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Citrus surprise: Vitamin C boosts the reprogramming of adult cells into stem cells

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Famous for its antioxidant properties and role in tissue repair, vitamin C is touted as beneficial for illnesses ranging from the common cold to cancer and perhaps even for slowing the aging process. Now, a study published online on December 24th by Cell Press in the journal Cell Stem Cell uncovers an unexpected new role for this natural compound: facilitating the generation of embryonic-like stem cells from adult cells.

Read more at Physorg.

The Year in Biomedicine

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

We may look back on 2009 as the year human genome sequencing finally became routine enough to generate useful medical information (“A Turning Point for Personal Genomes“). The number of sequenced and published genomes shot up from two or three to approximately nine, with another 40 or so genomes sequenced but not yet published. In a few cases, scientists have already found the genetic cause of a disorder by sequencing an affected person’s genome.

Read more on Technology Review.

20 ways to get healthier for free

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

(Health.com) — Celebrate the New Year with a new you — by dipping into our smart batch of strategies to keep you happy and healthy (at no cost!) all year long.

Read more on CNN.

How Calorie-Restricted Diets Fight Obesity and Extend Life Span

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

ScienceDaily (Dec. 29, 2009) — Scientists searching for the secrets of how calorie-restricted diets increase longevity are reporting discovery of proteins in the fat cells of human volunteers that change as pounds drop off. The proteins could become markers for monitoring or boosting the effectiveness of calorie-restricted diets — the only scientifically proven way of extending life span in animals.

Read more on Science Daily.

‘Testosterone’s aggressive impact is a myth. It makes you friendlier’

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

It is popularly known as the selfish hormone, which courses through male veins to promote egotistical and antisocial behaviour. Yet research has suggested that testosterone’s bad reputation is largely undeserved.

Read more on Times Online

Child diabetes blamed on food sweetener

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Scientists have proved for the first time that a cheap form of sugar used in thousands of food products and soft drinks can damage human metabolism and is fuelling the obesity crisis.

Read more on Times Online

Champagne is good for the heart as cocoa – but more fun, scientists find

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

In research, which will be published in the British Journal of Nutrition this week, a team led by Dr Jeremy Spencer of Reading University, found that champagne has the same health benefits as previously found in red wine.

Read more on the Telegraph.

Body clock link to heart disease

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Scientists have raised the possibility that cardiovascular disease is linked to disturbances in the body’s 24-hour clock.

Read more on BBC News

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