Can Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria communicate with each other and even other pathogens? According to one new study, by producing certain toxic proteins they can. Although E. coli bacteria naturally reside in our intestines, pathogenic strains of the bacteria can cause diarrheal illness. When ingested, food or water contaminated with human or animal feces containing the bacteria can [...]
When researchers discovered that Heliobacter pylori could lead not only to gastric ulcers but to gastric cancer, the medical community viewed this as an exception. However, recent technological advances such as genome sequencing and the ability to analyze big data may reveal that the role of bacteria and other nonhuman organisms in human cancer is broader than [...]
Scientists have discovered that flies carry more diseases than suspected. The house fly and the blowfly together harbour more than 600 different bacteria, according to a DNA analysis. Many are linked with human infections, including stomach bugs, blood poisoning and pneumonia. Flies can spread bacteria from place-to-place on their legs, feet and wings, experiments show. [...]
We all want to be heart-healthy, and ensuring healthy levels of cholesterol — a fat, or lipid, carried through the bloodstream — is the first step. Low-density lipoprotein or LDL (bad) cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup along with triglycerides, another lipid. High-density lipoprotein or HDL (good) cholesterol discourages plaque buildup. Plaque can threaten the blood [...]
Exercise broadly improves our memories and thinking skills, according to a wealth of science. The evidence supporting similar benefits from so-called brain training has been much iffier, however, with most people performing better only on the specific types of games or tasks practiced in the program. But an interesting new study published in the Journal of Cognitive [...]
Increasing data in the literature implicate dietary trends as contributing factors to prostate cancer incidence and aggressiveness.[i],[ii],[iii],[iv] Elevated dairy and meat intake have been associated with increased incidences and aggressiveness of prostate cancer compared to diets higher in plant-based proteins and fats. [v] Similar findings have been reported for high glycemic-load diets, which are positively associated [...]
HOUSTON - The city of Houston is experiencing an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, according to RSVAlert. RSV usually causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms. If not addressed quickly, RSV can develop into a much more serious infection. RSVAlert is a program that collects and reports information on RSV testing, which was provided [...]
Many people think of nuts as just another junk food snack. In reality, nuts are excellent sources of healthy fat, protein, and other healthful nutrients. One surprising finding from nutrition research is that people who regularly eat nuts are less likely to have heart attacks or die from heart disease than those who rarely eat them. Several of the [...]
You’re undressing or showering and discover a bruise on your leg or arm. Baffled, you wonder: “Where did that come from? I don’t remember bumping into anything.” You may never pinpoint the source. The bruise eventually disappears, along with your concern. But bruising shouldn’t always be dismissed so easily, says hematologist Dana Angelini, MD. “It’s common [...]
A look at an important factor in air pollution, particulate matter. With air quality in our country deteriorating, it is important to get a handle on what causes it. Here is a look at one important factor in air pollution,particulate matter (PM). What is particulate matter? Particulate matter or particle pollution is the general term for a mixture [...]
