Antibiotic-Resistant Microbes May Be Leading Cause Of Death By 2050, WHO Says

Newsweek reports that the World Health Organization estimates the “worldwide death rates from drug-resistant microbes will climb from the current 700,000 per year to 10 million by 2050,” surpassing “cancer, heart disease and diabetes to become the main cause of death” for humans. Health care providers are “scrambling to tighten …

Poor Oral Health In Childhood May Increase Heart Disease Risk In Adulthood

Reuters reports in continuing coverage that research suggests kids “who develop cavities and gum disease may be more likely to develop risk factors for heart attacks and strokes decades later than kids who have good oral health.” The findings were published in JAMA Network Open. Medscape reports the study authors …

Periodontitis May Increase Risk Of Developing Dementia

Forbes contributor Robert Glatter, MD, states that “researchers in South Korea studied the relationship between chronic periodontitis and dementia over a 10 year period,” finding those with “chronic periodontitis had a 6% higher risk for dementia compared to those without periodontitis,” even “after controlling for behaviors such as smoking, consuming alcohol, …

Gum Disease May Play Role In Alzheimer’s Development, Researchers Suggest

The Telegraph (UK) reports that “gum disease may play a pivotal role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, scientists believe.” According to the article, “Researchers said they now had ‘solid evidence’ that the bacteria which causes periodontitis produces an enzyme which destroys neurons leading to memory loss.” The article says that …

No Evidence No-Calorie Sweeteners Have Health Benefits, Improve Weight Loss

HealthDay reports that in a new study published in the BMJ, researchers assessing the potential benefits of no-calorie sweeteners concluded there is “very weak evidence” the sugar alternatives may improve health or assist in weight loss. Researchers said, “Most health outcomes did not seem to have differences between the non-sugar sweetener exposed …

Teen Develops Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Three Weeks After Beginning E-Cigarette Use

CNN reported that a case study published in the journal Pediatrics examined an 18-year-old Pennsylvanian woman who was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, “an inflammation of the lungs due to an allergic reaction to chemicals or dust,” three weeks after beginning to use an e-cigarette. The woman suffered respiratory failure, was placed on a …

Taxes On Sugary Drinks May Decrease Consumption, Studies Suggest

NPR reported that research suggests taxes on sugar-sweetened drinks “do work – although sometimes not as well as hoped.” In a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, researchers asked people in Berkeley, California questions about sugar-sweetened drink consumption every year since the city’s “soda tax went into effect …

“Cellular Messengers In Saliva” May Regulate Oral Bacteria Growth

The UCLA Newsroom states a new study led by UCLA researchers “provides clear evidence that cellular messengers in saliva may be able to regulate the growth of oral bacteria responsible for diseases, such as periodontitis and meningitis.” The article adds the study suggests that “a body’s cellular messengers play an important …