U S C M A – United States Colombian Medical Association

An anti-cancer drug may reverse memory problems in an Alzheimer's Disease mouse model, according to new research carried out at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. The study, published in the journal Science, examined previously published outcomes on the drug bexarotene - which is approved by the U.S...

The novel H7N9 bird flu virus may be human transmissible through direct contact as well as through airborne exposure, according to a new study. Scientists came up with this conclusion after discovering that the virus, which has already killed 36 people in China, can spread between ferrets...

Surprisingly, cockroaches are steering away from sugary-coated traps designed to kill them. The phenomenon has been subject to much scientific interest with many experts asking why they avoid the traps if they are coated in glucose - a tempting treat for cockroaches. A new study published in the May 24th edition of Science has revealed why...

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has proposed a fee structure for a self-financed medical marijuana industry that supports patient access without relying on taxpayer resources. Acting DPH Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett said: "The program will be self-sustaining through fees on registered marijuana dispensaries and patients...

Certain statins - also known as cholesterol-lowering medications - could increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new study suggests. The risk was most significant in patients taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor), according to the study, published in BMJ...

Surprisingly, cockroaches are steering away from sugary-coated traps designed to kill them. The phenomenon has been subject to much scientific interest with many experts asking why they avoid the traps if they are coated in glucose - a tempting treat for cockroaches. A new study published in the May 24th edition of Science has revealed why...

Scientists from the University of Southampton have developed a device which records the brain activity of worms to help test the effects of drugs. NeuroChip is a microfluidic electrophysiological device, which can trap the microscopic worm Caenorhadbitis elegans and record the activity of discrete neural circuits in its 'brain' - a worm equivalent […]

An attack on glioblastoma brain tumor cells that uses a modified poliovirus is showing encouraging results in an early study to establish the proper dose level, researchers at Duke Cancer Institute report...

New research shows that craving drugs such as nicotine can be visualized in specific regions of the brain that are implicated in determining the value of actions, in planning actions and in motivation. Dr. Alain Dagher, from McGill University, suggests abnormal interactions between these decision-making brain regions could underlie addiction...

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have unraveled the molecular foundations of cocaine's effects on the brain, and identified a compound that blocks cravings for the drug in cocaine-addicted mice. The compound, already proven safe for humans, is undergoing further animal testing in preparation for possible clinical trials in cocaine addicts, the researchers s […]

The monthly cost for policies sold on the state-run exchange came in lower than the 30 percent rate increases some had anticipated, though some consumers will still experience sharply higher premiums. Blue Shield of California estimated that current customers would see rate increases of about 13 percent.

This week's studies come from JAMA Internal Medicine, the New England Journal of Medicine, the Annals of Family Medicine, The Kaiser Family Foundation, the Health Care Cost Institute and various news outlets.

A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.

A selection of health policy stories from Louisiana, Oregon, Connecticut, Kansas, North Carolina, California, and New York.

The key question that seems to have stalled progress for House lawmakers is how to handle immigrants who do not have health insurance.

Some of the political ebb and flow is exactly as expected, with news reports noting that Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., a staunch opponent of the overhaul, is focused on linking the Internal Revenue Scandal with the health law. However, in other coverage, The Associated Press reports that some labor unions, which were strong advocates, have become increasin […]

Today's early morning highlights from the major news organizations, including details on California's new health insurance exchange rates, whether consumers will experience "rate shock" and what these numbers say about the health law's implementation.

In addition, media outlets report that the nation's largest for-profit insurers will not participate in California's online marketplace. Eleven insurers have applied to operate plans in Colorado.

A selection of editorials and opinions on health care from around the country.

The Seventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago is the first federal appellate court to hear arguments in cases challenging the mandate that took effect last August. With dozens of similar lawsuits pending, many say the issue seems likely to land before the Supreme Court. The case brought by Hobby Lobby Inc. is considered the most prominent of these eff […]

Routine screening for coronary artery disease is of no value for adults with diabetes who have no symptoms of heart problems, says a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Older individuals with type 2 diabetes who have been hospitalized with severe low blood sugar levels seem to have a greater risk of developing dementia, new research suggests. at MUSC

Low-income women with diabetes who are pregnant or who recently gave birth face almost twice the risk of depression compared to women without diabetes, says a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Here is a wake-up call to the millions of American men and women with type 2 diabetes: Snoring at night or nodding off during the day may be symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea

Adding lentil soup and pasta to your diet may be the way to go if you have type 2 diabetes, based on a new study about the benefits of low-glycemic foods.

While less strict blood sugar control may be appropriate for some diabetes patients, most should adhere to the target goal of an A1C level of less than 7 percent that has long been recommended for reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. A1C is a measure of blood glucose levels over the previous two or three months.

The rate of new cases of type 2 diabetes has nearly doubled in the United States in the last decade, with most new cases appearing in southern states, says a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.