UF review of resveratrol studies confirms potential health boost

[John Dunn] A University of Florida review of research finds the polyphenol compound known as resveratrol found in red wine, grapes and other fruits may not prevent old age, but it might make it more tolerable. Read more >>

False negative tests in breast cancer may lead to wrong drug choice

A team of Yale Cancer Centre researchers has confirmed that between 10-20% of breast cancers classified as Estrogen Receptor (ER) negative are really positive. Understanding when and why breast cancers may be misclassified has important implications for treatment and outcomes for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Its findings are published online in the June 28 Journal of Clinical Oncology. Read more >>

Study shows effective method of lung cancer screening

Results from the National Lung Screening Trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, show that patients who receive low-dose computerised tomography (LDCT) scans once per year for three years to detect lung cancer experience a 20% lower risk of death from lung cancer than those who are screened using standard chest X-rays. This finding led National Cancer Institute (NCI) investigators to halt the study early and release results. Read more >>

Do ONE thing!

'One World, One Home, One Heart'. This is the theme for World Heart Day on 29 September 2011. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) is challenging all South Africans to do just ONE thing to improve the health of their heart during Heart Awareness Month in September. Read more >>

Life-saving drug out of stock

A shortage of a life-saving drug used to treat people who have cryptococcal meningitis has left hospitals scrambling to find alternative treatment for their patients. Read more >>

Diepsloot Combined School gets first Muhammad Ali Centre Peace Garden

The first Muhammad Ali Centre Peace Garden in South Africa has been established at the Diepsloot Combined School to benefit approximately 1600 students by supplying fresh fruit and vegetables for the school's feeding programme, which feeds children two meals a day. Read more >>

'First Class Hospital Housekeeping' - a 'must attend' OHMC 2011 Workshop

Hospital housekeeping services have a direct influence on the health, comfort and morale of patients, staff and visitors. A top notch hospital housekeeping service can raise sanitation levels, and at the same time reduce man-hours and costs. Read more >>

Private hospitals milk medical aids: Motsoaledi

Private hospitals are ripping off workers, employers and medical aid schemes by charging as much as R15000 for a simple 30-minute medical circumcision that costs R400 at a public hospital. Read more >>

South Africans shirk medical insurance

The figures are staggering. About 84% of South Africans have no medical aid, which suggests that most families are using already overburdened public health-care facilities. A National Health Insurance Scheme is still being considered but, in the meantime, the vast majority of citizens are struggling. Read more >>

Study explores what is likely to bring a sense of well-being in old age

Key investigators from the UK and China are to analyse the most in-depth surveys on aging ever carried out in both countries to explore what key factors affect different dimensions of the well-being of the elderly. They will also compare differences between the two countries on what it means to be old in research that aims to inform policy makers looking to develop programmes to support the elderly. Read more >>

DNA cages 'can survive inside living cells'

Scientists at Oxford University have shown for the first time that molecular cages made from DNA can enter and survive inside living cells. Read more >>

Man's best friend is helping us to understand cancer in humans better

Comparative oncology explores the biology and therapy of naturally occurring cancer in animals. Scientists are now finding that certain types of cancer in dogs are remarkably similar to those in humans, in both how they develop and how they behave in response to treatment. Read more >>

High-intensity ultrasound provides new approach to body sculpting

Noninvasive technique reduces waist size in non-obese patients, study finds. Read more >>

Nerve cells grown from stem cells give insight into Parkinson's

Oxford University researchers have succeeded in using stem cell technology to grow nerve cells in the laboratory from initial skin samples taken from Parkinson's patients. It's the first large-scale effort of its kind in the UK. Read more >>

Here's a better way to remember

Memories are more likely to stick if learning includes regular periods of rest. Now researchers think they know why. Read more >>

UK research spend on cancer doubles within a decade; most fatal cancers see investment

Partners of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) spent more than £500 million on cancer research last year, nearly double the amount spent almost 10 years ago, according to new figures1. Read more >>

All TV, no talk makes Jack a dull boy

Children whose parents encourage early communication are better at talking by the age of two and fare better when they start school. Read more >>

Programs may prevent tooth decay in tots

A toddler's tiny teeth are destined to fall out in later years as their permanent pearly whites grow in. However, for some children, especially those from low-income families, cavities and poor oral health lead to complicated dental problems long before they even graduate from their cribs. Read more >>

Research shows 16-month-olds infer causes of failed actions

Using a very small amount of statistical information, 16-month-old infants can distinguish between the influence of their own actions and the impact of the outside world, new research concludes. Read more >>

Most sewage systems cause a health risk

More than half of the country's sewage works are performing poorly or are in a "critical state". Read more >>

New heart valve replacement option

Heart valve replacement without opening the chest gives new option for patients with untreatable, non-operative condition. Read more >>

Cancer 'freezing' technique reduces pain, cuts hospital stay

When considering treatment options for kidney tumours, preserving any kidney function is preferable to removing the entire organ: Cardiovascular health improves, hypertension is less frequent and re-hospitalization rates decrease. Read more >>

Wyeth DIY flashcard

HONG KONG: In Hong Kong, the infant milk formula (IMF) market primarily targets mothers with children up to three years old. This limits the target to 70 000 mothers, or 0.01% of the total population. With a 104% YOY growth in IMF advertising, competition for this segment is fierce. Read more >>