Health (General) – Newsletter for December 23, 2010

Discovery suggests new way to prevent HIV from infecting human cells

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered how HIV binds to and destroys a specific human antiviral protein called APOBEC3F.

The results suggest that a simple chemical change can convert APOBEC3F to a more effective antiviral agent and that shielding of a common feature …. Read the original article  : Discovery suggests new way to prevent HIV from infecting human cells.

Cancer-causing chemical found in tap water of 31 US cities

WASHINGTON – Hexavalent chromium, an industrial chemical and a major health risk highlighted in the movie “Erin Brockovich” in 2000, continues to haunt Americans. A national survey has found that the drinking water in 31 US cities is contaminated with the substance.

The award-winning film recounts the legal battle waged by residents of Hinkley, California …. Read the original article  : Cancer-causing chemical found in tap water of 31 US cities.

American ’stroke belt’ fuelled by too much of fried fish

WASHINGTON – Fried fish is a major reason as to why people in Alabama and across the “stroke belt” states are likelier than other Americans to die of a stroke, according to a new study.

The REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke) trial led by George Howard at the University of Alabama at … Read more »»».

Arsenic-based agent shuts down hard-to-treat cancers

WASHINGTON – An arsenic-based agent already FDA-approved for a type of leukemia may be helpful in another hard-to-treat cancer, Ewing’s Sarcoma (ES), say scientists at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The research, based on animal studies, also suggests the drug might be beneficial in treating medulloblastoma, a highly malignant pediatric brain cancer.

The investigators described … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Arsenic-based agent shuts down hard-to-treat cancers.

Designer probiotics could help in the fight against obesity

WASHINGTON – Scientists from the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC), Cork, University College Cork and Teagasc, in Ireland say that specially designed probiotics can modulate the physiology of host fat cells.

According to researchers, the findings could lead to specialised probiotics that have a role in the prevention or treatment of conditions such as obesity.cientists engineered a …. Read the original article  : Designer probiotics could help in the fight against obesity.

Eating habits that ensure a longer life

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that the leading causes of death are no more infectious diseases but chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer – which may be affected by food habits.

Researchers investigated eating patterns of over 2500 adults between the ages of 70 and 79 over a ten-year period and found …. Source  : Eating habits that ensure a longer life.

Mercury makes eco-bulbs ‘a health hazard for babies and pregnant’

LONDON – The European Union is phasing out the traditional ‘incandescent bulbs’ used for more than 120 years and is forcing people to switch to low-energy alternatives to meet its climate change targets.

However, energy-saving light bulbs are at the centre of a fresh health scare after researchers claimed that these bulbs could release potentially …. Source  : Mercury makes eco-bulbs ‘a health hazard for babies and pregnant’.

Mike Huckabee defends Michelle Obama in food fight with Sarah Palin

WASHINGTON – Potential Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has defended US First Lady Michelle Obama on her push to combat childhood obesity.

He said Sarah Palin was wrong to mock the first lady’s fight against childhood obesity in the latest episode of her reality TV show ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’, reports the Politico.

“With all due respect to …. Original article  : Mike Huckabee defends Michelle Obama in food fight with Sarah Palin.

Obese people likelier to report exercise as trigger for asthma: Study

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that obese people are likelier to report exercise as the trigger for asthma.

“Compared with normal-weight participants, patients who were overweight or obese were more likely to report ETA (exercise-induced asthma),” said Simon Bacon, a professor at the Concordia Department of Exercise Science and a researcher at the Hopital … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obese people likelier to report exercise as trigger for asthma: Study.

Nagging partners ‘can give you heartache’

WASHINGTON – Nagging from a partner significantly increases the risk of suffering angina, the precursor to coronary artery disease, according to a new study.

Dealing with worries from children and other family members also adds to the burden, researchers said.

Previous research has indicated that rewarding personal relationships are a boost for heart health, so authors wanted …. Read the original article  : here.