MedicalResearch.com - Latest news, interviews, and insights into medical research, health and wellness, fitness and addiction.
General Medicine / 23.09.2025

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to push your health to the bottom of the to-do list. Many people believe that if they feel fine, there’s no reason to see a doctor. The fact is, serious conditions often go unnoticed because symptoms don’t appear until much later. High blood pressure, diabetes, and hearing loss are just a few examples of problems that can go unnoticed for years. That’s why regular health checkups are such an essential part of staying well. These visits aren’t only about treating illness, they’re about prevention, early detection, and giving you peace of mind. Today, healthcare providers focus on making routine exams more personal and accessible, from primary care visits to specialized services that check your hearing, heart, or overall wellness. Knowing that these resources are available in your community makes it easier to stay proactive about your health. That’s where the value of trusted clinics comes in, offering professional care that keeps you on track.

Why Routine Checkups Matter

Even if you feel healthy, your body may be telling a different story. Many conditions progress quietly and only show symptoms after damage has already occurred. Routine checkups help you catch risks early—before they complicate your life. That includes hearing health: gradual hearing changes, tinnitus, or balance issues often creep up over months or years. A periodic screen can flag concerns early and guide simple next steps, just like regular blood work does for cholesterol or a quick cuff check does for blood pressure. Early action means fewer surprises, lower costs, and more control over your day-to-day well-being. A yearly hearing exam, with services like device care and balance screening offered at Big Sky's clinic is a simple way to stay proactive about your health. You’ll get patient-centered care that uses advanced tools to pinpoint issues, plus concrete support afterward, including comprehensive hearing tests, guidance on treatment options, in-office cleanings, timely repairs, and yearly checkups to keep everything performing as it should. If dizziness or unsteadiness is part of your picture, specialized vestibular testing (such as VNG) can help clarify what’s going on so you can address it early and get back to normal routines. This kind of steady, preventive attention turns “I think I’m fine” into “I know I’m on track.” (more…)
Lifestyle & Health / 15.04.2025

Have you ever grabbed a bottle of something labeled “natural” and then flipped it over only to find ingredients that look like they belong in a chemistry textbook? You’re not alone. In today’s world, being healthy isn’t just about eating greens or hitting the gym. It’s about knowing what you’re putting in, on, and around your body. And that starts with a single thing: paying attention. Wellness used to be about quick fixes. Drink this. Take that. Burn calories. But now, people are looking deeper. They want to know what’s in their food, their shampoo, even their laundry detergent. And the more we learn, the more we realize how much we never really questioned. It’s not about paranoia. It’s about clarity. And once you see the connection between everyday choices and how you feel, you can’t unsee it. That’s why awareness is now at the center of the wellness conversation. In this blog, we will share how modern wellness begins with awareness—what that means, why it matters, and how it’s quietly changing the way we live. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness, Mindfulness-Wellness / 10.04.2025

In recent years, yoga has expanded far beyond the boundaries of the studio. It has become a holistic practice that supports mental clarity, emotional well-being, and physical strength—all from the comfort of home or while traveling. While many people are drawn to yoga for its physical benefits, an increasing number are also turning to it for stress relief, self-reflection, and inner calm. As digital learning tools continue to grow, two platforms stand out for their commitment to integrating movement with mindfulness: The Merrymaker Sisters and All Yoga Training. Each provides a distinct approach that reflects the diversity and depth of yoga as a lifelong practice.

The Merrymaker Sisters – A Gentle Invitation to Move, Reflect, and Accept

The Merrymaker Sisters have created a wellness space that places equal emphasis on physical movement and emotional empowerment. Run by sisters Emma and Carla Papas, their platform combines yoga, Pilates, and meditation with a strong message of self-acceptance and positivity. Their signature offering, MerryBody Studio, is an on-demand membership that includes hundreds of classes designed to nurture both the body and the mind. What makes this approach unique is the conscious blending of fitness and mindset work. Rather than pushing perfection or aesthetic goals, the sisters encourage their community to embrace movement as a way to feel more grounded, more confident, and more connected to themselves. Their style is warm and welcoming, with every class rooted in the belief that you are already enough. The inclusion of practices like breathwork and guided meditations makes this a full-spectrum resource for anyone looking to build a consistent and nourishing practice at home. Through blog posts, podcasts, and free recipes, they extend their message well beyond the mat, offering accessible tools for cultivating joy, resilience, and inner strength. For those seeking a gentle but transformative yoga experience, the approach offered by The Merrymaker Sisters is refreshingly inclusive and deeply personal. (more…)
Lifestyle & Health / 27.02.2025

Getting healthier doesn’t have to mean strict diets or intense workout routines. Sometimes, the biggest improvements come from small, everyday changes in your home and lifestyle. The products you use, the air you breathe, and even the lighting in your space can affect how you feel, sleep, and function throughout the day. Making simple adjustments doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Getting rid of certain products, reorganizing your home, and paying attention to what goes on your skin and into your body can make a real difference over time. A few smart changes can help reduce stress, boost energy levels, and support overall well-being without feeling like you’re overhauling your life.  

Switching to Safer, High-Quality Products

Most people don’t think twice about their household products, but many common cleaners, personal care items, and even cosmetics contain ingredients that aren’t exactly great for health. Harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and unnecessary additives can irritate the skin, affect air quality, and even disrupt hormone balance. Making the switch to research-driven, high-quality products with safer ingredients is an easy way to create a healthier home environment. Given this, it is important to opt for companies that focus on super-concentrated formulas and high-quality ingredients. Melaleuca company, founded by the famous Frank VanderSloot, offers a variety of personal care items, nutrition products, home cleaning solutions, and cosmetics that are designed to be effective without relying on harsh chemicals. Using products that are backed by research reduces unnecessary exposure to toxins, helping you maintain a cleaner, safer, and healthier lifestyle without sacrificing performance. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness, Lifestyle & Health, Nutrition / 26.11.2024

Editor's note:  Please consult your health care provider to discuss your personal medical journey.  Most supplements are not FDA tested and may have side effects.  With the rapid emergence of new diseases and the challenges of developing medications to combat them, protecting your health is more critical than ever. While advanced treatments are a marvel of modern medicine, prevention often remains the most effective tool against illness. By adopting a few practical, healthy habits, you can greatly reduce your risk of chronic conditions and infectious diseases. This article will explore nine steps you can take to safeguard your well-being, helping you live a longer, healthier life.

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Lifestyle & Health / 09.10.2024

Maintaining your health is all about taking proactive steps to avoid problems before they start. Whether it's preventing an infection or protecting yourself from pests, being prepared makes a world of difference. In this blog post, we’ll dive into 10 essential health tips that everyone should know. From locating a convenient strep test near me to tips on getting rid of mosquitoes, these practical pointers will help you stay on top of your health and wellness.

Get Regular Screenings

Regular health screenings are crucial for early detection of illnesses. It's important to stay ahead of potential issues, from routine blood tests to more specific exams like cholesterol checks or a simple strep test. A strep throat infection, for example, is highly contagious and can escalate if not treated quickly. Fortunately, Googling strep tests near me is now easier than ever, with most urgent care centers and clinics offering fast and accurate testing. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—early detection can save you from a lot of discomfort. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness / 25.09.2024

In recent years, there’s been an increase in awareness around health and wellness, so many individuals have started dusting off their old gym gear and finding ways to incorporate a healthy diet into their lifestyles. Health is wealth, which has become the modern language that modern individuals have introduced into their lives. In our busy world, it can often be challenging to take a moment to ourselves and simply breathe. This has caused a widespread pandemic of mental health issues that have plagued many individuals. These symptoms have appeared in daily lives, work environments, and homes. This has brought about an awareness of the importance of mental health. In the past, mental health was seen as a luxury reserved for the elite members of society who had access to medical attention and the time to focus on their psychological state. This has slowly started shifting, and now, more than ever, individuals understand that if they want to live well in the world, they must make sure they have the right frame of mind to navigate life. Physical exercise and movement have been proven to reduce stress and significantly improve mental abilities and brain function. Exercising at least 30 minutes daily will make you a better version of yourself.  However, exercise has evolved, and now individuals understand that it doesn't mean you have to be able to run on a treadmill or lift a certain amount of weights. Instead, you can walk around the block just to get the blood pumping! A nutritionally balanced diet maintains overall health and well-being. It’s, therefore, essential to ensure you’re eating the suitable types of food to nourish your body and help you get through each day.  There have been countless studies on what foods should be consumed, but the consensus remains. We must eat a well-balanced diet to improve our health and wellbeing. In this blog article, we’ll explore a few of the main ways you can boost your overall health and wellness by following these few health trends. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness / 29.08.2024

Have you ever wondered why achieving a flat stomach seems so elusive? Many people struggle with this goal, often feeling frustrated by the lack of results despite their best efforts. Understanding that a flat stomach is not just about aesthetics but also about health can make the journey more meaningful. In this guide, we'll walk you through practical, achievable steps to help you get a flatter stomach.

Understanding the Anatomy and Factors

The Anatomy of the Stomach

To work towards a flat stomach, it's important to understand the muscles involved. The main muscles to focus on are:

• Rectus Abdominis: Often referred to as the "six-pack" muscles, these run vertically along the front of the abdomen.

• Transverse Abdominis: Located underneath the rectus abdominis, these muscles help stabilize the core.

• Obliques: Located on the sides of the abdomen, these muscles are crucial for twisting and side- bending movements.

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Exercise - Fitness / 25.06.2024

exercise-fitness-pexels-olly-864939Being fit is very important. It's not just about how we look but also about how we feel. When we are fit, we have lots of energy and can do lots of things. We can run, jump, and play without getting tired easily. Being fit also helps us stay healthy and strong. When we care for our bodies, we can do our best and feel happy daily! This guide will help you understand fitness in a simple and fun way. We’ll talk about why fitness is important, how to get started, and some cool tips to keep you motivated. Let’s jump in!

Why Fitness is Important

Fitness is like a superpower that makes your body and mind stronger. Here are some reasons why it’s so important:
  • Boosts Energy: Exercise gives you more energy to do the things you love.
  • Improves Mood: Physical activity releases happy chemicals in your brain, making you feel happier.
  • Strengthens Muscles and Bones: Regular exercise helps build strong muscles and bones.
  • Helps You Sleep Better: Being active can help you sleep like a baby at night.
  • Reduces Stress: Exercise is a great way to blow off steam and feel calm.
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Endocrinology, Exercise - Fitness, Genetic Research / 21.05.2024

As public interest in health and wellness continues to grow, so does the number of innovative trends aimed at improving physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These new trends offer accessible and effective ways to enhance lifestyle choices and promote overall health. Individuals need to stay informed about these developments to make educated decisions that align with their health goals. By embracing novel and scientifically backed wellness practices, people can significantly enhance their quality of life, finding balance and improved health through modern solutions.

1.   Digital Fitness Apps

Digital fitness apps have redefined the way people engage with personal fitness, providing tools that help users manage their health and wellness directly from their smartphones. These apps offer a range of functionalities, including personalized workout plans, step tracking, calorie counting, and even virtual coaching sessions. The integration of these features makes it easier for users to stay committed to their fitness goals, providing a convenient and adaptable approach to exercise that fits into the user's lifestyle. The benefits of digital fitness apps extend beyond simple workout assistance; they also play a crucial role in motivating users to stay active and healthy. By setting personalized goals and receiving instant feedback on progress, users can see tangible results that encourage continued effort. Additionally, many apps now offer social connectivity features, allowing users to join communities of like-minded individuals who support and inspire each other. This sense of community can be particularly motivating, making it easier for individuals to maintain a consistent fitness routine. (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, USPSTF, Vitamin D / 22.04.2021

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Michael Silverstein M.D., M.P.H Professor of Pediatrics Director of the Division of General Academic Pediatrics Vice Chair of Research, Department of Pediatrics Boston University School of Medicine   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Vitamin D is an important nutrient for keeping bones healthy, and it may also have a role in other aspects of good health. However, we do not have enough evidence to understand what levels of vitamin D people need to keep them healthy or what levels are too low. As a result, the Task Force determined there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults who do not have signs or symptoms. It is our hope that with more research, we will be able to make a strong, evidence-based recommendation on screening for vitamin D deficiency in the future. (more…)
Author Interviews, Nutrition, Weight Research / 15.01.2020

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Leigh Frame, PhD, MHS Director for the Integrative Medicine Program School of Medicine and Health Sciences George Washington University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: As food consumed in the U.S. becomes more and more processed, obesity may become more prevalent. Through reviewing overall trends in food, we concluded that detailed recommendations to improve diet quality and overall nutrition are needed for consumers, who are prioritizing food that is cheaper and more convenient, but also highly processed. When comparing the U.S. diet to the diet of those who live in "blue zones" - areas with populations living to age 100 without chronic disease - the differences are stark. Many of the food trends we reviewed are tied directly to a fast-paced U.S. lifestyle that contributes to the obesity epidemic we are now facing. (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, Orthopedics, Vitamin D / 26.12.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Robert Clarke MD, FRCP, FFPH, FFPHI, MSc, DCH Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine Clinical Trial Service Unit (CTSU) Nuffield Department of Population Health University of Oxford MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men aged 50 years or older will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime. Hip fracture is the most serious type of osteoporotic fracture with an approximately 30% risk of death in the year following a hip fracture. Vitamin D is essential for optimal musculoskeletal health by promotion of calcium absorption, and mineralisation of osteoid tissue formation in bone and maintenance of muscle function. Low vitamin D status causes secondary hyperparathyroidism, bone loss and muscle weakness. Observational studies have reported that lower blood concentrations of vitamin D are associated with higher risks of falls and fractures. Combined supplementation with 800 IU/day vitamin D and 1200 mg/day calcium has been recommended for prevention of fractures in older adults living in institutions and in those with low vitamin D status. However, previous trials and meta-analyses of vitamin D alone, or in combination with calcium for prevention of fracture in either community-dwelling or general population settings reported conflicting results, with some reporting protective effects against fractures, but others demonstrated no beneficial effects. However, most of the previous trials had only limited power to detect differences in risk of fracture predicted by the observational studies, largely because of a combination of small sample size, relatively low equivalent daily doses of vitamin D, intermittent dosing regimens (>1 month), and short duration of follow-up. In addition, interpretation of the results of previous meta-analyses of such trials is complicated by use of variable inclusion criteria, inappropriate statistical methods, inclusion of multiple small trials with very few fracture events, in addition to failure to report achieved differences in blood 25(OH)D concentrations. We summarised the available evidence to guide clinical practice and future research, by conducting parallel meta-analyses of:
  • (i) observational studies of risks of fracture associated with prolonged differences in blood concentrations of 25(OH)D;
  • (ii) randomised trials of vitamin D alone versus placebo or no treatment for prevention of fracture; and
  • (iii) randomised trials of calcium and vitamin D versus placebo or no treatment for prevention of fracture.In addition, we reviewed the design of the ongoing randomised trials assessing the effects of higher doses of vitamin D alone or in combination with calcium for prevention of fracture.
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Author Interviews, Diabetes, JAMA, Nutrition / 18.12.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Mathilde Touvier, MPH, PhD Head of the Nutritional Epidemiology Research Team Dr Bernard Srour, PharmD, PhD Inserm, Inrae, University of Paris MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We found that for an increase of 10 in the percentage of ultra-processed food quantity in the diet, we had a significant 15% increase in Type 2 diabetes risk. We have already shown, in the NutriNet-Santé cohort, associations between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and overall cancer, breast cancer, cardiovascular, coronary heart diseases risk, mortality and depressive symptoms. However, no prior study had studies the associations between ultra-processed food and Type 2 diabetes risk. We suspected that we would find these associations since some components of ultra-processed foods light have metabolic interactions with human health (some food additives for instance). (more…)
Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, JAMA, Primary Care / 11.12.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Julie Reiff BA Researcher Health Care Cost Institute  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prior studies have attempted to define primary care spending and quantify such spending. Using definitions from the Milbank Memorial Fund, we used Health Care Cost Institute data to calculate primary care utilization and spending among those age 0-64 with employer-sponsored insurance. (more…)
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Prostate Cancer / 02.12.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr Jeremy Clark University of East Anglia Norwich Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Earlier this year we published our pilot study which showed how useful we have found urine to be for diagnosing prostate cancer and predicting which cancers will get bigger and nastier up to 5 years later (Connell et al 2019). – Our PUR (Prostate Urine Risk) signatures separated men with low-risk cancer into two groups one of which had 8-times the rate of future development of aggressive cancer that the other. There is nothing in clinical use at present that can do this. The new development is our At-Home Urine collection system which means that we can now send out a urine collection kit to a man at home, he fills up a small pot with his first wee of the day and posts it back to us for PUR analysis. This makes the whole system so much less stressful for the patient. The idea behind it is as follows: the prostate lays just below the bladder, it is a secretory organ and these secretions carry cells and molecules from all over the prostate to the urethra which then get flushed out of the body on urination. If a cancer is present then tiny bits of the tumour are also carried with the secretions and we can detect these in the urine. As the prostate is constantly secreting the levels of biomarkers in the urethra will build up with time. Collecting from the first wee of the day means that overnight secretions can be collected which makes the analysis more sensitive and more robust. (more…)
Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness, JAMA, Lifestyle & Health / 31.07.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Wei Bao, MD, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology College of Public Health, University of Iowa Iowa City, IA 52242  and Yang Du University of Iowa MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In 2008, the US Department of Health and Human Services released the first federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, which recommended that people should do at least 150 minutes moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. This key recommendation has been reaffirmed in the 2018 recently updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. In addition, the new 2018 Guidelines for the first time discussed health risks of sedentary behaviors. Insufficient physical activity and long sitting time have long been recognized as risk factors for major chronic diseases and mortality. Therefore, we were curious whether there have been a significant changes in adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines in US adults since the release of the first edition of the federal guidelines in 2008 and whether sedentary behavior in US adults changed during the same period. (more…)
Author Interviews, Gender Differences, Psychological Science / 15.05.2019

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Wai-Man (Raymond) Liu, PhDAssociate ProfessorResearch School of Finance, Actuarial Studies & StatisticsCollege of Business & Economics BuildingThe Australian National UniversityProf. Wai-Man (Raymond) Liu, PhD Associate Professor Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies & Statistics College of Business & Economics Building The Australian National University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In our study, we studied survey responses of over 26,000 people from the largest Australian household survey over a period of 14 years. The survey was funded by the government called “The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey”. The survey was conducted by the Melbourne Institute. In the survey more than 9,500 of these respondents had experienced the death of a close friend. (more…)
Author Interviews, CMAJ, Heart Disease, Lifestyle & Health, Stroke / 23.07.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Doug Manuel MD, MSc, FRCPC Professor and Senior Scientist Ottawa Hospital Research Institute | L’Institut de Recherche de l’Hôpital d’Ottawa Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa Départment de Médicine Familiale Université d’Ottawa  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: A lot of people are interested in healthy living, but often we don't have that discussion in the doctor's office," says Dr. Manuel, who is also a professor at the University of Ottawa. "Doctors will check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but they don't necessarily ask about lifestyle factors that could put you at risk of a heart attack and stroke. We hope this tool can help people — and their care team — with better information about healthy living and options for reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke." "What sets this cardiovascular risk calculator apart is that it looks at healthy living, and it is better calibrated to the Canadian population," says Dr. Doug Manuel, lead author, senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and a senior core scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES).”  (more…)
Abuse and Neglect, Author Interviews, Dermatology, Environmental Risks, Melanoma, Occupational Health / 18.07.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: “Brad at Santa Monica Pier on Ferris Wheel” by Brad Cerenzia is licensed under CC BY 2.0Sonia Duffy, PhD, RN, FAAN Professor, College of Nursing The Ohio State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prior to conducting a tobacco cessation study with Operating Engineers, I conducted a survey of 498 Operating engineer and found that many of them were at risk for sun burning, which can lead to skin cancer.  So as a follow up study, I conducted a study to prevent sun burning, which randomized 357 Operating Engineers to were randomized to four interventions: education only; education and text message reminders; education and mailed sunscreen; and education, text message reminders, and mailed sunscreen. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Genetic Research / 09.07.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: “siblings” by Katina Rogers is licensed under CC BY 2.0Stacy L. Andersen, PhD Assistant Professor of Medicine Project Manager New England Centenarian Study Long Life Family Study Boston University School of Medicine Boston Medical Center Boston, MA 02118 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Exceptional longevity appears to run in families. Previous studies have found that people who have siblings who live into their 90s or who reach 100 years of age have a greater chance themselves of living longer than the general population. Yet it is supercentenarians, those who reach the age of 110 years, who represent the true extreme of the human lifespan.  We wanted to determine whether the parents and siblings of supercentenarians were more likely to reach very old ages than family members of younger centenarians. We collected family tree information for 29 participants of the New England Centenarian Study aged 110-119 years. Proof of age documents and familial reconstruction methods were used to validate ages and dates of birth and death of the supercentenarian as well as his or her parents and siblings. Mean age at death was compared to birth year and sex-specific US and Swedish cohort life table estimates conditional on survival to age 20 for siblings to omit deaths due to nonheritable factors such as infectious disease or accidents and survival to age 50 (the approximate age at which women are no longer able to reproduce) for parents.  (more…)
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Sleep Disorders / 07.07.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: “Woman sleeping” by Timothy Krause is licensed under CC BY 2.0Nathan E. Cross PhD, first author School of Psychology. Sharon L. Naismith, PhD, senior author Leonard P Ullman Chair in Psychology Brain and Mind Centre Neurosleep, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence The University of Sydney, Australia  MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?  Response: Between 30 to 50% of the risk for dementia is due to modifiable risk factors such depression, hypertension, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes and smoking. In recent years, multiple longitudinal cohort studies have observed a link between sleep apnoea and a greater risk (1.85 to 2.6 times more likely) of developing cognitive decline and dementia.  Furthermore, one study in over 8000 people also indicated that the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in older adults was associated with an earlier age of cognitive decline, and that treatment of OSA may delay the onset of cognitive impairment. This study reveals important insights into how sleep disorders such as OSA may impact the brain in older adults, as it is associated with widespread structural alterations in diverse brain regions. We found that reduced blood oxygen levels during sleep are related to reduced thickness of the brain's cortex in both the left and right temporal areas - regions that are important in memory and are early sites of injury in Alzheimer's disease. Indeed, reduced thickness in these regions was associated with poorer ability to learn new information, thereby being the first to link this structural change to memory decline. (more…)
Author Interviews, JAMA, Mental Health Research, Nutrition, OBGYNE / 05.07.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Joshua L. Roffman, MD Department of Psychiatry Mass General Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Autism, schizophrenia, and other serious mental illness affecting young people are chronic, debilitating, and incurable at present.  Recent public health studies have associated prenatal exposure to folic acid, a B-vitamin, with reduced subsequent risk of these illnesses.  However, until this point, biological evidence supporting a causal relationship between prenatal folic acid exposure and reduced psychiatric risk has remained elusive. We leveraged the rollout of government-mandated folic acid fortification of grain products in the U.S. from 1996-98 as a "natural experiment" to determine whether increased prenatal folic acid exposure influenced subsequent brain development.  This intervention, implemented to reduce risk of spina bifida and other disabling neural tube defects in infants, rapidly doubled blood folate levels among women of childbearing age in surveillance studies. Across two large, independent cohorts of youths age 8 to 18 who received MRI scans, we observed increased cortical thickness, and a delay in age-related cortical thinning, in brain regions associated with schizophrenia risk among individuals who were born during or after the fortification rollout, compared to those born just before it.  Further, delayed cortical thinning also predicted reduced risk of psychosis spectrum symptoms, a finding that suggests biological plausibility in light of previous work demonstrating early and accelerated cortical thinning among school-aged individuals with autism or psychosis. (more…)
Author Interviews, Social Issues / 05.07.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jessica Wood, MSc PhD Candidate, Applied Social Psychology Department of Psychology University of Guelph MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We are at time in history where we expect more from our romantic partners than at any point in our recent past (e.g., love, emotional and financial support, sexual excitement/fulfillment, friendship etc.). This can place pressure on relationships and make it difficult for each person to have their needs fulfilled. Some choose to opt out of of relationships altogether to avoid disappointment, and some even purchase a real sex doll for fulfilment. Another option is consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationships, where sexual and emotional needs are dispersed among multiple partners, potentially decreasing pressures placed on a primary relationship. However, CNM relationships are stigmatized and often viewed as less stable or satisfying. In our study, we assessed the legitimacy of this perception by comparing relational outcomes among CNM and monogamous individuals. We also examined whether the motives a person reports for engaging in sex was important to how fulfilled a person was in the relationship, and how this was linked to relational outcomes (such as relationship and sexual satisfaction). That is, having sex for more intrinsic/autonomous motives (e.g., pleasure, intimacy, valuing sex) has been associated with higher relationship quality. In contrast, having sex for more extrinsic reasons (e.g., feeling pressured, wanting to manage feelings of guilt or shame), has been linked to lower relational quality. (more…)
Author Interviews, Infections, NEJM / 05.07.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Dennis E. Hruby PhD Chief Science Officer of SIGA Technologies Corvallis, OR MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  Response: Naturally occurring smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 following coordinated decades-long global vaccination campaigns. However, there is a significant concern that smallpox, which is both highly contagious and highly lethal, could be used as a potential bioweapon. DNA synthesis technology and the possibility of unaccounted for smallpox stocks pose significant risks. While there are two publicly acknowledged stocks of smallpox virus held by the United States and Russia, some believe that additional stores of the virus could be in the hands of governments or organizations that might use them to cause harm. The DNA sequence of the smallpox genome is in the public domain and could potentially be synthesized in a laboratory from scratch or created by genetically modifying a similar virus. Currently, there are no therapies approved for the treatment of smallpox infection. A smallpox bioterror attack could be especially damaging because the majority of today’s population is not immune to the virus, as routine vaccination ended in the 1970s. It is estimated that without vaccination or treatment, each person infected with smallpox would infect 5 - 7 others. Rapid spread from person-to-person can occur through speaking, breathing or touching. Smallpox also can be transmitted by direct contact with infected fluids and contaminated objects. Furthermore, vaccination must occur within 3-5 days of exposure to smallpox, when patients are still asymptomatic, to be effective. These limitations underscore the need for an effective smallpox antiviral therapy, in addition to any available vaccine. (more…)
Asthma, AstraZeneca, Author Interviews, Immunotherapy, Lancet, Pulmonary Disease / 27.06.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Reynold A. Panettieri, Jr., M.D. Professor of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Vice Chancellor, Clinical & Translational Science Director, Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine & Science Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Child Health Institute of New Jersey Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick, NJ  08901 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Severe asthma is characterized by Type 2 inflammation manifested by increases in IL-13, IL-4 and Il-5 levels in the airways that promotes airway hyperresponsiveness and in part irreversible airway obstruction.  These clinical manifestations profoundly increase asthma morbidity and mortality. To address an unmet therapeutic need, Tralokinumab was developed as a monoclonal antibody targeting soluble IL-13 with the goal of improving lung function and patient reported outcomes while decreasing annual exacerbation rates.  Stratus 1 and 2 represent two identical randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 clinical trials in severe asthma.  These international trials enrolled approximately 2000 subjects with severe asthma and examined whether Tralokinumab decreased annualized exacerbation rates (AER) as compared with placebo (primary outcome). (more…)
Author Interviews, Lifestyle & Health, Social Issues / 12.05.2018

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: “Sara Singing for the IT MS Society” by Draft is licensed under PDM 3.0Filippos Filippidis MD, MSc, MPH, PhD Lecturer in Public Health School of Public Health Imperial College London London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Previous research suggests that big sports and international events are associated with happiness, productivity, suicides and homicides. Considering the popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Europe, we wanted to see if there is any association between performance in the competition and life satisfaction and suicides. We used interview data from more than 160,000 people in Europe collected from 2009 to 2015 and found that better performance in the contest was associated with higher levels of life satisfaction in the country. Winning the competition did not confer any additional advantage. When comparing bad performance in the ESC with no participation at all, we found that even bad performance was associated with higher satisfaction with life compared to absence from the competition. (more…)