Monthly News Archives



		Vitamin E Fights Arthritis-Like Damage in Mice French scientists have found that vitamin E can reduce joint destruction in mice with a rheumatoid arthritis-like condition--suggesting, they say, that the vitamin should be studied as a potential therapy for the human disease. Doctor-Patient Talks May Impact Breast Cancer Care Doctors who spend some extra time talking with their elderly breast cancer patients about treatment options and concerns regarding surgery can improve care and boost patient satisfaction too, a study finds. Calif. Lawmaker Urges Soda Pop Tax to Slim Fat Kids A California lawmaker has proposed slapping a tax on popular soft drinks to help reduce rocketing rates of childhood obesity. CDC Finds Tooth Decay Common in Third Graders Tooth decay is common in children and often untreated, according to a new report from the US Centers from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). TV Viewing in Youth Tied to Violence in Adulthood Adding to evidence that media violence can promote real-life aggression, a long-range US study has linked TV viewing in adolescence and young adulthood to violent behavior later on. Lavender, Rosemary Scents Affect Memory The calming, sedative effect of the aroma of lavender may impair memory and attention, but the stimulating effect of rosemary may enhance certain aspects of mental function, according to a team of UK researchers. World Getting Older and Few Nations Can Cope People around the globe are having fewer children and living longer, turning not only Europe but large parts of the developing world into aging societies without the social services to cope. Children's Cavities, Ear Infection May Be Linked Children with cavities may be more likely to have ear infections than cavity-free children, results of a small study suggest. Gene Boosts Good Cholesterol in Women on Estrogen The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on levels of HDL, or "good," cholesterol may depend at least in part on a woman's genes, results of a new study suggest. Officials Warn of Widespread 'Pre-Diabetes' Federal health officials issued new recommendations Wednesday designed to help identify as many as 16 million Americans who are at risk for type 2 diabetes but do not know it. Retailer to Give Out Info on Kids' Health Coverage One of the nation's largest food and drug retailers has agreed to help make parents aware that their children may qualify for low-cost or free healthcare coverage. Dental Appliance Beats Surgery for Sleep Apnea A dental appliance worn at night appears to be more successful in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) than surgery, according to a study conducted in Sweden. Women with Diabetes at Risk for Sexual Problems Women with type 1 diabetes maybe more likely to experience certain sexual problems than their healthy peers, researchers report. Stiff Arteries Boost Kidney Patients' Death Risk A measure of blood pressure that reflects artery stiffness may be a better indicator of death risk in patients with advanced kidney disease than traditional blood pressure measures, new research suggests. Pain Relievers Work Differently in Men and Women Research suggests that men and women use separate mechanisms in the brain to achieve pain relief. Study Reveals St. John's Wart What you see may not be what you get, and what you get may not be what you need -- when shopping for the popular herbal supplement St. John's wort. Love Can Conquer Impotence Although there are a number of effective treatments for prostate cancer, a large proportion (estimates range from 30 percent to 90 percent) of the men who undergo treatment will experience temporary or permanent impotence. Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Intestinal Bacteria Certain types of intestinal bacteria could be linked to the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis, according to the results of a new study. Pill Raises Cancer Risk in Virus-Infected Women Long-term use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of cancer of the cervix up to fourfold in women infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), according to study findings released by The Lancet on Tuesday. FDA Issues Warning on Kava Containing Supplements Following in the footsteps of Australia, Canada and several European nations, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned American consumers on Monday against the use of products containing kava, a herbal ingredient most often promoted for relaxation and the alleviation of sleeplessness. High-Protein Diet Won't Weaken Your Bone Into the continuing debate over a high-protein diet's link to bone health comes a new study showing that, when coupled with adequate calcium and vitamin D, protein may actually be good for your bones. Calorie Cutting Could Help Prostate A pioneering study of diet and the enlargement of the prostate gland that bothers many older American men has yielded a recommendation that's common these days: Reduce your calorie intake and you might reduce the problem. Lingering Fatigue a Warning Sign for Postpartum Depression Recent research offers new evidence that fatigue could, in fact, act as an important marker for identifying new mothers who are at risk for such depression before any classic symptoms appear. A Third of Drug Errors in Elderly Are Preventable About one third of potentially dangerous medication errors in the elderly are preventable, suggesting that better error-preventing measures such as computerized alert systems are needed, according to a report presented here on Sunday. Coffee Drinking Not Linked to Chronic Hypertension Drinking at least a cup of coffee a day may cause a short-term spike in blood pressure, but it is unlikely to lead to chronic hypertension, researchers report. Tobacco Treaty Progresses but Differences Remain Talks on a treaty to wean the world off tobacco have made progress but disagreements over advertising and compensation for people with smoking-related diseases remain, the conference chairman said on Monday. Pope Helps Launch Global Anti-Cancer Effort Pope John Paul helped launch a campaign on Saturday aiming to prevent millions of people from dying of cancers of the stomach and gut. Birth Control Pill Can Increase Breast Cancer Risk For women who use oral contraceptives comes a new word of caution today: using the Pill marginally increases your risk of breast cancer, and the longer you use it, the higher your risk of disease. Joint Custody Better for Kids of Divorce More than two decades after the movie "Kramer vs. Kramer" dramatized the traumas of a hostile divorce, a Maryland researcher has found that children raised in joint-custody settings do better than those in sole custody and almost as well as those from two-parent homes. Mild Memory Loss Could Signal Alzheimer's Risk Mild but persistent memory impairment, like always forgetting appointments you used to remember, could mean you're at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. CDC Launches 'Global Strategy' to Fight Epidemics Flush with cash and spurred on by recent events, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday launched a new international plan aimed at reducing the global threat of infectious disease. High Relationship Expectations Tied to Depression Young women who have feelings of depression are more likely to have unreasonable expectations in their personal relationships, researchers in Canada report. Pheromones Enhance Females' Sexual Attractiveness to Males New research finds that female attractiveness is sensed through the nose as well as the eyes. Women who wore perfume with synthesized female pheromone were more attractive to their male partners, conclude scientists at San Francisco State University. Breast-Feeding Makes Baby Healthy and Wise Babies who are breast-fed exclusively for the first six months of life have a higher IQ at age 5 than those who are breast-fed for 12 weeks or less, according to the study, published in the current issue of the Swedish journal, Acta Paediatrica. Treatment for Arthritis Sufferers Modified According to Weather Many arthritis sufferers swear they can predict a coming storm by the way their joints ache. A U.K. weather agency has developed an early warning system that helps hospitals better predict how many patients they will have to treat, based on changes in the weather. A Risk Test for Alzheimer's American scientists may be on their way to developing an early warning test for Alzheimer's disease, the devastating brain disorder. 'Gambler's Fallacy' Is All in Your Mind A new study from the University of Michigan says your brain actually goads you to keep trying to win even after you've suffered a string of losses. It's a finding that may lead to ways to help gambling addicts or people who take dangerous risks in the stock market. Knowing Personal Risk May Spur Lifestyle Changes Old habits are hard to break, but it may be easier when people have the cold, hard facts about their personal risk of disease, research suggests. Russian Minister Urges Healthier Lifestyle Whatever budget and state health programmes the Russian government adopts, none of them can make people healthy if they do not look after themselves, Russia's Minister of Health, Yuriy Shevchenko, said on Wednesday. Global Warming Could Be Bad News for Allergy-Prone If predictions about current trends in global warming hold true, come the year 2050, allergy sufferers may have a lot more to sneeze about. Movies May Sway Kids' Views on Smoking Seeing their movie idols light up on-screen may help convince children and teens that smoking is just fine, a study of US middle-school students suggests. Human Growth Hormone 'Overused' in Children More than one in five children treated with growth hormone in Britain are taking it for unlicenced reasons and are unlikely to gain much extra height, the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin said on Thursday. Specialized Care of Elderly Boosts Quality of Life Medical clinics designed to care for elderly people do not prolong patients' lives, but they may improve their ability to function independently and lower their risk of depression, new study results suggest. Relatives Can Help Doctors Diagnose Mental Decline Comparing an elderly patient's report of his or her own mental ability with information from a close relative could help doctors identify those who are at high risk of developing Alzheimer's, according to researchers. Report Says Whites Get Better Care Whether it's a heart bypass, cancer surgery or pain management, minorities do not get as good health care as whites, the Institute of Medicine concludes. Exercise, Even Late in Pregnancy, Seems Beneficial Regular exercise during pregnancy can help women and their newborns, but the particulars of this benefit depend on the intensity and timing of the exercise regimen, study findings suggest. Men More Prone to Oxidative Stress Than Women In findings that may help explain why heart disease is more common in men than women, a team of Japanese researchers reports that males are more susceptible to oxidative stress. Many Hysterectomies Unnecessary Thousands of British women who suffer heavy menstrual bleeding are having unnecessary hysterectomies to cure the problem, according to research published. Better Media Coverage of Vaccines Needed Scientists and the media need to do a better job helping the public know what they can realistically expect from vaccines and other medical advances, according to researchers who analyzed news coverage of the rise and fall of the rotavirus vaccine against childhood diarrhea. Study Links Enzyme to Insulin Resistance High blood levels of a naturally occurring compound involved in blood vessel function may be the "missing link" between insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Smoking Ups Risk for One Type of Leukemia Smokers, especially those over the age of 60, are more than twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop a specific type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), study findings suggest. Friends, Family Influence Teens' Smoking Habits Middle-school students who have a best friend, parent or sibling who smokes are more likely to have tried cigarettes, researchers report. Lack of Daylight May Rev Up Immune Response The short days of winter may serve as a cue for the immune system to be ready for action, new research in hamsters suggests. Laser Acupuncture Doesn't Help Kids with Asthma Laser acupuncture does not lessen exercise-induced constriction of the airways in children or adolescents with asthma, Austrian researchers have found. Men Want Commitment as Much as Women New research suggests that not only are men not afraid of commitment, but they may want it just as much as women do. Heavy Computer Use May Strain Children's Eyes Children who park themselves in front of a computer screen for long periods of time appear to be at risk for developing eye strain that can lead to focusing problems as well as both near- and far-sightedness, researchers report. Study Links High Cholesterol to Memory Loss New research suggests fatty foods that raise your cholesterol can contribute to memory problems. New Rules Threaten Cancer Research "Nightmare" new rules on patient confidentiality are threatening breast cancer research which is vital to improve treatments for the disease that kills 500,000 women worldwide each year. 'Cosmeceuticals' Prove a $5 Billion Sales Wrinkle Baby boomers are opening their wallets to an increasingly sophisticated array of anti-ageing products, creating a billion-dollar market in so-called "cosmeceuticals," industry experts said on Monday. High Blood Pressure Tied to Low Testosterone Men with untreated high blood pressure appear to have lowered levels of testosterone in their blood, which could partly explain the less-active sex lives often found in men with the condition, according to Italian researchers. Landmark Alzheimer's Prevention Study Needs Volunteers The National Institute on Aging is launching the first major study of the possible prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Anxiety, Depression May Promote Nausea A group of Norwegian researchers found that more often than not, feelings of nausea and queasiness are due to anxiety and depression rather than any serious medical problem involving the stomach. Depression's Symptoms Often Physical Headaches, fatigue, and aches and pains that are often the physical manifestations of depression go unrecognized in many primary-care doctors' offices, mental health experts say. FDA Probes Link Between Kava, Liver Damage Federal health officials are investigating whether dietary supplements containing the herb kava may be associated with liver damage, including hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver failure. Put Spring Pollen in its Place The bad news is your allergies are about to strike, as spring and all its pollens arrive with a gentle vengeance. The good news is allergy shots are becoming a more effective, less painful way to tackle those itchy eyes and runny noses, experts say. Stress Can Take Your Hair Away Experts say losing hair could come from a highly stressful event in your life, such as losing a loved one or a job, having a baby, or being in a serious accident. Link Between Smoking, Arthritis Severity Explained Among women with rheumatoid arthritis, those who are smokers or ex-smokers and also lack a certain detoxifying enzyme are more likely than nonsmokers to develop severe disease, study results show. Soy Diet Reduces Pain, Inflammation A diet rich in soy that reduced pain and swelling in rats could one day be used by humans to manage chronic pain in diseases such as cancer, US researchers said on Friday. New Analysis Shows Modest Benefits of Mammography In the wake of recent controversy over the value of regular breast cancer screening with mammography, a new analysis shows that mammograms can make a modest difference in a woman's risk of dying from the disease--at least if she's 55 or older. High-Quality Daycare Can Benefit Kids, Parents Children placed in daycare do not seem to suffer significant detrimental effects, so long as the care is of high quality and their home life is supportive, researchers reported Wednesday at a congressional briefing in Washington, DC. Many Youngsters Have Ulcer-Causing Bacteria Many children--particularly African-American youngsters--seem to acquire the ulcer-causing bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, at an early age, study findings suggest. 'Definite' Attention Disorder Found in 7% of Kids The wide range in estimates of the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are largely due to variations in the stringency of criteria used to diagnose this condition, US researchers report. Violence Exposure Linked to Lower IQ in Children Children from urban areas who are exposed to a high level of violence may have lower IQ scores and a lower reading ability than their peers, researchers report. Children at Higher Risk of Cat-Scratch Disease Although people of any age can contract a bacterial infection from cats called "cat-scratch disease," children may be at particularly high risk, according to researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Zinc, Folic Acid Shown to Boost Sperm Count Treatment with folic acid and zinc supplements may raise the sperm count of some men with fertility problems, new research suggests. Study Finds No Evidence for Religion-Health Link Although previous studies have found that prayer, meditation and other religious activities provide health benefits, two American researchers suggest that many such findings are inaccurate and largely due to faulty study methods. Sweet Drink May Boost Exam Performance Students worried about performing well in their exams could boost their chances of success simply by downing a sugar-containing drink while they're studying, new research suggests. Menstruation May Worsen Irritable Bowel Syndrome For reasons that researchers do not understand, the menstrual cycle seems to affect the severity of irritable bowel syndrome, according to a report. Gum Chewing Found to Boost Brainpower, Memory A joint study carried out by the University of Northumbria and the Cognitive Research Unit, Reading, has found that chewing gum has a positive effect on thinking, memory and other cognitive tasks. Fitness Level Found Vital in Men's Death Risk The fittest may indeed survive the longest, according to new research suggesting that physical fitness is more important in death risk than even high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking. Obese Kids Often Have Prediabetic Condition For the first time, researchers have found that one in four extremely obese children under the age of 10 and one in five obese adolescents under the age of 18 in the US have a condition known as impaired glucose tolerance--a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Sweet Taste Boosts Adults' Pain Tolerance Mary Poppins had it right: a spoonful of sugar does help the medicine go down. According to research presented at the American Psychosomatic Society's annual meeting in Barcelona this week, adults are better able to tolerate pain if they have a bit of sweetness on their tongue. Big Tobacco 'Light' Cigarette Con Exposed Using recently released US tobacco company documents and other trade sources, Canadian researchers have detected a concentrated effort to deceive the public about the health risks from cigarettes described as "Light" or "Ultra-Light." More Caution Urged with Contact Lens Use Many people underestimate the risks of contact lenses, continuing to wear them when their eyes become tired or irritated and not cleaning them as directed, according to a Florida doctor. Gene Activity Linked to Schizophrenia Two new studies have identified genetic activity that appears to be associated with schizophrenia, a serious brain disorder that alters a person's perceptions of reality, emotions and thought processes. Symptoms of the disorder, which affects about 1% of the world's population, typically surface during the late teens and 20s. Obesity Harder on Health Than Smoking Obesity exacts a higher toll on health and healthcare costs than either smoking or drinking as serious obesity-related problems like diabetes are near epidemic levels, according to a study released on Tuesday. Recycled Air Risks Passengers' Health-Report Air passengers' health is being put at risk on commercial flights as airlines reduce air quality to cut costs, according to a report published on Tuesday. Timing May Be Key in Hip, Knee Replacements Waiting too long to replace hips and knees debilitated by arthritis might hurt patients' chances of improving after surgery, new research suggests. Painkillers May Prevent Prostate Cancer Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen and other common painkillers appear to protect against prostate cancer among older men, Mayo Clinic researchers said on Tuesday. Second Opinion Often Shifts Breast Cancer Care A second opinion can in many cases change the course of care for women in the earlier stages of breast cancer, a study at one US hospital suggests. Anti-Smoking Groups Target Hollywood Citing a new study that examines the ties between Hollywood and cigarette makers, health advocates are calling for the film industry to incorporate tobacco as a factor in determining movie ratings. Health Experts Mull World's Poor Saying almost 11 million children die each year of preventable causes, leading health experts sought ways Tuesday to extend resources to "the poorest and the youngest" at an international conference. Foodborne Illness It may be unexpected and dangerous intruders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and biotoxins in your meal, says a new report from the Institute of Food Technologists, a non-profit scientific society based in Chicago. The Push for Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer Like all cancers, the earlier ovarian cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat and the higher the survival rate. However, ovarian cancer is tough to spot in the beginning. Often, women have minor symptoms -- or no symptoms at all -- until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. Clot-Busters Can Be Deadly for Elderly Clot-busting drugs, while extremely effective in younger people, may be dangerous and even deadly for the very elderly. Why Cocaine Causes So Many Strokes and Heart Attacks Scientists have known for a long time that cocaine use could cause blood pressure to rise, sometimes so much so that a stroke or heart attack would occur. Asthmatics Have More Severe Cold Symptoms Asthmatics are not more likely than other people to get colds, but when they do, they are more likely to suffer from more severe respiratory symptoms, new study findings suggest. Smokers Unrealistic About Odds of Quitting If given the chance to turn back time, the overwhelming majority of smokers would not start smoking, a new UK survey shows. But even though most smokers would like to kick the habit, they are deluded about how easy it will be for them to quit, researchers say. Hormone May Treat Type 2 Diabetes, Researchers Say A lab-engineered version of a natural intestinal hormone has shown early promise in treating type 2 diabetes, Danish researchers report. Babies of Smokers End Up in Hospital More Often Babies who live with two or more smokers are 30% more likely to need hospital treatment than those who grow up in smoke-free homes, according to a university study. Not All Personal Trainers Have Equal Training With the demand for personal trainers on the rise, consumers should know that not all are created equal. Negative Thoughts Increase Pain Perception If you arrive at the dentist's office angry--or fearful or sad, for that matter--take a moment to get in a neutral state of mind. That way, the drilling, poking and prodding will seem to hurt less, according to a Canadian researcher who has studied how emotions modulate the pain experience. Study Finds No Breast Cancer - Magnetic Field Link A new study has found no link between breast cancer and exposure to residential electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by electrical wiring and appliances. Doctors May Miss Lung Cancer on X-Rays Missed diagnosis of lung cancer on a chest x-ray may be relatively common and can delay initiation of potentially life-saving treatment, according to the results of a study by British researchers. Frequent Business Trips May Stress Out Spouses When a spouse travels frequently for work, it may take a toll on the mental health of the wife or husband left at home, new research suggests. Extra Salt Boosts Preemies' Development Giving premature babies a little extra salt during the first couple of weeks of life may help prevent long-term developmental problems, the results of a new study suggest. Saliva Test to Detect Breast Cancer Under Study A simple and inexpensive saliva test may detect breast cancer in its early stages, according to US researchers who have studied the approach for 5 years. Personality Based on Organization of Your Personal Space In a report published in the current Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, researchers revealed that "personal environments" like your bedroom or your work space often reflect major personality traits, even when viewed by those who don't know you at all. Twin Study Suggests Right- Handedness Is Gene-Based A new study of twins bolsters the belief that there may be a gene that distinguishes righties from lefties, and perhaps influences the structure and function of their brains as well. Research Shows How Cocaine Boosts Blood Pressure Researchers in Texas report that they have determined the mechanism by which cocaine can cause a person's blood pressure to skyrocket, leading to a potentially fatal condition known as hypertensive crisis. Drug Resistance Rising in Ulcer Bug, Expert Warns Indiscriminate use of antibiotics to fight the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori is behind an alarming rise in drug-resistant strains of the bug, according to a leading German microbiologist. Eat Tomatoes to Foil Unaware of Complication Eating tomato sauce a couple of times a week may reduce prostate cancer risk, according to the results of a study including nearly 48,000 men. Eating Breakfast Champions Good Health It turns out your Mom knew a thing or two about good health when she made you eat your breakfast and told you not to smoke or drink. Hypoallergenic Peanut May Be on the Horizon Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are working on developing a hypoallergenic peanut, they reported here Tuesday at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's annual meeting. China to Tighten Grip on Antibiotics in Foods China said on Wednesday that it would tighten its grip on the careless use of harmful antibiotics by livestock farmers after a dangerous drug had been found in exports ranging from seafood to sausages to honey. Long-Time Pot Users Show Mental Deficits Long-time, heavy marijuana users may eventually see their memory and attention span go up in smoke, new research suggests. Breathing Bad Air for Many Years Ups Death Risk Breathing polluted air over the long term can increase a person's risk of dying from lung cancer or heart and lung disease, according to the results of a new study. 'Innocent' Blow to the Chest Can Be Fatal Even a seemingly minor strike to the chest from a ball or other source can prove fatal under certain conditions. And those most at risk seem to be children in sports like baseball and hockey, US researchers report. Language May Explain Poor Memory of Toddler Years Children may be unable to remember events from their early childhood because they did not have the language skills at the time to fully process and later recall those memories, researchers report. Taller Kids Face Higher Risk of Type I Diabetes Children with Type I diabetes are slightly taller than their peers who don't have it, says a new finding that could shed light on what leads to the development of the disease. Commit to Quit Quitting smoking is hard, there's no doubt about it. However, if you can tough it out for at least two years, chances are good you'll never light another cigarette again. Girls Master Toilet Training Sooner Than Boys Girls acquire toilet-training skills at a slightly earlier age than boys do, study findings show. In addition, the researchers note that the ages when children achieve typical "potty" readiness skills is now in the range of 22 to 30 months--older than was seen in earlier decades. Kid's Drawings Can Communicate What Words May Not When it comes to the challenge of diagnosing migraines in children, an uncommon technique gives new meaning to the expression "show me where it hurts." Defibrillators Could Save Lives at Fitness Clubs Fitness clubs may encourage millions of Americans to pursue healthier hearts, but at the same time be ill equipped to treat sudden cardiac arrest. Allergy-Prone Endangered by Confusing Food Labelsapy Do you know what ammonium caseinate is? How about lactalbumin, or casein? These items, all milk derivatives, appear often on the ingredients lists of foods that--if consumed--could endanger the health of Americans allergic to milk. Snoring Linked to Hyperactivity Problems in Kids Children who snore are more likely to have problems with inattention and hyperactivity during the daytime, according to study findings released on Sunday. UK Cancer Awareness Drive Targets School Children British children are being urged to talk more about cancer in schools on Monday after a survey found many youngsters are confused and misinformed about the disease that kills six million people worldwide each year. Canada to Allow Stem Cell Research Canadian scientists will be allowed to use human embryos and aborted fetal tissue for medical research on stem cells under new regulations to be released on Monday, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported. Mom's Age Linked to Low Birth Weight, Prematurity Women who give birth at age 35 or older appear more likely than younger women to deliver prematurely or have low birth weight babies, Canadian researchers report. Massage Therapists Want Respect Fresh from a victory over a city regulation they considered demeaning, massage therapists are turning back to their main crusade -- getting more laws for their profession on the books across the country. Seniors Benefit From More Preventive Care Doctors and insurance companies typically treat seniors after a health problem crops up, but if more time was spent on preventing common medical conditions many of those problems might not happen. Ex-Smokers Who Make 2-Year Mark Often Beat Habit There is good news for ex-smokers: If quitters can hold out for 2 years they have a much greater chance of kicking the cancer-causing habit for good. But, the findings suggest, the temptation to light up may linger for up to 10 years. Choice of Partner, Sex Act Key in HIV Risk Choosing a sex partner who has tested negative for HIV is one of the most effective ways of protecting against contracting AIDS, but other measures can also substantially reduce HIV transmission, according to researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Acupuncture May Aid Cancer Patients' Dry Mouth Acupuncture may help some cancer patients who have severe dry mouth as a side effect of treatment, California researchers report. Snoring a Risk Factor for Type II Diabetes Women who snore regularly are twice as likely to develop Type II diabetes as those who have a quiet night's slumber. Cancer Chief Stresses Value of Mammograms The top US cancer official on Thursday emphatically reaffirmed the value of mammograms as a panel of lawmakers decried recent studies that created confusion about whether they save women's lives. Homeopathy Same as a Placebo for Asthma New research findings suggest that the alternative medicine homeopathy is no more effective than an inactive placebo in treating asthmatics who are allergic to house dust mite. Inequality Found in UK Heart Disease Treatment Heart disease patients in Britain are not treated equally, probably due to language and cultural differences, researchers said on Friday.