Monthly News Archives



		Gene Controls Vulnerability To Common Virus A newly discovered gene that allows immune molecules to attach to virus-fighting cells may explain why some mice are susceptible to infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and others are not, researchers report. Drug Shows No Benefit for Down Syndrome The drug piracetam does not appear to boost mental abilities in children with Down syndrome and is associated with negative side effects, according to a new report. Spring Cleaning Can Hurt You In their ardent efforts to perform the ultimate "spring cleaning" around the home, many people wind up in pretty bad shape. They pull muscles, twist tendons and otherwise abuse parts of the body that are often conditioned to accommodate little more than sitting on the couch. Procedure May Detect Early Breast Cancer An experimental technique may one day be used to detect breast tumors that are too small to show up on a mammogram, researchers report. Gene Linked to Unexplained Infertility in Women A variation in the size of a gene expressed in the lining of the womb could be the cause of infertility in some women, UK researchers reported on Thursday. Work Related Deaths Drop, but Not Enough The number of workplace fatalities has declined over the last 20 years, but many workers are still at risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, said on Thursday. Stress Ups Risk of Catching Common Cold People who see the proverbial glass as half empty may be nearly four times more likely than their optimistic peers to come down with a cold, study findings suggest. Study Reveals How Sleep Helps Brain Development Sleep, whose need is not questioned but whose function is shrouded in mystery, has a critical role in early brain development, scientists said on Wednesday. Herbs and Surgery: A Risky Mix A variety of herbs, and even some vitamins, can cause serious problems in the operating room, warns a New York plastic surgeon. And these problems seem to be cropping up more and more. Doctors Find Early Warning Indicator For Autism Elevated levels of proteins in the blood at birth appear to foreshadow the development of autism and mental retardation later in childhood, researchers said on Wednesday in a finding that could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment. Acupuncture Safe and Effective If you wonder whether acupuncture is safe, you can relax, according to a review of medical literature from around the world. Heart Disease Vaccines Show Promise Several vaccines are being developed to reduce heart disease risk factors, and could one day be used to help prevent heart attacks, according to a presentation here Tuesday at the Fourth Annual Conference on Vaccine Research. Mammograms Save Twice As Many Lives As Thought Screening mammography reduces breast cancer deaths by 63%, double the effect usually cited, according to a study presented here Monday at the American Cancer Society Science Writers Seminar. Nearly All Asthma Deaths Preventable Nearly all deaths caused by asthma could be prevented if sufferers and their doctors had a better understanding of the disease, according to an Asia-wide survey released Tuesday. Gene Increases Heart Disease Risk in Blacks A specific version of a gene involved in blood clotting greatly increases the risk of heart disease in African Americans, but does not increase risk among whites. Gene For 'Sweet Tooth' Identified New research findings may help shed light on why some people react to a piece of chocolate cake with a craving for more, while others are content with just a bite. Two separate teams of researchers have identified a gene in mice that appears to regulate a sweet receptor--a protein on nerve cells in taste buds that responds to sweetness. Alzheimer's Linked To Proteins Associated With Aging The irreversible brain disorder Alzheimer's Disease may be caused by inflammatory processes associated with aging and not--as generally believed--by plaque-like deposits in the brain, researchers said on Friday. Short-Term Nicotine Patch Effective Smokers who want to try the nicotine patch but doubt their ability to stick to the 10-week course may now be able to get results within just four weeks, researchers report. Study Makes Genetic Link To Phobias Preliminary research suggests an unusual genetic abnormality may be linked to panic attacks and phobias. Mobile Phone Industry Target of Lawsuits Some of the biggest names in the mobile telephone industry are named as defendants in two class action lawsuits alleging links between cell phones and possible health risks, the Washington Post reported on Friday. Scientists Sequence Genome of Bacteria Researchers in Japan announced on Thursday that they have sequenced the genome of two different strains of Staphylococcus aureus--a bacterium that has increasingly made headlines over the years due to its ability to evade antibiotic treatments. The finding will hopefully lead to new ways to fight antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria, a problem that is on the rise around the world. 10-Year Study of Dioxins in Meat The Environmental Protection Agency will review on Monday a decade-long study evaluating the potential health risks of eating animal fat and dairy products containing traces of dioxins. Genetic Markers Predict Colon Cancer Survival Specific genetic changes that occur in colon tumors can help doctors predict which patients will benefit the most from chemotherapy after surgery, new study findings suggest. Bowel Drug Should Stay Off Market A US consumer group on Wednesday urged regulators to resist pressure to put the irritable bowel treatment Lotronex back on the market, saying new data reinforced the drug's dangers. Government Adds Fiber To Foods If you're one of those picky eaters who says too many healthy foods taste like sawdust, you'll be glad to hear how Uncle Sam's been spending your tax dollars. Spirituality May Help Relieve Pain of Arthritis Patients who use religion or spirituality to cope with the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis can reduce their pain and boost their sense of well being, preliminary study findings suggest. St John's Wort Not So Great For Depression St. John's wort may be flying off of health food store shelves, but new research suggests its purported effects against depression may not be worth much. Stress Impairs Ability To Remember and Learn Rats who endure extreme stress suffer memory loss and a lessened ability to learn new things, a team of researchers at the University of South Florida report. The findings suggest that humans may have trouble remembering new information or activities that were learned before or during a stressed out time. The Brain Loves a Surprise Scientists know that basic pleasures like good food and sex trigger the brain's ``reward system,'' but new research suggests that a pleasant surprise really gets the brain going. Mental Illness Often Hidden From Friends Many people may like to lend a hand to a friend with a mental health problem, but one in four people only find out that a friend has mental illness when they are admitted to the hospital, according to survey results released Tuesday. Nature and Nurture Influence I.Q. Hoping to resolve the question of where intelligence comes from, researchers now suggest that a person's intelligence quotient, or IQ, is the outcome of a continuous circle of influence involving both genes and environment--and that the measure is fluid over a lifetime. Skinny People Need Exercise Too Nearly everyone knows that exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, but people carrying around a few extra pounds are not the only ones who need to keep moving, study findings suggest. Even skinny couch potatoes have an increased risk of heart disease, researchers report. Experts Regroup on West Nile Virus It is spring, and an epidemiologist's thoughts turn to the West Nile virus - the germ that arrived in this country two years ago, imperiling lives and causing alarm along the East Coast. Canada Tries Tough Smoking Labels The Canadian government is requiring tobacco companies to put harsh images on cigarettes sold in that country. The government hopes the gruesome images of the damage smoking may do will inspire Canadians to quit smoking. Bacteria May Be Showing Resistance To New Antibiotic A year-old antibiotic designed to stem the tide of certain treatment-resistant infections is already showing chinks in its armor, according to a new report. Study Suggests Why Good Bacteria Sometimes Go Bad New research is shedding light on why a common group of bacteria causes life-threatening illnesses and outwits treatment in some people, yet lives happily and harmlessly in most individuals. Bereaved Parents Need Support From Caregivers Parents experiencing the loss of a newborn want continued contact with the child's healthcare professionals, study findings suggest, but they may need proactive help to receive the counseling they need. Scientists Unravel New Clues About HIV Scientists have identified a protein that permits HIV, the virus that cause AIDS, to evade the immune system. Schizophrenia In Offspring Linked to Father's Age Women may hear the symbolic ticking of their biological clocks as they approach the age of 40, but men might want to listen more closely to their own, researchers suggest. Sleepless Nights May Be Bad For Stomach Bad news for people with insomnia or those who like to burn the midnight oil--you may be at increased risk for ulcers, according to a report published in the current issue of the journal Gut. Dutch Hope Euthanasia Law Will Prompt Debate Policymakers and pro-euthanasia groups in the Netherlands voiced the hope that Tuesday's landmark decision to legalize mercy-killing will encourage discussion on the controversial issue elsewhere. Study Indicates Ginger May Help Morning Sickness Ginger may help relieve the nausea and vomiting that can occur in early pregnancy, results of a study suggest. Genes Play a Role in Schizophrenia Although the causes of the complex psychiatric disorder schizophrenia remain elusive, new research is uncovering some of the fundamental mechanisms that seem to steer schizophrenics' brains down the wrong path. Age Tougher on Men's Hearing Than Women's Hearing changes come with age, but it seems to happen differently for men and women--possibly leading to communication clashes between the sexes, researchers report. Diet Equal to Drugs In Lowering Cholesterol A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and nuts may reduce cholesterol levels and consequently lower the risk of heart disease as effectively as state-of-the-art drug therapy, results of a recent study reveal. Sleep Position May Play A Role In Kidney Stones Consistently sleeping on one side of the body may make this weight-bearing side more prone to kidney stones, new research suggests. Creatine and Teens In sports circles, it's known as "the power powder." It's a popular muscle builder that many college athletes and even some pros believe is the secret to their success. Now, it's trickled down to the high school level -- with many an aspiring jock "power loading" the crystalline substance before every big game. Taking Aim at Childhood Obesity A new study published last month revealed that infants considered "heavyweights" at birth may actually grow up to be smarter adults -- another indication that a chubby baby may be better off. Good Bacteria May Halt Allergies in Babies Giving soon-to-be mothers and newborns doses of ``good'' bacteria may help prevent childhood allergies, new research suggests. Taking Many Drugs Worsens Nutrition In The Elderly Elderly people often take several medications, and a new study suggests that taking three or more may increase the risk of poor nutrition and weight loss, according to findings presented at the Experimental Biology 2001 meeting here. Men Sense Fertility In Women Could love truly be in the air? Researchers in Texas believe men become especially attuned--and attracted to--female body odors during the most fertile stage of the menstrual cycle. Wide Heeled Shoes Bad For Knees Women who wear shoes with wide, chunky heels may feel smug about sacrificing fashion for health, since these shoes are thought to be easier on the ankles and knees. High I.Q. Linked to Longevity A sharper mind may mean a longer life, a study out of the UK suggests. Researchers found that mental prowess during childhood predicted longevity among more than 2,200 older adults who took IQ tests as 11-year-olds in 1932. Women Get Less Heart Disease Care Than Men Researchers in England report that women are not receiving the same level of care as men for heart disease, confirming the findings of similar reports that found gender bias in the treatment of heart disease. Research Shows How Cells Monitor Oxygen Levels New research sheds light on exactly how cells can tell if they've got enough oxygen, and the findings could have implications for the treatment of cancer, high blood pressure and stroke. Stress May Be a Factor In Work-Related Eye Strain Could your eye strain be caused by work-related stress? Yes, according to Italian researchers, who report that psychological factors such as self-esteem and co-worker conflict are significant contributors to workers' complaints of eye strain. Gene Influences Alcohol's Effect On Cholesterol Casual drinkers may tell themselves that a daily glass of wine is doing as much for their health as would a jog around the park. So far, science has failed to lend credence to their claim. Benefits Of Healthy Diet Appear After Two Years It's never too early to begin trimming the fat from your diet, a new report suggests, since the benefits of a healthy diet on a person's heart disease risk can take at least 2 years to kick in. Wholesome Diet May Prevent Wrinkles A fountain of youth may be as close as the kitchen, new study findings suggest. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and unsaturated fats may ward off wrinkles by boosting the skin's natural defenses against sun damage. Soy May Protect Men Against Bone Loss Soy, already reported to protect women from bone loss, may be protective in men as well, according to a new report. Soy Staves Off Alzheimer's in Monkeys Soy may have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease, according to results of a new animal study. Overheating Underrecognized As Possible Cause For SIDS Overheating caused by putting too many blankets on a baby or keeping the child's room too warm is an often overlooked factor in sudden infant deaths (SIDS), researchers said on Monday. Sleep Troubles Common Among School Children Sleep problems are common among children and may signal problems in daytime life, study findings suggest. Breast Milk Offers Twice The Antioxidant Protection Premature babies may especially benefit from breast milk because it's ``twice as good as formula'' at providing not only nutrients but antioxidant protection as well, according to a study presented at the Experimental Biology 2001 meeting here. Docs Must Educate Themselves on Herbals Doctors can no longer ignore their patients' use of herbal medicines, according to Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of Cornell University's New York Presbyterian Hospital.