Marriage and divorce linked to weight gain

Large weight gains most likely for men after divorce, women after marriage – Both marriage and divorce can act as “weight shocks,” leading people to add a few extra pounds-especially among those over age 30-according to new research to be presented at the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association. But when it comes to large weight gains, the effects of marital transitions are quite different for men than they are for women.

5 inherited genetic variants linked to prostate cancer

Researchers discover 5 inherited genetic variants linked to the most lethal prostate cancers – An international team of researchers led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has identified five inherited genetic variants that are strongly associated with aggressive, lethal prostate cancer.

Malaria mosquitoes can’t spot a spermless mate

Mosquitoes can’t spot a spermless mate – A female mosquito cannot tell if the male that she has mated with is fertile or ‘sperm less’ and unable to fertilize her eggs, according to a recent study from scientists at Imperial College London.

Scorpion stings treatment Anascorp approved in US

FDA approves the first specific treatment for scorpion stings – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Anascorp, the first specific treatment for a scorpion sting by Centruroides scorpions in the United States.

mChip can revolutionize medical care around the world

Successfully tested in Rwanda, mChip diagnoses infectious diseases like HIV and syphilis at patients’ bedsides; new device could streamline blood testing worldwide – New low-cost diagnostics like the mChip can revolutionize medical care around the world, revealed by researcher in US. Microfluidics-the manipulation of small amounts of fluids-and nanoparticles can be successfully leveraged to produce a functional low-cost diagnostic device in extreme resource-limited settings.

Obesity counseling should focus on neurobehavioral processes

Obesity counseling should focus on neurobehavioral processes, not personal choice, researchers say – Current approaches to dietary counseling for obesity are heavily rooted in the notion of personal choice and will power ? the ability to choose healthy foods and portion sizes consistent with weight loss while foregoing sweets and comfort foods. According to preventive medicine and behavioral experts at Rush University Medical Center, research supports a new counseling approach that views obesity as a result of neurobehavioral processes – ways in which the brain controls eating behavior in response to cues in the environment.

Unplanned babies are slower to develop

Children born after unplanned pregnancy are slower to develop – Pregnancy planning, fertility treatment and cognitive outcomes at age 3 and 5 – Children born after unplanned pregnancies tend to have a more limited vocabulary and poorer non-verbal and spatial abilities; however this is almost entirely explained by their disadvantaged circumstances, according to a new study. The same study reported no adverse effects of infertility treatment on the children.

Genetic changes may lead to Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer

Research discovers genetic link to Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer — 5-year study identifies genes that predispose for BE/EAC – Mutations in three genes have been identified that are more prevalent in patients with esophageal cancer and Barrett esophagus, a premalignant metaplasia (change in cells or tissue) caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to preliminary research reported in the July 27 issue of JAMA.

Roll out treatment as prevention now to stop HIV and AIDS

Roll out treatment as prevention now to stop HIV and AIDS — Lancet column calls for immediate expansion of global HIV strategy – The Lancet, a leading global medical journal, published an editorial comment today that emphasizes the critical role of expanding access to HIV treatment under a “Treatment as Prevention” strategy to stop the HIV pandemic.

People eat less when they have big forks

Size matters: Why do people eat less when they have big forks? – Larger portion sizes usually mean we eat more food, but according to new study in the Journal of Consumer Research, bigger bites lead to eating less-in restaurant settings.

Health Newstrack