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Health News
for 02/09/2010

(last updated 7:30am EST 02/09/2010)

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• Different colors describe happiness, dep... Different colors describe happiness, depression
02/08/2010
Are you in a gray mood today? How about a blue funk? Maybe you're seeing red, because you're green with jealousy. The colors we use to describe emotions may be more useful than you think, according to new research. (13 h ago)

• Paxil interferes with cancer drug, study... Paxil interferes with cancer drug, study shows
02/08/2010
The popular antidepressant drug Paxil may interfere with breast cancer treatments, making patients more likely to relapse and die, researchers in Canada reported on Monday. (14 h ago)

• Religious folks may not be healthier, af... Religious folks may not be healthier, after all
02/08/2010
Attending religious services or having spiritual experiences may not protect against heart attacks and strokes, a new study suggests. (14 h ago)

• Newborn blood used in research angers pa... Newborn blood used in research angers parents
02/08/2010
A critical safety net for babies — that heelprick of blood taken from every newborn in the U.S. — is facing an ethics attack. (16 h ago)

• Obama wants school vending machine chang... Obama wants school vending machine changes
02/08/2010
The Obama administration will ask Congress to improve childhood nutrition by ridding school vending machines of sugary snacks and drinks and giving school lunch and breakfast to more kids. (17 h ago)

• First lady is tackling childhood obesity First lady is tackling childhood obesity
02/08/2010
After laying the groundwork for nearly a year, first lady Michelle Obama launches a campaign on Tuesday against childhood obesity that she hopes will change the way millions of Americans eat, exercise, look and feel. (18 h ago)

• 170 more tons of tainted milk found in C... 170 more tons of tainted milk found in China
02/08/2010
The discovery has punched a 170-ton hole in China's promises to overhaul its food safety system. Officials say they've found yet another case where large amounts of tainted milk powder from the country's 2008 scandal that should have been destroyed were instead repackaged. (19 h ago)

• Newsweek: How Botox might keep you from ... Newsweek: How Botox might keep you from feeling sad
02/08/2010
According to a new study, by paralyzing the frown muscles that ordinarily are engaged when we feel sad or angry, Botox short-circuits the emotions themselves. (20 h ago)

• 3 simple steps can cut childhood obesity 3 simple steps can cut childhood obesity
02/08/2010
A new study finds three household routines lower the risk of obesity in children: having family dinners, getting enough sleep and limiting weekday TV time. (21 h ago)

• Beer may be good for your bones Beer may be good for your bones
02/08/2010
If you downed one too many while watching the Super Bowl, here's at least one reason to hold your head high: Drinking beer can be good for your health. (22 h ago)

• Estrogen pills may increase asthma risk Estrogen pills may increase asthma risk
02/08/2010
Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of developing asthma after the menopause, scientists report. (22 h ago)

• Autism risk in kids rises with mom’s age... Autism risk in kids rises with mom’s age
02/08/2010
A woman's chances of having a child with autism increase substantially as she ages, but the risk may be less for older dads than previously suggested, a new study analyzing more than 5 million births found. (23 h ago)

• Bad malaria pills raise drug resistance ... Bad malaria pills raise drug resistance fears
02/08/2010
High rates of the most effective type of malaria-fighting drugs sold in three African countries are poor quality raising fears of increased drug resistance to a killer disease. (23 h ago)

• Even if you're careful, drugs can end up... Even if you're careful, drugs can end up in water
02/08/2010
The federal government advises throwing most unused or expired medications into the trash instead of down the drain, but they can end up in the water anyway, a study from Maine suggests. (1 d ago)

• Study links sugary soda to pancreas canc... Study links sugary soda to pancreas cancer
02/08/2010
People who drink two or more sweetened soft drinks a week have a much higher risk of pancreatic cancer, an unusual but deadly cancer, researchers reported on Monday. (1 d ago)

• Are you destined to inherit your mother'... Are you destined to inherit your mother's body?
02/08/2010
Peeking into your future isn't as simple as taking a look at your mom. Studies suggest that while your genes may determine up to 80 percent of your weight and body shape, environment and personal choice still play a significant role. (1 d ago)

• NYT: Obama, GOP set for TV health showdo... NYT: Obama, GOP set for TV health showdown
02/08/2010
The meeting would mark the first time in the long health care debate that leaders from both sides would be allowed to air their ideas publicly. (1 d ago)

• 9/11 health lawsuits raise credibility c... 9/11 health lawsuits raise credibility concerns
02/07/2010
As the first cases in a massive battle over illnesses linked to 9/11 near trial, an Associated Press investigation has found that several of the initial 30 suits contain inconsistent or exaggerated claims about how the workers got sick or how much time they spent at ground zero. (1 d ago)

• Major mumps outbreak spreads in New York Major mumps outbreak spreads in New York
02/07/2010
More than 300 people have been diagnosed with the mumps in suburban New York as America's largest outbreak of the disease in years spreads. Almost all the cases are among Orthodox Jews. (1 d ago)

• Ditch just one tempting food — and lose ... Ditch just one tempting food — and lose weight
02/07/2010
Certain foods can be a dieter's downfall. By cutting out just one vice, you can reshape your body. (1 d ago)

• Autism, Older Parents Link Detailed Autism, Older Parents Link Detailed
02/08/2010
Mothers Older Than 40 Are 50 Percent More Likely to Have Autistic Child, but Overall Risk is Still Low (14 h ago)

• Video: Parent's Age: Factor in Autism? Video: Parent's Age: Factor in Autism?
02/08/2010
As autism concerns continue to grow, studies show that older parents are more likely to have autistic children. As Dr. Jon LaPook reports, this may be an important clue in finding the cause of autism. (14 h ago)

• Malaria Drugs in Africa Found Defective Malaria Drugs in Africa Found Defective
02/08/2010
Up to 40 Percent of Pivotal Drugs Fail Inspections, Raising Fears of Increased Resistance and a Coming Epidemic (21 h ago)

• Many Overweight Teens Don't Think They A... Many Overweight Teens Don't Think They Are
02/08/2010
Study Finds 1 in 3 Don't Believe They're Overweight or Obese; Dr. Jennifer Ashton Says Incorrect View Can Hinder Treatment (21 h ago)

• Florida Probes Cancer Cluster Florida Probes Cancer Cluster
02/08/2010
Palm Beach Town Reporting High Incidence of Childhood Cancers (22 h ago)

• Work Off Your Super Bowl Bulge Work Off Your Super Bowl Bulge
02/08/2010
Tracy Anderson Gives Tips for Getting Back on Track with Toned Arms, Abs and Gluts (23 h ago)

• Video: Dangers of Adolescent Obesity Video: Dangers of Adolescent Obesity
02/08/2010
Dr. Jennifer Ashton discussed the dangers of adolescent obesity and how to prevent it. (1 d ago)

• Video: Managing Sports Pain Video: Managing Sports Pain
02/06/2010
Sports can take quite a toll on our bodies, especially as we get older. Erica Hill is joined by Miami Dolphins team physician, Dr. George Caldwell who shows us how to manage those aches and pains. (2 d ago)

• Obama wants school vending machine chang... Obama wants school vending machine changes
02/08/2010
The Obama administration will ask Congress to improve childhood nutrition by ridding school vending machines of sugary snacks and drinks and giving school lunch and breakfast to more kids. Vending machine - School meal - Business - Vending - Opportunities (17 h ago)

• First lady is tackling childhood obesity First lady is tackling childhood obesity
02/08/2010
After laying the groundwork for nearly a year, first lady Michelle Obama launches a campaign on Tuesday against childhood obesity that she hopes will change the way millions of Americans eat, exercise, look and feel. Michelle Obama - Obesity - United States - Health - Conditions and Diseases (18 h ago)

• Study links sugary soda to pancreas canc... Study links sugary soda to pancreas cancer
02/08/2010
People who drink two or more sweetened soft drinks a week have a much higher risk of pancreatic cancer, an unusual but deadly cancer, researchers reported on Monday. Cancer - Pancreatic cancer - Health - Conditions and Diseases - Gastrointestinal (1 d ago)

• Are you destined to inherit your mother'... Are you destined to inherit your mother's body?
02/08/2010
Peeking into your future isn't as simple as taking a look at your mom. Studies suggest that while your genes may determine up to 80 percent of your weight and body shape, environment and personal choice still play a significant role. Mother - Parenting - Family - Home - Health (1 d ago)

• Ditch just one tempting food — and lose ... Ditch just one tempting food — and lose weight
02/07/2010
Certain foods can be a dieter's downfall. By cutting out just one vice, you can reshape your body. Weight loss - Health - Support Groups - Shopping - Chats and Forums (1 d ago)

• Sponsored By: Sponsored By:
02/06/2010
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• NYT: FDA weighs update to serving sizes NYT: FDA weighs update to serving sizes
02/06/2010
The Food and Drug Administration may update serving sizes for foods like chips, cookies and ice cream to reflect how Americans really eat. Food and Drug Administration - Ice cream - Serving size - United States - Business (2 d ago)

• KLAS Takes a Hard Look at the Reality of... KLAS Takes a Hard Look at the Reality of HIE Adoption
02/08/2010
New KLAS report explores the promising benefits some providers have seen with health information exchanges, but also cautions 'don't believe the hype' (8 h ago)

• Medical Marijuana Legalized in New Jerse... Medical Marijuana Legalized in New Jersey
02/08/2010
New Jersey is the latest state to legalize marijuana for medical use. (8 h ago)

• Heart Health Awareness Month: Avoid Misd... Heart Health Awareness Month: Avoid Misdiagnosis of Heart Disease
02/08/2010
February is the American Heart Association's Heart Health Awareness Month, emphasizing the dangers of heart disease and the importance of heart health, particularly for women. (8 h ago)

• Obama's health care summit: Just for sho... Obama's health care summit: Just for show?
02/08/2010
In a story with more twists than a soap opera, Obama's invitation to congressional leaders of both parties to attend a Feb. 25 meeting can't be dismissed as a mere diversion. Health care - Barack Obama - United States - Health - Republican (13 h ago)

• GOP cool to Obama call for health talks GOP cool to Obama call for health talks
02/08/2010
Republicans gave a chilly reception Monday to President Barack Obama's invitation to discuss health care in a bipartisan, televised setting later this month, part of the White House effort to revive the stalled legislation. Barack Obama - Republican - President of the United States - Health care - Politics (19 h ago)

• NYT: Obama, GOP set for TV health showdo... NYT: Obama, GOP set for TV health showdown
02/08/2010
The meeting would mark the first time in the long health care debate that leaders from both sides would be allowed to air their ideas publicly. Republican - Health care - Television - United States - Health (1 d ago)

• Paxil interferes with cancer drug, study... Paxil interferes with cancer drug, study shows
02/08/2010
The popular antidepressant drug Paxil may interfere with breast cancer treatments, making patients more likely to relapse and die, researchers in Canada reported on Monday. Antidepressant - Paroxetine - Health - Breast cancer - Conditions and Diseases (14 h ago)

• Newsweek: How Botox might keep you from ... Newsweek: How Botox might keep you from feeling sad
02/08/2010
According to a new study, by paralyzing the frown muscles that ordinarily are engaged when we feel sad or angry, Botox short-circuits the emotions themselves. Botulinum toxin - Emotion - Technology - Health - Electronics (20 h ago)

• Autism risk in kids rises with mom’s age... Autism risk in kids rises with mom’s age
02/08/2010
A woman's chances of having a child with autism increase substantially as she ages, but the risk may be less for older dads than previously suggested, a new study analyzing more than 5 million births found. Autism - Autism spectrum - Health - Mental Health - Disorders (23 h ago)

• Paxil interferes with cancer drug, study... Paxil interferes with cancer drug, study shows
02/08/2010
The popular antidepressant drug Paxil may interfere with breast cancer treatments, making patients more likely to relapse and die, researchers in Canada reported on Monday. Antidepressant - Paroxetine - Health - Breast cancer - Conditions and Diseases (14 h ago)

• Study links sugary soda to pancreas canc... Study links sugary soda to pancreas cancer
02/08/2010
People who drink two or more sweetened soft drinks a week have a much higher risk of pancreatic cancer, an unusual but deadly cancer, researchers reported on Monday. Cancer - Pancreatic cancer - Health - Conditions and Diseases - Gastrointestinal (1 d ago)

• 9/11 health lawsuits raise credibility c... 9/11 health lawsuits raise credibility concerns
02/07/2010
As the first cases in a massive battle over illnesses linked to 9/11 near trial, an Associated Press investigation has found that several of the initial 30 suits contain inconsistent or exaggerated claims about how the workers got sick or how much time they spent at ground zero. Associated Press - Lawsuit - Business - United States - History (1 d ago)

• Estrogen pills may increase asthma risk Estrogen pills may increase asthma risk
02/08/2010
Estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of developing asthma after the menopause, scientists report. Menopause - Hormone replacement therapy - Health - Women's health - Asthma (22 h ago)

• Are you destined to inherit your mother'... Are you destined to inherit your mother's body?
02/08/2010
Peeking into your future isn't as simple as taking a look at your mom. Studies suggest that while your genes may determine up to 80 percent of your weight and body shape, environment and personal choice still play a significant role. Mother - Parenting - Family - Home - Health (1 d ago)

• Genetics behind ageing probed Genetics behind ageing probed
02/08/2010
Genetic tests to determine how quickly a person will age may soon be available, according to several newspapers. The news is based on the recent discovery of a genetic variation that apparently predisposes some people to faster ageing. The newspapers suggested the research may lead to the easier identification of people at higher risk of age-related illnesses or suggested a possible key to longer lifespan. Behind these reports is a genome-wide association study that scanned the DNA of several thousand people, identifying a gene variant associated with the length of telomeres; unique sections of DNA that shorten with age. The results suggest the variant is responsible for a small proportion of the variation in telomere length between individuals, equivalent to about 3.6 years of age-related shortening. This well-conducted research has identified one particular gene variant, but the findings suggest there are many others that also affect the length of telomeres. Much more research will be needed before a practical application aimed at lenghening life would be possible. Where did the story come from? The research was carried out by Dr Veryan Codd and colleagues from King’s College, London and other academic institutions across Europe and the UK. The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. Individual authors also received grants and financial support from a number of different sources. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal, Nature Genetics. This discovery was reported by several news sources, all of which highlight the potential of these results to techniques that might identify diseases early or potentially increase lifespan. The Guardian cautions that the results of this study are “unlikely to lead to drugs that dramatically extend lifespan”. What kind of research was this? The research was a genome-wide association study looking at whether any particular variant genetic sequences were associated with the length of a person’s telomeres. Telomeres are found at the ends of chromosomes, where they protect the rest of the DNA from damage and deterioration in order to maintain ‘genetic stability’. A genome-wide association study is the best way to assess associations between gene variants and particular characteristics in a large number of people. The shortening of telomeres (which happens as cells divide) is considered to be a key process in biological ageing - the progressive decline over time in the body’s ability to meet its demands. Biological ageing occurs because cell damage accumulates as a result of environmental and genetic challenges. When the telomere eventually reaches a critically short length, cell death can occur. This study was specifically looking for variants associated with the length of telomeres in leukocyte white blood cells. The length of leukocyte telomeres has been shown to be associated with the risk of several age-related diseases and has been proposed as a marker of biological ageing. What did the research involve? The researchers analysed the DNA of 2,917 individuals, looking for DNA variants known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were associated with the length of the telomere on a particular chromosome. The sample population comprised of 1,487 individuals with coronary heart disease taken from a British Heart Foundation study and 1,430 donors from the United Kingdom Blood Service. Their telomere length was measured using special techniques. It showed that the sample population was apparently normal and displayed telomere lengths expected for their ages. The groups of people were analysed separately and then combined. Any SNPs that showed a strongly significant association with telomere length were investigated in a second sample population. These types of study often involve this second step, known as replication, where the results of the first are confirmed in a second separate sample of people. The researchers initially set out to replicate their first test in a further 2,020 people who participated in another study, assessing their telomere lengths using the same technique in the previous samples. The researchers then replicated their study in another cohort of 3,256 twins, although the method of telomere measurement in this group was different to the others. A further cohort of 4,216 individuals was available for testing, meaning they had replicated the initial phase of their study in a total of 9,492 people. Further experiments were undertaken to investigate the TERC gene, the gene closest to the DNA variant. The TERC gene is involved in maintaining the length of telomeres. What were the basic results? The studies identified an association between telomere length and a gene variant called rs12696304 on the chromosome 3q26. The researchers say that possessing the variant is associated with a person having a shorter average telomere length that equates to about 3.6 years of age-related telomere shortening. In other words, people with this particular variant may potentially live about 3.6 years less than those without it. It is important to note this measure only suggests a potential effect on lifespan and many other factors will determine whether or not it actually affects lifespan. Importantly, the researchers report that the variation in telomere length explained by this particular gene variant ranged from 0.32% to 1.0% in the different cohorts. This means that in addition to the variant identified, there are many unidentified genetic and environmental factors that affect telomere length. There was no variation in the TERC gene associated with telomere length, but the researchers say that this does not “preclude the possibility that the association with telomere length is mediated by an effect on TERC expression”. This means that it is possible that the TERC gene may be having an effect on telomere length in a process yet to be uncovered. How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers emphasise the importance of telomeres in cell function and how telomere length is related to its role. They say the findings have a “broad relevance for both normal and pathological age-associated processes”. Conclusion This study increases the information we have about the biology of ageing. In particular, it shows an association between a gene variation and short telomeres (which have a known association with ageing). The study was well conducted and the results are reliable. The researchers have used recognised methods in this field of research and checked their initial findings in several different separate groups of people to confirm the validity of their early associations. Their ultimate conclusion is also based on the variants that were significant across all of the cohorts analysed. It is important to remember that while the researchers have found clear associations for a particular gene, many other genes are likely to play a combined role in ageing. In fact, the study found that the variation in telomere length, explained by this particular gene variant, ranged from 0.32% to 1.0% in the different cohorts. This means that there are many other factors affecting telomere length that have yet to be identified. These are likely to be other genetic factors, although environmental factors may also play a role. Further studies will be needed to translate these findings into technologies that can screen people for a potential raised risk of age-related diseases or improve the lifespan of individuals. The study furthers our knowledge of biological ageing but the findings also suggest that there are many other factors yet to be discovered that affect telomere length. Links To The Headlines Genes reveal 'biological ageing' . BBC News, February 8 2010 Genetic variant means some people are predisposed to age quicker . The Times , February 8 2010 Living fast? Scientists show lifespan is linked to DNA . The Guardian , February 8 2010 Ageing gene found by scientists could be key to longer lifespans . The Daily Telegraph , February 8 2010 Genetic test for ageing may soon be possible . The Independent , February 8 2010 Links To Science Codd V, Mangino M, van der Harst P et al. Common variants near TERC are associated with mean telomere length . Nature Genetics , [published online] February 7 2010 (21 h ago)

• Proof of concept for 'new bone pill' Proof of concept for 'new bone pill'
02/08/2010
Scientists have discovered a pill that heals brittle bones, reported the Daily Mail . It said the easily administered, once-a-day drug makes brittle bones strong again. The newspaper added that tests had been carried out on animals “but the researchers believe the treatment could one day help humans with fragile bones”. As the newspaper pointed out, this research was carried out in mice and there are important differences in bone metabolism between mice and humans. This well conducted study paves the way for future research into a compound called LP533401 as a potential treatment for osteoporosis, but it is too soon to herald this as a cure. The results must be replicated in humans before it is clear how this compound affects human health. Where did the story come from? The study was carried out by Dr Vijay K Yadav and colleagues from the Columbia University Medical Center and other medical and academic institutions in the US and India. The study was funded by grants from the US National Institutes of Health and a fellowship to one author from the International Bone and Mineral Society. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Nature Medicine. This study explored whether osteoporosis could be treated by preventing the production of a gut-derived serotonin known to inhibit bone formation. While this drug may one day prove to be a successful treatment for osteoporosis in humans, the research was conducted in mice and the Daily Mail has been over-optimistic in heralding this as a cure after such early research. What kind of research was this? Serotonin is a neurotransmitter best known for its role as a chemical messenger in the brain, but it is also produced in large quantities in the stomach. The gut-derived serotonin regulates bone formation by inhibiting the growth of the early bone cells, called osteoblasts. This laboratory research in mice investigated whether osteoporosis could be treated by stopping this serotonin from being produced, thereby increasing bone formation. The bone resorption (bone loss) characteristic of osteoporosis is currently treated with intermittent injections of parathyroid hormone (PTH) which increases bone formation. PTH must be injected and can only be used for a two-year period, so the search continues for other treatments that would be as effective but easier to use. Osteoporosis is also treated with bisphosphonates, a class of drugs that prevent bone digestion. This study did not compare the effects of the new drug with these types of treatments. What did the research involve? Researchers developed a compound known as LP533401, a chemical that inhibits the production of gut-derived serotonin. LP533401 is currently being tested at a dose of 100mg per kilogram of body weight for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Previous studies have shown that the amount of LP533401 in the brain is negligible after being taken orally, suggesting it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. The researchers note that this is important because brain-derived serotonin is important for healthy bone development (the opposite of gut-derived serotonin). There were several steps to this study, with some experiments conducted in cells in culture and others conducted in living mice. In cells, LP533401 was demonstrated to inhibit the production of serotonin and there was a ‘dose-dependent’ reduction (i.e. the greater the dose, the greater the effect) in the levels of serotonin in the blood when mice were fed with LP533401. Complex biochemical modelling was carried out to investigate how LP533401 interacts with other chemicals to prevent the production of gut-derived serotonin. The main animal experiments involved female mice that had their ovaries removed (to simulate postmenopausal activity and the resulting bone resorption). The researchers investigated whether varying doses of LP533401 could prevent bone loss induced by removal of the mouse ovaries. The researchers also investigated whether treatment with LP533401 could reverse osteopenia (the reduction in bone density that precedes osteoporosis) in mice. A group of mice had their ovaries removed and were then left untreated for two weeks. Some of these mice were then treated with LP533401 while others were given placebo, and the effects were compared four weeks later. Another group of mice was left for six weeks after their ovaries were removed so that they developed more severe osteopenia. Some of these mice were then given LP533401 every day for six weeks and then compared with a group who were given the placebo. Further experiments were carried out to ensure that the drug was not having adverse effects on the gut. The effects of LP533401 were also compared with those of PTH, the standard against which any new anabolic bone agent (i.e. bone building) should be compared. What were the basic results? Mice treated with LP533401, regardless of the dose, had higher bone mass (i.e. lower levels of resorption) than those not treated. The increase in bone mass was due to increases in osteoblast numbers, bone formation rate and in the levels of chemicals important for the development of healthy bone. In mice with ostepenia, LP533401 was able to increase bone formation to the degree that bone mass was normalised. Treat- ment of severe osteopenia saw bone mass return to normal levels. The increase in bone mass was seen in vertebrae and in the long bones (although it did not affect bone length or width). There appeared to be no adverse effects on the gut in terms of gastric emptying or colon function. There were also no negative effects on platelets in the blood or clotting time. LP533401 clearly had similar effects to PTH on bone recovery but at lower doses. However, a high dose of PTH was more efficient than LP533401 in the long bones, suggesting they may have different mechanisms. How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers say that their results confirm that LP533401 can “rescue… ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in mice even when given at a low dose (25mg per kilogram of body weight per day) and late after ovariectomy”. It does this without any adverse effects on blood or intestine function. They say these effects appear to be specifically due to an increase in the number of osteoblasts and the bone formation rate. The researchers acknowledge that because of important differences between bone formation in mice and humans, their “results need to be confirmed in other species”. They suggest that drugs that can inhibit gut serotonin are potentially a new class of drugs for treating osteoporosis. Conclusion This well conducted animal study paves the way for future research into LP533401 as a potential treatment for osteoporosis. This is early research and the researchers note that there are important differences in bone metabolism between mice and humans. As such, the study must be replicated in humans before it is clear whether this compound will affect human health. Also, it is unknown if a low level of gut-derived serotonin might have unwanted effects in humans and this will need investigation. Serotonin is an essential chemical messenger, in both the brain and the gut where it regulates intestinal activity. This research suggests that ingestion of a serotonin inhibitor, and subsequent inhibition of gut-derived serotonin, has no apparent adverse effects on gut health. However, there were no long-term follow-ups and most importantly this is a finding in mice. The study compares the new drug with PTH, the hormone that is currently used to encourage bone formation. However, the researchers did not compare it with other treatments for osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates. These are also commonly used in humans but work differently (they prevent bone degeneration by osteoclasts but do not affect the osteoblasts that create new bone). The Daily Mail has been overly optimistic in suggesting this may be a new cure for osteoporosis. It may one day prove to be an effective treatment, but there is a lot of research to be done before this becomes clear. Links To The Headlines Is this the cure for osteoporosis? Scientists discover pill that heals brittle bones. Daily Mail , February 8 2010 Links To Science Yadav et al (2010). Pharmacological inhibition of gut-derived serotonin synthesis is a potential bone anabolic treatment for osteoporosis. Nature Medicine 2010; Published online: February 7 (23 h ago)

• Align Probiotic Align Probiotic
02/08/2010
Over the past few years, probiotics have generated quite the buzz, and for good reason too! These good bacteria have been found to help with a myriad of health issues from yeast infections, eczema and embarrassing digestive issues. Digestive upsets, even occasional ones, are not an easy subject to deal with, or even talk about, but more than 60 million Americans suffer from digestive diseases/conditions and the large majority of them are women. In attempts to manage these, many people invest so much money ... (1 d ago)

• How Acupuncture Affects the Brain How Acupuncture Affects the Brain
02/07/2010
A better understanding and appreciation of acupuncture may emerge from a new study about the effects of this alternative therapy on the brain. Researchers at the University of York and the Hull York Medical School in the United Kingdom have found that acupuncture has a significant effect on specific nerve structures. A better understanding and appreciation of acupuncture may emerge from a new study about the effects of this alternative therapy on the brain. Source: University of York news release, Feb. 4, 2010 (2 d ago)

• Seen that? - Computer Glitch at the Calg... Seen that? - Computer Glitch at the Calgary Lab Services
02/08/2010
Computer Glitch at the Calgary Lab Services The Biotech Weblog I wouldn't want to have been one of the 2,051 patients in calgary who had lab tests, such as blood or urine, done between May 1 and July 5. Dr. Chris ... (12 h ago)

• Gene mutation speeds up the aging proces... Gene mutation speeds up the aging process
02/07/2010
Scientists have found specific genetic variants which may explain why some people age earlier than others and say their findings have important implications for understanding cancer and age-related diseases. Mutation - Gene - Biology - Genetics - Eukaryotic (1 d ago)

• Drug explored that taken once daily coul... Drug explored that taken once daily could cure osteoporosis
02/07/2010
Researchers have found that a drug taken once a day cured osteoporosis in mice by inhibiting the production of serotonin in the gut. The findings could lead to the development of a new and safer drug to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Loss of bone mass from osteoporosis that increases fracture risk and occurs with aging is a major health concern. Source: Columbia University Medical Center (1 d ago)