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Newborn lambs’ central heating system could aid fat busting in humans

The way newborn lambs regulate their temperature in the first few weeks of life using a special deposit of brown fat could give clues for tackling obesity in humans, according to Imperial College London scientists.

18 Apr 2004

Lung cancer varies between men and women

Tobacco use in American women rose dramatically during the 20th century, resulting in a 600 percent increase by the year 2003 in the number of women who died of lung cancer. In the same period, the number of lung cancer deaths in men declined.

18 Apr 2004

MRI Patients in Canadian capital cities are getting the procedure sooner than regional areas

Patients in the Capital district who need an MRI are getting the procedure a lot sooner. The average wait time is now 45.2 days, almost three times less than the 148.2 days people were waiting last March. The wait time standard for elective MRI procedures is 42 days. Urgent or emergency MRIs are done immediately.

18 Apr 2004

Medicare wants better access to drug discount cards

The Medicare program is taking steps to make it easier for low-income Americans to sign up for Medicare-approved prescription drug discount cards.

17 Apr 2004

Female hormone replacement therapy back on the agenda

Kronos Longevity Research Institute (KLRI) has announced plans for the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS), a five-year study of female hormone replacement therapy aimed at providing prospective data on the risks and benefits of early menopausal hormonal intervention, particularly as it relates to the progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a medical condition in which fatty material is deposited along the walls of arteries.

17 Apr 2004

Three actors tested positive for HIV - Quarantine list update

The US pornographic film industry is in turmoil from a two-month production shutdown after three actors tested positive for HIV.

17 Apr 2004

4% of Dutch doctors providing more than just medical advice

A recent survey amongst Dutch male doctors found 4 percent have had sexual contact with one or more patients.

17 Apr 2004

Gout and alcohol link is verified

The association between alcohol consumption and risk of gout has been suspected since ancient times, but has not been prospectively confirmed. Additionally, potential differences in risk of gout posed by different alcoholic beverages have not been assessed.

17 Apr 2004

Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood improve brain function

Citing new evidence that the omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood improve brain function in middle aged people and actually lower the risk of mental impairment as people age, the U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) today reminded the public that canned tuna is not only good for your heart but is a tasty and affordable "brain food" for people of all ages.

17 Apr 2004

Oral treatment of chronic hepatitis C

Valeant Pharmaceuticals today presented 24-week data from Phase 2 clinical trials of Viramidine, a nucleoside (guanosine) analog Valeant is developing in oral form for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in conjunction with a pegylated interferon.

17 Apr 2004

Second-hand smoke scars and affects healing

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have found that breathing “second-hand” smoke reduces the speed at which wounds heal, leading to greater levels of scarring.

17 Apr 2004

First IVF embryo research licenses issued in Australia

Australia’s first licences allowing research using excess human embryos were issued today by the Embryo Research Licensing Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council, (The NHMRC Licensing Committee).

17 Apr 2004

New diagnostic test for latent tuberculosis introduced

The Tuberculin skin test, used to detect latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, has many drawbacks and a new diagnostic test for latent tuberculosis (QuantiFERON®-TB) has recently been introduced.

17 Apr 2004

Daycare and siblings increase likelihood of contracting respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus

Daycare attendance and siblings are associated with viral-induced wheezing in children. Pre-existing immunologic factors may influence the expression of viral infections in infancy, and in turn, recurrent infections may influence the development of immune responses.

17 Apr 2004