Health briefs: Mind aiding matter

Just a few hours of meditation training may change your brain for the better, a small, new study suggests. Researchers using imaging technology have found that people develop measurable changes in the white matter of the brain after learning "mindfulness meditation." Also called "integrative body-mind training," it involves periods of intense focus and concentration. "The notable physical changes suggest that short-term meditation can improve self-control, mood, stress response and immunity response," said Michael Posner, a co-author of the study at the University of Oregon.

Dad's age and longevity

People whose fathers or grandfathers started having children at a later age may live longer, according to a new study. Northwestern University researchers looked at telomere length in people in the Philippines. Telomeres are bits of DNA that protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration. Longer telomeres appear to be associated with slower aging, while shorter telomeres seem to be associated with health problems that occur with aging. Longer telomeres were found in people whose fathers and grandfathers began families later in life, according to the study published June 11 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Quitting smoking? Eat fruits, veggies

Smokers trying to quit are three times more likely to succeed if they eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, according to a new study. Public health researchers at the University at Buffalo also found a diet rich in produce helps people remain smoke-free longer. -- HealthDay