Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Supreme Court seems opposed to granting patents on human genes
After hearing arguments against a biotech firm's patents for two genes that signal a risk of breast or ovarian cancers, justices appeared likely to reject them.WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court...
Simple test to screen for hospital bugs
Researchers have developed a system for hospitals and health care services that uses DNA technology to diagnose infectious diseases.
Fighting disease from within
A new technique that blocks the mosquitoes' ability to spread viruses could halt the spread of dengue, yellow fever and malaria.
Next-gen ‘Smart’ Stem Cells Show Promise in Heart Failure Patients
Translating a Mayo Clinic stem-cell discovery, an international team has demonstrated that therapy with cardiopoietic (cardiogenically-instructed) or “smart” stem cells can improve heart...
In-vitro pioneer Robert Edwards dies in London
Robert Edwards, a Nobel prizewinner from Britain whose pioneering in vitro fertilization research led to the first test tube baby and has since brought millions of people into the world,...
Perfect timing: introducing solid foods
Australian mothers are giving solid foods and water to their six-month old babies, which is in line with current health recommendations.
Doctors use brain scans to `see' and measure pain
In a provocative new study, scientists reported Wednesday that they were able to "see" pain on brain scans and, for the first time, measure its intensity and tell whether a...
Researchers engineer 'protein switch' to dissect role of cancer's key players
Researchers have “rationally rewired” some of the cell’s smallest components to create proteins that can be switched on or off by command. These “protein switches” can be used to interrogate...
New way to clear cholesterol from the blood
Researchers have identified a new potential therapeutic target for lowering cholesterol that could be an alternative or complementary therapy to statins.
One in five seniors on risky meds; more in US South
A study of more than six million seniors in Medicare Advantage plans in 2009 found that 21 percent received a prescription for at least one potentially harmful "high risk medication."...
Computational simulations can help understand and treat cardiac rhythm disorders
Computational models of the human heart can be very useful in studying not just the basic mechanisms of heart function, but also to analyze the heart in a diseased state,...
Exciting breakthrough in search for neurodegenerative disease treatments
A significant breakthrough has been made towards developing an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Surprising ability of blood stem cells to respond to emergencies
Scientists have revealed an unexpected role for hematopoietic stem cells: They do not merely ensure the continuous renewal of our blood cells; in emergencies they are capable of producing white...
L.A. jury sides with doctor in Anthem Blue Cross case
Jury awards $3.8 million in damages to a Porter Ranch doctor who contends insurer Anthem Blue Cross retaliated against him for being a strong patient advocate.In a rare case, a...
To Fight Hunger, Try Jumping Up and Down
Exercise that involves moving your body vertically might suppress hunger more than other types of exercise, a new study suggests.
People who normally practice sport have a better attention span than those with bad physical health
Good physical health is related to a better functioning of both the central nervous system (CNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), according to new research.
New therapy for fragile X chromosome syndrome discovered
Researchers have discovered a new therapy for the fragile X chromosome syndrome. This new therapy proposes the modulation of the cerebral endocannabinoid system in order to ameliorate the symptoms of...
'Unknown' neurological disorder often incorrectly diagnosed
The very serious hereditary disease HDLS was discovered in 1984 in Sweden. Many HDLS patients are still incorrectly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, MS or Parkinson’s disease, but researchers have now...
Major Symposium on Arsenic Contamination in Food and Water Supplies
After virtually eliminating arsenic as a useful tool for homicide, science now faces challenges in doing the same for natural sources of this fabled old "inheritance powder" that contaminates water...
Doctors not informed of harmful effects of medicines during sales visits
The majority of family doctors receive little or no information about harmful effects of medicines when visited by drug company representatives, according to a new study.
ISA virus spreads via red blood cells in blood vessels
New research shows how the interaction between Atlantic salmon and the ISA virus leads to the development and spreading of the influenza-like disease ISA in fish. The new findings may...
New app powers better sanitation in developing world
A new mobile phone app developed by a University of Nottingham researcher is changing the lives of millions of people in Africa by giving them the power to instantly report...
Budget forces tough look at biodefence
US supply stockpile for combating bioterror attacks and pandemics feels the strain of funding cuts.Nature 496 149 doi: 10.1038/496149a
Stem cells boom in vet clinics
Horses, dogs and even a tiger have received the unproven therapies. Now, drug regulators plan to weigh in.Nature 496 148 doi: 10.1038/496148a
mHealth 'could save a million African lives by 2017'
Mobile phone health projects could drastically cut deaths from HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and pregnancy-related conditions, says report.
Mapping babies' brains before birth
UK scientists to create a wiring diagram of a baby's brain
Google weaves a web between human trafficking hotlines
Sex workers are more likely to call in to a hotline for victims of human trafficking on a Wednesday, and a Google-backed initiative could help to explain why.
Boxers work to knock out Parkinson's symptoms
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- When Mary Yeaman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006, she could barely bring herself to leave her house. Her muscles were weak,...