Important studies are conducted on an ongoing basis, leading to important breakthroughs in the health arena. In fact there are so many, it would take us days to name every single one. Instead, we have selected the ones we feel are hugely significant and will prove relevant to our Her.ie readers. Have a look at the below research. Everyday beverages, such as tea and coffee, can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by up to a third. This study, which has been conducted over 30 years, found that compounds in tea and orange juice can radically reduce the risk of this type of cancer. Researchers at the University of East Anglia concentrated on the diets of 171,940 women, aged from 25 to 55 years of age. For over three decades, the scientists studied their daily diets and found that those who ate and drank foods and drinks rich in flavonoids, such as citrus fruits, tea and red wine, were at a lower risk of ovarian cancer. According to the American Journal of Medical Nutrition, for those who drank tea, the reduction was up to 31% and for those who drank citrus fruit juices and particularly orange juice regularly, the reduction was 21%. A blood test was developed to help diagnose depression Scientists identified depression by measuring the levels of nine RNA blood markers –  molecules which act as messengers to interpret DNA genetic code and carry out its instructions. This study was carried out by researchers at Chicago’s Northwestern University and it was published in Translational Psychiatry, back in September. Researchers compared blood samples from 32 clinically depressed patients with samples from 32 people who were not depressed. The results showed a significant difference between the two groups in the levels of said RNA blood markers. Speaking about the test, co-author of the study and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Eva Redei said: ”This clearly indicates that you can have a blood-based laboratory test for depression, providing a scientific diagnosis in the same way someone is diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol”. Researchers have discovered a link between the coldsore virus and Alzheimer’s disease A study which took place in Sweden found that having the Herpes virus can double the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These results were achieved by carrying out two studies. The first saw 3,432 participants who were studied for just over 11 years, while in a second study, 360 people who had Alzheimer’s disease were compared to 360 people without the disease. “Our results clearly show that there is a link between infections of herpes simplex virus and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” said Professor Hugo Lövheim. He added that their research shows an increased risk because of the weakening of elderly people’s immune systems. As a result, the virus could spread to the brain and initiate the process that causes Alzheimer’s. Choice of Food can affect Sperm Count A study at Loma Lunda University Medical School found that male vegetarians and vegans have a significantly lower sperm count than men who tucked into a meal including meat. The research found that vegetarians and vegans had on average 50 million sperm per ml. In contrast meat eaters, had a dramatically higher amount of sperm, with an average of 70 million sperm per ml. The study also found that 60% of sperm for meat-eaters is ‘active’, while this was halved for vegetarians in the study. Speaking about the results, Dr Eliza Orzylowska an obstetrician at Loma Linda University Medical Centre said: “We found that diet does significantly affect sperm quality. Vegetarian and vegan diets were associated with much lower sperm counts than omnivorous diets. “Although these people are not infertile, in is likely to play a factor in conception, particularly for couples who are trying to conceive naturally – the old fashioned way.” Drinking coffee can contribute to a healthier liver In this study, the National Cancer Institute compiled data from 27,000 coffee drinkers, who were asked to record their caffeine intake over 24 hours. After this, the researchers tested those participating for levels of enzymes including aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). These enzymes are indicators of how well our livers are functioning. People who said they drank three coffees or more a day had lower levels of these enzymes, meaning healthier livers. Speaking about the survey, Dr Xiao, a lead researcher in the study said: “Our findings link total and decaffeinated coffee intake to lower liver enzyme levels. “These data suggest that ingredients in coffee, other than caffeine, may promote liver health. Further studies are needed to identify these components”.