Health
One in ten over 50s feel their health has been affected by living in a cold house
As temperatures drop and the winter weather looks set to stay, new research by Saga shows that more than half (53%) of over 50s are worried about the cost of heating their home this winter and an estimated 2.4million (11% of over 50s) feel their health has been affected by living in a cold house.
New test to predict chances of developing cancer
Scientists at the University of Aberdeen and NHS Tayside are breaking new ground in developing procedures to help predict the likelihood of developing cancer of the colon.
Scientists find same regions in brain are vulnerable to both Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia
In the largest study of its kind, researchers have found a specific network of brain regions that is not only more vulnerable to unhealthy ageing – for example, Alzheimer’s disease – but also to disorders that emerge in young people, such as schizophrenia.
Christmas cure
Christmas may be filled with ‘joy and laughter’, but for many this is accompanied with sneezing and streaming eyes, as Christmas trees, relatives’ pets and flower arrangements cause allergies to flare up.
New vaccine generates strong immune response against hepatitis C
A new hepatitis C vaccine has shown promising results in an early clinical trial at Oxford University, generating strong and broad immune responses against the virus causing the disease.
Research suggests shape of our spines is key to lifting correctly
'Bend your knees and keep your back straight' is the mantra for lifting heavy objects but new research led by University of Aberdeen academics suggests this approach may not work for everyone when it comes to back care.
New drug could make vaccines more effective in the elderly
Scientists have developed a new method of boosting the ageing immune system using a naturally occurring chemical compound. Early tests in mice, published in the journal eLife, show that the compound restores the immune system’s inbuilt ‘memory’ enabling it to mount a more powerful protective response following vaccination.
UK tobacco controls a success in cutting smoking among adolescents
A new study has revealed a significant drop in the number of young people taking up smoking over the last 20 years, as the UK has introduced a range of tobacco controls.
Researchers use simple chemicals to minimise organ damage following heart attack and stroke
Scientists have identified chemicals that could protect vital organs from long-term damage following a heart attack or stroke, according to new research in mice, part-funded by the British Heart Foundationopens in new window (BHF) and Medical Research Council (MRC).
Stress costs employers £690m in wasted wages each day
The financial cost of stress in the workplace has been revealed by new research from life insurance and pension company Friends Life.
Free consultation leads to diagnosis of vein disease
A special open day held at a new Clifton clinic has led to 28 patients being diagnosed with underlying vein conditions.
Research shows frequency of addiction to over-the-counter medicines
Participants are being sought for a new phase of a ground-breaking study into addiction to over-the-counter medicines, also known as non-prescription medicines.
One in three retirees see health worsen in first five years of retirement
Significant life changes occur for millions of Britain’s retirees in the early years of their retirement, according to research from retirement specialist LV=.
Brits’ bizarre everyday fears
With news this week breaking about a woman suffering from ‘Simon Cowell-itis’ (a unique, bizarre fear of seeing the music mogul himself on the small screen) OVO Energy has surveyed 2,000 Brits to find a list of all the peculiar things that strike fear into the hearts of the nation.
IQs on the up
Human intelligence is thought to improve with each generation and a unique study of people born and raised in Aberdeen has proved that those in north-east Scotland are getting smarter.