Health News for September 12, 2007

3 fresh polio cases detected from Aligarh
Health officials have detected three fresh cases of polio from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, a region seen as a key global battleground against the paralysing disease. ANI

New instrumentation may help fight obesity, diabetes
The University of Queensland researchers hope to deal with growing obesity and diabetes epidemics with the help of a new instrumentation that will determine how to produce food which is nutritional yet palatable. ANI

Diesel exhaust kills throat cells: Study
Deakin University researchers say that diesel exhaust is far more injurious to health than exhaust from the plant-based biodiesel. ANI

New laser device may revolutionize glaucoma surgery
A professor from the university of Tel Aviv has developed a novel laser device that can revolutionize the treatment of glaucoma. ANI

Virus that destroys aggressive brain tumour stem cells developed
A team of researchers have developed a tailored virus that destroys brain tumour stem cells that resist other treatment and cause re-growth of cancer after surgery. ANI

Scientists identify brain network related to intelligence
Researchers at two universities in the US say that they have identified a brain network related to intelligence. ANI

Higher education levels linked to reduced cancer risk
Researchers at the American Cancer Society have found that having some education beyond high school is strongly associated with a decreased risk of developing cancer. ANI

Common amino acid may help curb peoples urges to gamble
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that a common amino acid that is easily available as a health food supplement may help restrain pathological gamblers addiction. ANI

Higher exposure to foetal testosterone linked to autistic traits
A study by Cambridge University researchers suggests that children who have faced exposure to higher levels of testosterone in the womb may develop autistic traits. ANI

Soft drinks alone do not make kids obese
Soft drinks are often blamed for the increase of obesity in kids, but a new study has found that the fizzy drinks alone do no influence a childs weight. ANI

Nicotine may increase atherosclerosis risk
A new study has added to the list of health problems posed by smoking, by finding that it also contributes to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. ANI

Generic prostate drug helps detect fast-growing prostate cancers early
A new study suggests that generic drug finasteride, commonly used to treat enlarged prostate, also increases the chances of an early detection of fast-growing prostate cancers. ANI

Diet rich in fruity vegetables and fish reduces asthma, allergy in kids
A seven-year study of Spanish children has revealed that giving kids a diet rich in fish and fruity vegetables can reduce asthma and allergies. ANI

An ounce of dark chocolate a day may keep heart diseases at bay
Chocolate has already been linked with many health benefits, and now, a food scientist has given chocoholics another reason to savour their favourite sweet by suggesting that dark chocolate prevents heart disease. ANI

The pill can cut cancer risk by 12 percent
A new research has found that taking the contraceptive pill could actually reduce a womans risk of contracting cancer by up to 12 percent. ANI

Breastfeeding has no protective effect against allergies, asthma
A new research has contradicted the findings of earlier studies by showing that breastfeeding does not protect against asthma and allergies. ANI