Health

Atherosclerosis, the process underlying most cardiovascular diseases, begins long before the first symptoms appear. An international study shows that the disease can already be detected in apparently healthy young adults and is much more common than previously thought.

Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness, like the cyclosporiasis cases that have led to hundreds of illnesses, two deaths and produce recalls in several states, remind us that food safety is an ongoing concern.

Going out for a smoke together and mimicking behaviors associated with smoking can double tobacco consumption and make quitting more difficult. Researchers from SWPS University examined mimicry as a “social glue” in interactions between smokers and published the results in the International Journal of Psychology.

A healthy lifestyle in early childhood is associated with a reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), according to a study published online Aug. 24 in Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis.

Bread is one of our staple foods, but these days it is also one of the most divisive: some people eat it with everything, while others see it only as a source of carbohydrates and fear it will make them gain weight. According to Adrienn Szabó, it is worth clarifying, first of all, that from an energy perspective, carbohydrates are essential for humans; according to international recommendations, it is best if the largest proportion of our daily energy needs (40% to 60%) comes from carbohydrates.

Injury or pain affects participation for one in five physically inactive women taking part in social sport, with those from lower-income households more likely to be injury-affected, new research from La Trobe University shows. Researchers surveyed more than 1,330 physically inactive women who had participated in social sport programs across Victoria. Among women affected by injury, the knee (39%), lower back (30%) and ankle (25%) were the most common complaints.

According to a master’s thesis at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), a mobile game can make physical activity more enjoyable. Two master’s students investigated how the mobile game “BitPet” affects physical activity, motivation and social well-being. The three-week study involved 51 participants and combined questionnaires, interviews, step counts and activity data collected through the game itself.

Exercise does more than keep our minds and bodies healthy. It also protects us against the effects of aging. Scientists have developed self-contracting mini-muscle implants that grow their own blood supply and mimic the biological benefits of exercise, giving people unable to work out because of physical limitations a way to reap the same rewards.

Folic acid—an essential vitamin added to flour and cereals and prescribed at high doses for cancer patients and people with blood disorders—does not elevate toxic formaldehyde in the body, according to a new study of mice and human cancer patients who consumed high doses.

A basketball court, soccer field or playground may help make a park inviting. But a new UC Irvine study suggests that the way public safety is approached can also influence how people use those spaces.

Scroll through social media and you will encounter a strange vocabulary for an old impulse: “tanmaxxing,” “UV chasing” and “SPF shunning.” In some corners of the internet, sunscreen is described as toxic, while a “natural” tan is portrayed as protective.