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Key to eczema’s itch uncovered

An influx of neutrophils that secrete a lipid called leukotriene B4 is responsible for triggering the itching and inflammation of the skin typically seen in patients with eczema, suggest study findings.

12 Oct 2012

Ferozsons Laboratories, BioGaia to sell probiotic drops and tablets in Pakistan

Today BioGaia has signed an agreement with Ferozsons Laboratories Limited, for the exclusive rights to sell BioGaia's probiotic drops and tablets in Pakistan. The products will be sold under the BioGaia brand and launch is planned to 2013.

12 Oct 2012

Study identifies 21 new gene variants associated with risks of heart disease, metabolic disorders

In the largest-ever genetic study of cholesterol and other blood lipids, an international consortium has identified 21 new gene variants associated with risks of heart disease and metabolic disorders.

12 Oct 2012

Premature babies from low-income families more likely to develop brain hemorrhages

Babies born prematurely to low-income parents have a disproportionately high risk for developing dangerous brain bleeds that require multiple surgeries and extensive follow-up, according to a small Johns Hopkins Children's Center study.

12 Oct 2012

Two CUMC studies provide new insights into spinal muscular atrophy

A study by scientists from the Motor Neuron Center at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) suggests that spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic neuromuscular disease in infants and children, results primarily from motor circuit dysfunction, not motor neuron or muscle cell dysfunction, as is commonly thought.

12 Oct 2012

Early exposure to traffic-related air pollution affects respiratory health in children

Exposure to ambient air pollution from traffic during infancy is associated with lung function deficits in children up to eight years of age, particularly among children sensitized to common allergens, according to a new study.

12 Oct 2012

Alverix receives FDA 510(k) clearance for new BD Veritor System kit

Alverix, Inc., a world leader in the design and manufacture of next-generation platforms for diagnostic Point-of-Care (POC) testing, today announced that BD Diagnostics, a segment of Becton Dickinson and Company, a leading global medical technology company, received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nasopharyngeal wash, aspirate and swab in transport media specimens on the BD VeritorTM System for Rapid Detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

12 Oct 2012

LLS symposium to review latest advances in blood cancer research

A cadre of leading researchers in hematology, oncology, cell biology, and biotechnology are conducting presentations and discussions at this symposium to review the latest advances in blood cancer research.

12 Oct 2012

Children exposed to natural playgrounds tend to be more active

Children who play on playgrounds that incorporate natural elements like logs and flowers tend to be more active than those who play on traditional playgrounds with metal and brightly colored equipment, according to a recent study from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

12 Oct 2012

Concordia researcher investigates cross-gender behavior in children

In exercise books, sports line-ups, or in the simple act of going to the bathroom, school children have to answer the seemingly simple question, "are you a boy or a girl?" For Canadian school kids who exhibit cross-gender behaviour or presentation, this question is not only limiting, it's the source of angst.

12 Oct 2012

Brain scans can identify reading skills of children

If a 7-year-old is breezing through the "Harry Potter" books, studies indicate that he or she will be a strong reader later in life. Conversely, if a 7-year-old is struggling with "The Cat in the Hat," that child will most likely struggle with reading going forward.

12 Oct 2012

Blocking leukotriene B4 might slow down eczema

More than 15% of children suffer with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease that in some cases can be debilitating and disfiguring. Researchers reporting in the October issue of Immunity have discovered a potential new target for the condition, demonstrating that by blocking it, they can lessen the disease in mice.

12 Oct 2012

One type of fat is riskier than another for mums and unborn babies

Carrying too much weight during pregnancy can place both mother and child at risk but new research from the University of Sydney has discovered that one type of fat is riskier than another for mums and unborn babies.

11 Oct 2012

Poor sleep shows cardiovascular links in adolescents

Sleep disturbance in healthy adolescents is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease in later life, research suggests.

11 Oct 2012

Retinal imaging holds clues to cause of brain injury in children

Retinal imaging can help differentiate intentional from accidental traumatic brain injury in children, suggests research.

11 Oct 2012

No benefit from irrigation during appendectomy

Irrigating the peritoneal cavity during appendectomy for perforated appendicitis offers no advantage over suction alone, with similar rates of postoperative abscess in children treated using both approaches, according to the findings of a US study.

11 Oct 2012

Recommendations in pediatric palliative care

The future of pediatric and perinatal palliative care should include accepting parents’ need for proximity to the child, combining the strategies of palliative and intensive care physicians, improving healthcare providers’ listening skills, and involving multiple disciplines, recommend researchers.

11 Oct 2012

First Edition: October 11, 2012

Today's headlines include previews of how Medicare and other health policy issues might playin tonight's vice presidential debate.

11 Oct 2012

New mass spectrometry helps identify bacteria in clinical specimens within minutes

New mass spectrometry technology is helping Le Bonheur Children's physicians analyze microbiology samples quickly - identifying specific bacteria present in a sample within minutes.

11 Oct 2012

Grand Challenges Canada funds 15 new projects to improve mental health diagnosis and care

Grand Challenges Canada, which is funded by the Government of Canada, today announced a landmark $19.4 million in support of 15 innovative, pioneering projects designed to improve mental health diagnosis and care in developing countries, many of them nations ravaged by conflict and disaster as well as poverty.

11 Oct 2012