Glossary of Common Research Terms

Back pain can greatly impact your life and can be difficult to manage. Research from Northern Ireland suggests that acupuncture may be able to play a role in alleviating back pain.

A Cochrane library review found that a basic exercise program may help increase walking times and decrease pain for people with this chronic leg pain.

Researchers in Spain tested the benefits of the Mediterranean diet when healthy fats were encouraged through nuts or olive oil compared to a traditional low fat diet. The diets with nuts or oil appear to have better results.

A review of birth outcomes from the Cochrane database found that births attended by midwives had some better outcomes than traditional births.

Smoking and nicotine can have serious effects on the health of the developing baby, including increasing the risk of death. A study in Denmark found that women that tried nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy had lower risks of stillbirths than those that continued smoking.

Salmonella tainted peanut butter has been responsible for making hundreds of people sick over the last couple of months. The CDC was able to track the source of infection through a series of case studies.

The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reviewed the results of a national teen violence survey to find if there is a link between alcohol use and teen violence. The study found that early use of alcohol may be connected to some types of violence.

A review of cancer research highlighted in 2008 including improved prevention strategies. The year included a review of studies that did not find a clear link between cell phone use and brain tumors.

A review of research that focused on children's health and well-being. Research this year focused on medication precautions for children.

A review of research that focused on diabetes related research. One major finding this year came with a major study that found low A1C's may not be a safe or effective way to decrease heart disease risks.

A review of research that explored lifestyle habits that can help or hurt. Research tried to find a winner among the most popular diet plans and exercise was shown to help mind and body.

A review of research from the past year on heart health. The research included some promising drug combinations which did not perform as hoped and lifestyle habits that were found to affect your heart disease risk.

Medical care options that were explored in the past year. Vaccines may have some new options and alternative treatments may provide some pain relief.

A review of medication research from the past year. New combinations may provide some help for people with Crohn's Disease and ALS, antibiotics do not appear to provide benefits for some illnesses, and current drugs may find new uses.

A review of research from the past year about pregnancy from conception to a healthy infant. Researchers studied ways to help mom have a happy, healthy pregnancy from caffeine to asthma to methods of decreasing maternal discomforts.