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Map of gene control regions provides tool for understanding cells' different roles

In another step to decipher information in the human genome, scientists have discovered the location and sequence of over 10,000 DNA regions that function as genetic on-off switches, or "promoters" in human fibroblasts.

29 Jun 2005

Women's health suffers under welfare reform

Women who are current and former welfare recipients suffer a whole host of health problems - and getting a job doesn't always help matters.

29 Jun 2005

Study confirms health benefits of cobblestone walking for older adults

A recently completed study by scientists at the Oregon Research Institute (ORI) in Eugene confirmed earlier findings from a pilot study that walking on a cobblestone mat surface resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure and improvements in balance and physical performance among adults 60 and over.

29 Jun 2005

BMA(NI) Chairman addresses doctors' annual conference in Manchester

BMA Northern Ireland Chairman, Dr Brian Patterson, in his speech yesterday, 29 June 2005, to the annual BMA conference in Manchester, said that whilst the Northern Ireland Assembly remained suspended health services suffered. "This is due largely to the lack of local accountability by politicians, civil servants and managers".

29 Jun 2005

Medical school does not prepare doctors for the reality of working life in the NHS

Over the last ten years, the BMA has tracked a cohort of 543 doctors who qualified in 1995. In the final annual survey, the doctors were asked how their working lives compared with what they had expected when they graduated from medical school.

29 Jun 2005

A new method for manipulating macromolecules

The technique uses double-stranded DNA to direct the behavior of other molecules. In previous DNA nanotechnology efforts, duplex DNA has been used as a static lattice to construct geometrical objects in three dimensions.

29 Jun 2005

Patients not convinced new computer record system will be secure

Members of the public recognise the value of the Government’s plans for their health records to be centrally held on a computer, but many are still seriously concerned about the security of the new system, according to a public opinion poll published today

29 Jun 2005

Myriad Genetics issued new patent under license

Myriad Genetics has announced the issuance of Patent No. 6,911,466 entitled, "AB42 Lowering Agents". Myriad holds exclusive rights to the patent under a licensing agreement with Mayo Clinic. The patent covers methods of using a broad class of compounds known as selective amyloid beta 42 lowering agents (SALAs) to lower levels of the toxic peptide.

29 Jun 2005

European women soon to have access to new breast cancer drug

European women suffering from breast cancer will soon have access to the breast cancer drug Arimidex after British authorities granted approval for the drug to be used in a wider range of European women with breast cancer.

29 Jun 2005

Medical experts say that yearly checkup not necessary - doctors and patients disagree

Though you and your doctor might think that yearly checkup is just a routine part of staying healthy, that practice isn't endorsed by a panel of experts.

29 Jun 2005

The picture looks grim for older Americans when it comes to health insurance

A new survey has found that almost 70 percent of older Americans in order to cover medical expenses in their later years, endorse the concept of individual health savings accounts.

29 Jun 2005

Even low dose radiation exposure causes cancer

A new study says that workers in the nuclear industry who are exposed to chronic low doses of radiation have a slightly higher risk of developing cancer.

29 Jun 2005

Experimental drug for diabetes looks promising

Encouraging results in a small study, with a new experimental treatment, promises help for certain diabetics to retain some ability to make their own insulin.

29 Jun 2005

Help for osteoporosis sufferers in the primary care office

A primary care practitioner can help improve quality of life and mobility for those who suffer from pain resulting from osteoporosis-related fractures by referring a patient for two relatively new non-invasive procedures.

29 Jun 2005

High blood pressure reduces life expectancy

New research has found that the impact of high blood pressure on life expectancy may be far more significant than previously thought.

29 Jun 2005

Rain forest tree gives new hope for psoriasis sufferers

A team of scientists at University of Newcastle upon Tyne have discovered that an ointment, dithranol, used to soothe psoriasis actually kills the cells that cause the problem.

29 Jun 2005

Leader of Scotland's doctors address to annual conference of BMA

Speaking as Scotland’s politicians prepared to debate the final stages of a smoking ban, the leader of Scotland’s doctors congratulated Ministers for their commitment to the public health agenda. In his address to the Annual Conference of the BMA in Manchester today (Wednesday 29 June 2005), Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA in Scotland said:

29 Jun 2005