Nanoparticle antimicrobial gel formulation for topical use

Scientists in India are reporting successful laboratory tests of a new and potentially safer alternative to silver-based gels applied to the skin of burn patients to treat infections. Read more >>

August is Organ Donor Month

[Lebogang Tsele] Thousands of patients in South Africa are in desperate need of organ and/or tissue transplants. Sadly, the need has vastly outweighed the availability. Read more >>

Nine-year-olds can and should learn CPR

A study of 147 schoolchildren, published in BioMed Central's open access journal Critical Care, has shown that, although the smallest may lack the requisite strength, the knowledge of how to perform basic life support is well retained by young children. Read more >>

New drug promises to reduce damage from a heart attack

Research into a new drug by Australian heart experts has found that it can dramatically reduce heart muscle damage after a heart attack. Read more >>

Scientists say each person with swine flu will infect two others

Scientists in New Zealand who have been examining the spread of the new H1N1 flu (swine flu), say the virus appears more infectious than previously thought and a person who becomes ill with the new strain will on average infect almost two others. Read more >>

Malaria vaccine in the pipeline

Australian scientists have developed the first genetically-engineered malaria vaccine and the vaccine will be trialled in humans early next year. Read more >>

New chemical imaging technique could help in the fight against atherosclerosis

A new chemical imaging technique could one day help in the fight against atherosclerosis, suggests research published in the August 2009 edition of the Journal of the Royal Society Interface. Read more >>

Prehypertension, obesity and kidney disease risks

People with prehypertension are not at increased risk of kidney disease if their body mass index (BMI) is under 30.0 kg/m2, a first-ever examination of the combined effect of blood pressure and body weight on the risk of kidney disease shows. Read more >>

New technique captures bacterial infection on film

Researchers have developed a new technique that allows them to make a movie of bacteria infecting their living host. Read more >>

No evidence for superior nutritional content of organic produce

There is no evidence that organically produced foods are nutritionally superior to conventionally produced foodstuffs, according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Read more >>

Calcium-rich dairy may prolong life

PARIS: Shunned by many as a source of artery-clogging cholesterol, calcium-rich dairy products consumed in childhood may in some cases add years to one's life, reported a study released Tuesday, 28 July 2009. Read more >>

Summer temperatures increase risk of oligohydramnios - amniotic fluid level deficiency

Pregnant women have a higher incidence of insufficient amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios) in the summer months due to dehydration, according to a study conducted by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). Read more >>

Adding neostigmine to epidural analgesia reduces dose needed during labour

Adding a drug called neostigmine to epidural analgesia during labour can reduce the amount of anaesthetic drug required, while avoiding potential complications caused by morphine-like "opioid" drugs, according to a study in the August issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS). Read more >>

Discovery of key event in prostate cancer progression

A study led by researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals how late-stage, hormone-independent prostate tumours gain the ability to grow without need of hormones. Read more >>

Anaesthesia not harmful for babies during birth process

Mayo Clinic researchers have found that children exposed to anaesthesia during Caesarean section are not at any higher risk for learning disabilities later in life than children not delivered by C-section. These findings are reported in the current issue of the journal Anesthesiology. Read more >>

Health dept to outline 2010 World Cup plans

[Gabi Khumalo] JOHANNESBURG: Deputy Minister of Health Molefi Sefularo is expected to outline the department's plans for travel tourism for the 2010 FIFA World Cup during the Health Tourism Congress on Thursday, 30 July 2009. Read more >>

Better Health for Appletiser

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Sparkling fruit juice Appletiser is now endorsed by the 5-a-Day for Better Health Trust. In line with the World Health Organisation's daily recommendation of at least 400g of a variety of vegetables and fruit each day in the form of a minimum of five 80g servings, 5-a-Day encourages South Africans to eat more healthily. Made from apples, pears or grapes, the 'Tiser range is an easy way to get one of these servings with just 200ml - the other four should come from a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables or fruit. "We are pleased that with Appletiser joining 5-a-Day, South African's now have a healthier option when selecting a carbonated beverage," says Jane Badham, registered dietician and CEO of 5-a-day.

Higher drug doses needed to defeat tuberculosis in overweight and obese

The typical dose of a medication considered pivotal in treating tuberculosis effectively is much too low to account for modern-day physiques, UT Southwestern Medical Centre researchers said. Read more >>

UV radiation from sunlight may trigger certain autoimmune diseases in women

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight may be associated with the development of certain autoimmune diseases, particularly in women, according to a study by researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health. Read more >>