Health briefs: Losing weight helps memory

Losing weight helps obese people improve memory and concentration, according to a new study. Researchers tested cognitive abilities of 150 people who weighed an average of 300 pounds and repeated the tests 12 weeks after 109 of them had weight loss surgery and lost an average of 50 pounds, USA Today reported. Follow-up tests revealed those who had weight loss surgery showed improvement in memory and other cognitive abilities, such as organizational skills. The participants who didn't lose weight showed a small decrease in memory. The study was published online this week in the journal Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases.

Weighing 'organic' values

An "organic" label on food is enough to make people believe it's healthier and tastier, new research suggests. The study included 144 volunteers asked to compare what they thought were conventionally and organically produced chocolate sandwich cookies, plain yogurt and potato chips. All the products were actually organic, but they were labeled either "regular" or "organic."

The investigators found participants preferred almost all of the taste characteristics of the foods labeled as "organic," even though they were identical to the "regular." Food with "organic" labels were also perceived as being lower in fat, higher in fiber, significantly lower in calories and worth more money, according to the study.

Baldness risk in tight weaves

A new study of middle-aged black women finds that almost 30 percent suffer from baldness and scarring in the center of their scalps, possibly because of braids and weaves pulled too tight.

The study doesn't prove that black women's choices about hair grooming play a major role in whether they lose significant amounts of hair. However, the findings are enough to suggest that black women need to be cautious, said study lead author Dr. Angela Kyei, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

In the past, dermatologists thought that hot combs or hair oils were the cause of the hair loss. Another suspect was the chemicals that black women use to relax their hair, turning it from curly to straight.

One thing is clear about the baldness: "Once you get it, it's permanent," Kyei said.

-- HealthDay