Health News for December 16, 2007

Short sleep times in patients with chronic medical diagnoses increases obesity risk
A recent study has revealed that short sleep times in patients with chronic medical diagnoses increases the risk of obesity. ANI

NHS takes an about turn on prostate cancer treatment
Scientists at the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) in Britain have decided to restrict the use of ultrasound therapy to cure prostate cancer in earlier stages. ANI

Infants fine-tune visual and auditory systems to stimuli during first year of life
Psychologists at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have found that infants fine-tune their visual and auditory systems to stimuli during the first year of life, essentially weeding out unnecessary discriminatory abilities. ANI

New laser scanner to provide 3D view inside tumours
Scientists have developed a new laser scanner that can give 3D view of the deformed blood vessels inside tumours. ANI

Nicotine snuff slammed by anti-smoking campaigners
Anti-smoking campaigners have slammed a new snuff product, claiming that it is unsafe and is being targeted at teenagers. ANI

Brain cancer drug study shows promising results
A study on the use of Avastin, a drug used to extend the survival of patients with the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme, has yielded significantly better results than it was expected. ANI

Behavioral therapy can effectively reduce tic disorders
A new research has pointed out that behavioral programs and procedures can prove beneficial in place of drugs, for the reduction of symptoms of psychological problems like tic disorders. ANI