The response of cancer patients to a specific chemotherapy line can vary dramatically. The reasons for this are manifold and unknown for the most part. Scientists in the Analytical Pathology Department (AAP) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München have recently been successful in exposing a mechanism that is relevant to this phenomenon. Dr. Michaela Aichler and

Preventing alcohol abuse, especially among young people, has long been a focus of public-health campaigns. But despite the well-publicised social and medical consequences of drinking too much it’s clear that for many, heavy drinking has become a normal part of life. And now, public-health professionals have a new force to contend with in their battle against

Non-smoking rooms in hotels operating a partial smoking ban don’t protect their occupants from tobacco smoke, reveals research published online in Tobacco Control. Non-smokers should give hotels that allow smoking in certain rooms a wide berth, say the authors, and instead choose completely smoke free hotels. The researchers analysed the surfaces and air quality of

In new findings published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (Epub ahead of print), researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute reveal the discovery of the cause – a genetic mutation that occurs before birth – of Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) and port-wine stain birthmarks. SWS is a rare disorder affecting approximately one in 20,000 births, while port-wine birthmarks

A surprisingly large number of women 18 or older choose to delay or skip monthly menstruation by deviating from the instructions of birth-control pills and other hormonal contraceptives, a team of UO researchers and others found, in a study of female students at the university. Most women who alter bleeding cycles do so for convenience

Alan Anderson Reserve has a playground, picnic facilities, walk trail and is dog friendly. Activities Include: Playground features swings, see-saw and a separate climbing frame and slide for younger and older children. Playground has no official shade but the large trees overhead provide some significant shade. There is no gate surrounding the playground so children

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have made novel discoveries concerning the current vaccine against whooping cough that may lead to the development of an improved future vaccine.  The findings could help reduce the incidence of the disease which is increasing in developed countries including Ireland. The research led by Professor of Experimental Immunology, Kingston Mills

Bacon cheese muffins are a great family treat. This recipe will help you make perfect savoury wholemeal muffins- light, fluffy and full of taste. Whether you pack them in lunchboxes or serve with salad for lunch, your family will be happy to eat these healthy muffins. Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes Difficulty rating: Easy Ingredients Makes 12 servings 150g

Pregnant women are advised not to smoke during pregnancy because it can harm the baby’s lungs and lead to wheezing and asthma, among other problems. If a woman absolutely can’t kick the habit, taking vitamin C during pregnancy may improve her newborn’s lung function and prevent wheezing in the first year of life, according to

As parents, physicians and policymakers look for ways to curb childhood obesity, they may need to look no further than a child’s own backyard. A new study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting shows that preschool children are less likely to be obese if they live in a neighborhood that is safe