Health News

Copper compound could form basis for first Lou Gehrig's disease therapy

Date: Jun-13-2014
The neurological disease ALS - also known as Lou Gehrig's disease - could see its first therapy in the form of a copper compound already being studied for cancer treatment.

CDC reports teen cigarette smoking at 'lowest level since survey began'

Date: Jun-13-2014
The National Youth Risk Behavior Survey reports decline in cigarette smoking among high school students, but concerns over risky sexual behavior and adolescent obesity remain.

Brain activity may explain why some smokers find it hard to quit

Date: Jun-13-2014
Researchers from Pennsylvania State University suggest that reduced activity in the reward system of the brain my explain why some smokers find it difficult to quit the habit.

England sees rapid rise in prediabetes

Date: Jun-13-2014
Rates of prediabetes - where blood sugar is high but under the diabetes threshold - have risen sharply in England, from 12% of adults with the condition in 2003 to 35% in 2011.

Low cholesterol not a good sign for patients with kidney cancer

Date: Jun-13-2014
A study finds that low blood cholesterol before treatment is tied to more advanced tumor stages and cancer spread in patients with kidney cancer.

Does finding a sex partner via phone app increase STI risk?

Date: Jun-13-2014
New study investigates whether there is a higher risk of infection when finding a sexual partner using a smartphone app, compared with online dating sites or meeting in person.

Study links low vitamin D levels with premature death

Date: Jun-13-2014
A study from the University of California-San Diego suggests that people with lower vitamin D levels may be at higher risk of early death than those with higher vitamin D levels.

Processed red meat consumption 'linked to heart failure'

Date: Jun-13-2014
Red meat has been previously linked to increased risk of heart failure. Now, a new study separately examines the heart risks associated with processed and unprocessed red meat.

Brain waves synchronize 'in order to learn'

Date: Jun-12-2014
By measuring the EEG signals of monkeys learning a sorting task, MIT researchers have demonstrated how the brain forms new electrical circuits linking brain regions when learning.

Animal-assisted therapy: is it undervalued as an alternative treatment?

Date: Jun-12-2014
Animal-assisted therapy is growing in popularity. But should there be more research in the field to better determine its benefits? And could it replace standard medication?