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The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority reviews the first request by British scientists to clone human embryos today

The Newcastle University team plans to use stem cells from cloned embryos to treat diabetes. The pending decision could potentially open up new possibilities for the treatment of incurable diseases, as well as dividing the British scientific community as many believe therapeutic cloning to be unethical.

16 Jun 2004

2,332 dengue fever cases reported in Philippines this year

The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) today reported that a total of 2,332 dengue cases has been admitted to sentinel hospitals nationwide from January 1 to May 15 this year. There were sixteen deaths recorded.

16 Jun 2004

New material, cellular perfluoroelastomers could revolutionise surgery and save lives

The proprietary material was originally developed by the Manchester based company to make artificial blood vessels, used to replace diseased arteries which can lead to heart attacks and strokes, and is capable of making significant improvements in surgery for vascular disease.

16 Jun 2004

NICE guides new treatments for prostate cancer, drugs misuse, osteoporosis and heart failure

New treatments for prostate cancer, drugs misuse, osteoporosis and heart failure are being referred to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), Lord Warner announced today.

16 Jun 2004

Genetically engineered thyroid stimulating hormone destroys tissue that often remains after thyroidectomy

A new approach to therapy can avoid most of the debilitating effects of preparing for critical, postsurgical treatment for patients with thyroid cancer, according to an international study led by researchers from Johns Hopkins and the University of Pisa.

16 Jun 2004

Pulsed dye laser therapy not effective in treating acne

Unfortunately, there also appears to be no benefit, at least with one type of laser treatment called pulsed dye laser therapy, according to new research from the University of Michigan Health System.

16 Jun 2004

Obesity must be acknowledged as a disease

Long-term studies on prevention, behavior, and other priorities like integrated scientific research and education are needed to solve the global obesity epidemic according to scientists focused on remedying this pressing health problem.

16 Jun 2004

New approach to interpreting brain electroencephalograms could help understanding of epilepsy and autism

A team led by University of California San Diego neurobiologists has developed a new approach to interpreting brain electroencephalograms, or EEGs, that provides an unprecedented view of thought in action and has the potential to advance our understanding of disorders like epilepsy and autism.

16 Jun 2004

The UK health service proved robust in an exercise to test response to a deliberate release of a chemical substance

The UK health service proved largely robust in an exercise designed to test its response to the deliberate release of a chemical substance. But the exercise, run by the Health Protection Agency, also flagged up areas where the treatment of casualties could be improved.

16 Jun 2004

Joint initiative to tackle cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke

Three of the nation’s leading not-for-profit health agencies today announced a joint initiative to empower Americans to help lower their risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke by following a single set of recommendations.

16 Jun 2004

World's largest study into intensive care

The University of Sydney has played a part in the world's largest study into intensive care, which contains significant findings for doctors all over the world.

16 Jun 2004

Cyberonics announces two new Phase IV epilepsy studies

Cyberonics, Inc. has announced that study sites are being recruited for two new Phase IV epilepsy studies and that three epilepsy educational symposia have been scheduled.

16 Jun 2004

Is drinking water a middle-class fashion?

The increasing number of school initiatives, to make water more accessible, are raising issues about whether drinking it is a middle-class fashion. Some of the findings are reported below.

16 Jun 2004

Cholera outbreak in Cameroon

WHO has received reports from the Ministry of Health of a total number of 2924 cases and 46 deaths in Cameroon from 1 January to 9 June 2004 in Littoral and West Regions. Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor has been laboratory confirmed.

15 Jun 2004

Domestic violence five times more than official UK figures

Domestic violence was suffered by around 867,000 people in 15.4 million incidents over one year in England and Wales – five times more than official figures previously indicated, according to a report released today by the Home Office.

15 Jun 2004

New Cincinnati adult diabetes center

The Diabetes Center at the University of Cincinnati is a joint effort by UC and community leaders to improve diabetes care in the region and open the door to more community programs addressing the health care needs of people with diabetes.

15 Jun 2004

Beef tacos with a side order of Escherichia coli

Thirteen people from Arizona, California, and Nevada who ate beef tacos from a national fast-food restaurant chain in 1999 became infected with Escherichia coli, according to a study in the June 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.

15 Jun 2004

Echinacea may do nothing for that runny nose

Some think echinacea is nothing to sneeze at. Others aren't convinced of the claims that the herb can fight the common cold. A study in the May 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online, adds to the evidence against the herb's alleged powers: In the study, echinacea did not prevent a common cold virus from infecting volunteers.

15 Jun 2004

Marijuana/Cannabis causes transient schizophrenia-like symptoms

The principal active ingredient in marijuana causes transient schizophrenia-like symptoms ranging from suspiciousness and delusions to impairments in memory and attention, according to a Yale research study.

15 Jun 2004

Statins don't always lower cholesterol

Persons with certain genetic variations who take statins to lower their cholesterol will not realize the same benefit as other individuals, according to a study in the June 16 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

15 Jun 2004