Latest science news in Health & Medicine
HCA, Giant Hospital Chain, Creates a Windfall for Private Equity
Under private equity ownership, HCA made an aggressive push for more revenue that sometimes led to conflicts with doctors and nurses over patient care.
Less commonly prescribed antibiotic may be better for bloodstream infections
Hundreds of thousands of Americans develop bloodstream infections every year. Vancomycin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic in dialysis patients for treating certain bloodstream infections, but cefazolin was 38% better...
Cranfield to develop innovative waterless toilet
Cranfield University is to develop a waterless, hygienic toilet with the potential to transform the lives of the 2.5 billion people worldwide without access to basic sanitation, thanks to $800,000...
Gut bacteria linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome identified
Researchers have identified 26 species of bacteria in the human gut microbiota that appear to be linked to obesity and related metabolic complications. These include insulin resistance, high blood sugar...
Rise in syphilis cases, 2 other STDs in California spurs concern
Syphilis cases jump 18% in 2011 from 2010, while chlamydia and gonorrhea cases also climb. Officials say they can lead to even more serious health problems.Syphilis cases in California jumped...
Diagnostic Eyedrops Could Make Patients' Eyes Light Up With Signs of Neurological Disease
Diagnosing the Brain by Gazing into the Eyes SheLovesGhosts via Wikimedia Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or Creutzfeld-Jacobs are tough to diagnose. Outward symptoms can obviously be an indicator, but symptoms for many...
Babies May Not Have Moral Compass
New research casts doubt on a previous study that suggested babies can tell right from wrong.
Pre-test genetic counseling increases cancer knowledge for BRCA patients
Researchers have found that when breast cancer patients are offered pre-test genetic counseling before definitive breast cancer surgery, patients exhibited decreases in distress. Those offered pre-test genetic counseling after surgery...
Noise down, neuron signals up
A new model of background noise present in the nervous system could help better understand neuronal signalling delay in response to a stimulus.
Therapy combining exercise and neuroprotective agent shows promise for stroke victims
In a new study, scientists report that a therapy combining exercise with the neurovascular protective agent S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) improved recovery from stroke in a rat model. GSNO is a compound...
Even minor physical activity may benefit bone health in premenopausal women
A study to be published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM) suggests that physical activity for premenopausal women is very effective in reducing sclerostin—a known...
Biomed Analysis: 'Frugal' innovation for good health
The developing world needs support for low-tech health innovations that do not compromise on effectiveness, says Priya Shetty.
Potential new treatment target identified for melanoma skin cancer
New research has identified a potential new target for the treatment of melanoma, the deadliest of all skin cancers. Scientists have discovered a new channel-forming protein called Pannexin (Panx1) that...
Ebola outbreak tests local surveillance
Ugandan laboratory helps to minimize number of cases.Nature 488 265 doi: 10.1038/488265a
High disease rate found in town near B.C. Teck smelter
A U.S. study finds an unusually high incidence of gastrointestinal disease in a small U.S. town located downstream from a Teck smelter in Trail, B.C.
Acute stress alters control of gene activity: Researchers examine DNA methylation
Acute stress alters the methylation of the DNA and thus the activity of certain genes.
Man survives long crevasse ordeal
A 70-year-old German climber is rescued from a crevasse in the Austrian Alps, where he says he was stuck for six days.
Generic HIV drugs will widen US treatment net
Upcoming patent expiries stand to make medicines cheaper — although less convenient.Nature 488 267 doi: 10.1038/488267a
Don't burn out: Enjoy your favorite products more by consuming them less frequently
Consumers enjoy products more in the long run if they don't overuse them when first purchased, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.
Water plays a key role in the co-crystallization of active pharmaceutical ingredients
There is much more to drug development than simply identifying a potent active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Scientists must ensure that the API can tolerate the production process, remain stable during...
Long-term methadone treatment can affect nerve cells in brain
Long-term methadone treatment can cause changes in the brain, according to recent studies. The results show that treatment may affect the nerve cells in the brain. The studies follow on...
Mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance in ovarian cancer identified
Disease has high heterogeneity. First-line chemosensitivity associated with subsequent chemoresistance. Gene identified that may predict chemoresistance.
Asymmetric warfare between earwigs
Symmetrical looks are highly prized in the animal kingdom, but according to a new report by San Francisco State University [...]
Australian court OKs logo ban on cigarette packs
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) -- Australia's highest court upheld the world's toughest law on cigarette promotion Wednesday, prohibiting tobacco company logos on cigarette packs that will instead...
Asia faces biggest disaster risk
Emerging economies in Asia, including India and the Philippines, face the greatest financial risk from natural disaster, analysis suggests.
Little chance for ebola vaccine
Scientists involved in ebola research tell the BBC that a commercial vaccine to prevent the onset of the deadly infection may never be developed.
Online obesity treatment programmes show promise
Computer and web-based weight management programs may provide a cost effective way of addressing the growing problem of obesity, according to a recent review. The researcher found that delivering weight...
The New Old Age Blog: 'Insufficient' Evidence for Routine Hearing Tests, Experts Say
The United States Preventive Services Task Force declined on Monday to recommend hearing tests for older adults without symptoms of hearing loss.