Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Compound improves health, increases lifespan of obese mice
(Medical Xpress) -- Researchers have reported that obese male mice treated with a synthetic compound called SRT1720 were healthier and lived longer compared to non-treated obese mice. The experimental compound...
Research explores potential outcomes of contact with aliens
BOSTON (Reuters) - Contact with extraterrestrials could be beneficial or might destroy the human race, according to an analysis of possible outcomes of an alien encounter that even one author...
Study raises doubts about value of heart ultrasound before elective surgery
A new study has found no evidence that patients who had a heart ultrasound known as an echocardiogram before major surgery had improved survival rates one month or one year...
PET scans confirm effectiveness of estrogen-blocking drugs in breast cancer patients
For the first time, researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of using serial positron emission tomography scans, using a special estrogen-containing isotope, to confirm the relative effectiveness of estrogen-blocking and estrogen-depleting...
Lung function declines as chest deformity deepens
A common deformity that cases a depression in the chest wall inhibits lung function as the cavity grows deeper, a national study of 327 patients has found.
Strengthening fragile immune memories to fight chronic infections
Researchers have identified the conditions that make memory T cells slip away during persistent infections. They have also shown that a molecule called 2B4 on memory cells causes them to...
Gene that exacerbates risk factors for heart disease and diabetes identified
A scientist has discovered how a gene known as SIRT3 contributes to a suite of health problems sweeping across America, offering new insight into how to combat these potentially fatal...
Researchers identify possible new targets for treating pain in women
Women and men experience pain, particularly chronic pain, very differently. The ability of some opioids to relieve pain also differs between women and men. While it has been recognized since...
Researchers investigate muscle-building effect of protein beverages for athletes
Physical activity requires strong, healthy muscles. Fortunately, when people exercise on a regular basis, their muscles experience a continuous cycle of muscle breakdown (during exercise) and compensatory remodeling and growth...
Mutant gene identified that causes abnormal chromosome count, leading to cancer
Cells with too few or too many chromosomes have long been known to be a hallmark of cancer but the cause of this abnormal number of chromosomes has been...
US says Legionnaire's cases triple over decade
(AP) -- Cases of Legionnaire's disease have tripled in the last decade, U.S. health officials said Thursday, but the risk of dying from it is lower because of more...
Headaches are common in year following traumatic brain injury, especially among females
Recurring headaches are common during the year following a traumatic brain injury (TBI), regardless of the severity of the TBI, and they tend to occur more often among females and...
Genetic code of cannabis reported unlocked
Breakthrough may help researchers maximize pot's therapeutic benefits, minimize its psychoactive effects
Well Blog: Finding a Quality Doctor
We all want "quality" medical care, but no one can agree on how to measure quality.
CDC Announces 2011 Flu Vaccine Recommendations
The vaccine includes three strains of the virus, one of which is derived from the 2009 H1N1 virus.
Compound may improve bone strength, health
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- An Indiana University scientist has received a grant to study a chemical compound to fight osteoporosis and accelerate broken bone healing, the school says.
Psoriasis May Increase Stroke Risk
The skin condition psoriasis may increase the risk of stroke and irregular heartbeats.
Treatment with vitamin C dissolves toxic protein aggregates in Alzheimer's disease
Researchers in Sweden have discovered a new function for vitamin C. Treatment with vitamin C can dissolve the toxic protein aggregates that build up in the brain in Alzheimer's disease.
Impulsive alcoholics likely to die sooner
Alcohol and impulsivity are a dangerous mix: People with current drinking problems and poor impulse control are more likely to die in the next 15 years, a new study suggests....
New NJIT book examines hemophilia and consequences of medical progress
The Bleeding Disease: Hemophilia and the Unintended Consequences of Medical Progress (John Hopkins University Press) is the new book by NJIT Associate Professor Stephen Pemberton. The book recounts the promising...
Major advanced cancer study to be led by Uppsala University
Several prominent cancer researchers are now joining forces in an advanced new cancer study. The goal is to understand which tumors will be difficult to treat and to find out...
L.A. surgeon offers to train Canadian doctors in procedure
The Los Angeles-based surgeon that at least three Albertans credit with changing their lives said he's willing to train Canadian doctors in a procedure for removing cysts on the pineal...
Majority of pharmaceutical ads do not adhere to FDA guidelines
A new study of 192 pharmaceutical advertisements in biomedical journals found that only 18 percent were compliant with Food and Drug Administration guidelines, and over half failed to quantify serious...
Musculoskeletal training could help millions
(Medical Xpress) -- Many Australians are suffering from pain related to treatable musculoskeletal conditions. These can be difficult for primary care doctors to diagnose without further postgraduate training.
Homelessness' impact on mothers, babies
A BYU study appearing in Pediatrics found that pregnant women who were homeless at some point in a 12-month period leading up to their deliveries had babies with lower birth...
Researchers build new sensor that could stop falls by elderly, before they happen
Statistics from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention on falls among older Americans are startling. Among those age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury-related...
Radiation in Japanese children's thyroids
Forty-five percent of children tested in the region around Japan's stricken nuclear plant were found to have traces of radioactive elements in their thyroid glands, an official said Thursday.
VIDEO: Little devils face the public
Five baby Tasmanian devils have faced the public at Australia Zoo in Queensland.