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FRIDAY, Sept. 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Eating well and exercising regularly can be a challenge for anyone. But for those with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities, that challenge is exponentially greater.Many young men and women with autism and intellectual disabilities face a significantly higher risk for obesity, and all the health complications that follow. Yet, a small, new pilot study suggests that a diet and exercise program tailored to such individuals — and offered in a group environment with family support — can halt weight gain or even trigger notable weight loss.The program paired U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommendations with "goal-setting to make progress towards eating more healthy foods and engaging in physical activity," explained...

FRIDAY, Sept. 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- An artificial intelligence tool could help radiologists spot breast cancer on ultrasound images and reduce the need for extra testing, new research suggests."Our study demonstrates how artificial intelligence can help radiologists reading breast ultrasound exams to reveal only those that show real signs of breast cancer, and to avoid verification by biopsy in cases that turn out to be benign," said researcher Krzysztof Geras. He is an assistant professor of radiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City and a member of the Perlmutter Cancer Center.About 13% of women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, including 300,000 this year, according to the American Cancer Society.The new study —...

FRIDAY, Sept. 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- A saltwater solution may help stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus in its tracks, Brazilian researchers report. However, although saline may keep the virus from replicating, it does not offer full protection against infection or a cure for COVID-19."It's not a single solution, and it would have to be used in the first few days after infection," said researcher Cristiane Guzzo, a professor of microbiology at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Sciences Institute. In the study, a saline solution of sodium chloride at 1.1% reduced replication of the virus by 88% in tests of infected lung cells in the laboratory."Reducing viral replication means reducing the severity of the disease and the inflammatory response. COVID-19 is a complex disease,...

FRIDAY, Sept. 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- There's good news for health-conscious sausage and bacon lovers.A new study suggests the Japanese knotweed plant could be used to make healthier cured meats.According to researchers, this fast-growing plant that invades gardens and buildings contains a chemical that could take the place of the preservative nitrite, which has been linked to cancer, in cured meats. That might not only make bacon safer to eat, but also cold cuts, sausages and hams.Diets high in nitrites have been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer."Our latest findings show that using natural additives in processed red meat reduces the creation of compounds in the body that are linked to cancer," said researcher Gunter Kuhnle. He is a professor of nutrition and food science...