Anti-HIV vaginal gel shows promise
An investigational vaginal gel intended to prevent HIV infection in women has demonstrated encouraging signs of success in a clinical trial conducted in Africa and the United States.

New research track at the 5th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference - Magda Naude
A new operational research track will feature at the 5th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention to be held in Cape Town later this year.

California's fertility flap and the future of reproductive tech
Regulators must avoid knee-jerk reactions to the case of the octuplets born to a mother who reportedly already had six kids, writes TechNewsWorld columnist Sonia Arrison. Such a case is an extreme anomaly, and placing too many restrictive rules on reproductive technologies will hamper innovations meant to promote healthier families.

FDA approves first ablation catheters for the treatment of atrial fibrillation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first ablation catheters for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (uncoordinated contractions of the upper heart chambers), one of the most common types of arrhythmias - or abnormal heart rhythms - affecting more than two million Americans.

Just one serving of vegetables a day can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
Eating one serving a day of green leafy vegetables or three servings of fruit can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Link between poor brain function and high blood sugar in diabetics
New research shows that as blood sugar levels rise in type 2 diabetics, cognitive function drops.

Most complementary arthritis remedies are 'ineffective'
A study looking at complementary therapies used by people with rheumatoid arthritis suggests that most are ineffective.

New study sheds new light on CPR
An observational study reveals new data on the development of the probability of return of spontaneous circulation in intervals without chest compressions during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Botswana: Cholera becoming an election issue
The detection of cholera in northeastern Botswana is causing rising resentment of the Zimbabweans fleeing their homeland's collapse, and is being used by opposition parties in an election year to slam President Ian Khama's government.

At last! A contraceptive jab for men
At last a male contraceptive jab has been developed and is all set to undergo trials - and Sydney men will be the first guinea pigs!

Most smokers would stop for the sake of their pets
One in three smokers in a USA survey said they would stop smoking if they thought it was bad for their pet's health, researchers say.

Peptide loaded gold nanospheres find, penetrate, and then fuel burning of melanoma
Hollow gold nanospheres equipped with a targeting peptide find melanoma cells, penetrate them deeply, and then cook the tumour when bathed with near-infrared light, a research team led by scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Centre reported in the February 1 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.

New light technique could detect early Parkinson's disease
A light as bright as a million-watt bulb could help identify early signs of Parkinson's disease, British researchers have said.

Siemens hearing aid for children adapts with age - Redline
A new hearing system from Siemens adapts to changing hearing requirements as a person grows and ages, so in theory it can be worn from birth onward.

Eating eggs unlikely to raise cholesterol
Limiting your consumption of eggs will have little effect on cholesterol levels, according to new research.

Too many women still die from unsafe abortions
According to a prominent Australian researcher unsafe abortions continue to be a leading cause of death for pregnant women worldwide and too many women still die from unsafe abortions.

Marijuana use may increase risk of testicular cancer
Frequent and/or long-term marijuana use may significantly increase a man's risk of developing the most aggressive type of testicular cancer, according to a study by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre.

Exercise cuts the risk of colon cancer
Taking exercise can cut the risk of the most common kind of bowel cancer by a quarter, research suggests.

Call for Moments in Time ambassadors
The Moments in Time team would like to hear from people applauded for being brave, courageous, audacious, distinctive, spirited and dedicated to conquering their battle with cancer with grace and authenticity. 12 South African patients living with cancer are will be selected and appointed as ambassadors of the Moments in Time project for 2009.

Keeping an eye on the sportsperson - The Write Agency
Eye care is an important factor to consider when training and competing.

Plaster cast now recommended for sprains
People with a sprained ankle recover faster if they are given a plaster cast, British researchers say.

Premature babies are a costly item
According to researchers in Britain premature babies are a costly item amounting to as much as an extra £939 million a year.

Childhood obesity - another form of abuse?
With health experts in Australia and in many other developed countries warning that childhood obesity is becoming an increasingly alarming problem, the suggestion has been made that in some cases, child protection authorities should be alerted.

Exposure to second hand smoke may raise the risk of dementia
Recent research suggests that exposure to second hand smoke can raise the risk of cognitive decline.

Multivitamins do not change the risk of heart disease or cancer in postmenopausal women
There is no convincing evidence that long term use of multivitamins has any effect on postmenopausal women's risk of heart disease, cancer or premature death, according to new research.