Gap widens between optimal versus actual cholesterol levels

An estimated 63 million adults have low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels higher than what would be ideal as recommended by the National Institutes of Health. more  

Obesity may be factor in accelerated type I diabetes in some patients

Obesity, long known as a cause of type II diabetes, may accelerate the onset of type 1 diabetes in some – but not all – groups of younger patients, according to research at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and six clinical sites nationally. more

Lung cancer survival rates may be linked to access to care

New research suggests that the lower survival rates of blacks with lung cancer may be explained by access to care. The study, by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center researchers and colleagues is reported in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. more  

Does alcohol labeling encourage sensible drinking?

Clear labeling on shop-bought alcohol, showing the alcohol units contained and health advice, may not be effective in promoting sensible drinking, says a letter in this week's BMJ. more

Engineered heart tissue offers insights into irregular heartbeats, defibrillator failure 

Engineers who have induced heart cells in culture to mimic the properties of the heart have used the tissue to gain new insight into the mechanisms that spawn irregular heart rhythms. Studies of the engineered cardiac tissue revealed that while electric shocks such as those delivered by defibrillators usually stopped aberrant waves, in some cases they cause them to accelerate and multiply. more

Memory problems at menopause: Nothing to forget about  

Women who feel that they become more forgetful as menopause approaches shouldn't just "fuhgetabout it": There may be something to their own widespread reports that they're more likely to forget things as menopause approaches, say scientists who reported results from a small study today at the annual meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society in Boston. more

Study demonstrates rapid diagnosis of urinary tract infections with biosensor technology

For the millions of people who suffer from urinary tract infections each year and the doctors who treat them, a promising new biosensor technology has been developed that may replace antiquated testing methods and save precious health care dollars. more