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Cure for age-induced diabetes or cancer may be nearer than we think

Forget the drastic reduction in carbs and calories called for by diet dictators. The day when people can eat their favorite foods, stay thin and live to be 120 without getting age-induced diabetes or cancer may be nearer than we think.

5 Jun 2004

Polycystic ovary syndrome more common than originally thought

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the University of Alabama, Birmingham, have found that a complex hormonal disorder affecting the reproductive and metabolic function of premenopausal women may be considerably more common in the United States than previously believed from earlier, smaller studies.

5 Jun 2004

Socioeconomic gradients in stage and grade of breast cancer at diagnosis

Women living in deprived areas of the United Kingdom tend to have more advanced breast cancer at diagnosis than those living in affluent areas, finds new research on bmj.com.

5 Jun 2004

Attempts to prevent human trafficking are making conditions worse for voluntary migrants

A survey of close to 1000 migrants in Mali found that only four had been deceived, exploited, or not paid for their labour. Rather, young people voluntarily sought employment abroad to experience urban lifestyles, learn new languages, and accumulate possessions.

5 Jun 2004

Local people, it seems, do not want to be involved in running the NHS

On 1 April 2004, the first 10 NHS foundation trusts came into being, giving local people ownership and accountability for health services. Yet most trusts have found it difficult to persuade enough people to help decide how they operate, writes Professor Rudolf Klein of the London School of Economics.

5 Jun 2004

Antibiotics given to entire household reduces risk of meningitis

Giving antibiotics to everyone living in the same household as a patient who has had meningitis can substantially reduce the risk of further cases, according to a study in this week's BMJ.

5 Jun 2004

Surgery in addition to compression treatment could reduce the risk of recurrent leg ulcers

A UK study in this week's issue of THE LANCET highlights how surgery in addition to compression treatment could substantially reduce the risk of recurrent leg ulcers.

5 Jun 2004

Cervical cerclage, stitching to close cervix called into question

A common surgical procedure to prevent the cervix opening during pregnancy-thought to reduce the risk of preterm delivery-is called into question by results of a study in this week's issue of THE LANCET.

5 Jun 2004

People with diabetes could be up to three times more likely to get bowel cancer

Scientists tested a marker of the sugar levels in blood samples*(2) taken from almost 10,000 men and women aged between 45-79 and then checked their medical condition six years later.

5 Jun 2004

Parkinson's disease breakthrough

Brandeis scientists have made groundbreaking advances in understanding how the regulations of a novel gene during the cell cycle can lead to a rare familial case of the early onset of Parkinson's disease.

5 Jun 2004

Communication overload makes office workers SAD

New research from The University of Surrey has highlighted the impact of modern communications on acceptable business behaviour and its effect on office workers.

5 Jun 2004

BMA warns medical training reforms still inadequate

Medical students applying for their first jobs should be clear about what they are signing up to, the BMA says today (Saturday 5 June), as new research reveals a continuing lack of clarity about reforms to doctors' training.

5 Jun 2004

Five major prescription drug manufacturers make drugs available to Medicare discount cardholders

The Pharmacy Care Alliance (PCA) today announced that AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Merck and Novartis will make many prescription drugs available to qualifying PCA Medicare discount cardholders free of charges from the manufacturer plus a nominal amount to cover dispensing, processing and other costs.

5 Jun 2004

Summer advice for allergy and asthma sufferers

Summer's arrival means getting outside for some fun in the sun. Whether hiking, camping or gardening, allergy and asthma sufferers can manage symptoms by taking the proper precautions, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

5 Jun 2004

New generation drug therapy targets the individual

The days of ‘one size fits all’ medicines may soon be a thing of the past for people undergoing radical drug therapies for chronic or serious illnesses.

5 Jun 2004

Parents oblivious to their children's weight problems

Two new studies show that many children are at high risk for diabetes and premature heart disease, according to British and U.S. reports here today at the American Diabetes Association's 64th Annual Scientific Sessions.

5 Jun 2004

UK's Hepatitis C ex-gratia payment scheme to launch

The Skipton Fund, the body set up to administer the UK-wide ex gratia payment scheme for people infected with Hepatitis C from NHS blood or blood products, will launch and begin processing applications on July 5 2004.

3 Jun 2004

Breakthrough in gene therapy

Despite a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs during the past 15 years, gene therapy has continued to attract many of the world's brightest scientists. They are tantalized by the enormous potential that replacing missing genes or disabling defective ones offers for curing diseases of many kinds.

3 Jun 2004

GlaxoSmithKline statement on spat with Spitzer

GlaxoSmithKline has acted responsibly in conducting clinical studies in pediatric patients and disseminating data from those studies. All pediatric studies have been made available to the FDA and regulatory agencies worldwide.

3 Jun 2004

UK hospital waiting lists lowest in 4 years

Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Angela Smith MP, today welcomed the news that hospital inpatient and day case waiting lists have fallen to their lowest level for four years.

3 Jun 2004