Health News

Stimulating spinal cord protects against Parkinson's symptoms

Date: Jan-25-2014
Long-term treatment that involves electrically stimulating the spinal cord has improved symptoms of Parkinson's disease in rats. Publishing the results of their study in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers from Duke Medicine are hopeful their findings could help human Parkinson's patients.The team, led by Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, professor of neurobiology at Duke University, built on their own previous research, which showed that stimulating rats' spinal cords with electrical signals temporarily eased symptoms of the disease.

'Watch' cites concern about femoral neck fractures in long-necked modular implants

Date: Jan-25-2014
JBJS Case Connector, an online case report journal published by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, has issued a "Watch" regarding femoral neck fractures in patients whose implants used modular head-neck and neck-stem designs. While some of these designs are no longer available from manufacturers, thousands of such devices have already been implanted. This Watch encourages surgeons to be wary about one specific aspect of modular hip designs: long femoral necks.

Small fetal size in pregnancy could indicate future heart problems

Date: Jan-24-2014
A study published in the BMJ has linked poor growth in the first 3 months (the first trimester) of pregnancy with poor heart health later in life.The rate of human development is highest during the first trimester of pregnancy, and this is when the cardiovascular and metabolic organs form. The growth of the fetus in this time is influenced by many factors, including the age of the mother and whether she smokes, ethnicity and blood pressure. Various health problems can be indicated by the size of a fetus during its first trimester.

Transmissible dog cancer genome sheds light on cancer evolution

Date: Jan-24-2014
The genome of the world's oldest continuously surviving cancer - an 11,000-year-old genital cancer in dogs that can be transmitted during mating - is helping scientists understand underlying factors that drive cancer evolution in general.The latest study, in which researchers describe the genome and evolution of the cancer, has been published in the journal Science.They note that cancer normally lives and dies with a single person. There is no need to panic, however, as there is currently no known transmissible cancer in humans.

Caffeine: how does it really affect our health?

Date: Jan-24-2014
When we wake up in the morning, many of us reach for a coffee to kick-start our day. According to the International Coffee Organization, approximately 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day.The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) state that the average amount of caffeine consumed in the US is approximately 300 mg per person per day - the equivalent to between two and four cups of coffee. This is considered to be a moderate caffeine intake, which according to many studies, can promote a variety of health benefits.

SMi's 10th annual imaging conference - Maximising the value of imaging in oncology drug development, 12-13 March 2014, London

Date: Jan-24-2014
Explore new opportunities for cost-effective imaging management - Maximising the Value of Imaging in Oncology Drug Development

SMi's 10th annual imaging conference, taking place on the 12-13 March in London, will provide comprehensive insights into the usage of imaging in clinical trials, giving delegates access to the latest information, legislation and case studies across the industry from innovators including Roche Diagnostics, Novartis and GSK, among others.

Cancer survivors who exercise live longer

Date: Jan-24-2014
Earlier diagnosis and medical improvements means many cancer survivors are living longer. Now, a new study of over 1,000 male cancer survivors suggests being physically active may add even more years to their lives.The study investigators, including researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, report their findings in the January issue of the Journal of Physical Activity & Health.

Clasado and University of Oxford demonstrate effect of prebiotics on brain and gut in pre-clinical study

Date: Jan-24-2014
Clasado, the manufacturers and suppliers of the second generation prebiotic Bimuno®, and The Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, have announced the results of pre-clinical research demonstrating prebiotics affect the relationship between the gut and the brain. This collaborative research will complement and serve as a precursor to current human trials.The research was supported by funding provided by the Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Research Council (BBSRC).

European Commission grants orphan drug status to Eisai's amatuximab for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma

Date: Jan-24-2014
The investigational monoclonal antibody amatuximab (development code: MORAb-009), has been granted orphan drug designation (ODD) for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma by the European Commission. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects an estimated 1 in 50,000 (0.2/10,000) people per year in Europe.[1] Studies have shown highest incidence in the UK and Ireland and lowest in Eastern Europe.[1] This aggressive form of lung cancer is caused by asbestos exposure and despite a dramatic decrease in asbestos use since the mid-70s its incidence is expected to increase.

Research presents new hope of early diagnosis of major cause of blindness

Date: Jan-24-2014
Research is under way to develop new techniques for detecting diabetic retinopathy at early onset with the hope of improving prevention and treatment of this major cause of blindness.Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes, occurring when high blood sugar levels damage the cells in the retina at the back of the eye.The disease is the most common cause of sight loss in people of working age. It is estimated that in England every year 4,200 people are at risk of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy, with 1,280 new cases identified annually.