Latest science news in Health & Medicine
Exercise helps liver directly
A study has found that regular exercise reduces the risk of a fat-related liver disease, even if you don’t actually lose weight.
Cutting sodium consumption: A major public health priority
Reducing sodium intake is a major public health priority that must be acted upon by governments and nongovernmental organizations to improve population health, states an article http://www.cmaj.ca/press/cmaj090361.pdf in CMAJ (Canadian...
Swine flu facts
The novel H1N1 flu virus, commonly called swine flu, appears to be no more dangerous than many seasonal flu strains -- but it spreads more easily than many viruses.
Children with fatter midsections at increased risk for cardiovascular disease
Children with more fat around their midsections could be at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, researchers say...
JPL scientists succeed in levitating mice
It's the first step in the study of bone loss for astronauts living in low-gravity environments. Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge have succeeded in levitating mice, a feat...
Major Clinical Study Rejects Cancer Safety Fears Of Most Common Heartburn Treatment
Fears about the cancer-causing effects of the second most prescribed group of drugs in the Western world have been put to rest, following the largest ever study into their use.
Swine flu to hit N.B. sooner, harder
Swine flu will hit New Brunswick earlier than originally expected, according to health officials, which could put an added strain on hospitals.
Ancient Chinese Remedy May Work for Flu
Roots of a plant produces natural antiviral compounds that kill the swine flu virus, H1N1.
Doctors fear asking mentally ill to quit smoking
People with mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety are the heaviest smokers in the country, but their doctors are afraid to ask them to quit. They assume that if...
Scientists identify genes linked to Lou Gehrig's disease
Michigan Technological University researchers have linked three genes to the most common type of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), generally known as Lou Gehrig's disease...
75 percent would consider letting an unsupervised trainee perform surgery if it could be done quicker
Three-quarters of surgical patients would consider allowing a competent unsupervised trainee junior doctor perform their entire operation if it meant they could have it done more quickly, according to a...
Toward a nanomedicine for brain cancer
In an advance toward better treatments for the most serious form of brain cancer, scientists in Illinois are reporting development of the first nanoparticles that seek out and destroy brain...
Patients with cirrhosis and impaired cognitive abilities have more motor vehicle accidents
A recent study by Jasmohan Bajaj, M.D., and colleagues from Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center found that patients with cirrhosis of the liver who developed minimal hepatic...
Stem-cell drug fails crucial trials
Experimental treatment does not halt fatal complication of bone-marrow transplant.
New malaria 'poses human threat'
An emerging form of malaria thought only to infect monkeys poses a deadly threat to humans, research shows.
Senior mental health official to resign
The Alberta Health Services official who was at the centre of the announcement of bed closures at Alberta Hospital is resigning.
Restaurant barred man whose wife had H1N1
A Manitoba man has filed a human rights complaint against a restaurant in Seven Sisters Falls after being denied service because his wife had been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.
UAB researchers find TB-prevention therapy is cost-effective option
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) researchers have found that the cost of preventive antibiotic tuberculosis (TB) therapy for patients infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is generally less expensive...
MassGeneral Hospital for Children study explains some mysteries of neonatal seizures
A study led by MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) investigators is providing new insight into the mechanism of neonatal seizures, which have features very different from seizures in older children...
Sub-Saharan Africa news in brief: 27 August–9 September 2009
Malaria nets for houses, new impetus for neglected diseases research, antibiotic reduces death rates in children, and more.
Tomatoes thrive on urine diet
Tomatoes fertilised with urine flourish, say researchers, but the method's acceptance in the developing world is uncertain.
App on iPhone Warns of Nearby Flu Outbreaks
It relies on the same reports that health officials use to track disease.
Kids' eating habits have worsened since '98
Fewer children in Ontario are eating the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables a day compared with 10 years ago, according to a report released Wednesday.
Yukon works on setting up flu facility
Health officials in the Yukon are putting pandemic flu plans in place, in part by creating a separate facility in time for a possible second wave of swine flu this...
Surgeons General, STOP Obesity Alliance announce America has reached tipping point on obesity
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 9, 2009 ?- The two most recent Surgeons General of the United States, David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., FAAFP, FACPM, FACP and Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS,...
Surgeon works in Canada after surrendering licence in Arizona
Several people in Quesnel, B.C., have filed complaints about their hospital's general surgeon, Dr. Fernando Casses. They claim they suffered needlessly - and were damaged permanently - when he failed...
Hepatitis damage still lingers
Hepatitis C rates have halved in the past decade, according to an Australian report – but resultant liver damage is an ongoing burden.
N.L. health minister unfazed by doctor's threat
Minister of Health Paul Oram won't back down from his decision to move laboratory and X-ray services out of the central Newfoundland community of Lewisporte, even if it means some...