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MONDAY, Oct. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- A coronavirus strain that has plagued the swine industry in recent years may have the ability to spread to people, researchers say. Swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) has infected swine herds throughout China since its discovery in 2016, according to a new report. In lab tests, scientists at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill showed that SADS-CoV can replicate in human liver, gut and airway cells. While in the same family as the betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 in people, SADS-CoV is an alphacoronavirus that causes gastrointestinal illness (severe diarrhea and vomiting) in swine. It's especially deadly to young piglets. SADS-CoV is also distinct from two common cold alphacoronaviruses in...

MONDAY, Oct. 19, 2020 (American Heart Association News) -- Persimmons are low in calories and high in fiber – a combination that makes them a good choice for weight control. Their mix of antioxidants and nutrients – including vitamins A and C – makes them ideal for a healthy diet. But for all of the benefits that come in these colorful, somewhat uncommon fruits, it may be their relative obscurity that makes them an even more valuable addition to a daily diet. Typically in season from September through December, persimmons pair well with both sweet and savory foods – and they offer a nutritious alternative for people who may grow weary of the same everyday fruits, such as apples, oranges or bananas. "They have different nutrient profiles and bioactives, and it just takes the boredom out...

MONDAY, Oct. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Parents are usually pleased when their newborn seems big and strong, but new research suggests that large babies may be at higher risk for the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation later in life. Atrial fibrillation (a-fib) is the most common heart rhythm disorder, affecting more than 40 million people worldwide. People with a-fib have a five times increased risk of stroke. The association between birth weight and a-fib is controversial, which led the authors of this study to investigate it. Using a special data analysis technique, the researchers concluded that there was a link between greater birth weight and an increased risk of a-fib later in life. Specifically, people with a birth weight that's 1 pound above the average 7.5 pounds...

MONDAY, Oct. 19, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Older adults who get together with friends, volunteer or go to classes have healthier brains, which could help them ward off dementia, according to a new study. Researchers who used brain imaging to examine brain areas involved in mental decline found that greater social engagement made a difference in brain health. Being socially engaged -- even moderately -- with at least one relative or friend activates parts of the brain needed to recognize familiar faces and emotions, make decisions and feel rewarded, the study found. "We need to do more research on the details, but that's the beauty of this -- social engagement costs hardly anything, and we do not have to worry about side effects," said lead author Dr. Cynthia Felix, a geriatrician and...