Latest science news in Health & Medicine
‘Switch’ for birth defects found
Without the Moz gene, Tbx1, a gene responsible for normal heart development, did not work properly, the researchers have found. Image: cosmin4000/iStockphoto The discovery of a ‘switch’ that modifies a gene known to...
Saskatoon man recovering from surgery, part of MS trial
A Saskatoon man with multiple sclerosis who's taking part in an American study of the so-called liberation therapy, a procedure which clears a vein in the neck, is recovering from...
Global 'epidemic' of gullet cancer seems to have started in UK in 1950s
The global "epidemic" of one type of gullet cancer (adenocarcinoma) seems to have started in the UK during the 1950s, sparked by some as yet unknown, but common, factor, suggests...
The Hidden Risks of Getting a Tattoo
A recent outbreak of skin infections has shown that even at tattoo parlors on the up and up, indelible ink can carry risks.
For mitochondria, bigger may not be better: Optimal length of mitochondria is essential to preventing Alzheimer's
Abnormalities in mitochondrial length promote the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Advantage flu virus: Scientists discover one of the ways the influenza virus disarms host cells
Scientists have discovered one of the ways the influenza virus disarms our natural defense system. The virus decreases the production of key immune regulating proteins in human cells that help...
New way to fight bacterial infections: 'Naked Darth Vader' approach could tame antibiotic resistant superbugs
Rather than trying to kill bacteria outright with drugs, researchers have discovered a way to disarm bacteria that may allow the body's own defense mechanisms to destroy them. "To understand...
Cancer Drug Helps Patient Despite Faltering in Trials
A cancer drug that isn't passing muster in clinical trials may still be the answer for some patients
Study helps pancreatic cancer patients make hard choices
Researchers have examined SEER data on 25,476 pancreatic cancer patients, correlating days spent on medical care with disease stage, type of treatment and survival time. The first of its kind,...
Life, Interrupted: Six Ways to Cope With Cancer
It's been 16 months since my diagnosis and four months since my bone marrow transplant, and now I want to share what I've learned along the way.
A Slimy Insight Into Treating Cancer
Models of slime mold growth could help cut off tumors' blood supply
Therapeutic avenues for Parkinson's investigated
Scientists have discovered what may possibly be a key ingredient in the fight against Parkinson's disease. Researchers have demonstrated that the nuclear receptor liver X receptor beta may play a...
Kids' Vaccine Rates Have Room to Improve, CDC Says
Most kindergartners are up-to-date with their vaccines, but room for improvement remains.
Study attempts to reverse autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes
Results from a novel experimental therapy for type 1 diabetes that boosts parts of the healthy immune system were just reported.
'Brain-Eating Amoeba' Infections Prompt Warning About Neti Pots
People should use only water that has been boiled, filtered or distilled in neti pots, CDC researchers say.
New swine flu strain prompts fairground health warning
Health officials are warning the public to keep a distance from pigs, after reports that more than 200 people in the U.S. contracted a relatively new strain of swine flu...
Prostate cancer survival rates improved since introduction of PSA testing
The routine use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for screening and monitoring prostate cancer has led to early and more sensitive detection of the disease. A new study reports...
When cooking dinner is a matter of life and death
For millions of the women around the world cooking the family meal is a daily, dangerous chore. Sweating over smoky open stoves, they put their lives and their children at...
Does Spicy Food Really Cause Ulcers?
For decades, doctors thought eating a lot of spicy food caused stomach ulcers, or painful sores on the lining of the esophagus, stomach or upper area of the small intestine.
'Cannabis' receptor discovery may help understanding of obesity and pain
(Phys.org)—Researchers have discovered that a genetic difference in a 'switch', which causes over-activity in parts of the brain, may explain why some people could be more susceptible to conditions such...
Workers make fewer claims for psychological illnesses
Research has found that Australian workers are significantly less likely to claim GP visits for psychological illnesses on workers' compensation than they are for physical work-related injuries like musculoskeletal disorders.
Judge OKs stem cell cure for 2-year-old girl
MILAN (AP) -- Doctors are preparing an emergency one-off stem cell treatment for 2-year-old Venetian girl suffering a severe muscular disease after a judge revoked an...
Hamilton hospitals expect to lift C. difficile outbreak status
St. Joseph's hospital and the General hospital believe the worst is over.
Older runners face no greater health risk, study finds
Marathon runners over the age of 50 face no greater health risks than younger runners, new research from the University of Manitoba has found.
Researchers discover key to burning fat faster
Enzymes involved in breaking down fat can now be manipulated to work three times harder by turning on a molecular switch recently observed by chemists at the University of Copenhagen....
New Strategy For Treating Cocaine Addiction
Neurochemistry: Drug combination lowers impulsivity and cocaine cravings in rats
In-law infighting boosted evolution of menopause
Conflict between generations of unrelated childbearing women affects offspring survival.Nature News doi: 10.1038/nature.2012.11253
Ants 'screen' for beneficial bacteria to assist them
Having healthy gut bacteria could have as much to do with a strategy that insurance companies use to uncover risk as with eating the right foods - according to researchers.