Health News

Health News for 02/05/10

February 05, 2010

Kids Born Early in Year More Likely to Be Athletes?

Your birthday may affect your odds of becoming a professional athlete, a new study suggests.

Dopamine Levels in Brain May Determine Social Status

The makeup of your brain may influence your social standing, a new study suggests.

Human Pacemakers Offer Hope to Ailing Dogs

Pacemakers made for humans are giving older dogs a new leash on life.

More Doses of MS Drug Raise Risk of Brain Infection

In the latest blow to the controversial multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday announced that it was slapping a new warning on the drug's label.

Concussion Awareness for Young Athletes Gets Big Play

Efforts to improve treatment of concussions in youth sports are making headway on several fronts: Washington state's new laws governing head injuries in scholastic sports will get big play Sunday at Super Bowl XLIV, and Texas researchers report that an online test can help athletic trainers and doctors determine when it's safe for an athlete to return to the field after a concussion.

Wound-Healing Maggots Succumb to Deadly Bacteria

Maggots used to treat chronic wounds can be killed by a type of bacteria that infects the wounds, Danish researchers say.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 5, 2010

Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com :

Genome Mapped for Type 2 Diabetes

Scientists have completed a map of areas of the human genome that control which genes are switched on or off in type 2 diabetes, a finding that may advance understanding of the genetic basis of this and other common diseases.

Surgeons Suffering Work-Related Injuries

Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery benefits patients but can cause work-related injuries in surgeons, suggests a new survey.

Health Highlights: Feb. 5, 2010

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay :

Super Bowl Stress Can Spark Heart Attacks

When the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts take the field for Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, emotions will be running high, so high that some fans can run the risk of a heart attack and even death.

Herbals Not the Answer for Asthma, Study Shows

Many asthma patients who use herbal remedies experience increased symptoms and poorer quality of life, a new study shows.

Depression in Pregnancy May Lead to Antisocial Teens

Teens whose mothers were depressed during pregnancy are at increased risk for antisocial behavior, including violence, a new study suggests.

As Swine Flu Fades, Experts Ponder Next Season

After nearly a year of headlines, worry and confusion, the H1N1 swine flu virus is now out of the news. Is it out of circulation as well?

Health Tip: Getting Cardiac Rehabilitation

A cardiac rehabilitation program is designed to help people recover from a heart attack, heart surgery or another medical procedure involving the cardiovascular system.

Health Tip: Understanding Ear Tube Surgery

An ear tube is surgically implanted in a child's ear to help drain fluid that builds up behind the eardrum, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Agricultural Chemical Spray Linked to Birth Defect Risk

There's a link between a birth defect called gastroschisis and the agricultural chemical atrazine, a new study has found.

Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Not Cost-Effective: Study

It's not cost-effective to screen couples genetically to determine if they're at risk of having children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), says a U.S. study.