Odd health news from around the web this week

Rochester Media brings you a roundup of intriguing, important and downright odd health news this week—in case you missed these headlines recently.

Take a look.

Rhubarb chutney explodes in woman’s fridge

According to the Huffington Post and the Irish Independent, a 66-year-old woman stored rhubarb chutney in her fridge only to later learn it caused an explosion, damaging part of her home. Since the chutney fermented for five days, it produced enough methane to blow off the refrigerator door and left cracks in some of her walls. Read the full article here.

 

Cat poop might be dangerous for more than just pregnant women

There is more than 1 million tons of cat feces produced each year. And this week, a paper published in the journal Trends of Parasitology highlights the should-be concern of the smelly waste product on the health of those living near them. It has been long known that pregnant women should avoid changing the litter box, but this research suggests immune-suppressed and even healthy individuals may experience damaged memory and far worse health concerns by being exposed to cat poop. Check out CNN’s article here.

 

Diapers go digital

Parents may soon add smart diapers to their list of tech gadgets, according to a company called Pixie Scientific. The so-called digital diapers would be able to detect urinary tract infections, kidney dysfunction and dehydration, according to a Counsel and Heal article. An app to assist parents in processing this information may have a due-date alongside the infant waste product, too. Read more here.

 

A race toward perfect broccoli

A plant scientist at Cornell University and a team of researchers have attempted to perfect the nutrient-rich green veggie that many turn up their noses to—broccoli. The team has created what The New York Times called a “vegetable elite” that can be grown in hot summers and is cheaper to maintain. It also has a more lush taste that is crisp and sweet, according to the story. Read more here.

 

 

Vaccine excels in first human trial to reverse type 1 diabetes

The Los Angeles Times reported this week that a vaccine reversing type 1 diabetes has passed its first trial with human testing and will hopefully be a new option for treating those recently diagnosed. The medication is termed a reverse vaccine because rather than stimulating immune function, it suppresses it. The vaccine is targeted at eliminating the immune cells that attack the insulin-producers found in the pancreas, which causes type 1 diabetes. Read more here.

 

Antibodies found in mothers’ blood tied to autism in their children

According to a study published in Translational Psychiatry, six antibodies found in a blood sample of pregnant women can help predict an unborn child’s chances of having autism. The Scientist and Time Healthland detail the study—be sure to check it out.

 

Reasons found for why aspirin and other drugs reduce risk for cancer, by a lot

This week, a New York Times writer shared how a new study has made progress in learning why non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin can greatly reduce the risk of cancer for those taking it. Turns out the drugs slow a type of DNA change that leads to uncontrolled cell growth, which is characteristic of cancer in several forms. You can learn more here.

 

Skim milk may be worse than whole milk on the road to obesity

The Scientific American shared this week that skim milk may be more of a pioneer toward obesity than whole milk. What the article calls a commentary was published in JAMA Pediatrics exclaiming lower fat foods and drinks make us feel less full and worry children are consuming more because of it. The note also mentioned that whole milk does not pack on more pounds, contrary to common belief. Read more here.

 

Americans are living longer, but enduring more chronic health problems

According to a Washington Post article this week, the U.S. life expectancy is rising. Although when it comes to treating chronic conditions caused by inadequate nutrition, smoking or alcohol for instance, Americans are lagging in the bounce-back. See what they have to say here.

 

Man locks head in cage to quit smoking

People will go great lengths to kick the hazardous habit of smoking—some further than others. This week, The Huffington Post shared how a Turkish man caged his head for the day, in an effort to quit smoking. Check it out here.