Dr Chris

Health Headlines

Published: Tuesday, 8 April 2008, 5:50PM

Dr Chris joins with his latest round up of health headlines. First up, is the ethical news regarding skin cells aiding the effects of Parkinson's and a blood test that could detect the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. There's also good news for MS sufferers but bad news for pregnant mothers who craving fatty food.

Skin Cell Breakthrough
Daily Mail - 8th April
Stem cells taken from ordinary skin have been used to ease the effects of Parkinson's disease. The breakthrough, revealed yesterday, could pave the way for a host of new treatments. Crucially, the cells were generated without using embryos, sidestepping the ethical arguments surrounding stem cell science. The experiments, on rats, offer hope that similar cells could be used to treat a range of diseases, from Parkinson's to diabetes.

Caffeine Could Protect Against MS
Daily Star - 8th April
Caffeine could possibly help protect people against multiple sclerosis (MS), a study on mice has suggested. Giving mice the equivalent of six to eight cups of coffee a day protected them against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. Caffeine is known to block the receptor of a molecule called adenosine, which is involved in many of the body's biochemical processes, such as energy transfer and the promotion of sleep.

Mums Who Eat Cake Can Make Their Babies Fat
Daily Express – 4th April
Eating foods rich in trans fats while pregnant or breastfeeding could lead to fatter babies, research suggested today. Trans fats - which are contained in some biscuits, cakes, pies and crackers - have been linked to heart disease. A new study on rats found that babies had a higher chance of being fat if their mother ate trans fats in pregnancy or while lactating.

Blood Test That Gives A Six Year Early Warning Of Alzheimer's
Daily Mail - 7th April
A blood test the makers claim can detect Alzheimer's and Parkinson's up to six years before they take hold is to be launched this summer. The test will allow doctors to alert those at risk of developing the conditions and advise them of lifestyle changes such as improvements to their diet or more exercise. It could also allow earlier treatment with drugs which slow the progress of the diseases.

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