New research: Rectal specific microbicides can protect against HIV

Microbicides can be used to protect against HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases, either on their own or with the added protection of a condom. New research published by BioMed Central's open access journal AIDS Research and Therapy has investigated the use of lubricants, originally designed for vaginal application, and has developed and tested new, rectal specific, formulations. Read more >>

What does sex have to do with asthma?

An Ohio State researcher says there is increasing evidence that women experience asthma symptoms differently from men, and more research focusing on the reasons behind these gender-related differences could lead to customized treatments, better disease management and improved quality of life. Read more >>

Ackerman birthday gift will enhance paediatric healthcare in the Western Cape

The Children's Hospital Trust is announcing its new expansion strategy in 2011 and beyond, to fundraise for projects that will impact paediatric healthcare across the Western Cape in addition to continuing to fundraise for the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. Raymond Ackerman, Pick n Pay founder, and former chairman, has announced his R1 million donation to the Trust in celebration of his 80th birthday. Read more >>

Ethics Alive 2011 promises exciting line-up on bioethical issues

The Faculty of Health Sciences and the Wits Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics are hosting Ethics Alive 2011 under the theme 'Justice in Healthcare'. Read more >>

Discrimination linked to increase in toxic abdominal fat

A new study by the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) finds that middle-aged women who reported frequent instances of discrimination had significantly higher levels of one of the most toxic forms of fat-visceral, invisible fat - making them more susceptible to a range of chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. The study appears online in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Read more >>

Cancer-causing virus exploits key cell-survival proteins

A cancer-causing retrovirus exploits key proteins in its host cells to extend the life of those cells, thereby prolonging its own survival and ability to spread, according to a new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Centre - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James) and Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine. Read more >>

The placebo effect: expecting the best, fearing the worst

Poor expectations of treatment can override all the effect of a potent pain-relieving drug, a brain imaging study at Oxford University has shown. Read more >>

Research identifies small subset of normal white blood cells that gives rise to a rare leukaemia

New research has identified a small subset of normal white blood cells in the body that gives rise to a rare incurable form of leukaemia. Read more >>

Researchers focus on human cells for spinal cord injury repair

[Stephen Davies] For the first time, scientists discovered that a specific type of human cell, generated from stem cells and transplanted into spinal cord injured rats, provides tremendous benefit, not only repairing damage to the nervous system but helping the animals regain locomotor function as well. Read more >>

Researchers discover drug that stops progression of Parkinson's disease in mice

In a major breakthrough in the battle against Parkinson's disease, researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a drug that stops the progression of the degenerative illness in mice and is now being tested on humans. Read more >>

New insight into multiple sclerosis

Scientists have blocked harmful immune cells from entering the brain in mice with a condition similar to multiple sclerosis (MS). Read more >>

New study unmasks molecule that can protect against epileptic seizure

For years brain scientists have puzzled over the shadowy role played by the molecule putrescine, which always seems to be present in the brain following an epileptic seizure, but without a clear indication whether it was there to exacerbate brain damage that follows a seizure or protect the brain from it. A new Brown University study unmasks the molecule as squarely on the side of good: It seems to protect against seizures hours later. Read more >>

Hospital-acquired infections - healthcare's ticking time bomb

Growing evidence that nosocomial infections are transmitted via airborne route. Read more >>

Bedside ultrasound becomes a reality

[Karen N. Peart] Clinicians have often referred to ultrasound technology as the "stethoscope of the future," predicting that as the equipment shrinks in size, it will one day be as common at the bedside as that trusty tool around every physician's neck. According to a new report in The New England Journal of Medicine, that day has arrived. Read more >>

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. Read more >>

Multifunctional balloon catheter can improve cardiac ablation therapy

In an improvement over open-heart surgery, cardiologists now use catheters to eliminate damaged heart tissue in certain patients, such as those with arrhythmias. However, this, too, can be a long and painful procedure as many catheters, with different functions, need to be inserted sequentially. Read more >>

Kids... the more the merrier (if you're an older parent that is...)

A new study shows that satisfaction of older parents rises with more children. Read more >>

Reduce salt - your kidneys, heart and eyes will thank you!

Fedics dietician Annelize Prinsloo is big on salt. Warning people about it, that is - rather than using much of it. In preparing meals for the masses, one of SA's leading outsourced catering companies Fedics follows plans set up by registered dieticians - including Prinsloo - and ensures salt levels are not unhealthy. Read more >>

Lung cancer: Observation turns into discovery

A discovery at University of Colorado Cancer Centre shows testing lung cancer on a molecular level can produce new insights into this deadly disease. Read more >>

Arthritis handle kitchen tool for RA sufferers

His design has earned him a spot on the first-round shortlist of one of the world's most prestigious design competitions - the Australian Design Award/James Dyson Award. Read more >>

New test shows promise for accurate diagnosis of Turner Syndrome

As a child grows, a short stature is not usually cause for concern, but it is often the only sign of a condition called Turner syndrome. Prevalent in girls, Turner syndrome is a genetic defect that short-circuits normal growth and leads to cardiac and renal problems. It is not commonly detected until age 10 or older when a youngster's unusually short height raises suspicions. Read more >>

Ovarian cancer survival doubles in 30 years in UK

Survival from ovarian cancer has almost doubled over the last 30 years according to new figures from Cancer Research UK released recently. Read more >>

Boost for Western Cape breast cancer screening campaign

The Western Cape Department of Health and Cause Marketing Fundraisers (CMF) have formed a strategic partnership in making Breast Cancer screenings more accessible to women. This initiative will empower women to take responsibility of their health and to drive home the message that Early Detection Saves Lives. Read more >>