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Breast Cancer :: Abortion pill Mifeprex, RU-486 blocks breast cancer

Cell biologist Eva Lee of the University of California, Irvine, who led the research published in Friday’s edition of the journal Science, reported that a pill that women can take to abort a fetus, has the ability to put a strangle hold on the gene primarily responsible for breast cancer. The drug is called RU-486, and when given to genetically developed mice who were destined to develop breast cancer, proved to halt the progression of the disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease :: Complaints about memory are associated with Alzheimer-related brain damage

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that having complaints about memory problems is associated with changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s disease. They reported their findings in the November 2006 issue of Neurology.

Dementia :: Caregiver support key to improved health, fewer nursing home placements

Helping caregivers take care of themselves is key to enabling them to better deal with family members with dementia, a recent study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers shows. In fact, those caregivers who were provided extra, individualized support had less depression and were able to keep family members in adult day services — and out of nursing homes — much longer than those who did not get the extra attention.

Pancreatic Cancer :: OHSU surgeon gives patients with lethal cancer reason to hope

Researchers in the OHSU Digestive Health Center are developing a system through which clinicians hope to more easily identify people at increased risk for the disease. Early identification allows physicians to identify malignancies sooner and begin aggressive treatment quicker. Only patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer will be monitored.

Colonoscopy :: Iowa State researchers developing software to improve colon exams

Two Iowa State University computer scientists are developing image-analysis software and related hardware that will measure the quality of colonoscopy procedures. Their goal is better procedures and better health for patients.

Cystic Fibrosis :: Newly discovered immune defense may be impaired in CF airways

A recent University of Iowa study reveals a new immune defense mechanism in normal airways and may help explain why people with cystic fibrosis (CF) are particularly susceptible to bacterial lung infections. The findings also may point the way to new approaches for treating the disease.

Smoking :: Youth smoking prevention programs common, yet few youth seek help

A survey conducted by University of Illinois at Chicago researchers found that programs to help teens stop smoking are common, yet few youths seek treatment. The study also found fewer programs in geographic areas with higher rates of youth smoking.

Exercise :: Exercise when young may reduce risk of fractures later in life

Running and jumping during childhood is more than child’s play, it provides lifelong benefits for future bone health and appears to reduce the risk of fractures later in life according to a Journal of Bone and Mineral Research study by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) researchers.

Anthrax :: New finding points way to foiling anthrax’s tricks

Anthrax, when inhaled, is nearly always fatal, in part because the bacteria have a very effective way of stealing iron from human cells to reproduce. This involves two molecules, siderophores, that compete with the body’s own iron-transport molecules. UC Berkeley researchers have now found that humans produce a protein that sidelines one of these siderophores, but not the other. A drug that blocks the second siderophore should be able to stop anthrax in its tracks.

Workout :: Nike+iPod Sport Kit raises privacy concerns

This holiday season, gift-givers may unwittingly give their favorite athlete a workout accessory that can double as a tracking device. Computer scientists at the University of Washington show potential breaches of privacy related to the Nike+iPod Sport Kit.