"Scientists say they may have found a way to protect babies in the womb from the harmful effects of Zika," BBC News reports. Researchers have had success using antibody therapy to treat mice when they were still in their mothers’ womb. There is evidence that Zika virus, which has become widespread in South America recently,
"Why processed food may cause bowel cancer: Common additives change gut bacteria which allow tumours to grow," reports the Mail Online. This follows a study in mice investigating whether common food additives (E numbers) called emulsifiers cause inflammation in the gut that in turn triggers bowel cancer. The researchers divided the mice into three groups: two received
"Research quantifies genetic damage caused by smoking," the Mail reports, saying a pack a day causes 150 mutations in lung cells. This study analysed the DNA sequence of cells from more than 5,000 cancers. About half came from smokers and the rest from non-smokers, which allowed researchers to compare mutations between the two. Overall, the
"Worried well ‘make themselves sick’," reports The Daily Telegraph. Several other news outlets covered the same story with headlines about how the "worried well" may be more likely to develop heart disease. The stories are based on a Norwegian population study with 7,052 participants that aimed to see whether health anxiety (hypochondria) was linked with the
"Alzheimer’s treatment within reach after successful drug trial," reports The Guardian as early tests on a new drug show promising signs. The drug, verubecestat, is designed to prevent the brain making a particular protein called amyloid proteins that turns into sticky clumps of plaque. These plaques of amyloid beta protein are found in the brains
"An egg a day can cut chances of suffering a fatal stroke," The Times reports. A new review of existing data covering around 300,000 people suggests eating up to one egg a day may lower stroke risk; but not the risk of heart disease. The health effects of eggs have been debated for years. Eggs,
"Streaming instead of dreaming: Using phones and tablets before bed stops kids from sleeping and can lead to health issues" is the rather poetic headline from the Mail Online. A review of previous data found significant links between media devices like smartphones and tablets, and disrupted sleep in children. Researchers looked at data from more
"A household mouthwash may be creating superbugs," the Daily Mail reports. A laboratory study found the ingredient chlorhexidine, used in a wide range of antiseptic products, increased bacterial resistance to the antibiotic colistin. Despite the headline to the contrary, researchers did not specifically test mouthwash or any other household products. Colistin is what is known
"High-speed cyclists ‘breathe in dangerous levels of air pollution’," The Sun reports. Alexander Bigazzi, a Canadian engineer, put together a mathematical model, and his figures suggest cycling faster than 20km (12.4 miles) an hour increases exposure to pollutants. He used a series of complex equations to calculate the speed that walkers, joggers or cyclists need
"Male contraceptive injection ‘96% effective’," ITV News reports. The news comes from a study looking at a new type of male contraceptive injection, which was found to be effective – but side effects like acne and mood changes were common. The 320 healthy men involved in the study received contraceptive injections every eight weeks. Two injections were given
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