Healthwise    December 2009    

Healthwise is a regular column written especially for laterlife.com members and visitors. Welcome to healthwise 117.

For previous articles in the healthwise series visit 'more healthwise'

SMELLY REPELLANT

An insect repellent is being developed that works on the sense of smell.

Researchers at the Rothampsted Research Centre in Hertfordshire have used artificial chemicals which bind to the receptors on the insect’s sensory organs. This effectively blocks out their ability to sniff out food – or our blood.

NEW DRUG FOR ANAEMIA

A trial at King’s College Hospital in London has shown a new drug Hernatide can help people with a severe form of anaemia.

Sufferers of pure-red cell aplasia, which causes a sudden and severe decrease in the number of red blood cells, did not need the normal blood transfusions after they had been treated with the new drug.

PROSTATE CANCER BREAKTHROUGH

Around 34,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year leading to 10,000 deaths annually. Some prostate cancers are aggressive but some will not cause significant problems. One problem has been working out whether a cancer is aggressive or not but now a major step forward has been made to develop a reliable test for this.

The British Journal of Cancer Research has reported a study which shows that tiny bubbles of fat passed in urine could indicate if rapid treatment is required. Information contained in these fatty capsules, called exosomes, comes straight from the tumour and contains information on the genetics of the cancer, helping to identify which are aggressive and which are dormant.

LAUGHTER IS GOOD FOR YOU

Doctors have discovered something that most of us have known for years – that laughter is good for you!

Research presented at the Experimental Biology Conference in New Orleans showed that mirthful laughter increases the level of good cholesterol in the blood, which can help to prevent heart disease.

However, from the other side of the fence, a report in Australian Science Magazine says research shows there are also benefits from being miserable and being grumpy can make us think more clearly.

Professor Jo Forgan of the University of New South Wales says negative moods trigger more attentive, careful thinking and a grumpy person can cope with more demanding situations than a happy one because of the way the brain works.

If in any doubt about any of the information covered in healthwise articles and it's relevance for you, consult your GP.

IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION

3 cups a day might offset diabetes

Studies show that drinking coffee can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Research to help us all reach our 100th birthday

Centenarians with the bodies of 50-year-olds will one day be possible

The benefit of green spaces

Living near a park or a wood may improve your mental and physical health

Barking technology

Robotic pets are a new technology that could help older people live at home for longer

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