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Loneliness may be heredity

Heredity helps determine why some adults are persistently lonely, research co-authored by psychologists at the University of Chicago shows.

13 Nov 2005

University of Alberta researchers pioneer gene therapy to restore alveoli and lung capillaries in damaged rat lungs

The good news is that medical advances in perinatal care have allowed us to save many more premature babies. The bad news is they're often at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia--a chronic lung disease caused by having to place the tiny infants on ventilators and oxygen-rich therapy for acute respiratory failure.

13 Nov 2005

New understanding of the disease process involved in atherosclerosis

The progression of the artery-clogging disease atherosclerosis is linked to the inability of specialized bone marrow cells to continuously repair damage to the arterial lining, Duke University Medical Center researchers have demonstrated.

13 Nov 2005

How protein-enriched meals decrease hunger and reduce eating

Researchers have uncovered new evidence to explain the observation that diets rich in protein stunt the appetite, according to a report in the November Cell Metabolism.

13 Nov 2005

Adverts for SSRI antidepressants misleading

Consumer ads for a class of antidepressants called SSRIs often claim that depression is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain, and that SSRIs correct this imbalance, but these claims are not supported by scientific evidence, say researchers in PLoS Medicine.

13 Nov 2005

Promising functional readouts of immunity in a blood-stage malaria vaccine trial

A malaria vaccine remains the most desired tool to combat the worsening malaria epidemic in many developing countries. Pierre Druilhe and colleagues (from the Institut Pasteur in Paris) have completed the first human trial of a vaccine based on MSP3, a protein present on the surface of the malaria parasite, with very encouraging results.

13 Nov 2005

Human umbilical cord blood cells may widen treatment window for stroke

An experimental treatment that spares disability from acute stroke may be delivered much later than the current three-hour treatment standard – a potential advance needed to benefit more stroke victims.

13 Nov 2005

Older brains store and encode memories differently than younger brains

Researchers working with rats have found the first solid evidence that still "sharp" older brains store and encode memories differently than younger brains.

13 Nov 2005

New screening test can predict Down syndrome in first trimester

According to new research, an early blood test has proven to be an accurate predictor for Down syndrome.

13 Nov 2005

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may prevent the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's oesophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus is a metaplastic disorder that develops in about 10% of people with chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Every year about 0.5%-1% of patients with Barrett’s oesophagus develop oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

10 Nov 2005

Scientists identify molecular link between body fat and blood lipids

Scientists from Wageningen University in the Netherlands have discovered that a factor released from body fat, which they call Fasting-Induced Adipose Factor or FIAF, has a major impact on blood levels of HDL and triglycerides in mice.

10 Nov 2005

Sleep apnea sufferers have double the risk of stroke and death

Apparently as many as 4 percent of Americans suffer from extreme daytime fatigue because their sleep apnea forces them to repeatedly wake up if only for a second.

10 Nov 2005

Cannabis drug provides relief from rheumatoid arthritis

According to new research, a cannabis-based drug works as a painkiller and may also slow disease progression, in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

10 Nov 2005

Urban Britain is a recipe for heart disease

Researchers at The University of Manchester’s Medical School, working with teams in India and Birmingham, have found that people moving from South Asia to the UK significantly increase their risk of contracting cardiovascular disease (CVD).

From The University of Manchester 9 Nov 2005

Vaccine for a type of blood cancer - follicular lymphoma

A team of researchers has demonstrated the clinical efficacy and benefits of a vaccine for a type of blood cancer, follicular lymphoma, amongst first time relapse patients. Specialists from two University of Navarre centres – the University Hospital and the Research Centre for Applied Medicine (CIMA) - have worked jointly since 2001 on the research.

9 Nov 2005

On balance, seniors benefit from group exercise class

According to researchers group exercise classes given at local community centers can help older adults improve their balance, which in itself could translate into fewer falls and injuries.

9 Nov 2005

With adequate vitamin D extra calcium unnecessary

New research says that in order to maintain calcium metabolism, taking as much as 800 milligrams of calcium daily is probably unnecessary provided that vitamin D levels are normal.

9 Nov 2005

Aspirin and ibuprofen may significantly reduce the risk of esophageal cancer among people with Barrett's esophagus

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may significantly reduce the risk of esophageal cancer among people with Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition associated with chronic heartburn that affects an estimated 1 million to 2 million Americans.

8 Nov 2005

Introgen's INGN 241 combined with Celebrex kills breast cancer cells

Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. today reported the publication of preclinical data demonstrating that INGN 241 works synergistically with celecoxib (Celebrex) marketed by Pfizer to inhibit the growth and increase apoptosis (cell death) of breast cancer cells.

8 Nov 2005

Sildenafil reverses symptoms of Raynaud's

German researchers have discovered yet another use for Viagra (sildenafil), they say it relieves the symptoms and improves the circulation of patients with Raynaud's phenomenon.

8 Nov 2005