Latest science news in Health & Medicine
H7N9 bird flu not spreading easily in humans
There's no evidence new H7N9 bird flu strain is spreading easily among people in China, World Health Organization says.
Advances in molecular testing offer new hope for lung cancer patients
The emergence of molecular diagnostic testing in lung cancer offers new hope for patients battling the number one cancer killer in the United States and abroad. Now, for the first...
Study reveals risk factors for blood clots in pregnant and postnatal women
Women who have suffered a still birth or have medical conditions including varicose veins, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or heart disease are at greater risk of developing dangerous blood clots...
April Fools' Day 2013 online roundup
The Internet is a filled with pranks today. Here are some of the most popular April Fools' Day jokes
Early COPD diagnosis possible with nuclear medicine
In vivo ventilation/perfusion imaging can detect early changes to the lung caused by cigarette smoke exposure and provides a noninvasive method for studying lung dysfunction in preclinical models, according to...
Drug for erectile disorder show promise in the treatment of obesity
Although sildenafil is best known for promoting erections, it may also serve as a weight loss aid by coaxing our bodies to store more healthy "brown fat" relative to unhealthy...
How cells distinguish friend from foe
Researchers ave shown how the innate immune system distinguishes between dangerous pathogens and friendly microbes. Like burglars entering a house, hostile bacteria give themselves away by breaking into cells. However,...
Over-diagnosis of reflux in infants leads to needless medication, research finds
Calling gastroesophageal reflux a disease increases parents’ wish for medication, symptoms are frequently over-treated in infants, according to new research.
How 'Disease' Label in Kids Affects Treatment
Labeling a child's behavior as a "disease" without proper diagnosis may increase unnecessary treatment in children.
Researchers Discover Brain Cancer Treatment Using Adult Stem Cells
An experiment using microvesicles generated from mesenchymal bone marrow cells to treat cancer, neurological researchers at Henry Ford Hospital have discovered a novel approach for treatment of tumor. Specifically, the research...
Science online: March 28, 2013
Science online: March 28, 2013 Inhibition of PRC2 activity by a gain-of-function H3 mutation found in pediatric glioblastoma Peter W. Lewis, Manuel M. Müller, Matthew S. Koletsky, Francisco Cordero, Shu ...
Traditional Chinese medicine now regulated in Ontario
Beginning today, patients receiving acupuncture, herbal remedies or other forms of traditional Chinese medicine in Ontario will gain reassurance that those treating them are qualified to do so.
New type of deadly lymphoma identified; Discovery enables more effective treatment for patients
An international research team has identified a new type of deadly intestinal lymphoma that is particularly common in Asia. The team also developed a new diagnostic test to accurately identify...
Adolescents' poor health behaviors raise risk of heart disease as adults
U.S. adolescents' lack of heart-healthy behaviors may increase their chances of heart disease as adults, according to a new study. More than 80 percent of them had a poor diet...
Self-help can be effective in treating childhood obesity
It is known that family-based treatment that combines nutrition and exercise education, along with behavior modification, is a good approach to help children lose weight. But clinic-based...
'Miracle foods': Can they decrease the risk of cancer?
Cancer is a disease that invokes fear, so it is not surprising that the public is eager to identify ways to decrease the risk. The media often features information on...
Many emergency department providers don't ask suicidal patients about gun access
Although guns are used in over half of all American suicides, a new study shows many emergency room doctors do not routinely ask suicidal patients about their access to firearms.
Nighttime OK contact lens can reshape eye, restore near vision
By middle age, most people have age-related declines in near vision (presbyopia) requiring bifocals or reading glasses. An emerging technique called hyperopic orthokeratology (OK) may provide a new...
Varicella vaccine has long-term effectiveness against chicken pox
Chicken pox, the childhood affliction of earlier generations, has been largely neutralized by the varicella vaccine, according to a new study by the Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center, which...
Fighting jet lag – a simple case of wearing more layers?
Pioneering research has found that one of the best ways to beat jet lag may be by wearing more layers, sitting by a fire and having plenty of cups of...
Growing shorter: Adult health habits influence how much we shrink with age
Even if you didn’t eat your veggies or drink your milk as a child, your height is still in your hands, reveal new findings by economists from the University of...
Is guided self-help effective in treating childhood obesity?
Initial research indicates that a self-help treatment program for overweight children and their parents, guided by clinical experts, may be an effective solution.
Prematurity, low birth weight significantly impact mortality rates
A new study shows that increasing numbers of premature and other low birth weight infants are the leading cause for the leveling off of infant mortality and neonatal mortality rates...
More Diagnoses of Hyperactivity Causing Concern
Eleven percent of American school-age children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and some doctors say that the diagnosis and its medication are overused.
New, inexpensive tools help smart, low-income kids realize great college opportunities, study shows
(Phys.org) —The highest-achieving, low-income teens rarely enroll in the country's top colleges, and the reason is more obvious than you'd think: they don't apply.
FEATURE: Does aluminium cause Alzheimer’s and breast cancer?
Aluminium is used in many of today's products - but there are fears it could be harmful. Ian Musgrave investigates.
New clues about how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) develops
Scientists say they have evidence from animal studies that a type of central nervous system cell other than motor neurons plays a fundamental role in the development of amyotrophic lateral...
Review of Visions of Infinity by Ian Stewart
Review of Visions of Infinity by Ian Stewart (Basic Books, 352 pages, $26.99, March 2013) This review is the copyrighted