Human skin hosts zoo of bacteria

2007-02-06 10:54:23

Researchers on a safari for microbes have found that human skin is populated by a veritable menagerie of bacteria - 182 species - some apparently living there permanently and others just dropping by for a visit.

Depression, loneliness tied to physical ills

2007-02-06 09:45:11

Depression, severe mental illness and loneliness are linked to illnesses such as heart disease and dementia, according to several studies published on Monday.

Lab disaster may lead to new cancer drug

2007-02-05 10:38:26

Her carefully cultured cells were dead and Katherine Schaefer was annoyed, but just a few minutes later, the researcher realized she had stumbled onto a potential new cancer treatment.

Child stomach surgeries more popular

2007-02-05 09:22:19

As the popularity of stomach surgery has skyrocketed among obese adults, a growing number of doctors are asking, "Why not children, too?"

Obesity poses larger diabetes risk than inactivity

2007-02-03 13:58:03

Although obesity and lack of physical activity both raise the risk of type 2 diabetes in women, obesity appears to be the more important factor, researchers report in the journal Diabetes Care.

Exercise keeps seniors steady on their feet

2007-02-03 13:56:47

Older people who have long been physically active, and remain so, have better balance than less vigorous seniors, while those who pick up the exercise after retirement fare almost as well, French researchers report.

Altering virus coats may halt flu spread

2007-02-02 09:21:29

Making a small change in the outer coating of the lethal 1918 flu virus was enough to stop it from spreading, a discovery that may help scientists monitor today's bird flu and other influenza strains for signs of the next pandemic.

Oils may cause breast growth in boys

2007-02-01 14:12:58

Lavender and tea tree oils found in some shampoos, soaps and lotions can temporarily leave boys with enlarged breasts in rare cases, apparently by disrupting their hormonal balance.

Woman's fertility cycle affects brain

2007-01-30 18:40:18

A woman's hormones affect specific parts of the brain called the reward pathway, researchers said on Monday in a finding that could offer insight into treating drug abuse and mood disorders.

Doctors sell hip resurfacing to boomers

2007-01-30 13:59:28

Doctors are beginning to offer a new alternative to hip replacement, one aimed at younger, athletic baby boomers who've worn out their joints too soon. Now they no longer have to wait until they hit their 60s for a fix.

Straighter teeth won't guarantee happiness

2007-01-30 10:59:01

Straightening children's crooked teeth with braces may improve their smile but it is no guarantee of happiness and improved self esteem.

Oldest women to give birth deceived clinic

2007-01-29 13:44:11

The oldest woman ever to give birth deceived doctors to get the fertility treatment that let her have twins at 67 last month, a Sunday newspaper said.