Medical News Today: Does sunlight change our gut microbiome?

Scientists show that ultraviolet (UV) light exposure leads to changes in the gut microbiome, but only in volunteers who were deficient in vitamin D. Share on PinterestCan sunlight affect our gut microbiomes? There is plenty of evidence that links vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, to health outcomes. Living at higher latitudes, which means less exposure… Read More: Medical News Today: Does sunlight change our gut microbiome? »

Can a new generation of weight-loss drugs finally help patients win at the losing game?

In 1992, a University of Rochester pharmacologist named Michael Weintraub published a study on a drug combination that appeared to produce never-before-seen weight loss. By week 34, his subjects — 121 volunteers — lost, on average, 30 pounds. What’s more, they rated the fenfluramine-plus-phentermine regimen not only more helpful than placebo, but also not terribly “bothersome.” The tiny study… Read More: Can a new generation of weight-loss drugs finally help patients… »

Outbreak of virulent recombinant HIV strain reported among gay men in Paris region

Public health officials in France have reported an outbreak of a recombinant strain of HIV characterised by a high viral load during early infection and rapid loss of CD4 cells.  The outbreak involved X4 tropic virus, usually associated with more advanced HIV, and is reported in Eurosurveillance by a team led by Dr Marc Wirden… Read More: Outbreak of virulent recombinant HIV strain reported among gay men… »

How a high salt diet may lead to cognitive decline

New research suggests that a diet high in salt may promote cognitive decline by destabilizing levels of the protein tau. Excessive levels of tau are a hallmark of dementia. Share on PinterestAvoiding excessive salt intake could stave off dementia. Dr. Giuseppe Faraco, an assistant professor of research in neuroscience in the Feil Family Brain and… Read More: How a high salt diet may lead to cognitive decline »