Diana Nyad swimming from Cuba to Florida

Diana Nyad’s quest to swim from Cuba to Florida has begun – Diana Nyad, 61, hopes to become first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without aid of shark cage.

Aggressive HIV recombinant strain progress to AIDS within 3 years

An aggressive form of HIV uncovered in Cuba – One recombinant variant observed in patients in Cuba appears to be much more aggressive than other known forms of HIV. Patients progress to AIDS within three years of infection – so rapidly that they may not even realise they were infected.

Ebola declining in Liberia – WHO

Ebola appears to be slowing in Liberia – WHO – Ebola epidemic is declining in the spread of the Ebola virus in Liberia, says WHO. WHO Assistant Director General Bruce Aylward told a news conference the number of burials and new admissions had fallen and there was a plateau in laboratory-confirmed cases.

Breast cancer vaccine reduces tumours in mice

Scientists develop vaccine that attacks breast cancer in mice — Implications for the treatment of ovarian, colorectal and pancreatic cancer, as well – Researchers have developed a vaccine that dramatically reduces tumors in a mouse model that mimics 90 percent of human breast and pancreatic cancer cases-including those that are resistant to common treatments.

Swiss US team finds indigenous cases of leprosy in Southern US

Swiss-US team finds indigenous cases of leprosy in the Southern United States — Study confirms human contamination through contact with armadillos – Using advanced DNA analysis and extensive field work, an international research team has confirmed the link between leprosy infection in Americans and direct contact with armadillos.

Roller coasters may cause ear injury – ear barotrauma

Study: Roller coasters linked to common ear injury – The sharp turns, ups and downs, and high speeds of today’s roller coasters bring a lot of thrills, but if you’re not careful, the ride could also cause damage to your ears, say physicians at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

New stem cell technology for complicated bone fractures

New stem cell technology developed at Hebrew University — Leads to better treatment for complicated bone fractures – Researchers have developed a new way of using stem cells to provide better and rapid healing for patients suffering from complicated bone fractures.

Extra virgin olive oil prevents Alzheimer’s disease

Oleocanthal may help prevent, treat Alzheimer’s disease – Natural compound in extra virgin olive oil targets toxic beta-amyloid proteins. – Natural compound, Oleocanthal, in extra virgin olive oil targets toxic beta amyloid proteins in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, revealed by US researchers. Extra virgin olive oil contains the highest amount of polyphenol antioxidants also.

New drug resistant TB strains emerging

New drug-resistant TB strains could become widespread says new study – The emergence of new forms of tuberculosis could swell the proportion of drug-resistant cases globally, a new study has found. The finding raises concern that although TB incidence is falling in many regions, the emergence of antibiotic resistance could see virtually untreatable strains of the disease become widespread.

Health Newstrack