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DNA of good bacteria drives intestinal response to infection

A new study shows that the DNA of so-called "good bacteria" that normally live in the intestines may help defend the body against infection.

2 Oct 2008

Research suggests doctors should consider kidney-sparing surgery

A study of almost 1,500 kidney cancer patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center suggests that surgery to spare as much kidney tissue as possible may improve overall survival in patients who also have reduced kidney function at the time their cancer is diagnosed. The finding is significant because both kidney cancer and decreased kidney function appear to be increasing.

2 Oct 2008

Scientists identify a molecule that coordinates the movement of cells

Even cells commute. To get from their birthplace to their work site, they sequentially attach to and detach from an elaborate track of exceptionally strong proteins known as the extracellular matrix. Now, in research to appear in the October 3 issue of Cell, scientists at Rockefeller University show that a molecule, called ACF7, helps regulate and power this movement from the inside - findings that could have implications for understanding how cancer cells metastasize.

2 Oct 2008

Statin-induced muscle disorders are focus of $2.5 million in grants from NIH

Approximately 200,000 of the 38 million people in the U.S. who take statins to treat high cholesterol may develop life-threatening muscle disease.

2 Oct 2008

Raised risk of prostate cancer in Black men

Black men living in England are three times more likely to get prostate cancer than White men and tend to be diagnosed five years younger, researchers have found.

2 Oct 2008

Experts confront cancer trend: aging population, new challenges

A growing cadre of specialists - geriatric oncologists - is the latest group of medical pioneers to meet the challenge of a rising cancer incidence among older adults. They are investigating how to fill the gaps in the way oncology is practiced today, which sometimes neglects the special needs of the elderly.

2 Oct 2008

Cholesterol research, begun in the 'Little Skate,' Garners Award

New research on the way the body processes cholesterol has earned a scientist at the University of Rochester Medical Center one of the highest honors in the field.

2 Oct 2008

Kill the tobacco industry, or it will keep killing

This month in Rio de Janeiro, the global tobacco industry's annual conference features a special session on what many are seeing as its Armageddon: plain, generic packaging. All packs are identical except for the brand name, printed in standard font. No colours, no logos, no box variations. Nothing but the brand and the health warning.

2 Oct 2008

Public hearing on ways of reducing harmful use of alcohol

Each year, more than two million people die from alcohol-related causes. WHO was asked by its Member States in May at the World Health Assembly to develop a global strategy to combat the harmful use of alcohol. All parties with an interest in reducing the harmful use of alcohol are now invited to share their views in a public hearing being organized by WHO. The one-month web-based hearing will run between 3 and 31 October.

2 Oct 2008

Short RNAs show a long history

MicroRNAs, the tiny molecules that fine-tune gene expression, were first discovered in 1993. But it turns out they've been around for a billion years.

1 Oct 2008

New technology promises tests for diseases such as cancer in 15 minutes

Scientists at Leeds University in the UK say soon, testing for diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis, could take as little as 15 minutes and could be as simple as using a pregnancy testing kit.

1 Oct 2008

Insomnia linked to depression and substance abuse during adolescence

A unique new study has linked adolescent insomnia to depression and substance abuse during adolescence and young adulthood.

1 Oct 2008

Vitamin C supplements appear to undercut the effectiveness of cancer drugs

A new study by scientists in the United States has revealed that vitamin C may blunt the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment.

1 Oct 2008

Women who smoke at risk for major depression

A new study by Australian scientists has revealed that women who smoke are at greater risk of developing a major depressive disorder.

1 Oct 2008

Obsessive compulsive disorder evident as early as age four

Researchers in the U.S. say children as young as four can develop full-blown obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

1 Oct 2008

Long-term psychotherapy superior in treating chronic mental disorders

German researchers say they have found that long-term psychotherapy is effective and even superior to shorter-term therapy for patients with complex mental disorders such as personality and chronic mental disorders.

1 Oct 2008

Nanoparticles, so small, seep right through the skin

Scientists are warning that tiny particles - nanoparticles - are so small that they can be absorbed through the skin.

1 Oct 2008

Food nutrition labelling in the "too hard basket" for many shoppers

A series of almost weekly food scares from China and the U.S. have made many consumers more aware of what goes into a food product and concern over where the ingredients are sourced from, but experts suggest many shoppers 'ignore food label schemes'.

1 Oct 2008

Antisocial behaviour in young men linked to low levels of stress hormone

A British research team have discovered a link between antisocial behaviour in male adolescents and reduced levels of the 'stress hormone' cortisol.

1 Oct 2008

Shoppers happier with 'traffic light' food labelling

A recent survey by a consumer advocacy group in Australia has found that a "traffic light" labelling system is more popular with the public than the current daily intake guide labelling system.

1 Oct 2008