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Book explores impact of viruses on evolution

Although viruses technically may not be alive, their contribution to the dynamic web of life is undeniable. A new book, published by ASM Press, focuses on the role that viruses have played and continue to play in the evolution of life.

12 Jan 2005

Study links meat consumption to colon cancer

A major American Cancer Society study finds people who reported the highest consumption of red and processed meat had a significantly higher risk of colorectal cancer than those who reported the least consumption.

12 Jan 2005

Virtual pain relief for children

Children who have the distraction of a virtual reality game while undergoing post-operative physiotherapy, report a significant decrease in their experience of pain, new research at the University of South Australia has found.

12 Jan 2005

Research breakthrough in treatment of TB and MDR-TB

FASgen Inc.'s compound, FAS20013, has emerged from an intense multi-year program of pre-clinical studies that clearly validate its potential as an ideal new drug for the treatment of tuberculosis and MDR-TB, the disease caused by organisms that are resistant to the drugs now commonly used to treat TB. Initial clinical trials in both TB and MDR-TB are scheduled for later this year.

12 Jan 2005

Myriad Genetics initiates phase 3 clinical trial of Flurizan

Myriad Genetics announced today that it has initiated enrollment in a Phase 3 human clinical trial of its lead therapeutic candidate, Flurizan (MPC-7869), in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

12 Jan 2005

Amarin announces positive results from studies using Miraxion to treat unresponsive depression

Amarin Corporation today announced positive data analysis from two exploratory phase IIa clinical studies using Miraxion (formerly referred to as LAX-101c) to treat depression.

12 Jan 2005

Honeycomb-like polymer implant helps re-build the faces of children

British and Russian surgeons are using a revolutionary honeycomb-like polymer implant to help re-build the faces of children injured in accidents or born with serious defects. The material bonds with bone without causing adverse reactions.

12 Jan 2005

Call for a smoke free Scottish Parliament

The chairman of the BMA in Scotland has this week written to the Presiding Officer suggesting that the Scottish Parliament smoking room for staff and MSPs be closed and replaced with a drop in smoking cessation support centre for staff and MSPs who wish to give up the habit.

12 Jan 2005

Screening for malaria necessary for U.S. soldiers returning from Afghanistan

Nearly 40 U.S. Army Rangers returning from Afghanistan in 2002 may have contracted malaria because of inadequate use of preventive measures, according to a study in the January 12 issue of JAMA.

12 Jan 2005

Elevated glucose levels and diabetes associated with a greater risk for cancer

New research involving more than one million people indicates that having high fasting serum glucose levels and diabetes are risk factors for several major cancers, according to a study in the January 12 issue of JAMA.

12 Jan 2005

Escalating demand for novel and effective therapeutic approaches underlines growing appeal of peptides

With a 30 per cent revenue share, Europe trails the United States as the second largest regional market for therapeutic peptides. The rising need for new therapeutic approaches combined with the potential of peptides as active pharmaceutical ingredients for effective drug formulation is contributing to rapid market development.

12 Jan 2005

No link between eating fruits and vegetables and a subsequent decreased risk for breast cancer

Contrary to findings in previous studies, new research that includes a large group of women found no link between eating fruits and vegetables and a subsequent decreased risk for breast cancer, according to a study in this week’s JAMA.

12 Jan 2005

High consumption of red meat increases risk for colorectal cancer

High consumption of red and processed meat over a long period of time is associated with an increased risk for a certain type of colon cancer, according to a study in the January 12 issue of JAMA.

12 Jan 2005

First new guidelines in more than a decade for managing asthma during pregnancy

The report reflects new medications that have emerged and updates treatment recommendations for pregnant women with asthma based on a systematic review of data on the safety of asthma medications during pregnancy. An executive summary ("Quick Reference") of the guidelines is published in the January issue of the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.

12 Jan 2005

Infants have much to say if adults will only listen

A baby's first sounds, other than crying, may baffle parents. Is that soft "coo" the sound of contentment? Boredom? Nothing more than a reflex?

12 Jan 2005

A little anxiety can be a good thing when it comes to cancer symptoms

A little anxiety can be a good thing when it comes to cancer symptoms according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. They report that people with low overall anxiety levels were more apt to ignore symptoms of rectal cancer for long periods of time, thereby delaying treatment.

12 Jan 2005

Important clue to understanding the origins of the AIDS epidemic

Medical Research Council (MRC) scientists have uncovered an important clue to understanding the origins of the AIDS epidemic. The work suggests that harnessing natural mechanisms of resistance to HIV infection might provide new methods for combating AIDS.

12 Jan 2005

What makes an allergen an allergen?

An enduring mystery for allergy researchers has been the unpredictable distribution of allergens in plants. For example, being allergic to birch pollen can predispose a person to allergy from distantly related plant foods such as celery, apple or soy.

12 Jan 2005

Why do women live longer than men?

Research by exercise scientists at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) may have an answer to the age old question of why women live longer than men.

12 Jan 2005

Safety established for Vaxin's first flu vaccine in clinical trial

Vaxin Inc., a privately-held biotechnology company, has demonstrated, in a Phase I human clinical study, that the company's recombinant influenza vaccine provides a potential alternative to traditional flu vaccines.

12 Jan 2005