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Just to be on the safe side...
Pennsylvania
— A radical preventative approach to reduce
the risk of breast cancer has been shown to be effective
in carriers of the BRCA1/2 genetic mutations. It sounds
obvious, but a study in the March 15 Journal
of Clinical Oncology points out that non-cancerous
women who underwent double mastectomies reduced their
risk of getting breast cancer by 90%. They also found
that risk reduction was 95% for those who had their
ovaries taken out as well. But cancer could still develop
in remaining breast tissue, warns lead author Dr Timothy
R Rebbeck.
"You can't do that on television"
HARARE,
ZIMBABWE — A popular teen-oriented talk show
called "Who's Next?" is making waves to do AIDS campaigners
proud. The award-winning show, which has 700,000 loyal
viewers, deals frankly with issues like HIV and unprotected
sex. They take their talk to the street, interviewing
teens about their sex practices, and getting role models
talking straight too — one Rastafarian rap star recently
offered this advice to his young fans: "No two-minute
marriage man — use a condom."
Meditation in motion
BOSTON
— Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial
art that combines deep breathing with relaxation and
gentle physical movements, shows favourable effects
for patients with chronic health problems. A review
article in the March 8 issue of The
Archives of Internal Medicine analyzed 47 studies
that reported the effects of Tai Chi in patients with
chronic health conditions. The researchers concluded
that Tai Chi improved balance, flexibility, cardiovascular
fitness, and even reduced the risk of falls in the elderly.
Full of beans
STOCKHOLM
— A high intake of folate from foods such
as beans, spinach and strawberries may protect against
ovarian cancer, according to a Swedish study published
in the March 3 issue of the Journal
of the National Cancer Institute. But the benefits
were found to be limited to subjects who drank at least
two alcoholic beverages per week.
Bellyaching? Could be the asthma
Kuwait City — Research
published in the March issue of Archives
of Diseases in Childhood shows that intestinal
permeability is increased in asthmatic children. The
Kuwait University team says that the results imply that
the entire mucosal system is affected in these kids.
This may explain the gastrointestinal abnormalities
sometimes reported in asthmatic youngsters.
Hubba hubba, black sheep
PORTLAND,
OREGON — A new study published in Endocrinology
suggests that the reason male sheep look to
'get it on' with each other may be rooted in their biology.
The research shows that certain groups of cells are
different between genders in a region of the sheep brain
that controls sexual behaviour. Brain anatomy and hormone
production may determine why adult rams prefer other
rams. This could also explain some other same sex unions
in the animal kingdom, like the two male penguins at
the Central Park Zoo in Manhattan who've been devoted
lovers for the past six years.
Pedal pushers
LEIPZIG
— Spending 20 minutes on an exercise bike
every day and a 60-minute aerobic workout once a week
may be a better treatment than intervention with a stent
for relieving chest pain. German researchers studied
101 men with stable coronary artery disease who were
randomized to either the exercise regimen or the stent
therapy. After one year of treatment, 88% of men who
completed the exercise training didn't suffer heart
attacks or other adverse events, compared to 70% treated
with the stents. The study is available online advance
of publication in Circulation.
Momma, I'm cold
NEW
YORK — Scientists are one step closer to
helping women who become infertile because of cancer
treatment, according to a study in the March 9 online
issue of The Lancet.
Dr Kutluk Oktay, infertility specialist at New York-Presbyterian
Weill Cornell Medical Centre, and colleagues removed
and froze ovarian tissue from a 30-year-old woman before
she underwent chemotherapy. After six years, the ovarian
tissue was thawed, screened, and transplanted beneath
the skin of her abdomen. A viable embryo was produced
and implanted in her womb. Sadly it didn't lead to a
pregnancy, but hopes are still high .
Bad news for the Hulk
DALLAS
— Short-tempered men who explode with rage
are at higher risk of having a stroke compared to men
who are simply 'stressed-out.' Even women who roared
with fury didn't have as high a risk of suffering a
stroke, according to a study published in the March
issue of Circulation.
The results showed that hotheads have a 10% higher risk
than their more chilled out counterparts of developing
an atrial fibrillation — a heart flutter that can
increase the risk of stroke.
Parch a cold, dehydrate a fever?
Herston,
Australia — According to researchers, the
old adage 'drink lots of fluids' might actually be dangerous
in some cases. A systematic review, published in the
February 28 British
Medical Journal, states that during respiratory
infections the body sometimes secretes an antidiuretic
hormone. Downing lots of fluids might run the risk of
"waterlogging the brain," which could lead to hyponatremia.
Judging by the reactions on the Rapid Response section
of the BMJ website, not many of their colleagues agree.
Got gout? Get milk
BOSTON
— Gout sufferers should reach into the fridge
a little more often for a glass of milk. According to
research published in the March 10 New
England Journal of Medicine, dairy products can
be strongly protective against the painful ailment.
Red meat and seafood are still off the menu, upping
the risk by 21% and 7% respectively. Good news for beans,
peas, and cauliflower though — they've been acquitted
of their suspected role in bouts of gout.
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