Health knowledge made personal
Hydra - image from Shutterstock
The Hydra, a freshwater organism, has an unlimited lifespan, due in large part to the indefinite self-renewal capacity of its stem cells. Anna-Marei Boehm, from Christian-Albrechts-University (Germany), and colleagues identified the transcription factor forkhead box O (FoxO) as one of the critical drivers of this continuous self-renewal. Specifically, FoxO overexpression he caused signs of aging, specifically in immune function; whereas FoxO down-regulation led to an increase in the number of terminally differentiated cells – resulting in a drastically reduced population growth rate, and caused down-regulation of stem cell genes and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) expression. Submitting that this data "demonstrates for the first time that there is a direct link between the FoxO gene and aging, the study authors submit that: "These findings … indicate an evolutionarily conserved role of FoxO in controlling longevity [with] implications for understanding cellular aging.” Anna-Marei Boehm, Konstantin Khalturin, Friederike Anton-Erxleben, Georg Hemmrich, Ulrich C. Klostermeier, Javier A. Lopez-Quintero, et al. “FoxO is a critical regulator of stem cell maintenance in immortal Hydra.” PNAS 2012 109 (48) 19697-19702; November 12, 2012.
Exercising on watercycling machines helps people who have joint problems such as arthritis, or are overweight, to participate in aerobic activity.
Norway team reports on the costs of insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea on long-term sick leave.
German researchers uncover how the Hydra appears to avoid showing signs of aging, with potential insights into the mechanisms of human aging.
Green tea may lower the risk of developing digestive system cancers by as much as 27%, among women who are long-term tea drinkers.
Four months of a high-intensity interval training program dramatically increased cognitive performance.
Increased consumption of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid, helps to lower the risk of anxiety.
Seniors who engage in regular physical activity are less likely to experience loss of brain volume and potentially retain cognitive skills.
Two United Nations agencies have mapped the intersection of health and climate in an age of global warming.
Dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids boosts working memory, among healthy young adults.
Nearly a quarter of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis used complementary and alternative therapy (CAT).
Two United Nations agencies have mapped the intersection of health and climate in an age of global warming.
What and when we eat can alter our body clocks – consequently impacting overall health, weight, and life expectancy.
Why women live, on average, longer than men may be explained by genetic variation across mitochondria – the energy powerhouses of cells.
Harvard Medical School (US) team urges that the elimination of physical inactivity could reduce global rates deaths by all causes by at least 5.3m annually.
Phobic anxiety associates with shorter telomeres – a marker of a cellular aging, in middle-aged and older women.
A study analyzing 75 years of statistical data suggests that death rates in the United States are dropping.
People who have access to medical care that is comprehensive, readily accessible, and patient-centered are at lower risks of death.
Men who are physically fit in their 40s, and maintain that fitness level for a decade, reduce their risk of all-cause death by 30%.
US Census Bureau Report finds that more Americans are living to 90 and beyond, and by 2050 their ranks could reach almost 9 million.
Men who experience persistently moderate or high levels of stressful life events over a number of years have a 50% higher mortality rate.
#82 - Sin of the Skin #6: Dull Skin
Up to the age of 14, the skin on the face exfoliates naturally every 14 days. This quick rate of renewal leaves the youngster with a healthy-looking glowing complexion. However, as we get older the rate of natural exfoliation slows down. By the age of 25 and over the skin will exfoliate every 28 days or so. The resulting build up of dead skin cells can leave the skin looking dull. Establish a twice-daily skin routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Look for products that contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs), because they can help promote the natural process of exfoliation. Those with sensitive skin may wish to opt for products containing poly hydroxy acid (PHA), as it is non-irritating.
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