FDA statement on fraudulent, unapproved influenza-related products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers the sale of unlicensed or unapproved influenza -related products as a potentially significant threat to the public health and is taking measures to protect consumers from fraudulent products that claim to prevent or treat seasonal or avian (bird) influenza in people. more  

On avian influenza (bird flu) and food safety

Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and some strains can make domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them. more

Tips for women (and men) in search of a good night’s sleep

For many women, it’s tough to get a good night’s sleep. Studies show that women may be 20 percent to 50 percent more likely to have insomnia than men. more  

New service helps women at risk of sudden cardiac death

Sudden cardiac death is responsible for one-third of coronary artery disease deaths in women, and the reason why women with heart disease and recurrent heart arrhythmias are prime candidates for implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). In addition, pacemakers are implanted in nearly 100,000 women each year to treat symptomatic bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate), according to Raytel Cardiac Services, headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. more

Current interpretation of data protection law hampers medical research 

Overly strict interpretation of the data protection law is hampering epidemiological research (the study of the causes, distribution, and control of disease in populations), argue researchers in this week's BMJ. more

Pre-eclampsia may increase risk of later kidney problems in moms  

Women who have a pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia or who deliver a low-birth-weight infant may be at elevated risk of kidney disease, suggests a study in the March Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. more

Drug combination shows promise for treatment of advanced neuroendocrine tumors

A combination of an oral chemotherapy agent and a drug to prevent blood vessel growth has shown encouraging results in advanced neuroendocrine tumors, rare cancers of hormone-making cells that usually resist chemotherapy, researchers say. more