting on a brave face despite feeling blue.

Another movement that might point to depression is a side-to-side yawing of the head in the morning.

If the researchers can fine-tune the apps, perhaps our phones will be able to tell us how we’re feeling in the not-too-distant future.

But in the meantime, always check with a mental health provider if you’re feeling depressed. That same smartphone can be used to call one.

New forms of ringworm pose threat Dec 17, 2024

Two new types of ringworm that have made their way to the U.S. aren’t the type you might be familiar with.

Generally, ringworm — which for the record, is caused by a fungus, rather than a worm — has plagued school showers and other areas athletes gather. Typically, one would realize they had “jock itch,” be treated and then be done with it.

But the two new versions of ringworm that have made their way to the U.S. this year are more contagious, spread through sexual contact, resist treatment, and are trickier to diagnose.

That’s why doctors are being asked to watch out for them, even if it means asking patients some pointed, personal questions.

One of the versions being studied can look more like eczema lesions rather than the neat circles people more often associated with ringworm. That mistaken identity can mean the fungus goes without proper treatment for longer than it ordinarily would.

The other skin condition doctors are being asked to look for is widespread in India and is now being seen globally. First confirmed in the United States last year, the infection causes itchy and contagious rashes, but often resists terbinafine [tur-been-ah-fin], the antifungal most often used as treatment.

The infection can be cured, but not quickly. Patients may need to take oral antifungal therapy medicine for up to three months or until the lesions have fully resolved.

And while the rash is present, those infected must avoid skin-to-skin contact with others to avoid spreading the infection.

Scientists are working in the U.S. and internationally, hoping to expand research efforts and track emerging cases.

For now, rates in the U.S. remain low.

Walking pneumonia cases surge Dec 16, 2024

It’s officially flu season, so be sure to wash your hands, cover your mouths, and take extra care of yourself this winter. Especially since you may not be able to stroll easily past walking pneumonia.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a significant surge in walking pneumonia cases this year, specifically among young children. There are a total of about 2 million cases in the U.S. each year.

Over a six-month period, the percentage of cases among children between 2 and 4 years old increased by 6 percentage points, as the share of emergency room cases that resulted in a walking pneumonia diagnosis went from 1% to more than 7%.

Caused by bacteria, walking pneumonia feels quite like the common cold. It commonly spreads through respiratory droplets spread through the air. Symptoms often include a sore throat, sneezing, coughing, headaches, and fever.

Walking pneumonia attacks the lower respiratory system, often resulting in patients developing deep, persistent coughs, chest pains, and shortness of breath several days after infection. The common cold, on the other hand, targets the upper respiratory system.

The most common treatment for walking pneumonia is antibiotics. However, walking pneumonia outbreaks tend to last longer than other respiratory virus outbreaks because it has a longer incubation period and people tend to be contagious longer.

Because there’s no vaccine for walking pneumonia, there isn’t much parents can do once their child becomes sick. Patients are advised to remain at home while they are ill, going to the hospital only if they begin to have trouble breathing or become dehydrated.

Think of wellness visits as a wise investment Dec 13, 2024

Depending on your pet’s species, breed, age and overall health, your veterinarian can tailor your buddy’s schedule for wellness visits. The next time you get a reminder for one of these checkups, take a moment to reflect on what a wise investment it is.

One reason for wellness visits is disease prevention — like staying current on vaccinations and antiparasitic medications.

Another benefit is the physical exam, which gives your veterinarian a chance to detect abnormalities as soon as possible when they’re easiest to treat.

Either way, wellness exams can save expenses and distress down the line by preventing disease or catching it early on.

Or — to put a new spin on a cliché — an ounce of prevention may be worth much more than a pound of cure.

How custom-knit cat caps may enable the study of chronic pain Dec 13, 2024

Many cats suffer from chronic pain, like that caused by osteoarthritis. In people, electroencephalography [electro-en-ceff-ah-LAH-grah-fee], or EEG, can be used to measure brain activity during bouts of osteoarthritis and to determine how sensory stimuli can alter the pain. The same may be true of cats, but up until now, cats wouldn’t tolerate EEGs unless asleep.

That’s because EEGs work via surface electrodes placed on a cat’s head, and unsedated cats tend to shake them off and chew the wires. But placing small custom-knit caps over the electrodes solves the problem.

Now, researchers can study cats’ brain activity resulting from touch and smell stimuli. It’s just the first step, but one day it may lead to a new form of therapy for chronic feline pain.

Listeria outbreaks can be dangerous to pets, too Dec 13, 2024

As of late September 2024, an outbreak of Listeria bacterial infections across 19 states had led to the hospitalization of at least 59 people and the deaths of 10. So, just how could this impact our pets?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still investigating the outbreak, which has been traced back to sliced deli meats. Listeria isn’t just dangerous to people — it can cause serious infections in dogs and sometimes cats, too. In general, bacterial infections tend to affect both animals and humans — especially those who are young, elderly, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised.

So, it’s best not to give your pet deli meats. Even in the best of times, their high salt and preservative content makes them less-than-ideal pet treats.

Protecting the power of antibiotics Dec 13, 2024

There’s a tendency for some to think that antibiotics are a cure-all for virtually all diseases, but that’s not so. Worse yet, inappropriate antibiotic use is the main reason for growing antibiotic resistance.

With few new antibiotics in development, it’s crucial to maintain the effectiveness of those we have. That’s why veterinarians only use antibiotics when they’re indicated. As a pet parent, you can help too.

First, never give your pet antibiotics unless your veterinarian instructs you to. If an antibiotic is prescribed, follow the label instructions to a T by giving the right dose at correct intervals and for the full duration of treatment, even if your pet’s symptoms resolve.

With the health of both people and pets on the line, do your part to protect the power of antibiotics.

How Pandora syndrome may affect your cat Dec 13, 2024

Pandora syndrome isn’t a new disease. The term just reflects a more comprehensive understanding of a long familiar feline condition.

Affected cats may periodically strain to urinate, pass small but frequent amounts of bloody urine, or urinate outside the litter box. Over the years, this condition has been variably called feline lower urinary tract disease or feline urological syndrome and was blamed on improperly formulated diets.

But that was wrong. Current research shows that these lower urinary tract signs are just a part of a chronic stress response that affects multiple organs in a cat’s body — that is, it creates a veritable “Pandora’s box” of complex problems.

If your feline friend shows these signs, work with your veterinarian to find a solution.

Advanced technology comes to the aid of migratory animals Dec 13, 2024

Over millennia, hoofed animals — or ungulates — have evolved to migrate long distances to reach food and other resources. From wildebeest and elephants in Africa to caribou in Alaska and Scandinavia, the survival of ungulate herds depends on these epic migrations. But increasingly, migrations are interrupted by large-scale human developments.

Until now, the technology did not exist to track ungulates globally. However, as of September 2024, the newly launched online Atlas of Ungulate Migration can detail migration routes around the world. Viewers can zoom in on specific herd migrations and even track individual animals.

Creators of the atlas hope it will provide much needed wildlife information to governments, companies and wildlife managers.

Strategies to save bats from white-nose syndrome Dec 13, 2024

Since its 2007 discovery in the United States, a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome has killed millions of bats during their winter hibernation. Now, after years of research, scientists are testing ways to help bats survive.

One approach involves using a chemical that coats fungal spores and prevents their growth. Spraying it onto the walls of empty caves in the summer might kill spores by the time bats return for the winter.

Researchers have also found that bats in cooler parts of caves have better survival odds, so another tactic involves cooling some hibernation sites.

Another strategy aims to fatten bats in the summer by planting flowers and grasses that attract a feast of insects. The added energy should help bats survive winter infections.

FDA approves new drug for canine allergic skin conditions Dec 13, 2024

For the millions of dogs suffering from skin allergy conditions, there’s a new drug that may help control symptoms.

In September 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, approved once-daily Zenrelia [zen-REH-lee-ah] tablets for the control of itching associated with allergic dermatitis and the control of environmental allergies — also known as atopic dermatitis — in dogs at least one year of age.

Zenrelia works, in part, by suppressing the immune system. Since vaccine protection relies on a strong immune response, dogs should not be vaccinated at least 28 days before or after treatment with Zenrelia.

As with other drugs of its class, Zenrelia is only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

Fish oil fatty acids might protect against cancer Dec 13, 2024

There’s nothing fishy about the health benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These healthy fats have been known to lower cholesterol, improve mental health, and generally keep our brains healthy.

A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests we might soon add another notable health benefit to the list: protection against a variety of cancers.

Simply put, the study — which followed more than 250,000 people for over a decade — suggests that those with higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their plasma are less likely to develop certain types of cancers.

Of those participants, almost 30,000 developed some type of cancer during the study period.

Omega-3 was associated with lower rates of lung, colon, stomach, and other digestive tract cancers. Omega-6 appeared to be more effective in preventing 14 types of cancers, including melanoma and brain or bladder cancer.

The study proposed that risk factors like physical activity, alcohol use, and body mass index did not prevent omega fatty acid benefits.

While omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, nuts, and some plant oils, most people likely do not maintain recommended levels of these fats. The researchers said fish oil supplements are an easy way to get enough omega-3 and omega-6. The popular supplements are already believed to help lower risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.

The researchers noted that in the study, high levels of omega-3 were shown to be associated with a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer. So, while taking the supplements should be an easy choice for women, men ought to keep that risk in mind.

ARCHIVE: Home for the Holidays: How to Avoid a Trip to the ER with Your Pet this Season Dec 13, 2024

The holidays bring cheer, color, food and so much more to many, but if you’re not careful, they can also bring headaches and worse when it comes to your pets. Elements of holiday decorating that can be part of a festive routine, such as ornaments, ribbons and wreath, can be tempting for pets to play with and eat, potentially causing choking or intestinal blockage. Other potential hazards include electric lights, candles and certain types of plants. On this show, Dr. Jake Wolf, an emergency and critical care specialist, will address some of the most common issues seen by veterinarians at this time of year and what can be done to prevent the problems from occurring.

Dogs flying in style Dec 12, 2024

With millions of pets on flights each year, airlines are struggling to safely and comfortably accommodate them. That’s where Bark Air comes in — at least for dogs.

Launched in May 2024, Bark Air touts canine-centric flights without a dog crate in sight. Charter flights transport the dogs — with or without their parents. Upon booking, a Bark Air concierge collects the dog’s information and later facilitates check-in. During the flight, pooch pampering includes calming blankets and pillows, spa sessions, snacks and drinks and more.

So far, Bark Air only flies between New York and Los Angeles — at a cost of $6,000 — and between New York and London — at a fee of $8,500. To date, that hasn’t deterred hundreds of pet parents from using their services.

What is degenerative myelopathy and how does it impact dogs? Dec 12, 2024

Degenerative myelopathy [my-ah-LAH-pah-thee] is a progressive disorder that targets a dog’s spine, ultimately reducing their ability to use their hind legs.

The cause remains a mystery, but it likely involves a genetic mutation. Larger breeds — like German shepherds, boxers, huskies, and Labrador retrievers — are at greatest risk, especially as they age.

Parents of affected dogs may first notice their buddies having trouble rising, their hind legs stumbling or exhibiting generalized weakness. The condition isn’t painful, but usually worsens over weeks to months.

If your dog displays this sort of behavior, contact your veterinarian. Other spinal diseases can have similar symptoms, so it’s important to have a diagnosis before making treatment decisions.

How cats perceive their flexibility Dec 12, 2024

Do you ever feel like it’s our cats’ world and we’re just living in it? At the very least, we spend considerable time trying to decipher — and adapt to — their behavior.

Take a cat’s nearly uncanny ability to slip through almost any opening. It makes you wonder whether they know how wide and tall they are — that is, whether they have body size awareness. In a series of at-home experiments, researchers studied cats’ ability and readiness to squeeze through increasingly smaller apertures. When it came to narrow spaces, the cats never quit trying, but they seemed to know their height limit.

In practical terms, cats know just how to use their impressive flexibility. That can help us design more stimulating feline play areas and keep our buddies safe at home.

Enriching dairy calves’ lives Dec 12, 2024

Providing enrichment for dairy calves may not be an industry requirement, but it improves their well-being. The resulting stress reduction may even have production benefits down the road.

Calves generally need five types of enrichment to engage in normal behavior. Sensory enrichment can be offered by wall-mounted brushes, which all ages of cattle tend to enjoy. Social enrichment — like housing calves in pairs or groups — increases their resilience to stress.

Providing nipples on bottles and wall-mounted pacifiers satisfies their urge to suckle. And offering hay provides both occupational and physical enrichment by keeping calves mentally and physically engaged. Providing space for exercise is essential too.

Breaks in strength training may not negate progress, according to study Dec 12, 2024

Ordinarily, taking time off from the gym may leave you feeling guilty. You might think that taking a break is a one-way ticket to losing all your hard-earned, protein powder-fueled gains.

But a recent study from researchers in Finland reveals a different story: A 10-week hiatus from strength training might not be as bad as your Instagram trainer would have you believe.

The study set out to compare the effects of continuous training over 20 weeks versus taking a break in the middle of a workout program. The results were surprising … both groups showed similar levels of maximum strength and muscle size by the end.

While the participants who took a break midway experienced some muscle size loss, their strength held up better than expected. In fact, when they returned to training, they quickly bounced back to their pre-break levels — often within just five weeks. The researchers suggested muscle memory might be the reason for the quick gains.

Notably, the study may indicate that the nervous system changes we gain from lifting weights stick around longer than the physical muscle size itself. This means that if you maintain a consistent training schedule most of the year, a temporary break shouldn’t send you spiraling into despair that you’ll be having to relearn how to do a push-up.

The takeaway? If you’re feeling burned out or just need a little time off, don’t sweat it. You can take a breather without sacrificing your progress, or your strength, and even emerge feeling newly ready to tackle those weights and judicial gym mirrors.

Slow and steady wins the race — or maybe in this case, the arm-wrestling match.

Human lifespan near its outer limit Dec 11, 2024

Nothing is immortal, of course, save the heavens and the earth. And truth be told, scientists tell us even the stars and the planets have expiration dates. But their demise is inconceivably distant. Think billions of years. So, go ahead and plan next year’s vacation. The odds of Yellowstone National Park still being there are excellent.

For humankind, however, the time scale of our lives is a relative blink of the eye. The average American’s lifespan is about 77 years.

How far might science further extend our lives?

A new study suggests humanity is very close to the limits of human aging. The average lifespan is no longer growing significantly in the developed world and, the study says, significant increases in average age are unlikely.

Beyond a certain age, and even with medical advances, curing one disease simply means another will claim its spot. We cannot reverse cellular aging — yet.

Scientists examined population data from the eight nations with, on average, the longest living people, plus the U.S.

France, Italy, Japan, Sweden, and Switzerland are on the list. Data show jumps in average lifespan have slowed since 1990.

The study predicts that over the next three decades, humans are likely to gain no more than 2.5 years.

Our main risk factors for death now are related to biological aging, the accumulated damage over time to cells and tissues. There is hope that some future gene therapy could reverse cell aging. A Harvard scientist contends that the first person who will live 150 years has already been born.

Of course, this young Methuselah doesn’t know that.

It’s OK to skip that party Dec 10, 2024

You’re checking your inbox and ping! You’ve just been invited to a holiday party you have no interest in attending. Do you pretend to be sick? Fake an emergency? Or do you slog through several hours of small talk in questionable sweaters?

Fortunately, you might have an out, and it’s backed by science. Research suggests that declining an invitation to something you don’t want to go to is good for your mental health.

Researchers from West Virginia University and the New York Institute of Technology conducted five studies involving more than 2,000 people in which they gave participants real and hypothetical scenarios to ponder.

In one, participants imagined they had turned down a friend’s invite to attend a museum exhibit and were asked to identify the negative ramifications, from the friend’s perspective.

The imagined fallout included possible relationship harm, fewer future invitations, disappointment, and anger.

Other participants imagined a friend had turned down their museum exhibit visit invitation and were asked to identify consequences.

Results showed that the participants being invited overestimated the negative impacts that followed their decline. Inviters did not feel as strongly about the decline as invitees expected.

The findings could help ease holiday-activity burnout because knowing that inviters don’t mind as much as we think they do could lessen our fears.

So, the next time you get invited to a cookie-decorating party or a white elephant exchange and you really don’t want to go, rest assured that a quiet night on the couch likely won’t cost you a friend.

Scientists reverse brain “age” of fruit fly by removing protein Dec 09, 2024

When it comes to aging, it hits hard for everyone — men, women, and fruit flies. A new study from researchers in California explored how these tiny insects, with a lifespan of just two months, can help scientists understand the cognitive decline associated with aging.

Researchers found that a protein called filamentous actin, or F-actin, builds up in the brains of aging fruit flies, disrupting a crucial cellular cleanup process. This glitch in the system leads to an accumulation of cellular waste, impairing brain function and contributing to cognitive decline. By tweaking specific genes in the flies’ neurons, scientists were able to prevent F-actin buildup. That boosted cellular recycling, extending the flies’ healthy lifespan by about 30% … which, granted, for a critter who lives about sixty days, isn’t much.

Interestingly, the researchers noted that fruit flies on a restricted diet not only lived longer, but also had less F-actin in their brains. Similarly, when treated with a drug known to promote longevity, there was a noticeable reduction in F-actin. These findings point to a significant link: F-actin appears to interfere with the body’s cellular garbage disposal system, leading to the decline of brain health.

Like most studies in these tiny insects, we have a ways to go before we can apply their findings to humans — although it adds yet another avenue for future research on cognitive health as we grow older.

And, on the upside: While we may have no cure, our slide into old age (and all of its associated problems and annoyances) still happens at a slower pace than that of a fruit fly.

Humans and carbs go back at least 800,000 years Dec 06, 2024

If you love those naughty high-carb foods that are high in sugar and bad for your heart, now you’ve got someone to blame.

Ancient pre-humans.

A recent study in the journal Science offers a reminder that so-called good carbs were a dietary staple that helped our ancestors survive in a harsh world. It also serves as a reminder of the kinds of carbs that won’t clog your arteries.

Scientists found that present-day humans have a rich variety of a gene called AMY1. They say the more AMY1 genes you have, the more carbohydrates your body can digest.

An analysis of ancient DNA also showed that these carbohydrate-friendly genes emerged long before the advent of modern society’s so-called “bad carbs.” Think chocolate, ice cream, and pasta.

In fact, the study traced the gene back at least 800,000 years in our evolutionary lineage, long before homo sapiens emerged from the African savannah. The duplication of these genes so long ago supports the idea that they helped humans digest wild grains.

Humans transitioned from being exclusively hunters and gatherers to farmers starting roughly 10,000 years ago. That transition was eased by this ancestral genetic foundation.

Not all carbs are unhealthy. Good carbohydrates are unprocessed foods that keep body sugar and weight low. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and include legumes, starchy vegetables, millet, and oats.

Processed foods high in carbs, however, can lead to diabetes or heart disease.

The study provides insight into the role of genetics in shaping the modern diet and a lesson that the past is prologue — except that our ancestors would have been hard-pressed to find a donut shop.

Debunking Pet Food Myths: The Truth About “Allergies” and Diet Dec 06, 2024

Is your furry friend constantly scratching or experiencing digestive issues? Join us on Animal Airwaves-Live as Dr. Richard Hill, a small animal internal medicine and nutrition specialist, dives into the complex world of pet food allergies and immune-mediated diseases. Dr. Hill will shed light on the misconceptions surrounding dietary allergies in dogs and cats, explain the importance of proper diet trials, and discuss why there are no quick fixes when it comes to identifying and managing food sensitivities.

New dads might consider depression screening Dec 05, 2024

It’s not just mothers who should be screened for postpartum depression. New dads are also at risk and should also be checked.

That’s the upshot of a study by researchers at the University of Illinois-Chicago. After interviewing and screening new fathers, 30% of them were found to have symptoms of postpartum depression. While that figure might seem intuitive, the researchers said it serves to underscore the importance of self-care for new dads.

New fathers can find themselves heavily stressed, often trying to juggle work, parental, and marital responsibilities. And, the researchers noted, men are often not doing well — but no one is asking them about it.

The study arose from earlier research looking at how lower-income women of color didn’t prioritize their own health care after having a child. While studying that dynamic, the researchers began chatting with new fathers to see how they were doing. In some cases, the answers were troubling.

Sometimes, the researchers noted, even reaching out to new dads isn’t as easy as it is for depressed moms. Believing that well-baby visits aren’t the only place to reach dads, the researchers also started talking to fathers-to-be during obstetrician visits.

Screening new dads could also have a spinoff effect: Talking to new dads about their mental health is important because it can also impact their partner’s health.

In fact, the researchers said, a woman is more likely to get postpartum depression if she has a depressed partner. Meanwhile, other studies have pegged the depression rate of new fathers at 8% to 13%.

So, new dads, take note: Staying mentally healthy can help you and your whole family.

Mouser helps professor discover virus new to U.S. Dec 04, 2024

You’ve probably heard the old saw that “curiosity killed the cat.”

In the case of one Florida feline, however, his curious nature

led to a worthwhile discovery that might help human health.

Meet Pepper, a black cat owned by John Lednicky [Led-nick-ee], a research professor at the University of Florida. Pepper — paws and claws and all — helped UF researchers discover the first jeilongvirus [jay-long-virus] in the United States.

Pepper killed a mouse earlier this year and brought it to Lednicky as a “trophy,” as cats often do. The professor, wondering if the mouse might carry mule deerpox, took it to his lab for testing.

It was found to be positive for jeilongvirus, which previously had not been seen in the U.S. Before then, it was known to exist in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.

Most humans have little direct contact with jeilongviruses’ main hosts, wild rats and mice. Similar viruses can be deadly, but there is no record of the virus sickening humans.

Jeilongviruses are part of a viral family called paramyxoviruses [para-mikes-oh-viruses], some of which include germs that make us sick, like the ones that cause measles and mumps.

Since the discovery, the researchers have grown the jeilongvirus in the lab, where they have been studying its traits. The next step is to see if the virus has affected humans in Florida. The researchers believe the virus is a candiate for a “spillover,” which is when a virus jumps from animals to humans.

Pepper developed no symptoms after his exposure to the virus-carrying mouse, and his hunting prowess became a gift to public health research.

Who said cats only make biscuits?

Bright nights, dreary days may take health toll Dec 03, 2024

Your parents likely repeated this old adage: Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

At the very least, going to bed at a reasonable time after dark may be a good thing. And researchers from Australia are pointing out the drawbacks to living life in opposition of our natural circadian rhythms.

The study parsed 13 million hours of data, collected from light sensors worn by nearly 89,000 participants ages 40 to 69 across the United Kingdom. Data was gathered using wrist sensors that measured light patterns, and the National Health Service monitored how many participants died over an eight-year period.

In short? The team found that exposure to bright nights and dark days, such as those experienced by graveyard-shift workers, is linked to a higher risk of premature death.

Specifically, the team found that those who were exposed to high levels of light at night had a 21% to 34% increase in premature mortality, while those exposed to high levels of daylight had a 17% to 34% lower risk of dying during the study period.

Research suggests that little good comes of disrupting circadian rhythms. Light exposure at night disrupts us partly by weakening the signal in our brains that controls our bodies’ circadian rhythms. Animals also die earlier when they face circadian disruption.

Repeated disruption of those natural rhythms can lead to a variety of unpleasant health problems, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues. Not to mention crankiness.

But make your load lighter by eating right, exercising and sleeping when it’s dark as often as you can.

Want to beef up? Choose meat-based protein. Dec 02, 2024

https://podcasts.ufhealth.org/wordpress/files/2025/01/111824-HIHB-6536-BEEF_2.00.mp3

It’s a good day to be a beef lover. If your aim is to build muscle, that is.

Despite the growing popularity of meat alternatives, a new study suggests that meat-based protein is more effective at stimulating muscle growth compared with plant-based alternatives.

Researchers from the University of Arkansas and the University of South Carolina wanted to know if soy-based meat alternatives had the same effect on muscle-building as animal meat.

They split 24 healthy adults between ages 18 and 40 into three groups. One group ate a 4-ounce beef patty, and the second group ate a 4-ounce plant-based patty made from soy protein concentrate. The third group ate two of the 4-ounce soy burgers.

The researchers then measured how efficiently each burger stimulated muscle protein synthesis using traceable molecules in the body. Muscle protein synthesis is a process the body uses to build and repair muscle.

They found that the beef patty stimulated more muscle protein synthesis than the single soy-based burger. Those who ate two soy burgers eventually saw a similar increase in muscle protein synthesis, but they had to consumer 183 more calories to do so.

Both meat-based and soy-based foods are complete proteins, meaning they have all nine amino acids the body needs. However, researchers said muscle uses the amino acids in beef more efficiently since they reach the bloodstream more quickly and at a higher concentration.

Don’t throw out all your plant-based patties just yet. Meat alternatives can still be a viable source of protein for muscle-building. But if your goal is to bulk up those biceps, beef might be your best bet.

The healing power of vitamin D Nov 29, 2024

Kids will be kids, and that means broken bones can and will happen — sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
As adults, of course we sympathize with our children and do everything we can to help them heal. But we also might assume children’s growing bodies are resilient and able to bounce back from nearly anything.
One recent study from the University of Florida, however, offers some perspective on children’s ability to heal themselves.
Researchers suggest that children with fractures or broken bones who are deficient in vitamin D take much longer to heal than those with sufficient levels.
For example, children in the study who had vitamin D deficiencies and sustained leg fractures that didn’t require surgery took 20 days longer to heal. These fractures also took two months longer before they were no longer noticeable on X-ray.
For cases that required surgery, vitamin D-deficient children took an extra month to heal, and it was four months before the fractures could no longer be seen on X-rays.
The findings underscore the importance of providing children with a well-balanced diet high in vitamin D.
Some foods rich in the nutrient include salmon and other types of oily fish, egg yolks, fortified cereal, milk, cheese, and mushrooms. Our bodies will even produce it, if we get outdoors and into the sunshine.
The study suggests that in cases of children whose broken bones aren’t healing as quickly as expected, vitamin D might be to blame.
Broken bones may be unavoidable in active children. As parents and caregivers, we can help children be as prepared as possible by providing a healthy diet and plenty of outside play — no bones about it.

ARCHIVE: Itchy Pets Nov 29, 2024

If your pet is constantly “itchy” or prone to ear infections, you may be dealing with an allergy of some kind. Persistent scratching and itching can be hard on your pet, but also on you, sorting out the cause of the problem can be frustrating and may take time. When is it time to call your veterinarian or visit a specialist? Dr. Rosanna Marsella, a veterinary dermatology specialist, will discuss some of the most common allergies seen in pets, including the single most common culprit – flea allergic dermatitis.

Slimy surgical method could someday spell relief for spine patients Nov 28, 2024

For those recovering from spinal surgery, the process can be lengthy — and precarious, as patients try to circumvent infection and regain mobility. A key hiccup? The ever-present risk of a herniated disc.
Now, Swedish researchers may have identified an unlikely solution in the form of a slime, inspired by the slick coating that covers parasites in the stomach of cows. This slimy coating helps the parasites duck the immune system and prevents immune cells from recognizing them.
That’s right, slime. The process is simple: Before surgery is complete, researchers apply a synthetic mucin [mew-sin] gel to form a protective barrier around the discs, shielding them from immune system attacks against their delicate centers.
Herniated discs can cause severe pain and impairment, often requiring another surgery to relieve pressure on the spine’s nerves.
After surgery, patients typically rely on anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections, but these treatments are more bandage than solution.
A patient’s own immune response can exacerbate the injury, leaving many in prolonged discomfort.
This new gel not only could address a significant gap in post-surgery care, but also aims to ease recovery and enhance patients’ quality of life.
The study found that the mucin gel effectively suppresses immune cell activation, preventing further disc damage.
By focusing on controlling the immune response rather than merely repairing damaged discs, the research may pave the way for more effective treatments — and reach individuals in need of more relief.
Sometimes an idea comes from the least likely place … like a cow’s stomach.

Organized slap fighting can cause brain damage Nov 27, 2024

Believe it or not, slap fighting is a thing, a relatively new sport with its own fanbase. Televised competitions are common. Don’t mistake a slap, however, as a harmless alternative to damage seen in other contact sports.
It packs the punch of boxing as far as your brain is concerned.
University of Pittsburgh researchers conducted what they billed as the first academic examination of slap fighting. They found competitors often face the same kind of injuries boxers do.
The rules are straightforward. Two competitors face off on a podium and take turns slapping each other until one is knocked unconscious or when judges declare a winner. Muscular participants deliver powerful blows, with rules usually requiring an open-hand slap between jaw and cheekbone.
Unlike a weaving boxer, or a running back evading defenders, the slap recipient stands defenseless.
The study examined 333 slaps across 78 fights and revealed a troubling pattern. In more than half the slap sequences, the fighter receiving the blow showed visible signs of concussion.
Those included motor coordination issues, slowness getting up after falling to the floor, and a blank, vacant look on the face.
Slap fighting, researchers say, can lead to short- and long-term neurological problems. Traumatic brain injury is a danger, along with its cognitive impacts in later life.
The sport is increasing in popularity and is starting to attract wider attention. And because it’s new, it’s seen little scrutiny.
Whether administered by slap, punch, tackle, or errant baseball, any head impact can cause lasting damage.
To your brain, they’re all the same.

Cutting kids’ screen time can quickly improve their mental health Nov 26, 2024

Think your child’s bad mood is just an unavoidable phase? Perhaps give some thought to limiting their screen time.
A new study shows that reducing children’s leisure time on screens to three hours a week can drastically improve their mental health and behavior in as little as two weeks.
Researchers from Denmark and the UK studied 89 families from Southern Denmark with adolescents ages 4 to 17 over a two-week period. Families were randomly assigned to a media reduction group or a control group.
All children and at least one adult from each family in the media reduction group were asked to turn in their smartphones or tablets and reduce their leisure screen time to three hours a week. That included any screen use outside of work or school.
Parents completed an assessment of their children’s mental health at the study’s start and end.
The researchers found that children who cut back on media consumption had fewer behavioral issues and better social interactions.
It’s no secret that excessive screen time can have damaging effects on adolescents’ mental health. But even just a short break can reverse some of the damage and help adolescents build better habits down the road.
Recent surveys indicate that many children and teens spend seven to eight hours a day on screens merely for entertainment, not including schoolwork or homework.
The researchers said there is no need to eliminate screen use entirely. They advocate for a more balanced approach, where families set reasonable limits and engage in alternative activities together.
The bottom line: It’s OK to be the screen police. Your child’s mental health might depend on it.

FDA approves first new schizophrenia drug Nov 25, 2024

For the first time in more than 30 years, there is a new option for antipsychotic treatment.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug Cobenfy [Co-ben-feye] to treat schizophrenia without the side effect of weight gain. Often, weight gain leads to higher rates of cardiac disease and early death for those who rely on medication.
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects nearly 24 million people worldwide. Those who develop it can have difficulty navigating work, relationships, and much more.
For years, antipsychotic drugs have worked by blocking a dopamine receptor known to elicit feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. The medications reduce hallucinations and paranoia in schizophrenia patients.
The newly approved drug also influences dopamine levels, but it does so indirectly by changing levels of a brain chemical that aids memory, learning and attention. Researchers hope this new method will help address troubling side effects of traditional medications, such as lack of motivation and the inability to feel pleasure.
According to the FDA, Cobenfy’s most common side effects are nausea, indigestion, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and dizziness. In clinical trials, only 6 percent of participants stopped taking it due to side effects.
Three research studies have been published about the drug’s effectiveness, though each only lasted five weeks. That means there is much left to learn about any long-term neurological side effects.
However, for patients who have tried other medications unsuccessfully, the FDA’s approval might present a chance to try another tack.

Alarming lifespan gap divides rural and urban America Nov 22, 2024

From “Green Acres” to “Northern Exposure” or even “The Simple Life,” television plots that see their subjects leaving the bustling city for life in the quiet country are kind of a trope.
But it is a dream shared by many. You probably even know someone who’s made such a move.
A new study, however, might give one pause.
University of Southern California researchers have found a chasm in health that might surprise you. Rural residents have shorter lives than their urban counterparts, and they live longer in poor health.
They used a sophisticated computer model called the Future Elderly Model to find that urban men can expect to live about 17½ healthy years after age 60. Their rural brethren get only 15 years and seven months.
The disparity is big for women, too. Urban women at age 60 can expect 19 years and three months of healthy life. Rural women get 18 years and seven months.
The gap was pronounced in the South, less so in the Midwest.
Rural Americans smoke, have obesity and more chronic conditions at age 60, which set the stage for future health woes.
While health-adjusted life expectancy has increased by a full year for urban men since the late ’90s, rural men have made no gains.
Using simulations, the researchers found that addressing smoking and obesity would help. But they said a better payoff for those in rural areas likely would come from correcting health conditions and habits at a younger age.
So, if you’re going to make the jump from city slicker to country mouse, just make sure you’re as fit as a fiddle first.
A simpler life doesn’t have to mean a shorter one.

ARCHIVE: Glaucoma in Dogs Nov 22, 2024

Just like humans, dogs are susceptible to an eye disease known as glaucoma, which causes high pressure inside of the eyeball. Have you noticed changes in eye size or color, such as a really red or cloudy or bluish appearance? Those are among the clinical signs that could indicate your dog has developed glaucoma, a painful condition that can cause blindness if left untreated. On this show, Dr Caryn Plummer, a veterinary ophthalmology specialist, will discuss causes of the disease, which breeds are most susceptible to it, common treatment practices and why it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately if you see signs of eye trouble in your pet.

Whooping cough cases on the rise Nov 21, 2024

Wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and don’t share drinking cups and other utensils.
Those are several simple tips for your young child as they go to school and enjoy time on the playground with friends. But it is not just the common cold that you should be worried about this flu season.
Whooping cough cases are rising quickly across the country. Hovering around 15,000 cases, infection numbers are already the highest they’ve been in a decade. Numbers fell significantly during the pandemic when social interactions were stunted by COVID-19. Through September, this year’s total is nearly 10,000 more than this same time last year.
Pennsylvania, New York, and California are the top three states with the greatest number of cases.
Whooping cough starts with symptoms that appear much like the everyday cold. We’re talking about a runny nose, sneezing, a low-grade fever, and a cough. A week or two later, the infection moves into a violent full-body cough so severe that patients vomit and sometimes break ribs. Antibiotics can treat the infection if caught early. But once the cough starts, the only treatment is rest and fluids.
Young children typically have received five doses of a vaccine against pertussis by the time they’re 6 years old. Thus, unvaccinated babies and adults are those at highest risk. Some experts attribute the uptick in cases to a dip in vaccination rates during the height of the pandemic.
Bottom line: It’s important to maintain healthy hygiene practices and consider seeing a doctor for antibiotics if you or your little one is experiencing symptoms.

Obesity in higher-obesity areas reduces social challenges Nov 20, 2024

Although obesity remains one of our most pressing global health concerns, new research reveals an interesting twist: The social and health challenges those with obesity face may be less severe in regions where obesity is more prevalent.
A study published in Psychological Science analyzed data from more than 3.4 million people across the United States and the United Kingdom, finding that individuals feel less conspicuous — and consequently experience fewer psychological and medical burdens — when they are surrounded by others with similar challenges.
The researchers examined data from various counties across the U.S. and U.K. districts, focusing on Body Mass Index as a marker of obesity.
They discovered significant regional disparities: Areas like the Midwest and the South have a higher number of people living with obesity, while regions such as New England and parts of the U.K. had less. Those in areas with more obesity reported fewer relationship and health disadvantages compared with their counterparts in low-obesity regions, where weight bias was more overt.
Notably, folks in high-obesity areas had lower unemployment rates and better overall health.
So, although our need for public health initiatives aimed at reducing obesity remains, the study emphasizes the importance of also addressing the social stigma attached to the disease.
After all, if the adverse consequences of obesity are created by people, then people can change them.
Understanding obesity’s context may be key to developing better strategies to support those affected, while encouraging a healthier, more inclusive approach to something that affects people worldwide.

Mediate to relieve pain Nov 19, 2024

There might be a way to relieve pain without money and medication, and it might just blow your mind.
A new study suggests mindfulness meditation is more effective at relieving pain than placebo treatments.
Researchers from the University of California – San Diego and Dartmouth College studied 115 healthy volunteers and assigned them to four groups. One group practiced mindfulness meditation, one group practiced a placebo-type meditation, one group used a placebo cream, and the last group acted as the control.
In the placebo meditation, participants meditated, but without mindfulness instruction.
Participants received four 20-minute training sessions for the technique they were assigned to, then underwent pain testing. During this testing, researchers applied heat to their legs while scanning their brains using an MRI.
The mindfulness meditation group were told to focus on their breath and observe and acknowledge the feeling of pain without judgment. The placebo- meditation group performed similar exercises but did not receive mindfulness instruction. The placebo group used a cream on their leg that they were told would relieve pain, and the control group rested.
Results showed that participants in the mindfulness meditation group rated their pain lower than those in the placebo meditation and placebo groups.
And, after using advanced analysis on the brain, the researchers found mindfulness meditation was the only pain-relieving technique that decreased brain activity in the regions linked to pain sensation and pain’s emotional impact.
In short: Need to alleviate some pain? All you may need is your brain.

Hurricane threats to health can extend years after landfall Nov 18, 2024

It’s tragedy enough when the winds and storm surge of cyclones like Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton kill people and upend communities along their meandering paths. Unfortunately, research shows their health impact can extend years after skies clear and waters recede.
Stanford University researchers note in a recent study that any one hurricane indirectly causes up to 11,000 excess deaths in the 15 years after landfall. Scientists analyzed data from 500 tropical cyclones that hit the Atlantic or Gulf coasts of the U.S. between 1930 and 2015, along with mortality data in affected regions.
The toll has been staggering, with estimated deaths as high as 5.2 million since 1930. The burden has been highest in Black communities.
Investigators are now trying to unravel why we see these excess deaths. Hurricanes can disrupt local economies, with citizens losing homes and nest eggs. Community resources are reduced.
Few people realize these hazards trigger negative health consequences. People experience accumulated stress when their lives are sidetracked and their finances drained. Diets are affected. Health resources might become more challenging to access.
The displacement of households and broken social networks carry additional risks to health, including depression and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists say government policy can be adapted, and financial resources allocated, to plan for and lessen such terrible consequences. These hurricane casualties have been uncounted and unrecognized, lost to history.
So, although some escape a storm with their lives, they might have have carried its hazards into the future.

Study aims to better understand pain in humans and horses Nov 15, 2024

Researchers are teaming up to study osteoarthritic pain in horses — and better understand how pain manifests in both humans and animals.
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition traditionally defined by the breakdown of cartilage — though nowadays, science recognizes it as a disease that can affect the joint in its entirety.
But when it comes to studying arthritis-related pain, some roadblocks appear: Namely, the extent of joint degeneration does not always correspond with the level of pain patients experience. This mismatch complicates the development of effective solutions for pain.
But similar to people, horses with osteoarthritis experience a progression of the disease over several years — and also mirror the variety of ways pain associated with the condition can manifest in human patients.
By studying pain in horses, a team of University of Florida researchers hope to revolutionize the understanding and treatment of osteoarthritis pain by leveraging equine patients to model pain reports.
In short, the project aims to create well-validated ways to measure pain that will help researchers develop non-opioid painkilling therapies, addressing a critical technological gap in pain assessment and management.
A National Institutes of Health grant supporting the study relies on the multifaceted expertise of its researchers, who come from veterinary science, engineering, dentistry and agricultural sciences.
At the end of the day, humans have relied on horses for hundreds of years — maybe it’s only natural we’d both be experiencing knee pain. Perhaps it’s also fitting that animals’ creaky knees might help us learn how to live with our own.

Grasshoppers for lunch, anyone? Nov 14, 2024

Here’s a nutritional treat you don’t have to go to the supermarket to buy. Just stroll through your yard.
It’s got six legs, hops, and it’s more challenging to catch than a hamburger.
We are talking, of course, about grasshoppers.
A study recently published in the journal Food Science of Animal Products suggests that the common insect could improve sleep quality, hair health, and even lead to an improved love life.
This isn’t avant-garde scientific experimentation. With an ever-increasing world population, food shortages are a significant concern for the future. Grasshoppers are already a food source in some regions, including Africa and South America. At times, the price of grasshoppers has exceeded beef. Some consider the insect a delicacy.
In countries like Uganda and Kenya, grasshopper farming is a lucrative business.
The scientists in this study put rats on a grasshopper diet and compared them to control groups who were not fed the insects. The insect-munching rats saw improvement in several measures of health.
Their sleep patterns changed, with the rats getting an extra 12 hours a week of shut-eye. They maintained a healthier body weight. Researchers also recorded an astonishing improvement in hair quality. Nearly 95% of the rats had excellent hair health.
Just 5% of rats on a fishmeal diet and less than 1% on a no-protein diet boasted identical outstanding bobs.
And the hopper rats had sex more often.
What makes insect food attractive is its small environmental footprint. It’s a sustainable food in a world threatened by climate change and crop loss.
And many people love their flavor, especially with a chili powder dip.

Guardian cap debuts this NFL season Nov 13, 2024

From Friday night lights to Sunday afternoons and everywhere in between, football is on televisions across the country once again this fall.
But this season in the National Football League, you might notice a difference in the helmets some players sport during games.
For the first time in the NFL regular season, players can wear a soft-shell covering on helmets. Called a Guardian Cap, the protective covering slips over a player’s hard helmet.
After years of testing, the NFL recommended Guardian Caps in 2020 to team physicians, head athletic trainers, and equipment managers. Since 2022, the NFL has mandated that players wear Guardian Caps in practices with contact during the preseason, regular season, and playoffs.
At the high school and college levels, football produces more head injuries than any other sport. The covering’s maker says its product reduces injuries on the field. According to NFL research, the cap absorbs at least 10% of the force of a hit.
Other independent researchers remain skeptical about whether the covering reduces the force a player experiences. Seven players from the NFL have sported the new helmets this season and they are in use in some college football programs in the U.S.
For parents trying to prepare their kids for youth football, experts recommend choosing a good helmet before thinking about a Guardian Cap.
While there is no harm in adding the soft-shelled covering, there is a cost. Guardian Caps cost about $70. The models the NFL uses are $125.
So, wherever your field or game, make sure you study your options about head protection. Then you can get your head in the game.

Fantasy football might harm your mental health Nov 12, 2024

Fantasy football players, it might be time to face a hard truth: Your relationship with the game may have the potential to significantly damage your mental health.
A new study has found that increased investment in this seemingly harmless hobby leads to more intense emotional highs and more extreme emotional lows.
In fantasy football, participants act as owners and managers of virtual teams. Competitors draft their teams and points are awarded in weekly matchups based on the outcomes of real-world competition. It is often played for money.
Researchers from Australia and the U.K. recruited 635 fantasy football players from social media and fantasy sport websites. Participants were quizzed about things like their financial investments in the game, how long they had played, and the number of leagues they played in.
Researchers assessed participants’ mental health using scales that measure depression, anxiety, stress, mood, functional impairment, and problematic behavior.
They found that those who were more engaged, played for higher money amounts, and were more invested in rankings reported higher positive moods — but also higher levels of anxiety, stress, bad moods, and problematic behavior.
Participants in multiple leagues had more positive moods but more problematic behavior compared with less-active fantasy players. Overall, players more caught up in results and rankings experienced worse mental health outcomes across all measures. The opposite was true for less-engaged players.
Bottom line: Like any pleasurable activity, it’s probably a good idea to enjoy fantasy football in moderation.

Exercise-filled weekends may be as helpful as daily regimen Nov 11, 2024

Exercise. We all know it’s important. We all know it offers benefits for both physical and mental health.
In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that American adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
Still, many of us still struggle to find time for exercise in the hustle and bustle of our daily grind. And conventional knowledge has held that for exercise to really be effective, it should be done on a regular schedule, multiple times through the week.
A recent study is bucking the idea that one needs to exercise four to five times per week — or more — to see real benefits.
The study, which analyzed data from nearly 90,000 participants, showed that those who only exercise on weekends reaped similar health benefits as those who exercise more regularly.
Those who only exercised on weekends and those who exercised through the week both were at a lower risk for over 200 diseases compared with their more sedentary peers.
Whether the weekend exercisers packed it all into one day or spread it over two days, if they reached the suggested 150 minutes in total, they got the benefits.
Among exercise’s benefits are lowered risk for cardiometabolic conditions, such as heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Not to mention a lower risk of cancer, depression and high-blood pressure.
So don’t let the idea of a regular exercise routine become a hurdle to achieving good health. No matter how you hit the 150-minute mark of moderate intensity physical activity each week, you’ll be doing your best to stave off 200 diseases.
Weekend warriors, we salute you.

Have a laugh to treat dry eyes Nov 08, 2024

Those suffering from dry eye disease might want to consider adding a stand-up comedy show to their calendar. A new study suggests laughter could be just as effective as artificial tears in treating dry eyes.
Chinese researchers studied 299 participants ages 18 to 45 with dry eye disease, assigning half of them to a laughter exercise intervention and half to an artificial tear regimen.
Those in the laughter group were asked to repeat specific phrases like “hee, hee, hee” and “hah, hah, hah” aloud 30 times during five-minute sessions to simulate laughter. Participants were also told to exaggerate their facial expressions and squint their eyes to contract the muscles used when laughing.
Participants in the artificial tear group served as the control. Both groups performed the exercise or took the eye drops four times a day for eight weeks.
Researchers found that the laughter-exercise group saw a decrease in eye discomfort that rivaled the artificial tears group. The laughers experienced a 10.5-point drop on the ocular surface disease index, a zero-to-100 scale that measures eye discomfort.
The artificial tears group experienced an 8.83-point drop, suggesting the laughter exercise was just as effective.
And, the benefits of laughter appeared to last longer. Participants in the laughter group improved up to four weeks after the study ended, while the artificial tears group saw declining improvement.
Researchers think laughter works because it activates eye muscles, stimulates the nervous system, and helps prevent tear evaporation.
In short: The cure to dry-eye discomfort may be as simple as a joke book or some funny friends.

Yard Safety: Protecting Your Pets From Toxic Plants Nov 08, 2024

While beautiful flowers and plants can add vibrancy and interest to a garden, many of these can also cause harm to your pets if ingested. Because animals explore the world with their mouths, it’s important to ensure your garden and your yard are free of plants that could cause gastrointestinal upset or even death. For example, sago palms are common household and landscaping plants that be lethal if ingested, even in small quantities as all parts of the plants are toxic. On this show, Dr. Chris Martyniuk, a toxicologist, will discuss what plants to be wary of or eliminate if your animals spend any time outdoors.

Older adult fall injuries might be early dementia sign Nov 07, 2024

Watching a family member grow older and begin to decline physically or mentally can be heartbreaking. It can also be extremely frustrating for the person in decline.
One fall can be devastating and life-changing. As we age, our bodies don’t bounce back as quickly as they once did.
A recent study shows that fall injuries can also be an early indicator of cognitive decline.
Boston-area researchers looked at Medicare data for more than 2.4 million adults 66 years and older who experienced a traumatic injury between 2014 and 2015. The adults who had a fall were notably more likely to receive a dementia diagnosis within a year of the fall. Those with other types of injuries were not as likely to receive a dementia diagnosis.
After accounting for age, injury severity, and preexisting health conditions, those who fell were 21% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
The researchers suggested the link may be due to the person having undiagnosed dementia that is only discovered after the fall. They may also have mild cognitive impairment, which can be a precursor to dementia, which increases their risk of falling.
While dementia is not a curable condition, an early diagnosis can open doors to treatment and resources for the person affected as well as their friends and family members.
The scientists recommend a more widespread approach to preventing falls and post-fall care for older adults, as well as more clinicians who can provide comprehensive care.
Ultimately, having as much information as possible as early as possible is key to helping the elderly stay safe and comfortable as they age.

Some coffee consumption confers positive effects, study shows Nov 06, 2024

As the days shorten and our yearning for caffeine increases, you might find yourself hoping some study or other will give you a hearty congratulations on your ability to cut your coffee consumption off at about three cups.

Today, you’re in luck — researchers from the Endocrine Society have good news for coffee lovers.

Their team found that moderate intake of coffee or caffeine was linked to a lower risk of new-onset cardiometabolic multimorbidity, or the simultaneous existence of at least two preventable, often chronic types of disease.

Known for short as CM, the condition is becoming more prevalent around the world as populations age, and can include diseases like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Think of them as the illnesses that can be circumvented through lifestyle, diet, and exercise.

Using data from a detailed, longitudinal dietary study with over 500,000 participants ages 37 to 73, researchers found that folks who drank a moderate amount of coffee — defined as three drinks per day — had a 48.1% lower risk for new-onset CM compared with those who didn’t drink coffee. They found similar results when they examined caffeine.

In fact, moderate intake of caffeine or coffee was inversely associated with any developmental stage of the condition.

Researchers said more study is warranted to better understand the path from coffee, tea, and caffeine intake to the metabolites connected to them and then to disease.

No one is suggesting you blow your budget — or your nerves — on too much joe. But for those of you who look forward to second and third coffee refills, your habit’s not likely to hurt your health.

Study raises complex questions about the unconscious Nov 05, 2024

Questions about how aware brain-injured patients might be have always been wrenching for loved ones.

A new study, while shedding light on the unconscious, unfortunately won’t make those questions any easier to handle.

An international research team found that about 1 in 4 patients who appear completely unresponsive might, in fact, be conscious but unable to physically show that awareness.

The phenomenon is called cognitive motor dissociation.

The researchers used two techniques to study more than 350 patients with brain injuries of varying degree.

In the first, called functional magnetic resonance imaging, they measured brain activity by tracking changes in blood flow. Patients were asked to imagine doing tasks, such as walking inside their home or playing tennis. If the appropriate brain areas activated in response to the commands, it meant the patient could understand the instructions, despite no outward response.

In the second test, called electroencephalography [ee-leck-tro en-ceff-ah-log-ruh-fee], electrodes were placed on a patient’s scalp. The electrodes measured brain wave patterns for signs of intentional response to similar commands.

Twenty-five percent of patients tested showed brain activity consistent with being able to understand and follow commands.

In a curious plot twist, among patients who could follow commands, more than 60% showed no signs of it on the brain activity tests.

The researchers say the techniques are not yet widely used.

For now, we’re left to question what we thought we knew about consciousness and end-of-life decisions. And the troubling reminder that we can’t always trust our own eyes.

Apple-based probiotic drink may be a kombucha alternative Nov 04, 2024

If the kombucha you bought three months ago is still sitting in your fridge, this could be good news.

A new study suggests an apple-based fermented drink rivals kombucha in health benefits but also boasts a more appealing taste.

Brazilian researchers created two new versions of kombucha, replacing its traditional green tea base in one case with passion fruit juice and apple juice in another. They added sugar and a culture of bacteria and yeast, the same mix used to make traditional kombucha.

The researchers let the mixtures ferment for 10 days at room temperature, then analyzed them for acidity, sugar, and alcohol levels, as well as beneficial compounds like flavonoids and phenolics. A small focus group tested the beverage for taste.

They found the apple-based drink had the same number of total flavonoids and phenolics [fen-ALL-ick] as traditional kombucha. These compounds have antioxidant properties that prevent cell damage.

The apple drink also had increased antioxidant activity compared with the kombucha, and it tasted better. The focus group found it to have a pleasant, cider-like taste. The passion fruit-based drink was not as tasty, with the tasters finding it too bitter.

A key difference in the fruit-based drinks is that both had higher alcohol levels than traditional kombucha, which typically has less than half of 1%. The apple drink had 1.65%, while the passion fruit drink had 6.2%.

Still, the study offers a promising alternative to traditional kombucha that could turn what is an unappetizing drink for some into a healthy treat.

If the usual kombucha isn’t to your liking, be on the lookout for apple-based beverages in the future.

Avoid this skin treatment ‘hack’ Nov 01, 2024

The internet can be a wonderful tool. The information age allows us to get the smallest detail on any topic in seconds. Look up bizarre giraffe facts, and you’ll discover the species hums at night.
Or learn the 400-plus words the Scots have for snow. Snaw-broo, spitters, snaw, skelf. Well, you get the picture.
Remember, however, that a polluted river of misinformation flows into that ocean of facts. This is especially true on social media.
One internet trend has gained some traction: Exposing your skin to sunlight to treat skin conditions — without advice from a physician. One popular piece of bad advice is that the sun’s rays will cure acne.
Scientists, however, warn there is no strong evidence to support this. Worse still, excess sun exposure, particularly in youth, can lead to skin cancer as an adult.
A 2023 review of medical studies by Spanish and German scientists found little evidence that sunlight cures acne. On the contrary, such exposure can trigger or worsen it.
Research has shown that the sun’s ultraviolet, or UV, radiation can reduce skin inflammation. It also helps suppress the skin’s immune response. But UV therapy should occur in a clinical setting, not in a lounger by your pool.
Cell studies have shown that UV rays can kill bacteria that cause acne. But these studies, scientists say, have not been conducted on humans. And they believe the benefits are minimal, at best.
It’s always important to talk to a physician before trying something you heard about online, even if it comes from a seemingly reputable source.
After all, you wouldn’t take medical advice from a stranger on the street. At least, we hope not.

Safe Use of Veterinary Supplements: What Pet Owners Should Know Nov 01, 2024

These days, a variety of dietary supplements are available to complement traditional veterinary care. Veterinarians frequently recommend supplements for a variety of conditions in pets, from arthritis to skin health to digestive issues. With so many supplements on the market, what should pet owners keep in mind when discussing the use of supplements with their veterinarian? On this show, Dr. Erin Miscioscia, a clinical assistant professor of integrative and mobility medicine, will discuss the pros and cons of veterinary supplements and how to choose safe and effective supplements for your pets.

Go vegan to slow aging Oct 31, 2024

The fountain of youth may not exist, but veganism does. And a new study suggests that just two months spent on a vegan diet is enough to slow down the biological aging process.

Stanford University researchers studied 21 pairs of identical twins who followed either an omnivorous or vegan diet for eight weeks. Using identical twins allowed them to control for genetic factors and assess the impact of diet on biological aging without outside interference.

Participants were supplied meals for the first half of the study and made their own meals for the second half after receiving nutrition education. Participants also filled out health surveys to account for lifestyle changes.

Blood samples were collected at the study’s beginning, middle, and end. Researchers used advanced technology to analyze the samples and assess epigenetic age acceleration, a biochemical test that can be used to measure age based on DNA methylation, or a chemical reaction in DNA.

Increased DNA methylation has been linked to the aging process. Researchers also evaluated changes in immune cell composition and metabolic markers.

Their findings showed that those who followed a vegan diet had significant decreases in their epigenetic age and in the estimated biological age of organs like the heart and liver. Those who followed an omnivorous diet did not enjoy the same benefits.

This suggests that a plant-based diet has anti-aging perks that can kick in almost immediately.

In other words: We may not be able to cheat Father Time, but we might be able to use a vegan diet to turn back the clock while he’s not looking.

Environment plays role in teen brain development, study shows Oct 30, 2024

It’s a question as old as time: Nature or nurture?

When it comes to the malleable, hormone-driven teenage brain, new research suggests the environment in which that adolescent brain develops plays a big role during a time when 75 percent of mental health disorders first appear.

Researchers from Yale University turned to a series of complex algorithms to test their theories. They also used “manifold learning,” a new technique for finding structure in thick biomedical data, like MRI scans.

Whether it’s the neighborhood you grew up in or your own family, when it comes to your emotional and behavioral development, your experience in that environment may be just as important as how your brain processes information.

Using data from the National institutes of Health and others, researchers used MRI scans to analyze teens’ brain activity during emotional and cognitive processing to predict differences in reasoning and emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Notably, researchers saw a greater association of brain activity with mental health symptoms when the algorithms took the neighborhood or family environments into account. The more environmental factors were fed to the model, the better its representation turned out to be.

Ultimately, this finding reinforced what researchers already knew: It’s imperative to consider the environmental situations adolescents must navigate in conjunction with how their brains take in information from those environments.

Being a teenager is hard enough as it is. At least now, however, researchers have more advanced tools to help us understand what’s making teens tick.

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