Researchers find different types in organs, complicating search for therapeutic cells
Deseret News (Salt Lake) Jun 9, 08 11:20 AM CDT
(Newser)
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There is probably more than one type of adult stem cell in the intestines and other organs, a University of Utah researcher finds—which means therapies based on the cells could be more complicated than expected. Scientists had hoped a single stem cell could fix damage to an entire organ, but the findings suggest the power of one cell could be limited, the BBC notes.
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UN conference highlights the dangers of fading biodiversity
AFP Apr 23, 08 1:53 PM CDT
(Newser)
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The loss of biodiversity on Earth will seriously hamper efforts to cure human disease, AFP reports. Researchers at the UN-backed Business for the Environment conference highlighted undiscovered cures for pain, infections and even cancer that risk being lost forever if humans fail to reverse the widespread extinction of thousands of species caused, in large part, by climate change.
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Climate, season seen as key in incubating strains of virus
Times (UK) Apr 17, 08 12:49 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Researchers have found yet another thing the West imports from China: the flu. East and Southeast Asia serve as a birthplace for new flu strains, the Times of London reports, thanks to the region’s unique mix of climates. By the time Europe and America get the sniffles six to nine months later, it’s usually a rerun of Asian-born strains.
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Promising treatment has potential medical, military applications
BBC Apr 11, 08 2:15 PM CDT
(Newser)
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A promising new drug that protects animals from damaging radiation is ready for clinical trials in humans, the BBC reports. The drug interferes with the protein that ordinarily causes cell suicide in the presence of radiation, meaning it could be useful in treating cancer patients undergoing radiation as well as victims of a dirty bomb or nuclear attack.
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Advanced degrees, 'hybrid practitioners' raise questions
Wall Street Journal Apr 2, 08 11:57 AM CDT
(Newser)
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As part of the effort to counter the worsening doctor shortage, some 200 American nursing schools plan to train "hybrid practitioners" with doctorates in nursing practice who can function as independent primary care givers. But even as the concept of the DNP catches on, some physicians and nurse practitioners are raising red flags about the “doctor-nurse” designation, reports the Wall Street Journal.
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Breakthrough could
make it easier, and safer, to test vaccines
Time Mar 28, 08 3:09 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Scientists have discovered a way to produce tiny artificial human immune systems, Time reports, a breakthrough that could transform vaccine research. The process—called Modular Immune In Vitro Construct—will allow researchers to test budding medicines as never before and possibly make faster progress against AIDS and other killers.
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If you leave feeling worse than you did when you arrived, find a new physician
Forbes Mar 19, 08 6:30 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Is it time to break up with your doctor? View your next physical the same way you would a date, then decide. Forbes outlines 10 red flags that might indicate "It's over." Your personalities just plain clash. Your doctor doesn't give you enough information about your health and doesn't take the time to explain his or her decisions. You spend way too much time in the waiting room each time you visit, and your doctor doesn't seem concerned when you mention it.
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Italian scientists
alter key molecule
in painkiller
ANSA (Italy) Mar 18, 08 1:49 PM CDT
(Newser)
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Aspirin is one of the world’s top painkillers, but it has a nasty way of attacking the stomach lining. That could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to a team of Italian researchers who have molecularly altered the drug. The new aspirin “has no side effects,” the lead researcher told the ANSA news agency.
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Troubles could trace back to vulnerable
raw materials
New York Times Feb 28, 08 2:07 PM CST
(Newser)
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With at least four US patients dead and hundreds suffering complications from the blood-thinning drug heparin, the New York Times follows the supply chain back to Chinese slaughterhouses that deal with the pig intestines that provide raw material for the drug. Though companies say the chain is secure, the Times finds it vulnerable to contamination and lack of oversight.
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Drugs increase false mammogram results, unnecessary biopsies
Reuters Feb 26, 08 11:55 AM CST
(Newser)
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Women who use hormone replacement therapy to combat menopause symptoms are more likely to get false mammogram results and have unneeded biopsies, new research shows. The UCLA analysis of an earlier study of more than 16,000 women found that 35% of those on hormones received skewed test results, as opposed to 23% of women on a placebo, Reuters reports.
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Findings contradict long-held doctrine of lowering blood sugar
New York Times Feb 6, 08 10:16 PM CST
(Newser)
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Researchers have abruptly tabled a major study measuring the effects of lowering diabetics' blood sugar after a surprising number of deaths among participants. The results come as a shock to the medical community, which has long held that lowering blood sugar through diet and medication is the only way for diabetics to stave off heart disease, the New York Times reports.
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Viagra-like treatment aims to boost
female libido, drive
Associated Press Jan 2, 08 7:09 PM CST
(Newser)
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The University of Virginia is set to become the latest institution to test a drug designed to boost the sex drive of women, the AP reports. LibiGel is a testosterone-laden ointment the patient rubs into her skin to increase energy and libido. Decreased sex drive is believed to affect one-third of American women.
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'Swish-and-spit' test to spot head and neck cancers
Reuters Jan 1, 08 7:00 AM CST
(Newser)
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Scientists are working on a mouth rinse that could save lives by detecting head and neck cancers early, Reuters reports. A cheap and easy "swish-and-spit" saliva test could turn up cells containing the altered genes associated with these cancers. Head and neck cancers can often be cured, but early detection is essential.
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Blot-clot medicine relieves headaches
in small early test
Independent (UK) Dec 27, 07 3:50 PM CST
(Newser)
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A British doctor's hunch about migraines shows early promise in bringing an end to the misery of the painful headaches, the Independent reports. Five patients were treated with a drug used for blood clots, which worked "spectacularly well," says cardiologist John Chambers. Now he's studying group of 280 to see whether the results hold up.
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