Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Hospitalized Children Without Insurance Are More Likely to Die, a Study Finds
A new study documents higher death rates among hospitalized children who lack insurance. But why?
CDC gives new swine flu numbers
Between 1.8 million and 5.7 million caught H1N1, as many as 21,000 were hospitalized and perhaps 800 died, according to data from the start of the outbreak in April through July. Between 1.8...
Geneticists hunt for scleroderma triggers
At its most benign, the autoimmune disease scleroderma can discolour parts of the skin of its sufferers. At its most pernicious, it can thicken and harden their skin, their blood...
Scientists discover influenza's Achilles heel: Antioxidants
As the nation copes with a shortage of vaccines for H1N1 influenza, a team of Alabama researchers have raised hopes that they have found an Achilles' heel for all strains...
Biofield therapies: Helpful or full of hype?
Biofield therapies, which claim to use subtle energy to stimulate the body's healing process, are promising complementary interventions for reducing the intensity of pain in a number of conditions, reducing...
Exercise keeps dangerous visceral fat away a year after weight loss, finds UAB study
A study conducted by exercise physiologists in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Human Studies finds that as little as 80 minutes a week of aerobic or...
Th17 cells summon an immune system strike against cancer
A specific type of T helper cell awakens the immune system to the stealthy threat of cancer and triggers an attack of killer T cells custom-made to destroy the tumours,...
U-M study uncovers key to how 'triggering event' in cancer occurs
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Centre have discovered what leads to two genes fusing together, a phenomenon that has been shown to cause prostate cancer to develop...
UT Southwestern researchers use drug-radiation combo to eradicate lung cancer
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Centre have eliminated non-small cell lung (NSCL) cancer in mice by using an investigative drug called BEZ235 in combination with low-dose radiation...
Mecca-bound pilgrims prompt swine flu precautions
(AP) -- Some of the millions who travel to Saudi Arabia next month for the annual hajj will be greeted with face masks, hand sanitizer and fever checks as...
Seeing is relieving: New hope for chronic pain sufferers
An f1000 evaluation examines how pain relief improves greatly when the sufferer can actually see the area where the pain is occurring.
HIV tamed by designer 'leash'
Researchers have shown how an antiviral protein produced by the immune system, dubbed tetherin, tames HIV and other viruses by literally putting them on a leash, to prevent their escape...
Tracking how flu evolves _ it has sticky tricks
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vaccinating more children might help slow the evolution of the constantly changing flu virus, government scientists reported Thursday....
School absenteeism acts as flu barometer
Schools across the U.S. continued to record high levels of absenteeism as children stayed home sick with flu symptoms.
Vital Signs: Awareness: On Drug Labels, Vital Facts May Be Missing
Researchers urged the Food and Drug Administration to create a standardized fact box for prescription medicines.
A look at public policies and motorcycle safety in the US
One of the joys of riding a motorcycle is the freedom that comes with that form of travel. However the absence of physical barriers to protect riders puts motorcyclists at...
Doctor and Patient: Bending the Rules of Clinical Trials
Doctors often deviate from study rules if doing so might improve a patient’s care, a new survey found.
Hungry bats prompt firefly flashes
Flashing neon diner signs often attract the attention of famished human drivers at night, but in the wild, the message sent by flashing fireflies is more like "eat me and...
New tool promises more accurate antimalarial drug dosing
Scientists at LSTM have developed a tool to support the development of appropriate age-based dosing regimens for malaria drugs.
Novartis says on track to deliver US vaccine order
(AP) -- Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG said Thursday it is on track to meet its U.S. government order for swine flu vaccine, seeking to calm fears in recent weeks...
Left Side Grafting Is Procedure Of Choice For Adult-to-adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation
A recent study by doctors in Japan determined that left side grafting has lower risk to donors compared to grafts taken from the right lobe, and it appears to be...
Aid for AIDS therapy
An electrochemical method to screen peptides for HIV treatment could help identify treatments
Artificial Sperm and Eggs?
Stanford Scientists Claim They've Made Discovery That Might Lead to Them One Day; It Involves Discarded Embryonic Stem Cells
Feature: The science of form
Sports science is playing an increasing role in keeping AFL footballers in peak condition, writes Dr Jodi Richardson.
H1N1 clinic for 'most at risk': medical officer
Organizers of Thursday's H1N1 clinic in south Windsor, Ont., are focused on immunizing "individuals who are most at risk for complications" of the pandemic flu virus, says the head of...
Proposal would require ER public meetings
Nova Scotians frustrated with chronic emergency room closures in their communities may soon have a venue to vent.
Taking Medicine For HIV Proves Hard To Swallow For Many People
Two new studies illustrate just how hard it is to make sure people take their HIV medication. One study looked at the effects of drinking alcohol on adherence and showed...
Pathogenic E. Coli Pervasive In Stream-water Samples With Low Concentrations Of Fecal Indicator Bacteria
Bacteria commonly used to indicate health risks in recreational waters might not be so reliable after all. Pathogenic E. coli were pervasive in stream-water samples with low concentrations of fecal...