Abstracts & Commmentary
Ultra-processed Food Consumption, Appetite, and Weight Gain
07-02-2019 Sophisticated inpatient trial and several other new studies confirm the harm of ultra-processed foods.
Gardening Promotes Production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Elderly
07-02-2019 The mental health benefits of gardening have been recognized for centuries and confirmed by modern-day science, but a recent study is among the first to explore the mechanism of action using biomarker data.
Probiotics, Fecal Transplant, and the Microbiome
07-02-2019 A study in both human volunteers and mice shows the benefit of autologous fecal transplant for reconstitution of the microbiome following antibiotic treatment. But what about probiotics?
Physician Assurance Reduces Patient Symptoms
07-02-2019 Study finds a brief, one-sentence assurance from a physician in response to a patients’ allergic reaction significantly reduces allergic symptoms.
Benefits of Exercise for Men on Active Surveillance
06-05-2019 Many studies have assessed the benefits of exercise in men with prostate cancer, but a recent study is the first to look specifically at the association of physical activity and risk of progression in men who are on active surveillance. Can vigorous exercise delay prostate cancer progression?
Air Pollution and Adolescent Psychosis
06-05-2019 A population cohort study from the United Kingdom finds a significant relationship between air quality and the occurrence of psychotic events during adolescence (between the ages of 12 and 18).
Synbiotics and Pomegranate Juice for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
06-05-2019 A placebo-controlled trial compares the effects of pomegranate juice, pomegranate juice with synbiotics, and a synbiotic-only beverage on insulin parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Is the addition of pomegranate juice worth the extra sugar and calories?
Is Low-Carb the Key to Lasting Weight Loss?
06-05-2019 Study comparing low-carbohydrate, moderate-carbohydrate, and high-carbohydrate diets identifies key mechanism regarding sustainable weight loss.
Should Aggression Be Added to Melatonin’s Adverse Effects?
05-22-2019 Melatonin use among adults has nearly doubled in the last decade, but comprehensive data on adverse effects is lacking. A recent randomized controlled trial used a creative setup to explore whether or not melatonin increases aggressive tendencies, an effect that has been observed in animals.
Clock Genes and Aging in the Elderly
05-22-2019 Clock genes help control circadian rhythms. Several polymorphisms of the CLOCK gene, one of the first such genes to be discovered, have been identified. Could variations in the CLOCK gene explain differences in aging quality?
Wearable Devices: Usable or Useless Information?
05-22-2019 Fitness trackers and similar technologies, a multibillion dollar industry, provide users with a plethora of information. Many collect data not just on step count or miles covered, but on physiologic measures of fitness and health such as heart rate and sleep patterns. But how reliable is the data?
Light Therapy Glasses for Depression in Teens
05-22-2019 Clinical trial finds a novel mode of blue light delivery improves mood in teenagers suffering from depression.
Outdoor Light Pollution Linked to Increased Depression and Suicide Risk
05-22-2019 Light at night (LAN), often called “light pollution,” has been identified as a public health threat. A recent study links LAN specifically to increased prevalence of depression and suicide or suicidal ideation.
Melatonin to Prevent ICU Delirium
05-01-2019 Delirium is a common complication among patients in the intensive care unit, but treatment options are limited and pose additional risks. Could melatonin, a simple and nontoxic intervention, be an effective therapy for this condition?
Childhood Residential Green Space Exposure Predicts Future Risk of Psychiatric Diagnosis
05-01-2019 Exposure to green space has been shown to improve mental health in both children and adults. A large study involving nearly 1 million people is the first to show a relationship between green space exposure during childhood and risk of mental illness in adulthood.
The Importance of Beta Cell Preservation in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes
05-01-2019 A retrospective study finds that children with type 1 diabetes who experience partial remission (“honeymoon” phase) have lower low-density cholesterol levels up to 5 years post-diagnosis, prompting the question: could interventions to protect islet cells prevent long-term complications?
Sleep Deprivation and Alzheimer's Disease
04-17-2019 Research shows lack of sleep disrupts glymphatic clearance of β-amyloid, revealing a potential association between sleep disturbance and neurodegenerative disorders of the brain.
Fish Oil and Bleeding Risk: Time to Face Facts
04-03-2019 Practitioners often recommend that patients stop taking fish oil before surgery because of concerns that omega-3 fatty acids increase bleeding risk. A large, multinational, placebo-controlled study suggests such concerns may not be warranted.
ALCAT Testing for Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
04-03-2019 Sales of gluten-free products have skyrocketed in recent years, as many consumers who do not have celiac disease attribute their gastrointestinal symptoms to the wheat protein. Could a laboratory test predict gluten insensitivity in this population?
Air Pollution Impacts Cognitive Performance
04-03-2019 A survey-based study of a large population in China finds air pollution is associated with declining performance on verbal and mathematical tests, with variations in effects related to both age and gender.