Month: November 2005

HIV :: Combination Microbicides Protect Against HIV-Like Virus

Experiments in female monkeys have for the first time shown that when used in combination, vaginal gels known as microbicides can protect against an HIV-like virus. The research, funded largely by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggests that similar combination microbicides could potentially provide a safe, effective and practical way to prevent HIV transmission to women, according to study investigators.

Wrinkles :: Skin Care – Resurfacing procedures for skin wrinkles

The outward manifestations of age represent hard-won experience and character, and those who wear its natural signs with a healthy and happy outlook should be regarded with respect as role models. Before embarking on an expensive and ultimately futile attempt to keep time at bay, consider the real bases for self-esteem and the pursuit of a lifestyle that will bring true health and youthful vigor rather than an imitation of it.

Prostate Cancer :: Detection of Early Prostate Cancer

A new study, using a unique detection method, has led scientists to identify several genes whose rearrangements in prostate cancer cells may play a role in the development and progression of the disease. Researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, report that two genes, ETV1 and ERG, which previously were implicated as cancer-causing gene rearrangements in Ewing’s sarcoma (a relatively rare bone cancer), are now seen as important cancer-causing genes in prostate cancer. Closer analysis showed how rearrangement of these genes was responsible for their cancer-causing potential. The research appears in the October 28, 2005, issue of Science and was supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Wrinkles :: Skin Care – Wrinkles and Chemical Peels

Chemical peels, also known as chemosurgery, help restore wrinkled, lightly scarred, or blemished facial skin. Much like chemical paint strippers, chemical peels strip off the top layers of skin, and new, younger-looking skin grows back. The procedure is very effective for the upper lip. It cannot be performed around the eyes. Partial peels are often done in conjunction with a face-lift.

Pneumonia :: Lung Scarring Diseases Linked to Genes and Smoking

New research shows that idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP), a group of potentially fatal disorders that affects the lungs, may be caused by an interaction between a specific genetic background and cigarette smoking. In a study of 111 families that had at least two relatives with IIP, people who smoked cigarettes were three times more likely than non-smokers to develop the disease. The research was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), both institutes within the National Institutes of Health.

Wrinkles :: Skin Care – Wrinkles and Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion affects deeper layers of skin than chemical peels, and may be useful for removing disfiguring marks, such as deep acne scars or deep wrinkles. As with chemical peels, it is effective for wrinkles on the upper lip and chin and cannot be used around the eyes. Some experts prefer dermabrasion to lasers for skin surfacing of people with darker skin colors.