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Cholesterol: A friend or a foe?

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Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body and has important natural functions when it comes to digesting foods, producing hormones, and generating vitamin D. It is manufactured by the body but can also be taken in from food. It is waxy and fat-like in appearance. Fast facts on cholesterol Here are some key facts about cholesterol. Find more detail and supporting information in the article.     Cholesterol: Definition and meaning Cholesterol is an oil-based substance and does not mix with the blood, which is water-based. It is carried around the body through the blood by lipoproteins. Two types of lipoprotein carry the parcels of cholesterol:     low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - cholesterol carried by this type is known as 'bad' cholesterol     high-density lipoprotein (HDL) - cholesterol carried by this type is known as 'good' cholesterol Cholesterol has four primary functions, without which we could not survive, these are: ...

Honey vs. sugar: Is honey really better for you?

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Honey and sugar are two of the most commonly used sweeteners. Honey is often regarded as the more healthful option, but is this really the case? Both honey and sugar add sweetness to meals and snacks. However, they have different tastes, textures, and nutritional profiles. This article explores the benefits and disadvantages of both honey and sugar for health and diet. Honey vs. sugar: Similarities and differences honey in a pot Honey contains less fructose and glucose when compared to sugar, but contains more calories. Honey and sugar are both carbohydrates, consisting of the two types of sugar: glucose and fructose. Refined fructose, which is found in sweeteners, is metabolized by the liver and has been associated with:     A. obesity     B. fatty liver disease     C. diabetes Both fructose and glucose are broken down quickly by the body and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. The proportions of glucose and fructos...

Aspirin reduces risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women

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Taking a low-dose aspirin before bed can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, which can cause premature birth and, in extreme cases, maternal and fetal death. A trial, led by Professor Kypros Nicolaides, Professor of Fetal Medicine at King's College London, Dr Liona Poon of King's College, London with Professor David Wright of the University of Exeter, found that administering low-dose aspirin (150 mg) led to a 62% reduction in the rate of pre-term preeclampsia, resulting in delivery before 37 weeks. The study, published in the  New England Journal of Medicine , found an 82% reduction in the rate of early preeclampsia, resulting in delivery before 34 weeks. The double blind, placebo-controlled trail of 1776 women at high risk for pre-term preeclampsia found a lower incidence of developing the disease in women taking aspirin than those taking a placebo. Pre-term preeclampsia occurred in 13 participants (1.6%) in the aspirin group, compared to 35 (4.3%) in the placebo group. ...

Moderate drinking may not ward off heart disease

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Many people believe that having a glass of wine with dinner -- or moderately drinking any kind of alcohol -- will protect them from heart disease. But a hard look at the evidence finds little support for that. That's the conclusion of a new research review in the May 2017 issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. Over the years, studies have found that adults who drink moderately have lower heart disease rates than non-drinkers. That has spurred the widespread belief that alcohol, in moderation, does a heart good. But the new analysis, of 45 previous cohort studies, reveals the flaws in that assumption: A central issue is that "non-drinkers" may, in fact, be former drinkers who quit or cut down for health reasons. Furthermore, seniors who are healthy may be more likely to keep enjoying that glass of wine with dinner. "We know that people generally cut down on drinking as they age, especially if they have health problems," said researcher Ti...

L-arginine: Potential benefits, side effects, and risks

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L-arginine is one of many amino acids the body needs to function properly. Like other amino acids, L-arginine plays a role in building protein. The body can use the protein to help build muscle and rebuild tissue. As a result, researchers have investigated the effectiveness of L-arginine in the treatment of severe wounds and tissue waste in serious illnesses. What is L-arginine? red meat, fish and eggs L-arginine is found in eggs, fish, and red meat. In addition to building protein, L-arginine releases nitric oxide in the blood. Nitric oxide acts to widen blood vessels in the blood stream, which may help aid certain circulatory conditions. A person's body naturally produces L-arginine under normal circumstances. People also get additional L-arginine as part of their regular diet. Red meats, fish, dairy, and eggs all contain low amounts of L-arginine that help the body to replenish its necessary resources. Occasionally, a person's need for L-arginine may exceed the bod...

Apply for Australian Government International Scholarships at Curtin University, 2017

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Curtin University is inviting applications for RTP Stipend Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to both Australian and international students on the basis of merit. Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships are funded by the Australian government and awarded to students of exceptional research potential undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) to assist with general living costs. Curtin University is an Australian public research university based in Bentley, Perth, Western Australia. Applicants must meet and provide official evidence of English language proficiency on or by the application closing date.  Applicants who do not meet English by the application closing date will not be considered for a scholarship. Course Level:  Scholarships are available for undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Study Subject:  Scholarships are awarded within the faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Business School, Science & Engineering, Humanities an...

Study shows how pheromones drive sexual behavior

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A new study in mice brings us closer to understanding how pheromones may enhance sexual behavior in humans. A new mouse study shows how different brain circuits for males and females turn chemical signals into either aggressive or sexual behavior, respectively. Many of us have heard about pheromones making some people seem more attractive than others, but little is known about the exact mechanism that makes this possible. In animals, sense of smell plays a key role in regulating instinctive responses, and whether or not they react to competitors, predators, or potential mates. A team of researchers led by Kazushige Touhara, a professor at the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences in Japan, set out to examine how male pheromones enhance sexual behavior in female mice. Prof. Touhara explains, "It is widely known that some chemicals, especially odors, can impact an animal's instinctive behaviors even on first contact. We assumed there wa...