Possible SARS vaccine in the making
Scientists have discovered the genetic sequence for the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome, according to a report from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Researchers, who worked nonstop for 12 days, used cells from an African green monkey infected with throat culture cells from SARS patients.
The findings provide important information for use in the development of SARS vaccines, antiviral drugs and testing for early detection, said CDC director Dr. Julie Gerberding.
The results are almost identical to those found in a Canadian laboratory last week, the report said. The cells used for testing were taken from people infected in different countries, suggesting that the virus has a common source, officials said.
Cancer prevention may be found in common meds
An arthritis pain medication could be a treatment for advanced thyroid cancer, said the Ohio State University Medical Center.
Researchers will soon begin testing on the drug celecoxib, which blocks an enzyme that stimulates tumor growth and slows down normal cell growth.
The year-long study will monitor 35 patients who take celecoxib on a daily basis. Regular blood tests will track the cancer progression, said Dr. Manisha Shah, a medical oncologist at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Shah said the drug will be considered effective if 60 percent of the patients show no cancer progression after a year.
The study received a $150,000 grant from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Female focus for ADHD treatment
Adolescent girls are the focus of new research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, said a report from the Ohio State University Medical Center.
The study will test Ritalin LA, a version of the common treatment for ADHD. The drug, which lasts the entire day, would remove the need for midday treatments, officials from the medical center said.
According to the report, ADHD studies usually neglect older females afflicted with the disorder, focusing instead on young, school-aged boys.
Before age seven, ADHD sufferers usually exhibit symptoms that affect activities such as academic performance and are often chronically inattentive, impulsive and easily distracted.
Common chemical harbors serious risk
Serious health risks of a chemical used in numerous household products have spawned an in-depth analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency, reported msnbc.com.
High levels of the chemical known as C8 appear to pose a health threat in animal testing. Research has shown the chemical may cause liver damage and reproductive problems in rats.
C8 is used in household items such as furniture, carpet and Teflon; a product that prevents food from sticking to pots and pans.
The EPA will not call for a ban until further testing has been done.
