IQ Archives

Shanghai Breast Health Resource Center China

Shanghai CDC and Hutchinson Center establish Shanghai Breast Health Resource Center — First ‘learning laboratory’ of the Hutchinson Center-based Breast Health Global Initiative in China – The prevention, early detection and multidisciplinary treatment of breast cancer are important strategies for promoting health and extending a healthy life span. The Shanghai Breast Health Resource Center is an important step in effectively addressing breast cancer, especially to improving breast cancer screening and early detection, which are considered to be the most effective and affordable ways for a rapid reduction of breast cancer disease burden in developing countries like China.

Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis medications lowers diabetes risk

Certain drugs lower risk of diabetes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis – Certain rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis medications are associated with reduced diabetes risk, revealed by researchers. 2 disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, TNF inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine, are associated with a reduced risk for the development of diabetes in psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis patients

Parkinson’s patients sing in tune with creative arts therapy

Parkinson’s patients sing in tune with creative arts therapy – Twice a month a jam session takes place on the third floor of Northwestern Memorial’s Prentice Women’s Hospital. A diverse group of men and women, ranging in age and ethnicity, gather in a circle with instruments in hand and sing together. This is no ordinary jam band; all its members have Parkinson’s disease. They are participating in Creative Arts for Parkinson’s, a music and drama therapy program offered through Northwestern’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center.

New strain of MRSA discovered, found in both humans and dairy cows

New strain of MRSA discovered — Antibiotic resistant bacteria found in both humans and dairy cows – Scientists have identified a new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which occurs both in human and dairy cow populations. The study, led by Dr Mark Holmes at the University of Cambridge, identified the new strain in milk from dairy cows while researching mastitis (a bacterial infection which occurs in the cows’ udders).

Blast related injuries detected in brains of US military personnel

Blast-related injuries detected in the brains of US military personnel – An advanced imaging technique has revealed that some U.S. military personnel with mild blast-related traumatic brain injuries have abnormalities in the brain that have not been seen with other types of imaging. The abnormalities were found in the brain’s white matter, the wiring system that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate with each other.

Developing possibility of a preventive vaccine against HIV AIDS

A study opens the possibility of developing a preventive vaccine against HIV/AIDS – The HIV epidemic is the largest in the world and represents one of the most serious public health problems, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Only 30% of the more than 10 million patients in need have the access to the antiretroviral treatment.

Autism changes molecular structure of brain

Autism changes molecular structure of the brain, UCLA study finds — Discovery points to a common cause for multifaceted disease – A new UCLA study is the first to reveal how the autism disorder makes its mark at the molecular level, resulting in an autistic brain that differs dramatically in structure from a healthy one.

Tai chi helps improve mental health and prevent falls in elderly

T’ai chi helps prevent falls and improve mental health in the elderly — Systematic reviews of t’ai chi: An overview – T’ai chi has particular health benefits for older people, including helping to prevent falls and improving mental wellbeing, reveals a review published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Gene expression changes in nasal cells may help identify lung cancer

Gene expression changes in nasal cells may help identify lung cancer in earliest stages – A simple, minimally-invasive technique using cells from the interior of the nose could help clinicians detect lung cancer in its earliest – and most treatable – stages, according to a study conducted by researchers in Boston.

How breast cancer cells adapt to environmental stress

Cancer scientists discover new way breast cancer cells adapt to environmental stress – An international research team led by Dr. Tak Mak, Director, The Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH), has discovered a new aspect of “metabolic transformation”, the process whereby tumour cells adapt and survive under conditions that would kill normal cells.

Asthma pill more user friendly and effective than inhalers

Asthma pill more user friendly than inhalers — and no less effective – A rarely prescribed asthma drug is easier to use and just as effective as conventional treatment with inhalers, according to a new study led by the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Coronary artery bypass graft surgeries decreasing in US

Rate of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgeries Decreases Substantially – Between 2001 and 2008, the annual rate of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries performed in the United States decreased by more than 30 percent, but rates of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI; procedures such as balloon angioplasty or stent placement used to open narrowed coronary arteries) did not change significantly.