Health Highlights: March Roundup
Here is a look back at this month's Health Highlights using AI assisted summaries provided by Glasp--The Social Web Highlighter #LearnInPublic
Health Highlights workflow is powered by Glasp.co & Neeva
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March 1 - 3
Sibling aggression and abuse go beyond rivalry – bullying within a family can have lifelong repercussions (URL, Glasp)
Parents often rationalize aggressive behavior as rivalry, but it can lead to worse mental and physical health, parent-child relationship issues, and estrangement. Causes can be rooted in family dynamics and certain personality traits.
Do no unconscious harm: Can ‘hidden’ prejudices in medicine be stamped out? (URL, Glasp)
Hidden biases can influence attitudes and interactions, and research suggests they are likely affecting diagnoses and treatment decisions, contributing to health disparities affecting marginalized groups.
A little bit of narcissism is normal and healthy – here's how to tell when it becomes pathological (URL, Glasp)
Narcissists see others as extensions of themselves and choose partners who affirm their grandiose sense of self. Gaslighting, victim mentality, and a cycle of idealization and devaluation are common traits of pathological narcissism.
March 6 - 10
When Taken Orally, Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol With Cannabidiol Can Result in Stronger Drug Effects Than Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Alone (URL, Glasp)
New research suggests that when Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are ingested orally together, CBD can inhibit the metabolism of Δ9-THC, leading to stronger drug effects than when Δ9-THC is consumed alone.
Is Red Dye 40 Safe? (URL, Glasp)
Red dye 40, approved by the FDA, is found in many processed foods and drinks. Studies have linked it to hyperactivity and ADHD, while others show improvements in behavior and attention once it is eliminated. Some countries have banned artificial food dyes, but the US has not.
Body dysmorphic disorder is more common than eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, yet few people are aware of its dangers (URL, Glasp)
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological condition where people obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance, leading to negative emotions and behaviors. It is more common than anorexia and bulimia, affecting 2.5% of women and 2.2% of men in the US.
March 13 - 17
Why CRISPR babies are still too risky — embryo studies highlight challenges (URL, Glasp)
Genome-editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 are still not safe enough to be used in human embryos destined for reproduction, according to a statement from the International Commission on the Clinical Use of Human Germline Genome Editing.
Biden-Harris Administration Proposes First-Ever National Standard to Protect Communities from PFAS in Drinking Water (URL, Glasp)
The proposal, if finalized, would regulate PFOA and PFOS at a level they can be reliably measured at 4 parts per trillion, and will regulate four other PFAS as a mixture. The regulation will require public water systems to monitor for these chemicals and reduce PFAS contamination if levels exceed the proposed regulatory standards.
Research Finds Link Between Western Diets and Chronic Liver Disease (URL, Glasp)
The study found that unhealthy diets change gut microbiota, resulting in the production of pathogenic factors that impact the liver. By feeding mice foods high in fat and sugar, the research team discovered that the mice developed a gut bacteria called Blautia producta and a lipid that caused liver inflammation and fibrosis, leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or fatty liver disease.
March 20 -24
The Lifesaving Medication Everyone Should Learn How To Use (URL, Glasp)
Two advisory panels have recommended that Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray be made available without a prescription in the US. If approved, it would be the first naloxone nasal spray that can be purchased over the counter. Narcan is a lifesaving drug that quickly blocks the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone.
NIH study reveals shared genetic markers underlying substance use disorders (URL, Glasp)
The study looked at genomic data from more than 1 million people and found that dopamine signaling was linked to genes that are often passed down in addiction disorders. The results help us understand the molecular genetics of addiction better and could lead to the creation of personalized treatments that are based on a person's unique biology, environment, and life experiences.
A journey from work to home is about more than just getting there – the psychological benefits of commuting that remote work doesn't provide (URL, Glasp)
In our recently published conceptual study, we argue that commutes are a source of “liminal space” – a time free of both home and work roles that provides an opportunity to recover from work and mentally switch gears to home.
March 27 - 31
The Faucet of Youth Scientists Explore Links Between Hydration and Aging (URL, Glasp)
The NHLBI team analyzed health data from over 11,000 people over a 30-year period and found that individuals with higher serum sodium concentrations were biologically older than their actual age and had a higher risk of dying younger and developing chronic diseases.
Mediterranean diet adherence is associated with lower dementia risk, independent of genetic predisposition (URL, Glasp)
A study by the UK Biobank has found that adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of dementia, independent of genetic predisposition. The study used two separate scores to define Mediterranean diet adherence and found that a continuous score was a more sensitive predictor of dementia risk.
Letter 001: An open letter to my legislature about gun violence
I’m sharing this letter in hopes that it might encourage others to take similar steps. If you need to, copy and send my letter, or use it to help create your own. Back in July of last year, I wrote a Medium article about steps that could be taken to reach out to your representatives. I have imported that article to Substact and will link to it here: How To Make Your Voice Heard. I hope you'll use this information to let your elected officials know how you feel about this important issue.