GOOD NEWS

Alzheimer’s block

According to a study conducted by the researchers at the Brain Laboratory, University of Helsinki, and the Johnnie B. Byrd Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute in Tampa, Florida, a protein called KDI tri-peptide can block the harmful effects of glutamate, a substance present in all degenerative brain diseases and spinal cord injuries. Glutamate causes permanent cell death and prevents repair of damaged nerve connections. The scientists say in the Journal of Neuroscience Research that the finding may yield a clue to treating people suffering from spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease and some other neurological disorders.

Fat factor

The Polish government’s 1991 decision to cut subsidies for saturated fats from dairy sources has led to a drastic drop in deaths from coronary heart disease, reports the British Medical Journal. Scientists examined the correlation and found that by 2002, deaths from coronary heart disease had dropped by over a third in the 45-64 age group ? 38 per cent for men and 42 per cent for women. During 1991-99, people were consumed seven per cent less saturated fat.

BAD NEWS

Premature risk

Premature babies (those born before the 32nd week of pregnancy) may be at an increased risk of reduced kidney function in young adulthood, suggests a study yet to be published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephro-logy. According to the study, this linkage is true only for those babies who were “small for gestational age” at birth. A Dutch group assessed various kidney functions in 422 young adults born prematurely (average birth weight of 2.5 pounds) and found that they were significantly related to their birth weights.

Insulin link

According to a paper published in the Journal of American Medical Association, development of insulin resistance increases a person’s risk for fatal congestive heart failure (CHF). Major risk factors for CHF include diabetes and obesity, and both are associated with insulin resistance. The study was conducted in Sweden. Scientists, however, think that more investigations are required to confirm the link.