Alcohol News and Research

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WCRF statistics: Breast cancer rates are higher in the UK

Breast cancer rates are more than four times higher in the UK than they are in eastern Africa, figures show. Statistics published by the World Cancer Research Fund show that 87.9 per 100,000 women in the UK were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, compared to just 19.3 per 100,000 in eastern Africa.

11 Aug 2010

Stoecker and Associates develops new software for early diagnosis of malignant melanoma

Detection of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will soon be quicker and easier thanks to the work of researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology.The research, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health, recently received a patent titled "Automatic Detection of Critical Dermoscopy Features for Malignant Melanoma Diagnosis." The patent applies to a method for computer-aided analysis of photographs of skin lesions to detect the cancer. Melanoma can be cured if it is diagnosed early enough.

11 Aug 2010

Scientists identify chemical system effective in cocaine-addiction cure

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have identified a chemical system in the brain that reacts differently in cocaine addicts, findings that could result in new treatment options for individuals addicted to the drug."We found that the amount of blood flow in areas of the brain known to be involved in the rewarding effects of cocaine and craving was different in cocaine addicts, compared with healthy subjects," said Dr. Bryon Adinoff, professor of psychiatry at UT Southwestern and lead author of a study that appeared in Neuropsychopharmacology. "Now we have a new target for pharmacologic intervention."

11 Aug 2010

SAMHSA survey highlights extent of underage alcohol consumption

A new report released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights the extent of the underage drinking problem in the nation through the lens of alcohol-related emergency department visits involving adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 20.

10 Aug 2010

Increase of alcohol taxes can reduce alcohol-related deaths

Adjusting the alcohol tax in Florida to account for inflation since 1983 would prevent 600 to 800 deaths each year in that state from diseases caused by chronic heavy alcohol use, according to a new study from the University of Florida. The Florida legislature last increased alcohol taxes in 1983.

10 Aug 2010

Australia ranks near top when it comes to alcohol abuse: Study

In a new study researchers have found that Australia ranks near the top when it comes to alcohol abuse. The study was conducted by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) and it found that one in five Australians has a drinking problem and four in five go untreated for these problems. Professor Maree Teesson and her team analyzed data collected from almost 9,000 Australians aged 16 to 85 years for the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing in 2007.

9 Aug 2010

Alkermes reports $42.3 million revenue for first-quarter fiscal 2011

Alkermes, Inc. today reported financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2011, which ended on June 30, 2010.

7 Aug 2010

Equatorial Guinea, ECCAS partner to form network to fight H1N1, HIV

Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) and the Global Viral Forecasting Initiative, along with several Central African States, have partnered with the Economic Community of Central African States to form a network to fight H1N1 and HIV. The purpose of the network's recent forum was to share knowledge and best practices, and to collect data and prevention procedures among military health professionals in the region.

7 Aug 2010

Recent releases in Global Health

According to a Lancet Comment, "alcohol remains conspicuously absent from the larger field of research and programming in HIV and substance use. ... Patterns of hazardous alcohol consumption prevail in countries with the most severe HIV epidemics, notably eastern and southern Africa." In addition, "hazardous drinking patterns also dominate in the concentrated epidemics of eastern Europe and Asia, where alcohol use by injecting drug users and other marginalised groups might be an additional barrier to effective efforts to prevent HIV infection."

7 Aug 2010

Dermatologist discusses on common nail ailment prevention

For many people, the phrase "tough as nails" doesn't apply to their own nails. Instead of strong nails, their nails may be brittle and break or split easily. Or, nail fungus might cause nails to look unattractive and unhealthy. Fortunately, dermatologists can help people improve the health and overall appearance of their nails with proper diagnosis and treatment.

6 Aug 2010

Forensic Laboratories' analytical test capable of detecting Ethyl Sulfate in saliva

Forensic Laboratories, a Denver-based laboratory specializing in toxicology services for drug and alcohol abuse, has announced the expansion of its oral fluid testing capabilities. The company is the first lab in the nation to develop an analytical test capable of detecting Ethyl Sulfate (EtS) in saliva, a chemical produced by the body after alcohol exposure. Forensic Laboratories' new test method will also simultaneously detect Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG).

6 Aug 2010

Scientific findings reveal combination antibiotic therapy effective for ulcerative colitis

The link between Hormone Replacement Therapy and reduced risk of distal large bowel cancer in women; a promising combination antibiotic therapy for ulcerative colitis patients; and the high-rate of alcoholic liver disease mortality, are among the scientific findings featured in the August issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

6 Aug 2010

Eliminating depression, diabetes can reduce levels of dementia: Study

Eliminating diabetes and depression, as well as increasing education and fruit and vegetable consumption, are likely to have the biggest impact on reducing levels of dementia in the coming years, should no effective treatment be found, concludes a study published on bmj.com today.These findings suggest priorities for future public health interventions.While the exact cause of dementia is still unknown, several modifiable risk factors have already been identified. These include vascular risk factors (heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol), a history of depression, diet, alcohol consumption, and education level.

6 Aug 2010

Study: Drug control efforts have caused a drop in methamphetamine treatment admissions in Mexico

A study published today in the scientific journal Addiction shows that the Mexican government's recent efforts to control the manufacture of methamphetamine have caused a drop in methamphetamine treatment admissions in Mexico and in neighbouring Texas.

6 Aug 2010

USP advances new labeling requirements to prevent errors in administration of injectable medications

To reduce the likelihood of patient death and disability resulting from errors in the administration of injectable medications in hospitals and other healthcare settings, the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention is advancing new labeling requirements that will standardize the information permitted on the highly visible area of these vials to only cautionary statements intended to prevent imminent life-threatening situations.

5 Aug 2010

Study supports efficacy of brief intervention in reducing alcohol use, violence among adolescents

Brief interventions among adolescents reporting to emergency departments may be associated with a reduction in the experience of peer violence and alcohol misuse in this population, according to a study in the August 4 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on violence and human rights.

4 Aug 2010

One-on-one talk with therapist reduces peer aggression

A brief, motivational talk in the emergency room reduced by half the chances that teenagers would experience peer violence or problems due to drinking, according to a study published Aug. 4 in a theme issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

4 Aug 2010

Study on substance abuse patterns, treatment needs among minority groups

A new national study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reveals that Hispanic-American adults have lower levels of current alcohol use than the national average (46.1 percent versus 55.2 percent). Hispanic-American adults also have lower levels of current illicit drug use than the national average (6.6 percent versus 7.9 percent), but a slightly higher level of current binge drinking (26.3 percent versus 24.5 percent).

3 Aug 2010

Trimega Laboratories CEO shortlisted for 'Entrepreneur of the Year' in National Business Awards

Avi Lasarow, CEO of Trimega Laboratories, has been shortlisted for 'Entrepreneur of the Year' in the National Business Awards for the second year running.

2 Aug 2010

Abnormal sleep duration adversely affects cardiovascular health

A study in the Aug. 1 issue of the journal Sleep suggests that regularly sleeping for more or less than seven hours per day is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

2 Aug 2010