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New research aims to reduce deaths and ease burden on hospitals

New research by scientists at Australia's Macquarie University will investigate antibiotic resistance genes in humans in an effort to combat worldwide death rates due to infectious diseases and reduce the growing burden on our health system by decreasing patients' length of stay.

6 Dec 2004

Smoking, a major problem in plastic surgery

Smoking is known to cause heart disease and cancer, but most patients do not know that smoking can harm the chances of having successful plastic surgery operations.

6 Dec 2004

Health Protection Agency is reminding travellers about the importance of protecting themselves against malaria when travelling

Following twelve recent cases of malaria, mainly amongst European and North American visitors to the Dominican Republic, the Health Protection Agency is reminding travellers about the importance of protecting themselves against malaria when travelling to parts of the world where malaria is commonplace, including the Dominican Republic.

6 Dec 2004

Important genetic risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Two Hershey, Pa., researchers were part of a team that has uncovered what may be an important genetic risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

6 Dec 2004

Scientist develops way to deliver promising genetic tool into living cells

By exploiting an HIV protein that readily traverses cell membranes, Carnegie Mellon University scientists have developed a new way to introduce a gene-like molecule called a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) directly into live mammalian cells, including human embryonic stem (ES) cells.

6 Dec 2004

Family history not age greatly affects breast cancer risk

CancerBACUP has published the results of a survey revealing that more over 50s believe that family history - not age - greatly affects breast cancer risk.

6 Dec 2004

Common ingredient in some shampoos (methylisothiazolinone) stunts developing neurons of rats

An antimicrobial agent found in some shampoos and hand creams and widely used in industrial settings inhibits the development of particular neuron structures that are essential for transmitting signals between cells.

6 Dec 2004

First live imaging of specialized immune system cells reveals new clues about body’s security system

To keep the body safe, the immune system enlists more than one form of protection. A circulating task force of immune system cells monitors the body’s periphery, and sends information back to field command centers — the lymph nodes — located at pivotal traffic points.

6 Dec 2004

Two recent studies are souring milk's image among health authorities

Two recent studies are souring milk's image among health authorities. One, published in the November issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, shows that women who consume two or more glasses of milk a day have twice the risk of a certain form of ovarian cancer than those who rarely or never consume milk.

6 Dec 2004

Episome vectors offer fresh angle to gene therapy

A European research team is seeking to overcome the early setbacks suffered by the promising new field of ‘gene therapy’ by developing a revolutionary delivery technique, known as ‘episome vectors’. This breakthrough could pave the way to treating hereditary diseases by injecting the body with healthy versions of damaged genes.

6 Dec 2004

Sexologist unveils a formula for a better sex life

After centuries of human sexual relations, a leading expert today unveiled the 'Sexual Quotient' (SQ), a formula to help couples assess and improve their sex lives.

6 Dec 2004

Review findings released on the safety of antidepressants (SSRI's)

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued new advice to patients and doctors about the group of antidepressants known as SSRI's, today.

6 Dec 2004

Alliance to develop and commercialize fully-human anti-anthrax antibody

MDX-1303 was developed by Medarex using its UltiMAb Human Antibody Development System, and this antibody is currently in preclinical development by Medarex for use against human anthrax infection.

6 Dec 2004

Study shows internet use can lead to fitness

People using the Internet as a guide to getting active were just as successful as those using face-to-face briefings.

6 Dec 2004

MRI reveals similarities between the human and chimpanzee brain

New MRI-based studies present more evidence that the brains of chimpanzees are human-like in terms of the relationships among brain asymmetry, handedness and language, according to research undertaken at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center in Atlanta.

6 Dec 2004

Canadian experts gather to address emerging issues in immunization

More than 800 physicians, nurses, public health experts and researchers are gathering in Montreal this week for the sixth Canadian Immunization Conference, running Dec. 5-8, 2004. The conference is being hosted by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

6 Dec 2004

290,000 Australians have been exposed to UV radiation in the past year due to solarium use

Cancer Council Australia has released alarming statistics showing that over 290,000 Australians have been exposed to UV radiation in the past year due to solarium use.

6 Dec 2004

Research reveals iodine deficiency in Australians

A study of 16 communities in New South Wales, Australia by Charles Sturt University (CSU) researchers has revealed more than half of those tested in the Riverina in south west NSW suffer a mild iodine deficiency.

6 Dec 2004

Next-generation therapeutics with the potential to successfully treat Lou Gehrig's disease

The hopes of many that ALS (commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease) will one day be a disease of the past, studied in medical textbooks, conquered by the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to eradicate it might be realized in our lifetime.

6 Dec 2004

Children with sickle cell disease who are at risk for a stroke need ongoing blood transfusions to reduce their risk

“This important study shows the value of continuing periodic blood transfusions in preventing the serious and debilitating consequences of stroke,” says NHLBI Acting Director Barbara Alving. “At the same time, there are risks of chronic transfusions and the decision to continue with this treatment must be made on a case-by-case basis.”

6 Dec 2004