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Fatty liver disease medication may have no effect

A new randomized, prospective trial has shown that orlistat, a commonly prescribed inhibitor of fat absorption, does not help patients with fatty liver disease (FLD) lose weight, nor does it improve their liver enzymes or insulin resistance.

13 Jan 2009

Potential health consequences of recession

The Bureau of Labor Statistics just announced a jump in the jobless rate, from 6.8 percent in November to 7.2 percent in December.

13 Jan 2009

Diabetics with previous foot ulcers may be able to participate in walking program

More than 20 million Americans are living with diabetes, and that number is expected to increase by more than 5 million by 2010.

13 Jan 2009

Delusions associated with consistent pattern of brain injury

A new study provides a novel theory for how delusions arise and why they persist.

13 Jan 2009

Colonoscopy quality critical factor to thorough exam and best colon cancer detection

Publication of a meta-analysis by Wilkins et al. on colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer performed by primary care physicians raises several important issues regarding the quality of the exam, the safety of patients and the effectiveness of detecting colorectal cancer and pre-cancerous changes in the colon.

13 Jan 2009

Cognitive rehabilitation helps people with acquired brain injury

Cognitive rehabilitation after a serious brain injury or stroke can help the mind in much the same way that physical therapy helps the body, according to a new meta-analysis.

13 Jan 2009

Scientists uncover key developmental mechanisms of the amygdala

For the first time, scientists at Children's National Medical Center have successfully identified a key developmental program for the amygdala-the part of the limbic system that impacts how the brain creates emotional memories and responses.

13 Jan 2009

Certain fatty acids help neurodevelopment for preterm girls

Preterm infant girls who received a high amount of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; an omega-3 fatty acid) had higher measures of neurodevelopment than preterm girls who received a standard amount of DHA, but this effect was not seen among preterm boys, according to a study in the January 14 issue of JAMA.

13 Jan 2009

Proteins called ankyrins required to prevent muscular dystrophy

A protein that was first identified for playing a key role in regulating normal heart rhythms also appears to be significant in helping muscle cells survive the forces of muscle contraction.

13 Jan 2009

Improved MRI scanning of tumours

Researcher Kristina Djanashvili has developed a substance that enables doctors to get better MRI scans of tumours.

13 Jan 2009

Athletes aren't necessarily off the hook when it comes to health risks

College-age football players who gain weight to add power to their blocks and tackles might also be setting themselves up for diabetes and heart disease later in life, a new study suggests.

13 Jan 2009

AGnES supports general practitioners

General Practitioners (GPs) can delegate visits to patients and medical work to qualified employees. In this way, they can provide care to more patients.

13 Jan 2009

Natural 'defence' gene reveals how oestrogen fuels cancer

CANCER RESEARCH UK scientists have shown for the first time how a natural 'defence' gene involved in fighting infections such as common colds, can be triggered by hormones to ignite and drive cancers like breast, ovarian, and possibly prostate cancer. Their findings are published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

13 Jan 2009

Scientists unlock secret to overeating

CANCER RESEARCH UK scientists have found new evidence that the tendency to overeat could be genetic according to research published in the International Journal of Obesity.

13 Jan 2009

Researchers analyse photographs of faces to determine risk of developing sleep disorder

A team of researchers from the University of Sydney has developed an innovative new method to analyse digital photographs of faces in order to determine an individual's risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).

13 Jan 2009

Open plan offices a health hazard!

Australian researchers have found evidence which supports the sneaky suspicion held by many that working in an open plan office could be a health hazard.

13 Jan 2009

Warning about Vicks VapoRub

A warning has been issued about the popular cough and cold treatment Vicks VapoRub. Experts say it should not be used on children under 2 years of age.

13 Jan 2009

Why do we procrastinate?

The research comes at an opportune moment as the start of a new year is traditionally a time when many of us earnestly pledge to make a fresh start in some way - by getting fit, losing weight, giving up smoking and so on.

13 Jan 2009

Food-addiction blamed for obesity

A study by scientists in New Zealand say craving something sweet like a biscuit or piece of chocolate could be a response to an addiction.

13 Jan 2009

Wyeth and Santaris Pharma to collaborate on RNA-based medicines

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth, and Santaris Pharma have announced that the companies have entered into a worldwide strategic alliance to discover, develop and commercialize new medicines based on Santaris Pharma's proprietary Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) drug platform, which allows specific targeting and regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) as a means to affect gene expression mediated by the targeted RNAs.

12 Jan 2009