Insidermedicine In 60 - May 25, 2010 - Blood pressure

From San Diego - According to a report presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, scientists have identified a bacteria that may predict colorectal cancer. Researchers examined 91 people, several of whom had at least one polyp. They found certain bacterial signatures only in the intestinal tract of those with a polyp.

From South Carolina - While high blood pressure is now controlled better in the US, its prevalence is not decreasing, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Researchers found that from 1988 to 2008, high blood pressure control increased from 27% to 50% . However, prevalence of the condition did not decrease during the same time period and hypertension rates remain high.

And finally, from Florida - According to a report published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, folic acid in pregnant mice prevented alcohol induced heart defects. Researchers gave mice a high dose of folic acid in early pregnancy, and then administered enough alcohol in the mice to simulate binge drinking in humans. Results showed that administering the high folate dose prior to alcohol exposure protected heart valve development and brought heart function to near normal levels.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• folic acid
• folate
• pregnancy pregnant alcohol
• high blood pressure
• hypertension
• polyps
• colorectal cancer