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• May 16, 2008

  Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Dry Dog Food
  70 people, many of them young children, were sickened after handling the food, CDC says

• May 15, 2008

  Arthritis may be triggered by environmental factors
  A number of environmental exposures, including trauma, are associated with the onset of inflammatory arthritis in patients with psoriasis, findings published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases indicate.
• Drug adherence does not explain diabetes race gap
  Differences in medication adherence do not fully explain why African Americans fare more poorly than whites in managing their diabetes, a new study suggests.
• First Beijing death linked to China virus outbreak
  China's capital has recorded its first death from an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease as authorities try to contain the spread of a potent virus just three months before the city hosts the Olympic Games.
• Acid problem common at diabetes diagnosis in kids
  When first diagnosed with diabetes, roughly one in four children and teens in the US have a potentially life-threatening condition that makes their blood more acidic than normal, according to a report in the journal Pediatrics.

• May 14, 2008

  Racial differences in cancer care still unexplained
  Even though black patients and white patients with rectal cancer are equally likely to consult with an oncologist, blacks are less likely to undergo additional treatment after surgery, according to research findings posted online by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
• Drug combo prevents NSAID-related GI disturbance
  Although all of the common strategies protect the upper gastrointestinal tract from the complications of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), popular over-the-counter analgesics such as Motrin (ibuprofen) or Aleve (naproxen), the combination of a COX-2 inhibitor and a proton pump inhibitor is associated with the largest reduction in gastrointestinal complications, according to a Canadian study published in the medical journal Gastroenterology.
• Black Rectal Cancer Patients Less Likely to Get Chemo, Radiation
  See oncologists as often as whites, researchers not sure why different choices of treatment follow

• May 12, 2008

  Enemas can help children with voiding problems
  Urination problems coupled with chronic constipation in children can be cured by enemas, according to the results of a Dutch study in the journal Urology.
• Antidepressant may calm teens' irritable bowels
  Treatment with the antidepressant amitriptyline can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome (known as IBS), the results of a small study suggest.
• New bowel prep drink easier to take: study
  A new 2 liter bowel cleansing solution for colonoscopy appears to work as well as the standard 4 liter solution and is more acceptable to patients, researchers report.

• May 9, 2008

  China hails doctor for raising child virus alarm
  A strain of hand, foot and mouth disease has killed four more children in China, bringing the death toll in recent weeks to 34, state media said on Friday, as it praised a doctor who alerted authorities to the epidemic.
• Metformin an option for pregnancy-related diabetes
  Use of metformin to treat pregnancy-related diabetes (i.e., gestational diabetes) does not increase the risk of pregnancy complications and most women prefer it to insulin, according to a study in this week's New England Journal of Medicine.
• Gum disease, inflammation risky for pregnant women
  - a marker of inflammation in the body -- are at increased risk of developing preeclampsia, a potentially serious complication involving high blood pressure that often leads to premature delivery.

• May 8, 2008

  China reports two more deaths from child virus
  China reported two more deaths on Thursday from a severe strain of hand, foot and mouth disease, bringing its toll from the outbreak to 30, all of them young children, Xinhua news agency reported.
• Mom's high normal blood sugar risky: study
  Pregnant women who have blood sugar levels above normal but below those signaling full-blown diabetes are more likely than women with lower blood sugar levels to experience several adverse pregnancy outcomes, new research indicates.
• Behavioral therapy doesn't ease kids' constipation
  For treating constipation problems in children, behavioral therapy given along with laxatives isn't any more effective than laxatives alone, Dutch researchers report.
• Pelvic floor maladies can impact women's sex life
  Incontinence and other disorders of the pelvic organs can take a toll on a woman's sex life, a new study suggests.
• Firefighters show higher risks of certain cancers
  A new study suggests that firefighters face higher-than-average risks of several types of cancer, adding to evidence that the job carries hazards beyond the fires themselves.
• Health Tip: Treating an Ulcer
  Ways to help it heal

• May 7, 2008

  Acid blockers don't affect colon cancer risk
  Taking drugs that block the secretion of gastric acid does not appear to increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to a new report.
• Healthy teeth and gums important during pregnancy
  The American Dental Association (ADA) is reminding mothers-to-be about the importance of maintaining good oral health during pregnancy.
• Adult teeth may come in early in diabetic kids
  Children with diabetes may develop their permanent teeth earlier than normal, which could potentially increase their risk of dental problems, according to findings published in the medical journal Pediatrics.

• May 6, 2008

  Protein May Trigger Colon Cancer
  Excessive levels turn harmless polyps cancerous, study shows
• Obese moms-to-be have longer pregnancies
  Pregnant women who are overweight or obese in the first trimester of pregnancy and those who have a greater change in body weight during pregnancy are more apt to have lengthier pregnancies and more complications, according to results of a new study.

• May 4, 2008

  Common Medications Could Cause Physical Impairment in the Elderly
  Drugs for acid reflux, urinary incontinence 'slow down' seniors, studies say

• May 3, 2008

  New Targets Found That Stop Tumor Growth
  Blocking blood vessel formation has already worked against breast, colon cancers
• Treating Stomach Infection Early Protects Against Cancer
  Study finds early use of antibiotics reversed damage caused by H. pylori
• Gene effect on colon cancer differs by gender
  Whether variant forms of a gene called EGFR increase or decrease survival with colon cancer depends on whether the patient is male or female, new study findings indicate.

• May 1, 2008

  Gestational diabetes linked to pre-pregnancy weight
  Women planning to become pregnant may decrease their likelihood of developing gestational diabetes by not gaining weight, study findings suggest.
• Food crisis unlikely to cause famine soon: U.N.
  Global food shortages and higher prices are more likely to cause malnutrition than outright famine, at least in the near term, the coordinator of a new United Nations task force said on Wednesday.
• Michigan governor has emergency bowel surgery
  Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm underwent emergency surgery to treat a bowel obstruction and was recuperating on Wednesday, her office said.

• April 30, 2008

  Very thin pregnant women at risk of severe nausea
  Women who are underweight when they become pregnant have an increased risk of severe, potentially dangerous nausea and vomiting, a large study suggests.
• FDA approves irritable bowel drug
  The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved Amitiza, the first U.S. drug to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adult women, a medicine marketed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co and its developer, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc.

• April 29, 2008

  Study shows promising new approach to thwart HIV
  Researchers have pinpointed a protein contain within key human immune system cells that is needed for the AIDS virus to infect the cells, and found that turning it off can greatly slow down the deadly virus.
• Medicare Costs Soar for Cancer Care
  Expenditures will continue to rise as the population ages, experts say
• Poor diet undermines health of northern Afghans
  Lunch at Gada Mohammed's single-room mud-brick house in Afghanistan's far north is the same as most other meals: dry bread washed down with tea.
• Black women may overestimate cancer screening rates
  Many African-American women may overestimate the number of cancer screening tests they have had, potentially putting them at risk of late cancer detection, a small study suggests.
• More babies born to diabetic mothers: study
  More American women are entering pregnancy with diabetes, raising the odds of a problem pregnancy and the potential that their children will become diabetic in the future, U.S. researchers said on Monday.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Share Some Genetic Risk Factors
  Finding helps pinpoint relationship between Crohn's disease and colitis

• April 26, 2008

  Laparoscopic Surgery on Pancreas Has Fewer Complications
  Patients had less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, study finds

• April 25, 2008

  Natural enzyme linked to heart risk in diabetics
  High blood levels of a naturally occurring enzyme linked to blood vessel function predict heart-related events and an increased risk of progressive kidney disease in patients with type 1 diabetes and kidney disease, according to new research.

• April 24, 2008

  Scientists Discover How Stomach Tumors Form
  Blocking IL-11 protein prevents inflammation, hints of new treatments for disease

• April 23, 2008

  Cisplatin not effective in anal cancer: study
  Treating anal cancer patients with the cancer-fighting drug cisplatin to try to shrink tumors before beginning standard therapy did not boost survival rates, and is not recommended, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
• FDA approves drug for Crohn's, with caution
  U.S. health officials approved Belgian drugmaker UCB Inc's experimental drug to treat Crohn's disease but warned about serious side effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday.
• Patient 'navigator' boosts colon cancer screening
  Minorities in the U.S. have particularly low rates of colon cancer screening, but guidance from a patient "navigator" might help more people get tested, a study suggests.

• April 22, 2008

  Cholesterol drugs destroy esophageal cancer cells
  Drugs that are commonly used to lower cholesterol can block the proliferation and promote the destruction of esophageal cancer cells in the laboratory, according to a report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology by UK researchers.
• Many Cancer Survivors Are Overweight and Sedentary: Study
  This, despite research that says proper diet and exercise can keep disease from recurring

• April 19, 2008

  Strep bacteria may treat pancreatic cancer
  In mice implanted with human pancreatic cancer tumors, injecting live Streptococcus bacteria, similar to those that cause strep throat, directly into the tumors caused the tumors to shrink and die, German scientists report.
• Older diabetics struggle with blood sugar control
  The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising in the US elderly population, and nearly half of affected individuals fail to adequately control their blood sugar, new research shows.
• Health Tip: Controlling Crohn's Disease
  A list of potential treatments

• April 18, 2008

  Men, singles less likely to have colon cancer test
  Men, unmarried adults and those with low incomes are less likely to accept an offer of free colon cancer screening, a new study suggests.
• Zinc reduces common cold symptoms
  Zinc acetate lozenges taken within 24 hours of developing symptoms of the common cold reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, according to a report in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

• April 17, 2008

  Hepatitis B tied to bile duct cancer outside liver
  The results of a study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggest there is an association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and an increased risk of extrahepatic bile duct cancer.
• Lifestyle change key for obesity surgery success
  Anyone thinking about having weight loss surgery should be sure to do their homework beforehand, and must understand they need to dramatically change the way they eat for the surgery to be successful, advises the head of the U.S. government agency responsible for research on health care quality and patient safety.

• April 16, 2008

  Space Radiation a Risk for Astronauts
  Risk of colon cancer, premature aging poses worries for manned missions to moon, Mars
• Women's Awareness of Cancer Risk Linked to Race, Ethnicity
  Study finds these factors influence how likely they are to undergo screenings
• Health Tip: Pain in Your Side
  Signs that it might be appendicitis

• April 15, 2008

  New Drug Duo Helps Cut Colon Cancer Risk
  And cancer drug Sutent may slow liver cancer progression, scientists report

• April 12, 2008

  High blood glucose linked to reduced fracture risk
  Middle-aged people who have high levels of glucose in their blood seem to run less of a risk of suffering broken bones, Swedish researchers have found.
• For coin stuck in throat, pushing it down OK
  When a kid has swallowed a coin and it's stuck in the throat, it's safe for emergency physicians or other doctors to use a flexible instrument to push it into the stomach rather than try to pull it up, according to a new report.

• April 11, 2008

  Marked rise in hepatitis C-related deaths seen in US
  From 1995 to 2004, deaths related to infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) rose by 123 percent in the US, according to a new report
• Little progress in preventing foodborne ills: CDC
  Efforts by U.S. states to contain foodborne infections have made no dent in reducing the number of infections, which remained flat last year after a period of decline, according to a 10-state report released on Thursday by government researchers.
• Mumps found to have made alarming comeback in US
  Mumps made an alarming comeback in the United States in 2006 and may take years to completely eradicate, federal health experts reported on Wednesday.

• April 10, 2008

  Mumps vaccine policy questioned after U.S. outbreak
  An outbreak of mumps in the United States in 2006 -- the largest in two decades -- came at a time when the national two-dose vaccine coverage among adolescents was at an all-time high, public health officials reported in The New England Journal of Medicine.
• Virtual colonoscopy reduces bowel preparation
  Extensive cleansing of the bowel is not necessary for patients undergoing virtual colonoscopy, Dutch researchers report in the journal Radiology.
• Cavity-fighting candy helped cut tooth decay:study
  Most children are told to stay away from chewy candies to keep their teeth cavity-free, but children in Venezuela who ate a special cavity-fighting candy had 62 percent fewer cavities than those who brushed their teeth regularly, researchers said on Tuesday.

• April 8, 2008

  Bug responsible for bad breath found
  Solobacterium moorei is the organism largely responsible for chronic bad breath, or halitosis, biologists reported Saturday at the annual meeting of the American Association for Dental Research in Dallas.
• Some advanced cancer patients living longer: study
  Patients who are being treated for advanced colorectal, ovarian or testicular cancer are living longer than they have in the past, a research team from the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, reports in the May 15th issue of the journal Cancer, published online today.
• Did Medicare Reimbursement Changes Affect Prostate Cancer Treatment?
  Study suggests a link between less drug therapy and more surgical castration
• Health Tip: Why am I Constipated?
  Some possible causes

• April 6, 2008

  Overeating to blame for insulin weight gain
  Overeating is likely the greatest contributor to the weight gain that can occur when a diabetic begins using insulin, new research suggests.
• Simple regimen eliminates chronic bad breath
  Brushing twice a day with antibacterial toothpaste and using a toothbrush with a built-in tongue scraper can eliminate chronic bad breath, according to research presented today at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Dental Research in Dallas, Texas.

• April 5, 2008

  'Nanomachine' Releases Anticancer Drugs Inside Cells
  In response to light, its pores let loose chemicals targeting disease
• Scientists ID New Genetic Markers for Bowel Disease
  Study also provides evidence that Ashkenzi Jews twice as likely to develop conditions
• Patient Navigators Boost Colon Screens in Urban Minorities
  Personal interventions cut no-show rates 30%, study finds
• FDA OKs New Rotavirus Vaccine
  It's designed to ward off gastroenteritis, which causes vomiting and diarrhea in children

• March 27, 2008

  Scientists Isolate Organism That Causes Disfiguring Tropical Disease
  Aquatic niches host Buruli ulcer bacterium that plagues African populations

• March 26, 2008

  High-Risk Blacks Less Likely to Get Colonoscopies
  Those with family history are referred less often than whites, study finds
• Health Tip: Get Screened for Cancer
  Here are tests you should have

• March 25, 2008

  Obese Women Less Likely to Be Tested for Some Cancers
  Study finds they're not getting needed screenings for breast and cervical tumors

• March 12, 2008

  Doctors See How Cancer Drug Can Damage Kidneys
  But the finding shouldn't keep physicians from using Avastin, researchers say

• March 11, 2008

  Post-Op Chemo Fails to Boost Survival in Stomach Cancers
  Drug-surgery combo showed no significant improvement in outcomes, study finds

• March 7, 2008

  Bacteria Mix in Guts of Babies Predicts Obesity
  Findings may explain why breast-fed infants less likely to be overweight later

• March 4, 2008

  Non-Polyp Colon Lesions Hard to Detect
  These flat growths are relatively common and tend to be cancerous, study finds

• February 28, 2008

  CT scans lower risk of unnecessary appendix surgery
  The chance of having an appendix removed unnecessarily has plummeted since 1996 in the United States, possibly because more doctors are using CT scans to confirm appendicitis diagnoses, researchers said on Wednesday.
• Screening probably caused cystic fibrosis drop
  Massachusetts researchers have seen a dramatic statewide drop in the number of newborns with cystic fibrosis, and said on Wednesday the decline may be due to a national effort to screen for the genetic disease.

• February 27, 2008

  Headache common in people with GI trouble
  The prevalence of headache is higher in people with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation, than in people who don't have these bothersome symptoms, new research indicates.
• Insulin resistance tied to hepatitis C infection
  Insulin resistance, a "prediabetic" abnormality of blood sugar, is a specific feature of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, independent of the severity of HCV or the presence of other metabolic factors, French investigators report.
• Four in 10 seniors not up-do-date on colon tests
  Many older Americans are not up-to-date with their colorectal cancer screening exams, report researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta.

• February 26, 2008

  Hepatitis C: a risk factor for lymphoma
  Canadian researchers have confirmed an association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to their report in the International Journal of Cancer.

• February 25, 2008

  Rezulin suit disruptive, Pfizer tells US high court
  A state law allowing suits against drugmakers when fraud against federal regulators is proven disrupts the authority of the Food and Drug Administration, lawyers for Pfizer told the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday.
• Exercise may cut gallstone risk
  Exercise is good for mice and humans, but appears to be bad for gallstones, according to the findings of a study conducted with mice.
• Earlier Colon Cancer Screens Urged for Smokers
  Study finds tobacco users diagnosed almost 7 years earlier than nonsmokers
• Substance use relapse rate low after transplant
  The notion that a liver or other organ transplant is wasted on people with a history of alcoholism or drug abuse doesn't hold true, according to a new report. In reality, the likelihood that such patients will relapse is quite low.
• Five Indian children die after eating holy offerings
  Five children have died and 96 other people have fallen seriously ill in eastern India after eating sweets and rice offered to a goddess at a village shrine, health officials said on Friday.
• Diabetes in pregnancy ups children's diabetes risk
  Danish researchers have identified a link between the occurrence of type 2 diabetes in adults and the presence of type 1 diabetes or pregnancy-related diabetes in their mothers.

• February 22, 2008

  Magnesium intake may cut risk of gallstones
  A diet rich in magnesium appears to reduce the risk developing painful gallstones, according to findings from a US study.
• Low cholesterol linked to stomach cancer risk
  People with very low cholesterol levels seem to be at increased risk of developing stomach cancer, Japanese researchers report.
• Aggressive Therapy for Crohn's Disease Produces Better Outcomes
  International study found remission occurred faster, more often with immunosuppressive drugs

• February 21, 2008

  Yogurt may take the bite out of gum disease
  Regularly eating yogurt and other foods with lactic acid may be good for your mouth, Japanese researchers report.

• February 20, 2008

  Birth control pills may lower colon cancer risk
  Women who have used birth control pills seem to have a slightly decreased risk of colon cancer as they age, a new study suggests.

• February 20, 2008

  Cancer Death Rates Still Declining
  But report notes rate of decrease slowed from 2004 to 2005, with 5,424 more deaths
• Health Tip: Is GERD Causing Sleep Problems?
  Suggestions to tame your heartburn

• February 19, 2008

  Probiotics help distance runners stay healthy
  Endurance runners' strenuous training can erode their immunity and make them more vulnerable to catching colds, but a daily dose of "good" bacteria could bring their immune systems back up to speed, Australian researchers have shown.

• February 18, 2008

  Zinc helps with diarrhea in children: study
  Treatment with zinc supplements can cut the severity and duration of acute or persistent diarrhea in children, a study shows. Further research, however, is needed to determine exactly how zinc produces its anti-diarrheal effects, the researchers note in the in the February issue of Pediatrics.
• Timely Cancer Diagnosis Linked to Insurance Status
  Uninsured, those on Medicaid more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancers, American Cancer Society reports

• February 16, 2008

  Allergy Disorders Linked With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  Study also found IBS 2 times more likely in people with depression

• February 15, 2008

  IBS Symptoms More Acute in Women With History of Abuse
  Brain can't switch off pain modulation mechanism, study suggests
• Harnessing the Mind to Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  Cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnosis may help ease symptoms, research shows

• February 15, 2008

  Salsalate cuts blood sugar levels in obese adults
  A drug approved for the treatment of arthritis may have a role in reducing the risk of diabetes and heart trouble developing in young obese individuals, Harvard researchers report.
• Obesity Raises Cancer Risk
  British study details differences between genders, ethnic groups

• February 14, 2008

  Brain receptor may be target for alcoholism therapy
  Treatment with drugs that block a key brain receptor called NK1R may help alcoholics remain abstinent and may be of use for treating other addictive disorders, according to research published online by Science Express.
• Fast food eaters risk liver damage, weight gain
  Too much fast food and too little exercise can wreak havoc on the liver, according to results of a small Swedish study.
• Probiotics may be fatal in acute pancreatitis-study
  "Good" bacteria commonly found in probiotic yoghurts and drinks may be fatal for people with severe cases of pancreatitis, Dutch researchers said on Thursday.

• February 13, 2008

  Skin cancer, colon cancer syndrome may be linked
  A syndrome that increases the risk of some skin cancers may be a subset of a syndrome that increases the risk of colon cancer, report researchers from The Ohio State University, Columbus.
• International diabetes study contradicts US trial
  Early results from the largest study ever of aggressive measures to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetics has found no sign that intensive treatment increases the risk of death, an international team of researchers said on Wednesday.
• Talk boosts colon cancer screening rates
  The most important factor that influences whether or not people undergo screening for colorectal cancer is a discussion of the topic with their doctors, new research findings indicate.
• Vaccine Could Cut Bouts With Stomach Flu
  Controlling quickly mutating noroviruses might mean yearly changes in formula

• February 12, 2008

  Regular aspirin may lower colon cancer risk in men
  Men who routinely take aspirin seem to be less likely to develop colorectal cancer, according to new research findings. However, the benefit requires the dose of aspirin to be higher than usually recommended for heart health, and to be taken over at least 6 years.
• Smoking may raise risk of colon polyps
  Cigarette smoking appears to promote the development of polyps in the colon, especially those that are more likely to progress to cancer, a research review suggests.

• February 8, 2008

  Staying Dry at Beach May Spare Your Stomach
  Longer exposure to water, wet sand boosts gastrointestinal illness risk, study says
• Natural Secretion Marks Difference Between Ordinary Mole and Melanoma
  IGFBP7 protein may prove a targeted treatment for metastatic cancers, study suggests

• February 7, 2008

  HIV can be passed to babies in pre-chewed food
  The AIDS virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby if she pre-chews the child's food as sometimes occurs in developing countries, U.S. government scientists said on Wednesday.

• February 5, 2008

  Study links marijuana smoking to gum disease
  Smoking marijuana, much like smoking tobacco, may increase a person's risk for gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, researchers said on Tuesday.
• Toy Magnets Can be a Very Real Threat
  Powerful toy magnets pose almost-fatal attractions when swallowed by kids, new report shows.

• February 4, 2008

  CORRECTION: Epsom salt can prevent cerebral palsy: U.S.
  Giving a woman an infusion of Epsom salts when she goes into premature labor can help protect her baby from cerebral palsy, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday.

• February 1, 2008

  Anticoagulant bleeding higher with antidepressants
  - increases the risk of serious bleeding, according to findings from a Dutch study.
• Osteoporosis common in stomach cancer survivors
  A new study confirms there is a high rate of the bone-thinning disease -- osteoporosis -- in patients who've had their stomach removed because of cancer.
• Epsom salt can prevent cerebral palsy: U.S. study
  Giving a woman an infusion of Epsom salts when she goes into premature labor can help protect her baby from cerebral palsy, U.S. researchers reported on Thursday.

• January 31, 2008

  China dumplings spark food scare in Japan
  Dozens more people in Japan said on Thursday they fell sick after eating Chinese-made food, a day after Japanese food companies recalled pesticide-contaminated dumplings from China that made 10 people sick.

• January 30, 2008

  Enzyme may provide treatment for gluten intolerance
  An enzyme has been recently identified that is able to degrade gluten in a laboratory simulation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Periodontal disease associated with kidney disease
  Gum disease -- also referred to as periodontal disease -- and the loss of teeth are nontraditional risk factors that are independently associated with chronic kidney disease, according to the results of a new study.
• Mouth burns during tonsillectomy underreported
  Burns around the lips and mouth - primarily from the use of a cauterizing device -- are an underreported complication of tonsillectomy, and can result in long-term problems, according to a study reported in the Archives of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.
• Genes affect risk from smoke in CF patients
  Any exposure to secondhand smoke reduces lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis, according to investigators at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The adverse effects related to this noxious exposure are magnified by certain gene variants, the team reports in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

• January 29, 2008

  MicroRNAs May Predict Colon Cancer Prognosis
  This genetic material shows early promise for diagnosing, treating tumors

• January 28, 2008

  Caffeine raises blood sugar level in diabetics
  Cutting down on caffeine could help people with the most common form of diabetes better control their blood sugar levels, researchers said on Monday.

• January 25, 2008

  Painkillers safe for kids after tonsil surgery
  Children recovering from having their tonsils and adenoids removed can be given painkillers like ibuprofen without increasing the risk of postop bleeding, according to a new study.
• Scientists find pancreatic stem cells in mice
  After most scientists had given up the search, a Belgian team said on Thursday they found elusive pancreatic stem cells in adult mice, a finding that could lead to treatments for people with type 1 diabetes.
• Benefits trump risks of Entereg bowel drug - panel
  The benefits of Adolor Corp and GlaxoSmithKline's experimental bowel drug Entereg outweigh its risks, U.S. regulatory experts said on Wednesday.

• January 24, 2008

  Central IVs risky for severe morning sickness
  When a pregnant woman has severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis, she may need fluids and medications. However, intravenous administration via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line should probably be avoided, a new study indicates.
• U.S. group seeks Botox warning after 16 death reports
  Botox and a similar injection should come with strong warnings following reports of 16 deaths and other serious problems after the botulinum toxin spread inside the body, a U.S. consumer group said on Thursday.

• January 24, 2008

  Sexual problems persist after cervical cancer
  Women who beat cervical cancer may continue to have sexual difficulties and other problems that diminish their quality of life, a study shows.

• January 24, 2008

  New Colon Cancer Test Might Spot Trouble Earlier
  That and other findings reported at symposium on gastrointestinal cancers
• Dannon sued over "probiotic" bacteria claims
  A proposed class action filed on Wednesday in California accuses The Dannon Co Inc of mounting a massive false advertising campaign to convince consumers to pay more for yogurt containing "probiotic" bacteria because of the products' health benefits.
• Allergies blamed for some cases of irritable bowel
  People with allergies appear to be more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than do those without allergies, suggesting that the conditions may be linked in some instance, Chicago-based researchers report.
• Battat toy magnet sets recalled in U.S.
  About 125,000 magnetic toy building sets made in China and sold by Battat were recalled because the magnets could fall out and be swallowed by children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said on Wednesday.

• January 23, 2008

  Pig gut implant a lip-plumping option
  A new implant derived from pig intestines could offer a longer-lasting alternative to injections for filling out thin lips, according to a study published in the Archives of Facial and Plastic Surgery.
• Peer coaching helps bring people in for colon test
  Coaching from a peer who has been there and done that can help people go through with a first-time colonoscopy, new research shows.

• January 23, 2008

  Simple handwashing can reduce diarrhea: studies
  Encouraging people to wash their hands properly can reduce the rate of diarrhea by 30 percent, potentially saving lives, researchers said on Wednesday.
• Obesity surgery may offer type 2 diabetes cure
  Weight-loss surgery using gastric banding can reverse type 2 diabetes in obese people, Australian researchers report.

• January 22, 2008

  Laser may help reverse gum disease
  Laser therapy for severe gum disease may help regenerate the diseased tissue that normally secures the teeth, a small study suggests.
• Brain scans hint at why we overeat
  Shedding light on why some people tend to overeat, a small study suggests that the brain responds differently to a full stomach depending on a person's weight.
• Health Tip: Follow Instructions on OTC Pain Relievers
  Signs that you may have taken too much ibuprofen
• Nexavar significantly boosts hypertension risk: study
  Bayer AG and Onyx Pharmaceutical Inc.'s key cancer drug Nexavar significantly raises the risk of high blood pressure, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

• January 21, 2008

  Walking an hour a week cuts colon cancer risk
  A large new study confirms that physical activity reduces colon cancer risk.

• January 18, 2008

  Tonsillectomy boosts quality of life: studies
  For children and adults who suffer repeated bouts of tonsillitis, surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) leads to substantial improvements in quality of life, according to results of two studies published this month.
• Naples waste linked to death and disease
  Piles of trash building up in Naples have filled the air with a putrid stench and spoiled the view for tourists, but the city's waste crisis may also be killing its people.
• Altered brain response seen with irritable bowel
  New research suggests that women with irritable bowel syndrome have a different brain response to anticipated pain compared with other women.
• Elderly fare poorly with high-risk cancer surgery
  Patients who are 80 or older are much more likely to have a poor outcome after high-risk cancer operations, such as removal of the esophagus or pancreas, than has previously been reported, according to a study by researchers with the University of Michigan Healthcare System.

• January 17, 2008

  Undernutrition behind one third of child deaths
  Undernutrition causes more than one third of child deaths worldwide, but simple programs like promoting breast-feeding and providing supplements could keep some of those children alive, experts said on Thursday.

• January 15, 2008

  Many children outgrow egg allergy
  Most children seem to outgrow allergies to eggs, but it may take longer than past research has suggested, according to a new study.
• Mitchell testifies on steroids in U.S. baseball
  Former Sen. George Mitchell told a U.S. congressional committee on Tuesday that everyone in Major League Baseball must crack down on the use of steroids to remove the "cloud" that performance-enhancing drugs had created over the sport.
• Drug-resistant staph found to be passed in gay sex
  A drug-resistant strain of potentially deadly bacteria has moved beyond the borders of U.S. hospitals and is being transmitted among gay men during sex, researchers said on Monday.

• January 14, 2008

  MS Drug Tysabri Approved for Crohn's Disease
  But the drug comes with serious risks, FDA notes
• Schering says hepatitis drug matches Roche drug
  The world's leading treatments for hepatitis C were similarly effective in the first large trial pitting them against each other, Schering-Plough Corp said on Monday.
• Japan to compensate patients in hepatitis scandal
  Japan passed a law on Friday to compensate patients who contracted hepatitis C through tainted blood products, as Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda apologised again for the government's role in the scandal.

• January 11, 2008

  China warns of holes in anti-hepatitis fight
  Too many people in China are still not being inoculated against hepatitis B and the disease is having a devastating economic impact, the Health Ministry said on Friday.
• Too much sugar-free gum linked to bowel problems
  Consuming too much sorbitol, a sweetener widely used in "sugar-free" chewing gum and sweets, can cause serious bowel problems, German doctors said on Friday.

• January 10, 2008

  Too Much Sugar-Free Gum Linked to Severe Weight Loss
  2 cases in Germany cite diarrhea due to the sweetener sorbitol
• US diabetes care may be improving "dramatically"
  Americans with diabetes are doing a better job of keeping their blood glucose under control, a new analysis shows.
• Low glucose most likely in early diabetic pregnancy
  Among pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, the incidence of mild or severe declines in blood glucose (hypoglycemia) is highest in early pregnancy, and metabolic control tends to be tighter in the last part of pregnancy, according to results of a study published in the journal Diabetes Care.
• New breast cancer screening test will use saliva
  Scientists in the United States are developing a screening test for breast cancer that checks a woman's saliva for evidence of the disease to help find tumors early, when they are most treatable.

• January 9, 2008

  Women With IBS Unable to Switch Off Pain Response
  Finding could improve understanding of irritable bowel syndrome and lead to new treatments

• January 8, 2008

  Anti-cholesterol drugs may reduce cancer risk
  In a large study of U.S. veterans, the use of a commonly prescribed class cholesterol-lowering drugs called "statins," which include drugs such as Lipitor, reduced the cancer rate by about 25 percent.
• Drugs affect mortality risk in Crohn's disease
  The medications a person takes to combat Crohn's influences their risk of death, according to findings in the journal Gastroenterology.

• January 7, 2008

  Bereaved US family campaigns for Edwards
  A family who says its daughter died because a health insurance company refused to pay for an operation campaigned with Democrat John Edwards on Sunday, reinforcing his election message that corporate greed is hurting Americans.

• January 4, 2008

  Colonoscopy prep agents safe for kidneys
  Two oral solutions that are commonly used to prepare the bowels for colonoscopy are unlikely to harm the kidneys, new research suggests.

• January 3, 2008

  Stomach Flu Spread By Contaminated Computer Keyboards
  Norovirus can live on surfaces for several days, experts say
• Winter vomiting bug sweeps through Britain
  Hundreds of thousands of Britons have been struck down by a highly infectious stomach bug that swept the country during the holiday period, doctors said on Thursday.

• January 2, 2008

  U.S. colon cancer risk traced to common ancestor
  A married couple who sailed to America from England around 1630 are the reason why thousands of people in the United States are at higher risk of a hereditary form of colon cancer, researchers said on Wednesday.
• Colon Cancer Gene Traced to Arrival in United States
  Researchers studied two families to find couple who brought the mutation here in the 1630s

• December 31, 2007

  Gel drink could help with weight loss: study
  An experimental beverage that turns to gel in the stomach could help some obese and overweight women cut down on their food intake.

• December 31, 2007

  Health Tip: Belching and Bloating
  Suggestions for taming symptoms
• US says Guantanamo prisoner dies of cancer
  An Afghan detainee has died from cancer at the prison camp at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, authorities said on Sunday.

• December 28, 2007

  Holiday Travel, Bad Eating Habits a Recipe for Stomach Trouble
  Give your jet-lagged gut time to recover, expert advises

• December 27, 2007

  Guidelines aim to keep diabetic athletes healthy
  Athletes with diabetes should be sure to have a game plan to manage blood-sugar highs and lows, according to new guidelines.

• December 26, 2007

  Japan PM apologises to hepatitis patients
  Japan's prime minister met and apologised on Tuesday to hepatitis patients at the centre of a high-profile scandal over tainted blood products as he tried to quell a row that risks further eroding his support ratings.

• December 25, 2007

  Liver enzyme elevation generally benign in children
  It appears that isolated elevation of liver enzymes is generally benign and need not be a cause for immediate action or concern in most young children, according to Israeli researchers.

• December 24, 2007

  Japan PM says wants to help all hepatitis patients
  Japan's prime minister said on Sunday his party will draft legislation aimed at helping thousands of hepatitis patients, the latest development in a high-profile scandal that has drawn voter anger.
• Constipation as cause of stomach pain overlooked
  Parents and doctors may overlook constipation as the cause of acute stomach pain in children, but constipation may account for most of the abdominal pain among kids, a study shows.

• December 21, 2007

  Allergies may protect against pancreatic cancer
  Having a history of allergies or hay fever may offer protection from deadly pancreatic cancer, according to a study appearing in the International Journal of Cancer.
• Relatives of colon cancer patients need screening
  Even with the offer of a free colonoscopy, close relatives of patients with colorectal cancer are apparently reluctant to undergo screening, Spanish researchers report.
• Female hormones may affect risk of stomach cancer
  Women who have been fertile for a higher than average number of years, which occurs when menstruation begins early and menopause begins late, seem to be protected to some degree against developing stomach, or "gastric" cancer, according to a report in the journal Gut.

• December 20, 2007

  Discontinued drug helps severe ulcerative colitis
  A genetically engineered drug can help close to half of patients with painful ulcerative colitis, U.S. researchers reported on Wednesday.
• High-dairy in childhood linked with cancer risk
  Children who consume high levels of diary products may have a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer in adulthood, study findings suggest.
• Cancer risk varies in patients with schizophrenia
  Compared with the general population, patients with schizophrenia appear to have an elevated risk of colon cancer and a lower risk of respiratory cancer, according to a report in the Archives of General Psychiatry.
• Uninsured More Likely to Die From Cancer Following Diagnosis
  Report finds they're less likely to get screening tests, so have advanced disease

• December 18, 2007

  Weight loss may slow atherosclerosis in diabetics
  In addition to reducing cholesterol and other known cardiac risk factors, new study findings suggest that controlling one's weight will help slow the build up of calcium on the walls of the coronary arteries and retard the progression of atherosclerosis.
• Crohn's disease different in boys than in girls
  Crohn's disease tends to be more severe in girls than in boys, but boys with the disorder are more prone to stunted growth, new research suggests.

• December 15, 2007

  Fluoride in tap water may help older teeth too
  The added fluoride in many Americans' drinking water may be protecting older adults' teeth from decay, a study suggests.
• Cancer risk low with annual CT for cystic fibrosis
  In patients with the lung disease cystic fibrosis, the cumulative risk of radiation-induced cancer resulting from routine annual lung computed tomography (CT) is "quite small" -- less than 0.5 percent, a study shows. However, the lack of documented benefit of routine CT scans makes its use questionable, the researchers say.
• Mouth-to-mouth not necessary for effective CPR
  A simpler version of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) administered outside the hospital by bystanders - one that uses chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation -- may be just as effective as standard CPR, which includes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions.

• December 14, 2007

  New Cancer Drug Tied to Heart Problems
  Sutent linked to hypertension, heart events in patients battling stomach cancer

• December 12, 2007

  Bile acid may improve hepatitis C therapy response
  A bile acid - called ursodeoxycholic acid -- may improve response to treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) who don't respond to standard therapy with interferon and ribavirin, Japanese researchers report in the medical journal Gut.

• December 12, 2007

  High Meat Consumption Linked to Heightened Cancer Risk
  U.S. study finds the more red meat and processed meat you eat, the higher the risk

• December 11, 2007

  High blood sugar raises risk of polyp recurrence
  People found to have elevated insulin or blood sugar levels at the time of colonoscopy to remove polyps face an increased risk of developing recurrent polyps, including advanced polyps -- the type with a high likelihood of progressing to cancer, research shows.
• U.S. FDA finds no heart impact of Prilosec, Nexium
  U.S. regulators gave a clean bill of health to AstraZeneca Plc's Prilosec and Nexium Monday, saying they found no evidence of an increased risk of heart problems from the popular heartburn drugs.

• December 11, 2007

  FDA Confirms No Heart Risk From Heartburn Drugs
  Preliminary studies had suggested possible problems with Prilosec and Nexium
• Most Medicare Recipients Ignore Colorectal Cancer Screening
  Only one-quarter seek lifesaving tests, new research find

• December 9, 2007

  Green tea may protect against colon cancer
  An extract of green tea wards off colorectal cancer, animal experiments show.
• Anti-alcohol drug safe in cases of liver cirrhosis
  The muscle-relaxing drug baclofen safely and effectively keeps alcoholics with alcohol-damaged livers away from alcohol, according to a study published in the current issue of The Lancet.

• December 7, 2007

  Black raspberries may prevent cancer of esophagus
  People with chronic irritation of the esophagus caused by the backup of stomach acid - a condition known as Barrett's esophagus -- may benefit from incorporating black raspberries into their diet, suggest research findings reported today during the Sixth Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention, sponsored by the American Association for Cancer Research.
• FDA update on AstraZeneca heartburn drugs expected
  U.S. regulators are likely to update the public within days about any potential heart risks of AstraZeneca Plc's stomach-acid drugs, which are taken by more than 1 billion people worldwide.
• Eating disorders common in diabetic girls
  There is a high prevalence of disturbed eating behavior and eating disorders among girls with type 1 diabetes, according to Canadian researchers. They also found that eating disturbances in these patients start young and are likely to persist over time.
• Urban Americans diagnosed with cancer later
  Americans living in urban areas tend to be diagnosed with colon and lung cancer later than rural residents are, according to a new study.
• Green Tea, Fruit Extracts Touted as Potential Cancer Fighters
  Preliminary research shows promise against colorectal, prostate and oral tumors

• December 6, 2007

  Glucose levels vary in pregnancy by diabetes type
  In the first study to use continuous monitoring throughout pregnancy to examine changes in glucose levels, researchers found that levels of glycemic control differ significantly between women with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2.
• Night Shift Work May Heighten Risk for Cancer
  Expert panel to add it to list of 'probable' causes of malignancy

• December 4, 2007

  Glucosamine not likely to raise "good" cholesterol
  Glucosamine at commonly taken doses does not increase HDL ("good") cholesterol in people with diabetes, researchers have found.
• Peanut allergies strike earlier, study says
  Allergies to peanuts and other foods are showing up in children at younger ages for reasons that are not clear, researchers said on Monday, and some urged parents to postpone exposing susceptible children to peanuts.
• Hepatitis B vaccination not tied to MS in children
  Vaccinating against hepatitis B virus (HBV) does not increase a child's risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study released Monday.

• December 1, 2007

  Kids with CF benefit from ibuprofen therapy
  Treatment with ibuprofen can slow the drop in lung function that occurs in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), according to group of researchers from Ohio.
• Family ties raise risk of diabetes complications
  The risk that a person with diabetes will develop "microvascular" complications of the disease such as eye, nerve, and kidney damage -- as many diabetics do -- appears to be higher in certain families and in women in general, new research suggests.

• November 30, 2007

  Corn syrup may not boost appetite, food intake
  Though some have blamed the U.S. obesity problem on the corn syrup ubiquitous in processed foods, a new study casts some doubt on this idea.
• Colon cancer survival varies by race and ethnicity
  Survival rates for people with colorectal cancer are different in various racial and ethnic groups, with blacks faring worse than other groups, according to a report by US researchers.

• November 29, 2007

  Genes May Explain Role of Race in Colon Cancer Risk
  Differences in a key piece of DNA seem important, scientists say

• November 28, 2007

  Prostate cancer therapy often not best for patient
  Different approaches to treating early prostate cancer have different side effects, but this is not always taken into consideration, it seems. A study shows that more than a third of prostate cancer patients receive treatment that is not the most suitable, based on the problems they already have before treatment.

• November 27, 2007

  Bleeding from mouth or nose may signal child abuse
  Bleeding from the mouth and nose is rare during the first 2 years of life and it is most often associated with injury or serious illness. It may also be a sign of physical abuse, according to investigators in Scotland.
• Prostate Cancer Treatments Often Compound Existing Health Problems
  Many patients getting therapies that are not the best for them, study says

• November 24, 2007

  Cyclical vomiting transient in most kids: study
  Parents of cyclical vomiters rest assured: Results of a study suggest that cyclical vomiting in children resolves in most cases, often soon after a formal diagnosis has been made, although other somatic symptoms -- that is, physical symptoms believed to be caused by psychological stress -- may persist.
• Glaxo rotavirus vaccine highly effective: study
  GlaxoSmithKline Plc's Rotarix vaccine given along with other routine infant shots is highly effective at protecting against rotavirus, the most common cause of severe diarrhoea in young children, researchers said on Friday.
• Unnecessary appendectomy risky in pregnant women
  Unnecessary surgery to remove a normal appendix during pregnancy increases the risk that mom-to-be will lose her baby or that she will deliver early, research indicates.
• Fiber, whole grains may cut pancreatic cancer risk
  Eating more whole grain and fiber-rich food may lower the risk of pancreatic cancer by about 40 percent, study findings suggest.
• Fatty acids may enhance obesity treatment
  Oleic acid empties from the stomach more slowly and suppresses appetite more potently than macadamia oil, results of a study suggest. Oleic acid also stimulates specific gastrointestinal hormones known to send fullness signals.

• November 23, 2007

  Reflux unlikely to worsen as pregnancy progresses
  A study by Spanish doctors indicates that heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux appear to remain stable across the three trimesters of pregnancy, rather than increasing as pregnancy progresses.
• Milk thistle slows liver cancer cell growth
  Milk thistle, a popular folk remedy for liver disease, may also help prevent liver cancer, laboratory research suggests.
• Continuous blood sugar monitoring can work in kids
  Use of a monitor that continuously measures body sugar levels is feasible and acceptable for children with insulin-dependent diabetes and their parents, and improves blood sugar control, according to results of a new study.
• Lung transplant rarely prolongs life in CF
  Lung transplantation in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is not likely to prolong life and may do more harm than good, according to a look back at essentially the entire U.S. pediatric experience with lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis for the period 1992 through 2002.
• Transition from polyp to cancer age-dependent
  Men and women with advanced colorectal polyps have a similar risk of progressing to colorectal cancer (CRC) and the risk increases with age in both sexes, according to a study conducted in Germany.

• November 22, 2007

  Cigarette smoking linked with rectal cancer risk
  Women who smoke appear to have nearly twice the risk of developing rectal cancer compared with women who never smoked cigarettes, which supports the accumulating evidence of this relationship, researchers report.
• Liver transplant outcomes better in UK than in US
  Although patients who undergo liver transplants in the US have better a 90-day survival, many of those who undergo the procedure in the UK and Ireland seem to do better after the first year, UK researchers report in the November issue of Gut.

• November 21, 2007

  Removing tonsils may not be best for kids: study
  Removing the tonsils of children with mild or moderate throat infections is more expensive and has fewer health benefits than simply watching and waiting, Dutch researchers said on Monday.

• November 20, 2007

  Mystery solved by celiac diagnosis
  Two years ago, Shauna James Ahern's doctor told her she had a chronic disease. The author felt something unusual for someone who would soon have to completely alter her eating habits. She felt liberated.
• Hypnosis may calm kids' irritable bowels
  Gut-directed hypnotherapy is "highly effective" for children with long-standing abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome (known as IBS), researchers have found.
• Ill-Fitting Shoes a Danger to Diabetics
  Over time, they boost risk for ulcers and even amputation, researchers say

• November 14, 2007

  Diabetes type 1 risk not increased by tonsillectomy
  The removal of the tonsils and adenoids, common surgical procedures in childhood, does not alter the risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, according to findings published in the medical journal Diabetes Care.
• Study Challenges Colon Cancer Surgery Follow-Up
  Routine testing of 12 lymph nodes may not be as useful as thought, researchers say

• November 10, 2007

  Salmonella outbreak due to raw milk consumption
  Consumption of raw milk or cheese made from raw milk caused an outbreak of Salmonella that occurred earlier this year in Pennsylvania, health investigators reported Thursday.
• On-the-job lead exposure tied to stomach cancer
  Men exposed to certain forms of lead at work may face an elevated risk of stomach cancer, a new study suggests.
• Vioxx Settlement Puts Painkillers Back in the Spotlight
  Cox-2 inhibitors not so bad if used wisely and in the right patients, experts say
• Health Tip: When a Stomachache Requires Medical Attention
  When to head for the hospital
• Routine use of enema during labor discouraged
  The use of an enema during labor does not reduce the rate of wound infections in the mother or infections in the infant, and also does not appear to result in a better labor experience for the mother, the findings from a new study review indicate.

• October 19, 2007

  Video 'Pill' Spots Hidden Crohn's Disease
  A tiny capsule takes pictures of the intestine, experts explain
• Health Tip: Understanding Crohn's Disease
  There is no cure
• C. difficile carriers implicated in outbreak
  A study shows that individuals can harbor the bacterium, Clostridium difficile, but may not become ill. However, these carriers frequently shed virus onto their skin and into the environment and, as a result, may contribute significantly to disease transmission.
• Cheap drug could save lives in poor nations: report
  Magnesium sulphate, a cheap drug that prevents a deadly complication of pregnancy, could save the lives of tens of thousands of women in poor countries each year, a health group said in a report on Thursday.
• Vaccine after hepatitis A exposure prevents illness
  The findings from a new study show that after exposure to hepatitis A virus, the vaccine offers protection that is comparable to that of immune globulin, which is known to be highly effective in preventing hepatitis A.

• October 18, 2007

  Data on new hepatitis C drug promising: Schering
  The results of mid-stage study involving its experimental hepatitis boceprevir appear, Schering-Plough Corp reported Thursday.
• Obese often return to full-time work after surgery
  After undergoing gastric bypass surgery to treat extreme obesity, also known as "morbid" obesity, roughly one third of patients who were medically disabled and on Medicaid can return to full-time work, according to a report in the Archives of Surgery. The likelihood appears to be greatest among patients with obesity-related conditions that resolve after treatment.