Gut microbes linked to severe vision loss
Imagine looking at the center of a clock with hands and seeing the peripheral numbers, but not the central hands. That’s the effect of severe age-related macular degeneration (AMD): loss of central vision, but retained peripheral vision. AMD is a disease of the macula, which is the central area of the retina. The retina lines the back of the eye like wallpaper. In developed... READ MORE
Good for your teeth, bad for your bones?
Regular brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of good oral health. But what if you learned that your toothpaste was good for your teeth, but bad for your bones? That possibility has been raised by a recent study. The cause of this unprecedented finding may be triclosan — an antibacterial agent added to toothpaste to reduce gum infections and improve oral health. However, it may... READ MORE
Injectable drug helps heal broken bones
A Purdue University-affiliated startup known for its novel injectable drug to heal broken bones is growing and adding additional scientists to its team. One of those scientists is using his experience recovering from being hit by a truck to help other patients. Novosteo Inc. was co-founded by father-son team Philip S. Low, the Presidential Scholar for Drug Discovery and the Ralph C.... READ MORE
Beacon 50+Expos go virtual for first time
For the past 20 years, the Beacon Newspapers has attracted thousands of people each year to its 50+Expos in Montgomery County and Northern Virginia, featuring speakers, exhibits, entertainment and more. For the same number of years, the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence has produced its own 50+Expo for its residents, and Baltimore County has similarly done so for more than... READ MORE
Advice for making healthier fish choices
We know fish is important for health — it’s high in protein; low in saturated fat; a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids; rich in vitamins, such as vitamins D and B2, and minerals, including iron, iodine, magnesium and potassium. Research shows that eating fish once or twice a week may reduce risk of several chronic conditions, including stroke, depression, Alzheimer’s ... READ MORE
Can a ketone drink help you think better?
Maybe you’ve heard of the “keto diet,” a high-fat, low-carb fad. Or you’ve wondered about those expensive ketone drinks athletes rave about. Maybe you’ve never heard of ketones — chemicals your liver makes when you can’t get energy from glucose. This fall, the National Institute of Aging is enrolling people in a study to see if a citrus-flavored ketone supplement can give... READ MORE
Dr. Rx: Recognize stroke’s signs and symptoms
Q: Last year my father had a stroke, and I didn’t know what to do. What are the signs of a stroke that I should be aware of — and how should I respond? A: Strokes are relatively common yet very dangerous. According to the CDC, they are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Strokes can lead to severe injury and permanent disability in many adults. It is important... READ MORE
Time to rethink how we study Parkinson’s
A decade ago, one of our colleagues was asked at a conference, “When will we have a cure for Parkinson’s disease?” “It could happen at any time,” he replied. “It could happen next year. It could happen in 10 years. It could happen tomorrow.” Our colleague’s optimism was well-founded. Talented researchers were hard at work in laboratories throughout the world, and money ... READ MORE
Kids, parents take DIY tests for science
In a comfy suburb just outside Nashville, a young family swabs their noses twice a month in a DIY study seeking answers to some of the most vexing questions about the coronavirus. How many U.S. children and teens are infected? How many kids who are infected show no symptoms? How likely are they to spread it to other kids and adults? “The bottom line is we just don’t know yet the... READ MORE
Tips to get better sleep in the hospital
If you or any of your loved ones has ever been hospitalized, one of the complaints you may have heard most is how hard it is to sleep in the hospital. There are lots of things about hospital routines that can make things difficult for patients to sleep, besides noise and illness. While some hospitals have taken steps to ensure that patients are not interrupted unnecessarily at night,... READ MORE
