Latest science news in Health & Medicine
C. difficile concerns prompt hospital hiring
One Ottawa hospital is buffing up its cleaning staff to prepare for any oncoming spread of C. difficile after recent outbreaks in Kingston and Niagara.
The Medical Minute: Don't overdo it, you weekend warrior
There are many benefits to exercise. Exercise not only helps prevent a variety of medical disorders -- including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis -- but it is...
Well Blog: Asthma More Likely Among Children of Overweight Mothers
Teenagers whose mothers had been overweight or obese just before they became pregnant were 20 to 30 percent more likely to have asthma or a history of wheezing.
Too much television may shorten your life
Six hours of TV a day can cut life expectancy by nearly five years, research showsWatching too much television could shorten your life, a study suggests. Research carried out in Australia, and...
Reducing drug funding to U.S. Medicare patients will lead many to stop taking their medications, researchers say
The lack of financial assistance to cover the cost of drugs to Medicare beneficiaries (the U.S. government's health insurance program for people aged 65 or over, which currently covers 50...
New process that can save at-risk cancer patients is effective, less costly; Process may eliminate need for full genome sequencing
People who are at risk for a certain form of colon and other types of cancer may soon have a better chance at surviving or even avoiding the diseases, thanks...
'Methyl magnet' genes can cause family cancer risk
Medical researchers have discovered a new type of mechanism causing cancer susceptibility, showing that tiny changes in some anti-cancer genes can act as magnets to attract modifying "biochemical tags", effectively...
Fat around heart may be early indicator of coronary disease
Researchers have found more evidence supporting the role of fat around the heart in promoting atherosclerosis, according to a new study. New results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)...
Confirmation that vitamin D acts as a protective agent against the advance of colon cancer
A new study confirms that a lack of vitamin D increases the aggressiveness of colon cancer. The indication that vitamin D and its derivatives have a protective effect against various...
Possibility of temporarily reversing aging in the immune system
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism controlling aging in white blood cells. The research opens up the possibility of temporarily reversing the effects of aging on immunity and could, in...
Any prime-boost mix of injected or spray flu vaccine shields toddlers: Broadest immune response from nasal spray vaccine, study finds
Children younger than 3 years old receive the same protective antibody response from the recommended two doses of licensed seasonal influenza vaccines regardless of whether the two doses are injected...
New research links obesity with heart rhythm disorder
New research shows for the first time that obesity directly causes electrical abnormalities of the heart.
Referring doctors increasingly aware of deep brain stimulation therapy; more work remains
While deep brain stimulation has gained recognition by referring physicians as a treatment for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, just half of the patients they recommend are appropriate candidates...
Study finds flexible-fiber CO2 laser safe in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery
A new study has shown the Flexible-Fiber CO2 laser to safely cut and coagulate during endoscopic assisted transsphenoidal craniotomies (TSC) without the line of sight problems encountered with conventional CO2...
Does moderate alcohol consumption increase body weight?
A paper from Spain provides an extensive review of the association between alcohol consumption and body weight. Based on the fact that the energy content in 1 gram of alcohol...
Influence of breast milk vs. formula and genetics on gut microbiota composition could help prevent Celiac disease
The autoimmune condition, Celiac disease, afflicts roughly one in 133 Americans. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Now a team of investigators from Spain shows...
Experts redesign common microbe to fight drug-resistant bacteria
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Researchers in Singapore have re-engineered a harmless strain of bacteria to fight another common, drug-resistant microbe that spreads in hospitals and is deadly to patients with...
How excess alcohol depresses immune function
Alcoholism suppresses the immune system, resulting in a high risk of serious, and even life-threatening infections. A new study shows that this effect stems largely from alcohols toxicity to immune...
Computer games to help cystic fibrosis kids
(Medical Xpress) -- Computer games which help young people with cystic fibrosis cope better with treatment, and improve monitoring of their condition, are being developed by the University of Derby.
Moderate drinking protects against Alzheimer's and cognitive impairment
Moderate social drinking significantly reduces the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, according to an analysis of 143 studies by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researchers.
New improved cannabis, now with genetic modifications
Smugglers are updating their methods of cultivation and producing a more potent supply• France and marijuana: an altered stateTimes change and cannabis is no exception, with the arrival of genetically modified grass. The...
Sick Kids research tower gets $75M from government
Ontario's governing Liberals are promising to kick in $75 million to help construct a new tower that will house world-class researchers at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children.
Nut-allergy sufferers face prejudice -- new study
Parents of nut-allergy sufferers face hostility and scepticism in trying to find safe environments for their children, a new study has found.
With certain preventive measures, incidence of deep vein thrombosis after general surgery appears low, possibly catheter-related
The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after general surgical operations seems to be low when preventive steps are taken, but most cases that do occur are diagnosed in the...
Training approach appears to improve surgical residents' patient communication skills for specific cases
Training surgical residents to communicate effectively with patients in specific scenarios -- for example, when a patient has cancer -- may enhance their communication skills for specific cases, but not...
Global Update: Phone Messages Improve Care, Study Finds
Text messages reminding health workers in Kenya how to treat children’s malaria increased the number of cases handled correctly, a new study has found.
Well: For Some in Menopause, Hormones May Be Only Option
For women hoping to combat the symptoms of menopause with nonprescription alternatives like soy and flaxseed supplements, recent studies have held one disappointment after another.
Essay: Pathogens May Change, but the Fear Is the Same
To the mortals they mow down, all epidemics are emotionally alike — an onslaught of fear, awe, repulsion, stigma, denial, rage and blame — and doctors would be wrong to...