This week's 5 most important medical research studies
Thousands of research studies are published each year and it can be hard to find the important ones amongst the crowd. To help you stay on top of the new research published this week, we've filtered out the 5 most essential articles.
Coffee found to help decrease the risks of Colorectal Cancer
A group of researchers at the University of Southern California (USA) have found that coffee consumption decreases the risk of Colorectal Cancer. The study looked at over 5,000 people who had been diagnosed, alongside 4,000 people who had no history of the cancer. Participants provided researchers with their daily consumption of coffee as well as any other liquids. Other factors were also taken into consideration, including any smoking habits, general diet as well as any family history of cancer. The researchers concluded that the more coffee consumed, the lower the risk of Colorectal Cancer.
A high-carb diet can have a detrimental effect on heart functions
A new study published this week in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found that a diet high in carbohydrates can have a detrimental effect on the heart. The researchers from the University of Alabama, Massachusetts General Hospital and Vanderbilt University looked at 33 people who were given a small carbohydrate load in the form of a 'kilocalorie' shake. They then observed any reactions in the blood levels of the participants. The study found that after drinking the high-carb shake, there was a 25% reduction in ANP, the hormone that helps the body rid itself of excess salt and reduces blood pressure.
Study finds Vitamin D can help hearts
Scientists from Leeds University have found that vitamin D can have a positive impact on people with chronic heart failure. Researchers studied 160 people who were being treated for heart failure. A section of these participants were given a vitamin D supplement daily for a year and found an improvement in heart function, not seen in a separate placebo group.
New study reveals how the brain combines sound and vision
A new psychology study has provided insight into how the brain combines sound and vision. The findings suggest that there is not one single mechanism within the brain that governs how senses work together. The study took 59 participants and asked them to count the number of flashes on a screen. The screen sometimes had only flashes, only beeps and sometimes both flashes and beeps. The findings highlighted the difficulty most people have when their hearing and vision interact.
Research shows testosterone can reduce heart attack and stroke risk
A long-term study from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute has explored the effects of testosterone supplementation on men with heart disease. The research found that patients who received testosterone as part of their follow up treatment saw reduced heart attack and stroke risk.