Monday, July 9, 2012
Scientists Use Stem Cells to Mimic Huntington's Disease
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New optimism about stemming spread of AIDS virus
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3 Dirty Chicken Facts Exposed
In the study, researchers tested feather meal, a by-product of chicken farming often used as fertilizer, because feathers accumulate important clues as to which drugs and chemicals chickens are exposed to during their short
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Joseph Kirsner, pioneer physician, dies at age 102
University of Chicago Medical Center spokesman John Easton said the well-known physician published more than 750 research papers and 18 books, and was the Louis Block Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine at the university.
Kirsner was among the first to show the increased risk of colon cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis. He broke new ground in the understanding and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
"Few if any physicians have had a broader and more positive impact than Joe Kirsner on thousands of patients, students and professional colleagues," Dr. Kenneth Polonsky of the university said in a statement. "His legacy at the University of Chicago will persist for generations. We are truly fortunate to have been able to call Joe a friend and colleague and a member of our faculty."
A Boston native, Kirsner arrived at the university in 1935 and helped change his field from an art
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Meatball company recalls 300,000 pounds of meat over listeria risk
Bridgeton, New Jersey-based Buona Vita Inc was recalling about 324,770 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat meat and poultry products produced in May, including meatballs, chicken and beef patties, and loafs of chicken and beef, the agency said in a written statement.
The FSIS described the health risk related to the recall as "high," according to the statement.
Representatives for Buona Vita, which says on its website that it produces 200,000 pounds (90,000 kg) of meatballs a day, could not immediately be reached for comment.
The possible contamination was discovered through testing by FSIS and the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the FSIS statement said. There have been no reports of illness related to the company's products, it added.
In 2011, more than 30 people died from listeria-contaminated cantaloupe linked to Jensen Farms in Colorado.
Listeria bacteria thrive in low temperatures. Outbreaks are usually associated with deli meats, unpasteurized cheeses and smoked refrigerated seafood products.
Listeriosis has a long incubation period, with symptoms sometimes not showing up until two months after people consume tainted foods.
Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, sometimes preceded by diarrhea and other gastric problems.
(Editing by Dan Whitcomb and Peter Cooney)
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Ovarian Transplants May Preserve Fertility in Young Cancer Survivors
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Keep Infants Out of Sun and Heat, Experts Warn
Fortunately, there are steps parents and caregivers can take to protect infants this summer, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics. But one of the usual summertime recommendations, sunscreen, is not advised for children under 6 months old, they pointed out.
Dr. Hari Cheryl Sachs, a pediatrician with the FDA, said parents should avoid putting sunscreen on their infants. Sachs explained that young babies' skin is much thinner than that of adults and can absorb the active, chemical ingredients found in sunscreens more easily. She noted that because they have a relatively high surface-area to body-weight ratio, they are at greater risk for allergic reactions or inflammation from exposure to sunscreen.
"The best approach is to keep infants under 6 months out of the sun, and to avoid exposure to the sun in the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense," Sachs said in an FDA news release.
If necessary, shade can be created by an umbrella or stroller canopy, Sachs pointed out. When there are no other options available, a small amount of sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of at least 15 can be applied to small areas of exposed skin, such as the cheeks and back of the hands. Applying a small amount of sunscreen to the baby's inner wrist first to test for sensitivity is a good idea, she noted.
Sachs and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offered additional tips to ensure infants are protected from sun exposure, including:
To prevent sunburns, dress infants in lightweight pants and shirts with long sleeves, as well as hats with brims that shade the ears and neck, advised the AAP. Sheer fabrics should be avoided because they could still result in a sunburn. Ensure babies are well hydrated. Offer them their usual feeding of breast milk or formula, said Sachs. Use a cooler to store the liquids if they will be out in the sun for more than a few minutes. Monitor babies for signs of sunburn or dehydration, including fussiness, redness, excessive crying and lack of urination. If sunscreen is applied to babies, steer clear of products containing the insect repellant DEET. Babies who become sunburned should be taken out of the sun immediately, and cold compresses should be applied to the affected areas.More information
The American Academy of Pediatrics has more sun safety tips.
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Mugabe returns from medical checks in Singapore
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States fight 'tourists' trafficking painkillers
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Tips for Memorable Family Road Trips
"This is a shared experience, and one that will be talked about during family gatherings for years to come," DiLorenzo, a father of three and writer of the Adventures with Jonny book series, said in a News and Experts release. "For busy parents, this is a time to savor their children's youth. As moms and dads eventually find out, they grow up fast."
One way to reduce stress on your trip is to avoid rush hours in big cities. Careful planning can help you steer clear of peak traffic periods and possibly save you and your family hours of misery in gridlock.
Use websites and apps to find the cheapest gas prices, good food choices, and the best hotel rates and travel routes, DiLorenzo recommends. Speaking of technology, make sure you leave behind all work-related calls, texts and emails. If you want to have a smartphone on your vacation, make sure it's not a work-related device.
To help the miles pass easily, make a music mix that appeals to the entire family. Family activities such as word games are another fun way to keep everyone entertained while in the car.
Be sure to make regular stops and pull over whenever you see potentially interesting or unique attractions, DiLorenzo advises.
Be cautious about dairy drinks and smelly snacks. A spill on a seat can eventually create a terrible stink during a summer road trip. But be sure to pack plenty of healthy snacks so that you don't have to buy junk food during your trip.
More information
The Nemours Foundation offers a number of road-trip boredom busters.
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Sunburn May Help Rid Body of Radiation-Damaged Cells
The red and painful burn is an immune response triggered by this altered genetic material to remove sun-damaged cells, according to the study published in the July 8 online edition of Nature Medicine.
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), suggested their findings could help scientists find a way to block this inflammatory process, which could have implications for a number of medical conditions and treatments, including psoriasis.
"For example, diseases like psoriasis are treated by UV
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