Health News

New Medical Device Shown To Be Highly Effective In Cluster Headache

Date: Feb-06-2013
Results showed that patients experienced clinically significant improvements in headache disability and quality of life, and demonstrated that SPG stimulation may reduce the frequency of cluster attacks. Autonomic Technologies, Inc. (ATI), the developer of the ATI Neurostimulation System designed for the treatment of severe headaches, today announced results of their clinical study in cluster headache, now published online in Cephalalgia.1 The robust, multi-centre, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study is the largest study performed with a medical device for cluster headache...

Results Of TB Vaccine Study: Longer Road Ahead

Date: Feb-06-2013
For a disease as old of tuberculosis (TB) how come despite all the scientific research and development (R and D) we still have about a century old BCG vaccine which is the only licensed vaccine to prevent TB - it is used extensively with approximately 100 million newborns being vaccinated globally each year. While BCG can prevent severe forms of TB in some children, its widespread use in infants has failed to control the global epidemic. Sustained efforts have� been made to develop new, safe and more effective TB vaccines over the past years...

Alzheimer's Amyloid Plaque Removal May Be Aided By Vitamin D And Omega 3

Date: Feb-06-2013
In a small pilot study, a team of US researchers has discovered how vitamin D3, a form of vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids may help the immune system clear the brain of amyloid plaques, one of the physical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Due to appear this week in the print issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, the new study builds on previous work by the same team, from the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)...

Gene May Help Predict Best Chemotherapy Treatment For Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Date: Feb-06-2013
Study finds patients with low RRM1 expression have better survival with gemcitabine Moffitt Cancer Center researchers have identified a gene that may better predict survival for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Researcher Richard Kim, M.D., assistant member of the Experimental Therapeutics Program and colleagues from several other research institutions conducted a study that better defines the role of ribonucleotide reductase M1 (RRM1)...

New Report Calls For Standardised Collection Of Quality Optical Data, UK

Date: Feb-06-2013
The College of Optometrists, the professional, scientific and examining body for optometry in the UK, has published a new report calling for a more efficient collection of good quality data relating to patients' eye health, in a bid to improve local eye health services and reduce costs and delays. The report follows Health Minister Jeremy Hunt's recent call for moves towards a 'paperless NHS' by 2015...

Rising Number Of Clinical Trials Poses Significant Challenge For Insurers�

Date: Feb-06-2013
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) recently held its annual one-day Clinical Trials Conference, addressing a number of vital issues and challenges that the Life Science Industry and Insurance Market currently face when conducting and insuring Clinical Trials around the globe.�Proposed changes to EU regulation, the risks of carrying out Clinical Research and what happens when Clinical Trials go wrong all topped the bill of presentations by clinical experts to a broking audience...

New Findings Offer Systemic Solutions To Address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) In Low- And Middle-income Countries

Date: Feb-06-2013
The Johns Hopkins University report identifies systemic gaps in NCD research, policy and practice. This week the Johns Hopkins University's Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health and the Study of Business Enterprise released a focused set of policy briefs that provide actionable recommendations for improving NCD policy, research and, ultimately, care. The study was commissioned by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA)...

In Light Of New Report On Energy Drinks And Adolescents, Members Of Congress Call FDA Review Critical To Protecting Public Health

Date: Feb-06-2013
Following the release of a new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics outlining recent evidence showing energy drinks pose health risks to adolescents, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined U.S. Representative Ed Markey (D-MA) in a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commending the agency for undertaking a review of the safety of energy drinks, including engaging with outside experts and groups...

Researchers Hail Gene Breakthrough In Bid To Prevent Spinal Tumours

Date: Feb-06-2013
Medical researchers have discovered a gene that is responsible for causing an inherited form of tumour known as spinal meningioma. Meningiomas are the commonest form of tumour affecting the brain and spine and are common in people who are affected by the genetic disorder Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2). NF2 patients are more susceptible to meningiomas because they have inherited a gene with the potential to cause normal cells to become cancerous...

Education About Abortion In The UK Is Failing Young People - EFC Report Highlights Advice For Schools And Head Teachers

Date: Feb-06-2013
A report published by Education For Choice (EFC) finds that education about abortion in the UK is failing young people. Some schools are addressing the topic as part of comprehensive sex and relationships education (SRE), but there is evidence of widespread bad practice including medical misinformation being provided by teachers and visitors to schools. The report pulls together findings from surveys with schools and young people, and an audit of teaching materials used...