Health News for July 25, 2007

Bird flu outbreak reported in Manipur
The Manipur government today reported an outbreak of Avian Influenza in Chingmeirong village in East Imphal District of the state. ANI

Enzyme study sheds new light on vitamin D
A study of an enzyme by Queens researchers has shed new light on how the sunshine vitamin D, which is increasingly used to treat and prevent cancer and other diseases, is broken down by the body. ANI

Radiation therapy right after spinal cord injury quickens healing process
A new study conducted on rats with crushed spinal cords has revealed that combining radiation therapy to destroy harmful cells and microsurgery to drain excess fluids soon after injury significantly increases the bodys ability to repair the injured cord leading to permanent recovery from injury. ANI

Implantable contraceptives thwart pregnancy equally well
A new study has revealed that implantable contraceptives are extremely effective when it comes to preventing unplanned pregnancies. ANI

Teen girls get more depressed behind bars than boys
A new study has revealed that girls in juvenile detention centres face surprisingly different psychological issues than average teen girls and, in some ways, more severe problems than incarcerated boys. ANI

Mums more likely to pass Autism to their kids
Scientists have developed a new model for understanding how autism is acquired, and have found that women are most likely to pass the disorder to their children. ANI

Faster-acting antidepressants may soon be a reality
A new study has shed more light on how the medication ketamine, when used experimentally for depression, relieves symptoms of the disorder in hours instead of the weeks or months that current antidepressants take to work. ANI

Novel approach may aid faster malaria vaccine discovery, development
A new joint study has established a novel approach for the rapid discovery and development of malaria vaccine. ANI

Early medical attention may increase longevity of HIV infected babies
A new study has revealed that HIV infected babies have better chances of survival if they get medical attention prior to the weakening of their immune system. ANI

Eat fish -- especially if you go on a booze bender every week
If you cant limit the amount of alcohol you drink, then the least you can do is add fish to your diet, for the latter helps boost up levels of essential fatty acids that binge drinking lowers. ANI

Metabolic defect in liver that can cause obesity identified
Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center have identified a genetically transmitted metabolic defect that can lead to obesity in some individuals. The defect involves decreased production of liver enzymes needed to burn fat and may help to explain why some people become obese while others remain thin. ANI