Archive for November, 2006

Abortion drug may thwart breast cancer

The chemical compound in the abortion pill RU-486 blocked formation in mice of breast tumors caused by a mutant gene blamed in many women’s breast and ovarian cancers, researchers found.

Study shows how chemo damages brain

Chemotherapy damages brain cells, according to two studies published this week, leading to memory loss and confusion in cancer patients -- and possibly permanent damage in young children.

Gene link found in Nevada cancer cluster

Federal researchers have found children involved in a northern Nevada leukemia cluster are more prone to have a variation in a gene that helps combat unsafe chemicals, and more research is needed to learn the reasons why.

New clue to red wine’s heart protection

Scientists in the U.K. have identified “oligomeric procyanidins” as the likely ingredient in red wine’s polyphenols that contributes to heart health and longevity. And some red wines contain more procyanidins than others.

Meth epidemic spreading East

Methamphetamine use is increasing along the East Coast after years of largely being confined to rural areas west of the Mississippi River, a government report shows.