Health News for December 27, 2007

An experts take on how to protect pets during winter
When the mercury drops, people tend to bring their pets inside for warmth, but keeping the dog with heavy coats in a slightly cooler room or the garage is a better idea, says a veterinarian. ANI

Novel one-two punch therapy could slow down progression of breast cancer
A large clinical trial of Avastin, an anti-angiogenic therapy has concluded that a new one-two punch therapy that utilizes the drug in combination with chemotherapy, results in slowing down the progression of recurrent breast cancer. ANI

Magnetic stimulation may help treat musicians muscle spasms
A new research has found that musicians dystonia, a movement disorder that causes muscles spasms in musicians, may be treated by a therapy that stimulates the hand muscles. ANI

High triglycerides, other cholesterol linked to increased risk of stroke
A new research by the University of California -Los Angeles has revealed that people with high triglycerides (fatty acids), and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol have an increased risk of a certain type of stroke. ANI

Interacting with emergency patients may help reduce their risky drinking
A collaborative study has suggested that asking emergency department patients about their alcohol use and talking to them about how to reduce harmful drinking patterns, is an effective way to lower the rates of risky drinking in these patients. ANI

Personalized molecular medicine may revolutionize treatment of genetic disorders
A leading US genetic researcher has predicted that individualized molecular therapies to cure genetic disorders will be the next innovation in the field of medicine. ANI

Miracle cure for liver fibrosis on the anvil
A study on mice has shown that fibrosis in the liver can not only be stopped but also reverse some of the cell damage that has already occurred, paving way for the development of a modified protein leading to the first cure for such liver diseases. ANI

Allergies may soon be history
Researchers at the Imperial College of London have discovered a mechanism that can lead to hay fever and other allergic reactions, thus opening up the possibility for new therapies that would treat allergies by stopping this mechanism. ANI