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273 human proteins required for HIV propagation

Using a technique called RNA interference to screen thousands of genes, researchers identified 273 human proteins required for HIV propagation. The vast majority had not been connected to the virus by previous studies. – Current drugs attack HIV itself, leaving patients vulnerable to counterattack by the rapidly mutating virus, which often evolves resistance. But the human proteins exploited by HIV represent potential therapeutic targets that could avoid this problem. The challenge will be to develop drugs that inhibit HIV by interacting with these human proteins without hurting our cells.

Oral osteoporosis medicines safe during dental work

Contrary to recent reports, oral osteoporosis medications that inhibit bone breakdown reduce the risk of jaw problems, based on an analysis of medical claims. – Some doctors and dentists had advised patients who take oral osteoporosis medications such as Fosamax and Boniva to postpone dental work, fearing that tooth extractions and other procedures would exacerbate jaw problems purportedly linked to the medication. But the new findings refute the link and suggest the benefits of dentistry likely outweigh the risks for many of these patients.

RNA may stop breast cancer spread

The identification of molecules that inhibit a cell’s metastatic potential may help guide clinical decision-making in the future by enabling oncologists to more accurately identify patients at highest risk for metastatic relapse. – Now, researchers can develop more effective drugs to prevent or treat cancer metastasis, as they have identified a specific group of microRNA molecules that are responsible for controlling genes that cause breast cancer metastasis.

Weight loss caused by chewing gum – BMJ

Sorbitol intake should be considered in patients with bowel problems, chronic diarrhoea, and weight loss. – Severe weight loss was detected in patients due to chronic diarrhea after eating chewing gum and sweets because of excess sorbitol intake, a widely used sweetener in “sugar-free” products. Sorbitol has laxative properties and is poorly absorbed by the small intestine.

Don’t postpone knee-replacement surgery

Osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common cause of disability among Americans. It’s a disease of age that affects more women than men on a 60-40 basis. – Research at the University of Delaware indicates that women wait longer to pursue knee-replacement surgery than men do.

Compstatin – new drug for vision loss, macular degeneration

UF scientists are testing the safety of experimental drug Compstatin for vision loss in macular degeneration patients. – University of Florida UF scientists are testing the safety of experimental drug Compstatin for vision loss in macular degeneration patients. In a first-of-its-kind safety research study, University of Florida researchers have injected an anti-inflammatory compound into the eye of a person with a sight-robbing disease.

New ultrasound technique sharpens view of liver tumors

A high-energy form of ultrasound imaging developed by researchers at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering produces pictures of liver tumors that are better than those made with traditional ultrasound. – A new high-energy form of ultrasound imaging developed by researchers at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering produces pictures of liver tumors that are better than those made with traditional ultrasound, according to results of a clinical study.

Stress may condition heart to survive heart attack

University of Cincinnati researchers reveal that people who experience brief periods of blocked blood flow may be better conditioned to survive a full-blown heart attack later. – People who experience brief periods of blocked blood flow may be better conditioned to survive a full-blown heart attack later, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati (UC).

Purchasing contact lenses online is risky

Research indicates that Internet lens purchasers typically don’t follow their eye doctor?s recommendations, placing them at greater risk for harmful eye care practices and eye health complications. – Purchasing contact lenses online may save consumers time, but the process could cause more problems in the long run, according to a new study reported in the January issue of Optometry: Journal of the American Optometric Association.

New test to detect and identify 12 respiratory viruses

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared for marketing a test – xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel, manufactured by Luminex Molecular Diagnostics, that simultaneously detects and identifies 12 specific respiratory viruses. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new diagnostic test that detects 12 respiratory viruses, including strains of flu that have triggered epidemics.