Dear Friends,
Welcome to my February news update with the pick of the most interesting stories in health and wellbeing over the last month. Please explore these new findings and be sure to share them with your friends, families and colleagues.
With warmest good wishes,
Dr Rosy Daniel
Recent Advances in Cancer Research
Immune discovery ‘may treat all cancer’
A newly-discovered part of our immune system could be harnessed to treat all cancers, say scientists. The Cardiff University team discovered a method of killing prostate, breast, lung and other cancers in lab tests. The findings, published in Nature Immunology, have not been tested in patients, but the researchers say they have “enormous potential”. Experts said that although the work was still at an early stage, it was very exciting.
Read the full BBC News Article:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51182451
HPV infections nearly eliminated in England under vaccine scheme
Figures boost hopes that cases of cervical cancer will fall, but separate study questions link. Very few sexually active young women are now getting infected with the virus that causes most cervical cancers following the introduction of a mass HPV vaccination programme in schools, Public Health England has said. In 2008, the year vaccination began, 15% of young women were infected with HPV (human papilloma virus), which circulates among sexually active people. Two types, HPV16 and 18, cause the vast majority of cervical cancers.
Read the Guardian Article:
Australia Bushfires
Australia fires: ‘Incredible’ signs of life return to burned bush
Australia’s bushfires have burnt through 10 million hectares of land, and it is feared some habitats may never recover. But in some worst-affected areas, the sight of plants growing back and animals returning to habitats is raising spirits.
Read the full BBC News Article:
The Touch Test
Exploring touchy attitudes
A new survey commissioned by Wellcome Collection to explore people’s attitudes towards the physical experience of touch launches today on BBC Radio 4. The Touch Test is an online questionnaire developed by researchers in the Department of Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London. It creates a unique opportunity to understand the similarities and differences in our experiences of touch, with the aim of increasing our understanding of its role in health and wellbeing. The Touch Test will be launched in a special programme, hosted by All in the Mind presenter Claudia Hammond, on BBC Radio 4, with the results set to be explored in a new series, The Anatomy of Touch, in the autumn.
Read the Psychologist Article:
https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/exploring-touchy-attitudes
Veganism
Veganism: Why are vegan diets on the rise?
Across Britain, people are spending more money on vegan products, and plant-based diets are trending online. With major supermarkets catching on and stocking up on vegan-friendly food – BBC News asks what’s behind the rise? The number of vegans is on the up. A vegan diet involves cutting out animal products like meat, fish, dairy and eggs. According to the latest research by the Vegan Society, conducted in 2018, there are around 600,000 vegans in Great Britain.
Read the full Psychologist Article:
https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/exploring-touchy-attitudes
Acupuncture Easing Neuropathy
Cancer patient trial finds acupuncture lessens chemotherapy neuropathy
Acupuncture can help cancer patients who suffer with neuropathy as a result of chemotherapy, a study has found. A trial at Manchester’s The Christie found 68% of patients getting the treatment, which sees needles inserted into the skin, reported that symptoms of the nerve condition had lessened. One patient with the condition said he could “walk now without any trouble”. Professor Andrew Wardley said it was hoped the findings would “lead to a new standard of care”. The three-year study, funded by the National Institute for Health Research and the Manchester hospital’s charity, involved 120 patients, half of whom were offered weekly hour-long acupuncture sessions over a 10-week period.
Read the full BBC News Article:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-51195500
To see lots more exciting news and evidence go to www.health-e-learning.org.uk and see the health-e-information platform.
Researcher – Sophie Daniel, Health and Wellbeing Trust
Images bought from iStock Getty images – https://www.istockphoto.com