FDA permits Tamiflu use for swine flu

The Food and Drug Administration authorizes the emergency use of certain antiviral drugs to control the global outbreak of swine flu. In the report released late Monday, the FDA has permitted the use of unapproved or uncleared antiviral products following a declaration of an emergency state. The FDA therefore allowed public health and medical personnel to prescribe Relenza (zanamivir) and Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which have not been approved for swine flu, to control the widespread outbreak. Tamiflu, originally approved for adults and children aged 1 and older, can now be used in children under 1. Physicians can also change the recommended dosage for children older than 1 under the emergency use authorization. The rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test is also authorized for testing samples from individuals with certain flu infections particularly those whose virus subtypes cannot be identified with available tests. According to the latest report released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 64 confirmed cases of swine flu have been found in five US states.

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Fatty foods help boost memory

While countless individuals in the world suffer from dementia, a new study finds eating fat-rich foods can help overcome the condition. High levels of oleoylethanolamide (OEA) found in dietary fats can effectively control the appetite and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, raising hopes that these agents could be used in treating obesity and other eating disorders. The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has reported memory-boosting properties for these compounds. According to the study, taking OEA compounds improved memory in the studied mice, helping them run in a maze and avoid unpleasant experiences. Blocking OEA, on the other hand, was associated with a poor performance in these tasks. "By helping mammals remember where and when they have eaten a fatty meal, OEA's memory-enhancing activity seems to have been an important evolutionary tool for early humans and other animals," said Daniele Piomelli the leader of the research team. OEA activates certain signals in the amygdala - the part of the brain involved with memories of emotional events. These hunger-curbing messages increase the feelings of satiation while triggering the release of a hormone which leads to long-term memory formation. Scientists concluded that fatty foods can help in the formation of long-term memories; they however warned that adopting a healthy balanced diet is still the best way to reduce the risk of dementia.

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New nanoparticles kill cancer cells

The newly-developed nanoparticles, made from a safe biodegradable polymer, can directly deliver anti-cancer medication to tumors. Available chemotherapy agents can only destroy cancerous cells when used in high concentration; this however not only may affect normal cells but also is associated with more side effects and high toxicity. According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the new nanoparticles postpone the multiplication of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to chemotherapy drugs. The chemically engineered nanoparticles are reported to inhibit the MARK signaling pathway, involved in most human tumors, and to carry a higher concentration of cancer drugs to the affected tissue. The modified polymer used in these nanoparticles help increase the drug loading by 20-fold, lowering the concentration of the drug and providing the use of more potent treatments with lesser side effects. Scientists concluded that the new drug-loaded nanoparticles have shown promising results in preventing tumor growth and triggering the death of cancerous cells.

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Resuscitation at birth lowers IQ in kid

Babies in need of resuscitation at birth have a lower IQ score even in the absence of brain damage due to the temporary lack of oxygen. At birth, the baby must change, within a matter of moments, from an organism dependant on the placenta for its respiratory function to a separate being that uses the lungs to independently perform the task. The infant will develop hypoxia and lose consciousness, if its attempts to inflate the lungs with air fails, making resuscitation necessary to help the respiratory center perform its task. Long periods of hypoxia, in which the brain is being starved of oxygen, may lead to long lasting brain damages; the condition, however, occurs in only a small number of newborns. According to a study published in The Lancet, babies requiring resuscitation at birth have lower IQ scores by the age of eight even in the absence of any apparent brain injury. Babies which developed signs of the brain abnormality known as encephalopathy and required further treatment were six times more likely to have IQ scores lower than 80. Some 3.4 percent of the children with a low IQ score resulting from oxygen deficiency belonged to the asymptomatic group and 1.2 percent belonged to the encephalopathy group. Scientists concluded that even mild hypoxic events which occur around delivery may damage the brain, resulting in irreversible cognitive defects that can be detected only after the child grows older.

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Babies born to short women die sooner

Children born to shorter women are more likely to die before age 5, indicating that maternal height influences the child's health. Over two million children younger than five have died in India in 2006; this rate is higher than any other country in the world. The under-5 mortality rate is a leading indicator of the level of child health and overall development in countries. According to a study published in The JAMA, children of women shorter than 145 centimeters are 70 percent more likely to die by the age of five. Maternal height is influenced by the environment one grows up in; it can therefore reveal a woman's overall health and nutritional status during her childhood. It can also impose long-lasting adverse effects on the health conditions of her offspring 15 to 30 years later. Shorter women who have smaller uteruses are more prone to developing complications during pregnancy. "Our findings suggest the presence of inter-generational transfer of poor health from mother to offspring," said Subramanian, the leader of the research team. Scientists concluded that authorities should invest more in the health condition of girls as they guarantee the wellbeing of the children of the future.

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Voglibose can prevent diabetes

Scientists believe a drug used to lower glucose levels in diabetics can delay or even prevent the disease in at-risk individuals. Voglibose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, is used to lower postprandial blood glucose levels in diabetics. According to a study published in The Lancet, voglibose lowers the risk of developing diabetes in individuals predisposed to the condition by 40 percent. The drug reduces the amount of glucose absorbed into the bloodstream, helping 54 percent of the patients to achieve normal blood sugar levels. Scientists concluded that lifestyle modification along with long-term prophylaxis with this drug in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance can lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

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Well-done steaks cause pancreatic cancer

Meat-eaters who prefer their steak charred or very well done are at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, a new study finds. The study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research links eating well-done meat, especially red meat, to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. No such relation was found between eating charred meat and colon cancer. Compared to those who eat steak medium or do not eat steak, individuals with the highest intake of well-done meat are 60-70 percent more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. The high content of heterocyclic amines in charred meat contributes to pancreatic cancer. Previous studies had reported the carcinogen properties of these compounds. Scientists concluded that meat should be cooked sufficiently to kill the bacteria without excess charring, adding that turning down the heat while grilling, frying, and barbecuing is a simple but effective way to lower the risk of pancreatic cancer.

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Aspirin leads to lower diabetes risk in men

New research has suggested that there is an association between aspirin use and a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. "Analytic studies on aspirin or non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the risk of diabetes" outside of clinical trials are limited, writes Dr. Yasuaki Hayashino and colleagues of the University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan. "Decreased risk of type 2 diabetes may be added to the list of clinical benefits of aspirin," they added. "Future studies are warranted to further investigate this association," the researchers concluded. The recommendation was only released researchers analyzed data from the Physician's Health Study, which includes 22,071 apparently healthy male physicians, and has accumulated 22 years of follow-up data. According to the study, the men who reported taking any aspirin were 14 percent less likely to develop diabetes when compared to those who did not take aspirin. The results of the study are published in the latest edition of the American Journal of Medicine. Previous studies had reported that regularly taking aspirin can effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in individuals with a positive history of heart attack or stroke. Earlier, scientists had said that aspirin can protect individuals against the liver damage induced by overdosing on acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol.

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Urine test to find smokers prone to cancer

Scientists have developed a simple urine test which has shown promising results in detecting smokers at high risk for lung cancer. Smokers account for 87 percent of patients suffering from lung cancer -- the leading cancer killer. Smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or those with a positive family history of lung cancer are believed to be at a higher risk of developing the condition. There is however no accurate method for determining at-risk smokers. According to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, the new urine-based screening predicts the smoker's risk of developing lung cancer. A biologic marker known as 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol or NNAL, found in the urine sample of smokers can help calculate their possible risk for the condition. Smokers with high contents of NNAL and cotinine (a measure of smoking levels) in their urine are reported to be 8.5 times more likely to develop lung cancer. Scientists are optimistic that the new test will be made available in the near future, adding that the test can not only help physicians detect cancer in its early stages but also motivate smokers for quitting.

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Red meat ups kidney cancer risk

Diets rich in red meat have long been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and colon cancer, a new study adds kidney cancer to the list. Renal cell carcinoma (also called renal adenocarcinoma or hypernephroma) is the most common type of kidney cancer. The condition is more prevalent in 40 to 60 year-old men. Smoking, obesity, lack of physical exercise, and occupational exposure are considered as the condition's main risk factors. However, according to the study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, eating too much red meat, white bread and potatoes places individuals at a higher risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. The high vegetable content of a diet is believed to have a protective effect against this cancer. Such a relationship however was not reported for fruits and dairy food. The high glycemic index -- an indicator showing how quickly blood glucose rises after eating a particular food -- of these foods affects insulin resistance as well as the insulin-like growth factors, leading to increased kidney cancer risk. Women are reported to be more influenced by this effect. Scientists therefore urge adopting a healthy diet rich in vegetables and low in red meat with the aim of tackling various health conditions including renal cell carcinoma.

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Nursing cuts mom heart disease risk

Aside from the many health benefits of breastfeeding for babies, a new study has found that nursing also lowers heart disease risk in moms. Breast-milk helps protect babies against obesity, diabetes, asthma and infections of the ear, stomach and chest; a new study shows breastfeeding also safeguards mothers against various health conditions. Hormones stimulated by breastfeeding are believed to play a critical role in achieving these health benefits. According to the study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, nursing lowers the mother's risk of developing heart attacks and strokes through reducing the fat stores in the body. While breastfeeding for at least a month cuts the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, nursing for more than one year lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular events by 10 percent. Breastfeeding is also reported to reduce a woman's risk of developing ovarian and breast cancers as well as osteoporosis in the long run. Scientists concluded that breastfeeding has health benefits for both the mother and the baby, many of which last for several decades. They added that the longer a mother nurses her baby, the better the outcome is for both.

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Psoriasis ups diabetes risk in women

Women suffering from the chronic skin disorder psoriasis are placed at an increased risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure. Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune condition characterized by red and dry flakes along with skin scales secondary to the rapid production of skin cells. The disease commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, scalp and ears. A new study considers the condition as a systemic disorder rather than simply a skin disease. Compared to psoriasis-free individuals, diabetes and hypertension are more frequently reported among psoriasis sufferers. Previous studies had reported obesity and smoking as factors leading to an increased risk of diabetes and hypertension in these patients; a new study however reveals this link regardless of the patient's weight, age and smoking status. According to the study published in the Archives of Dermatology, the inflammatory nature of the disease is a plausible mechanism contributing to the high incidence of high blood pressure and insulin resistance in these patients. Scientists hope to find newer treatments for tackling the disease and its systematic effects.

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Alcohol-induced flushing predicts cancer

Facial flushing after drinking alcoholic drinks is the predictive sign of an increased risk of esophageal cancer, a new study finds. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency reported in many individuals particularly those of East Asian descent makes their skin to flush after drinking. A new study reveals that individuals with this type of deficiency are at an increased risk of esophageal cancer due to alcohol consumption. According to the study published in PLoS Medicine, even ALDH2-deficient moderate drinkers are more vulnerable to esophageal cancer, the deadly malignancy affecting a considerable number of individuals worldwide. Compared with individuals with the fully active ALDH2 enzyme, those with a single copy of the inactive gene who drink comparable amounts of alcohol are 6-10 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer. Lowering alcohol intake in these individuals can reduce the risk of cancer by 53 percent. Scientists therefore urge individuals suffering from alcohol-induced flushing to reduce their alcohol consumption and undergo necessary screening tests for detecting possible esophageal cancers.

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New drug developed for pancreatic cancer

A newly developed drug shows promising results in treating pancreatic cancer, a malignancy with poor prognosis even when diagnosed early. Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is the leading cause of cancer death as it is seldom detected in its early stages. According to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research conference, CRT0066101 no only kills the cancerous tissue but also inhibits the growth of pancreatic tumors by blocking their nourishing blood vessels. The drug acts through targeting a family of molecules known as PKD (serine/threonine kinase) which has a signaling function and is involved in cell survival and angiogenesis -- a process by which tumors form new blood vessels. Previous studies had reported that the gene is responsible for tumor growth. It had also been reported effective in treating lung cancer in animal cases. Scientists are optimistic that the drug will help treat a wider range of cancers in the near future.

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Homeopathy helps cancer treatment

Certain homeopathic medication alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments without interfering with their action, a new study shows. Homeopathy, an alternative medical system, is based on the belief that "like cures like", indicating that substances that create certain symptoms can also treat them when used in a highly diluted form. Many patients particularly those suffering from incurable diseases are now more attracted to homeopathy and other alternative treatments; many healthcare professionals are therefore worried that replacing conventional treatments with these new remedies would become troublesome. According to the report recently released by the Cochrane Collaboration, homeopathic treatments can help lessen the mal-effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy commonly reported in cancer patients. Calendula from marigolds can prevent acute dermatitis in breast cancer patients more effectively than the more conventional treatment, trolamine. Traummel S - a mixture of belladonna, arnica, St. John's wort and Echinacea -- has shown promising results in treating stomatisis, painful mouth sores, when used as a mouthwash. Homeopathic treatments are also considered helpful in tackling menopausal symptoms secondary to cancer treatment; more studies are however needed to confirm the results. Scientists have concluded that these alternative treatments can be used along with traditional cancer remedies with the aim of achieving better results.

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Stroke gene variant found in US

Scientists believe certain genetic variants discovered in a large number of individuals are linked to a common and deadly type of stroke. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the presence of NINJ2, the gene associated with brain injury, and WNK1, the gene which controls the blood pressure, places the individual at an increased risk of developing ischemic stroke. Ischemic strokes, accounting for more than 90 percent of all strokes, are the result of an obstruction within a blood vessel nurturing the brain. The condition is considered as the third-leading cause of death; most survivors however are condemned to suffer from life-long stroke-related disabilities. Environmental factors such as smoking and high blood pressure influence an individual's predisposition to this type of stroke. About 20 percent of white individuals and 10 percent of blacks are reported to have at least one copy of the newly identified genes; each copy is associated with q 30 percent increase in the risk of ischemic stroke. Scientists hope their findings will lead to the development of more effective, early-stage stroke detection strategies.

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Vitamin deficiency ups asthma risk

A new medical research has suggested that a diet low in vitamins A and C increases the individual's risk of developing asthma. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), good sources of vitamin A include cheese, eggs, oily fish, milk, fortified margarine and yoghurt, while vitamin C is found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables such as pepper, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, oranges and kiwis. The findings, published in the journal Thorax, contradict those of a large-scale study published last year which found no link between the diet's antioxidant levels and asthma. Meanwhile, researchers found that on average asthmatic men lacked 26 percent of their daily vitamin A requirement while asthmatic women lacked 30 percent. Previous studies had shown that taking oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) places certain women at an increased risk of developing respiratory disorders such as asthma.

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Stem cells treat type 1 diabetics

Stem cells help overcome the need for insulin in type 1 diabetics, enabling them to live for as long as four years without injections. According to a study published in JAMA, diabetic patients will be able to produce their own insulin after the transplantation of stem cells extracted from their own bone marrow. These patients would also need less insulin after later relapses. The new technique is reported to lower the need fro insulin through preventing the immune system from destroying the patients' insulin-making cells, a common process contributing to the disease. It improves the patient's glycemic control while increasing C-peptide levels, an indirect measure of beta-cell, insulin-making cell, function. The technique is believed only to be effective in patients recently diagnosed with the condition. Scientists are optimistic that their findings will overcome the challenges faced by the global diabetes epidemic in the near future.

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Iran performs first heart, 2-lung transplant

Iranian scientists have, for the first time in the country, simultaneously performed a heart and two-lung transplant operation on a teenager. A heart-lung transplant is a single procedure in which both the heart and lung are replaced in patients, particularly young adolescents, suffering from conditions which have severely damaged both these organs. Since the performance of the first such operation in 1981, not many heart-lung transplants have been performed in the world due to a shortage of suitable donors and its high mortality rate. "The combined heart and lungs transplant was performed on a 12 year old girl who has lost these organs due to an advanced underlying heart disease," said the head of the tuberculosis and respiratory disease research center, Ali Akbar Velayati. The operation was performed on Monday and the patient is reported to be in a good condition following the surgery. Velayati added that replacing the heart and both lungs in a single operation has a better outcome in an individual suffering from chronic respiratory or heart disease. Simultaneously transplanting both lungs is a long and complex surgery which is not reported successful in most cases; Iranian scientists, however, report the success of this operation to be more than 80 percent in Iran.

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Neighborhood shows cancer survival rate

While race and genetics can influence an individual's cancer survival rate, a new study reports one's neighborhood is more important. According to the study published in Cancer, other than genetics, modifiable factors such as neighborhoods determine the survival rate in breast and prostate cancer sufferers. Whites affected with prostate and breast cancers were not reported to live longer than their black counterparts when focusing on smaller populations, indicating that racial disparities lose their effect on cancer survival rate in small populations or geographical areas. Scientists concluded that factors such as socioeconomic situations, cancer, treatment and the patient's health condition are more important than biology in determining the survival rate from a tumor.

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Mediterranean diet, best heart tonic

Despite the belief that certain foods are heart healthy, a new review shows the Mediterranean diet is the single heart tonic diet. According to the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, a Mediterranean diet - rich in vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and olive oil - is the only diet strongly associated with lower coronary heart disease risk. Monounsaturated fatty acids were also reported to have a strong protective role in cardiovascular diseases. Fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids along with foods rich in vitamins E and C reduce the risk of heart disease to some extent. The Western diet heavy in processed meats, red meat, refined grains and high-fat dairy, on the other hand, is bad for the heart, indicating that relying on foods with a high glycemic index or high in trans-fatty acids is harmful. The list of bad foods, therefore, consists of starchy carbohydrates (white bread) and the Trans fats commonly found in many cookies and French fries. Scientists are optimistic that their findings will guide individuals as to what they should eat and what they should not eat.

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Depression ups heart failure risk

Heart patients suffering from depression are reported to be at an increased risk of developing heart failure, a new study finds. Previous studies had reported depression to be three times more common after a heart attack. Depressed individuals were also reported to be more prone to experiencing a second cardiac event. Depression negatively influences the body in various ways. It reduces heart rate while increasing blood factors resulting in blood clot formation and increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Depressed heart patients may stop taking their heart medications and adopt unhealthy lifestyles due to their mental condition; both of which can aggravate the condition leading to more severe heart problems. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, depressed heart patients are more prone to developing heart failure -- a condition in which the heart gradually loses its ability to efficiently pump blood. While antidepressants can effectively improve depressive symptoms, they are ineffective in reducing the risk of heart failure. Scientists believe these medications are not able to alter the physical or behavioral risks associated with depression and heart failure. Scientists concluded that depression is an important risk factor for heart failure among patients with coronary heart disease; physicians are therefore urged to screen heart patients for underlying depression.

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Teen pregnancy linked to obesity

Young women who experience pregnancy during their teens are more likely to become obese or overweight later on in life, a new study finds. Pregnancy boosts obesity risk in every woman; the study however reveals that getting pregnant and giving birth to a child in early adolescence has a greater impact on the body weight and fat accumulation. "The excessive fat deposition during adolescence may signal the onset and persistence of obesity and elevated insulin, lipid and blood pressure levels into adulthood," said Erica P. Gunderson the leader of the research team. According to the study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, the majority of the women who give birth for the first time before age 20 are overweight or obese. These women are also reported to be more prone to developing cardiovascular diseases. Women who had one or more babies during their teens are heavier and have larger waists and hips compared to their counterparts who did not get pregnant in the same period. Scientists concluded that adolescence is a critical stage which delineates an individual's risk of obesity in the long run in various means.

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Parkinson's drugs up compulsive behaviors

Taking therapeutic doses of certain Parkinson's medications can place the patients at a higher risk of developing unhealthy behaviors. Dopamine agonists such as pramipexole and ropinirole are a class of drugs commonly prescribed in Parkinson's sufferers. They act through stimulating brain limbic circuits, fundamental substrates for emotional, reward and self-indulgent behaviors. According to a study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, therapeutic doses of these medications are linked to new-onset, destructive behaviors in the consumers. The behaviors, however, were reported to resolve after the medications were discontinued or the doses were reduced. Very low doses such as those used to treat restless legs syndrome were not associated with much risk in the users. Compulsive gambling and hypersexuality are the main behaviors commonly reported after taking the drugs. The use of the drugs is also linked to compulsive eating and excessive shopping. Researchers therefore urge physicians to apprise patients and their caregivers about the possible side effects of the dopamine agonists before prescribing them.

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Multivitamins contain 'more' than they say

Health officials say a large number of existing multivitamins contain more or less of an ingredient than that mentioned on their labels. According to a report recently released by ConsumerLab.com, more than 30 percent of multivitamin products do not contain the same amount of an ingredient as they claim. Many of them are reported to be contaminated with lead. The report revealed that many of the tested multivitamins contain exceeded levels of ingredients such as niacin - which can cause skin tingling and flushing - and zinc, responsible for immune deficiency and anemia when overused. Other multivitamins were found to contain high levels of vitamin A and folic acid when compared to limits considered tolerable by the Institute of Medicine. Excess consumption of these products is linked with various health conditions. In the short term, too much vitamin A may cause nausea and blurred vision, while osteoporosis and liver problems are frequently reported in the long-term. Adding too much folic acid to men's multivitamins on the other hand may increase the risk of prostate cancer in the consumers. ConsumerLab.com, a private company based in White Plains, New York, performs independent evaluations of health- and nutrition- related products. The company is not owned by nor has a financial interest in any companies that make, distribute or sell consumer products.

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Diabetes linked with loss of brain power

Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes is reported to negatively influence the function of the brain in the long run, the findings of a new study suggest. While previous studies had linked type 2 diabetes to a doubled risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, the new study reveals a high incidence of cognitive decline in individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Individuals with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience multiple episodes of hypoglycemia, a condition in which the blood sugar levels drop dangerously low, reducing the amount of sugar reaching the brain. The condition is characterized by sweating, fatigue, hunger, dizziness, increased heart rate and blurred vision. Severe episodes may lead to temporary loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma. According to the recent study conducted in Britain, severe hypoglycemic episodes negatively affect the brain power, resulting in a poor memory. Diabetics who experience a larger number of hypos are reported to have a poorer performance in general mental ability and vocabulary. Scientists therefore urge diabetics to manage their blood glucose levels through adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy foods, exercising, testing their blood sugar regularly and taking the diabetic medications as prescribed by their doctor.

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Large belly ups risk for heart failure

Medical research continues to point out that middle-aged and older people with big bellies live with a greater risk for heart failure. "By any measure -- BMI, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio or waist to height ratio -- our findings showed that excess body weight was associated with higher rates of heart failure," said the study's lead author, Emily Levitan of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). "This study reinforces the importance of maintaining a healthy weight," she added. The researchers presented the new findings after analyzing the weight, height, and waist measurements of approximately 80,000 men and women from their mid-40s to early 80s. According to the study, women with extra weight around their stomachs were 15 per cent more likely to develop heart failure. Men, however, were 16 per cent more likely to develop the life-threatening condition if they had a larger belly. Heart failure occurs when the heart can no longer pump a sufficient amount of blood to meet the body's needs. It is typically caused by existing cardiac conditions, including high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. It is characterized by such symptoms as fatigue and weakness, difficulty in walking, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and a persistent cough or wheezing. The findings are published online in the April 7 Rapid Access Report of the journal Circulation.

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Stressed out moms have asthmatic kids

Experiencing stress during pregnancy places the newborn at an increased risk of developing asthma later on in life, a new study finds. According to the study presented at the meeting of the American Thoracic Society, anxious moms are 60 percent more likely to give birth to babies suffering from allergies and asthma. About 16 percent of asthmatic children were reported to have mothers who were distressed about money, relationships and other problems during pregnancy. Maternal stress stimulates the release of certain hormones which can negatively influence the fetal development particularly that of its immune system. These babies are also reported to have higher levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), even when their mothers had low exposure to dust mites during pregnancy. The Children of the 90s team also claimed that eating more fish oil during pregnancy improves the newborns visual development.

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Scientists guide stem cells through body

Researchers have developed injectable stem cells that can be guided through the body to damaged sites where bones need to be repaired. The new technology enables researchers to treat the patient's stem cells along with donor bone cells in the lab and give them a coating of minute magnetic particles. The combination is then injected into the patient's arm. Targeted magnetic fields can move these immature cells around the body, maneuvering them into position and encouraging them to grow new cartilage and bone. Keele scientists hope that their findings will make possible the treatment of injuries and arthritis without the need for invasive surgery, powerful drugs and biochemical triggers.

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New anti-prostate cancer drug developed

US scientists have developed a new cancer drug which can help treat a considerable number of men suffering from advanced prostate cancer. Castration therapy, the existing treatment for advanced prostate cancer, acts by blocking the production of testosterone; many cancer sufferers, however, have become resistant to this method. According to the article published in Science, MDV3100 tackles prostate cancer by blocking the androgen receptors, inhibiting testosterone from entering the cancerous cells and stimulating their growth. Recent trials have shown promising results regarding the efficacy of the drug in treating cases reported to be resistant to current antiandrogen drugs. Its use has led to tumor shrinkage in about 40 percent of prostate cancer sufferers. A 50% decrease in serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker of prostate cancer, is also reported in patients following the use of the newly developed drug. Scientists believe their findings will pave the way for treating the most aggressive form of prostate cancer responsible for a high number of deaths each year.

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Melanoma leading cancer in UK

British officials have warned that melanoma, the deadliest form of skin malignancy, has become the leading type of cancer in the UK. According to the report recently released by Cancer Research United Kingdom, the deadly skin cancer will become the fourth most common cancer for men and women of all ages by 2024. Based on the report, skin malignancies have overtaken cervical cancer and become the country's top cancer in young women. The high incidence of skin cancer in women in their 20s has alarmed authorities, as the condition generally occurs in individuals over the age of 75. Cancer experts believe the increasing popularity of tanning salons and sunbeds is responsible for the surge in the number of skin cancer cases in younger individuals. They concluded that taking proper precautions when going out in the sun, avoiding tanning beds and sun over-exposure can cut the risk of skin cancer.

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Vegetarian diet ups binge-eating

While being a vegetarian lowers the risk of obesity and heart disease in young adults, it places them at an increased risk of binge eating. 

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, young vegetarians who follow a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables are more likely to suffer from an eating disorder such as binge eating compared to their meat-eating counterparts. 

Former and current vegetarians are also reported to be at increased risk of adopting unhealthy weight control behaviors such as taking diet pills, vomiting, using laxatives and diuretics. 

Scientists believe adopting a vegetarian diet in many teenagers is to conceal the underlying decision to lose weight and restrict food intake. They however urge parents not to dissuade their children if they choose to be vegans. 

Parents are also urged to help their teens lay out a healthy meal plan and discover the real reason behind their desire to become vegetarians.

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Human body regenerates heart cells: Study

A study using Carbon-14 dating method has shown that human body can regenerate heart cells at a rate of about one percent a year. 

Conducted by Sweden's Karolinska Institute researchers, the study has raised hopes for the artificial stimulation of the renewal process and reducing the need for transplants in future. 

"It would be a way to try and help the heart to some self-help rather than transplanting new cells," Jonas Frisen of Sweden's Karolinska Institute said in a telephone interview. 

"Taking advantage of the heart's own capacity to generate new cells either using pharmaceutical compounds or, if it is possible, by exercise or any other environmental factor." 

Heart cells stop dividing early in life and although there are stem cells in the heart, its muscle just forms scar tissue and never fully regenerates. 

Scientists also found that the rate at which our body regenerates heart cells slows by time reducing to half a percent a year by the age of 75, Reuters reported. 

"If you exchange cells at this rate it means that even if you live a very long life you will not have exchanged more than 50 percent of your cells," said Frisen. 

"So at any given time your heart is a mosaic of cells you carry with you from birth and cells that that have been added later to replace cells that have been lost during life." 

According to the study reported in the journal Science, the heart's ability to regenerate cells could help find out whether people are susceptible to heart disease or not. 

"We are interested in studying whether some heart diseases could potentially be caused by too low an ability to replace heart cells," said Frisen.

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Study: Marijuana helps to fight cancer

Researchers in Spain have found out that the main chemical in marijuana appears to be helpful in the destruction of brain cancer cells. 

The active component of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), causes cancer cells to undergo a process called autophagy - the breakdown that occurs when the cell essentially self-digests, according to a new study released on Thursday. 

The authors from the Complutense University in Madrid conducted the study with scientists from other universities, AFP reported. 

The research indicates that THC and related "cannabinoids" appear to be "a new family of potential antitumoral agent." 

The authors wrote that the chemical may prove useful in the development of future "antitumoral agents." 

The scientists conducted their research on mice, first stimulating the growth of cancer in the lab animals, then injecting them with a daily dose of THC near the site of their tumors. 

The researchers also analyzed the tumors of two patients in an experimental trial looking at the effects of THC on a highly aggressive form of brain tumor, and saw findings "in line with the preclinical evidence" first observed in the laboratory mice.

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Ventricular reconstruction, ineffective

The unsuccessfulness of ventricular reconstruction shows that the new heart procedure cannot improve symptoms in heart failure patients. 

Ventricular reconstruction is a technique in which surgeons expel the damaged tissue of the heart outside the left ventricle - the chamber responsible for pumping blood to the body - by sewing healthy parts together. 

The technique was designed based on the belief that isolating the damaged part of the left ventricle can improve exercise capacity and dissolve symptoms following heart attack. 

While many surgeons were hopeful to reduce the mortality and hospitalizations rate following the use of this left ventricular volume reduction surgery, a new study reported the technique to be ineffective. 

According to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the combination of surgical ventricular reconstruction and standard coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) does not improve the outcome of patients suffering from heart attack. 

Ventricular reconstruction did not reduce the death rate or the readmission risk. It also did not improve the quality of life in patients. 

Scientists therefore do not recommend the use of surgical ventricular reconstruction along with CABG.

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Cancer risk lower in MS patients

While the risk of certain malignancies is higher among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, they are less likely to suffer from cancer. 

According to a study published in Neurology, the overall risk of cancer in MS patients is 10 percent lower than their healthy counterparts and the results are more pronounced in women. 

These patients are 44 percent more prone to developing brain tumors and urinary cancers such as bladder tumors. 

Higher susceptibility to various types of cancer is not reported among the parents whose children suffer from the disabling condition. 

Lifestyle changes and treatment regimens help lower the risk of cancer in these patients. The lower body mass index (BMI) of MS patients may also explain the lower incidence of cancer among them. 

Brain inflammation commonly reported in these individuals contributes to their higher vulnerability to brain tumors. However, the frequency of neurological investigations in MS suffers greatly helps the early detection of these tumors.

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Night owls more prone to heart disease

A new study finds that the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases significantly increases in men who go to bed after midnight. 

Previous studies had linked chronic sleep loss to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and several health concerns. Some studies laid great emphasis on the role of a good night's sleep in maintaining an individual's heart health. 

The fewer hours an individual sleeps each night, the higher the body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and triglyceride levels become. 

A new study however has reported that going to bed late affects heart health regardless of sleep duration. 

According to the study presented at the 58th annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology, men who go to bed after midnight are more vulnerable to arterial stiffening -- an early stage of atherosclerosis and heart disease --, even if they sleep for at least seven hours. 

Unhealthy late-night habits such as drinking more coffee to stay awake are believed to be responsible for the increased risk of cardiovascular problems in these individuals. 

Feeling tired and exhausted increases the stress level - a significant risk factor for heart disease - and adversely effects cardiovascular health.

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