Latest news with #MedicalXpress
Jordan News
17-05-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Iron Deficiency Increases Stroke Risk Among Young Adults - Jordan News
A recent study has found that iron-deficiency anemia significantly and independently raises the risk of ischemic stroke in young adults. Iron-deficiency anemia—the most common type—occurs when iron stores are insufficient to support red blood cell production. اضافة اعلان Iron Deficiency in Women This condition disproportionately affects women, primarily due to regular iron loss during menstruation and increased iron demands during pregnancy. Maternal anemia has also been linked to developmental issues in children, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stroke in Young Adults According to Medical Xpress, it's estimated that 10% to 15% of all strokes occur in adults aged 18 to 50—an age group that is also experiencing a rise in iron-deficiency anemia cases. However, limited data had previously explored the relationship between iron-deficiency anemia and stroke risk in this age group. In this study, researchers examined health records from over 300 hospitals across the United States, collecting data on patients aged 15 to 50, both with and without ischemic strokes. Patients with anemia due to other causes—such as sickle cell disease, pregnancy, or contraceptive use—were excluded. The Impact of Anemia The results showed that individuals with a history of iron-deficiency anemia had a significantly higher risk of experiencing a stroke, even after adjusting for multiple variables. Iron-deficiency anemia was associated with a 39% increased risk of ischemic stroke, independent of other known risk factors such as smoking.
News18
14-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Why Can Some People Thrive On Just Four Hours Of Sleep?
Last Updated: The sleep-wake cycle is impacted by a mutation, which may result in less sleep and maybe deeper sleep. Humans need sleep to function properly. That is what we have been taught for decades and science backs it. But not everyone requires the same quantity of sleep to endure the craziness of this world. Even though some people need seven to nine hours of sleep every day, others may get by with just four to six hours. For those of us who need our eight hours of sleep every day, these short sleepers are just as well-rested as the rest of us. Scientists have now identified a unique genetic mutation that benefits these individuals, who survive on just four hours of sleep. Study Conducted According to research that was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal, individuals who have a natural short sleep (NSS) feature have a mutation that impacts how long they sleep. One volunteer for the study was a 70-year-old natural short sleeper. An organised interview was conducted with the healthy woman, who reported her regular sleep-wake habits. Medical Xpress reports that wrist actigraphy was used to capture her sleep habits. The actigraph device indicated an average of 6.3 hours of sleep every night, despite the volunteer reporting a three-hour bedtime every day. To find the genetic variations that might be causing her to sleep exceptionally well, the researchers took samples of her DNA and performed whole-exome sequencing. They found a mutation in the salt-induced kinase 3 (SIK3) protein kinase, N783Y. Now, scientists claim that one of these mutations changes SIK3's protein structure. According to the Independent report, the mutation N783Y, which alters the structure of this gene, is crucial in determining wakefulness and sleep patterns. The SIK3-N783Y mutation was examined by the researchers in genetically altered mice, which were observed to sleep an average of thirty minutes less per night than normal mice. They found that the mutation caused structural alterations that hindered the protein's capacity to transmit essential phosphate molecules to other proteins. This leads to a shorter sleep duration. The Significance Of The Study Lack of sleep can lead to some negative health consequences, such as an increased risk of heart disease and the early development of diseases like Alzheimer's. Even with fewer hours of sleep, those with this uncommon mutation can be completely refreshed, in contrast to those who require at least seven hours of sleep. The study found that short sleepers thrive on less sleep and may even feel 'worse" if they get more. Researchers think the new study will help them create better sleep disorders therapies and enhance the quality of sleep. You now understand why you possess that superpower if you are a short sleeper.
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First Post
12-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Super-sleepers: Why can some people go on about their day on just 4 hours of sleep?
Sleeping is a necessity, which, if we do inadequately, could lead to several health risks. However, not everyone requires the same amount of bedtime each night. Some people can manage on just four to six hours of shut-eye. Scientists have now found out the reason behind their superpower read more Sleep is essential for all human beings to function. However, not everyone needs the same amount of sleep to survive the chaos of this world. Some people require seven to nine hours of shut-eye daily, while others can do just fine with only four to six hours of bedtime each night. These short sleepers are as well-rested as the rest of us who cannot do without our eight hours of daily sleep. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, scientists have discovered what works in favour of these people who thrive on only four hours of sleep – a rare genetic mutation. Let's take a closer look. How study was carried out The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), has found a mutation in people with a natural short sleep (NSS) trait that affects their sleep duration. A 70-year-old natural short sleeper volunteered for the study. The healthy woman reported her regular sleep-wake patterns through an organised interview. Her sleep patterns were recorded via wrist actigraphy, according to Medical Xpress. While the volunteer reported three hours of daily bedtime, the actigraph device signalled an average of 6.3 hours of sleep each night. The researchers collected her DNA samples and carried out whole-exome sequencing to identify genetic variants that could be making her a super sleeper. They found a mutation – N783Y – in the salt-induced kinase 3 (SIK3) protein kinase. What the study found Previous studies have identified five mutations in four genes that are linked with short sleep in humans, as per a Medical Xpress report. Now, researchers say that one of these mutations alters the protein structure of SIK3. The mutation – N783Y – that changes the structure of this gene plays a key role in determining sleep and wakefulness, as per an Independent report. The scientists studied this mutation – SIK3-N783Y – in genetically modified mice, which were found to sleep an average of 30 minutes less each night, compared to other mice. After further analysis, they discovered that the mutation led to structural changes, impairing the protein's ability to transfer key phosphate molecules to other proteins. This results in reduced duration of sleep. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some people can thrive on just four hours of sleep. Representational Image/Pixabay Why the study matters There are several adverse health effects associated with sleep deprivation, including early onset of conditions like Alzheimer's and increased risk of heart disease. However, people with this rare mutation can be fully rested even with fewer hours of sleep, compared to those who need a shut-eye of at least seven hours. As per the researchers, short sleepers not only thrive on less sleep but may also feel 'worse' if they sleep more. 'Our bodies continue to work when we go to bed,' detoxifying themselves and repairing damage, study co-author Ying-Hui Fu, a neuroscientist and geneticist at the University of California, San Francisco, told Nature. 'These people [natural short sleepers], all these functions our bodies are doing while we are sleeping, they can just perform at a higher level than we can.' Scientists hope the latest study will help them improve sleep quality and design better treatments for sleep disorders. 'These findings advance our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of sleep,' scientists wrote, adding that it gives 'further support for potential therapeutic strategies to enhance sleep efficiency'. So, if you are a short sleeper, now you know why you have that superpower. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Jordan News
29-04-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Iron Levels May Explain Brain Fog During Menopause - Jordan News
New research from the University of Oklahoma sheds light on an underexplored scientific area: the relationship between iron levels in the blood and cognitive performance in women undergoing menopause. اضافة اعلان Cognitive Function Improves with Sufficient Iron Levels During Menopause The findings offer encouraging news for women experiencing brain fog and other symptoms. The study revealed that women with sufficient iron levels in their blood during menopause demonstrated better cognitive performance. Importantly, having adequate iron levels in the blood does not mean dangerously high iron levels in the brain—a key distinction, as excess brain iron has been linked to a greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. 'When a woman reaches menopause, she stops losing blood monthly, which means she's no longer losing iron,' said lead researcher Michael Wenger. According to Medical Xpress, the research team measured blood iron levels, conducted MRI scans to assess brain iron, and evaluated cognitive performance using behavioral tests. While none of the women in the study were clinically iron deficient, many had iron levels lower than the expected range for their age. These women performed worse on measures of memory, attention, and cognition. This finding was both surprising and positive: having iron levels that meet or slightly exceed age-based expectations does not seem to increase brain iron accumulation. What Does Iron Deficiency Mean? Iron deficiency is not the same as anemia. Wenger clarified that while low iron can be a risk factor for anemia, anemia itself can result from various causes. 'Our previous research has shown that iron deficiency can have significant cognitive costs,' Wenger said. 'Low iron may be one reason women experience mental fog during menopause.' Changes in Vision The study also points to a possible reason some women report changes in vision during menopause. Iron plays a crucial role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is essential for transmitting light signals in the eye. Iron Supplements Although iron supplements are generally not the first-line solution due to their potential gastrointestinal side effects, Wenger notes that low-dose supplements or dietary changes to increase iron intake may be beneficial.
Jordan News
23-04-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Study: Increasing Plant-Based Protein Intake May Prolong Lifespan - Jordan News
An Australian study found that countries with higher consumption rates of plant-based proteins—such as legumes, vegetables, and soy—instead of animal-based proteins tend to have a higher average life expectancy among their populations. اضافة اعلان In the study, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, a research team from the University of Sydney analyzed dietary patterns and demographic data from 101 countries between 1961 and 2018. The analysis took into account factors such as population size and the economic status of each country. The goal was to identify which types of proteins are associated with longer life expectancy. Kathleen Andrews, the lead researcher, stated: 'The study revealed varying results based on the type of protein linked to increased life expectancy, depending on different age groups.' She explained in remarks to the medical research website Medical Xpress: 'For children under the age of five, consuming proteins from animal sources like meat, eggs, and dairy reduces mortality rates. However, in contrast, plant-based proteins were found to help extend lifespan among adults.'
