A Year in Medical Breakthroughs: Transforming Diet, Fighting Disease, and Challenging Beliefs
Studies on medical science that garnered the most attention in 2017
As the sun sets on 2017, we take a look back at the breathtaking advancements in medical research, focusing on what truly mattered to you - the findings that piqued your interest, sparked debate, and reshaped our understanding of health and wellness. From the kitchen to the lab, this year was all about challenging the status quo, debunking myths, and opening new doors in our quest for better health.
2017: not just politics and natural disasters, but also the rise of the fidget spinner and some jaw-dropping medical discoveries.
Let's dive in and explore the top trends and surprising findings in nutrition, exercise, cancer research, Alzheimer's prevention, gene editing, and more.
Embracing a Balanced Approach: Debunking Diet Myths
Throughout the year, we've been led to believe that certain nutrients and dietary patterns are the keys to good health. However, 2017 turned that thinking on its head as more research revealed the intricacies and nuances of dietary health.
A Rose by any other name: The Importance of Flavonoid Diversity
Many believed that consuming high quantities of a specific beneficial nutrient was the proper approach to maintaining health. research showed the importance of the diversity of flavonoids—bioactive compounds found in foods such as tea, berries, dark chocolate, and apples—for reducing the risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory diseases. This discovery emphasized that consuming a variety of flavonoid-rich foods offered greater health protection than simply focusing on a single source[5].
The Mediterranean Diet beyond Heart Health
The Mediterranean diet was already revered for its heart health advantages, but research began to uncover its benefits in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), like abdominal pain. This challenged the conventional view that specialized diets like low FODMAP were the only effective dietary approaches for IBS management. Still, more research was needed to compare the Mediterranean diet's efficacy directly with other diets[1].
Even a Little Exercise, Matters
In a world where more than half of U.S adults are obese, exercising regularly has remained crucial for achieving good health. Research this year provided evidence that even a small amount of activity could have a profound impact on our well-being.
Every Minute Counts: Exercise and Mortality
Research has shown that compared with remaining inactive, walking for just 2 hours per week could lower the risk of all-cause mortality. For those who find it tough to fit exercise into their busy schedules, a single workout session a week can aid in preventing depression. A 20-minute exercise session can reduce the body's inflammatory response, and a mere hour of exercise per week can help alleviate stress[7].
The Role Intermittent Fasting Plays in Tackling Obesity
Intermittent fasting is a growing interest among weight loss enthusiasts, as it offers multiple health benefits, including reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, protecting nerve cells from damage, slowing aging, and decreasing the risk of age-related diseases. An article published this year by the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, uncovered that intermittent fasting could increase brown fat in the body which, in turn, can help burn energy and reduce obesity risks[6].
Advances in Cancer Research
Despite countless research projects releasing groundbreaking papers every year, 2017 was no exception. The fight against cancer continued, with new methods emerging to boost the immune system, prevent the spread of cancer, and uncover gene mutations that could be targets for new treatments.
Reversing the Spread of Cancer: 20-HETE and HET0016
One surprising finding this year was the identification of 20-HETE as a target for preventing the spread of cancer. This molecule provides cancer cells with the resources they need to break away from one body part and relocate. A study published in PLOS ONE found that injecting a molecule known as HET0016 could inhibit the actions of 20-HETE, halting the spread of cancer cells within just 48 hours[8].
Vitamin C: More Effective Than Experimental Drugs in Preventing Cancer Stem Cells
Researchers discovered that vitamin C is 10 times more effective than experimental drugs at preventing the formation of cancer stem cells, a key factor in cancer's ability to metastasize and spread to other areas of the body. This finding could lead to new strategies for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment[3].
Reversing Aging and Aging-Related Diseases
In their pursuit of the elusive fountain of youth, scientists delved deeper into the mysteries of aging and aging-related diseases. Their discoveries could pave the way for new treatments and interventions to prevent and reverse signs of aging.
Rejuvenating Old Cells: The Magic of Chemicals Similar to Resveratrol
A study published in BMC Cell Biology showed that chemicals similar to resveratrol, which can be found in dark chocolate, red wine, and certain berries, could rejuvenate old cells and convert them into young cells once more, much like a miracle[9].
Revitalizing the Brain: Rescuing Brain Stem Cells in Mice
The quest for understanding how stem cells found in the hypothalamus of the brain might impact the aging process led to a groundbreaking discovery. By adding a fresh supply of stem cells to the hypothalami of mice, researchers were able to reverse the aging process[4].
Final Thoughts
As 2017 draws to a close, we look back on a year filled with intriguing breakthroughs and shifting perspectives in the world of medicine. With new discoveries and fresh insights into diet, exercise, cancer research, aging, and more, the coming year promises to bring even more innovative developments in the pursuit of better health.
Stay tuned for the latest findings as they emerge in 2018. Happy New Year!
- As the importance of flavonoid diversity in reducing the risks of various medical conditions became clear, a balanced and varied diet gained more attention in nutritional circles.
- A study revealed that the Mediterranean diet could alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, challenging the perception that specialized diets like low FODMAP were the only effective approach.
- Even a small amount of exercise, like a single workout session a week, was found to have significant benefits in preventing depression and reducing stress.
- The molecule 20-HETE was identified as a potential target for preventing the spread of cancer cells, opening new avenues for cancer treatment research.
- Researchers discovered that vitamin C was more effective than experimental drugs in preventing the formation of cancer stem cells, a key factor in cancer metastasis.
- Chemicals similar to resveratrol, found in certain foods like dark chocolate and red wine, were shown to rejuvenate old cells, potentially paving the way for new anti-aging treatments.
- In mice, a fresh supply of stem cells was able to reverse the aging process within the brain, shedding light on the potential for new interventions against aging-related diseases.
- With innovations in science and medicine, the promise of continued development in diet, exercise, cancer research, aging, and more marks the start of an exciting new year in the pursuit of better health and wellness, and a deeper understanding of the universe through fields like environmental science, space, and astronomy.
