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New technique of identifying genes may help researchers developing drugs

A quick new technique able to identify genes that evolve rapidly as well as those that change slowly already has pinpointed new targets for researchers developing drugs against tuberculosis and malaria, and it could do the same for other infectious diseases, according to a paper in this week's Nature.

29 Apr 2004

Chinese authorities announce 9th suspected SARS case

Chinese health authorities have announced that an additional case of SARS is under investigation. This brings the total number of cases in China, reported since 22 April, to nine. Of these, one has died.

29 Apr 2004

How flexing of blood vessels during a heartbeat might contribute to heart disease

Duke biomedical engineers have received more than $2.2 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue their explorations of how the complex moving and flexing of blood vessels during a heartbeat might contribute to heart disease.

28 Apr 2004

Bypass surgery results in better five-year survival than balloon angioplasty and stent procedures

Bypass surgery results in better five-year survival than balloon angioplasty and stent procedures for patients with serious coronary artery disease and additional health conditions such as diabetes

28 Apr 2004

Researchers are pioneering regenerative medicine techniques that could help millions of Americans heal faster after dental surgeries

More than 10 million Americans undergo surgical tooth extractions every year, and the procedure invariably involves some loss of bone from the tooth socket. This bone loss is problematic for dentists because it can compromise both the functional and esthetic outcomes of treatment involving dentures and bridges. Significant losses of bone also make it difficult for surgeons to properly fit dental implants to the ridge of the jawbone without requiring additional surgical procedures.

28 Apr 2004

Researchers have discovered the cause of one form of retinitis pigmentosa, a type of genetically inherited blindness

Saint Louis University researchers have discovered the cause of one form of retinitis pigmentosa, a type of genetically inherited blindness.

28 Apr 2004

New teatment for intractable low blood pressure

Patients are generally pleased with a new Mayo Clinic drug treatment for a common form of impaired nerve transmission that causes dizziness and fainting when patients change position from lying down to standing up, and most want to continue using it.

28 Apr 2004

Scientists get new motor neurons to migrate through the spinal cord

In experiments with rodents, Johns Hopkins scientists have used properly directed stem cells to successfully overcome what is thought to be a basic hurdle in restoring function to severely damaged central nervous systems

28 Apr 2004

On-line laboratory auctioneer receives $1 Million US in bids in a single day

A LabX auction hit a record $1 Million US in bids for a one-day event. The Quality Lab Excess auction attracted more than 6,300 bids on 646 listings.

28 Apr 2004

Northern Ireland scientists target bowel cancer treatment

Cancer Research N. Ireland scientists are developing a way for doctors to predict which treatment will be most successful in individual bowel cancer patients.

28 Apr 2004

Hong Kong officials review laboratory safety procedures

In view of current events on mainland China, The Centre for Health Protection's, Dr P Y Leung, today (April 27) called a meeting with representatives of the Department of Health (DH), Hospital Authority and universities to review laboratory safety procedures in Hong Kong.

28 Apr 2004

Philippines tightens SARS screening at all entry points

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) is assuring the public that there is no immediate threat of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the country despite the new cases found in neighboring China.

28 Apr 2004

New suspected SARS case over the past 24 hours

Chinese officials have reported a new suspected case of SARS in Beijing over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 7 suspected cases and 2 confirmed.

28 Apr 2004

Current situation on SARS outbreaks in China

WHO reported there were 4 additional suspected cases. Three out of the four suspects were relatives of the 20-year-old nurse and the fourth suspect is a male patient who stayed in the same ward.

27 Apr 2004

Sleep apnoea and obesity

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a common disorder with an estimated prevalence of at least 2 to 4% among middle-aged adults, especially common in obesity.

27 Apr 2004

Biological bandages are being successfully used to treat patients with severe burns

Doctors have been impressed with the rapid recovery rates instigated by the ‘tailor-made ’ discs, which have been devised by a research team at the Sheffield company, CellTran, with financial support from the Wellcome Trust biomedical research charity and the White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund. They will be officially launched at the British Burn Association’s annual meeting in Manchester tomorrow (28th).

27 Apr 2004

Current situation on SARS outbreaks in China

On 22 April, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a case of SARS in China, who was a 20-year-old nurse from Beijing. She was admitted to Jiangong Hospital on 7 April, transferred to Remin Hospital (Beijing People's Hospital) on 14 April and then to Ditang Hospital (in Beijing) on 19 April.

27 Apr 2004

SARS experts head to China

At the request of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO is today sending the first members of an international team to help investigate the source of SARS cases recently reported in Beijing and the eastern province of Anhui. The team, which is expected to begin work on Wednesday, will include experts in epidemiology, virology, infection control, and laboratory biosafety.

26 Apr 2004

The FDA is issuing a proposed rule covering the use of private sampling services and laboratories in connection with imported food

The Food and Drug Administration is issuing a proposed rule covering the use of private sampling services and laboratories in connection with imported food. Once finalized, the rule will strengthen the safety and wholesomeness of the U.S. food supply by helping to assure the integrity and scientific validity of data and results submitted to FDA.

26 Apr 2004

Smoking tobacco with a water pipe increasingly popular among women

Smoking tobacco using a water pipe - also called a hookah -- generally is viewed in a more positive light than smoking cigarettes, particularly for women, according to one of the first studies on water pipe and cigarette smoking to look at social attitudes and gender.

26 Apr 2004