Health News Today

(Indiana University) The diagnosis of asthma in a young child may well be more challenging to pediatricians than previously appreciated, according to a review of research and clinical experience literature by Howard Eigen, M.D., of the Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Hospital for Children appearing in the October 2008 issue of Clinical Pediatrics. »»»

(Cardiovascular Research Foundation) Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics is the annual scientific symposium of the Cardiovascular Research Foundation. Attended by over 10,000 participants each year, TCT gathers leading medical researchers and clinicians from around the world to present and discuss the latest developments in the field of interventional cardiology and vascular medicine. »»»

(University of Washington) An atomic resolution view of an enzyme found only in the eye is providing clues about how the enzyme is activated. The enzyme, PDE6, is critical to the way light entering the retina is converted into signals to the brain. »»»

(University of Iowa) Researchers have identified a gene variant that causes a potentially fatal human heart rhythm disorder called sinus node disease. While the newly discovered gene variant is rare, the study provides insight into cellular mechanisms that regulate sinus node function and identifies an unanticipated new pathway for developing future therapies to regulate more common forms of sinus node disease. »»»

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded 25 new grants to develop new and better diagnostics and treatments for radiation exposure after a nuclear attack. Several of these grants were awarded under Project Bioshield Authority, legislation that enables NIAID within the Department of Health and Human Services to use a rapid award process to help stimulate research on medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threats. »»»

(Wellcome Trust) Scientists have identified one of the genes implicated in age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in developed countries. »»»

(University of Missouri-Columbia) When it comes to understanding the effectiveness and safety of using herbal therapies with other drugs, much is unknown. Now, a University of Missouri researcher will study how black cohosh -- an herbal supplement often used to relieve hot flashes in menopausal women -- interacts with tamoxifen, a common drug used to treat breast cancer. »»»

(University of Georgia) Even occasional cigarette smoking can impair the functioning of your arteries, according to a new University of Georgia study that used ultrasound to measure how the arteries of young, healthy adults respond to changes in blood flow. »»»

(NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute) Human Microbiome Project Awards Funds for Technology Development, Data Analysis and Ethical Research »»»

(European Space Agency) The 2008 ozone hole -- a thinning in the ozone layer over Antarctica -- is larger both in size and ozone loss than 2007 but is not as large as 2006. »»»

(University of Toronto) Psychologists from the University of Toronto have developed a personality inventory that can predict who will excel in academic and creative domains, even when respondents are trying hard to fake their answers. »»»

(World Journal of Gastroenterology) Human blood serum contains antibodies to tumor-associated Thomsen-Friedenreich and Tn antigens but their role in cancer protection remains unclear. The research group in Estonia performed the follow-up study of TF- and Tn-antibody level in cancer patients. Their results indicate that surgery raised the antibody level in most patients, especially with low-differentiated tumors and in early stage. »»»

(Society of Nuclear Medicine) SNM, an international scientific and medical association dedicated to advancing molecular imaging and therapy, today announced the creation of the Molecular Imaging Clinical Trials Network. The network is a response to the need for streamlined processes to utilize imaging biomarkers in clinical research and clinical practice. »»»

(Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) Award provides fresh evidence of the quality of research and science in Germany. »»»

The NHS needs a network of flying doctors to cope with the closure of accident and emergency units, experts say. »»»

'Friendly' bacteria found in yoghurt and health drinks have no effect on the symptoms of eczema, evidence suggests. »»»

There is no hard evidence that circumcision protects gay men from contracting HIV, research shows. »»»

Soaring obesity levels look set to drain local health and public service budgets, which will mean higher taxes for all, experts warn. »»»

Eating meat and dairy products may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, research suggests. »»»

Experts are warning that so-called 'herbal highs' sold at festivals and in shops often contain synthetic chemicals which could damage people's health. »»»