Latest science news in Health & Medicine
An Alzheimer's disease target identified
PHILADELPHIA, July 2 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say the protein neprilysin can reduce plaque formation and neuron death associated with Alzheimer's disease, but at the expense of lifespan.
New Crohn's genetic risk factors ID'd
BOSTON, June 30 (UPI) -- A U.S.-led science team says it has identified 21 new genetic risk factors for Crohn's disease, bringing the total number of such risk...
Cancer 'cure' in mice to be tested in humans
Scientists are about to embark on a human trial to test whether a new cancer treatment will be as effective at eradicating cancer in humans as it has proven to...
Doubling Of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Over-45s In Under A Decade
Rates of sexually transmitted infections have doubled among the over-45s in less than a decade, reveals new research in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Total Ankle Replacement With No Metal
Patients suffering from severe arthritis now have an option for total ankle replacement that offers increased mobility and pain relief without permanent metal implants. This technique is the first in...
Study identifies a scoliosis cause
LOS ANGELES, June 29 (UPI) -- Los Angeles medical researchers say they have identified a gene mutation and molecular mechanism that causes an inherited form of scoliosis.
Promising Finding In Severe Lung Disease
Researchers have identified a novel function for an enzyme that plays a role in the tissue injury in acute respiratory distress syndrome, also known as ARDS.
Breast cancer gene removed from baby
LONDON, June 29 (UPI) -- Britain's first baby guaranteed to be genetically free from hereditary breast cancer has been conceived, medical officials say.
Calcium Alone Does Not Reduce Hip Fracture Risk
People, especially the elderly, may reach for calcium supplements in hopes of protecting themselves against bone fractures in case of a fall. But a recent analysis of several studies found...
Fighting A Worldwide Wheat Threat
Wheat stockpiles are at a 30-year low and production costs are rising, but what really scares wheat growers is the specter of Ug99, a new rust fungus to which very...
Telemedicine treats babies locally
Babies in North Queensland will now receive the best treatment possible without having to travel, thanks to the development of a new telemedicine service.
Opinion: Close examination of the Health Budget
It is disappointing to see lost opportunities in the budget to progress the agenda on prevention and primary healthcare reform, believes Lesley Russell.
More Mâori needed in health
New research has found that Mâori are under represented in the New Zealand health workforce, and has suggested steps that could rectify the imbalance.
HK, British health alert after TB death: report
British and Hong Kong health authorities are urgently tracing people who came into contact with a woman who died of TB after flying home from the Chinese city, a newspaper...
Marijuana May Be Effective For Neuropathic Pain
The growing body of evidence that marijuana (cannabis) may be effective as a pain reliever has been expanded with publication of a new study in The Journal of Pain reporting...
First Patients Implanted In Study Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation For Depression
St. Jude Medical, Inc. has announced the first patient implants in a clinical study that is investigating whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy will help people who suffer from major...
Health chief vows to end drugs lottery
Minister pledges hospitals will offer treatments even while they are still being clinically approved
300 Internet death threats since Tokyo killing spree
As many as 300 Internet warnings of mass murder and other death threats have been posted online in Japan after a knifing rampage in Tokyo left seven people dead, media...
Personalizing Medicine: New Research Shows Potential Of Targeted Therapies For Cancer
A new study shows the potential to pre-target the treatment of cancer cells -- bringing personalized medicine one step closer from the laboratory to patients. By combining new molecular imaging...
Study: Nearly everyone can carry a tune
Despite the hilarity of early-season "American Idol" episodes, nearly everyone can carry a tune, new research shows.
Shrimp on a Treadmill
Researchers measure activity of an exercising shrimp by time, speed and oxygen level. Credit: David Scholnick
VIDEO: Toads Poisoning "Medical" Snakes
Milked for antivenom, Australia's king brown snakes are eating poisonous cane toads—alien reptiles that are overrunning the country.
Whaling Foes Vilify Japan Despite Norway, Iceland Hunts
Anti-whaling activists seem to attack Japan like it's their personal Moby Dick. But is that fair, when Norway and Iceland openly defy the world ban by whaling commercially?
News Bytes of the Week--On the Other Hand: The Scent of a Lemur [News]
Scientists solve mystery of patients with Alzheimer's plaques but no diseaseThe only way physicians can confirm that someone suffered from Alzheimer's disease is if an autopsy reveals a protein called...
Can we have our cake and eat it — then go to the gym?
There is compelling evidence that both obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are strong independent risk factors for premature death — but is it healthier to be obese and physically...
Seeing Straight
Evidence from laboratory studies and a pilot clinical trial confirms the promise of a simple treatment for amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” according to researchers from the United States and China.
South African TB patients rampage
(AP) -- Authorities increased security Friday at a tuberculosis hospital where patients with drug-resistant forms of the disease went on a rampage to protest prison-like conditions.
Drug Helps Heroin Addicts Stay Clean
Those taking buprenorphine lasted almost twice as long until using again, study says