Headlines
HIV/AIDSBlood type - new weapon in battle against HIV infectionResearchers have discovered a potentially important new resistance factor in the battle against HIV: blood types.
MedicalIsrael testing 'nasty' weapon in GazaNorwegian doctors returning from Gaza have called for an investigation into particularly 'nasty' weapons in Gaza. Health-monitoring technology helps seniors live at home longerMany older adults want to remain active and independent for as long as possible. Seniors want to age in their own homes and avoid moving to institutions or nursing homes. Epidurals and spinal anaesthetics safer than previously reportedThe largest ever prospective study into the major complications of epidurals and spinal anaesthetics published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia concludes that previous studies have over-estimated the risks of severe complications of these procedures. Oral-B competition winner gets ride of a lifetime [ActivRetail] Maggie Prioste of Cyrildene was one of more than 5000 people who bought an Oral-B Cross Action Complete 7 toothbrush this winter. The purchase entered her into a competition to win a trip for two on the Eurostar train, which runs between London and Paris through the Channel Tunnel. People are more suggestible under laughing gasThe pain-relieving effects of nitrous oxide - laughing gas - may be enhanced by suggestion or hypnosis, according to a new study by UCL (University College London). The study's findings - that people are more suggestible under the gas - mean that dental patients may benefit from being coached to relax while undergoing sedation.
Chronic diseasesAustralian discovers gene for deadly Kawasaki diseaseAn Australian researcher has identified genes which could make some children more susceptible to the deadly Kawasaki disease - an inflammatory condition in young children that can damage blood vessels. The disease recently shot to prominence with the death of Jett Travolta, son of the actor John Travolta. Tucking into healthier options at school - The Heart and Stroke Foundation SA[Ayesha Seedat] It's that time of the year again. Kids are back at school after the long and hopefully enjoyable and revitalising summer break! For kids to achieve the most out of their school year, it is advised that they eat smart by making healthier food choices. Very low fat or restricted diets are not recommended - rather focus on a healthy, balanced approach.
Ethical MedicinesAiming for safer non-US-made medicinesFDA launches pilot program to improve drug safety and active drug ingredients produced outside US. FDA approves drug for patients with advanced prostate cancerThe US Food and Drug Administration recently approved the injectable drug degarelix, the first new drug in several years for prostate cancer.
Food crisisSomalia: Three teaspoons a day to keep starvation at bay?Ready-to-eat blended food has revolutionised the treatment of children who are acutely malnourished. In a pilot project, the UN Children's Agency (UNICEF) will use a similar product not to treat, but to prevent malnutrition in conflict- and drought-ridden Somalia.
Infectious diseasesPaediatric vaccine propels sharp drop in meningitis casesA paediatric vaccine with University of Rochester roots has proven to be highly successful at reducing cases of bacterial meningitis across all age groups. That is the conclusion of a seven-year study, the results of which appeared today in the New England Journal of Medicine. Zimbabwe: Cholera Death toll has now topped 2,000A few weeks ago, Mugabe said there was no cholera crisis and that Zimbabwean doctors, with some help from sources Mugabe didn't name, had ended the epidemic. Sleep well to avoid a coldResearch from the USA suggests that less than seven hours sleep a night inceases your risk of catching a cold.
MalariaCongo: Backstreet remedies hinder anti-malaria fightAs poor people in Congo shun costly malaria remedies, deaths are being caused by erroneous self-medication and poor diagnosis by unauthorised medical practitioners.
Medical ResearchIs ADHD an advantage for Kenya's nomadic tribesmen? A propensity for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be beneficial to a group of Kenyan nomads, according to new research. Treadmill exercise improves walking endurance for patients with PADPatients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can include symptoms such as pain in the legs, who participated in supervised treadmill exercise improved their walking endurance and quality of life, according to a study in the January 14 issue of JAMA. Missing DNA the culprit in epilepsy?An international team of scientists have identified a genetic risk factor for epilepsy which may lead to a better understanding of what causes the seizures and the development of new treatments for the condition.
Medical TechnologyNew technique for fusing cellsMIT engineers have developed a new, highly efficient way to pair up cells so they can be fused together into a hybrid cell.
Mental healthPossible test for autism raises calls for an ethical debateNew research by British scientists means prenatal testing for autism is a possibility, but has evoked calls for an ethical debate on the issue.
NutritionMarinate your steak for a healthier mealMarinating your steak in beer or red wine can reduce carcinogens in the red meat.
Obstetrics and GynaecologyDeath... by birth[Bathandwa Mbola] Every year, more than 500 000 women worldwide die because of pregnancy or childbirth complications, a UN report has revealed. Many of the deaths occur in Africa.
OpthalmologyFrom outer space to the eye clinic: new cataract early detection technique A compact fibre-optic probe developed for the space program has now proven valuable for patients in the clinic as the first non-invasive early detection device for cataracts, the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Progression of retinal disease linked to cell starvation[Alyssa Kneller] A new study illuminates an incurable eye disease that afflicts approximately 100,000 Americans.
PaediatricsWomen who smoke during pregnancy risk having aggressive kidsWomen who smoke during pregnancy risk delivering aggressive kids according to a new Canada-Netherlands study published in the journal Development and Psychopathology. Parents warned on popular cough and cold treatmentParents have been issued with a warning about the popular cough and cold treatment Vicks VapoRub. A US doctor says the product should not be used on children under 2 years of age. Two steps to better infant development[Ann Plasso] US researchers have found that eating fish while pregnant, and longer breastfeeding, lead to better infant development.
Pharmaceutical companiesCipla Renews with X/procure® for 4th Consecutive Year - Owlhurst CommunicationsCipla Medpro continues to entrust the promotion of its brands through procurement specialists X/Procure®, ensuring over 1500 pharmacists are acutely aware of Cipla's offerings with communication delivered straight to the pharmacists' PC or laptop.
Public healthWork pressure linked to stroke in Japanese menJapanese men in high-stress jobs appear to have an increased risk of stroke compared with those in less demanding positions, according to a report in the January 12 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. Open plan offices pose a health hazard!Australian researchers have found evidence which supports the sneaky suspicion held by many that working in an open plan office could be a health hazard.
TuberculosisNew avenue for TB therapyMasses of immune cells that form as a hallmark of tuberculosis (TB) have long been thought to be the body's way of trying to protect itself by literally walling off the bacteria. | 
Let's start the week on a cheerful note. One of today's articles shows that if you marinate steak in red wine or beer you reduce its carcinogenic potential - what good news! In this land of red meat and braaivleis yet another use for red wine and beer can only be welcome.