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WORLD OF MEDICINE News From The DANCING FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS Dancing might be the last thing that comes to mind when you think about osteoarthritis treatment. But US researchers have created a gooey substance made from special molecules, nicknamed ‘dancing molecules’, which could be the key to boosting cartilage production and helping to reverse osteoarthritis. The researchers designed the molecules to ‘dance’ as the moving molecules were able to engage with cellular receptors and incite the human cells to produce more of the protein components necessary for cartilage regeneration. So far, the molecules have shown promise when tested on human cells in the lab, and on live sheep. The scientists are hoping that human clinical trials will start soon. EASY ON THE EARBUDS While noise-cancelling earbuds help with focus and relaxation, wearing them for too long at high volumes can strain your ears and cause long-term hearing damage. “Listening at 80 per cent volume for a maximum of 90 minutes at a time is the general rule,” says audiologist Sharon Sandridge. If someone standing an arm’s length away can hear your music, or if you have to raise your voice to speak while listening, the volume is too loud. Earbuds can foster bacterial growth, with the collection of sweat, skin cells and sebum, so clean regularly. DIABETES DRUGS MAY LESSEN DEMENTIA RISK A Korean study reports an oral diabetes drug called SGLT2-inhibitors (Jardiance) – prescribed to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes – can lower the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The researchers looked at data from almost 360,000 patients over five years, and found that SGLT2- inhibitors reduced the risks of these neuro-degenerative disorders by about 20 per cent. SGLT2-inhibitors increase the amount of sugar excreted in the urine, raising the body’s level of substances called ketones, which benefits the nervous system. ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK readersdigest.com.au 3