‘Man with the Golden Arm’, who saved 2 million babies, dies at 88; poor sleep, poor mobility in women with chronic conditions; mediterranean diet linked to lower risk of obesity-related cancer – Morning Medical Update

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James Harrison, ‘Man with the Golden Arm,’ dies at 88

James Harrison, Australia’s most prolific blood donor, has died at age 88, according to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Known as the "Man with the Golden Arm," Harrison’s plasma contained a rare antibody used to create anti-D injections, preventing hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), also known as rhesus disease. Over 60 years, he donated blood and plasma 1,173 times, helping save an estimated 2.4 million babies. His contributions continue to shape medical advancements, including research to synthetically replicate his life-saving antibody. Harrison died “peacefully in his sleep” at a nursing home on February 17. NPR has more.

Poor sleep tied to mobility decline in women with chronic conditions

Women with chronic conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, or multiple sclerosis (MS) may experience faster mobility decline if they have poor sleep health, according to a new study from the University of Michigan Health. Published in Sleep Epidemiology, the research analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study and found that sleep apnea symptoms, inadequate sleep duration, and poor sleep quality were linked to an increased need for mobility aids over time. Researchers emphasize that screening and treatment for sleep disorders could play a key role in maintaining mobility and overall health.

Mediterranean diet linked to lower risk of obesity-related cancer

Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) may be associated with a reduced risk of obesity-related cancers (ORCs), according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers analyzed data from over 450,000 participants in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, finding that those with high MedDiet adherence had a 6% lower risk of ORCs compared to those with low adherence. According to the study, the protective effect is independent of body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, highlighting potential alternative mechanisms for cancer prevention.