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Indonesian bird flu death toll now up to 37

Confirmation by the World Health Organization that a 15-year-old boy who died in West Java, Indonesia last week, was the latest bird flu victim, takes Indonesia's confirmed deaths from the virus to 37.

4 Jun 2006

Siblings deaths may indicate another bird flu cluster in Indonesia

According to an Indonesian health ministry official, a 7-year-old Indonesian girl who died last week has tested positive for bird flu in local tests; the results have yet to be confirmed by a World Health Organisation-accredited laboratory in Hong Kong.

4 Jun 2006

New EU rules mean medicines will be developed just for children

In a rather worrying revelation it appears that fifty percent of the medicines currently used to treat children have only been tested on adults.

4 Jun 2006

FDA's report blames food industry for U.S. obesity problems

According to a new report released by the U.S. government, restaurants, groceries and other establishments have a role to play in the battle of the bulge.

4 Jun 2006

"Smart bomb" cancer therapy combo effective

Experts have more good news on the breast cancer front; they say they by using a combination of therapies it may be possible to extend the lives of thousands of women with advanced breast cancer.

4 Jun 2006

Just a few extra pounds increases women's risk of reflux

According to new research women who gain even a few extra pounds are increasing their risk of getting acid reflux.

4 Jun 2006

Pituitary adenoma predisposition caused by germline mutations in the AIP gene

A recent Finnish study identifies a low-penetrance gene defect which predisposes carriers to intracranial tumors called pituitary adenomas. In particular individuals carrying the gene defect are susceptible to such tumors which secrete growth hormone.

1 Jun 2006

Different surgical procedures produce same results in intestinal perforation due to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

Two surgical procedures, one invasive and the other much less so, for premature infants with intestinal perforation due to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) produce virtually identical results.

1 Jun 2006

Single embryo transfer as successful as double transfer in older women

Research by fertility experts in Finland has demonstrated for the first time that in many cases transferring a single embryo to the womb in women undergoing IVF is just as likely to result in pregnancy and a live birth in those aged 36 to 39 as it is in younger women.

1 Jun 2006

Naturally produced protein that helps protect us from cancer may also determine how long we live

The reason why people are at greater risk of developing cancer as they get older may be explained by research published today.

From The University of Manchester 1 Jun 2006

Technique called real-time polymerase chain reaction speeds up detecting, treating wound bacteria

Using DNA detection methods though a technique called real-time polymerase chain reaction, the physician-researcher from the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center can drastically cut the time it takes for lab personnel to figure out just what bacteria they're dealing with.

1 Jun 2006

Nepalese Rhesus monkeys may provide new alternative for HIV/AIDS research

Rhesus monkeys in Nepal may provide a suitable alternative to alleviate a critical shortage of laboratory animals used in work to develop vaccines against diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

1 Jun 2006

Moderate alcohol intake helps women think

Research involving more than 7,000 older women found that those who drink a moderate amount of alcohol have slightly higher levels of mental function than non-drinkers, particularly in verbal abilities.

1 Jun 2006

New e-movement mobilizes busy parents on children's health care

Are the Soccer Moms and NASCAR Dads of yesterday becoming the e-Parents of today? And will they be a political force in 2006?

1 Jun 2006

New insights into how working memory works

Memory tests performed with amnesiacs have enabled researchers to refute a long-held belief in an essential difference between long-and short-term memories.

1 Jun 2006

Startling data about infection-induced amputation and diabetes

Persons with diabetes who develop an infection are at a 55-fold greater risk for hospitalization, and an alarming 154-fold greater risk for amputation.

1 Jun 2006

Molecular pathway may contribute to age related diseases

A common molecular denominator in aging and many age-related diseases is oxidative stress.

1 Jun 2006

Gene variation linked to more severe Crohn's disease

Building on previous evidence supporting the theory that the pathophysiology of Crohn's Disease is altered by genetic variation, recent studies have found that the combination of immune signals given by three variants of a single candidate gene affects the severity of the disease.

1 Jun 2006

Sex during pregnancy myth debunked

A new study debunks the widely held belief that engaging in sexual intercourse during the final weeks of pregnancy can hasten labor and delivery.

1 Jun 2006

Avian flu facts

Avian influenza (also called "bird flu") refers to the strains of the virus that infect birds. Bird flu can cause widespread illness and death among birds, though there are many different strains, which vary in strength.

1 Jun 2006