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Cancer cells fueled by the mutant KRAS oncogene can be killed by blocking its genetic partner

Cancer cells fueled by the mutant KRAS oncogene, which makes them notoriously difficult to treat, can be killed by blocking a more vulnerable genetic partner of KRAS, report scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT.

26 Oct 2009

Gene therapy may help improve congenital blindness in children

Born with a retinal disease that made him legally blind, and would eventually leave him totally sightless, the nine-year-old boy used to sit in the back of the classroom, relying on the large print on an electronic screen and assisted by teacher aides. Now, after a single injection of genes that produce light-sensitive pigments in the back of his eye, he sits in front with classmates and participates in class without extra help. In the playground, he joins his classmates in playing his first game of softball.

26 Oct 2009

Aerobic activity makes older adults' arteries more elastic

Just three months of physical activity reaps heart health benefits for older adults with type 2 diabetes by improving the elasticity in their arteries - reducing risk of heart disease and stroke, Dr. Kenneth Madden told the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

26 Oct 2009

Research reveals that mutation of chromosome 16 increases risk of schizophrenia

An international team of researchers led by geneticist Jonathan Sebat, Ph.D., of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), has identified a mutation on human chromosome 16 that substantially increases risk for schizophrenia.

26 Oct 2009

NPR show highlights dramatic rise of mental illness among students

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) applauds the commitment by National Public Radio to devote time to the ongoing and important topic of mental illness through their recent show "Colleges See Rise In Mental Health Issues," which highlighted the dramatic increase in the number of students with mental illness on the nation's college and university campuses.

26 Oct 2009

Rates of binge eating among adult women identical across race but not among college age women

Existing research shows that rates of binge eating among adult women is virtually identical across race. However, among college age women, it's a different story: Caucasian women are more apt to exhibit binge eating behaviors than African American women, according to a study presented at this month's annual scientific meeting of the Obesity Society.

26 Oct 2009

Orexigen Therapeutics announces new data from COR-I, COR-II and COR-Diabetes trials for Contrave

Orexigen® ( )Therapeutics, Inc today announced new data from the COR-I, COR-II and COR-Diabetes trials for Contrave® (bupropion SR/ naltrexone SR) to expand on top-line results announced in July. Contrave is the first of the Company's two late stage candidates for the treatment of obesity.

26 Oct 2009

New urine tests may help predict kidney problems post surgery

Two studies presented at this week's Annual Meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists offer new information as to how physicians might better determine which surgical patients may be at risk for developing kidney injury after surgery.

26 Oct 2009

Surgery offers hope for migraine sufferers

In newly released research, 79 migraine sufferers were followed for at least five years after having undergone detection of migraine "trigger sites" and surgery. The new data finds promising outcomes for treating trigger sites surgically for migraine headaches resulting in elimination of pain for those afflicted with the condition.

26 Oct 2009

Exercise and lifestyle changes are key to improve heart health

Exercise is a wonderful way of boosting heart health, but it's proving to be a tough sell in Ontario South Asian communities, Dr. Milan Gupta told the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

26 Oct 2009

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements do not improve levels of depression in heart disease patients

Contrary to the findings of some studies, new research indicates that augmenting antidepressant therapy with an omega-3 fatty acid supplement does not result in improvement in levels of depression in patients with coronary heart disease, according to a study in the October 21 issue of JAMA.

26 Oct 2009

Supplemental oxygen during stroke is effective to combat brain tissue damage

Scientists have countered findings of previous clinical trials by showing that giving supplemental oxygen to animals during a stroke can reduce damage to brain tissue surrounding the clot.

26 Oct 2009

Rare form of testicular tumour provides new insight into how genetic changes arise in children

A rare form of testicular tumour has provided scientists with new insights into how genetic changes (mutations) arise in our children. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Danish Cancer Society, could explain why certain diseases are more common in the children of older fathers.

26 Oct 2009

Obese patients less likely to achieve cholesterol and blood pressure control

Obese patients taking medications to lower their blood pressure and cholesterol levels are less likely to reach recommended targets for these cardiovascular disease risk factors than their normal weight counterparts, according to new research presented at the 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress hosted by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

26 Oct 2009

African Americans face higher risk of colorectal cancer

African Americans are at significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, and being diagnosed with the disease at a later stage, than other ethnic groups. That's the finding of a paper being presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in San Diego.

26 Oct 2009

Women and men experience same typical or non-typical heart attack symptoms

The gender difference between men and women is a lot smaller than we've been led to believe when it comes to heart attack symptoms, according to a new study presented to the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2009, co-hosted by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

26 Oct 2009

Study: High protein levels are associated with heart attack and not stroke

People with high levels of a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for inflammation in the blood, may be at higher risk for heart attack and death but not stroke, according to a study published in the October 20, 2009, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

26 Oct 2009

$Cardiovascular disease may increase hip fracture incidence$

Cardiovascular disease may increase hip fracture incidence

A study that includes twins finds that the risk of hip fracture was significantly increased following a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with analysis also suggesting a genetic predisposition to the development of CVD and fractures, according to a study in the October 21 issue of JAMA.

26 Oct 2009

Inhaling carbon nanotubes can affect outer lining of the lungs

Carbon nanotubes are being considered for use in everything from sports equipment to medical applications, but a great deal remains unknown about whether these materials cause respiratory or other health problems.

26 Oct 2009

Difficult-to-treat asthma may be attributed to poor medication adherence

Difficult-to-treat asthma often may have more to do with patients who do not take their medication as instructed than ineffective medication, according to researchers in Northern Ireland.

26 Oct 2009