Stress may hasten the growth of melanoma tumors but common beta-blocker medications might slow that progress

For patients with a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer – malignant melanoma – stress, including that which comes from simply hearing that diagnosis, might amplify the progression of their disease. more  

Vaccines and autism: many hypotheses, but no correlation

An extensive new review summarizes the many studies refuting the claim of a link between vaccines and autism. The review, in the February 15, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and now available online, looks at the three main hypotheses and shows how epidemiological and biological studies refute these claims. more

AHA stands by advice to include omega-6 PUFAs in heart-healthy diet

A new Science Advisory report from the American Heart Association recommends that omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, are beneficial when part of a heart-healthy eating plan. more  

Chondroitin slows progression and relieves symptoms of knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes disability and is a major public health problem. A new study examined the effect of chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate (CS) on OA progression and symptoms. CS, unlike other chondroitin sulfate products sold as dietary supplements in the U.S., has been approved as a prescription symptomatic slow acting drug for OA in many European countries. more

Researchers identify protein that may explain 'healthy' obesity  

Mice whose fat cells were allowed to grow larger than fat cells in normal mice developed “healthy” obesity when fed a high-fat diet, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found in a new study. more

New pathway is a common thread in age-related neurodegenerative diseases 

How are neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's initiated, and why is age the major risk factor? A recent study of a protein called MOCA (Modifier of Cell Adhesion), carried out at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, provides new clues to the answers of these fundamental questions. more

Surgical implants coated with one of "nature's antibiotics" could prevent infection

Researchers seeking ways to defeat malaria have found a way to get help from the parasite that causes the disease. more

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