All articles tagged with #colon
MIT researchers found that a ketogenic diet increases small-intestine tumor formation in mice predisposed to intestinal cancer by boosting fatty-acid oxidation and stem-cell division, while earlier data suggested colon protection; ketone bodies are not the driver, and the colon's response differs, underscoring tissue-specific diet effects and caution against generalizing ketogenic-diet benefits.
A 63-year-old man undergoing a colonoscopy was found to have a fly in his colon, despite having prepared his bowels for the procedure. The man had no recollection of consuming the fly and medical professionals consider it a rare and mysterious occurrence. The fly was discovered to be completely intact and motionless during the examination.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified five distinct types of sensory neurons in the colon that send varying signals to the brain. These neurons respond to different stimuli, with some detecting gentle movements and others reacting to intense forces or inflammation. The findings, if confirmed in humans, could lead to more targeted therapies for gastrointestinal conditions. Understanding the function of these neurons may provide insights into how mechanical forces are converted into electrical signals in the nervous system.