Preschool depression may persist in childhoodAugust 4th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Depression among preschoolers is not a transient developmental stage, but may even continue into childhood, according to a report. Researchers have said that depression among preschoolers is rather a continuous, chronic condition.
Exposure to sunlight can cause autoimmune diseases in womenJuly 31st, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new research has cited that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can instigate certain autoimmune diseases, particularly in women. The study, led by Dr.
Severe COPD linked to cognitive impairmentJuly 8th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new study by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine has shown that severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with lower cognitive function in older adults. COPD is caused by noxious particles or gas, most commonly from smoking, which trigger an abnormal inflammatory response in the lung.
Pain-depression link strongest in middle-age womenJune 17th, 2009 WASHINGTON - While it is known that chronic pain and depression go hand in hand, a new study has shown that the link between pain and depression is strongest in middle-age women. For the study, researchers at Wayne State University examined a representative community sample of 1,100 Michigan residents and found that the incidence of chronic pain, defined as pain persisting for six months, was 22 percent.
Depression signs in obese kids linked to stress hormone abnormalitiesJune 12th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A new study has found a link between symptoms of depression in obese children and abnormalities of the 'stress' hormone. "There is evidence in adults that abnormal regulation of cortisol plays a role in both obesity and depression," said the study's lead author, Panagiota Pervanidou, MD, of Athens University Medical School in Athens, Greece.
South Pacific herb relieves anxiety, safelyMay 12th, 2009 SYDNEY - Often consumed as tea, a medicinal plant from the South Pacific also relieves anxiety, safely and effectively. The first clinical trial of the plant found that a water-soluble extract of kava, administered as tablet, was effective in treating anxiety and improving mood.
Extract of Kava may help beat the bluesMay 12th, 2009 WASHINGTON - A traditional extract of Kava, a medicinal plant from the South Pacific, may be safe and effective in reducing anxiety as well as depression, a study has found. In the study, researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia found that a water-soluble extract of Kava was effective in treating anxiety and improving mood.
Mercury levels in Arctic seals may be linked to global warmingMay 4th, 2009 WASHINGTON - In a new study, researchers in Canada are reporting for the first time that high mercury levels in certain Arctic seals appear to be linked to vanishing sea ice caused by global warming. The study, by scientist Gary Stern and his colleagues, provides a new insight into the impact of climate change on Arctic marine life.
Kidney failure big new killer on the horizonApril 2nd, 2009 SYDNEY - Kidney failure has emerged as a new killer on the horizon in Australia, resulting in more deaths than cardiovascular disease. Data from 2007 released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show kidney and urinary tract diseases have jumped to 10th on the leading cause of death list with 3,230 deaths being attributed as the single underlying cause.
Genes from fireflies shed light show causes of infertilityMarch 28th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Genes from fireflies and jellyfish are virtually shedding light on possible causes of infertility and auto-immune diseases in humans. Auto-immune diseases are those in which something goes wrong with your immune system and it attacks healthy cells and tissues and makes you sick.
Vitamin D deficiency may worsen chronic painMarch 21st, 2009 WASHINGTON - Vitamin D deficiency might worsen the condition of people suffering from chronic pain, according to a new study. The research from Mayo Clinic has found a link between inadequate vitamin D levels and the amount of narcotic medication taken by patients who have chronic pain.
Taking Vitamin D? You may still feel SADMarch 19th, 2009 LONDON - The latest study says Vitamin D may not really help you overcome depression and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is linked to reduced sunlight. Exposure to sunlight stimulates vitamin D in the skin and a shortage of sunlight in the winter has been put forward as one possible cause of SAD.
Long-term ozone exposure linked to higher death riskMarch 12th, 2009 WASHINGTON - Long-term exposure to ground-level ozone, a component of smog, may result in increased risk of death from respiratory ailments, according to a new study throughout the US. Ozone, a gas made up of three oxygen atoms - forms a protective layer from the sun's ultraviolet radiation when located in the Earth's upper atmosphere.
68 percent working women suffer from lifestyle diseases: AssochamMarch 8th, 2009 NEW DELHI - More than two-third of working women in India suffer from lifestyle diseases, according to a survey conducted by an industry lobby on the eve of Women's Day Sunday. The study, released Saturday by the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Assocham), said 68 percent of working women surveyed in the age bracket of 21-52 years were found to be afflicted with lifestyle ailments such as obesity, depression, chronic backache, diabetes and hypertension.
Vitamin D boosts muscle performance in girlsFebruary 4th, 2009 LONDON - Teenaged girls with higher levels of key nutrient Vitamin D may be able to jump higher and faster than their peers with lower levels, a study has shown. Not only does vitamin D work with calcium to keep the bones strong, but researchers now have found that teenage girls with higher vitamin D levels are more likely to have improved muscle performance.