1. Researchers have discovered how the Zika virus causes microcephaly
Thousands of babies have been born with underdeveloped brains since the outbreak last year – now scientists think they know why. [SkyNews]
2. Hope for Reversing Type 2 Diabetes
Many experts believe Type 2 diabetes is an incurable disease that gets worse with time. But new research raises the tantalizing possibility that drastic changes in diet may reverse the disease in some people. [NYTimes]
3. Irregular Periods May Raise Ovarian Cancer Risk, Study Finds
Researchers who were trying to show that irregular periods might protect women against ovarian cancer found just the opposite. [NBC News]
4. Study Says Men Fake Orgasms Much More Than We Think
As a society, we tend to associate fake orgasms with women. However, a new study says that men are faking orgasms a lot more often than we think they are. [MindBodyGreen]
5. Is Ganja The Cure For Diabetes?
A five-year study reported in 2013, wherein some 5,000 participants were observed, the users of ganja had 17 percent lower levels of resistance to insulin, as well as 16 percent, had lower levels of insulin circulating in the blood. [Jamaica Gleaner]
6. People pray for others’ health more than for their own
Nearly nine of 10 Americans have relied upon healing prayer at some point, praying for others even more than for themselves, according to a study. [Science Daily]
7. What Every Woman Needs to Know About Zika
Q&A session: Talks to the CDC about what women need to know about the ongoing Zika virus outbreak. [Times]
8. Alcohol, Processed Meats May Raise Stomach Cancer Risk
Alcohol, processed meats — such as hot dogs, ham and bacon — and excess weight all may raise a person’s risk of stomach cancer, a new review finds. [HealthDay]
9. Why people sleep badly in an unfamiliar place
People sleep less well in an unfamiliar place as the brain’s left side stays alert for danger, a study suggests. [BBC]
10. New Study Predicts an Extra Week of Bad Ozone Every Year
A new study looking at the effects of climate change predicts an extra week of dangerous ozone levels every year across the U.S. by the year 2050. [NBC News]
Surprising discovery:
NASA is Trying to Grow Potatoes on Mars
Researchers are studying which type of potato could be best suited for extraterrestrial farming to support a human settlement on Mars. [WSJ]
Boy born in Poland to mother on life support goes home
Authorities in Poland say a baby boy has gone home safe and well after his brain-dead mother was kept alive on life support so he could be born. [BBC]
#QuoteoftheWeek – “Health and cheerfulness naturally beget each other.” ~Joseph Addison
Happy weekend #THMFam. Remember you can always reach us directly by emailing info@thinkheathmag.com and follow us on Twitter and on Facebook for more updates.
