Hormone therapy associated with improved cognition

Estrogen has a significant role in overall brain health and cognitive function. That's why so many studies focused on the prevention of cognitive decline consider the effect of reduced estrogen levels during the menopause transition. A new study suggests a cognitive benefit from a longer reproductive window complemented with hormone therapy.

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Climate change concerns have largely ignored role of access to effective contraception

Climate change concerns have largely ignored the importance of universal access to effective contraception, despite the impact of population growth on greenhouse gas emissions, argue experts.

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Gene mutation in the chloride channel triggers rare high blood pressure syndrome

When the adrenal gland produces too much aldosterone, this often leads to high blood pressure and kidney damage (hyperaldosteronism). It has only recently emerged that several patients harbor a mutation in the gene for the ClC-2 chloride channel. Researchers have now been able to show for the first time how the altered channels cause the disease.

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Compound in breast milk fights harmful bacteria

A compound in human breast milk fights infections by harmful bacteria while allowing beneficial bacteria to thrive, according to researchers. Human breast milk has more than 200 times the amount of glycerol monolaurate (GML) than is found in cows' milk. Infant formula has none. Future research will determine if GML could be a beneficial additive to cow's milk and infant formula.

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New diagnostic criteria may enable earlier detection of cognitive impairment in women

Study finds when verbal memory test cut-offs were tailored to patient sex, more female patients and fewer male patients were considered to have amnesic mild cognitive impairment. This could change the way aMCI diagnoses are determined and make it easier to catch the condition in its early stages.

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'Wild idea' opens possible new frontier for preventing ovarian cancer

A laboratory study offers a new hypothesis about how ovarian cancer forms and suggests how it might be prevented. The study is the first to show that the natural stiffening of the ovaries called fibrosis occurs with age. It also suggests that the diabetes drug metformin may be able to halt this process.

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