Influenza :: Antivirals oseltamivir and zanamivir effectively curb influenza virus
Two antiviral drugs, oseltamivir and zanamivir, are highly effective when given as a preventive measure to reduce the spread of the influenza virus.
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Malaria :: Researchers discover surprising drug that blocks malaria
Northwestern University researchers have uncovered how malaria parasites break into red blood cells and how to block the invading parasites with a commonly prescribed high-blood pressure medication. This opens the door for important new drugs to which the parasites are much less likely to become resistant. Malaria is surging worldwide because of drug resistance and the lack of an effective vaccine. Jamaica, which had eradicated the disease for 50 years, recently reported an outbreak.
Wrinkle :: Nanotechnology shows promise as next wrinkle fighter
The next big idea in preventing wrinkles is very, very small.Nano small.A Michigan State University chemical engineer has discovered that nanoparticles can stop thin polymer films from buckling and wrinkling, and that could well work to join the war by warding off dreaded buckles in human skin.
Aphasia :: Genetic cause found for word-finding disease Aphasia
Northwestern University researchers have discovered a genetic cause of a mysterious neurological disease in which people have trouble recalling and using words. The illness, Primary Progressive Aphasia, differs from Alzheimer’s Disease in which a person’s memory becomes impaired. In PPA, which can begin in the 40’s and 50’s, people eventually lose the ability to express themselves and understand speech. Although people lose the ability to communicate, they are still able to perform complicated tasks.
Cancer :: Small molecule offers big hope against cancer
Researchers at the University of Alberta have shown that a nontoxic molecule shrinks cancers tumors, including lung, breast and brain. The results of the research will be published in the journal Cancer Cell.
SIDS :: Heart rhythm genes possible factors in SIDS
Nearly 10 percent of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) victims have mutations or variations in genes associated with potentially lethal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), according to two newly published studies involving Vanderbilt researchers.
Prostate Cancer :: Sunshine pill for prostate cancer in 2009
A drug based on vitamin D and is given to patients in the advanced stages of prostate cancer along with chemotherapy drugs could be availiable by 2009. Vitamin D from sunlight improves the prognosis of certain cancers, but taking natural levels of the vitamin has no effect. Novacea, the company that makes Asentar, produced a novel formulation that reproduces the healing effect without the dangerous side-effects of a vitamin D overdose.
Life :: Winning a Nobel Prize adds nearly 2 years to your lifespan
New research by the University of Warwick reveals that a Nobel Prize brings more than just cash and kudos — it can also add nearly two years to your life.
Cancer :: Novel approach to cancer drug given major boost
Scientists at ProXara Biotechnology Limited have identified a way of switching off one of the key mechanisms that leads to the development and growth of a tumour. Under the Wellcome Trust’s Seeding Drug Discovery initiative, the researchers hope to use their findings to develop a drug that could be used to fight cancer. The funding will be used to develop the drug to a point at which it is close to entering a clinical trial.
Heart :: Handful of almonds keep your heart healthy
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but when it comes to looking after your heart, it seems that nothing does a better job than a handful of almonds. New research on almonds has found that the dry fruits are especially good for the heart, for not only do they happen to be high in several types of antioxidants, but may also improve blood sugar levels as well as play an important role in a cholesterol lowering eating plan, researchers at Tufts University have found.