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Rise in births for couples on benefits

Increased government support for families has coincided with a rise in births among women who left school at 16 compared to those who stayed in education after the age of 18.

22 Dec 2008

Trial looks at high intensity focused ultrasound for locally recurrent prostate cancer

A Phase III clinical trial at New York University is investigating the safety and efficacy of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of locally recurrent prostate cancer following failed external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) using the Sonablate(R) 500.

22 Dec 2008

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy damages offspring's white matter - brain's connective network

One part of the prenatal brain that may be particularly sensitive to alcohol's effects is white matter, nerve fibers through which information is exchanged between different areas of the central nervous system.

22 Dec 2008

Perception of health and balance has direct impact on walking activity

New research out of the University of Pittsburgh indicates that patients' perceptions of their own health and balance have an impact on how much they walk.

22 Dec 2008

Patient-derived induced stem cells retain disease traits

The dying cells - the same type lost in patients with the devastating neurological disease spinal muscular atrophy - confirmed that the University of Wisconsin-Madison stem cell biologist had recreated the hallmarks of a genetic disorder in the lab, using stem cells derived from a patient.

22 Dec 2008

Scientists find gene that is a powerful predictor of colon cancer metastasis

Cancer researchers have identified a gene which enables them to predict for the first time with high probability if colon cancer is going to metastasize.

22 Dec 2008

Ingredient in cough medicine could treat prostate cancer

A study published today in the December issue of the European medical journal Anticancer Research demonstrates that an ingredient used in a common cough suppressant may be useful in treating advanced prostate cancer.

22 Dec 2008

Foreign-born workers report lower rate of non-fatal work-related injuries than U.S.-born workers

A new study funded by U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that foreign-born workers reported a lower rate of non-fatal work-related injuries than U.S.-born workers, based on data collected from the National Health Interview Survey from 1997 to 2005.

22 Dec 2008

Carbon nanotubes show promise in emerging field of neuro-engineering and neuroprosthetics

Research done by scientists in Italy and Switzerland has shown that carbon nanotubes may be the ideal "smart" brain material.

22 Dec 2008

Hexokinase-1 gene variation associated with widely used marker of blood glucose concentration

Scientists have found that genetic variation at the hexokinase-1 gene is linked to variation in the blood concentration of glycated hemoglobin, an index of long-term blood glucose concentration widely used in the follow-up of diabetes patients.

22 Dec 2008

Adults with asthma at increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease

Mayo Clinic research shows adults with asthma are at increased risk of serious pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common bacteria causing middle ear infections and community acquired pneumonia.

22 Dec 2008

Johnson & Johnson extends cash tender offer for Omrix Biopharmaceuticals

Johnson & Johnson has announced it has extended its previously announced cash tender offer, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Binder Merger Sub, Inc., for all outstanding shares of common stock of Omrix Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. until 12:00 midnight (Eastern time), on Dec. 26, 2008, unless further extended.

22 Dec 2008

Immunogenicity and safety of human papillomavirus vaccine in healthy boys

New industry-supported research from Finland suggests that Cervarix, an HPV vaccine given to girls in Europe and elsewhere, is safe for boys as well.

21 Dec 2008

How mirror neurons allow us to learn and socialize by going through the motions in the head

The old adage that we can only learn how to do something by trying it ourselves may have to be revised in the light of recent discoveries in neuroscience.

21 Dec 2008

GlaxoSmithKline ready to supply Biota's Relenza to meet CDC recommendations

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is prepared to respond to public health needs for Relenza (zanamivir) Inhalation Powder this flu season following a Health Alert Advisory issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

21 Dec 2008

Miniature therapeutic ultrasound device

A prototype of a therapeutic ultrasound device, developed by a Cornell graduate student, fits in the palm of a hand, is battery-powered and packs enough punch to stabilize a gunshot wound or deliver drugs to brain cancer patients.

21 Dec 2008

FDA issues complete response to biologics license application for ustekinumab

Centocor, Inc., has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Complete Response letter for its Biologics License Application (BLA) for ustekinumab.

21 Dec 2008

Well balanced diet improves blood glucose tolerance and blood lipid levels

A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association ( JAMA ) on 16 December 2008 has found that those with type 2 diabetes who had a diet high in low-glycemic foods such as nuts, beans and lentils had greater improvement in glycemic control and risk factors for coronary heart disease than those on a diet with an emphasis on high-cereal fibre.

21 Dec 2008

Poeple who eat out often more likely to be obese

In small towns in the Midwestern United States, people who eat out often at buffets and cafeterias and who perceive their community to be unpleasant for physical activity are more likely to be obese.

21 Dec 2008

Drinkers with the ADH1C gene at greater risk of colorectal cancer

Chronic drinking is a risk factor for colorectal cancer, possibly through the effects of acetaldehyde, which is created by the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme.

21 Dec 2008