Purple sweet potatoes have high contents of anthocyanin, and anthocyanins have been epidemiologically associated with a reduced cancer risk.
Researchers have discovered a link between copper and the normal functioning of prion proteins, which are associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy diseases such as Cruetzfeldt-Jakob in humans or “mad cow” disease in cattle. Their work could have implications for patients suffering from these diseases, as well as from other prion-related diseases such as Alzheimers or Parkinson’s.
Experiment after experiment confirms that a diet on the brink of starvation expands lifespan in mice and many other species. But the molecular mechanism that links nutrition and survival is still poorly understood. Now, researchers have identified a pivotal role for two enzymes that work together to determine the health benefits of diet restriction.
Scientists are studying footballing ability (soccer ability) to gain insight into the role that skill plays in the physical performance of vertebrates. The results show that skill is as important, if not more important, than athletic ability. The study also suggests a scientific method that could help professional football clubs in the selection and identification of new talent.
Higher selenium levels in the blood may worsen prostate cancer in some men who already have the disease. A higher risk of more-aggressive prostate cancer was seen in men with a certain genetic variant. In those subjects, having a high level of selenium in the blood was associated with a two-fold greater risk of poorer outcomes than men with the lowest amounts of selenium.
High intake of dietary fats from red meat and dairy products was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a new study.
Worldwide, one in 25 deaths are directly attributable to alcohol consumption. This rise since 2000 is mainly due to increases in the number of women drinking.
A protein called STAT3 has been found to play a fundamental role in converting normal cells to cancerous cells, according to a new study. The study found that STAT3, in addition to its role in the cell nucleus regulating gene expression, is also present in mitochondria, and regulates the activity of the electron transport chain in tumors cells.
WHEELING, W.Va. (MedPage Today) — Initial findings from the autopsy of pop icon Michael Jackson did not identify the cause of death, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.
DALLAS (MedPage Today) — Older age and a greater comorbidity burden don’t increase the risks of bariatric surgery or worsen the outcomes, a retrospective comparison of older and younger patients showed.