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New embryonic cell discovery

Cambridge scientists have discovered the stage at which some of the cells of a fertilised mammalian egg are fated to develop into stem cells and why this occurs.

10 Jan 2007

New study on Body Dysmorphic Disorder

In a new study on Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - a distressing or impairing preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in one's appearance - researchers from Bradley Hospital and Brown Medical School found that individuals who are concerned about their weight are more impaired than those whose appearance-concerns are not weight-related.

10 Jan 2007

Major variations in Medicare drug costs

Soon, Congress may vote on whether to require the Medicare system to negotiate lower prices for medicines taken by millions of seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

10 Jan 2007

New approach offers hope for an effective herpes vaccine

A researcher at Montana State University has called for an innovative, new approach in developing a vaccine against genital herpes.

10 Jan 2007

Emory University announces new health institute

Emory University announced today a new Global Health Institute that will help address the most pressing health challenges around the world, particularly in poorer nations.

10 Jan 2007

Fat-hormone leptin may enhance the growth of colonic cancers

Tests on three human colon cancer cell lines showed that the fat-hormone 'leptin' may enhance the growth of colonic cancers. This finding could show why obese people are at increased risk of colon cancer.

10 Jan 2007

Cartilage discovery offers arthritis hope

Scientists have revealed the intricate structure of cartilage in what they hope will provide clues to how the crippling joint disease osteoarthritis might one day be treated.

From The University of Manchester 10 Jan 2007

100% of banknotes in Dublin contaminated with cocaine

An ongoing research project into the detection of illicit drug use has shown that of a sample of bank notes in current circulation in the greater Dublin area - Euro 5, 10, 20 and 50 denominations - 100% of them showed contamination with cocaine.

10 Jan 2007

Global Fund Nomination Committee names nine candidates for Executive Director position

A nomination committee to name candidates for the executive director of the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has narrowed the selection pool to nine people, the Boston Globe reports.

9 Jan 2007

Stem cells derived from human amniotic fluid appear to offer many of the benefits of embryonic stem cells

...including the ability to grow into brain, muscle, bone and other tissues -- according to a study published in the Jan. 7 online edition on the journal Nature Biotechnology, the Washington Post reports.

9 Jan 2007

Bush's record on foreign aid to Africa not 'widely noticed' in U.S.

Although the "foreign affairs legacy of President Bush so far speaks most loudly of terrorism, Afghanistan and the quagmire in Iraq," statistics released recently by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development indicate the Bush -- "partly under pressure from his Christian supporters" and celebrities -- has "dramatically increased U.S. aid to Africa," columnist David Usborne writes.

9 Jan 2007

India's decision to abide to pharma patents could limit access to medicines

India has become the "premier drug provider for the developing world" by producing generic versions of some of the world's most effective medicines, including antiretroviral drugs, but the country's decision to adhere to international patent regulations could limit access to generic drugs in the developing world, the Christian Science Monitor reports.

9 Jan 2007

Texas Legislature to consider requiring Gardasil for sixth grade girls

The Texas Legislature in the new session that begins on Tuesday will consider two bills (SB 110, HB 215) that would require girls entering the sixth grade to receive Merck's human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil, KENS 5 Eyewitness News/San Antonio Express-News reports.

9 Jan 2007

Use of statins and beta-blockers as prescribed following heart attack associated with living longer

New research suggests that the pharmacological effects of taking medications such as statins and beta-blockers as prescribed following a heart attack is associated with living longer, according to a study in the January 10 issue of JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association.

9 Jan 2007

Simple blood test for NT-proBNP level may help predict cardiovascular events

A blood test for patients with coronary heart disease could help predict their risk for subsequent cardiovascular events or death, according to a study in the January 10 issue of JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association.

9 Jan 2007

76th H5N1 case confirmed in Indonesia

The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has confirmed an additional two cases of human infection with the H5N1 avian influenza virus.

9 Jan 2007

Several specific genetic alterations associated with development of smoking-related cancers

Preliminary research indicates that several specific genetic alterations are associated with the development of smoking-related head and neck skin cancers, according to a report in the January 10 issue of JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association.

9 Jan 2007

New hope for Krabbe disease sufferers

By all expectations, it shouldn't have worked as well as it did. A combination of bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy greatly lengthened the lives of laboratory mice doomed by a rapidly progressing, fatal neurodegenerative disorder also found in people.

9 Jan 2007

Simple blood test for the protein NT-proBNP predicts cardiac events

A simple blood test for the protein NT-proBNP accurately predicts the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death in patients with known cardiovascular disease, according to a study led by a researcher at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.

9 Jan 2007

Caffeine can help reduce the post-workout soreness

Although it's too soon to recommend dropping by Starbucks before hitting the gym, a new study suggests that caffeine can help reduce the post-workout soreness that discourages some people from exercising.

9 Jan 2007