Latest science news in Health & Medicine
A molecule central to diabetes is uncovered
At its most fundamental level, diabetes is a disease characterized by stress -- microscopic stress that causes inflammation and the loss of insulin production in the pancreas, and system-wide stress...
Protein that boosts longevity may protect against diabetes: Sirtuins help fight off disorders linked to obesity
According to a new study, a protein that slows aging in mice and other animals also protects against the ravages of a high-fat diet, including diabetes.
One in three post-partum women suffers PTSD symptoms after giving birth: Natural births a major cause of post-traumatic stress, study suggests
Doctors are still divided about whether childbirth qualifies as a "traumatic event." But new research now indicates that approximately one-third of all post-partum women exhibit some symptoms of PTSD, and...
U.S. children's cholesterol levels down significantly
Children's cholesterol levels in the last 20 years have declined 28%, researchers find, a promising sign amid data showing a rise in obesity and diabetes among young people.Against the drumbeat...
Healthy diets: healthier IQ
"Diet supplies the nutrients needed for the development of brain tissues in the first two years of life..." Image: adlifemarketing/iStockphoto Children fed healthy diets in early age may have a slightly higher IQ,...
No difference in death rates among patients exposed to common rheumatoid arthritis drugs, study suggests
New research confirms no significant difference in the rates of death among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were exposed to one of several TNF inhibitors used to treat RA,...
Brain activity may predict teens’ heavy drinking
Heavy drinking is known to affect teenagers’ developing brains, but certain patterns of brain activity may also help predict which [...]
New non-toxic disinfectant could tackle hospital infections
A new disinfectant, Akwaton, that works at extremely low concentrations could be used in healthcare settings to help control persistent hospital-acquired infections such as Clostridium difficile. Researchers tested the new...
Grapefruit juice lets patients take lower dose of cancer drug
A glass a day of grapefruit juice lets patients derive the same benefits from an anti-cancer drug as they would [...]
HCA probe shines light on chest pain overtreatment
CHICAGO (AP) -- An investigation into one of the nation's biggest hospital chains is refocusing attention on concerns about overtreatment for chest pain....
Planting the Seeds of Defense
Salk study finds stress triggers widespread epigenetic changes that aid in disease resistance.
TRPM7 protein key to breast cancer metastasis in animal models
The protein transient receptor potential melastatin-like 7 (TRPM7) is a critical determinant of breast cancer cell metastasis, according to new study.
Corticosteroids not effective for treating acute sinusitis
Corticosteroids, frequently prescribed to alleviate acute sinusitis, show no clinical benefit in treating the condition, according to a randomized controlled trial published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) (pre-embargo link...
Jared Loughner enters guilty plea after being found competent to stand trial
Psychologist says Arizona shooting suspect understands charges as Loughner enters plea deal that spares death penaltyJared Lee Loughner pleaded guilty on Tuesday to killing six people and wounding 13 others, including his intended...
Control of devastating cassava virus in Africa demonstrated
Scientists recently demonstrated progress in protecting cassava against cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), a serious virus disease, in a confined field trial in Uganda using an RNA interference technology.
A mindful mentor
Gary Gibbons, the next director of the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, hopes to diversify the biomedical workforce.Nature News doi: 10.1038/nature.2012.11134
High risk of bleeding from brain blood vessel abnormalities during pregnancy
A new study supports what neurosurgeons have long suspected —- that pregnancy is an important risk factor for bleeding from arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain.
Lower risk of serious side-effects in trials of new targeted drugs, study suggests
Patients in early clinical trials of new-style targeted cancer therapies appear to have a much lower risk of the most serious side-effects than with traditional chemotherapy. Researchers analyzed data from...
Methadone program workers overwhelmed
A drug recovery program in Cape Breton is facing some major challenges.
EI benefits extended to families of seriously ill children
The federal government will follow through with a 2011 election campaign promise to extend employment insurance benefits to parents who need time off to care for seriously ill children, Prime...
Drug successfully halts fibrosis in animal model of liver disease
A potential new NADPH oxidase inhibitor therapy for liver fibrosis, a scarring process associated with chronic liver disease that can lead to loss of liver function.
Curbing tobacco use by growing less
In China, 350 million people smoke. Each year, 1 million die from smoking. Many more become disabled. Approximately 20 million [...]
Using Millions of Years of Cell Evolution in the Fight Against Cancer
As the medical community continues to make positive strides in personalized cancer therapy, scientists know some dead ends are unavoidable. [...]
Walking for Exercise on the Rise in US, Especially in Southerners and Men
In 2010, 62 percent of Americans reported walking for at least 10 consecutive minutes during a week.
Recipes for Health: Elizabeth’s Braised Leeks With Parmesan — Recipes for Health
The sophisticated flavors and textures that this dish offers may convert those who think they don’t like leeks.
Cannabis as painkiller
Cannabis-based medications have been demonstrated to relieve pain. Cannabis medications can be used in patients whose symptoms are not adequately alleviated by conventional treatment. The indications are muscle spasms, nausea...
Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be linked to increased cataract risk
Patients using cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may be at increased risk of developing age-related cataracts, according to a study.
Farm virus 'may spread across UK'
Schmallenberg virus is present in the UK this summer and could spread throughout the country, scientists say.