Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Many dialysis patients undergoing PCI receive improper medication, with higher risk of bleeding
Approximately 20 percent of dialysis patients undergoing a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; procedure such as angioplasty) are given an antithrombotic medication they should not receive, which may increase their risk...
American adults receiving flu vaccine at about the same rate as in 2008
American adults are not being vaccinated against the seasonal flu any more often than they were last year, despite increased public discussion of the importance of influenza vaccines resulting from...
Bullying at school linked to bullying at home
Children who bully at school are likely to also bully their siblings at home. This is the finding of a new study. Researchers investigated whether the age and gender of...
Hops compound may prevent prostate cancer
The natural compound xanthohumol blocks the effects of the male hormone testosterone, therefore aiding in the prevention of prostate cancer.
Stem cell-heart attack trial begins
HOUSTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Scientists at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston say they've started a Phase II trial of a new stem cell-based therapy for...
Poor trapped in poverty by disease
A mathematical model that links health and economic development may have its limitations, says Philip Ball. But its consequences are too serious to ignore.
Everyday germs in childhood may prevent diseases in adulthood
A new study suggests that American parents should ease up on the antibacterial soap. Exposure to infectious microbes early in life may actually protect children from cardiovascular diseases that can...
Implications of influenza pandemics on blood supplies
Scientists have examined data on supply and demand for blood transfusions against a computer simulation of an influenza pandemic, and discovered that a severe pandemic scenario could quickly lead to...
New drug threat to Asian vultures
A veterinary pain drug can be lethal to vultures that eat the carcasses of treated livestock, say scientists.
Poor nations await UN Kyoto cash
Poor countries suffering from the effects of climate change are yet to receive a penny from a flagship United Nations fund, the BBC learns.
Screening method able to identify newborns with blood disorder that affects immune system
The testing of DNA from a statewide blood screening program for newborns in Wisconsin was able to identify infants with T-cell lymphopenia, a blood disorder that affects the child's immune...
People living in poorer neighbourhoods at increased risk for death, worse health risks
Regardless of an individual's dietary and lifestyle risk factors, living in a poorer or more socioeconomically deprived neighbourhood may increase a person's risk for death, according to data presented at...
New study finds low rate of injuries at overnight summer camp
Although a trip to summer camp is highly anticipated by over 11 million children and adults each year, sending a child off to summer camp can be a source of...
Possible ovarian cancer treatment target identified
A multi-institutional study has identified a potential personalised treatment target for the most common form of ovarian cancer. In the December 8 issue of Cancer Cell, the research team describes...
Study identifies genetic predeterminants for diabetes in African-Americans
For years, scientists have tried to determine the basis for discrepancies between race and the predisposition for development of diseases such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Could factors...
GAO: FDA yet to make safety changes post-Vioxx
(AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration still hasn't restructured its staff to better monitor drug safety, more than three years after experts recommended key changes in the wake...
Most primary-care physician practices appear too small to adequately measure quality
Most primary care physicians active in the Medicare program work in practices with too few patients to reliably measure significant differences in common measures of quality and cost performance, according...
Treating cluster headaches with high-flow oxygen appears effective
Patients with a cluster headache, which is characterised by bouts of excruciating pain usually near the eye or temple, were more likely to report being pain-free within 15 minutes of...
New U.S. Plan on AIDS Slows Growth in Treatment
The drive to treat people with drugs is receding as emphasis shifts to prevention and to diseases that cost less to fight.
Reid Says Deal Resolves the Impasse on Public Option
Senators said a tentative agreement between Harry Reid, the majority leader, and 10 other Democrats would sideline but not kill a government-run health insurance plan.
Cancer Experts Say Media Lacks Healthy Skepticism
In a recent Journal of the National Cancer Institute editorial, doctors expressed concern over the media's coverage of oncology research, citing examples of exaggerated fears, hopes, and a general lack...
One Can Act Without Group Support; Even in the Bacterial World
(PhysOrg.com) -- A single bacterium can act alone, performing the same kinds of actions that a group normally does. The behavior of that bacterium can be manipulated at the cellular...
The blood detective
(PhysOrg.com) --UCI hematologist Dr. Jae Chang employs medical sleuthing skills to identify rare blood disorders.
ADA releases updated position paper on nutrient supplementation
While supplements can help some people meet their nutrition needs, eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods is the best way for most people to obtain the nutrients they need...
Acai products carry undisclosed drug
Canadians should not use certain Acai Berry products because they may contain an undeclared prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, Health Canada advises.
Hit toy Mr. Squiggles 'exonerated' in testing mix-up
A California consumer group that released test results last week showing excessive heavy metal levels in several toys now says they wrongly interpreted the results.
Video: Bionic Fingers On the Rise
British scientists have developed the world's first bionic finger. As Sky's Health Correspondent Thomas Moore reports, it's designed to help patients who have missing digits with everyday tasks.
FDA starts pet health and safety widget
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has started a pet health-safety widget to provide timely, user-friendly, public health information.