A new study suggests that a natural compound found in cocoa, tea and some vegetables can reverse age-related memory loss. The key compound is flavanols.
For three months three-dozen volunteers between the ages of 50 and 67 had a daily cocoa drink, some of which had high doses of flavanols while others had low doses.
The researchers said those who had the higher amounts of the compound showed the memory of an average person between 30 and 40 years old. The team of scientists said it's because flavanols increased connectivity, and subsequently blood flow, in a region of the brain critical to memory.
Don't get too excited, however. The amount of flavinols they used for the study was significantly more than you get out of, say, a candy bar.
Source: Columbia University
Source: Yahoo! News
Children and young adults dealing with self-esteem issues and depression may find relief through a favorite song. A three-year study out of Northern Ireland trailed 250 young people, half of whom received traditional therapy. The others underwent music therapy.
Researchers found that young people who had music therapy has improved self-esteem and reduced depression symptoms. The study also found that the benefits were sustained in the long term.
Source: Queens University in Belfast, U.K.
Source: UPI
A new handheld system is going to revolutionize high school athletics. The i-STAT System, made by Abbott, a Chicago-based health care company, can use a blood sample to determine if you have a concussion.
The handheld, portable device takes a few drops of blood and in real-time can produce lab-quality vitals.
The system was developed in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Defense to help soldiers on the battlefield quickly and accurately test for concussions, or traumatic brain injuries.
Once you get a first concussion, it is much easier to get a second, which is why this system is so useful for high school athletes.
Source: Abbott