Medical Notes: Why Women Should Eat More Produce, Better Healthcare For Veterans, And How Movement Helps Kids Learn

We can catch food allergies sooner than ever before.

Since blood tests have high rates of false positives, the current standard for diagnosing a food allergy is consuming the product in front of a physician. However, a study in the Journal Of Clinical Investigation could change this process altogether. Researchers found that measuring water loss from the skin can predict a severe reaction to food quicker and easier than current testing methods.

Should women eat more produce?

Fruits and vegetables contain compounds called flavonoids, which have anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. New research published in the journal Endocrinology shows how flavonoids may reduce the risk and severity of endometriosis. Researchers hope this connection will help drug development for the painful condition.

New research could help veterans get the treatment they need.

Gulf war illness can cause joint pain, memory lapses, and insomnia. It affects nearly 250 thousand veterans, but all diagnoses are based on self-reported symptoms. Research In plus One has finally found a biological measurement to help physicians catch the disease. Scientists discovered that gulf war illness hinders mitochondria functioning in white blood cell. So, a simple blood test can help confirm a diagnosis and show whether or not a specific treatment is working

Should grade school classrooms be more active?

Literacy skills are usually taught to young kids while seated at a desk, but this may be hindering they’re ability to absorb the information. New research in the journal Educational Psychology review studied 57 first graders in Denmark. One group of students learned how to sound-out letters at a desk, while the other group used their body to act out the shape of the letter. The kids who’s learning involved movement doubled their test scores in spelling and letter recognition after just four weeks.