Health Archives

Zebrafish offer useful screening tool for genes, drugs that protect against hearing loss

A small striped fish is helping scientists understand what makes people susceptible to a common form of hearing loss, although, in this case, it?s not the fish?s ears that are of interest. – A small striped fish is helping scientists understand what makes people susceptible to a common form of hearing loss, although, in this case, it’s not the fish’s ears that are of interest. In a study published in the Feb. 29 issue of the journal PLoS Genetics, researchers at the University of Washington have developed a research method that relies on a zebrafish’s lateral line-the faint line running down each side of a fish that enables it to sense its surroundings-to quickly screen for genes and chemical compounds that protect against hearing loss from some medications.

1 in 3 women has pelvic floor disorder, overactive bladder or incontinence

Kaiser Permanente study found that one-third of women suffer from one or more pelvic floor disorders, which include symptoms such as the frequent urge to urinate, dropped pelvic organs, and incontinence. – A new study by Kaiser Permanente found that one-third of women suffer from one or more pelvic floor disorders, which include symptoms such as the frequent urge to urinate, dropped pelvic organs, and incontinence. The study, which consists of the broadest age range of participants to date, of which 80 percent of the 4,000 women studied had given birth.

New York unveils electronic health record technology

New York City’s Electronic Health Records Set New Standard for Health Care Nationwide; Technology Will Help Transform System of Disease Care into One of Preventing Disease. – New York’s Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden unveiled the City’s next-generation electronic health records (EHRs), already in use at more than 200 primary-care providers across the city that care for more than 200,000 New Yorkers.

Brain scans reveal biological basis of cocaine addiction

Cocaine alters the parts of the brain responsible for controlling behaviour and making appropriate decisions. – Researchers looking at brain activity of cocaine users may have identified a biological lack of willpower’ that will help us understand why some people become long-term addicts while others can use the drug socially.

Anemia drugs for cancer patients raises blood clots risk

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent administration to patients with cancer is associated with increased risks of VTE and mortality. Our findings, in conjunction with basic science studies on erythropoietin and erythropoietin receptors in solid cancers, raise concern about the safety of ESA administration to patients with cancer. – Treating anemia with a class of drugs known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the deep veins of the legs or in the lungs) and death among patients with cancer, according to an article in the February 27 issue of JAMA.

New chemical tool kit reveals insights into drug toxicity

A Harvard Medical School team led by Vamsi Mootha has developed a new chemical tool kit that helps in explaining how drugs can affect its users, reveals insights into drug toxicity. – Why do nearly 1 million people taking cholesterol-lowering statins often experience muscle cramps? Why is it that in the rare case when a diabetic takes medication for intestinal worms, his glucose levels improve? Is there any scientific basis for the purported health effects of green tea?

Gene identified for hair loss in hypotrichosis simplex

New gene improves our understanding of hair growth and offers a path to effective therapies. Research findings will lead to new therapies that will work with various forms of hair loss. – A healthy individual loses around a hundred hairs a day. Nothing to worry about as long as they are constantly replaced and the losses occur evenly around the whole scalp. But when hair loss goes well beyond this level it can become quite a problem for those affected ? not only superficially in terms of looks but also psychologically.

Safer effective way to treat Crohn’s disease

This international research study, published in The Lancet, has thrown into question the current method of treating Crohn’s disease ? opening the door to a safer and more effective treatment option for sufferers of the chronic disease. – A new study established the new alternative strategy, called “top-down” therapy, to treat the patients with Crohn’s disease by employing early use of immune-suppressing drugs combined with an antibody without using steroids.

1 in 3 primary school children obese

Nearly one in three children in Year 6 of primary school is overweight or obese, according to a report out from The NHS Information Centre, UK. – Nearly one in three children in Year 6 of primary school is overweight or obese, according to a report out from The NHS Information Centre, UK.

Female G spot found

Ultrasound scans may have pinpointed the location of the G spot, according to new Italian research. – An Italian researcher reported that he has found the female G spot, an elusive and controversial pleasure point. The study published in Journal of Sexual Medicine.

MRSA among drug users increasing

Rates of MRSA infection in injection drug users in Vancouver have significantly increased over the last six years. – A new comparative study suggests that rates of MRSA infection in injection drug users in Vancouver have significantly increased over the last six years highlighting the need for interventional methods in high-risks groups.

Reducing kids’ salt intake lowers soft drink consumption

A reduction in salt intake could play a role in helping to reduce childhood obesity through its effect on sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption. – Children who eat less salt drink fewer sugar-sweetened soft drinks and may significantly lower their risks for obesity, elevated blood pressure and later-in-life heart attack and stroke, researchers reported in the print and online issue of Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.