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Charles River Laboratories International reports 1.4% decline in first-quarter 2010 net sales

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. today reported its results for the first quarter of 2010. For the quarter, net sales were $297.3 million, a decline of 1.4% from $301.5 million in the first quarter of 2009. The decrease was net of a foreign currency translation benefit of 3.4%. Higher sales for the Research Models and Services (RMS) segment were offset by lower sales for the Preclinical Services (PCS) segment.

26 Apr 2010

Over 90% of seniors consume less vitamin D than currently recommended

According to legend, it was The Fountain of Youth that the famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon was seeking when he landed on the Floridian coast in 1513. It has long been said that he who drinks from the Fountain will have his youth restored. Without a doubt, the quest for eternal youth is as ancient as any pursuit. However, although we are now living longer than ever, there is now growing concern that quantity of years is not nearly as important as quality of those years.

26 Apr 2010

WCRI study finds cost per claim for prescription drugs to treat injured workers in Maryland higher

The cost per claim for prescription drugs used to treat injured workers in Maryland was slightly higher than in most study states in a new study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI).

26 Apr 2010

Health care law's ability to control costs will be closely watched

The Associated Press/ABC news explore the question of how of cost containment under the new health law: "What's it going to cost me? That's the single biggest unanswered question about President Barack Obama's new health care overhaul law — and its weak spot. Many experts believe the law falls short on taming costs, and that will force Congress to revisit health care in a few years. … For now, the political parties are too polarized — and lawmakers too exhausted — to contemplate health care 2.0.

26 Apr 2010

Canadian Red Cross expands Malaria Bites campaign

This World Malaria Day, the Canadian Red Cross is ramping up their fight against malaria. The Canadian Red Cross is expanding their successful Malaria Bites campaign, which has already seen the distribution of six million bed nets, to include additional health interventions and treatment options.

26 Apr 2010

High nitrate concentrations in drinking water are a potential hazard to human health

A new study exploring the growing worldwide problem of nitrogen pollution from soils to the sea shows that global ratios of nitrogen and carbon in the environment are inexorably linked, a finding that may lead to new strategies to help mitigate regional problems ranging from contaminated waterways to human health.

26 Apr 2010

Serum cortisol levels linked with increased mortality in patients with ACS: Research

Growing evidence suggests that serum cortisol levels are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic heart failure, research presented at this week's European Congress of Endocrinology shows.

26 Apr 2010

Genes that predispose to smoking behavior and lung cancer identified: More reason to quit say researchers

According to new research there are certain genes in a smoker that make it difficult for them to cut down or quit the bad habit. This report from three studies published in the journal Nature Genetics mentions at least three different genetic mutations on chromosome 15 or changes that can increase the number of cigarettes smoked per day by an individual.

25 Apr 2010

Toddler dies after seasonal flu shot – health authorities on alert

Last Friday, Australia's Chief Medical Officer Professor Jim Bishop had announced his decision to suspend free seasonal flu vaccinations after more than 20 under-five kids mainly in Western Australia developed reactions to the shots. They developed fever, vomiting and convulsions. One of the children was reported to be severely ill.

25 Apr 2010

World’s largest study on the safety of using mobile phones

Health experts have been saying that mobile phones are bad for us for a long time. Now they are getting set to prove it beyond any doubt. Researchers in London recently launched the world’s largest study on the safety of using mobile phones. A quarter of a million mobile phone users will be tracked through their medical records for more than 20 years. This is the largest study in the world on the health effects of using mobile phones and is being called Cosmos.

25 Apr 2010

GBS serotype III more commonly associated with urinary tract infections

Research suggests pathogenic strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are an under-recognised cause of urinary tract infections.

24 Apr 2010

Targeted therapy based on molecular signatures for treating lung cancer

The first lung cancer clinical trial to guide targeted therapies to patients based on molecular signatures in tumor biopsies is a step toward personalized care and more effective, efficient clinical trials for new drugs, study leaders reported today during the American Association for Cancer Research 101st Annual Meeting 2010.

24 Apr 2010

Recent business progress at Penwest Pharmaceuticals

Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co. today sent a letter to its shareholders to provide an update on the Company's recent progress and on corporate governance developments.

24 Apr 2010

1976 "swine flu" vaccine protects against 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus

New evidence shows immunization against "swine flu" in 1976 might provide individuals with some protection against the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, according to new research from St. Jude investigators.

24 Apr 2010

Spring fever not an official medical condition

In the season of ducklings, blooming dogwoods and open-toed sandals, some people are struck with a mysterious malady - spring fever.

24 Apr 2010

Temperature-sensing ability in proteins remain a mystery

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation (GNF) have shed new light on the molecular mechanism that enables us to sense temperature, such as the heat from a sizzling stove. In addition to contributing to our knowledge of basic biology, the findings could one day lead to new therapies for conditions such as acute or chronic inflammatory pain.

24 Apr 2010

New understanding of nerve cell influence in exchange of information

Nerve cells communicate with each other by means of electrical impulses. To create such an impulse, the cells exchange charged ions with their environment. However, the role played by the ever-present chloride channels remained obscure, although some theories predicted a relation between the chloride channel ClC-2 and epilepsy.

24 Apr 2010

IPEMA compiles list of 5 important steps to help ensure safety of children on playground

With the recent announcement of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative to battle childhood obesity, The International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of providing an hour of free play outdoors in a safe play environment during National Playground Safety Week (April 26-30).

24 Apr 2010

Niagara Falls lights up for National Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness Week

On April 21, 1994, two-year-old Stuart Herriott succumbed to head injuries after an accident and his parents consented to organ donation. His heart, liver and both kidneys were transplanted. Sixteen years later, the Herriott family, including Stuart's aunt, Linda Rumble, will be among the many supporters of organ and tissue donation gathering on both sides of the Canada -US boarder today to help raise awareness of the continuing need for organ and tissue donors.

24 Apr 2010

JHUSON introduces Text4Baby program to provide parenting tips to new parents

Having a baby is a very exciting time for new parents, with all the preparation and anticipation that comes with it. But how do parents find help and assistance—from prenatal care to parenting tips? Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing have come up with innovative ways to provide parenting tips to new parents of all demographics.

24 Apr 2010