Recent Posts

Pages

Archive

September 2016

ZIKA Update: Virus Resides in Eye

Recent studies show that the Zika virus can be detected in the fluid inside the eyelid and the eye’s outer-most layer. Conjunctivitis, or Pink eye, has been a common symptom of a Zika infection. There are still questions regarding how long the virus may persist in the eye fluid and tissues but concerns are raised regarding the transmission of the disease via eye fluids and corneal transplants. Click here to learn more. 

Breakthrough: Non-Antibiotic Polymer Crushes Superbugs

Antibiotic-resistance is quickly becoming a global peril but new research outcomes may change the face of this fight and the face of medicine. A PhD student has delivered a potential solution to combating these “superbugs” using a non-antibiotic polymer shown to attack and destroy the bacteria. Unlike antibiotics, the polymer does not affect healthy cells. Click here to learn more.

Prevention of Kidney Stones Possible with Natural Treatment

Ending the agony has begun! The dietary supplement, HCA or hydroxycitrate, has been  shown to not only inhibit crystal formation but to dissolve crystals as well. Furthermore, HCA is a more well-tolerated substance compared to the usual treatment with potassium citrate. Click here to learn more.

 

Gut Microbiome Health and Mental Health

Years of study and recent research indicate that there may be a powerful link between our gut bacteria and our brains and a link between diet and our state of mind. Anxiety, depression and several pediatric disorders, including autism and hyperactivity, have been associated with gastrointestinal abnormalities. Nurturing the microbiome via prebiotics and probiotics may be the future in mental health therapy. Click here to learn more.

Balance Deficits Noted with Dental Malocclusion

An internal sense of the relative positions of our body and limbs is essential for normal movement and stability independent of visual cues. When our proprioception is altered, our capacity for motor control decreases. Recent studies have revealed a causal relationship between an imperfect bite and postural control as balance improved when alignment of the teeth was corrected. This has significant importance for reducing the risk for falls and injury as well as for improving performance for athletes. Click here to learn more.

Host Immune Response to Mosquito Bites Facilitates Viral Infection

When bitten, mosquito saliva triggers a welt of inflammation. It is this inflammation response that has been found to actually propel virus replication and increase the spread of infection to other parts of the body. The infection is not spread quickly because components in the saliva suppress a host immune response but rather by engaging the defending cells to spread the disease further. More research is needed to detect whether suppressing the initial inflammation with topical anti-inflammatory creams would inhibit the spread of infection. Click here to learn more. Click here for more reading.

Antibiotic Gel Improves Otitis Media Treatment

Persistent and recurring middle-ear infections in toddlers are a nightmare for children and parents and the #1 reason antibiotics are prescribed for children. Though oral antibiotics are an effective treatment, administration and side-effects pose additional challenges. The team at Boston Children’s Hospital has developed a penetrating gel that is used directly in the ear canal as a one-time antibiotic treatment. Still in development, testing shows remarkable results. Click here to learn more. 

Omega 3 Saturation Promotes Recovery after TBI and Concussion

Citing case studies of people recovering from overwhelming injuries, an article published in the Journal of American College of Nutrition credits treatment with an aggressive intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests that this treatment is beneficial to TBI, concussion and post-concussion syndrome patients. Click here to learn more.