Are food allergies on the rise?
About one in 13 kids have a severe food allergy, but an injectable medication could help change that. Results from a study in the New England Journal of Medicine show that the FDA-approved drug substantially reduces life-threatening reactions to common food allergies. This is only the first part of a three-stage study, but researchers think it could be life-changing for patients with food allergies who fear accidental exposures. (Johns Hopkins University)
Are you scared of the dentist?
An app could help with that. Research shows that up to 30 percent of people fear going to the dentist, which can often lead to skipped visits and bad oral health. A new pilot study in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry tests how a smartphone app called Dental Fearless eases this anxiety. It uses cognitive behavioral therapy to take users through educational materials and coping strategies. The scientists are looking to test this technology in a larger, national study to confirm their initial, positive results. (NYU)
A new link to Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers have discovered a protein variant that increases symptoms like forgetfulness and irritability in mice. The variant exhausts immune cells in the brain – a phenomenon that also occurred when the scientists tested humans. This study shows that different medications could be more effective for specific types of genetic variations linked to Alzheimer’s. (Rockefeller University)
Are teenagers too busy?
After-school participation in clubs and athletics are always promoted as positive activities, but new research shows it may be doing more harm than good. A study in Economics of Education Review reveals that the last hour of extracurriculars, including homework, don’t provide any enrichment for students. In fact, the study shows that it actually has a negative effect on non-cognitive skills like emotional regulation and well-being. This research underscores the importance of downtime and relaxation. (University of Georgia)
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