Are Positive Health Studies More Believable?

According to research done at Copenhagen University Hospital, which included more than 2,800 middle-aged men and women, people with skinny thighs had a 50%-100% higher risk of heart disease or premature death during the 12-year study. Those with thighs measuring less than 23.6 inches were at risk. Those with thighs measuring less than 18 inches were at the greatest risk. It’s thought skinny thighs mean a lack of muscle mass and lower body bulk, which are necessary for proper glucose and lipid metabolism, which are key factors for maintaining health. For those without super model bodies this research brings “thighs” of relief.

According to research published in the journal “Science”, it may be possible to erase fearful memories from the brain – a procedure that could help thousands with post-traumatic stress disorder. Fear comes from the amygdala – part of the brain that isn’t logical. It just reacts. When the molecular sheath protecting the amygdada in rats was chemically dissolved, the rats forgot fear of a sound they’d been conditioned to associate with being electrically shocked. Because human brain cells have similar sheaths, similar results could be expected. For those suffering with PTSD, panic disorders or phobias, finding a cure is a rat race.

According to a study done at Catholic University in Campobasso Italy, the polyphenols and tannins in red wine limit the toxic effects of radiation for women after breast cancer surgery. The protective effects of varying levels of self-reported, red wine consumption by 348 women were evaluated. The incidence of radiation-induced skin toxicity was 38.4% with non-drinkers, 31.8% with half a glass daily and 13.6% with 1 glass daily. The good news is red wine may be beneficial with other types of radiated tumors. The bad news is 2 glasses of red wine provided little benefit – not twice the benefit.

According to a study done at Stamford University School of Medicine, fat cells removed by liposuction can be turned into induced pluripotent stem cells. Like stem cells from embryos, iPS cells can be turned into cells to regenerate organ tissue and repair damage – but without controversy. The first iPS cells were developed in 2007 from skin, but making stem cells from fat takes 2 weeks instead of 8 and less than 6 ounces is needed. Among other things, iPS cells could be used to help heart attack patients and repair skeletal defects – putting new love in love handles.