Research on immune system paves way to combat mother-to-infant HIV transmission

Researchers at Oregon Health &Science University may have uncovered a new weapon for combating HIV as it is passed from mother to newborn child. The research, which was led by researchers at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Centre, was published in the 3 October online edition of the journal Nature Medicine. Read more >>

Discovery on HIV patients' immune defences enables to design new vaccines

New discoveries about the immune defences of rare HIV patients who produce antibodies that prevent infection suggest a novel direction for designing new vaccines. Researchers at Rockefeller University and colleagues have now made two fundamental discoveries about the so called broadly neutralising anti-HIV antibodies, which effectively keep the virus at bay. Read more >>

Should HIV-negative people get antiretroviral drugs?

This pertinent question will be asked in the fourth Prestigious Research Lecture, hosted by the Faculty of Health Sciences Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). The lecture will be held on the 25 November 2010 in the Johannesburg Hospital Auditorium. Read more >>

Walnuts and walnut oil reduce blood pressure during stress: Study

A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil may prepare the body to deal better with stress, according to a team of Penn State researchers who looked at how these foods, which contain polyunsaturated fats, influence blood pressure at rest and under stress. Read more >>

Warning: beware of hidden salt in salads!

A recent survey conducted by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH) of salads served in supermarkets, cafes and fast food chains in the UK found that they contained shockingly high amounts of salt. Read more >>

Wake-up call for Africa's health ministers

Africa will need to review its health agenda and policies. That's the consensus at the Diabetes Leadership Forum Africa 2010 taking place in Sandton, Johannesburg. Read more >>

Leukaemia: A reason to hope

In hospitals and homes around South Africa, patients are winning the fight against leukaemia... Read more >>

Scientists discover ways to turn off immune system's allergic reaction

Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered a way to turn off the immune system's allergic reaction to certain food proteins in mice, a discovery that could have implications for the millions of people who suffer severe reactions to foods, such as peanuts and milk. Read more >>

Study examines link between insufficient sleep and blood pressure among pregnant women

A study, the first of its kind, in the 1 October issue of the journal Sleep found that getting too little or too much sleep in early pregnancy is associated with elevated blood pressure in the third trimester. The study suggests that improving prenatal sleep hygiene may provide important health benefits. Read more >>

Researchers unveil reason for obesity to resist treatment

New research provides evidence of the vicious cycle created when an obese individual overeats to compensate for reduced pleasure from food. Read more >>

New computer program to help young adults manage mental illness

While many young adults will share the details of their daily lives with dozens - sometimes hundreds - of friends on Facebook, communicating with their health care providers about mental illness is another story. Read more >>

Under stress men tend to withdraw socially while women seek emotional support: Study

A new study by USC researchers reveals that stressed men looking at angry faces had diminished activity in the brain regions responsible for understanding others' feelings. Turns out the silent and stoic response to stress might be a guy thing after all. Read more >>

Cataract surgery can restore vision

Being diagnosed with cataracts need not be an end to your quality of life. Read more >>

Children with eczema at greater risk of developing asthma and food allergies

Children with eczema, a chronic skin condition that often begins in childhood, have a greater risk of developing asthma and food allergies. The number of children with eczema is rising, but the reasons for this are unclear. A new study soon to be published in The Journal of Pediatrics examines the relationship between pet ownership and eczema. Researchers found that dog ownership among children with dog allergies may reduce the risk of developing eczema by age 4 years; cat ownership, however, may increase the risk among children with cat allergies. Read more >>

Children younger than five years account for over half of bath- and shower-related injuries

Baths and showers are frequently associated with injuries to children. Although interventions have been initiated to prevent injuries due to submersions and hot water scalds, little attention has been paid to slips, trips and falls, which account for more than 80% of bath- and shower-related injuries. Read more >>

International SOS celebrates 25 years on World Tourism Day

On World Tourism Day - today, 27 September 2010 - International SOS celebrates its 25th year in business. Read more >>

Vigorous exercise reduces breast cancer risk: Study

Vigorous exercise of more than two hours per week reduces the risk of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal African-American women by 64%, compared to women of the same race who do not exercise, according to researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Read more >>

Multi-disciplinary approach increases breast cancer survival rate: Study

Advances in screening for disease detection, better surgical techniques available to more women, and an increased number of therapies that reduce the risk of relapse in patients with both locally advanced and early stage disease, have collectively contributed to dramatic improvements in breast cancer's survival rates, according to a review of 60 years of patient records at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre. Read more >>

Listen to your heart!

27 September 2010 was World Heart Day, and according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation¹, one in 35 women is at risk of developing breast cancer, whilst one in four women is at risk of developing heart disease - making it nine times more important for women to check the health of their hearts. Read more >>

Nappies - time for a change?

[Mintel GNPD, Mintel Oxygen] LONDON, UK: Brits may be ever more environmentally conscious in many areas of life, but there's one area it seems it is a stretch too far for consumers. When it comes to nappies, new research from Mintel finds eco concerns have yet to hit the market, as over a third (36%) of parents* admit they 'know disposables are bad for the environment but still use them'. What is more, just 5% of today's parents use washable or reusable nappies and only 4% use eco or organic disposables. Read more >>