Who says new corona virus may be passed person to person
The World Health Organization says it appears likely that the novel corona virus (NCoV) can be passed between people in close contact. This comes after the French health ministry confirmed a second man had contracted the virus in a possible case of human-to-human transmission. Two more people in Saudi Arabia are also reported to have [...]
Flu in pregnancy ‘may raise bipolar risk for baby’
Flu during pregnancy may increase the risk of the unborn child developing bipolar disorder later in life, research suggests. A study of 814 expectant women, published in JAMA Psychiatry, showed that infection made bipolar four times more likely. The overall risk remained low, but it echoes similar findings linking flu and schizophrenia. Experts said the [...]
Diabetes: dirty air ‘may raise’ insulin resistance risk
Children’s exposure to air traffic pollution could increase their risk of insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes in adults, suggests a study in Diabetologia. German research on 397 10-year-olds found that living close to a major road increased resistance by 7% per 500m. Air pollutants are known to be oxidizers that can impact on [...]
States fear losing aid for ‘uninsurables’
WASHINGTON — Thousands of people with serious medical problems are in danger of losing coverage under President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul because of cost overruns, state officials say. At risk is the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, a transition program that’s become a lifeline for the so-called uninsurables – people with serious medical conditions who [...]
Parasite ‘resistant to malaria drug artemisinin’
New drug-resistant strains of the parasite that causes malaria have been identified by scientists. Researchers found parasites in western Cambodia that are genetically different from other strains around the world. These organisms are able to withstand treatment by artemisinin – a front line drug in the fight against malaria. Reports of drug resistance in the [...]
‘Cosmetic crisis’ waiting to happen
It warned that dermal fillers, covered by only the same level of regulation as toothbrushes, could cause lasting harm. The independent review added cosmetic surgery had been “trivialised”. It also attacked “distasteful” companies for putting profit ahead of care. The review has recommended a series of measures to better protect patients. It was commissioned by [...]
‘Apple shape’ linked to higher risk of kidney disease
Carrying excess weight around the abdomen is linked to an increased risk of kidney disease, a study suggests. It was already known that being “apple-shaped”, as opposed to “pear-shaped”, added to the risk of developing cardiovascular problems. This research, in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, found signs of kidney problems in even [...]
Male sex hormones ‘drive breast cancer’
US scientists say they have found a new target to beat breast cancer – male sex hormones, or androgens. The University of Colorado team discovered that many breast cancers possess androgen receptors on their surface, and that male hormones like testosterone fuel the tumor’s growth. Drugs to block these receptors could offer another way to [...]
leukaemia’s origins ‘back to the womb’
Scientists say they have traced the root genetic cause of leukemia back to early life in the womb. The Institute of Cancer Research experts analyzed the entire three billion letter sequence of DNA-coding in identical twins to reveal what sets off the disease. They hope the findings, published in PNAS journal, could lead to new [...]
Increase potassium and cut salt to reduce stroke risk
Increasing potassium in our diets as well as cutting down on salt will reduce blood pressure levels and the risk of stroke, research in the British Medical Journal suggests. One study review found that eating an extra two to three servings of fruit or vegetables per day – which are high in potassium – was [...]