New research links hayfever to poor academic performance

The impact of hayfever on school and in particular exam performance has long been a concern of allergy specialists the world over, and new research recently confirmed the serious implications for learners. 11 Nov 2011 08:25

Link between climate change and hayfever

Hayfever may become a problem for nearly half of all South Africans by 2050 as a result of climate change says Dr Michael Levin, an allergy consultant to pharmaceutical company, Pharma Dynamics. 11 Oct 2011 09:20

Nasal congestion: Don't let it get up your nose

Many of us dismiss a blocked or stuffy nose as little more than an inconvenient irritation, but it can significantly impair our quality of life[1] and has been linked to fatigue, headaches, sleep disorders and learning difficulties. With local experts suggesting that at least one in five South Africans is likely to suffer from the condition at any given time[2], it's important we protect our health by keeping our nasal passages congestion-free. 16 Sep 2011 08:22

Menthol's unwelcome soothing effects

A research team from Yale and the University of Connecticut has found that the cooling effect of menthol may actually cause people to smoke more and become addicted to cigarettes because it reduces the protective respiratory response to irritants in cigarette smoke. 13 Sep 2011 11:22

Results of medication studies in top medical journals may be misleading to readers

[Enrique Rivero] A UCLA-Harvard study has highlighted three types of confusing outcome measures. Studies about medications published in the most influential medical journals are frequently designed in a way that yields misleading or confusing results, new research suggests. 26 Aug 2011 09:19

'Sponge on a string' trial launched to try and prevent deadly oesophageal cancer

Cancer Research UK has launched a large multi-centre trial to test a new device for detecting Barrett's oesophagus - a condition that puts sufferers at increased risk of developing cancer of the oesophagus, one of the most deadly cancers. 28 Jul 2011 11:18

SA health department prepares to tackle swine flu outbreak

South Africa is at present facing the outbreak of H1N1flu virus, popularly known as swine flu, but the Department of Health has claimed that the situation was under control. As per the department, the infection arrives in this season every year. 21 Jun 2011 08:03

Strawberries may slow precancerous growth in esophagus

COLUMBUS, OHIO: Eating strawberries may be a way to help people at risk of esophageal cancer protect themselves from the disease, according to a new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James) and researchers in China. 8 Apr 2011 10:41

What's that smell?

Researchers discover new secret to how the brain detects and filters smells. 28 Mar 2011 07:07

Operating on the brain - through the nose

Earlier this year, Tricia Wharton gave birth to a healthy baby girl and underwent successful skull-based surgery to remove a large malignant tumour from her sinus cavity - all within the same week. 9 Mar 2011 13:30

Tygerberg Hospital celebrates 400th cochlear implant

On 24 January 2011 hearing impaired Connor Muller (aged 5 years) of Plumstead received his first link to enter the hearing world. This first experience for Connor was a 400th for the Tygerberg Hospital Cochlear Implant Unit. 26 Jan 2011 07:37

Antibiotics for ear infection in kids better than watchful waiting: Study

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] Findings from two latest clinical trials reveal that a young child with ear infections recovers faster and more completely if doctors give antibiotics right away rather than waiting to see if the kid get better on his/her own. One of the studies was in the US and one in Finland. 13 Jan 2011 10:32

Plaque-causing bacteria increases risk of heart attack

Plaque-causing bacteria can jailbreak from the mouth into the bloodstream and increase your risk of heart attack says a scientist at the Society for General Microbiology's autumn meeting in Nottingham. 6 Sep 2010 09:05

More young people are losing their hearing: Study

[Dr Ananya Mandal, MD] A new study from US reveals that hearing loss is becoming more common among young people. The study reports that 1 in 5 adolescents now have some hearing problems, particularly in perceiving high-frequency sounds. Researchers say loud music could be one of the reasons for this. 19 Aug 2010 13:28