Health News

Extract of the plant cats claw may harbour dengue cure
A plant from the Amazon region called the cats claw has been found to be effective in combating dengue. ANI

Yeast studies provide clue about controlling cholesterol levels
Johns Hopkins researchers say that they have gained significant insights into the mechanism whereby a single-celled fungus regulates its version of cholesterol. ANI

Stress-related disorders deteriorates brains memory processing ability
Using functional MRI (fMRI), a researcher team, which was led by an Indian-origin scientist, has found that patients suffering from stress-related psychiatric disorders have impaired wiring in the area of the brain behind suppressing memory. ANI

Health News for August 20, 2008

Infection inhibits lungs protective response against tobacco smoke
Researchers at National Jewish Health have shown that an infection that often goes undetected can inhibit lungs natural protective response against tobacco smoke. ANI

How a diet rich in antioxidants prevents macular degeneration
A new study has revealed how a diet rich in antioxidants can prevent the leading cause of age-related blindness in developed countries. ANI

Folic acid-fortified bread may not cut death risk for heart patients
Fortifying bread with folic acid may not help reduce the risk of death among patients with heart disease, according to a news study. ANI

Silver-coated breathing tubes reduce pneumonia by 36pc
Endotracheal tubes coated with silver may help reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by 36 per cent among critically ill patients, say researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the NASCENT Investigation Group. ANI

Vitamin B may not benefit patients with coronary artery disease
Vitamin B supplements might not be effective in reducing death risk in patients with coronary artery disease, say researchers. ANI

Red grapes can act as superfoods in battle against heart attacks
The humble red grape lessens blood pressure, cholesterol levels and even the risk of heart disease, Madrid University scientists have found. ANI

Second-hand smoke can up lung disease risk
Low-level exposure to cadmium attained through second-hand smoke and other means can put people at an increased risk of developing lung disease, says a new University of Michigan School of Public Health study. ANI

New research may revolutionise sexual dysfunction treatment
Initial results of several studies presented by young researchers at a recent conference give new hope for people with sexual dysfunction. ANI

New method of growing human embryonic stem cells may revolutionise Parkinsons therapy
UC Riverside researchers have devised a way to grow human embryonic stem cells in the lab without using animal derived materials, bringing the use of embryonic stem cells for medical purposes closer to reality. ANI

Simple ultrasound may help predict heart attack risk
Repeat exams using simple and inexpensive ultrasound can help identify patients at high risk for a heart attack or other adverse cardiovascular events, according to a group of researchers. ANI

Arsenic exposure linked with increased diabetes risk
A new study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has found that inorganic arsenic, commonly found in ground water in certain areas, may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. ANI

Scientists convert stem cells into human blood enough for transfusions
Scientists in the U.S. have announced a significant breakthrough that may provide an almost limitless supply of blood suitable for transfusion into any patient. ANI

New approach can better predict and diagnose dementia
The accuracy of the prediction of dementia among older adults can be improved by measuring how much a persons performance varies across several neuropsychological tests, according to a study. ANI

Having grapefruit juice with certain drugs could lower their effectiveness
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario in London, have found that grapefruit and other common fruit juices, including orange and apple, substantially decrease the absorption of certain drugs, potentially wiping out their beneficial effects. ANI