High bp medicines can trouble eyesight
Certain blood pressure lowering medications may have dangerous side effects as researchers have found. AMD — the deterioration of the eye’s macula, responsible for the ability to see fine details clearly — affects millions worldwide. “As significant as these results may be, it is important that they be replicated first, and if possible tested in a clinical trials setting before changing anyone’s medication regimens,” cautioned Ronald Klein from University of Wisconsin’s school of medicine and public health. To reach this conclusion, the researchers conducted a long-term population-based cohort study from 1988 to 2013 of nearly 5,000 people aged 43 to 86 years.
Dementia may be related to cynicism
A recent study in Finland has discovered that old people suffering from excessive cynicism are likely to develop dementia. The research, which was conducted by the University of Eastern Finland and printed in the American Academy of Neurology, discovered that cynical individuals are three times likely to develop dementia when compared with trusting people. 1,449 people aged 71 years participated in the questionnaire and tests for dementia to measure the level of cynicism. It was found that the questionnaire was reliable, and participant’s scores remained stable over several years. 622 participants completed two assessments for dementia, with the last test an average of 8 years after the research started. 46 participants were detected with dementia during that time.
Cancerous worms can heal wounds
Spit produced by a cancer-causing worm which damages the human liver can be used to treat non-healing wounds, a scientist has claimed. “It’s not a high-tech performance, but it’s a good story,” said Queensland-based parasitologist Michael Smout from James Cook university. He explained his latest study at a science competition by using a large teddy bear, an oversized worm and a velvet liver on how liver parasites cause cancer, and how they might also assist in the development of treatments for non-healing wounds. “Throughout Southeast Asia there’s a very high rate of a particular form of liver cancer. It’s caused by chronic infection with a parasitic worm, or liver fluke, which is found in one of the staple foods – uncooked fish,” he said.