Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Inflammation off switch found
Scientists have discovered how the body tells white blood cells they're not needed after an injury, providing hope for improved healing.
Kidney stones linked with small increased risk of later kidney problems
Kidney stones are associated with a small but significant increased risk of developing more serious kidney problems later in life, suggests a new study.
First Death Is Reported From New Pig Flu Strain
Federal health officials confirmed the death of a 61-year-old Ohio woman and said 14 other victims had been hospitalized by the new strain.
Promiscuity Boosts Immune Systems in Mice
Compared with their monogamous counterparts, promiscuous mice have developed a much more robust immunity.
Glass shape influences how quickly we drink alcohol
The speed at which we drink alcohol may be influenced by the shape of the glass we drink from, according to new research. This could be a target to help...
How gene profiling in emphysema is helping to find a cure
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is thought to affect almost three million people in the UK. New research...
First implantation of prototype bionic eye with 24 electrodes: 'All of a sudden I could see a little flash of light'
In a major development, researchers in Australia have successfully performed the first implantation of an early prototype bionic eye with 24 electrodes. A patient with profound vision loss due to...
Shedding new light on one of diabetes' most dangerous complications
For many diabetics, monitoring their condition involves much more than adhering to a routine of glucose sensing and insulin injections. It also entails carefully monitoring the ongoing toll this disease...
Growing strong muscles without working out? 'Hulk' protein, Grb10, controls muscle growth
Scientists may soon help people grow strong muscles without needing to hit the weight room. Researchers discovered that by blocking the function of the protein Grb10 in mice in the...
Potential new approach for improving quality of life for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS, is a devastating, rapidly advancing disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary...
Studying everyday eye movements could aid in diagnosis of neurological disorders
Researchers have devised a method for detecting certain neurological disorders through the study of eye movements.
Antibody prevents hepatitis C infection in animal model
A monoclonal antibody tested in an animal model prevents infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Blood Test May Reveal Menopause Age
Women in their late 30s and 40s could get a blood test that predicts what age they'll enter menopause, researchers say.
Domestic coal use linked to substantial lifetime risk of lung cancer in Xuanwei, China
The use of "smoky coal" for household cooking and heating is associated with a substantial increase in the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer, finds a study from China.
Healthy living into old age can add up to six years to your life: Keeping physically active shows strongest association with survival
Living a healthy lifestyle into old age can add five years to women's lives and six years to men's, finds a new study.
Well: Giving a Child a New Heart
Once the call comes in - letting me know that there is a donor for one of our patients on the pediatric cardiac transplant list - everything changes.
Lyme retreatment guidance may be flawed
A new statistical review calls into question studies that have been taken as proof that antibiotic retreatment for chronic Lyme disease is futile. That misunderstanding has led to medical guidance...
Dispute between Aetna, California Medical Assn. heats up
California Medical Assn. accuses insurer Aetna of refusing to negotiate with member doctors or kicking doctors out of its network as retaliation for a lawsuit.Two healthcare heavyweights are exchanging sharper...
Chemical exposure in the womb from household items may contribute to obesity
Pregnant women who are highly exposed to common environmental chemicals – polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) – have babies that are smaller [...]
Op-Ed Contributor: In the Philippines, a Rant Against Birth Control
In the Philippines, anything goes in a fight against women’s reproductive rights — even plagiarism.
Life, Interrupted: Five Days of Chemo
Every month, I go to the hospital to receive outpatient chemotherapy injections for five days in a row. My doctors say this will be my routine for the next year.
Bracelet system reminds doctors to wash hands
It's the ultimate irony: many who Canadians seek assistance for a medical problem end up acquiring an infection, which can lead to more serious illness and longer hospital stays. Now, an...
Neuron 75: 585-592 (August 23, 2012)
Neuron 75: 585-592 Neuromodulatory state and sex specify alternative behaviors through antagonistic synaptic pathways in C. elegans Heeun Jang, Kyuhyung Kim, Scott J. Neal, Evan Macosko, Dongshin Kim, Rebecca A....
Swallowed Batteries Send Thousands of Kids to ER Yearly
In the last 12 years, nearly 30,000 young children have visited the emergency room for battery-related injuries.
Resistance to backup tuberculosis drugs increases
Disease control hindered by strains that can't be treated with second-line antibiotics.Nature News doi: 10.1038/nature.2012.11323
Medi-Cal recipients warned they could lose day healthcare benefit
To continue receiving the benefit, officially called Community-Based Adult Services, eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries must be in managed care, according to state officials.To continue receiving the benefit, officially called Community-Based Adult...
Bristol-Myers recalls vials of cancer drug
PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) -- Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. is recalling more than 31,000 units of a chemotherapy drug after discovering one vial was overfilled, putting patients at...
Pediatric group seeks ATV ban for children
The Canadian Paediatric Society is calling for a national ban on children driving all-terrain vehicles.