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Long term air pollution exposure leads to acceleration of atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation

Findings indicate a significant independent association between exposure to long term air pollution and the acceleration of atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation in an animal model.

21 Dec 2005

Sanofi's human bird flu vaccine tests looking good

French drug company Sanofi Pasteur says early stage trials of an experimental vaccine against H5N1 bird flu have shown it provides a good immune response in humans and is safe.

19 Dec 2005

You've got mail and it's STD!

Health authorities in California have found a way a keeping awkward or embarrassing information on sexually transmitted disease (STD), right down to the minimum.

19 Dec 2005

Community Based Assessment Centres - roles and functions in a flu pandemic

The expected roles and functions of Community Based Assessment Centres (CBACs) in the event of an influenza pandemic have been outlined by the New Zealand Ministry of Health, in a draft document sent to District Health Boards for comment and to assist with local planning.

15 Dec 2005

Canadians call for decriminalisation of prostitution

In a new report the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network has called for the federal government to decriminalize prostitution.

14 Dec 2005

Poor diet and little exercise makes Scottish kids fatties

Health experts say that Scottish children are among the most overweight in the world.

14 Dec 2005

U.S. flu death predictions more fiction than fact

According to a Harvard University graduate student, U.S. data on influenza death may be more PR than science.

12 Dec 2005

Is the FDA too influenced by big pharma?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) historically sound reputation could be in jeopardy due to it's possibly too close relationship with the major pharmaceutical companies.

12 Dec 2005

Disaster or pandemic - U.S. needs to get real!

According to a report by the organization Trust for America's Health (TFAH), hospitals in the U.S. are not properly prepared to handle patients who would arrive after a disaster or a pandemic.

7 Dec 2005

Suddenly sugar isn't looking so sweet

University of Florida researchers have identified one possible reason for rising obesity rates, and it all starts with fructose, found in fruit, honey, table sugar and other sweeteners, and in many processed foods.

7 Dec 2005

Greater risk of a stroke after a heart attack

According to a new study in the U.S., there is a marked increase in the risk of stroke following a heart attack.

6 Dec 2005

Local health officials don't rate U.S. government bird flu plans

Health officials in the U.S. have predicted, in the event of a bird flu pandemic, businesses and government can expect 40 percent of their employees to be absent during it's peak.

6 Dec 2005

A tipple or two a day will keep you trim

A new study suggests that people who have an alcoholic drink or two a day may have a lower risk of becoming obese than either teetotalers or heavy drinkers.

5 Dec 2005

That glass of wine or two may not be so good for you!

New research from New Zealand suggests that the health benefits of alcohol are dubious.

5 Dec 2005

People who drink small amounts of alcohol regularly are less likely to be obese

...than people who do not drink at all. A study published today in the open access journal BMC Public Health shows that consuming no more than a drink or two a few times a week reduces the risk of being obese.

5 Dec 2005

Preventing muscle wasting with a leucine-rich diet

Muscle in adults is constantly being built and broken down. As young adults we keep the two processes in balance, but when we age breakdown starts to win. However, adding the amino acid leucine to the diet of old individuals can set things straight again.

5 Dec 2005

Study of 30-day extended wear contact lenses

A team of researchers led by the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute have determined that the corneal infection rate associated with the use of 30-day -extended-wear contact lenses made from silicone hydrogel is comparable to that previously reported for older lens types worn for fewer consecutive 24-hour periods.

5 Dec 2005