The late physician/author of Jurassic Park, State of Fear, and ER was once asked by Scott Burgess if genetically modified food (GM) is a boon or threat to the world.
Continue reading Michael Crichton and genetically modified food
Another review of black cohosh
Warning. Others have drawn similar conclusions, as noted here and here.
Now, researchers from McGill University, in Montreal have reviewed the evidence for black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms, again. Continue reading Another review of black cohosh
What we know about mindfulness meditation in substance use disorders
Substance use disorders refer to conditions arising from the abuse of alcohol and psychoactive drugs.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin in Madison reviewed the existing evidence for using mindfulness meditation — the practice of directing your full attention to the present. Continue reading What we know about mindfulness meditation in substance use disorders
Tai chi exercise for patients with heart disease
Researchers from Boston reviewed studies of tai chi exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease or its risk factors. Continue reading Tai chi exercise for patients with heart disease
Another positive study of Feldenkrais in the elderly
It’s the third study in the past year.
This time from researchers at the University of South Carolina, in Columbia. Continue reading Another positive study of Feldenkrais in the elderly
Pycnogenol to treat acute hemorrhoids
Researchers from G D’Annunzio University, in Italy tell us Pycnogenol, both in oral and in topical form, is effective. Continue reading Pycnogenol to treat acute hemorrhoids
Consumer Alert: Hydroxycut
Do you find that you’re not getting the weight loss results you want from diet and exercise alone?
If you do and you tried Hydroxycut, be forewarned that this product has been associated with serious liver injury. Continue reading Consumer Alert: Hydroxycut
Acupuncture: Clinically meaningful and cost-effective?
Researchers from the University of York, in the UK say it’s time to move on from asking if acupuncture is more effective than placebo. Continue reading Acupuncture: Clinically meaningful and cost-effective?
Benefits of a very low energy diet in sleep apnea
Apnea is a period of time during which breathing stops or is markedly reduced. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea.
The researchers from the Karolinska Institutet, in Stockholm, Sweden report the results of their dietary treatment.
Continue reading Benefits of a very low energy diet in sleep apnea
Whole-grain oats lower cholesterol, but by how much?
The Cochrane Collaboration has reanalyzed the results from studies of 914 patients treated with oatmeal foods for at least 4 weeks. Eight studied the effects of whole-grain foods or diets for at least 4 weeks.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Whole-grain oats lower cholesterol, but by how much?
Confusing research results on acupuncture for menopausal problems
Researchers from the University of Tromso, in Norway list contradictory study results. Continue reading Confusing research results on acupuncture for menopausal problems
Bone loss in postmenopausal women: Minor effects of soy isoflavones
Previously, researchers from Iowa State University, in Ames reported that soy protein with isoflavones reduced the loss of lumbar spine bone in midlife women.
In this study, they examined the effects of isoflavones (extracted from soy protein) on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women who do not have osteoporosis. Continue reading Bone loss in postmenopausal women: Minor effects of soy isoflavones
Yoga to lower blood pressure in HIV adults
People living with HIV infection are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine, in St Louis, Missouri evaluated the effects of yoga lifestyle intervention in HIV-infected adults. Continue reading Yoga to lower blood pressure in HIV adults
Melatonin for insomnia
Dr. Desiree Lie from the University of California in Orange has reviewed the evidence for a range of conditions that are treated with melatonin.
Here are her thoughts on its use to treat insomnia. Continue reading Melatonin for insomnia
Review: Effect of lycopene on prostate cancer progression
Researchers from the Queen’s University Belfast, in Northern Ireland reviewed the association between lycopene and the progression of prostate cancer. Continue reading Review: Effect of lycopene on prostate cancer progression
Using surgical masks to prevent the flu
Researchers from McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario, compared surgical masks to the N95 respirator. Continue reading Using surgical masks to prevent the flu
Food wars: New York City to push for salt restrictions
Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to present a broad new health initiative to encourage food manufacturers and restaurant chains in the US to lower the amount of salt in their products.
According to The New York Times. Continue reading Food wars: New York City to push for salt restrictions
Complementary treatments for Alzheimer’s
Dr. James Galvin from the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri has written are review on Medscape.
Here are his thoughts on the value of nonpharmacologic strategies in support of drug treatment. Continue reading Complementary treatments for Alzheimer’s
Benefits of Tango for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine, in St. Louis, Missouri compared the effects of Tango, Waltz/Foxtrot, and tai chi. Continue reading Benefits of Tango for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Effects of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization: Another review
Here’s the latest from the University of Southampton School of Medicine, in the UK. Continue reading Effects of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization: Another review