Health News for December 19, 2007

Researchers pave the way for new generation of cochlear implants
Rutgers University researchers have made a discovery that may help introduce significant improvement in cochlear implants. ANI

Bodys natural painkiller identified
A new study in mice has shown that getting rid of an enzyme called c-Kit increases pain tolerance. ANI

Unsupervised children turn out healthier and more sociable
Children who are allowed to go out unsupervised grow up to be healthier and more sociable, according to a new study. ANI

Sliced cactus can cure your hangover
Suffering from a hangover? Well, then just take a bite of sliced cactus. ANI

Chinese scientists develop artificial skin for patients
Imagine, doctors taking out a piece of artificial skin stored in the refrigerator and curing patients with skin damage. Well, this fantasy may soon be a reality, for Chinese scientists have come up with artificial skin that may be very beneficial for patients in need of a skin transplant. ANI

Intensive training can fuel repair in brain, spinal cord post injury
Researchers at the University of Alberta have revealed that intensive rehabilitation training for patients with spinal cord injuries can stimulate repair in the brain and spinal cord. ANI

Kids living in deprived communities have reduced verbal ability
Children who live in the severely disadvantaged communities have decreased verbal ability later in childhood that continues even after moving out of the neighbourhood, says a study. ANI

Researchers warn Dolphin therapy may be a dangerous fad
Researchers have warned people suffering from chronic mental or physical disabilities that they should not opt for a dolphin healing experience ANI

Our bodies have a built-in exercise monitor
A new study has shown that we all have a highly accurate built-in exercise monitor, that reviews how hard our bodies are working, often with extraordinary precision. ANI

New gene therapy can help heal genetic growth disorder
Researchers at the Vanderbilt University have developed a new gene therapy that could heal a genetic disorder called Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency type II (IGHD-II). ANI

Genetic mutation causes hardening of the arteries
A study has revealed that a genetic mutation is responsible for the hardening of arteries. ANI

Genetic link to spina bifida discovered
A research has uncovered an association between the genes regulating glucose metabolism and spina bifida, a condition where the spine of the baby fails to close during the first months of pregnancy. ANI

Regular moderate drinking not harmful in later life
People above 65 years of age need not reduce their intake of liquor if they stick to the same guidelines about alcohol consumption as younger adults, with two new studies suggesting that regular moderate drinking does not pose additional risks to the elderly. ANI

Brain signature for cigarette cravings identified
A new neuroimaging study conducted by researchers in the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania has shown that cigarette cravings in smokers deprived of nicotine, are associated with increased activation in specific regions of the brain. ANI

Creative activity helps people stay healthy
A new study has suggested that employees who have more control over their daily activities and can take up challenging tasks they enjoy, are likely to be in better health. ANI

Arthritis and cancer treatment may be promising diabetes treatment
An antibody used in the treatment of certain cancers and rheumatoid arthritis may be a promising treatment for diabetes, say researchers at the Yale School of Medicine. ANI