Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Health Headlines - October 13

New Treatment for Aortic Aneurysm Triggers Debate

A cutting-edge way of repairing dangerously enlarged blood vessels in the belly is better than the traditional treatment, Dutch doctors said on Wednesday, but a U.S. doctor immediately called the finding premature and possibly wrong.

Congress, SEC Look at Chiron Flu Suspension

The U.S. Congress began investigating on Wednesday whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration overlooked problems at a British plant that led to the withdrawal of half the country's flu vaccine supply.

Scientists Find Protein That May Be Key to Hearing

A protein in the ear that converts sound into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain could be the long-sought key to understanding hearing and deafness, scientists said on Wednesday.

FDA: Chip Implant Can Be Used to Get Health Records

A computer chip that is implanted under the skin won U.S. approval on Wednesday for use in helping doctors quickly access a patient's medical history.

Low Birth Weight Affects IQ Into Teen Years

The effects of low birth weight on academic achievement persist well into adolescence, even among young people from relatively affluent backgrounds, a new study shows.

Early Growth Patterns Influence Breast Cancer Risk

Confirming previous research, the results of a population-based Danish study show that a high birth weight is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer later in life.

Software Helps Schools Stock Better Snacks

A new computer program rates snack foods according to their nutritional components, enabling kids to make healthier choices from school vending machines, according to researchers.

SEC Opens Informal Probe of Chiron

Chiron Corp., forced to halt shipment on its flu vaccine because of manufacturing woes at its plant in England, is the subject of an informal civil investigation by U.S. regulators, the company said on Wednesday.

Gene Therapy for Eyes Seen Feasible

In animal experiments, researchers have achieved permanent transfer of a functioning gene to targeted tissues in the eye, in what they say is the first step toward gene therapy for glaucoma.

Scientists, Patients Fight UN Stem Cell Study Ban

A coalition of 125 scientific and patients' groups urged the United Nations on Wednesday to reject a global ban on stem cell research sought by the Bush administration and more than 50 other countries.

Survey: U.S. Finally Holds Line on Weight

Americans are more calorie-conscious and holding the line on weight gain after years of expanding waistlines, according to a market survey released Wednesday, but nutrition experts were wary of the findings.

CDC Flu Plan Aims to Guard Those at Risk

The government moved Tuesday to direct scarce remaining flu shots straight to pediatricians, nursing homes and other places that care for the patients who need them most.

Congress Passes Bill Allowing Inhalers

Schools would be encouraged to allow asthmatic schoolchildren to carry and administer their own medication under a bill passed by Congress and sent to the President for his signature.

Common Heart Drugs May Slow Alzheimer's

Standard blood pressure-lowering medications already used by millions of patients may also slow the mental decline seen in Alzheimer's disease, a small study suggests.

Differences in Autism Detailed

Autistic boys with language impairment have brain structures different from autistic boys with normal language abilities, researchers have found.

Therapy Slows Down Multiple Sclerosis

A therapy designed to boost the body's immune system could reduce the risk of a second attack of symptoms related to multiple sclerosis, according to an article in the October issue of The Archives of Neurology.

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