Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a rare genetic disease that causes malformation and fibrosis (scarring) of the liver. Occurring in roughly one out of every 20,000 births, CHF can lead to an enlarged liver, impaired blood flow to the intestines (portal hypertension), infection of the bile ducts and liver failure. In severe cases, a liver […]
New study finds Montmorency cherries can aid fight against cardio-metabolic disease
A groundbreaking study by a researcher at the University of Hertfordshire has found that drinking the juice of Montmorency cherries can help to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Discovered by the Romans, Montmorency cherries have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, as powerful as anything in common pharmaceutical drugs. As there was little research in the […]
Blocking platelets: A possible option to prevent fatty liver disease and liver cancer
Blood platelets that interact with liver cells and immune cells play a major role in the development of fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver inflammation and liver cancer, scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg and from Zurich University and University Hospital have now shown in a publication. The researchers have also […]
The Facts (and Myths) About How You Really Get Lyme Disease
Now that winter has transitioned to spring and temperatures are warming up in much of the country, you’re likely to start hearing a lot about Lyme disease. Rates of this tick-borne illness have been rising steadily in the United States over the last two decades, with most infections happening in April through October. According to […]
Seven amazing facts about cancer
A doctor shows the x-ray image of a lung cancer patient. The star has statistics on the topic of cancer. Click track through the photo.
What makes joints pop and crack and is it a sign of disease?
Joints emit a variety of noises, including popping, snapping, catching, clicking, grinding, grating and clunking. The technical term for these noises is “crepitus”, from the Latin “to rattle”. People of all ages can experience crepitus, although it becomes more common with old age. So what causes crepitus? Air bubbles forming in the joint spaces are […]
Adding high-quality plant-based foods to diet decreases risk of deaths from heart disease
As long as you don’t count French fries and soda as healthy choices, it’s never too late to increase your longevity and cut your risk of heart disease death by adding fruits and vegetables to your diet, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health […]
Data sharing uncovers five new risk genes for Alzheimer’s disease
Analysis of genetic data from more than 94,000 individuals has revealed five new risk genes for Alzheimer’s disease, and confirmed 20 known others. An international team of researchers also reports for the first time that mutations in genes specific to tau, a hallmark protein of Alzheimer’s disease, may play an earlier role in the development […]
Deadly 'zombie' deer disease threat prompts Louisiana lawmaker to act: It's 'critical' to find a cure
Deadly ‘zombie’ deer disease could spread to humans A deadly ‘zombie’ deer disease could possibly spread to humans, experts are warning. Republican Rep. Ralph Abraham isn't going to wait for the deadly, so-called “zombie” deer disease to spread to his home state of Louisiana before taking action. Abraham, who represents the state’s 5th congressional district, […]
Novel software offers possible reduction in arrhythmic heart disease
Potentially lethal heart conditions may become easier to spot and may lead to improvements in prevention and treatment thanks to innovative new software that measures electrical activity in the organ. The heart’s pumping ability is controlled by electrical activity that triggers the heart muscle cells to contract and relax. In certain heart diseases such as […]