Traffic noise boosts risk of stroke, says study

Exposure to road traffic noise boosts the risk of stroke for those 65 or older, according to research published online on Wednesday in the European Heart Journal.

In a survey of more than 50,000 people, every 10 additional decibels of road noise led to an increase of 14 percent in the probability of a stroke when averaged for all age groups.

For those under 65, the risk was not statistically significant. But the risk was weighted hugely in the over-65 group, where it rose 27 percent for each 10 decibel increment.

Above 60 decibels or so, the danger of stroke increased even more, the researchers found.

A busy street can easily generate noise levels of 70 or 80 decibels. By comparison, a lawnmower or a chainsaw gives off 90 or 100 decibels, while a nearby jet plane taking off typically measures 120 decibels.

"Previous studies have linked traffic noise with raised blood pressure and heart attacks," said lead researcher Mette Sorensena of the Danish Cancer Society.

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Study Said That Breastfeeding May Not Be Best After Four Months

Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months is not necessarily best for a baby's health, British researchers said Friday, calling into question advice given to new mothers.

The team led by a paediatrician from University College London said babies fed only breast milk could suffer iron deficiency and may be more prone to allergies.

The study says babies could start to be weaned on to solids as early as four months, although other experts advised sticking to the existing guidelines.

Ten years ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended that infants should be exclusively breastfed for six months.

"Many Western countries, including 65 percent of European member states and the United States, elected not to follow this recommendation fully, or at all," the authors said, although Britain did.

The WHO recommendation "rested largely" on a review of 16 studies, including seven from developing countries.

It concluded that babies given only breast milk for six months had fewer infections and experienced no growth problems.

But another review of 33 studies found "no compelling evidence" not to introduce solids at four to six months, the experts said.

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Breast-Feeding May Counter Some Effects of Childhood Cancer

Breast-feeding may help reduce some long-term negative side effects of cancer treatment in women who survived childhood cancer, according to a new study.

The findings suggest that making women aware of the benefits of breast-feeding should be part of routine recommendations for a post-cancer healthy lifestyle, said Susan W. Ogg and colleagues from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

The researchers reviewed studies that examined whether women can successfully breast-feed after treatment for childhood cancer, how childhood cancer treatment affects women's health in general over the long term and whether breast-feeding might reduce both the risk and impact of treatment-related toxicity in cancer survivors.

Read more : womenshealth.gov

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Exercise Improves IBS Symptoms

In a study that was conducted with around 102 Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients it was found that physical activity improves IBS symptoms and also protects against deterioration of the condition. Half the group was asked to increase their physical activity and the rest were asked to maintain their usual lifestyle. The group that had physical activity developed reduced symptoms when compared to the non-active group where there was no change. The study, which was conducted at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg and at Alings's Hospital, age groups ranging between 18 and 65.

Read more : Medinda.net

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Android smartphone to rocket into space

A UK-based team of researchers plans to launch a smartphone-bearing satellite to see if the phone will work in space.

The Surrey Training, Research and Nanosatellite Demonstrator (Strand-1) is scheduled to go into orbit around the Earth with a £300 smartphone payload, Guildford-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) announced on Monday. The project is designed to show off the capabilities of a satellite built using commercial, off-the-shelf components.

"If a smartphone can be proved to work in space, it opens up lots of new technologies to a multitude of people and companies for space who usually can't afford it," Strand-1 lead researcher Chris Bridges said in a statement.

According to Bridges, smartphones contain components — such as sensors, GPS systems and Wi-Fi radios — that are technologically advanced but smaller, lighter and cheaper than those typically used in satellite systems.

The Strand-1 project, expected to cost around £250,000 including launch costs, has been funded equally by the University of Surrey and SSTL, Bridges told ZDNet UK. So far, the partners have spent about £30,000-£40,000 on the satellite hardware itself, with an additional £20,000 on labour and environmental testing costs, he said.

Read more : zdnet.co.uk

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