Health headlines

Postnatal depression in dads
ABOUT 9% of Australian fathers with children aged 0-5 years reported symptomatic or clinical psychological distress, according to a study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. Fathers of young children were found to have 1.38 increased odds for psychological distress as measured on the Kessler-6 scale, compared with the Australian adult male population. The study authors suggested routine assessment of fathers’ wellbeing should be undertaken in the postnatal period with mental health interventions and support provided across the early childhood period. The research was reported by ABC News.

Berries for the brain
HIGHER intake of flavonoids, particularly from berries, appears to reduce rates of cognitive decline in older adults, according to a study published in Annals of Neurology. The research used data on 16 010 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study. A high intake of strawberries and blueberries appeared to delay cognitive ageing by up to 2.5 years, the researchers said. The study was reported by Sky News.

Research recruits on Facebook
MELBOURNE researchers who invited young women to participate in a health study via Facebook said the experience showed that the internet offered an innovative recruitment avenue for health researchers. In a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the researchers assessed the feasibility of recruiting young females using targeted advertising on the social networking site. They concluded that the success of the method had implications for future medical and population research. The study was reported by WA Today.

Gynaecologist finds G-spot
A RESEARCHER claims to have confirmed the anatomic existence of the G-spot in a woman after conducting a stratum-by-stratum vaginal wall dissection during autopsy. In an article published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, the author said the G-spot had a distinguishable anatomic structure located on the dorsal perineal membrane. He described it as a well-delineated sac with walls that resembled fibroconnective tissues and erectile tissues. The article was reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

MS could be halted
NEW treatments for multiple sclerosis could result from research by an international team led by Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories. The research showed how MS could be slowed or even halted by blocking a protein that contributes to nerve damage. The research was reported by The Australian.

Pulses protective
RESISTANT starches can protect against colorectal cancer, according to a study on rats by CSIRO researchers published in the Journal of Nutrition. The study showed that resistant starch opposed dietary protein-induced colonocyte DNA damage in rats that were fed Western-type diets. Unrepaired DNA damage is a prerequisite for carcinogenesis, the researchers wrote. The study was reported by Adelaide Now, which said foods such as pulses were high in resistant starch.

Posted 30 April 2012