Health (General) – Newsletter for February 15, 2011

Even minor cuts ‘can trigger tumour’

LONDON – Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, have found that even a minor cut can rouse dormant cancer cells into forming a tumour.

To determine how cancerous genetic mutations become tumours, Sunny Wong and colleagues engineered mice to express a human cancer gene in hair follicle stem cells.

They then sliced a small patch …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Even minor cuts ‘can trigger tumour’.

Red wine makes cancer drug more potent

LONDON – Resveratrol, a compound which gives red wine its colour, makes breast cancer drug rapamycin more potent.

Lab tests found the ingredient can prevent cancer cells from developing resistance to the drug.
Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant produced by plants such as grapes, raspberries, cranberries and peanuts to fight off fungal and bacterial infections, … Read more >>.

Mild asthma might not need to be treated every day: Study

LONDON – A new study by US researchers suggests that mild asthma might not need to be treated daily.

A “preventer” inhaler containing corticosteroid is part of many asthma sufferers’ daily routine, but it can result in reduced growth and children often forget to take it.

The new study shows that it is possible to manage the …. Source  : Mild asthma might not need to be treated every day: Study.

Michelle Obama to be a guest on Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards

WASHINGTON – US First Lady Michelle Obama, who celebrated the one-year anniversary of her obesity campaign last week, is all set to appear on Cartoon Network.

The network has announced that Mrs. Obama will be a special guest on Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards.

“Mrs. Obama will appear onscreen to announce a set of schools that …. Source  : Michelle Obama to be a guest on Cartoon Network’s Hall of Game Awards.

Obesity is a killer in its own right

LONDON – Scientists have suggested that obesity is a killer in its own right, irrespective of other biological or social risk factors traditionally associated with coronary heart disease.

Increasing weight is associated with a higher prevalence of known risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

And it has … Read : Obesity is a killer in its own right.

Does psychotherapy induce changes in the brain?

TORONTO – Medication and psychotherapy both help people with an anxiety disorder. But research on the effects of psychotherapy on nerve cells has lagged far behind that on medication-induced changes in the brain.

Social anxiety boils down to overwhelming fears of interacting with others and expectations of being harshly judged.
“We wanted to track …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Does psychotherapy induce changes in the brain?.

Moderate-to-heavy alcohol intake may increase risk of abnormal heart rhythm

WASHINGTON – A new study has found that moderate to heavy alcohol intake may increase risk of atrial fibrillation (AF).

AF is the most common cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm). Atrial fibrillation alone is not in itself generally life-threatening, but it may result in palpitations, fainting, chest pain, or congestive heart failure.

There is no doubt that … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Moderate-to-heavy alcohol intake may increase risk of abnormal heart rhythm.

Red wine compound ‘can give a boost to breast cancer treatment’

WASHINGTON – Scientists have discovered that resveratrol – a compound found in red wine – when combined with rapamycin can have a tumor-suppressing effect on breast cancer cells that are resistant to rapamycin alone.

The study, conducted by researchers from Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, also indicated that the PTEN tumor-suppressing gene contributes to resveratrol’s anti-tumor … Original source on Gaea Times at : Red wine compound ‘can give a boost to breast cancer treatment’.

Rent-a-womb: India becoming surrogate pregnancy hub

NEW DELHI – Surrogate pregnancy, an assisted reproductive technique (ART) in which a woman carries in her womb the baby of another woman, has seen a spurt in India. Due to the healthier lifestyles of to-be mothers and lower costs compared to the West, the country could become a global hub in the field, gynaecology … Original article on : Rent-a-womb: India becoming surrogate pregnancy hub.

Fibre intake lowers death risk

WASHINGTON – Dietary fibre tends to lower death risk from cardiovascular, infectious and respiratory diseases, a study conducted over a nine-year period says.

Fibre from edible plants is known to ease bowel movements, reduce blood cholesterol levels, improve blood glucose levels, lower blood pressure, promote weight loss and reduce inflammation, among other benefits.
… Read : Fibre intake lowers death risk.