Latest science news in Health & Medicine
10,000 cases of swine flu reported worldwide: WHO
The confirmed tally of swine flu cases worldwide has risen to 10,243, including 80 deaths, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
High Blood Pressure Could Be Caused By A Common Virus, Study Suggests
A new study suggests for the first time that cytomegalovirus, a common viral infection affecting between 60 and 99 percent of adults worldwide, is a cause of high blood pressure,...
New genetic risk found for kidney disease
BALTIMORE, May 13 (UPI) -- A team of U.S. and international scientists says it has identified three genes containing mutations associated with altered kidney disease risk.
Single gene may cause Angelman's syndrome
CHAPEL HILL, N.C., May 11 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say impaired brain plasticity caused by a single gene might be responsible for learning disabilities associated with Angelman's syndrome.
Major New Treatment Target In Diseased Arteries
Removing a single protein prevents early damage in blood vessels from triggering a later-stage, frequently lethal complication of atherosclerosis, according to new research.
Protein-protein Interaction Explains Vision Loss In Genetic Diseases
Scientists can now provide not only an explanation for the variations of vision loss in people with a host of disorders associated with defective cilia within the cells, but also...
Recalling the fear, heavy toll of the 1918 flu outbreak
Given his age, H. Byran Poff figures he has seen just about everything that can happen to mankind.
Mason, author of iron lung memoir, dies
LATTIMORE, N.C., May 10 (UPI) -- Martha Mason, who chronicled the decades she spent in an iron lung in a 2003 memoir, died at the age of 71...
Changes in WHO alert system called for
WASHINGTON, May 10 (UPI) -- The swine flu outbreak shows that the World Health Organization needs a better warning system to reflect the severity of epidemics, a U.S....
Red Fungus Turned Orange May Help Tackle Vitamin Deficiency
The edible fungus Monascus purpureus imparts a distinct flavor and red color when added to fermented rice dishes such as those served in Asia. Now, with "a helping hand" from...
Health overhaul draws groups' competing demands
(AP) -- Patients and doctors. Small businesses and multinationals. Retirees, workers and insurance companies.
In swine flu, key moments and decisions lie ahead
(AP) -- The most pivotal moments in the swine flu saga are yet to come. Will it sweep through impoverished Southern Hemisphere countries in the next few months? Will...
Brain surgery patient left in OR after doc no-show
(AP) -- One of the highest-paid doctors in New York refused to perform brain surgery on an already-anesthetized patient whose scheduled surgeon had failed to show up, and the...
Doctor: HIV infections will never be traced to VA
(AP) -- Former patients who tested positive for HIV or hepatitis will not be able to show they were infected by tainted equipment at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs...
Stay hydrated to ward off kidney stones
If you need a good reason to stay hydrated this summer, the AUA Foundation has one: being properly hydrated can help you avoid getting a kidney stone. To avoid the...
Visualizing virus replication in 3 dimensions
Dengue fever is the most common infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes – some 100 million people around the world are infected. Researchers at the Hygiene Institute at Heidelberg University Hospital...
Glioma: Origin Of Brain Tumor Discovered
Glioma is the most common and most serious form of brain tumors that affect adults. It has not yet been determined which specific type of cell in the brain is...
First Swine Flu DNA Test Produced
Scientists have produced the first DNA test kit for the Mexican swine flu. The first shipment of rapid-results tests has been sent today directly to Mexico as well as many...
Managing a Flu Threat With Seasoned Urgency
Most public health experts praise the work of Dr. Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization, in responding to the current swine flu outbreak.
Unprecedented Use Of DDT Concerns Experts
The current practice of spraying DDT indoors to fight malaria is leading to unprecedented -- and insufficiently monitored -- levels of exposure to the pesticide, say experts concerned about the...
Meditate Your Way To Better Bladder Health
Cognitive therapy is an effective management strategy for urge incontinence. Cognitive therapy employs deep-breathing and guided-imagery exercises that train the brain to control the bladder without medication or surgery.
Flu exposes flaws in Mexico's health care system
MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Mexicans will do almost anything to avoid a public hospital emergency room, where ailing patients may languish for hours slumped on cracked...
Hospitals Pay for Cutting Costly Readmissions
Patients who are readmitted to hospitals cost the government billions, but hospitals that curb return trips are not rewarded and can lose money.
Fear of a Swine Flu Epidemic in 1976 Offers Some Lessons, and Concerns, Today
The feared swine flu epidemic of 1976 never materialized, but several hundred people contracted a rare neurological condition after receiving a vaccine.
Flu? Don't blame the pig
H1N1, the so-called swine flu, probably came together thanks to a few unwitting human jet-setters, scientists say. ...
Random snacking takes bite out of freelancer's goals
Keeping a food journal and stepping up workout routine can help Anne Bogart reach her weight goal. ...
Counting calories is a tough math problem
Losing weight is nothing but a numbers game. If the number of calories burned is greater than the number of calories consumed -- bingo! Weight loss.
First Study Of Combined Dietary Factors Finds Reduced AMD Risks
A diet that includes key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods is likely to reduce risks for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the first study to analyze these factors in...