Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Killer infections targeted by hospital study
A major international study aims to prevent death and serious illness caused by one of the most common infections contracted by patients in hospitals.
Modest weight loss can have lasting health benefits, research shows
Overweight and obese individuals can achieve a decade’s worth of important health benefits by losing just 20 pounds, even if they regain the weight later that decade, according to new...
Stem cell findings point toward new cancer treatments
Three studies on different types of cancers bolster the theory that specific stem cells within tumors are responsible for a cancer's persistent growth. When cancers are treated, tumors may shrink...
Massachusetts Aims to Cut Growth of Its Health Costs
The bill, which would not allow spending on health care to grow any faster than the state’s overall economy through 2017, is the first in the nation to seek to...
Artificial butter flavoring ingredient linked to key Alzheimer's disease process
A new study raises concern about chronic exposure of workers in industry to a food flavoring ingredient used to produce the distinctive buttery flavor and aroma of microwave popcorn, margarines,...
Discovering new uses for old drugs
With the cost of putting a single new drug on the pharmacy shelves topping a staggering one billion dollars, scientists are reporting development of a way to determine if an...
Promising step forward toward muscular dystrophy treatment: Symptoms reversed in mice
Scientists have reversed symptoms of myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by eliminating a buildup of toxic RNA in muscle cells. After experimental antisense compounds were administered to mice twice a...
New treatment target for deadly brain tumors
Scientists provide new insight into why the most common, deadly kind of brain tumor in adults recurs and identify a potential target for future therapies.
Running mechanics, not metabolism, are the key to performance for elite sprinters
Contrary to traditional scientific understanding, sprint and endurance exercise differ fundamentally in the relationship between exercise mechanics, metabolism and performance, according to new research. Prevailing theory holds that the availability...
The Aging Brain Is More Malleable Than Previously Believed
Neuroscientists are finding that, as we get older, our aging brains are proving surprisingly malleable, and in ways not previously anticipated. But there are limitations.
More code cracking: Three studies help uncover the rules governing gene transcription
A trio of groundbreaking publications from researchers in Northwestern University's Physical Sciences-Oncology Center (PS-OC) report important methodological advances that will enable a better understanding of how gene expression is regulated,...
Seven days: 27 July–2 August 2012
The week in science: Nine physicists net $3 million each in new prize; India curbs tiger tourism; and Uganda suffers an outbreak of ebolavirusNature 488 10 doi: 10.1038/488010a
Why great Olympic feats raise suspicions
'Performance profiling' could help to catch cheaters in sport.Nature News doi: 10.1038/nature.2012.11109
Mild mental illness linked to premature death
People with minor symptoms of mental health problems like anxiety or depression may have a lower life expectancy, a new British study suggests.
Sleep affects potency of vaccines
As moms have always known, a good night’s sleep is crucial to good health -- and now a new study shows that poor sleep can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.
Why Meth May Lead to Death by Anorexia
Much like humans, fruit flies hooked on meth increase their physical activity and drastically cut down on eating.
The time is right to confront misconduct
After a generation of denial, research leaders are finally treating scientific fraud with the seriousness it deserves, says Colin Macilwain.Nature 488 7 doi: 10.1038/488007a
Electronic nose helps find tumour
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is linked to long term asbestos exposure. Image: ChrisPole/iStockphoto Australian researchers have developed a breath test using an electronic nose to help diagnose malignant...
Molecular link between circadian clock disturbances and inflammatory diseases discovered
Scientists have known for some time that throwing off the body's circadian rhythm can negatively affect body chemistry. In fact, workers whose sleep-wake cycles are disrupted by night shifts are...
Health Canada checks osteoporosis drug's cancer risk
Health Canada is investigating whether long-term use of Calcitonin, used to treat osteoporosis and two other calcium-related conditions, increases the risk of cancer.
Officials act to secure cattle-plague virus
Risk of accidental reintroduction shadows rinderpest eradication effort.Nature 488 15 doi: 10.1038/488015a
Hopes dashed for solo Serbian science ministry
A campaign to separate research from the education ministry has failed.Nature News doi: 10.1038/nature.2012.11104
FAU and Georgia Aquarium to Conduct First Study of Key Immune Cells of Bottlenose Dolphins and Response to Environmental Stressors
FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine and Georgia Aquarium have combined their expertise to conduct the first study of key immune cells (dendritic cells) of Bottlenose dolphins and their response to...
Australian research shows workplace bullying involves us all
New research from Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University sheds light on the roles bystanders play in workplace bullying.
Exercise restraint: Veterinarian says starting slow is way to go when introducing dog to physical activity
New dog owners anxious to take their dog for a walk or run are encouraged to introduce exercise gradually.
High-tech silver dressings ward off infection in wounds
(Phys.org) -- Applied onto the business end of artificial skin, nanofilms that release antibacterial silver over time can eradicate bacteria in full-thickness skin wounds in mice.
Clinicians overlook alcohol problems if patients are not intoxicated
Medical staff struggle to spot problem drinking in their patients unless they are already intoxicated, according to new research.
HIV prevention done right
Local control is vital to the success of anti-AIDS efforts in other countries.This week, tens of thousands of delegates are meeting in Washington for the biennial International AIDS Conference, striving...