Knowing how to protect your DNA data is incredibly important, because your genetic code is the blueprint for much of who you are. Thanks to the development of cheap genomics, at-home DNA testing kits from Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage and others…
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A simple exercise goal protects against unhealthy weight gain
New research shows that physical activity equivalent to 100 PAI a week can counteract excessive weight gain. PAI stands for Personal Activity Intelligence and tracks how physically active you are throughout the week. You can measure PAI with just about…
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Supportive partners protect relationship quality in people with depression or stress
Having a responsive, supportive partner minimizes the negative impacts of an individual’s depression or external stress on their romantic relationship, according to research by a University of Massachusetts Amherst social psychologist. Paula Pietromonaco, professor emerita of psychological and brain sciences,…
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For breastfeeding moms, COVID-19 vaccinations may also protect babies
Nursing mothers who receive a COVID-19 vaccine may pass protective antibodies to their babies through breast milk for at least 80 days following vaccination, suggests new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “Our study showed a…
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Supplements may protect those with low vitamin D levels from severe COVID-19
Patients with low vitamin D levels who are hospitalized for COVID-19 may have a lower risk of dying or requiring mechanical ventilation if they receive vitamin D supplementation of at least 1,000 units weekly, according to a study presented virtually…
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Editing the DNA of human embryos could protect us from future pandemics
Hollywood blockbusters such as X-men, Gattaca and Jurassic World have explored the intriguing concept of “germline genome editing”—a biomolecular technique that can alter the DNA of sperm, eggs or embryos. If you remove a gene that causes a certain disease…
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T-cells from recovered COVID-19 patients show promise to protect vulnerable patients from infection
T-cells taken from the blood of people who recovered from a COVID-19 infection can be successfully multiplied in the lab and maintain the ability to effectively target proteins that are key to the virus’s function, according to a new study…
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COVID-19 masks FAQ: How can cloth stop a tiny virus? What’s the best fabric? Do they protect the wearer?
Face masks reduce the spread of viruses passed on from respiratory secretions. While cloth masks are imperfect, widespread use of an imperfect mask has the potential to make a big difference in transmission of the virus. We started reading the…
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From San Diego to Italy, study suggests wisdom can protect against loneliness
Over the last few decades, there has been growing concern about loneliness across all ages, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. Loneliness, defined as feeling isolated or not having an adequate number of meaningful personal connections, is consistently associated with…
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Flu shots for kids protect everybody, study shows
(HealthDay)—When elementary school students get their annual flu shot, everyone benefits, a new study shows. An increased vaccination rate among grade schoolers in California was associated with a decrease in flu hospitalizations for folks in every other age bracket, researchers…
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