Health News for July 26, 2007

Culling of poultry begins in Manipur
With the Central and Manipur Governments confirming an outbreak of bird flu (H5NI strain) in the State, Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been mobilised and culling of poultry has begun today.Official sources said that poultry will be killed in a radius of five kilometres of the infected site, which lies on the border with Myanmar. ANI

Scientists find link between air pollution and clogged arteries
Research has indicated that air pollution has a role to play in atherosclerosis (artery hardening), which can contribute to heart attacks or strokes. ANI

Teens resistance to peer pressure may lie in the brain
A new research has found that the ability to resist peer pressure in early adolescence may depend on the strength of connections between certain areas of the brain. ANI

Older diabetes drugs may still be the best option
A new study conducted by Johns Hopkins researchers has shown that a type 2 diabetes drug, which is taken orally and is in widespread use for more than a decade, has distinct advantages over nine other, mostly newer medications used to control the chronic disease. ANI

South Korean mummies may offer clues to battle Hepatitis B
Mummies that have recently been unearthed in South Korea may provide clues on how to combat hepatitis B, according to a study. ANI

New implanted stimulator may help stem epileptic seizures
Researchers are testing the effectiveness of the Responsive Neurostimulator System (RNS) an implanted stimulator made by Neuropace in stemming seizures before they start in people with uncontrolled epilepsy. ANI

Viagra may be a panacea for many ills
Viagra is used only to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary hypertension, but a new study suggests that the drug may have potential for treating several other conditions. ANI

Mobile phone masts dont make people fall ill
A new study has revealed that the theory that exposure to signals from mobile phone masts cause people to fall ill may be unfounded, for there is no evidence to prove the same. ANI

Microfluidic chip may soon automate conception
Scientists are working on a microfluidic chip that may help automate the first stages of pregnancy, such as fertilisation of sperm and eggs. ANI

Obesity spreads through social ties
It may not seem possible, but the fact is that the type of friends and family that you surround yourself with not only effects your behaviour, but also your weight. ANI

Biologic therapies valuable option for inflammatory bowel disease
A new study has found that the use of biologic agents for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may benefit patients. ANI

Gene behind itch sensation identified
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have for the first time identified the gene that is responsible for the itch sensation. ANI

Scientists find how HIV enters immune cells with ease
Scientists have made an important discovery that aids the understanding of why HIV enters immune cells with ease. ANI

Hand gestures improve learning and retention power
A new research has found that hand gestures dramatically improve learning and understanding a new concept. ANI