Health News for July 17, 2008

Killing mosquitoes may up prevalence of deadliest form of dengue
While mosquito controlling measures are considered to be the only way to fight dengue, a large-scale survey in Thailand has revealed that fewer mosquitoes may increase the prevalence of the deadliest form of the disease. ANI

Health experts blame Brits abroad for rise in sex infections
With the cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reaching new heights in the UK, health experts have blamed randy Brits abroad for bringing back unwanted holiday souvenirs. ANI

Absence of specialized cells linked to asthma, allergies
Researchers from NYU School of Medicine have revealed that asthma and other allergies are tied to absence of specialized cells that block allergic reactions.The researchers have identified a class of custom-made T-cells manufactured according to instructions from a gene called Foxp3 whenever we eat or inhale a potential allergen for the first time. ANI

Scientists try to trace the history of cancer development
Weizmann Institute scientists have devised a way to reconstruct a cells family tree, and applied the technique to trace the history of the development of cancer. ANI

Why some people may naturally be resistant to HIV/AIDS
A new study from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) suggests that some people may be naturally resistant to infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. ANI

Booster vaccination may avert future avian influenza pandemic
In a breakthrough study, researchers have found evidence that a booster vaccination against H5N1 avian influenza given years after initial vaccination with a different strain may turn out to be the key to controlling a potential future pandemic. ANI

Low-carb, Mediterranean diet just as safe as low-fat diet for losing weight
A medically prescribed low fat-diet is not the only way to shed those extra kilos, for a low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diet may turn out to be a promising alternative for weight loss, says a two-year study led by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). ANI

Tooth loss could be behind your blues
Feeling depressed or unable to face people? Well, in that case, check your smile, for tooth loss can be the reason why youre feeling so gloomy. ANI

Men and womens bodies wired for different diet plans
Cant help to understand why your husbands diet chart is not helping you get rid of those love handles? Well, a group of researchers have the answer for your query: men and women need different diet plans to increase longevity and reproduction. ANI

Gene variant in people with African ancestry ups HIV infection risk
An Indian-origin researcher at South Texas Veterans Health Care System and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio says that a variant of a gene found only in people of African ancestry increases the chances of becoming infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) by 40 per cent. ANI

Tobacco industry manipulating cigarette menthol to attract young smokers
A new study has found that manufacturers are deliberately manipulating menthol content in cigarettes to attract young people. ANI

Cancer survival varies widely between countries
A global analysis has shown that cancer survival rate varies widely among different countries ANI

Magnetic Nanoparticles flush cancer cells out of mices bodies
Georgia Tech scientists have devised a novel way to flush cancer cells out of the body using magnetic nanoparticles. ANI

Most teen smokers struggle to quit smoking
A new study has shown that most teens who try to kick the butt fail in their attempts following an increase in cravings, thus losing confidence in their ability to give up the habit. ANI