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apples Protects your heart prevents constipation Blocks diarrhea Improves lung capacity Cushions joints
apricots Combats cancer Controls blood pressure Saves your eyesight Sheilds against Alzheimer's Slows aging process
artichokes Aids digestion Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Guards against liver disease
avocadoes Battles diabetes Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin
bananas Protects your heart Quiets a cough Strengthens bones Controls blood pressure Blocks diarrhea
beans Prevents constipation Helps hemorroids Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Stabilizes blood sugar
beets Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Strengthens bones Protects your heart Aids weight loss
blueberries Combats cancer Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Boosts memory Prevents constipation
broccoli Strengthens bones Saves eyesight Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure
cabbage Combats cancer Prevents constipation Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Helps hemorroids
canteloupe Saves eyesight Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Supports immune system
carrots Saves eyesight Protects your heart Prevents constipation Combats cancer Promotes weight loss
cauliflower Protects against Prostate Cancer Combats Breast Cancer Strengthens bones Banishes bruises Guards against heart disease
cherries Protects your heart Combats Cancer Ends insomnia Slows aging process Sheilds against Alzheimer's
chestnuts Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Lowers cholesterol Combats Cancer Controls blood pressure
chili peppers Aids digestion Soothes sore throat Clears sinuses Combats Cancer Boosts immune system
figs Promotes weight loss Helps stops strokes Lowers cholesterol Combats Cancer Controls blood pressure
fish Protects your heart Boosts memory Protects your heart Combats Cancer Supports immune system
flax Aids digestion Battles diabetes Protects your heart Improves mental health Boosts immune system
garlic Lowers cholesterol Controls blood pressure Combats cancer kills bacteria Fights fungus
grapefruit Protects against heart attacks Promotes Weight loss Helps stops strokes Combats Prostate Cancer Lowers cholesterol
grapes saves eyesight Conquers kidney stones Combats cancer Enhances blood flow Protects your heart
green tea Combats cancer Protects your heart Helps stops strokes Promotes Weight loss Kills bacteria
honey Heals wounds Aids digestion Guards against ulcers Increases enery Fights allergies
lemons Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin Stops scurvy
limes Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin Stops scurvy
mangoes Combats cancer Boosts memory Regulates thyroid aids digestion Sheilds against Alzheimer's
mushrooms Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Kills bacteria Combats cancer Strengthens bones
oats Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Battles diabetes prevents constipation Smoothes skin
olive oil Protects your heart Promotes Weight loss Combats cancer Battles diabetes Smoothes skin
onions Reduce risk of heart attack Combats cancer Kills bacteria Lowers cholesterol Fights fungus
oranges Supports immune systems Combats cancer Protects your heart Stregthens respiration  
peaches prevents constipation Combats cancer Helps stops strokes aids digestion Helps hemorroids
peanuts Protects against heart disease Promotes Weight loss Combats Prostate Cancer Lowers cholesterol Aggravates
diverticulitis
pineapple Strengthens bones Relieves colds Aids digestion Dissolves warts Blocks diarrhea
prunes Slows aging process prevents constipation boosts memory Lowers cholesterol Protects against heart disease
rice Protects your heart Battles diabetes Conquers kidney stones Combats cancer Helps stops strokes
strawberries Combats cancer Protects your heart boosts memory Calms stress  
sweet potatoes Saves your eyesight Lifts mood Combats cancer Strengthens bones  
tomatoes Protects prostate Combats cancer Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart  
walnuts Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer boosts memory Lifts mood Protects against heart disease
water Promotes Weight loss Combats cancer Conquers kidney stones Smooths skin  
watermelon Protects prostate Promotes Weight loss Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Controls blood pressure
wheat germ Combats Colon Cancer prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes improves digestion
wheat bran Combats Colon Cancer prevents constipation Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes improves digestion
yogurt Guards against ulcers Strengthens bones Lowers cholesterol Supports immune systems Aids digestion

 

MIT Researcher Mimics Photosynthesis To Turn Water Into Hydrogen And Oxygen

Posted on 29 October 2008

MIT Breakthrough

A MIT researcher has demonstrated a reaction which resembles the photosynthesis process that plants make each day which means that from now on solar power could be deployed at world scale. Using catalysts developed by the chemist, he showed a video where oxygen was generated from water, just like plants do it in photosynthesis.

“I’m going to show you something I haven’t showed anybody yet,” said Daniel Nocera, the MIT chemist. After the lights were tuned off, he pointed to the video and asked - “Can you see that?” Then he explained - “Oxygen is pouring off of this electrode. This is the future. We’ve got the leaf.” This means that the most difficult obstacle was overcame as from now on we efficiently produce hydrogen gas by splitting water thanks to his catalysts.

This is very important as solar power could be deployed at worldwide and it could remove our dependence on fossil fuels. Solar power cannot replace oil with solar panels as solar cells are not very efficient and the sun doesn’t shine all day long. All this can change now, and we could use the catalysts and light to split water to generate hydrogen fuel which could power our cars. Also, according to Nocera, the catalysts could split seawater and if the hydrogen will be processed in a fuel cell then it will produce fresh water.

During recent history many scientists tried to get energy from the sun by resembling photosynthesis and their attempts were successful. The problem is that this process requires high temperatures, expensive catalysts, and harsh alkaline solutions, so it cannot be deployed at world-scale. Well, this will change as Nocera’s catalysts are cheap and they split water in oxygen and hydrogen at room temperature.

According to Nocera, this process could be used in two ways - one would use solar panels to capture the light coming from the sun and the electricity that will be generated will power an electrolyzer which will split water thanks to these new and cheap catalysts. The other way would require a system that resembles a leaf as the catalysts will be positioned near dye molecules. How will this work? Well, the dye molecules will capture the sunlight and then the catalysts will do their job and split the water to get hydrogen for a later use.

Although there were many scientists and chemists who questioned Nocera’s catalysts, he is very confident of the success of his system.

“With this discovery, I totally change the dialogue. All of the old arguments go out the window,” explained Nocera.

For the moment, solar power provides only 1 percent of the energy demand in the US and if the demand will grow up to 10 percent then utility companies will have to do something when the sun doesn’t shine. According to Ryan Wiser, scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA, utilities could invest a lot of money in energy storage, however, the companies also have a cheaper option in developing natural gas plants that will replace solar power when it’s not available.

“Electrical storage is just too expensive,” concluded Wiser.

The situation changes when we talk about 20 percent of the energy demand as then solar power will contribute to the base load power which is the amount of power required for the minimum energy demand. For the moment, the base load power is supplied by coal power plants. In order to replace coal, solar power needs to be harnessed 24/7 even if the weather is cloudy. As the sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day, solar power cannot become the most important source of energy in the country.

Another problem is that the solar power-generated electricity cannot be stored efficiently. A good comparison was made by Nathan Lewis from Caltech who said that one kilogram of water pumped uphill, then sent through a turbine would store one kilojoule of energy, meanwhile one kilogram of oil stores 45,000 kilojoules. Lewis added that batteries are also expensive and very inefficient as they store 300 watts per kilogram, meanwhile oil stores 13,000 watts per kilogram.

“The numbers make it obvious that chemical fuels are the only energy-dense way to obtain massive energy storage,” concluded Lewis.

Nocera began studying the process of photosynthesis as of 1984, however, he didn’t start to mimic the process right away. This happened in 2004 when chemists from the Imperial College London discovered a very important protein which was responsible for the release of oxygen from water.

“As soon as we saw this, we could start designing systems,” said Nocera.

In order to fully understand the process, Nocera tried a very different approach - he reversed the reaction and combined oxygen with electrons and protons to get water and he noticed that cobalt-based compounds were the best catalysts so he used them to also split water. When these catalysts failed, he said “let’s forget all the elaborate stuff and just use cobalt directly.”

MIT Breakthrough

Nocera was surprised to see that the cobalt worked so good and the success of the experiment made him realize how lucky he was.

“There was no reason for us to expect that just plain cobalt with phosphate, versus cobalt being tied up in one of our complexes, would work this well. I couldn’t have predicted it. The stuff that was falling out of the compounds turned out to be what we needed,” admitted the chemist.

However, Nocera was intrigued by the fact that cobalt worked so well and he wanted to understand why.

“I want to know why the hell cobalt in this thin film is so active. I may be able to improve it or use a different metal that’s better. We were really interested in the basic science. Can we make a catalyst that works efficiently under the conditions of photosynthesis? The answer now is yes, we can do that. Now we’ve really got to get to the technology of designing a cell.”

Despite Nocera’s scientific proof, many scientists questioned his discovery and they said it’s overrated. Even Nocera’s mentor, Thomas Meyer said that “the claim that this is the answer for artificial photosynthesis is crazy” because there is “no guarantee that it can be scaled up or even made practical” and he also added that this is only a “research finding” rather than a breakthrough.

Nocera was also chaffed by John Turner, a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO who said that “at least what he’s published so far would never work for a commercial electrolyzer, where the current density is 800 times to 2,000 times greater.” Another fellow researcher who questioned Nocera’s finding, was Ryan Wise who said that “electrolysis is inefficient, so why would you do it?”

MIT Breakthrough

One of the scientists who believed in Nocera’s discovery was Michael Grätzel, chemistry and chemical engineering professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale in Lausanne, Switzerland. Grätzel said that Nocera was very excited and that “he took me to a restaurant and bought a tremendously expensive bottle of wine.”

Grätzel says that he has a way to make Nocera’s discovery practical as in 1991 he developed a futuristic solar cell where the electrons were collected by a titanium-oxide film to generate electricity, instead of setting them off during the electrolysis. Using his cell and Nocera’s catalysts, Grätzel believes that he develop an artificial leaf that would capture sunlight and split water in a process that resembles photosynthesis.

Nocera is very confident that soon we will “make fuels from a glass of water.” Although most of the scientists today don’t agree with Nocera, from where I’m looking this could be possible. Hopefully, the MIT chemist will manage to find a practical use for his catalysts and solar power will replace fossil fuels.

 

Optimal Dose of Vitamin E Maximizes Benefits, Minimizes Risk

Corvallis, Oregon – October 29, 2008 -- Vitamin E has been heralded for its ability to reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and sudden death. Yet in some people, vitamin E causes bleeding. Scientists have known for more than 50 years that excess vitamin E promotes bleeding by interfering with vitamin K, which is essential in blood clotting. However, they haven’t been able to pinpoint how the two vitamins interact. Nutrition researcher Maret Traber of Oregon State University reviews studies of possible explanations of the interaction in an article published recently in Nutrition Reviews.

One of the most compelling studies of the benefits of vitamin E is the Women’s Health Study, in which 40,000 healthy women, 45 and older, took 600 IU vitamin E supplements or a placebo every other day for 10 years. Women taking the supplements had 24 percent fewer deaths from heart disease. Vitamin E’s protective effect appeared even stronger in women 65 and older. Those taking the vitamin experienced a 26 percent reduction in cardiovascular events and a 49 percent reduction in cardiovascular deaths.

“That’s a significant benefit,” Traber said. Yet, she added, “In some people high doses of vitamin E increase the tendency to bleed. Women enrolled in the study had an increase in nose bleeds.”

To lessen the bleeding risk, the U.S.-based Food and Nutrition Board in 2000 set the upper tolerable limit for daily vitamin E intake at 1500 I.U.

Research Traber reviewed suggests that a shared metabolic pathway in the liver causes vitamins E and K to interact. Vitamin K in the liver appears to diminish as vitamin E increases.

“Several different explanations could account for the interaction between the two vitamins,” Traber said. “We need more research to understand the delicate balance between vitamins E and K.”

_________________________________________________________________

This study is published in the November 2008 issue of Nutrition Reviews. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article may contact professionalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.

To view the abstract for this article, please click here.

Maret Traber is affiliated with Oregon State University and can be reached for questions at maret.traber@oregonstate.edu.

Nutrition Reviews is a highly cited journal devoted to keeping academic researchers, students, and professionals abreast of the latest research in the field with authoritative and critical reviews of significant developments in all areas of nutrition science and policy.

Media Contact

Amy Molnar
Publicity Associate
111 River St.

Hoboken, NJ 07030
USA
201-748-8844 (phone)
201-748-6088 (fax)
amolnar@wiley.com
   
   
   
   

Drinking milk to ease milk allergy?

Hopkins Children's oral immunotherapy study shows promise, but do not try this at home

Giving children with milk allergies increasingly higher doses of milk over time may ease, and even help them completely overcome, their allergic reactions, according to the results of a study led by the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and conducted jointly with Duke University.

Despite the small number of patients in the trial – 19 – the findings are illuminating and encouraging, investigators say, because this is the first-ever double-blinded and placebo-controlled study of milk immunotherapy. In the study, the researchers compared a group of children receiving milk powder to a group of children receiving placebo identical in appearance and taste to real milk powder. Neither the patients nor the investigators knew which child received which powder, a rigorous research setup that minimizes the chance for error and bias.

The findings of the study are reported online ahead of print, Oct. 28, in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology

"Our findings suggest that oral immunotherapy gradually retrains the immune system to completely disregard or to better tolerate the allergens in milk that previously caused allergic reactions," says Robert Wood, M.D., senior investigator on the study and director of Allergy & Immunology at Hopkins Children's. "Albeit preliminary and requiring further study, these results suggest that oral immunotherapy may be the closest thing yet to a 'true' treatment for food allergy."

Currently, food allergy management involves complete avoidance of the trigger foods, waiting for the child to outgrow the allergy or treating allergic reactions if and when they occur. The latter could be dangerous, investigators say, because these common foods are difficult to avoid and some reactions can be severe and even life-threatening.

In a report released Oct. 22, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that food allergies are on the rise with three million children in the United States now having at least one food allergy, an 18 percent jump from 10 years ago. Milk allergy is the most prevalent type of food allergy.

"Given that the quality of life of a child with a food allergy is comparable to the quality of life of a child with diabetes, we urgently need therapies that go beyond strict food avoidance or waiting for the child to outgrow the allergy," Wood says.

Researchers followed allergic reactions over four months among 19 children with severe and persistent milk allergy, 6 to 17 years of age. Of the 19 patients, 12 received progressively higher doses of milk protein, and seven received placebo. At the beginning of the study, the children were able to tolerate on average only 40 mg (.04 ounces or a quarter of a teaspoon) of milk.

At the end of the four-month study, both groups were given milk powder as a "challenge" to see what dose would cause reaction after the treatment. The children who had been receiving increasingly higher doses of milk protein over a few months were able to tolerate a median dose of 5, 140 mg (over 5 ounces) of milk without having any allergic reaction or with mild symptoms, such as mouth itching and minor abdominal discomfort. Those who had been getting the placebo remained unable to tolerate doses higher than the 40 mg of milk powder without having an allergic reaction. In the group receiving milk protein, the lowest tolerance dose was 2, 540 mg (2.5 ounces) and the highest was 8,140 mg (8 ounces). Lab tests showed the children who regularly drank or ate milk had more antibodies to milk in their blood, yet were able to better tolerate milk than those who took the placebo. Researchers say, tolerance in children treated with milk continued to build over time, and recommend that these children continue to consume milk daily to maintain their resistance. The researchers caution that it remains unclear whether the children would maintain their tolerance once they stop consuming milk regularly. "It may very well be that this tolerance is lost once the immune system is no longer exposed to the allergen daily," Wood says.

The Hopkins group is currently studying oral immunotherapy in children with egg allergy to determine whether increasingly higher doses of egg protein can help resolve their allergy, and have recently started another study of milk immunotherapy.

Wood emphasizes the findings require further research and advises parents and caregivers not to try oral immunotherapy without medical supervision.

 

###

Other Hopkins investigators in the study: Justin Skripak, M.D., Hannah Rowley, R.D., Nga Brereton, R.D., Susan Oh, R.D., Robert Hamilton, M.D., Elizabeth Matsui, M.D. M.H.S.

Duke University co-investigators: Scott Nash, M.D., and A. Wesley Burks, M.D.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and The Eudowood Foundation.

 

Can rectal vitamin E induce remission in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis?

It is believed that the generation of an exaggerated intestinal immune response to otherwise innocuous stimuli along with generation of oxygen free radicals plays a key role in the pathophysiology of UC. However, no disease-specific treatment for UC has yet emerged. Vitamin E is a major lipophilic antioxidant in cellular membranes with excellent antioxidant activities which protects membrane lipids from peroxidation by scavenging not only chain carrying peroxyl radicals but also singlet oxygen and superoxide anion radicals. This is especially interesting in case of UC, considering the pivotal role of oxygen free radicals in the genesis of mucosal damage. Given the recent evidence suggesting anti-inflammatory properties for Vitamin E, one may ask whether d-alpha tocopherol, as the dominant vitamin E isomer in plasma with the highest biopotency, can be expected to reduce the development of tissue injury in UC.

A research article to be published on October 21, 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The research team led by Dr. Mirbagheri from Department of Internal Medicine of Amir Alam hospital in Tehran-Iran, report for the first time the preliminary results of an on-going open-label case-series study on clinical and endoscopic changes of disease severity in patients with active UC who received daily rectal doses of d-alpha tocopherol for at least 12 wk.

All 15 participating patients responded dramatically to therapy after 12 weeks, with 9 of them going to clinical remission. The average score of Mayo disease activity index (DAI) started to decrease after second week and remained significantly lower for the remainder of the study. Besides, there was no case of worsening disease activity or report of serious adverse event during the course of study. The observed effect are probably due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin E which potently takes effect by local route of administration. At the end of this interesting article the authors suggest that rectal administration of d-alpha tocopherol might be used safely as a new therapeutic modality to reduce the clinical severity of ulcerative colitis without major side effects or complications of current therapies.

 

###

 

Reference: Mirbagheri SA, Nezami BG, Assa S, Hajimahmoodi M. Rectal administration of d-alpha tocopherol for active ulcerative colitis: A preliminary report. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14(39): 5990-5995
http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/14/5990.asp

Correspondence to: Seyed Amir Mirbagheri, MD, Depart-ment of Internal Medicine, Amir-Alam Hospital, North Sa'adi Street, Tehran 13145-784, Iran. mirbagherimd@yahoo.com Telephone: +98-216-6708688 Fax: +98-216-6704805

About World Journal of Gastroenterology

World Journal of Gastroenterology (WJG), a leading international journal in gastroenterology and hepatology, has established a reputation for publishing first class research on esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, viral hepatitis, colorectal cancer, and H pylori infection. It provides a forum for both clinicians and scientists. WJG has been indexed and abstracted in Current Contents/Clinical Medicine, Science Citation Index Expanded (also known as SciSearch) and Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition, Index Medicus, MEDLINE and PubMed, Chemical Abstracts, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, Abstracts Journals, Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CAB Abstracts and Global Health. ISI JCR 2003-2000 IF: 3.318, 2.532, 1.445 and 0.993. WJG is a weekly journal published by WJG Press. The publication dates are the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th of every month. The WJG is supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30224801 and No. 30424812, and was founded with the title China National Journal of New Gastroenterology on October 1, 1995, and renamed WJG on January 25, 1998.

About The WJG Press

The WJG Press mainly publishes World Journal of Gastroenterology.

How did glycine significantly decrease liver injury?

The nonessential amino acid glycine has been shown to be anti-inflammatory in several animal injury models. Recent studies demonstrated that dietary glycine protected both the lung and liver against lethal doses of endotoxin in rat or other animals and improved graft survival after liver transplantation. The influence of dietary glycine on oxidant-induced or cholestatic liver injury was not known.

A research article to be published on October 21, 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this question. The research team led by Prof. Thurman from the University of North Carolina used a dietary and cholestatic model thru BDL in rats to address this question. They could demonstrate that hepatic injury due to BDL is significantly reduced by dietary glycine in rats. Moreover, the data indicated that glycine decreases liver injury under the conditions of experimental cholestasis thru a direct effect on hepatocytes. Surprisingly, Kupffer cells did not appear to play a major role in the pathological changes caused by cholestasis.

It is best known that Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages of the liver, are involved in several disease states, such as endotoxin shock, alcoholic liver diseases, and other toxicant-induced liver injury by releasing eicosanoids, inflammatory cytokines, and free radical species. Furthermore, in previous studies of the research team, a glycine-dependent chloride channel on the cell membrane of Kupffer cells and other macrophages that influence the activation process of these cells could be detected. But in the actual used cholestatic model no significant influence of this cell line on liver injury could be detected.

 

###

Reference: Froh M, Zhong Z, Walbrun P, Lehnert M, Netter S, Wiest R, Conzelmann L, Gäbele E, Hellerbrand C, Schölmerich J, Thurman RG. Dietary glycine blunts liver injury after bile duct ligation in rats. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14(39): 5996-6003

http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/14/5996.asp

Correspondence to: Matthias Froh, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93042, Germany. froh.science@mac.com Telephone: +49-941-9447012 Fax: +49-941-9447011

About World Journal of Gastroenterology

World Journal of Gastroenterology (WJG), a leading international journal in gastroenterology and hepatology, has established a reputation for publishing first class research on esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, viral hepatitis, colorectal cancer, and H pylori infection. It provides a forum for both clinicians and scientists. WJG has been indexed and abstracted in Current Contents/Clinical Medicine, Science Citation Index Expanded (also known as SciSearch) and Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition, Index Medicus, MEDLINE and PubMed, Chemical Abstracts, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, Abstracts Journals, Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CAB Abstracts and Global Health. ISI JCR 2003-2000 IF: 3.318, 2.532, 1.445 and 0.993. WJG is a weekly journal published by WJG Press. The publication dates are the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th of every month. The WJG is supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30224801 and No. 30424812, and was founded with the title China National Journal of New Gastroenterology on October 1, 1995, and renamed WJG on January 25, 1998.

About The WJG Press

The WJG Press mainly publishes World Journal of Gastroenterology.

Drive Safely - Keep Halloween from Being Scary

Halloweendrivingsafety With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, it’s safe to say trick-or-treaters of all ages will be staying out even later that usual. These costumed creatures of the night are often draped in dark clothing, dressed more for scares than visibility. Taking extra care for both pedestrians and drivers is important for the neighborhood. After all, not only are the injury risks greater on Halloween, chances are you may know the victim or driver. (Watch our video on the dangers of driving at dusk.)

Scary statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) show that fatal collisions between motor vehicles and young pedestrians occur most frequently between 4 and 8 p.m. year round – prime trick-or-treating hours on Halloween. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of deaths among young pedestrians (ages 5-14) is four times higher on Halloween evening than any other evening of the year.

Take your time when driving and be alert. Better yet, if you don’t need to drive, so much the better. Put off that errand for another day.

Here are some more tips to improve your safety this Halloween:

Driving:

  • As always, be aware of school buses. Children may be distracted by their costumes and/or wearing masks that limit their vision.
  • Don’t use a cell phone while driving.
  • Stay below the posted speed limit in residential areas.
  • Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice; watch out for wet patches on the road.
  • Keep a vigilant eye out for kids who may dart out into traffic. In fact, you should expect it.
  • Try to park in a spot where you won’t need to back up; but if you must, have an adult outside the car to watch for wee ghouls.
  • Be extra careful pulling in and out of driveways.
  • If you’re attending an adult Halloween party, designate a driver. Two-thirds of highway fatalities on Halloween are alcohol-related.
  • Don’t wear that scary mask while you’re driving!

Trick or treating:

  • Be sure your children are escorted by a responsible adult.
  • Help drivers see kids by putting reflective tape (available in hardware and sporting goods stores) on their costumes and treat bags. Have them carry flashlights and glowsticks.
  • Make sure children know how to cross a street safely: before entering the crosswalk, look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
  • Always cross inside crosswalks when available. According to the USDOT, 84 percent of deaths of young pedestrians happen at non-intersection locations.
  • Remind kids not to run out between parked cars.
  • Walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
  • Make sure costumes and shoes fit properly to avoid falls. If wearing a mask, make sure it fits securely and has large eye holes. Better yet, wear makeup to avoid obscured vision.
  • Remind children to walk (not run!) as they make their rounds ringing doorbells.
  • Remind children to look for cars before walking in front of a driveway.
  • Buckle up all children in their car seats or seat belts even if you’re making short trips from house to house.

Recommended Halloween reading:
See the additional Halloween tips on our Safety blog, including ways to keep cats and dogs safe. Learn the safest way to carve a pumpkin. And if you need to whip up a last-minute costume, see our Home blog for DIY ideas.

Happy Halloween!

—Desiree Calamari

For complete Ratings and recommendations on appliances, cars & trucks, electronic gear, and much more, subscribe today and have access to all of ConsumerReports.org.

Halloween safety for families

With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, it’s safe to say trick-or-treaters of all ages will be staying out even later that usual. These costumed creatures of the night are often draped in dark clothing, dressed more for scares than visibility. Taking extra care for both pedestrians and drivers is important for the neighborhood. After all, not only are the injury risks greater on Halloween, chances are you may know the victim or driver. (See video on right on the dangers of driving at dusk.)

Scary statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) show that fatal collisions between motor vehicles and young pedestrians occur most frequently between 4 and 8 p.m. year round--prime trick-or-treating hours on Halloween. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of deaths among young pedestrians (ages 5-14) is four times higher on Halloween evening than any other evening of the year.

Take your time when driving and be alert. Better yet, if you don’t need to drive, so much the better. Put off that errand for another day.

For more tips to improve your family's safety this Halloween, see the rest of this post on our Cars blog, and see more safe Halloween tips on our Safety blog.

 

How to save a fortune on infant formula

FormulaLike diapers, the cost of formula can add up. In fact, if your baby is strictly formula-fed, you’re likely to shell out $2,000 for formula by her first birthday. Fortunately, there are ways to save. Here are four of our top formula thrift tips:

Shop at mass merchandisers. Your formula costs will vary by where you shop, according to a USDA report. Formula sold by mass merchandisers costs the least. Supermarket prices will make a bigger dent in your budget. And drugstores charge substantially more, so don’t wait to shop for formula until the all-night drugstore is the only outlet open.

Buy milk-based formula. It tends to cost less than soy-based formula, so don’t buy soy or another type of special formula unless your pediatrician recommends it.

Sign up for savings. Some formula companies offer exclusive offers and savings on their Web sites. At www.verybestbaby.com, Nestle promises up to $319 in savings and free offers, including money-saving checks for their Good Start formula. A caveat: This includes “partner offers” on products you might not want, so you might save less, and you must provide your e-mail address. Similarly, at www.enfamil.com you can enroll in Enfamil Family Beginnings to receive special offers and promotions, including up to $60 in formula checks.

Buy online. Some retailers, including many mass merchandisers like Target and Wal-Mart, don’t sell formula through their Web sites, so you’ll have to go shopping and then schlep the stuff home. But you can purchase formula online at many sites including www.samsclub.com (Member’s Mark, the store brand), www.costco.com (national brands and Kirkland Signature, Costco’s store brand), www.naturesonedirect.com (Baby’s Only), www.earthsbest.com (Earth’s Best), and www.amazon.com. Amazon offers Enfamil, Similac, Nestle Good Start, and Member’s Mark, as well as free shipping on some quantities, which will save you a trip to the store. Amazon also sells some organic brands, such as Earth’s Best and Baby’s Only. You can sign up for Amazon Prime, which entitles you to unlimited “free” standard and two-day shipping on eligible items, as well as other benefits, for an annual membership fee of $79. 

See our full report on baby formula, as well as our reports on baby bottles without BPA and breast pumps, for more information.

 

       

Menopause: New advice on hormone treatment

1_7 About one in five women going through menopause have symptoms severe enough to make their lives miserable from time to time. No woman, after all, wants to start sweating profusely in public after a hot flash. And night sweats and difficulty sleeping can leave a woman tired, groggy, irritable, and less than productive for days on end.

But the main drugs used to treat such problems —the hormones estrogen and progestin—have long had a bad rap. They have been linked since 2002 to a broad array of serious risks, including breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke. In our research, we found that new studies of hormone use often get wide media attention, and add to an already confusing topic for women. Our Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs project has taken a careful look at the evidence on hormone products in a new report that cuts through the confusion and gives women straightforward advice.

The good news is that hormone drugs are now deemed to be a viable option for younger, healthy women who have severe symptoms and desperately need relief. In particular, women under the age of 60 who are at a low risk for breast cancer and heart problems may not increase their risk of heart disease when they take hormones. However—and it’s a big however—they still face an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. So, hormones still need to be prescribed and taken with extreme care, even for women who have severe symptoms.

The report advises women with mild symptoms to avoid hormones and seek relief through lifestyle and habit changes, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, sleeping in a cool room, and dressing in loose-fitting clothes. Women who have heart disease or are at high risk of it, as well as women who may be at high risk of breast cancer, are also advised to steer clear of the drugs.

The new report also examines the cost of hormone drugs. Most are reasonably priced.  Even so, we recommend asking your doctor to prescribe a generic.  Most generic estradiol pills, for example, cost less than $15 a month, and could save you up to $400 over brand-name Premarin. The full report lists 14 Best Buy hormone products, including pills, patches, and vaginal creams and rings.

Read the full report to learn more.

—Steve Mitchell, associate editor, Best Buy Drugs

Red meat, milk lovers more susceptible to E. Coli

Last Updated: 2008-10-30 11:00:54 -0400 (Reuters Health)

HONG KONG (Reuters Life!) - Lovers of red meat and milk may be more susceptible to a major strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli), which causes severe diarrhea, researchers in Australia said.

In an article published in Nature, they said red meat and cow's milk contain a type of sugar that the Shiga toxigenic E. coli bacterium binds readily to, making people sick.

"Frequent consumption of (red meat and milk) would allow incorporation of the sugar into our cells and when we eat meat infected with E. coli, it sensitizes our cells to attack by this toxin," said Travis Beddoe, a research fellow at the Protein Crystallography Unit of Australia's Monash University.

Using human gut and kidney tissues, the researchers found that toxins from E. coli would only bind to tissues that were flushed with the sugar.

"The toxins couldn't bind to human tissues in the absence of the sugar, but when we fed human cells with this (sugar) ... there was strong binding and increase in virulence and toxicity," Beddoe told Reuters in a telephone interview.

The sugars can reside anywhere along the human digestive tract, although they tend to concentrate in the stomach and kidneys -- sometimes for up to a few days.

"If we drink milk or have a lot of red meat intake we would be replenishing those sugars, they would be there all the time," Beddoe said.

The Shiga toxigenic E. coli is a major pathogenic form of E. coli. The sugar, called N-glycolylneuraminic acid-containing saccharides, is abundant in cow's milk and red meat, but low or absent in poultry and fish.

Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

Gum disease common with rheumatoid arthritis

Last Updated: 2008-10-30 10:00:54 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Karla Gale

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Symptoms of gum disease are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and may be an independent marker of RA disease activity, according to research presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology meeting in San Francisco.

About 20 million people worldwide have RA -- an autoimmune disease caused when the body confuses healthy tissues for foreign substances and attacks itself. The disease causes pain, stiffness and swelling in multiple joints, and inflammation can develop in other organs as well. Studies have suggested that RA raises heart risks.

Dr. Clifton O. Bingham, III, and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, surveyed the oral health of 153 patients with RA between 45 and 84 years old and found that patients with more active RA had more symptoms of gum disease.

The results also suggest that the prevalence of gum disease in patients with RA is at least twice that seen in the general population, and that "more than 30 percent have severe periodontal disease according to the 2007 CDC criteria, which may need surgical intervention," Bingham said.

"The relationship between RA disease activity with periodontal disease suggests that periodontal disease may serve as a disease-modifying factor for RA," he added.

"These findings should prompt more attention to oral health in this patient population," Bingham said.

The rheumatologist pointed out that treatment of periodontal disease has been linked to improved control of other systemic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The possibility exists, therefore, that treatment of periodontal disease could even "improve outcomes for patients with RA."

Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

Childhood anxiety can be effectively treated: study

Last Updated: 2008-10-30 14:30:21 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Karla Gale

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Most children with anxiety disorders benefit from a type of "talk therapy" called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication, either in combination or alone, according to results of a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

"Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders affecting children and adolescents. Untreated anxiety can undermine a child's success in school, jeopardize his or her relationships with family, and inhibit social functioning," Dr. Thomas R. Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health said in a statement issued by the institute.

"This study provides strong evidence and reassurance to parents that a well-designed, two-pronged treatment approach is the gold standard, while a single line of treatment is still effective," Insel added.

The study involved 488 children ages 7 years to 17 years with a variety of anxiety disorders - some with moderate to severe anxiety. Many of the children also had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and behavior problems.

The children were randomly assigned to one of four groups: CBT -- a specific type of therapy that, for this study, taught children about anxiety and helped them face and master their fears by guiding them through structured tasks; the antidepressant (sertraline; Zoloft); the combination of the two; or placebo.

Among those in combination treatment, 81 percent improved. Sixty percent in the CBT-only group improved, and 55 percent in the sertraline-only group improved. Among those on placebo, 24 percent improved.

Study investigator Dr. John Walkup from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore said this study "clearly showed that combination treatment is the most effective for these children. But sertraline alone or CBT alone showed a good response rate as well."

"This suggests that clinicians and families have three good options to consider for young people with anxiety disorders, depending on treatment availability and costs," he added.

Results also showed that the treatments were safe. Children taking sertraline alone showed no more side effects than the children taking placebo and few children discontinued the trial due to side effects. In addition, no child attempted suicide, a rare side effect sometimes associated with antidepressant medications in children.

The findings of the study, slated for publication in the December 25 print issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, were released early to coincide with a presentation Thursday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Chicago.

SOURCE: The New England Journal of Medicine, online October 30, 2008.

Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

ADHD tied to more severe nicotine dependence

Last Updated: 2008-10-30 12:00:28 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Amy Norton

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Young people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be particularly vulnerable to serious nicotine addiction if they start smoking, a new study suggests.

Past research has shown that kids with ADHD are more likely than their peers without the disorder to start smoking. These latest findings suggest that once they do take up the habit, they also tend to become more severely nicotine-dependent, researchers report in the Journal of Pediatrics.

"The nicotine dependence appears to be about twice as bad," said lead researcher Dr. Timothy E. Wilens of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

The study, which included 166 15- to 25-year-olds with and without ADHD, found that those with the disorder scored significantly higher on a questionnaire that gauges physical dependence on nicotine.

Their average score was double that of smokers without ADHD.

ADHD was not the only factor that influenced nicotine dependence, however. Young people who had a parent who smoked, friends who smoked or who lived with a smoker all tended to have more-severe nicotine addiction.

Importantly, Wilens told Reuters Health, these environmental factors all had a greater impact on study participants with ADHD. This suggests that a mix of biology and environment is at work, according to Wilens.

It's not clear why ADHD and smoking are linked, he explained, but there is evidence that nicotine affects brain systems believed to be involved in ADHD. One study, for example, found that nicotine and the ADHD drug Ritalin each had similar effects on a protein that regulates levels of the brain chemical dopamine.

Some recent studies have also suggested that nicotine can help alleviate ADHD symptoms.

It's possible, Wilens said, that some young people with ADHD are using cigarettes as a way to self-medicate.

The bottom line for parents of children with ADHD, he noted, is that they should discuss the importance of not smoking with their children, and make sure that their ADHD symptoms are minimized to the extent possible.

Parents should also be aware of the environmental factors that push some kids to smoke, Wilens pointed out. "If parents smoke, themselves," he said, "they should certainly stop."

SOURCE: Journal of Pediatrics, September 2008.

Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

Bipolar Disorder Involves A Lower Quality Of Both Mental And Physical Life, Even In Periods Of Normality

A study carried out in the Institute of Neurosciences of the University of Granada (Spain) and the Mental Health Unit of the Hospital Neurotraumatológico of Jaen (Spain) has evaluated the quality of life of patients suffering from bipolar disorder (BD), in comparison with the general population, and which variables are connected with patients with a lower quality of life. Part of the results of this research work has been included in a scientific paper of the August 2008 issue of the renowned international journal Bipolar Disorders. In addition, the Headlines review of the American Psychiatric Association has selected such article, among those published by the highest-impact psychiatric journal, as the relevant paper of the month as regards psychiatric disorders and their treatment.

To carry out this work, UGR researchers Luis Gutiérrez Rojas and Manuel Gurpegui Fernández de Legaria, together with other scientists, analysed 108 patients with BD, against a comparative group made up of 1,210 persons from a general population sample. Inside the group of patients, 48 of them were euthymic, this is, without active symptoms of the disease; the remaining 60 patients (non-euthymic) presented relevant symptoms during the evaluation.

BD, known in the past as manic-depressive psychosis, affects approximately 3 of every 100 persons and consists of suffering recurrent depression episodes (depressive phases) alternating with periods of euphoria (manic phases). The patients swing intensely (usually in weeks or months) from happiness to sadness, besides enjoying periods of normality (euthymia).

A lower quality of physical life

The scientists from Granada have found out that, as it was to be expected, patients with BD present a worse mental health than the general population; but, in addition, they have discovered that they have a poorer quality of life at a physical level. This could be due to a higher consumption of addictive substances such as alcohol and tobacco, the long-term secondary effects of the pharmacological treatment and a more sedentary way of life.

From this research we can also gather that BD patients who suffer a lower quality of mental life are those who started to suffer the disease before 20 years old, who have been suffering it for a longer time, who suffer the II subtype of the disease, who are dependent on tobacco and who are suffering depressive symptoms at present. In addition, the researchers from Granada have proved that having a high social support (such as that of the family) is connected with a better quality of life for the patient.

Besides it, their work has made clear that depressive symptoms (sadness, listlessness, tiredness, concentration difficulty, insomnia, poor appetite, etc.) have a higher impact in the quality of life than maniac symptoms (excessive self-esteem, lack on inhibition, verbosity, hyperactivity, increase of sexual appetite, etc.). And they also produce more disability or negative repercussion for working capacity andfamily and social life; this is probably due to that maniac symptoms are usually shorter in time and have a good response to medication, whereas depressive ones are usually more difficult to eliminate.

A more active intervention

Luis Gutiérrez Rojas insists that, at the sight of the results of this work, there should be a more active intervention to help those people who present depressive symptoms or a high tobacco dependence. However, other variables which could seem less relevant a priori, such as having a family history of the disease, having suffered many apisodes of the disorder or having carried out suicide attempt, are not variables significantly conected with a bad quality of life.

Reference: Luis Gutiérrez Rojas. Institute of Neurosciences of the University of Granada

UNIVERSITY OF GRANADA - COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Secretariado de Comunicación - Universidad de Granada
Hospital Real - Cuesta del Hospicio s/n
http://www.ugr.es

Examining The Relationship Between Anger And Alcohol Abuse

Research suggests that alcoholics are more likely to experience emotions such as annoyances, frustrations and anger compared to non-alcoholics.

A new study at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) will investigate these anger emotions and how they might be addressed in outpatient alcoholism treatment. In this study, researchers will develop a treatment specifically focused on anger management for use with individuals with drinking problems and will then examine the effects of the new treatment protocol in a pilot clinical trial.

The study is funded by a $1.8 million grant from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and will run through 2013.

"We have seen that alcoholics score higher on various measures of anger emotions than non-alcoholics," explained Kimberly S. Walitzer, Ph.D., lead investigator on the study. "Furthermore, anger emotions can play a role in relapse to drinking following a period of abstinence from alcohol use. If we can help individuals to manage anger emotions differently, we should be able to help them cope in different ways other than drinking."

Walitzer is a senior research scientist and deputy director of RIA, as well as research associate professor in the Department of Psychology in the UB College of Arts and Sciences.

Walitzer's research team includes two senior research scientists at RIA. Paul R. Stasiewicz, Ph.D. is director of RIA's Clinical Research Center and research associate professor in UB's Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Gerard J. Connors, Ph.D. is RIA's director, professor in the Department of Psychology and research professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

The Research Institute on Addictions has been a national leader in the study of addictions since 1970 and a research center of the University at Buffalo since 1999.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.

University at Buffalo

Cancer Requires Support From Immune System To Develop

Tumors that grow around nerves in a rare genetic disease need cooperation from cells from the immune system in order to grow, reports a team of scientists, including researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Treating mice with a drug that attacks the immune cells not the tumor greatly reduced the size and metabolism of the tumors, the scientists reported. A clinical trial of the treatment in humans has begun.

"It was not the tumor being treated, but its environment," said Dr. Luis Parada, chairman of developmental biology at UT Southwestern and co-senior author of the study, which appears in the Oct. 31 issue of the journal Cell. "This insight has led to a very promising therapy of a previously untreatable tumor.

"This is the first time a mouse model has been used to gain insight into a cancer that could not be derived from patient studies," said Dr. Parada, director of the Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration.

The researchers were studying tumors called plexiform neurofibromas, which occur around peripheral nerves. In humans, they occur as part of a genetic disease called neurofibromatosis-1. About 25 percent to 40 percent of people with the disease develop the tumors, which are generally benign but can grow large enough to cause disfigurement or disability and can sometimes become malignant.

These tumors are complex structures that include many different types of cells, particularly Schwann cells, which provide a fatty coating that makes nerve cells electrically efficient, and mast cells.

Because of their complexity, plexiform neurofibromas are difficult to remove surgically, and there is currently no cure for them.

Neurofibromatosis-1 is caused by a mutation in a single gene called Nf1. About 250,000 people in the U.S., Europe and Japan have this mutation. The mutation is dominant, meaning that people with one normal gene and one mutated gene develop the disease.

The UT Southwestern researchers had previously found in mice that plexiform neurofibromas develop from Schwann cells that have two mutated copies of Nf1. In addition, they discovered that even before a plexiform neurofibroma begins to form around a nerve, mast cells migrate into the area.

In the current study, the scientists used genetically engineered mice to confirm first that the animals need two mutated copies of Nf1 in their Schwann cells to develop neurofibromas, which the rest of their cells can still have one normal and one mutant Nf1 gene.

In addition, a bone marrow transplant from normal mice with two normal Nf1 genes prevented 90 percent of the engineered mice from developing neurofibromas, confirming that even with two mutated genes in the Schwann cells, a mutated copy must also be present in other cells. Bone marrow is the source of mast cells, blood cells and many other types of cells that circulate through blood vessels.

The researchers then focused on the role of mast cells in tumor formation, particularly a molecule on the cells' surface called c-kit, which controls many functions, including migration and proliferation.

The mice engineered to develop tumors were given the drug imatinib mesylate, also known as Gleevec. The drug, known to inhibit c-kit, currently is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia and other cancers.

Positron emission tomography scans showed that Gleevec halved the metabolic activity of the tumors, while later examination confirmed that the tumors were much smaller than in placebo-treated mice.

"We found there was a requirement from the immune system to interact with the tumor for the tumor to grow," Dr. Parada said. "When mast cells are blocked, the tumor cannot grow."

During the course of these experiments, the researchers learned about a girl who had a large neurofibroma that could not be removed surgically because too many blood vessels were involved. Because Gleevec is already approved for other conditions, the girl's doctor treated her under "compassionate use" guidelines.

The girl's tumor shrank by 70 percent with no apparent side effects during the first three months of a six-month treatment under "compassionate use" regulations. The mass has remained dormant in the six months afterward, the researchers reported.

While this was only a single case, it was consistent with the one-year study of the tumor and its action in mice, Dr. Parada said, and the child's treatment was tailored to reflect the findings from the animal study.

A phase 2 clinical trial of this treatment in people with neurofibromatosis has been approved and is under way.

Dr. Parada cautioned, however, that further research is needed. A single human case, while encouraging, is not enough to prove the long-term effectiveness of the treatment, and Gleevec might be exerting other actions in addition to inhibiting mast cells.

Other UT Southwestern researchers involved in the study were Dr. Yuan Zhu, former instructor of developmental biology, and Dr. Dennis Burns, professor of pathology. Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine, including co-senior author Dr. D. Wade Clapp, also participated.

The study was funded by the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Luis Parada -- http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/findfac/professional/0,2356,15510,00.html

UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas
TX 75390-9060
United States
http://www.utsouthwestern.edu

View drug information on Gleevec.

Optimal Dose Of Vitamin E Maximizes Benefits, Minimizes Risk

Vitamin E has been heralded for its ability to reduce the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and sudden death. Yet in some people, vitamin E causes bleeding. Scientists have known for more than 50 years that excess vitamin E promotes bleeding by interfering with vitamin K, which is essential in blood clotting. However, they haven't been able to pinpoint how the two vitamins interact. Nutrition researcher Maret Traber of Oregon State University reviews studies of possible explanations of the interaction in an article published recently in Nutrition Reviews.

One of the most compelling studies of the benefits of vitamin E is the Women's Health Study, in which 40,000 healthy women, 45 and older, took 600 IU vitamin E supplements or a placebo every other day for 10 years. Women taking the supplements had 24 percent fewer deaths from heart disease. Vitamin E's protective effect appeared even stronger in women 65 and older. Those taking the vitamin experienced a 26 percent reduction in cardiovascular events and a 49 percent reduction in cardiovascular deaths.

"That's a significant benefit," Traber said. Yet, she added, "In some people high doses of vitamin E increase the tendency to bleed. Women enrolled in the study had an increase in nose bleeds."

To lessen the bleeding risk, the U.S.-based Food and Nutrition Board in 2000 set the upper tolerable limit for daily vitamin E intake at 1500 I.U.

Research Traber reviewed suggests that a shared metabolic pathway in the liver causes vitamins E and K to interact. Vitamin K in the liver appears to diminish as vitamin E increases.

"Several different explanations could account for the interaction between the two vitamins," Traber said. "We need more research to understand the delicate balance between vitamins E and K."

This study is published in the November 2008 issue of Nutrition Reviews.

To view the abstract for this article, please click here.

Maret Traber is affiliated with Oregon State University .

Nutrition Reviews is a highly cited journal devoted to keeping academic researchers, students, and professionals abreast of the latest research in the field with authoritative and critical reviews of significant developments in all areas of nutrition science and policy.

Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Blackwell Publishing Ltd. by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its merger with Wiley's Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,400 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit www.wiley-blackwell.com or http://interscience.wiley.com. Wiley-Blackwell was formed in February 2007 as a result of the acquisition of Blackwell Publishing Ltd. by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and its merger with Wiley's Scientific, Technical, and Medical business. Together, the companies have created a global publishing business with deep strength in every major academic and professional field. Wiley-Blackwell publishes approximately 1,400 scholarly peer-reviewed journals and an extensive collection of books with global appeal. For more information on Wiley-Blackwell, please visit http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/ or http://interscience.wiley.com/.

Source: Amy Molnar
Wiley-Blackwell

Vigorous Activity Protects Against Breast Cancer

Normal-weight women who carry out lots of vigorous exercise are approximately 30% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who don't exercise vigorously. A study of more than thirty thousand postmenopausal American women, reported in BioMed Central's open access journal Breast Cancer Research, has revealed that a sedentary lifestyle can be a risk factor for the disease - even in women who are not overweight.

While an Investigator at the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Michael F. Leitzmann led a team of researchers who followed the 32,269 women for eleven years and found that vigorous activity may protect against breast cancer, independent of body weight control. Vigorous activity was judged to include things like heavy housework (scrubbing floors, washing windows, heavy yard-work, digging, chopping wood) and strenuous sports or exercise (running, fast jogging, competitive tennis; aerobics, bicycling on hills, and fast dancing).

Leitzmann said, "Notable strengths of our study include its large sample size, prospective design, high follow-up rate, and availability of relevant known or suspected breast cancer risk factors. These features enabled us to minimize any effects from other factors apart from exercise."

Interestingly, the authors found that non-vigorous activity, such as light housework (vacuuming, washing clothes, painting, general gardening) and light sports or exercise (walking, hiking, light jogging, recreational tennis, bowling) was not protective. Furthermore, vigorous activity was only protective in lean women and not those who were overweight or obese. According to Leitzmann, "Possible mechanisms through which physical activity may protect against breast cancer that are independent of body mass include reduced exposure to growth factors, enhanced immune function, and decreased chronic inflammation, variables that are related both to greater physical activity and to lower breast cancer risk".

The authors added, "An alternative explanation for the stronger apparent effect of vigorous activity among lean over heavy women is that heavier women may misreport non-vigorous activities as vigorous ones".

Notes

1. Prospective study of physical activity and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer
Michael F Leitzmann, Steven C Moore, Tricia M Peters, James V Lacey, Arthur Schatzkin, Catherine Schairer, Loiuse A Brinton and Demetrius Albanes
Breast Cancer Research (in press)
Article available at journal website: http://breast-cancer-research.com/
All articles are available free of charge, according to BioMed Central's open access policy.

2. Breast Cancer Research is an international, peer-reviewed online journal, publishing original research, reviews, commentaries and reports. Research articles of exceptional interest are published in all areas of biology and medicine relevant to breast cancer, including normal mammary gland biology, with special emphasis on the genetic, biochemical, and cellular basis of breast cancer. In addition, the journal publishes clinical studies with a biological basis, including Phase I and Phase II trials.

3. BioMed Central (http://www.biomedcentral.com/) is an independent online publishing house committed to providing immediate access without charge to the peer-reviewed biological and medical research it publishes. This commitment is based on the view that open access to research is essential to the rapid and efficient communication of science.

Source: Graeme Baldwin
BioMed Central

Israel's CorAssist Keeps A Weak Heart Pumping

CorAssist has already started human clinical trials using a small device that restores power to weakened heart muscles. According to Loshakove, there are two major conditions related to heart failure, namely, systolic and diastolic heart failure.

First to market

While some devices to treat systolic heart failure (SHF) are already in clinical trials, no devices to treat diastolic heart failure (DHF) are available. CorAssist's solution presents the first device-based approach to treat DHF, being a one-of-its-kind product in the market.

After a heart attack, or with heart muscle disease due to obesity and other conditions such as genetic defects, the heart muscles have a difficult time squeezing blood to the body (the systolic phase), and then back again into the heart (the diastolic phase). CorAssist is focusing on the second condition - DHF - where a person's heart inadequately relaxes, and is impaired in its capability to return blood from the body back to the heart.

According to the New York Heart Association, over five million people in the US suffer from heart failure. About half of these people suffer from diastolic heart failure, for which there is no effective treatment. Affecting mainly women, the overweight, smokers, and people with diabetes and other predisposing diseases and conditions, DHF results in the stiffening of the heart muscles.

Don't still my beating heart

CorAssist's main product is the ImCardia, which works from outside the heart. It's a self-expanding device that attaches to the external surface of the left ventricle. When the heart muscle squeezes, energy is loaded into the device, which absorbs this energy, and releases it to the left ventricle in the diastolic phase. This keeps the muscles elastic, giving it a small "work out" to improve heart health.

So far, safety studies on three people - in South America and Eastern Europe - have found the ImCardia safe for implantation. Next year, the company is gearing up for a larger trial. And it could take as little as two years for the company to get FDA approval, allowing the much-needed solution to be available in the US.

CorAssist is a 14-person company based in Herzylia, Israel. Founded in 2003 by three Israeli physicians - Yair Feld, Yotam Reisner and Shay Dubi - it keeps a number of world-renowned heart specialists and scientists on its advisory team, and includes Prof. William Little, from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, North Carolina; Prof. Michael Zile from the Medical University of South Carolina, and Prof. Mitchell Krucoff from Duke University Medical Center.

Written by By Karin Kloosterman

CorAssist

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NJIT seminar set for Nov. 6 to focus on bioelectronics -- emerging research area
10/31/2008
Crucial hormonal pathway to bone building uncovered
10/31/2008
New nanocluster to boost thin films for semiconductors
10/31/2008
Nations that launch: Where new technologies and products take-off
10/31/2008
It's relative: Contrasting hurricane theories heat up
10/31/2008
Research shows aerobic exercise combined with resistance training improves glucose control in diabetics
10/31/2008
Study reports Double Balloon Endoscopy useful for diagnosis and treatment of obscure GI bleeding
10/31/2008
Patience during stalled labor can avoid many C-sections, UCSF study shows
10/31/2008
New regulatory mechanism discovered for cell identify and behavior in forming organs
10/31/2008
Disney gurus mix movies, electronics to create new toys
10/31/2008
Navigating the salad bar
10/31/2008
teach your kids to snack healthily
10/31/2008
A family fitness plan
10/31/2008
Kidney Patients More Susceptible to Sudden Cardiac Death
10/31/2008
Special Mouth Rinse Spots, Tracks Human Papillomavirus Infection
10/31/2008
Scientists Develop New Strategy to Fight Obesity
10/31/2008
America's Pending Shortage of Cancer Doctors
10/31/2008
Yikes! College costs top $50,000 a year
10/31/2008
Another recall of Sony laptop batteries
10/31/2008
Customize your GPS for Halloween
10/31/2008
How to dole out healthy Halloween treats
10/31/2008
Sony, HP, Dell, Toshiba Recall 'Firecracker' Laptop Batteries (NewsFactor)
10/31/2008
Tivo-Netflix Move Heats Up On-Demand Movie Market (NewsFactor)
10/31/2008
Gadgets still a centerpiece of holiday shopping (Reuters)
10/31/2008
Mformation sues RIM for patent infringement (Reuters)
10/31/2008
Education Leaders and Earthquake Experts Celebrate Participation of Thousands of Schools in "The Great Southern California ShakeOut"
10/31/2008
Correction: Diabetes-States
10/31/2008
Cavity-fighting trick: Eat treats at once
10/31/2008
Microsoft ad shop Razorfish expands in Europe, contracts in New York
10/31/2008
Microsoft blitzing San Francisco; Mayor Gavin Newsom to declare Nov. 2, 'Microsoft Innovation Day'
10/31/2008
Shorter days can trigger severe depression
10/31/2008
Medical student burnout and the challenge to patient care
10/31/2008
Witness learned of botched cancer test from inquiry
10/31/2008
Smart Lid: The Intelligent Toilet Seat
10/31/2008
Breast Reconstruction Techniques After Mastectomy Depend On Many Factors
10/31/2008
What Halloween is Really About
10/31/2008
The Moss Man of Cedar Creek
10/31/2008
Don't Ignore the Symptoms: Sexual Problems, STDs Affect Millions
10/31/2008
Google to Employees: More Trick, Less Treat
10/31/2008
The Ultimate Scare: Wall Street Halloween Costumes
10/31/2008
The Recycling Bin: Halloween Edition
10/31/2008
Notebook or Netbook, They're Getting Cheaper
10/31/2008
Cartoon Needles Regulator Over PNC-National City Deal
10/31/2008
Many Homeowners Still in Denial About Prices
10/31/2008
Though Economy Contracts, Small-Business Owners Stay Optimistic
10/31/2008
Should Feds Rescue Retirement System, Too?
10/31/2008
Answers to the Social Security Quiz
10/31/2008
Quiz: Are You Ready to Sign Up for Social Security?
10/31/2008
How to Deal with Slowing Payments in a Recessionary Economy
10/31/2008
Can the Chevy Volt Survive GM?
10/31/2008
Small Business Issues in the Ballot Box: the Employee Free Choice Act
10/31/2008
How I'm Using My Bailout Cash: Berkshire Bank
10/31/2008
Silverman/Kimmel awkwardness powerhouse
10/31/2008
Happy morbid, old-fashion Halloween!
10/31/2008
What to carve on your jack-o-lantern tonight
10/31/2008
Survival Basics From Depression-Era Kids
10/31/2008
Blogger issues the Save $1,000 in 30 Days Challenge
10/31/2008
You've heard of clown fish... now meet the juggling octopus who shoots water jets to switch off the lights
10/31/2008
The bomb-proof superbins that will tell you the news
10/31/2008
Formula Zero: As Hamilton gears up for the Grand Prix, McLaren unveil the radical F1 car of the future
10/31/2008
Sugababes in Boots, Leona Lewis heralding the shoppers... welcome to the credit crunch mega-mall
10/31/2008
Are you feeling lucky, Pink?
10/31/2008
Tom cat! In a vodka-fuelled interview, Tom Jones reveals how his lust for life (and the opposite sex) is as insatiable as ever
10/31/2008
Why the Philippines is least affected?
10/31/2008
Afraid of ghosts
10/31/2008
Foreign chambers vow support for local SMEs
10/31/2008
SMIC gets P27 B from sale of 11% SMC stake
10/31/2008
BDO gets SEC nod for merger with units
10/31/2008
CDS volumes drop, DTCC plans more openness
10/31/2008
MOVES-Linklaters Nomura Holdings, THB Group
10/31/2008
Ask AP: Pay limits and the bailout, Somali pirates
10/31/2008
TOPWRAP 10-Gloomy US consumers cut spending, Japan cuts rates
10/31/2008
Britain PM to seek support for intl bailout fund
10/31/2008
Dirty vendors at railway station pose heath threat
10/31/2008
Youngsters declare cyber war on polio
10/31/2008
Ramadoss' next: No alcohol ads at airports
10/31/2008
In New Hampshire, Obama Poised To Out-Perform Every Democratic Presidential Candidate since Lyndon Johnson in 1964
10/31/2008
The Soundwave of music
10/31/2008
Gerbil-mobile
10/31/2008
In the heat of the night
10/31/2008
Tampon taser
10/31/2008
How to stop sending emails you’ll later regret
10/31/2008
Beached as…
10/31/2008
Fluffy’s new best friend
10/31/2008
The neverending banana
10/31/2008
The Return of the King, in ducky form
10/31/2008
A word! My kingdom for a word!
10/31/2008
A fascinating evening
10/31/2008
The way it works for us
10/31/2008
A wish come true
10/31/2008
A fussy day for Caitlyn
10/31/2008
Our magic wish part 2
10/31/2008
Rashes, GP visits and a blood test
10/31/2008
Just for a laugh
10/31/2008
Monthly hospital visit
10/31/2008
How many doses does it take?
10/31/2008
And so we continue…
10/31/2008
Antioxidants reduce the toxic effects of lead
10/31/2008
Side effects predict succes of breast cancer treatment
10/31/2008
University of Essex serves up Halloween treat for Russell T Davies
10/31/2008
Phone coaching can help promote modest weight loss
10/31/2008
Ecotoxicology centre inaugurated
10/31/2008
Hair today, gone tomorrow: Tracking hair loss and growth
10/31/2008
Researchers identify possible drug treatment for tumours in neurofibromatosis
10/31/2008
Detecting dirty bomb material with ESA gamma-ray technology
10/31/2008
Over-use of organic fertilisers in agriculture could poison soils
10/31/2008
Silence the sleep apnea 'snorechestra' to fight heart disease
10/31/2008
Engineers identify conditions that initiate erosion
10/31/2008
Researcher grows roots on upper part of plant
10/31/2008
UNC launches 44 county study of breast cancer in black women
10/31/2008
Personal odour may someday be used to identify individuals
10/31/2008
Optimal dose of vitamin E maximises benefits, minimises risk
10/31/2008
Office workers given the blue light to help alertness
10/31/2008
History of obsession explored in new book
10/31/2008
Oral rinses hold promise for cancer screening
10/31/2008
Researchers discover a key to aggressive breast cancer
10/31/2008
Polarised light guides cholera-carrying midges that contaminate water supplies
10/31/2008
Early peanut consumption may prevent allergy
10/31/2008
Centre for intercultural dialogue opens in Oregon
10/31/2008
Onion Headline Circa 1993: Roy the Forklift Driver to Address Nation [UNCANNY]
10/31/2008
WellMedicated’s 100 Illustrated Horror Film Posters [Halloween]
10/31/2008
Integrative Medicine Expert to Speak at UCSF About Eating Disorders
10/31/2008
76 Nobel Laureates Endorse Obama for President
10/31/2008
ECO Showerdrop times your shower, saves water and money
10/31/2008
Google And Yahoo: Is Their Search Deal Dead?
10/31/2008
Intel Says It Is Vulnerable To Credit Crunch
10/31/2008
Oracle: JMP Cuts Rating, Sees Weakening Apps Business
10/31/2008
Canadian Solar Slumps As Canaccord Cuts Rating, Target
10/31/2008
Tsunami Hits Powerwave; Stock Cut In Half
10/31/2008
Best Buy: J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanely Both Upgrade
10/31/2008
Sun: No Guidance, No Restructuring, No Turnaround
10/31/2008
E-Commerce Sales Growth Slows For 5th Straight Month
10/31/2008
Hasta La Vista, Baby, To October
10/31/2008
Banks’ 3Q Doesn’t Auger Well For Recovery
10/31/2008
World Series Proves Downer For Broadcasts
10/31/2008
Sir, We May Want to Rethink That ???Blazing Speed??? Ad Campaign
10/31/2008
Sprint to Rejuvenate Network No One Will Buy
10/31/2008
Drug, Therapy Combination Best for Kids’ Anxiety Disorders
10/31/2008
Pfizer CEO Kindler Calls for More Science, Less Politics at FDA
10/31/2008
Diabetes Rate Nearly Doubles; More Scrutiny of Avandia
10/31/2008
Obit: Fred Baron, Democratic Donor Whose Tysabri Plea Made Waves
10/31/2008
Michigan May Legalize Medical Marijuana, Expand Stem Cell Research
10/31/2008
Green Ink: Bailout Blues and Midnight Regulations
10/31/2008
Are Trucks Back? Ford Accelerates F150 Production
10/31/2008
Peak Oil: Are Oil Prices Destined to Rise Again?
10/31/2008
University engineers identify conditions that initiate erosion
10/31/2008
Top NIH Neuroscience Experts to Discuss the Latest in Neurological and Psychiatric Research
10/31/2008
The First Few Minutes After Death
10/31/2008
American Power
10/31/2008
Award for surgical imaging system
10/31/2008
Dallas Cowboys struggle with addiction issues
10/31/2008
International Osteoporosis Foundation supports UK charity call for NICE guidance changes
10/31/2008
Resilience in an aging society: GSA showcases cutting-edge meeting topics
10/31/2008
Extinct sabertooth cats were social, found strength in numbers, study shows
10/31/2008
Presidential candidates' television ads most negative in history
10/31/2008
Simple blood test predicts obesity
10/31/2008
Bacteria manage perfume oil production from grass
10/31/2008
Corn researchers discover novel gene shut-off mechanisms
10/31/2008
Food allergies: Overestimated and underestimated
10/31/2008
Satellites helping aid workers in Honduras
10/31/2008
'Opt out' system could solve donor organ shortage, says researcher
10/31/2008
Europe seeks consensus over 'living wills'
10/31/2008
Conference highlights how stronger science academies can strengthen policymaking in Africa
10/31/2008
Can rectal vitamin E induce remission in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis?
10/31/2008
Biosynthetics production with detours
10/31/2008
How did glycine significantly decrease liver injury?
10/31/2008
Wait time guarantees not likely to reduce waits for joint replacement surgery
10/31/2008
A useful imaging modality for monitoring treatment response to hepatocellular carcinoma
10/31/2008
Eindhoven researchers crack Internet security of the future
10/31/2008
A biomagnetic diagnostic technique to evaluate esophageal transit time
10/31/2008
Estrogen and progesterone receptor isoforms expression in the stomach of Mongolian gerbils
10/31/2008
If metastasectomy should be performed before other treatments
10/31/2008
Bare bones of crystal growth: Biomolecules enhance metal contents in calcite
10/31/2008
Innovative surgery by MSU veterinarian provides new lease on life to dogs
10/31/2008
Study sheds light on genetic differences that cause a childhood eye disease
10/31/2008
Social media and presidential election: Kent State professor examines impact of YouTube, MySpace
10/31/2008
Results From Pre-Election Surveys Published In NEJM Show Deep Concerns About State Of Health Care With McCain and Obama Supporters Differing Sharply On Directions For New Administration
10/31/2008
For ex-NFL Star, a dream of sports in space
10/31/2008
Study: Zoloft plus therapy helps kids with anxiety
10/31/2008
Medicare drug plan spending drops $6B in 2008
10/31/2008
Almost Half of Women Have Sexual Problems
10/31/2008
Excess Weight Gain During Pregnancy a Risk to Mother and Child
10/31/2008
Vigorous Exercise Can Cut Breast Cancer Risk
10/31/2008
Mutant Mouse Gene Offers Clues to Hearing Loss
10/31/2008
Family Halloween Safety Can Be Fiendishly Simple
10/31/2008
How to choose your 2009 employee benefits: Part 3
10/31/2008
Fall back! Daylight-saving time ends November 2
10/31/2008
Satellite radio: More interesting, more complicated
10/31/2008
Study illuminates link between Parkinson's and vitamin D
10/31/2008
Q&A: Severe cough syrup side effects?
10/31/2008
Banks, telcos to decide on wallet-phones (Reuters)
10/31/2008
Foo Fighters rock for Blackberry in L.A (Reuters)
10/31/2008
Japan's NTT DoCoMo aims to offer custom mobile phone videos (AFP)
10/31/2008
Computer makers recall 100,000 Sony batteries (AFP)
10/31/2008
Lower-Income Users Boost Sales of Apple's iPhone (NewsFactor)
10/31/2008
Green gadgets aim to woo eco-aware shoppers (Reuters)
10/31/2008
Heys EcoCase Makes a Perfect Holiday Gift
10/31/2008
Magnalight.com Unveils Explosion Proof LED Flashlights
10/31/2008
Adequate pain care sorely lacking for patients
10/31/2008
Turn your clock back Sunday, help your heart
10/31/2008
Common staph germs getting stronger, more widespread
10/31/2008
Panel faults FDA for clearing plastic-bottle chemical
10/31/2008
Laptops beat desktops
10/31/2008
U.S. group gambles at edge of spectrum
10/31/2008
The truth behind our online fears
10/31/2008
Yahoo, Google may walk away from search deal: reports
10/31/2008
Candy recalled in 2006 found in Toronto-area stores
10/31/2008
U.S. consumer group asks gov't to ban Avandia
10/31/2008
Therapy plus Zoloft helps kids with anxiety: study
10/31/2008
Patient didn't know test was botched until after inquiry
10/31/2008
No residency for boy with Down syndrome: Australia
10/31/2008
Vault of rookie MP into health portfolio raises brows
10/31/2008
Greenwatch: EU agency says French GM maize ban unjustified
10/31/2008
Sony recalls another 100,000 laptop batteries
10/31/2008
Microsoft's Azure is not Hailstorm, but what's the point of it?
10/31/2008
South Korean Court Upholds That Only Blind Can Be Masseurs
10/31/2008
Eunoia, a Novel by Christian Bok, Uses Only One Vowel a Chapter
10/31/2008
Melamine Halloween Candy Warning: Don???t Let Trick-or-Treating Pirates Eat Chocolate Gold Coins
10/31/2008
12 Tips to Prevent Your Kids from Eating Too Much Halloween Candy
10/31/2008
Popular US Farm Chemical = Death to Frogs
10/31/2008
Hawaii Commits to 70% Renewable Energy by 2030
10/31/2008
99 Year Old Hydroelectric Plant Coming Back Online
10/31/2008
Panasonic Rolling Out Massive Electronics Recycling Program
10/31/2008
New iPhone App Measures Your Car???s Environmental Impact
10/31/2008
GE stock: Despite the electrifying drop, hang on
10/31/2008
Back from injury, figure skater Lysacek has new style, outlook
10/31/2008
Pace car ride inspires Kara Goucher's marathon run
10/31/2008
Health Buzz: Diabetes on the Rise and Other Health News
10/31/2008
Gluten-Free Diet: A Cure for Some, a Fad for Most
10/31/2008
Google to Employees: More Trick, Less Treat
10/31/2008
Democrats and 401(k) Plans: Tax, Baby, Tax?
10/31/2008
$700 Billion for Wall Street, $700 Billion for Main Street?
10/31/2008
McCain Wants PNC-National City Deal Investigated
10/31/2008
A Bad Time for Shopaholics?
10/31/2008
The Global Bounce
10/31/2008
Top 10 Irrational Fears That Still Scare The Crap Out Of Me
10/31/2008
Overweight women, sex and the having thereof
10/31/2008
Thrifty Thursdays: Cooking Once for the Whole Week
10/31/2008
DIR08-211: 31 October 2008
10/31/2008
Unique Photography by Denis Darzacq
10/31/2008
12 money mistakes people make over and over again
10/31/2008
Flatware sets, shoes, monitors, hard drives, toothbrushes
10/31/2008
Even teens are feeling the pinch in this economy
10/31/2008
Pity the poor, deprived homebody -- or don't
10/31/2008
Barclays looks for ?7.3 billion Middle East investment as Mandy gives green light to HBOS/Lloyds merger
10/31/2008
Blacks drops its dividend amid massive losses
10/31/2008
Footsie winning streak propped up by miners: Friday latest from the London Stock Exchange
10/31/2008
Japan cuts interest rates for first time in seven years in fear for global economy
10/31/2008
HBOS refuses to reveal whether sacked executives will get ?2.7m payoff
10/31/2008
Airlines forced to advertise true price of flights in crackdown on hidden charges
10/31/2008
Middle-class family life breaking down as parents 'put work before their children'
10/31/2008
Public debt levels higher now than before the 1990s recession under the Tories
10/31/2008
U.S. warns banks that using bail-out money for pay and pensions to executives will be a criminal offence
10/31/2008
John Lewis sales fall states case for interest rate cut
10/31/2008
Brown calls for fuel giants to cut petrol prices as he hits campaign trail in Glenrothes
10/31/2008
I love you, mum: First words of brain-damaged girl, 6, given power of speech by laser which tracks her eye movements
10/31/2008
Our verdict on the new Westfield shopping centre: Civilised shopping in a euphoric atmosphere
10/31/2008
M&S targets the style-conscious over-45s with a brand new clothing range
10/31/2008
The bride-to-be who lost SIX stone thanks to a bluetooth personal trainer
10/31/2008
Amy Winegum: Now troubled singer is 'addicted to sweets'
10/31/2008
Katie Price flies out to join Peter Andre in LA... amid ongoing split rumours
10/31/2008
The Body Of A Diabetic: The Inside Effect
10/31/2008
Pain imaging story scoops win in MRC contest
10/31/2008
Indian realty firm DLF Q2 net falls 4 pct
10/31/2008
Gov't hosts Alitalia talks
10/31/2008
Sprint to rejuvenate Nextel Network
10/31/2008
LUKOIL gets $250 mln loan to buy Turkey's Akpet
10/31/2008
India withdraws export duty on steel
10/31/2008
EU asks governments to approve Hungary loan
10/31/2008
Tracinda to boost Delta Petroleum stake
10/31/2008
FOREX-Dollar trims losses vs yen after UMich report
10/31/2008
NYC residents: Use your mouse to track rats online
10/31/2008
Alliant Energy moves 2008 outlook
10/31/2008
Bug-eye-inspired camera has six times the field of view of conventional ones
10/31/2008
Tiny fungi sexually reproduce while infecting humans
10/31/2008
Bacteria 'listen in' to neighbours and follow the crowd to grow
10/31/2008
Chandrayaan camera clicks earth from deep space
10/31/2008
Manmohan Singh presented Chandrayaan-1, PSLV models
10/31/2008
Women's sexual problems don't always result in distress
10/31/2008
Key to aggressive breast cancer identified
10/31/2008
Four new suspect genes behind Alzheimer's disease identified
10/31/2008
Stem cell therapies for heart disease come closer to reality
10/31/2008
Now, Ramadoss fumes over alcohol ads at airports
10/31/2008
Obama Accelerates Towards the Finish Line in Wisconsin
10/31/2008
Democrats Obama, Lautenberg Win in Garden State
10/31/2008
Rural idyll?
10/31/2008
Titan Pharmaceuticals updates on Probuphine patent application
10/31/2008
New cases of diagnosed diabetes rises 90% in last 10 years
10/31/2008
Cimzia study shows reduction of symptoms and progression of rheumatoid arthritis
10/31/2008
Good genes behaving badly behind type 1 diabetesIsrael's CorAssist Keeps A Weak Heart Pumping
10/31/2008
Important steps towards the development of a human vaccine against malaria
10/31/2008
Malaria falls significantly in the Gambia in last 5 years - raises possibility of elimination in other parts of Africa
10/31/2008
Stem cell therapies for heart disease - one step closer
10/31/2008
GlaxoSmithKline believes there is no liver safety issue with Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate)
10/31/2008
Cancer requires support from immune system to develop, researchers report
10/31/2008
By imaging live cells, researchers show how hepatitis C replicates
10/31/2008
Discovery of mechanism and possible drug treatment for growth of nerve tumors in neurofibromatosis
10/31/2008
Gleevec holds potential as first drug to successfully treat neurofibromatosis
10/31/2008
Frequent urination protects against bladder cancer
10/31/2008
Research points to new treatment options for infantile hemangioma
10/31/2008
Vigorous exercise protects against breast cancer
10/31/2008
Stem cell therapies for heart disease - 1 step closer
10/31/2008
Is Google Playing Chicken With the Justice Department?
10/31/2008
How to Survive the Downturn: Sell Tech to Bankruptcy Lawyers
10/31/2008
DNA legacy of ancient seafarers
10/31/2008
Drum maker is treated for anthrax
10/31/2008
Activity cuts breast cancer risk
10/31/2008
Chinese melamine scandal widens
10/31/2008
Gaining too much weight during pregnancy nearly doubles risk of having a heavy baby
10/31/2008
Polarized light guides cholera-carrying midges that contaminate water supplies
10/31/2008
Oral rinses used for tracking HPV-positive head and neck cancers holds promise for cancer screening
10/31/2008
While prevalent, sexual problems in women not always associated with distress
10/31/2008
Simple chemical procedure augments therapeutic potential of stem cells
10/31/2008
Can your doctor correctly read a critical heart test?
10/31/2008
Mixing acne products? Not a good idea
10/31/2008
Recipe: Grilled flank steak salad with roasted corn vinaigrette
10/31/2008
Recipe: Posole with fresh corn gorditas
10/31/2008
Recipe: High-calorie, high-protein smoothie (lactose-free)
10/31/2008
Recipe: Steamed summer squash with warm leek vinaigrette
10/31/2008
Statin side effects: Weigh the benefits and risks
10/31/2008
Knee pain: Symptom
10/31/2008
Eye exam
10/31/2008
Neti pot solution: Can I make my own?
10/31/2008
How Green Are Legal Sales of Ivory?
10/31/2008
Spiked Drinks Sicken High School Football Players
10/31/2008
Dr. Keith: Jennifer Hudson's Pain Just Like Ours
10/31/2008
FDA Comes Under Fire For Assuring BPA Is Safe
10/31/2008
Dying Woman Gets $400K for Breast Cancer Blunder
10/31/2008
Widow Says Flu Killed Her Firefighter Husband
10/31/2008
FDA ignored evidence when calling BPA safe
10/31/2008
Steve and Mia: Greeting cards announcing divorce?
10/31/2008
Success in treating childhood anxiety
10/31/2008
Homelite recalls 370,000 chain saws
10/31/2008
Menopause: New advice on hormone treatment
10/31/2008
iPhone gaining ground with lower-income fans (CNET)
10/31/2008
Name a Species Launches Website Allowing Anyone to Name New Species
10/31/2008
Mythic Paint is Top Choice for LEED Founder's Home
10/31/2008
The MedZilla Report: September 2008 Employment Outlook for Biotech/Pharma/Health
10/31/2008
Hand-Held Digital Microscope Adds Benefits
10/31/2008
Motorola Cuts 3,000 Jobs, Delays Spinoff
10/31/2008
PCCW in Line for Bid
10/31/2008
Nimbler Alcatel Narrows Loss
10/31/2008
Nintendo's Net Rises On Wii Sales
10/31/2008
Gay-Marriage Backers Allege Web Mischief
10/31/2008
Some Sony Laptop Batteries Are Recalled
10/31/2008
EMC Wins a Ruling in Sex-Bias Case
10/31/2008
Sprint Will Hold On to Nextel
10/31/2008
BT Issues Profit Warning
10/31/2008
New Battery Recalls Hit Sony
10/31/2008
Tips on kids' anxiety symptoms, when to seek help
10/31/2008
Therapy plus Zoloft helps kids with anxiety
10/31/2008
Obesity blamed for doubling rate of diabetes cases
10/31/2008
Consumer group asks government to ban Avandia
10/31/2008
King County hit 30-year high in cases of active TB in 2007
10/31/2008
Toshiba posts quarterly loss on lower chip prices
10/31/2008
Comcast raises outlook on strong quarter
10/31/2008
Qwest cutting 1,200 jobs as profit drops
10/31/2008
Sask. hospital reused syringes: health officials
10/31/2008
OXEGEN FANS - YOU'VE ONE!! OXEGEN VOTED ???BEST EUROPEAN FESTIVAL??? AT THE UK FESTIVAL AWARDS
10/31/2008
Snowball Launcher For The Super Cool
10/31/2008
Eating Red Meat - Disease causing Bacteria
10/31/2008
Common Cold Symptoms Caused By Immune System
10/31/2008
Methane Gas Levels Increase
10/31/2008
Check your statements
10/31/2008
Herbs and Spices: The Secret Spice To Clean Eating | Fitness Food
10/31/2008
Hit of ?665million sidestepped by Deutsche Bank
10/31/2008
British investors in race to build near Berlin Wall
10/31/2008
Standard Life celebrates cash surplus and defends payout cuts, penalty increases
10/31/2008
CITY FOCUS: M&S is battening down the hatches as the credit crunch blows through the High Street
10/31/2008
Energy firms get a roasting from consumers
10/31/2008
Centrica's ?2bn cash call for British Energy buy
10/31/2008
ALEX BRUMMER: Economy holds election key
10/31/2008
Financial crisis puts block on Friends Provident sale
10/31/2008
Demand for a block on HBOS's 'rewards for failure'
10/31/2008
US banks owe executives ?24billion in bonuses
10/31/2008
Angry Lehman Brothers investors beef up case against firm
10/31/2008
BT warns of an ?80m blow to profits and Global boss goes
10/31/2008
Rumours rife of Europe bank rogue trader blow: Friday morning report from the London Stock Exchange
10/31/2008
Sky stays high as rivals fear a dive into recession
10/31/2008
MAX HASTINGS COMMENT: It defies belief that those who have brought disaster upon us are STILL given millions in bonuses
10/31/2008
US consumers cut down on food spending as they feel the bite of the credit crunch
10/31/2008
ANDREW ALEXANDER COMMENT: Recession? You ain't seen nothing yet
10/31/2008
Osborne: Brown's 'spending splurge' risks economic ruin
10/31/2008
New figures show your home is now losing more money per day than you earn
10/31/2008
A quarter of bosses prepare to cut jobs over next year to survive recession
10/31/2008
Couples claiming to be single have defrauded taxpayer's of ?1.3bn since Labour took office
10/31/2008
Barclays looks for ?7.3 billion Middle East investment after snubbing Government bail-out
10/31/2008
The high-tech sensor that finds out how spicy a chilli sauce is - without tasting it
10/31/2008
Google's rival to the iPhone and Blackberry goes on sale in the UK
10/31/2008
'Proof' David slew Goliath found as Israeli archaeologists unearth 'oldest ever Hebrew text'
10/31/2008
Rare dragon-like reptile found breeding in New Zealand for the first time in 200 years
10/31/2008
Pictured in time for Halloween night: The ghost bat that would give Dracula the shivers
10/31/2008
Pictured: The rare heron blown across the Atlantic that has birdwatchers twitching
10/31/2008
Suspicious minds: Men have evolved to be better at spotting infidelity than women, study finds
10/31/2008
Too much weight in pregnancy leads to heavy babies, and could even cause childhood obesity
10/31/2008
Mother-of-three dies from brain haemorrhage after 'NHS sent her home with headache pills'
10/31/2008
Why the remote control could give you a cold - TV zapper is a hotspot for harbouring the virus
10/31/2008
Brave Bobby Robson fronts cancer fundraiser as he battles the disease for fifth time
10/31/2008
Pregnant women who drink 'lightly' could have brighter babies
10/31/2008
How salsa dancing could cut breast cancer risk in over-60s
10/31/2008
JAN MOIR: Misogyny dressed up as comedy
10/31/2008
Don't let me end up like Sienna Miller: Little Dorrit star Claire Foy on the price of fame
10/31/2008
BAZ BAMIGBOYE on Jonathan Ross, Judi Dench, Rachel Weisz and much more...
10/31/2008
Defiant Peter Andre is all smiles in California sunshine despite ongoing split rumours
10/31/2008
Jonathan Ross's blunder deserves punishment, says Radio 2 colleague Chris Evans
10/31/2008
Seal's love story with Heidi Klum: She delivered a bombshell a month into our relationship, but I was already hooked
10/31/2008
Scare Tactics
10/31/2008
Fiery Sony batteries burn users ... again
10/31/2008
Maytas July-Sept net at 168.5 mln rupees
10/31/2008
BRIEF-Malaysia's Riverview Rubber to delist from LSE
10/31/2008
Max simple rate at Turkish repo auction 17.49 pct
10/31/2008
Finnair in 3Q loss due to fuel costs, tough market
10/31/2008
Taiwan's Chinatrust eyes two China tie-up partners
10/31/2008
Indian bond yields near 8-?? mth lows, policy eyed
10/31/2008
European shares extend losses, led by oils, BT
10/31/2008
Philippine banks agree to limit dollar holdings
10/31/2008
Thai Sept trade in surplus, but economy looking weak
10/31/2008
Indonesia awards more oil/gas exploration rights
10/31/2008
Babies learn hundreds of words much before they start talking
10/31/2008
World's most endangered big cat spotted in Russia
10/31/2008
Adjusting clocks to summer time raises heart attack risk
10/31/2008
Ancient meteorites' magnetic fields contain records of early histories of planets
10/31/2008
Personality studies not enough to predict success in romantic relationships
10/31/2008
Drilling caused Indonesian mud volcano eruption
10/31/2008
How our brain makes memories
10/31/2008
Large earthquake "bounces" are stronger than Earth's gravity
10/31/2008
Genetic changes that made bats 'blood-sucking vampires'
10/31/2008
TV remote control, bathroom taps are cold virus hotspots
10/31/2008
Breakthrough to nip transplant rejection in the bud
10/31/2008
Traditional medicine to maintain highest standard
10/31/2008
Potential protein targets for malaria vaccine identified
10/31/2008
Early peanut consumption may keep allergy at bay
10/31/2008
Most women don't find sexual problems upsetting: Survey
10/31/2008
Milk allergy? Drink more milk
10/31/2008
Prenatal exposure to famine may impair a person's health into midlife
10/31/2008
Can your doctor correctly interpret an ECG?
10/31/2008
The Pill doesn't cause weight gain, say researchers
10/31/2008
UWA academic wins Premier's Book Award for non-fiction
10/31/2008
A face by any other name
10/31/2008
Bright ideas win big awards
10/31/2008
Finding inspiration in dance
10/31/2008
Water fleas help ecologists understand population dynamics

 

 

October: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4&5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11,12 , 13, 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18&19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25&26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ,

September: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6&7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13&14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20&21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25

August: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10, 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16&17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23&24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30&31

July 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 , 17, 18, 19-20, 21, 22, , 23, 24, 25, 26-27, 28 , 29 , 30, 31

June: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21and22,

23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29, 30
 

Sources Of News:

Consumer Report http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/index.htm

 
Medical News Today http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/  
Reuters Health http://www.reuters.com/news/health'type=healthNews  
Daily Mail http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/  
Telegraph  
Newswise http://www.newswise.com/  

 
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