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Premature babies are more likely to develop childhood asthma than those born at full term, says a new research. A worldwide study of more than 1.5 million children found that the risk of developing asthma, or asthma-like symptoms, after a preterm birth is higher than previously thought. In addition, the risks of developing asthmatic symptoms are the same for preschool and school-age children, indicating that children born prematurely do not outgrow the risk, a release by the University of Edinburgh said. Asthma affects some 8 per cent of children born at full term, while this rises to 14 per cent in babies born prematurely defined as at least three weeks early. Babies born more than three weeks before the usual 40-week term early were almost 50 per cent more likely to develop asthma. Many premature babies experience breathing problems because their lungs are immature. The findings were published in medical journal PLOS.
Simple numerical exercises can boost kids' math abilities A study suggests that practicing simple, instinctive numerical exercise can improve children's ability to solve math problems. The researchers asked first-graders to practice tasks that required them to approximate, or roughly evaluate the number of objects in a set without counting them. Other children did tasks such as comparing the brightness of two objects or adding the lengths of lines. Children who practiced evaluating the number of objects performed better on arithmetic tests immediately afterward than their counterparts who evaluated other qualities of objects, Hyde said. The research is published in the journal Cognition.
ADHD linked to more traffic accidents People with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to be in a serious traffic accident, but medication may counteract that risk for some, according to a new study from Sweden. Researchers found that people with ADHD are about 50 per cent more likely to be in serious traffic accidents, compared to people without the condition.
Antioxidants can promote lung cancer A decades-old medical mystery — why antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta carotene seemed to accelerate the growth of early lung tumours in high-risk populations such as smokers, rather than protect them from cancer, as theory suggests — may have been solved. “Antioxidants allow cancer cells to escape cells' own defence system" against tumours," said biologist Per Lindahl of Sweden’s University of Gothenburg and a co-author of the study. That lets existing tumours, even those too small to be detected, proliferate uncontrollably.
Flavonoid-rich foods lower diabetes risk Women with diets rich in foods like berries, chocolate, red wine and tea also have reduced inflammation and insulin resistance — a diabetes precursor, according to new UK research. Flavonoids are chemical compounds found in colourful fruits and vegetables. Studies suggest these may offer a variety of health benefits.
Slow reaction time ups risk of dying early A new research has revealed that having a slow reaction time in midlife increases risk of dying 15 years later. Researchers from UCL and the University of Edinburgh have found that people with slower reaction times were 25 per cent more likely to die compared to those with average reaction times. Lead researcher Dr Gareth Hagger-Johnson said that the reaction time is thought to reflect a basic aspect of the central nervous system and speed of information processing is considered a basic cognitive ability. A simple test of reaction time in adulthood can predict survival, independently of age, sex, ethnic group and socio-economic background. People who are consistently slow to respond to new information may experience problems that increase their risk of early death. The study was published in the journal PLOS ONE.
— Agencies
Caffeine most commonly used drug
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Washington:
A recent study indicates that more people are dependent on caffeine to the point that they suffer withdrawal symptoms and are unable to reduce caffeine consumption even if they have another condition that may be impacted by caffeine-such as a pregnancy, a heart condition, or a bleeding disorder. These symptoms combined are a condition called "Caffeine Use Disorder." A study coauthored by American University psychology professor Laura Juliano, says even though caffeine is the most commonly used drug in the world - and is found in everything from coffee, tea, and soda, to OTC pain relievers, chocolate, and now a whole host of food and beverage products branded with some form of the word "energy"-health professionals have been slow to characterise problematic caffeine use and acknowledge that some cases may call for treatment. "The negative effects of caffeine are often not recognised as such because it is a socially acceptable and widely consumed drug," Juliano said. "And while many people can consume caffeine without harm, for some it produces negative effects, physical dependence, interferes with daily functioning, and can be difficult to give up, which are signs of problematic use," she said. The study summarises the results of previously published caffeine research and shows how widespread dependence is, and the significant physical and psychological symptoms experienced by habitual caffeine users. The study is published in the Journal of Caffeine Research.
— ANI