http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/colitis/ Read the latest medical research on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous colitis and other digestive disorders. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/colitis/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525103354.htm An overgrowth of bacteria in the gut has been definitively linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the results of a new study which used cultures from the small intestine. This is the first study to use this “gold standard” method of connecting bacteria to the cause of the disease that affects an estimated 30 million people in the United States. Fri, 25 May 2012 10:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120525103354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521132619.htm Medical researches have clear evidence that the number of people contracting the hard-to-control and treat bacterial infection Clostridium difficile (C. difficile or C. diff) is increasing, and that the infection is commonly contracted outside of the hospital. Mon, 21 May 2012 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521132619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141903.htm From tiny villages in developing nations to suburban kitchens in the U.S., dangerous strains of E. coli bacteria sicken millions of people each year – and kill untold numbers of children. Now, new research gives scientists a better understanding of what is going on in the diarrhea-wracked guts of its victims, and what might be done to prevent or treat it. Thu, 10 May 2012 14:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141148.htm Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is hard to diagnose as well as treat, but researchers have now discovered a way of confirming the disorder using stool samples. Mon, 07 May 2012 14:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507141148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430152132.htm A synthetic mixture of intestinal bacteria could one day replace stool transplants as a treatment for Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). C . difficile is a toxin-producing bacteria that can overpopulate the colon when antibiotics eradicate other, naturally protective bacteria living there. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430152132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114945.htm The common antibiotic, amoxicillin-clavulanate, may improve small bowel function in children experiencing motility disturbances, according to a new study. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426105654.htm Some lactic acid bacteria can alleviate inflammation and therefore prevent intestinal disorders. Scientists have now decoded the biochemical mechanism that lies behind the protective effect of the bacteria. In experiments with mice, the researchers succeeded in demonstrating that lactocepin – an enzyme produced by certain lactic acid bacteria – selectively degrades inflammatory mediators in diseased tissue. This new evidence might lead to new approaches for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426105654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426104343.htm Chronic pain sufferers who learn to dwell less on their ailments may sleep better and experience less day-to-day pain, according to results of research conducted on people with chronic face and jaw pain. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426104343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm Scientists are reporting that the mucus lining the stomachs of pigs could be a long-sought, abundant source of "mucins" being considered for use as broad-spectrum anti-viral agents to supplement baby formula and for use in personal hygiene and other consumer products to protect against a range of viral infections. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419091221.htm Cells in normal tissue seem to have "personal space" issues. They know how much space they like, and if things get too tight, some cells are forced to leave. Researchers have found that normal epithelium tissue ejects living cells to maintain a steady population and ease overcrowding, a discovery has the potential to reveal what goes awry in cancer when cells do not turnover, but instead pile up. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419091221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419091026.htm New data shows the gut microbiota's causal role in the development of diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, independent of obesity. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419091026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402124446.htm Hypnosis can be a highly effective treatment for the bowel disorder IBS. Studies involving a total of 346 patients showed that hypnotherapy alleviated symptoms in 40 percent of those affected -- and that the improvement is long term. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402124446.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330123222.htm Tales from the crypt are supposed to be scary, but new research shows that crypts can be places of renewal too:  Intestinal crypts, that is. Intestinal crypts are small areas of the intestine where new cells are formed to continuously renew the digestive tract.  By focusing on one protein expressed in our intestines called Lrig1, the researchers have identified a special population of intestinal stem cells that respond to damage and help to prevent cancer. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330123222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329225058.htm An emerging fungal infection mimics cancer and IBD, accorading to medical researchers. Fungus, found in soil and GI tracts of fish, reptiles, amphibians and bats, appears to cause basidiobolomycosis. 44 cases around the world were studied, 17 from Arizona. Symptoms can be abdominal pain or a mass that mimics abdominal cancer. Early detection is key. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329225058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327124856.htm Researchers have created a gut-on-a-chip microdevice lined by living human cells that mimics the structure, physiology, and mechanics of the human intestine -- even supporting the growth of living microbes within its luminal space. As a more accurate alternative to conventional cell culture and animal models, the microdevice could help researchers gain new insights into intestinal disorders and evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential treatments. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327124856.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113317.htm Researchers have determined that two prevalent drug therapies -- rifaximin and lubiprostone -- offer some of the best options for treating irritable bowel syndrome, a widespread disorder that affects up to one in five Americans. The findings are based on an analysis of more than two dozen large-scale clinical trials. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326113317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325102609.htm Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism which helps intestinal bacteria to affect the formation of blood vessels. The results may provide future treatments of intestinal diseases and obesity. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 10:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325102609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120322142157.htm Medical professionals have suggested that the hygiene hypothesis explains the global increase of allergic and autoimmune diseases in urban settings. However, neither biologic support nor a mechanistic basis for the hypothesis has been directly demonstrated. Until now. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120322142157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320152003.htm In a surprising result, researchers looking at the effects of diet on bowel disease found that mice on a calorie-restricted diet were more likely to die after being infected with an inflammation-causing bacterial pathogen in the colon. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320152003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319194215.htm Medical researchers have discovered important new information on the efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in treating Crohn's disease, a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CLA is a naturally occurring acid found in meat and dairy products known for its anti-cancer and immune modulatory properties. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319194215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314142049.htm With every meal, immune cells in the intestine stand like sentries at a citadel, turning away harmful bacteria but allowing vitamins and nutrients to pass. Now, researchers have identified the cells that chaperone food antigens, or proteins, in the intestine so that the immune system doesn’t mount an attack. Their discovery provides scientists with a potential target for therapies against inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease and food allergies. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314142049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314125923.htm Researchers have discovered how salmonella, a bacterium found in contaminated raw foods that causes major gastrointestinal distress in humans, thrives in the digestive tract despite the immune system's best efforts to destroy it. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314125923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174647.htm Nanoparticles are everywhere. From cosmetics and clothes, to soda and snacks. But as versatile as they are, nanoparticles also have a downside, say researchers. These tiny particles, even in low doses, could have a big impact on our long-term health. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229155540.htm Adding prebiotic ingredients to infant formula helps colonize the newborn's gut with a stable population of beneficial bacteria, and probiotics enhance immunity in formula-fed infants, two studies report. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120229155540.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120221212345.htm A leaky gut may be the root of some cancers forming in the rest of the body, a new study suggests. It appears that the hormone receptor guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C) -- a previously identified tumor suppressor that exists in the intestinal tract -- plays a key role in strengthening the body's intestinal barrier, which helps separate the gut world from the rest of the body, and possibly keeps cancer at bay. Without the receptor, that barrier weakens. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120221212345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123352.htm Scientists have made a surprising discovery about the origin of diabetes. Their research suggests that problems controlling blood sugar — the hallmark of diabetes — may begin in the intestines. The new study, in mice, may upend long-held theories about the causes of the disease. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215123352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202622.htm Contrary to current convention by which infection with the organism Clostridium difficile is regarded as an infection that is acquired by contact with symptomatic patients known to be infected with C. difficile, these may account for only a minority of new cases of the infection. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135940.htm Biologists have made an important advance in our understanding of the way cholera attacks the body. The discovery could help scientists target treatments for the globally significant intestinal disease which kills more than 100,000 people every year. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135940.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135757.htm Bedwetting isn’t always due to problems with the bladder. Constipation is often the culprit; and if it isn’t diagnosed, children and their parents must endure an unnecessarily long, costly and difficult quest to cure nighttime wetting. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123163131.htm Scientists have garnered new insights into how probiotic bacteria provide positive health benefits. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123163131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152006.htm For more than 40 years, scientists and physicians have thought eating a high-fiber diet lowered a person’s risk of diverticulosis, a disease of the large intestine in which pouches develop in the colon wall. A new study of more than 2,000 people reveals the opposite may be true. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115539.htm In a recent study, scientists showed that human colon cancer cells die when they are exposed to the approximate number of bioactive compounds present in one cup of mate tea, which has long been consumed in South America for its medicinal properties. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102915.htm A diet supplemented with a specific probiotic bacterial strain increases the lifespan of mice. The mammalian gut is home to hundreds of bacterial species that contribute to food digestion and, in some cases, inflammatory gut diseases. Probiotics, beneficial bacterial species, can enhance gut health by keeping the resident bacteria in check. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122102915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120003510.htm A groundbreaking study reveals the existence of at least two independent mechanisms for iron absorption from non-meat sources -- and a potential treatment for iron deficiency, the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. The discovery of an alternative mechanism for iron absorption from vegetables and legumes may provide the key to helping solve iron deficiency by providing an alternative, affordable, and readily available source of iron. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120003510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103854.htm We should all be eating more dietary fiber to improve our health -- that's the message from a health review by scientists in India. Researchers suggest fruit, vegetables, whole-grain foods, such as muesli and porridge, beans and pulses, as readily available foods rich in dietary fiber. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111103854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110151724.htm People harbor more than 100 trillion microbes. These microbes live in various habitats on and within the human anatomy; the gut houses the densest population of all, containing hundreds of bacterial species. Scientists detected organizational shifts away from the normal lean state in the gut flora of people who were obese. The differences relate to how the microbial community interacts with the human gut environment, rather than variations in its core energy-use processes. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110151724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211825.htm The underlying reason autism is often associated with gastrointestinal problems is an unknown, but new results reveal that the guts of autistic children differ from other children in at least one important way: many children with autism harbor a type of bacteria in their guts that non-autistic children do not. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109211825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102920.htm Researchers have found clear associations between marijuana use in young males and cyclic vomiting syndrome, where patients experience episodes of vomiting separated by symptom-free intervals. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104135402.htm The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease are increasing with time and in different regions around the world. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104135402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105804.htm Bacteria living in people's large intestine may slow down the activity of the "good" kind of fat tissue, a special fat that quickly burns calories and may help prevent obesity, scientists are reporting in a new study. The discovery could shed light on ways to prevent obesity and promote weight loss, including possible microbial and pharmaceutical approaches, the authors said. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214094847.htm A simple online calculator could offer family GPs a powerful new tool in tackling two of the most deadly forms of cancer, say researchers. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214094847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208125728.htm Three new locations for Crohn's Disease genes have been uncovered using a novel gene mapping approach. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208125728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100455.htm Here's another reason why "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." New research shows oral ingestion of apple polyphenols suppresses T cell activation to prevent colitis in mice. This study is the first demonstrating a role for T cells in polyphenol-mediated protection against autoimmune disease possibly leading to treatments for people with disorders from bowel inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100455.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116192955.htm A probiotic treatment appears to mitigate pancreatitis in an animal model, leading to a new hypothesis of how probiotics may act, according to a new study. The bacterial species most closely associated with improvement in health was discovered for the first time in the course of this research. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116192955.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116143059.htm Scientists have shown that taking a probiotic before radiation therapy can protect the intestine from damage -- at least in mice. Their study suggests that taking a probiotic also may help cancer patients avoid intestinal injury, a common problem in those receiving radiation therapy for abdominal cancers. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116143059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111152203.htm The cells that help to absorb food and liquid that humans consume are constantly being produced. The various cell types that do this come from stem cells that reside deep in the inner recesses of the accordion-like folds of the intestines, called villi and crypts. But exactly where the most important stem cell type is located -- and how to identify it -- has been something of a mystery, until now. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111152203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151007.htm A jumping gene has helped to unlock vital clues for researchers investigating the genetics of colorectal cancer. In a new study, researchers used DNA transposon system to profile the repertoire of genes that can drive colorectal cancer in a mouse model, identifying many more than previously thought. Around one third of these genes are mutated in human cancer, which provides strong evidence that they are driver mutations in human tumours. Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111106151007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103081335.htm A biochemist is finding clues that could lead to an early diagnosis of cancer of the large intestine. Specifically, she has focused on certain enzymes known as peptidases and their activity (working rate): she has studied how their activity changes by comparing the tissue encountered at different stages of the disease. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103081335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101141339.htm Patients with recent use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or anti-clotting drugs such as clopidogreal do not appear to have an increased risk of bleeding during or after removal of precancerous lesions in the digestive tract, according to new results. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101141339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031132213.htm Researchers have developed a new way to assess a common cause of chronic diarrhea, microscopic colitis, using the Microscopic Colitis Disease Activity Index. The index provides a consistent way to assess the condition's severity. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031132213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115107.htm The first study to assess improvements in detection of pre-cancerous growths in the colon through intensive physician training was presented today at ACG 2011, where CRC detection was an important focus of the scientific presentations. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115105.htm New research points to a potential role for UV light exposure and vitamin D levels in chronic digestive conditions; Crohn's disease, a serious inflammatory condition in the small intestine; and ulcerative colitis, which similarly affects the colon. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115105.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115103.htm Social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube can be powerful platforms to deliver and receive healthcare information, especially for patients and caregivers who are increasingly going online to connect and share experiences with others with similar medical issues or concerns. However, experts say these sites may lack patient-centered information and can also be sources of misleading information that could potentially do more harm than good, according to the results of two separate social media-related studies unveiled today. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115101.htm The psychological and emotional traumas experienced over a lifetime -- such as the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disaster, house fire or car accident, physical or mental abuse -- may contribute to adult irritable bowel syndrome, according to the results of a new study. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114951.htm In four different studies, researchers explored the effectiveness of probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea; as an anti-inflammatory agent for patients with ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome; and for people with abdominal discomfort and bloating who have not been diagnosed with a functional bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114949.htm Just one drink per day for women -- two for men -- could lead to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and subsequently cause gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea, according to the results of a new study. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114945.htm Growing evidence for the effectiveness of fecal microbiota transplants as a treatment for patients with recurrent bouts of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea is presented in three studies -- including a long-term follow-up of colonoscopic fecal microbiota transplant for recurrent C. difficile Infection that included 77 patients from five different states. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114941.htm The lack of readily available information about cosmetic ingredients may cause patients with celiac disease who use lip, facial or body products to unknowingly expose themselves to gluten -- an ingredient they need to avoid, according to the results of a new study. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031114941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028082708.htm Scientists have discovered that taking regular aspirin halves the risk of developing hereditary cancers. The study -- which followed nearly 1,000 patients, in some cases for over 10 years -- found that those who had been taking a regular dose of aspirin had 50 per cent fewer incidents of hereditary cancer compared with those who were not taking aspirin. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028082708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027150209.htm Many organs, from muscles and intestines to the liver, change size during adulthood. A new study shows that adult stem cells are key to these changes. Working with fruit flies, biologists discovered that after eating, the gut secretes insulin that activates stem cells into overdrive to grow the gut. In flies, the midgut can quadruple in size within four days. The finding could have implications for diabetes and obesity in humans. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027150209.htm