Discover the Science of Health
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have discovered the first gene involved in regulating the length of human sleep. The study, published recently in the journal Science, identified a genetic mutation that is associated with a short human sleep phenotype [1]. The finding may help scientists better understand the regulatory mechanisms of sleep and lead to treatments for a variety of sleep disorders.
A study published earlier this month in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine made headlines recently. Researchers report that people experiencing poor sleep and shorter nights sleeping following exposure to the common cold are more likely to get sick than those that get better rest [1]. Scientists suggest that lack of sleep may influence the regulation of symptom mediators such as proinflammatory cytokines (signaling molecules) and histamines that are released in response to infection.
Health Highlights is a biweekly summary of particularly interesting articles from credible sources of health and medical information that we follow & read. For a complete list of recommeded sources, see our links page.
Do as I say, not as I do. When it comes to sleep, that’s the attitude of the medical profession. Indeed, a recent study found that interns and doctors are still expected to work ridiculously long hours in hospitals.
iPods and headphones are ubiquitous today. But are they safe?
The media is the predominant source of science information and can have a huge impact on how the public views the risks and benefits of scientific research. If we don’t want public awareness of scientific research to disappear, science needs to be marketed in broader media settings.
Rebecca Taylor reports on a recent study finding that stem cells from bone marrow help reduce stroke damage in mice in a surprising way.
Reader’s Digest shares pharmacy secretes, telling us what to keep in mind the next time you visit the pharmacy counter.
N.B. explores drugs and the free market in an excellent post about the FDA cracking down on unapproved “cancer cures”. Let the buyer beware.
Dr. David Loeb reviews published clinical trial data on Vytorin and cautions against the use of newly approved FDA drugs.
You can teach an old health consumer new skills. Dr. Shock describes a study to increase e-health use among older adults.
A good night’s sleep is increasingly loosing out to late night television, the Internet, video games and other modern day distractions, and our health is taking the toll. An estimated 50 to 70 million people suffer from chronic sleep loss and sleep disorders, and loss of sleep is associated with a variety of health problems, including obesity and depression [1]. According to a recent four state study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70% of adults report not getting enough rest or sleep at least once over the past month; 10% report insufficient rest or sleep every day [2].
