Bittersweet symphony: Our favorite music can help us deal with pain

A new study has found listening to our favorite music and the emotional responses it produces, particularly if it’s bittersweet, is more effective at reducing our perception of pain than unfamiliar relaxation music.

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Mild long-term lack of sleep can increase women’s heart disease risk

A new study has found that healthy women risk future cardiovascular disease by reducing their sleep time by as little as one-and-a-half hours a night over the long term. The finding reinforces an important message: make sure you get enough sleep.

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Calorie restriction stimulates muscle health & healthy aging genes

A new study has investigated the biological mechanisms brought about by calorie restriction and found that a moderate reduction in calorie intake can improve muscle health and activate biological pathways important for good health.

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Hand osteoarthritis symptoms relieved by an affordable existing drug

A study has found that methotrexate, a widely available and affordable drug that’s usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, is effective at reducing the pain and stiffness suffered by people with hand osteoarthritis.

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Exposure to light at night found to increase risk of depression by 30%

A study has found that nighttime exposure to light increases the risk of mental illness, while daytime light exposure reduces it. The findings offer a simple and effective, non-pharmacological means of improving mental health.

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ADHD medication errors in under-20s have increased by almost 300%

There's been a staggering rise in the number of ADHD medication errors among US youth, most of which occurred at home, a study has found, highlighting the need for greater patient and caregiver education to avoid these preventable errors.

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The most effective treatments for eczema according to science

Researchers have analyzed available topical and systemic treatments for eczema and identified the ones that are most effective, presenting a full range of treatment options for this common chronic skin condition.

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Untreated high blood pressure in over-60s increases dementia risk by 42%

A new study has found that over-60s with untreated high blood pressure have a greatly increased risk of developing dementia, suggesting that maintaining treatment for high blood pressure throughout later life is important for dementia prevention.

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Home test kit could soon spot gingivitis between visits to the dentist

While gingivitis can lead to tooth loss, the bacteria responsible for the gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and cause heart disease. That's why early detection is important, which is where a new home testing kit may soon come in.

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High levels of dangerous metals found in exclusive marijuana users

A new study has found that people who exclusively use marijuana have higher levels of potentially dangerous metals in their blood and urine than those who don’t, suggesting the drug may be an overlooked source of metal exposure.

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