New studies find that Chinese knotweed (Polygonum multiflorum, Pleuropterus multiflorus), a traditional Chinese medicinal root that has been used for more than a thousand years, can be used to treat hair loss. It seems to block harmful hormones, protect follicles, and boost blood flow.
related: #hair_loss #treatment #TCM
In times of increased food prices, there is the question whether old food can still be eaten. A nutritionist advises that we should never eat food with visible mould, slime, leaking liquid, or strong or sour smells, since there is a high risk of food poisoning. Also mouldy bread should be completely discarded, since mould spreads easily in porous foods. However, brown bananas, wrinkly apples, or oranges with dry skin (which don't show the signs above) are often still edible.
related: #food #edible
New studies find positive side effects of GLP-1 drugs used against diabetes and for weight loss. Patients taking the drugs have a lower risk of brain, kidney, heart, and liver diseases. Women taking the drugs have a 30 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer. More studies are planned.
related: #GLP1 #disease #cancer
A new small study found that vitamin D may successfully supplement chemotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer, which is still very hard to treat.
related: #vitamin_D #pancreatic_cancer
A small organ, called thymus, located between heart and sternum, plays a surprisingly important role in general health. Two new studies found that a healthy thymus is related to longer life, fewer serious diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases. The insight means that more attention should be given to the thymus.
related: #thymus #health
A known anti-inflammatory drug, called tocilizumab, is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Surprisingly, it seems to ease symptoms of depression that are hard to treat otherwise.
related: #depression #anti_inflammatory
A new type of plastic has been developed that can degrade within six days without producing microplastics, since once triggered two cooperating bacterial strains fully digest it in six days.
related: #degradable #plastic
