Archive for August 9th, 2012
Fresh Target in Hunt for a Migraine Cure
August 9th, 2012 | 
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The hunt is intensifying for new treatments for migraines, the common and debilitating headaches that have confounded scientists for decades.
Of greatest focus for researchers is a brain chemical known as CGRP, which appears to play a role in the transmission of pain, but not in other brain functions, such as cognition or mood. Researchers are trying a variety of experimental drugs to stop CGRP from working by blocking its receptors in the brain. Others are working on artificial antibodies that could soak up the chemical in the bloodstream or brain before it can trigger migraines.
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July 2012 warmest month ever recorded in U.S.
In the latest State of the Climate report released by NOAA and the National Climatic Data Center, July 2012 is the warmest month ever recorded in the contiguous United States. Yes, not only the warmest July ever recorded, but the warmest month ever recorded since record-keeping began in 1895. In fact, July 2012 beat the old record set back in July 1936, the same year we experienced record heat and drought during the Dust Bowl era.
Healthy diet early on is tied to higher IQ scores in children
Australian researchers tracked the eating behavior of more than 7,000 children at ages 6 months, 15 months and 2 years, and found that a healthy diet was linked to slightly higher IQ scores at age 8. The findings appear in the European Journal of Epidemiology.
Cigar retailers join fight against tighter regulations
The Tobacco Co. joined other cigar retailers and Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., to speak out against federal regulation for cigar retailers. The tobacco industry is concerned it is facing many oppressive restrictions and taxes, the retailer's owner Greg Zimmerman said. FDA action would be intrusive and unnecessary, Zimmerman added.
Adult Primary Immune Deficiency: What Are We Missing?
This first known analysis of a large cohort of adults with suspected immune deficiency using established diagnostic criteria confirmed the diagnosis in two-thirds of all patients. The findings highlight the wide spectrum of primary immune deficiency states seen in adult medical practices and the need for increased awareness of their existence.
Seventy Journalists Killed in Six Months
At least 70 journalists and support staff were killed while on assignment in the first half of this year, making it one of the bloodiest periods of recent times.
Drug Pipeline ’Crisis’ a Ploy, Docs Say
If development of innovative new drugs is lagging, it’s largely because drug companies choose to spend their money elsewhere, two researchers charged.