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Naturally occurring genetic change in humans that dramatically increases muscle size and strength

A research team funded by MDA has discovered a naturally occurring genetic change (mutation) in humans that dramatically increases muscle size and strength.

28 Jun 2004

Way for diabetics to regulate their blood-sugar levels whilst avoiding weight gain

Type 2 diabetics who take two drugs in combination with insulin can effectively regulate their blood-sugar levels without the common side effect of weight gain, according to a new study by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

28 Jun 2004

A viral respiratory infection common in children increases the risk of developing asthma

The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, is the first to show a link between respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, infection and asthma in mice. A related study, also in mice, suggests that a medication neutralizing the virus could decrease children's chances of developing asthma.

28 Jun 2004

Current legislation on preimplantation genetic diagnosis in Germany does not reflect the views of the general public

At present PGD is forbidden in Germany, but in one of the first large study of attitudes to PGD amongst the general population and infertile couples in Germany, the researchers found that the majority of Germans think the technique should be permitted.

28 Jun 2004

Oldest evidence yet of a human hereditary genetic disorder found

The discovery of what is believed to be the oldest evidence yet found of a human hereditary genetic disorder has been announced by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

28 Jun 2004

Mighty mouse gene works the same way in humans

By studying the genes of a German child born with unusually well developed muscles, an international research team has discovered the first evidence that the gene whose loss makes "mighty mice" also controls muscle growth in people.

26 Jun 2004

Antibiotic use early in life does not increase the subsequent risk of asthma

Previous research has indicated that infections in early life may offer protection from developing asthma. Therefore, it has been suggested that antibiotics increase the risk of asthma by reducing the protective effect of infections or by interfering with normal bacterial flora in the gut.

26 Jun 2004

Massive disparities in medical school admissions by social class

There are massive disparities in medical school admissions by social class, mainly because pupils from working class backgrounds see medical school as distant, unreal, and culturally alien, according to two studies in this week's BMJ.

26 Jun 2004

Prescription pain medications may slow healing process in shoulder operations

A study of small laboratory animals suggests that prescription pain medications may delay healing in rotator cuff repair, a common shoulder operation, according to a new study by a team of doctors at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

26 Jun 2004

Mysterious disease that causes the body’s immune system to turn against itself

A mysterious disease that causes the body’s immune system to turn against itself also sends a warning signal to alert doctors of the onset of its worst symptoms, University of Florida physicians have found.

25 Jun 2004

MRSA "superbug" genome decoded

On 18 June 2004, the BBC reported fears that deaths from the 'superbug' MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) might double in the next five years.

25 Jun 2004

Discovery may explain why people with AIDS may suffer severe infections from viruses that they would otherwise defeat

Researchers have uncovered the first evidence that a virus can mutate to evade the body's first line of immune defense.

25 Jun 2004

Oral allergy syndrome, allergic response from fruit

For some of the nation's 35.9 million hay fever sufferers enjoying one of summer's fresh peaches or a juicy tomato may cause additional discomfort.

25 Jun 2004

750,000 Americans will have a stroke or brain attack this year

Today researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine reported findings that suggest that not all stroke patients have equal access to the only Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acute ischemic stroke treatment.

25 Jun 2004

Atkins responds to recent attacks from industry-funded groups

Atkins Health & Medical Information Services is urging Americans to once again look to the Atkins Lifestyle Food Guide Pyramid

25 Jun 2004

Senior citizens cutting back on medications due to high costs

The findings are based on an in-depth study over a three-year period of nearly 8,000 older adults who were regularly taking prescription medicines at the beginning of the study.

25 Jun 2004

Anabolic steroids may improve surgical repair of shoulder tears

New research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill indicates that treatment with anabolic steroids may improve surgical repair of massive or recurrent tears of the shoulder's rotator cuff tendons.

24 Jun 2004

New risk factors associated with inflammatory bowel disease

Health researchers at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Otago University, have found evidence of new risk factors associated with a debilitating illness called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

24 Jun 2004

Ingredient of human breast milk may be a new treatment for warts

New Swedish research suggests that HAMLET or "Human-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells" an ingredient of human breast milk may be a new treatment for warts.

24 Jun 2004

Hair cloning could be the cure for baldness

Researcher Kevin McElwee -- one of only a few people in the world who hold a doctoral degree in hair biology -- thinks a cure for baldness that uses the technique of hair cloning could be commercially available within 10 years.

24 Jun 2004