Early detection of skin cancer melanoma is vital

Early Detection Of Melanoma Plus Regular Skin Exams Is Vital For Beating Disease. Dermatologists Offer Advice for Reaching Five-Year Survival Mark. – On television’s popular “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dr. Izzie Stevens faces a grim diagnosis: stage IV metastatic melanoma. As the drama unfolds, viewers get a glimpse at why patients with the deadliest form of skin cancer ? in the most advanced stage of diagnosis ? face a mere 10-month median survival rate.

Marijuana smoking increases COPD risk for tobacco smokers

Smoking marijuana and tobacco concurrently may have a synergistic effect on the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. – Smoking both tobacco and marijuana increases the risk of respiratory symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), found a study in CMAJ.

Public transit users 3 times more healthy and fit

Public transit users 3 times more likely to meet fitness guidelines: UBC research – A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia suggests taking public transit may help you keep fit.

Vitamin C lowers gout risk in men

Higher vitamin C intake is independently associated with a lower risk of gout. Supplemental vitamin C intake may be beneficial in the prevention of gout. – Men with higher vitamin C intake appear less likely to develop gout, a painful type of arthritis, according to a report in the March 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

New genomic test to personalize breast cancer treatment

One in eight women in the United States will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Now a new test will help physicians determine the best possible treatment for each patient. – A set of 50 genes can be used to reliably identify the four known types of breast cancer, according to research conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and collaborating institutions.

Genetic disease recreated in lab

US researchers watched genetic diseases unfolding in the laboratory after finding a way to make large numbers of affected cells. – When neurons started dying in Clive Svendsen’s lab dishes, he couldn’t have been more pleased. The dying cells ? the same type lost in patients with the devastating neurological disease spinal muscular atrophy ? confirmed that the University of Wisconsin-Madison stem cell biologist had recreated the hallmarks of a genetic disorder in the lab, using stem cells derived from a patient.

Anti inflammatory drugs linked with reduced breast cancer risk

Largest review of its kind associates anti-inflammatory drugs with reduced breast cancer risk – Analysis of data from 38 studies that enrolled more than 2.7 million women ? the largest of its kind ? by researchers at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and the University of Santiago de Compostela reveals that regular use of Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with a 12 per cent relative risk reduction in breast cancer compared to non-users.

Second hand smoke may trigger nicotine dependence symptoms in kids

New study from Canadian researchers published in Addictive Behaviors has warned parents that second-hand smoke may trigger nicotine dependence symptoms in kids. – Parents who smoke cigarettes around their kids in cars and homes beware ? second-hand smoke may trigger symptoms of nicotine dependence in children. The findings are published in the September edition of the journal Addictive Behaviors in a joint study from nine Canadian institutions.

Olympic athletes show pride and shame expressions

The victory stance of a gold medalist and the slumped shoulders of a non-finalist are innate and biological rather than learned responses to success and failure. – The victory stance of a gold medalist and the slumped shoulders of a non-finalist are innate and biological rather than learned responses to success and failure, according to a University of British Columbia study using cross-cultural data gathered at the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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