Science Weekly - 08102018

​This week's research results are really of varied topic: from VR benefits in training through how the Mediterranean diet may be an answer for many modern life challenges to other nutrition habits or foods and their effects on our lives.

Virtual reality can reduce pain and increase performance during exercise

Using Virtual Reality (VR) headsets while exercising can reduce pain and increase how long someone can sustain an activity, according to new research.

​Source: University of Kent

Mediterranean diet prevents a leading cause of blindness, study suggests

Evidence is mounting that a poor diet plays an important role in the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

Diet affects the breast microbiome in mammals

Diet influences the composition of microbial populations in the mammary glands of nonhuman primates, researchers report. Specifically, a Mediterranean diet increased the abundance of probiotic bacteria previously shown to inhibit tumor growth in animals.
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Source: Cell Press

Even light drinking increases risk of death

Analyzing data from more than 400,000 people, researchers have found that consuming one to two drinks four or more times per week -- an amount deemed healthy by current guidelines -- increases the risk of premature death by 20 percent.

Source: Washington University School of Medicine

How has the gluten-free industry affected individuals with celiac disease?

A new study looks at how the recent proliferation of the gluten-free industry has affected individuals living with celiac disease.

​Source: Wiley

Newly discovered compounds shed fresh light on whole grain health benefits

Scientists have discovered new compounds that may explain whole grain health benefits. A high intake of whole grains increased the levels of betaine compounds in the body which, in turn, was associated with improved glucose metabolism, among other things. The findings shed new light on the cell level effects of a whole grain-rich diet, and can help in development of increasingly healthy food products.

Source: University of Eastern Finland (original article in Finnish HERE)

Diet and weight may affect response to bipolar disorder treatment

Data from a clinical trial has shown that how people respond to treatment for Bipolar Disorder may be influenced by their weight and the overall quality of their diet, including whether they are eating a diet high in foods thought to contribute to general inflammation. These are early results, but if replicated may mean that treatment of some mental health problems could benefit from the inclusion of dietary advice.

Source: European College of Neuropsychopharmacology