Health News

Health News for 02/10/10

February 10, 2010

Strong 'Sweet Tooth' in Kids Tied to Family's Mental Health

Depression and a family history of alcoholism may play a role in how much of a sweet tooth a child has, new research suggests.

First Gene Variants Linked to Stuttering Discovered

Researchers have identified the first gene mutations linked to stuttering.

Premature Death Could Await Obese Kids

Obese children are at a greater risk of dying young, a new study finds.

For Some Breast Cancer Patients, Shorter Radiation Works Well

Women who need radiation after breast cancer surgery do just as well with three rather than five weeks of treatment, a new Canadian study suggests.

Exposure to 9/11 Fumes Tied to Chronic Headaches

Nearly 10 years after the 9/11 attacks, residents and workers exposed to dust and fumes at the World Trade Center site appear prone to persistent, sometimes severe headaches, new research suggests.

With Anorexia, Body May Hoard Fat in Bones

People with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa have excess levels of fat in their bone marrow, U.S. researchers have found.

Blacks in Nursing Homes Vaccinated Less Than Whites

A new study finds a racial disparity in flu and pneumococcal vaccination rates among U.S. nursing-home residents: Blacks were 13 percent to 15 percent less likely to get vaccinated than whites.

Migraine Linked to Increased Heart Attack Risk

People with migraines are more likely to have heart attacks, a new study shows, but the exact reason why the two conditions are linked is still unclear.

Scientists Discover How HIV Is Transmitted Between Men

Researchers report that they've discovered the origin of strains of the AIDS virus that affect gay and bisexual men.

Flu Vaccine Safe for Infants 6 Weeks Old

Seasonal flu vaccines are safe and effective in infants as young as 6 to 12 weeks, new research claims.

Voice Problems May Affect Social Life in Parkinson's

People with Parkinson's disease may experience social difficulties due to the way they talk, a Canadian study reports.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 10, 2010

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

Health Highlights: Feb. 10, 2010

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

Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga Put Spotlight on Women and HIV

Pop music star Cyndi Lauper believes that girls should still wanna have fun, they just shouldn't overlook their risk of HIV.

Women's Heart Disease Awareness Still Lacking

Despite public awareness campaigns, almost half of all American women still don't know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, new research finds.

Physical Changes in Brain Linked to Altered Spirituality

Damage to specific parts of the brain boosted levels of spiritual thinking and feeling in patients, a finding that adds new insight into the connection between religious attitudes and the physical makeup of the mind, researchers say.

Autism-Related Hypersensitivity Better Understood

Scientists report they've gained greater understanding of fragile X syndrome, which causes autism and mental retardation, by studying the brain circuitry of mice.

New Diagnostic Guidelines for Mental Illnesses Proposed

For the first time in more than a decade, the American Psychiatric Association has announced proposed changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) , long considered the "Bible" of psychiatry.

Scientists Pinpoint Area of Brain That Fears Losing Money

Researchers say they've pinpointed the area of the brain responsible for the fear of losing money, a finding that offers insight into human economic behavior.

Health Tip: Dealing With Dry Skin

Frequent bathing, cold weather and forgetting that daily dose of sunscreen all can contribute to dry skin.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Travelers' Diarrhea

Travelers' diarrhea is a frequent menace for international travelers. The culprit may be bacteria, a virus or a parasite.