Aging News and Research

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Longer looks: Dr. Oz, deconstructed; Malpractice and apology

Oprah Winfrey first referred to Mehmet Oz as "America's doctor" in 2004, during one of his earliest appearances on her television show. The label stuck. Oz was a rare find: so eloquent and telegenic that people are often surprised to learn that he is a highly credentialled member of the medical establishment. ... "The Dr. Oz Show" frequently focusses on essential health issues: the proper ways to eat, relax, exercise, and sleep, and how to maintain a healthy heart. Much of the advice Oz offers is sensible, and is rooted solidly in scientific literature.

1 Feb 2013

Scientists discover new evidence for role of epigenetic changes on premature aging diseases

Scientists at the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain have found new evidence for the role of epigenetic changes (those heritable alterations in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in DNA sequence) on premature aging diseases.

1 Feb 2013

Advances in health information technology may lead to more efficient use of critical care resources

A national shortage of critical care physicians and beds means difficult decisions for healthcare professionals: how to determine which of the sickest patients are most in need of access to the intensive care unit.

1 Feb 2013

Viewpoints: Congress must put entitlements on 'more sustainable path;' Reading, writing and mental health screenings

What's needed now is a clear, achievable plan to bring the debt and deficit under control for the long term. A crucial part of any such plan is promoting a more vigorous economy, possibly by simplifying the federal tax code. Another important piece is putting entitlements on a more sustainable path, reducing the drain on the Treasury. That means expanding on the 2010 healthcare law's efforts to increase efficiency, quality and innovation in healthcare.

1 Feb 2013

Study evaluates link between sedentary time and death among breast cancer survivors

Spending a lot of time watching television after breast cancer diagnosis is not linked to death in these breast cancer survivors. It appears that after accounting for self-reported physical activity levels after diagnosis, sedentary behavior was not an independent risk factor for death.

31 Jan 2013

Palliative care for stroke affected by age, gender, stroke type

Whether patients with stroke are referred to palliative care services depends on their age, their gender, and what type of stroke they have had, Australian study results indicate.

31 Jan 2013

House Republicans keep target on health law's insurance subsidies

Meanwhile, a new GOP lawmaker from Texas renews his pledge to undo "ObamaCare" while a senator focuses on workforce issues.

31 Jan 2013

Tax forms to include health insurance cost info -- per health law requirement

Today's headlines also include coverage of other health law issues, such as student health plans and the health care workforce.

31 Jan 2013

Silibinin kills skin cells mutated by UVA radiation and protects against cancer

A pair of University of Colorado Cancer Center studies published this month show that the milk thistle extract, silibinin, kills skin cells mutated by UVA radiation and protects against damage by UVB radiation - thus protecting against UV-induced skin cancer and photo-aging.

31 Jan 2013

RBC Life Sciences receives U.S. patent for Neurobright supplement

RBC Life Sciences, Inc., has been granted US Patent 8357422, which protects its unique dietary supplement formulation that nutritionally supports cognitive function, learning and remembering. The Company markets this supplement under the name "Neurobright."

31 Jan 2013

Positive moods can improve decision making and working memory in older people

Older adults can improve their decision making and working memory simply by putting on a happy face, a new study suggests.

31 Jan 2013

CUMC receives $7M to help establish Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center

Seeking to bridge the transition from pediatric to adult care for people living with cerebral palsy, Debby and Peter A. Weinberg, with several of their family members and friends, have given more than $7 million to help establish the Weinberg Family Cerebral Palsy Center at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC).

31 Jan 2013

MiR-182 deeply involved in memory formation within the amygdala brain structure

It takes a lot to make a memory. New proteins have to be synthesized, neuron structures altered. While some of these memory-building mechanisms are known, many are not. Some recent studies have indicated that a unique group of molecules called microRNAs, known to control production of proteins in cells, may play a far more important role in memory formation than previously thought.

30 Jan 2013

Hydrogen sulfide may play a wide-ranging role in staving off aging

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) may play a wide-ranging role in staving off aging, according to a paper published online ahead of print in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biology.

30 Jan 2013

Insight into reasons why precocious puberty occurs in females

New research from Oregon Health & Science University has provided significant insight into the reasons why early-onset puberty occurs in females.

30 Jan 2013

FBH1 gene helps turn up the effect of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer patients. However, many patients suffer from serious side-effects and a large proportion does not respond to the treatment. Researchers from the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) and Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, now show that the gene FBH1 helps turn up the effect of chemotherapy.

30 Jan 2013

Mice with mitochondrial mutation live longer, have less fat

If findings of a new study in mice are any indication, it might be possible to fine-tune cellular powerhouses called mitochondria, tweaking one aspect to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce body and fat mass, and even extend life. Exploiting this target could one day lead to novel treatments for type 2 diabetes - an endocrine system disease that affects 8 percent of the U.S. population. The research also points to promising new avenues of investigation in the biology of aging.

30 Jan 2013

New BU institute discovers new ways of making tourist attractions dementia-friendly

New BU institute discovers new ways of making tourist attractions dementia-friendly. Fear of getting lost, fear of not finding the toilets or being misunderstood; there are many reasons why people with dementia and the families who care for them stop going on holiday.

30 Jan 2013

Cognitive decline in elderly more likely with poor hearing

Older adults with hearing loss may be at an increased risk for cognitive decline and cognitive impairment, report researchers.

29 Jan 2013

Shelters for abused elderly take hold, long-term care ombudsmen questioned

The Associated Press examines the rising use of shelters for the elderly who have been abused, and Kaiser Health News reports that long-term care ombudsmen face questions about their independence.

29 Jan 2013