Health News for December 5, 2007

British Columbia, India partner to improve public health
The Simon Fraser University will help India produce research pioneers and public health professionals; and combat infectious diseases, thanks to two agreements signed today as part of Premier Gordon Campbells mission to Asia. ANI

Seven steps to keep cold and flu at bay in winter
With winters, comes the dreaded cold and flu. However, following a few simple actions is all one needs to do to significantly reduce your chances of getting sick or spreading germs to family, friends and coworkers. ANI

2-year study of robotic rehab system underway
Robotics engineers at Rice University have joined hands with doctors at leading rehabilitation hospital Memorial Hermann|TIRR to develop a computer-based system for physical rehabilitation. ANI

Some common treatments for sinus infections may be ineffective
A recent study has revealed that taking some common treatments of acute sinus including an antibiotic and a topical steroid may do you no good. ANI

Scientists discover genetic basis for why high-carb diets make us fatter
A high-carb diet has always been considered as a factor behind piling on the pounds. Now, a study in mice conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has found that the genetic basis as to why this happens. ANI

Botox used to control debilitating bladder disorder
Botox not only helps you get rid of all those wrinkles and laughter lines, but will now be used to regain control over involuntary bladder contractions thanks to a procedure performed at UT Southwestern Medical Center. ANI

Optimism not always good for long-term goals
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research has revealed that being optimistic is not always beneficial, for it may lead people to make such immediate choices as go against their long-term goals. ANI

Protein that monitors blood vessel growth identified
Scientists have identified a protein which seems to play a significant role in monitoring new blood vessel growth, thereby preventing a number of problems. ANI

Violent sex gives insects immunity system a boost
Researchers have found that violent sex acts in insects may actually aid in boosting their immunity. ANI

Protein activation boosts average lifespan in mice, limits age-related diseases
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that stimulating a protein in muscle tissue can increase the average lifespan of mice and also foil some age-related diseases. ANI

Fluoridated tap water benefits older adults even more than kids
Fluoridated tap water benefits not just kids, but as a new study confirms, older adults also. ANI

Sunlight helps cut kids myopia risks by boosting dopamine levels
If your children cringe whenever they step out in the sun then its time to make them stand in the sun and tell them to keep their eyes wide open as according to findings of an Australian study, which states that this may stop kids from becoming short-sighted. ANI

Transplanted bone marrow cells lead to nerve regeneration
A study has revealed that transplanted bone marrow cells can successfully regenerate damaged nerves and can be an important milestone in developing artificial nerves. ANI

Transcendental meditation helps reduce blood pressure
A new study has revealed that people with high blood pressure may find relief from it through Transcendental Meditation. ANI

Worlds most powerful MRI machine ready to scan human brain
Safety trials with the worlds most powerful medical magnetic resonance imaging machine, the 9.4 Tesla at the University of Illinois at Chicago, have been completed successfully. ANI

Fitness, not weight, may be stronger predictor of older adults longevity
A new study has found that fitness level, not body fat, could be stronger in judging longevity for older adults. ANI

Computer calls deliver the push couch potatoes need to exercise
Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have found a new way to encourage sedentary adults to exercise - Computer-generated phone calls. ANI

Low birth weight babies risk developing depression, anxiety in later life
A landmark study has revealed that babies born with low weight are more likely to go through depression and anxiety in later life. ANI