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Body mass index proves to be an unexpectedly valuable tool for runners

The conspicuous size differences between beefy sprinters and lithesome distance runners are dictated by simple rules of form and function, according to researchers from Rice University and the Texas Medical Center's National Center for Human Performance.

13 Jul 2005

Researchers modify software to predict gene transcription

A modification to an "ace" gene prediction program by computer scientists at Washington University in St. Louis now enables scientists to predict the very beginnings of gene transcription start sites and where the first splice occurs thereby defining the first exon of the gene.

13 Jul 2005

Mesothelioma may be caused by exposure to ultramafic rock

Everyday exposure to naturally occurring asbestos increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, according to a study by UC Davis researchers.

13 Jul 2005

New ventricular assist device called the PediPump

A new ventricular assist device (VAD) called the PediPump has been developed specifically for use in children. A status report on this new device appears in the July issue of the journal Artificial Organs.

13 Jul 2005

United States continues to spend significantly more on health care than any country in the world

In 2005, Americans spent 53 percent per capita more than the next highest country, Switzerland, and 140 percent above the median industrialized country, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

13 Jul 2005

Women beware of black cohosh, red clover and ginseng!

Women who take soy or herbal supplements, such as black cohosh, red clover and ginseng, should do so with care, says a Cornell University expert affiliated with the Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors (BCERF) at Cornell, the land-grant institution of New York state.

13 Jul 2005

Female lung cancer in Europe rising

The first comprehensive picture of female lung cancer mortality trends in Europe shows rates are still rising in most countries. But, the research does indicate that there is some room for cautious optimism in the longer term due to decreases or smaller rates of increase in some countries and a more favourable trend among younger women in many countries.

13 Jul 2005

Study proves Lorenzo's Oil prevents rare disease in boys

U.S. researchers have confirmed that a treatment called Lorenzo's Oil can prevent the onset of a rare but devastating neurological disease in young boys, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy or X-ALD.

12 Jul 2005

Bling Bling bacteria more dangerous!

Researchers in the U.S. have uncovered the interesting fact that gold-colored bacteria appear to cause more disease than colorless strains.

12 Jul 2005

New ruling on EU Food supplements directive eagerly awaited

The European Court of Justice is about to rule on whether the EU Food supplements directive, due to come into effect in August, unlawfully infringes trade.

12 Jul 2005

Women in the UK dissatisfied with their looks and most would consider cosmetic surgery

According to a survey of 1,000 women whose average age was 34, more than half of British women say they would consider having cosmetic surgery and nearly all are constantly worried about their body shape and size.

12 Jul 2005

Approval sought for Femara in early post-surgery use

Approval is being sought in the U.S. and Europe, by Swiss drug makerNovartis, for its breast-cancer drug Femara to be used immediately after surgery to help older women fight tumours.

12 Jul 2005

South Africa now 2nd only to India in HIV/AIDS cases

New figures from the South African Department of Health say more than 6.5 million of the country's 47 million people may now be HIV-positive.

12 Jul 2005

Metabolic syndrome prevented by a fit heart

According to a new study, a person's cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of their risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

12 Jul 2005

Statins not effective in reducing dementia risk

According to a recently published study, the use of statins and other lipid-lowering agents by older adults is not associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.

12 Jul 2005

If strawberries weren't red they wouldn't cause allergies

Researchers say if strawberries were another colour they might be safer for allergy sufferers to eat.

12 Jul 2005

Menopause symptoms return with a vengence when women stop HRT

In somewhat depressing news for women battling that often miserable phase in their lives, the menopause, it appears that more than half of women who start taking hormone replacement therapy to relieve the discomfort, can expect to see a dramatic resurgence of those symptoms, when they discontinue the therapy.

12 Jul 2005