Gene Editing and Making Superman

Science fiction has looked at the genetic alteration of humans to create "supermen" (Khan in Star Trek for example).

As often occurs, science fact begins to catch up. In a recent report, researchers at Berkeley have developed techniques to "edit" human genes.

While promoted as possible cures for genetic diseases, cancers and HIV, this simple technique could be used to change genes and create super athletes and other interesting traits.

Scientists from the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) have called for a worldwide ban on the use of a gene editing technique. But will this prevent the unscrupulous use?

More Good News about Exercise - fractures and cancer

As if we need to be reminded, two new studies about exercise in older people (as I age I don't like to use the word "elderly") again remind us about the benefits of remaining active.

There is a lot of publicity (especially from the drug companies) about osteoperosis and fractures, particularly in women. As previously blogged, the drugs are overused based on the science. Now a study compared vitamin D and exercise against exercise alone and vitamin D alone.

Although the number of falls in all groups was similar, the number of injuries was significantly lower in the exercise group; vitamin D had no effect. This makes sense as muscles will be stronger and be able to react more quickly.

In a second report, it was found that in a study of over 14,000 older men being physically fit (as assessed by a treadmill test) resulted in a roughly 50% decrease in the risk for lung, colon and prostate cancer. Furthermore, these men had significantly lower mortality rates if they did develop cancer.

That said my wife and I are off to exercise!!

The Selling of Breast Milk and Dangers

Recently an on-line market for breast milk has gained popularity. This has been fueled by many studies that show breast milk is far superior for infants, but also by anecdotal reports from body-builders that this is an ideal supplement.

The main problem is that this market is unregulated.

Online markets do not routinely pasteurize breast milk, and donors (and their donated milk) are not required to undergo testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C, or other communicable diseases.

In one study, the authors note, 21% of breast milk samples bought online tested positive for cytomegalovirus, versus just 5% of those purchased from licensed banks. In addition, over 90% of online samples showed bacterial contamination, likely due to lack of pasteurization as well as suboptimal shipping and storage practices. Another study identified illicit drugs in breast milk purchased online.

This can place everyone in danger. We need to make sure this new industry is properly monitored and promises of screening and pasteurization are enforced.

Finally, there is absolutely no evidence that breast milk is superior to protein - fat - carbohydrate mixtures for body building. If you want something similar to breast milk for your weight lifting buy baby formula. It has an almost exact ratio of these three elements, as well as all the vitamins and minerals of breast milk. It only lacks the antibodies and other biological substances that growing babies, and not muscular men and women, require.

Air Pollution and Bad News for Children of the 60's

In the 50's and 60's there was very little control on air pollution

. Since then levels have been slowly improving. However, for those of us who lived in cities during that time there is some disturbing news.

Studies showed that growing up in a polluted environment results in permanent decreases in lung function. As air quality has improved the lung function of children has improved.

Perhaps that explains why I am not a marathon runner. Or maybe I just don't train enough!

Accuracy of Breast Biopsy Results in question!

The discovery of a breast lump leads to concern and discussion about who the best surgeon is to biopsy it.

When a diagnosis of breast cancer is made, we go about discussing treatment, surgery, prognosis, etc. And, when the biopsy result is negative we celebrate.

But a recent study had show we are forgetting a critical point in this sequence. Researchers sent 60 slides to breast pathologist in 8 states who had at least one years experience. When they compared the reports to that of a trio of experts they found that there were 17% of invasive and ductal cancer missed!!

Disagreement with expert diagnosis occurred more often among pathologists who worked in smaller or nonacademic practices with lower case volumes or when biopsies were from women with dense breast tissue.

New molecular

chemical techniques may improve diagnostic accuracy, but until then you may consider getting that second opinion from an academic expert pathologist; especially if there are any questions. Don't be afraid to question the pathologist!!

More on Measles

 Measles is a dangerous extremely contagious disease that can kill. In 2014 122,000 people died because of measles.
Because of the Ebola crisis in West Africa there has been a lapse in the measles vaccination campaign as resources were strained. Now WHO estimates that there may be a million children who have missed their vaccination, and this can result in as many as 16,000 deaths - comparable to Ebola!

Measles is far more contagious - there is a 90% chance of airborne transmission to an unvaccinated individual.
Please review the videos on this link. I like the scientific one better than the Jimmy Kimmel one.

Measles Videos

Father's Diet Can Cause Obesity!

There has been some evidence recently that the diet and activities of parents can affect the activation of genes while a baby is developing in the uterus. This can affect the child throughout their life.

In studies of identical twins, with the same genetic material, it has been found that certain genes (coding for a protein called Su(var) ) could be activated in one of the twins, who becomes fat, while not in the other.

To study this further researchers fed male mice a diet high in processed sugars and found that, compared to controls, their children had this gene activated.

I would think this result would be the same in humans. A father whose diet is high in processed sugars would make it more likely that his children are fat, and thereby at higher risk for diabetes and heart disease.

So if you want your children to be healthy you need to eat properly!

Metal Particles in Children's Tylenol - And the company didn't care?

 It is unbelievable that the pharmaceutical company knew that there were metal particles in liquid children tylenol, yet did not do anything about it! Fortunately there were no injuries; but sadly, in this country, even if there were it is very unlikely that any criminal charges would have been brought (as in many other countries - in China a CEO was sentenced to death for causing death in consumers!).

Another example of the "risk-benefit" financial thinking of corporate America?

McNeil Consumer Healthcare pleaded guilty on Tuesday to selling children's Tylenol that contained particles of nickel, iron, and chromium, the Associated Press reports.

The company said it did not take corrective action after learning that metal particles were present inside bottles of over-the-counter liquid Infants' and Children's Tylenol and Children's Motrin. The company and prosecutors said in court that no child was known to be injured because of the manufacturing error. The case is being settled for $25 million.

News Report

More on Intestinal Bacteria

There has been much publicity about the bacteria or germs that grow in your intestine. Several recent studies have shown that the nature of the germs that grow symbiotically in your gut can affect your risk of obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.

A new report shows that mice who had been given antibiotics to change their intestinal makeup were significantly more likely to develop serious complications from Hepatitis B virus.

It seems that our intestinal bacteria play an important symbiotic relationship. This can be disrupted by taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics, when necessary, are miracle drugs. But they should not be taken without proper indications! Certainly not for the common cold. And if you do need to take some try and use some probiotics afterward to help get things back to normal!

Prostate and Breast Cancer

Recently you might have heard that having a first degree relative with prostate cancer makes a woman more likely to get breast cancer.

I have reviewed the study and think this is a bit overblown. In the first case the relative risk increased by only 1.5%; a very minimal elevation.

As well, in general, a family history of any cancer is a slight increased risk for another cancer.

So yes, this study is somewhat valid but is not a cause for concern. As well, almost 90% of men will have microscopic foci of Prostate cancer by the time they are 90; these never cause a problem!

Osteoperosis Drugs and cancer

Not long ago I posted an article about the excess use of these drugs and side effects (September 2014)

In another recent study, researchers found that, looking at a group of almost 90,000 women, there was a 25% increased risk of endometrial cancer (of the uterus) in users. Although the total incidence was rare, I find this especially worrisome since many older women no longer get regular PAP tests or examinations.

I still think that these drugs have a place, but should only be used where the benefits outweigh the risks, and not seemingly haphazardly as they are prescribed these days (to the delight of the pharmaceutical accountants).


NPR Article about how drug companies created a disease

HPV Vaccination for Cervical Cancer

A few years ago a vaccination to prevent cancer of the cervix in women was developed. It is recommended in girls at age 12 since the virus that causes the disease is sexually transmitted, and may be indicated in boys since they can carry the virus without symptoms.

Some sources and, unfortunately, several web sites are saying this should not be given since teens should practice abstinence and don't need it. They even say that this could promote promiscuity. To answer that a recent study (which should have been unnecessary) clearly showed that it does not.

Lets stop using blinders and understand that we cannot predict who will be exposed to this virus. The vaccine prevents cancer. All teens should get it.

More Good News about Coffee

Not long ago there was an article about an association between coffee drinking and decreased incidence of a skin cancer, melanoma. And it does not seem to be related to the indoor habits of coffee drinkers!

Now, in a study of 25,000 South Koreans, they found that drinking 3-4 cups of coffee daily may lower the calcium score in the arteries of the heart (a marker of heart disease); but certainly does not increase risk.

While most do not recommend drinking coffee to prevent heart disease or skin cancer, it does not appear to have any ill effects!

Intense Exercise is Better!

We all know that exercise, especially as we age, is critically important to maintain health.

In diabetics, exercise has been shown to improve sugar levels, but a recent study examines which kind is best. Interestingly intense exercise is significantly better at decreasing sugar levels.

Intense exercise is defined as 75% of maximum level five days a week.

Sleep is Important for Health - How Much is needed?

We still are not sure what sleep does. Some think that it is the time that memories are consolidated; others that this is the time our brain processes its waste products. The brain is a complex organ that uses about 25% of our daily calorie intake!

A recent study on infants showed that those who has naps of more than 30 minutes had significantly improved memory of recent events. In teenagers, more sleep led to better results in high school.

The growing body needs it sleep. We should be sure that our children get adequate rest.

How much sleep is necessary? The national sleep council, using whatever research is available has presented the following recommendations:

 • Newborns: 14–17 hours a day (previous recommendation: 12–18 hours)
• Infants: 12–15 hours (previously, 14–15)
• Toddlers: 11–14 hours (previously, 12–14)
• Preschoolers: 10–13 hours (previously, 11–13)
• School-aged children: 9–11 hours (previously, 10–11)
• Teenagers: 8–10 hours (previously, 8.5–9.5)
• Young adults (up to age 25): 7–9 hours
• Adults (26–64 years): 7–9 hours
• Older adults (65+): 7–8 hours
The document also includes a wider range of sleep duration that "may be appropriate" (versus "recommended") for some individuals in each age group (e.g., 11–19 hours in newborns).

We still are not sure what sleep does. Some think that it is the time that memories are consolidated; others that this is the time our brain processes its waste products. The brain is a complex organ that uses about 25% of our daily calorie intake!

A recent study on infants showed that those who has naps of more than 30 minutes had significantly improved memory of recent events. In teenagers, more sleep led to better results in high school.

The growing body needs it sleep. We should be sure that our children get adequate rest.

How much sleep is necessary? The national sleep council, using whatever research is available has presented the following recommendations:

 • Newborns: 14–17 hours a day (previous recommendation: 12–18 hours)
• Infants: 12–15 hours (previously, 14–15)
• Toddlers: 11–14 hours (previously, 12–14)
• Preschoolers: 10–13 hours (previously, 11–13)
• School-aged children: 9–11 hours (previously, 10–11)
• Teenagers: 8–10 hours (previously, 8.5–9.5)
• Young adults (up to age 25): 7–9 hours
• Adults (26–64 years): 7–9 hours
• Older adults (65+): 7–8 hours
The document also includes a wider range of sleep duration that "may be appropriate" (versus "recommended") for some individuals in each age group (e.g., 11–19 hours in newborns).