Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Even With No Treatment Available, Cancer Patients Want To Know Metastasis Risk
If you had cancer and a genetic test could predict the risk of the tumor spreading aggressively, would you want to know -- even if no treatments existed to help...
Drug's Epilepsy-prevention Effect May Be Widely Applicable
A drug with potential to prevent epilepsy caused by a genetic condition may also help prevent more common forms of epilepsy caused by brain injury.
Sedatives may increase suicide risk in older patients
Sleeping tablets have been associated with a four-fold increase in suicide risk in the elderly. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Geriatrics have shown that, even after adjusting...
Pay-for-performance may benefit doctors who care for very sick
Physicians who treat patients with multiple health problems will fare well under pay-for-performance, which bases physician reimbursement on the quality of care provided, said researchers at Baylor College of Medicine...
Stem cell protein offers a new cancer target
A protein abundant in embryonic stem cells is now shown to be important in cancer, and offers a possible new target for drug development, report researchers from the Stem Cell...
Cost-effective measures could stop child pneumonia deaths
Implementing measures to improve nutrition, indoor air pollution, immunisation coverage and the management of pneumonia cases could be cost-effective and significantly reduce child mortality from pneumonia, according to a study...
The immune response to influenza virus isn't 'all good'
Complications following infection with the virus that causes flu (influenza virus) are one of the top ten causes of death in the United States. Although infection with influenza virus can...
Enhancing the effects of platinum-based anti-cancer drugs
Daqing Li and colleagues, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, have identified in vitro and in mice a way to enhance the anticancer effects of the commonly...
Genes and smoking play role in rheumatoid arthritis
Recent genetic studies have revealed several new sites of genes that are risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The strongest association with anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-positive RA (ACPAs are...
Tai chi improves pain in arthritis sufferers
The results of a new analysis have provided good evidence to suggest that Tai Chi is beneficial for arthritis. Specifically, it was shown to decrease pain with trends towards improving...
Study examines relationship between bone density and erosion in arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affects almost three percent of people over age 65. RA patients experience pain, functional limitations and two forms of disabling...
Cost shifting may make arthritis medications too expensive for Medicare beneficiaries
Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab are effective at reducing symptoms and slowing progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These drugs act more quickly, require less...
Cancer Researchers Identify New Mutant Genes
(PhysOrg.com) -- University of New Mexico Cancer Center researchers have identified a genetic mutation underlying one of the most common childhood cancers, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The discovery could lead...
Gene regulating neuroblastoma tumors found
RICHMOND, Va., June 3 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have identified a gene that might play a key role in regulating tumor growth in neuroblastomas, a form of cancer...
Sony latest to demo videogame motion-sensing controller
Sony on Tuesday demonstrated a prototype motion-sensing videogame controller, as the maker of PlayStation consoles joined rivals in a trend away from playing with complicated buttons and joysticks.
Drug giants unite to develop cancer therapy
Merck and AstraZeneca collaboration could launch a new trend #20; if their work yields results.
Advances being made in the treatment of hepatitis
CHICAGO, IL (June 2, 2009) -- Researchers are making great strides in the development of new treatments for hepatitis and in confirming the effectiveness of current treatments, according to...
Models’ Projections for Flu Miss Mark by Wide Margin
Expert’s modest predictions regarding the spread of the swine flu in the U.S. were quite off, and now the CDC estimates that there are “upwards of 100,000” cases in the...
N.B. doctors, health department meet over proposed wage freeze
The New Brunswick Medical Society is being tight-lipped about its position on a proposed two-year pay freeze for the province's doctors.
Antibiotic Can Reduce Hospitalization for Rare Brain Disorder, Analysis Shows
(PhysOrg.com) -- A study analysis by researchers at the University of Cincinnati confirms that the antibiotic rifaximin can reduce hospitalizations of patients with a certain brain disorder caused by liver...
1 in 8 with lung cancer show asbestos exposure, study finds
Pleural plaques, or a thickening of lung membranes due to asbestos exposure, were found in one in eight lung cancer patients, according to medical research papers jointly released Monday by...
'Misreading' of histone code linked to human cancer
(PhysOrg.com) -- The development of blood from stem cell to fully formed blood cell follows a genetically determined program. When it works properly, blood formation stops when it reaches maturity....
"Luke" Arm Begins Widespread Testing Among Veterans
The foot-controlled "Luke" prosthetic arm may not win any lightsaber fights, but it could soon lend a helping hand to wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. A three-year study...
American Psychological Association 117th Annual Convention in Toronto, Canada, Aug. 6-9, 2009
American Psychological Association 117th Annual Convention in Toronto, Canada, Aug. 6-9, 2009
EPA asked to ban use of lead tire weights
OAKLAND, Calif., June 1 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should outlaw the use of lead tire weights to prevent potential problems with children and wildlife, groups...
Scientists identify molecular powerbrokers involved in cancer's spread
You know the guy -- he's your Facebook friend. The one who knows everyone. Secure at the center of a dense web of relationships, he suggests causes and reconnects old...
Common Migraine Pain Condition Also Prevalent In Cluster Headache
A pain condition common in people with migraines also has a high prevalence in patients with cluster headache, according to a new study.
The new gold standard in health is silver
MANCHESTER, England, June 1 (UPI) -- A British scientist says the use of silver in healthcare and hygiene is increasing, frequently because of a shortage of new antibiotics.