Behind the Headlines

Call for all to take statins after 55

Thursday May 5 2011

"All those over 55 should be offered drugs to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, according to a new study," reported BBC News. It said the report suggests that when assessing the risk of heart problems...

Asthma pill tested against inhalers

Thursday May 5 2011

“A once-a-day pill may be better than an inhaler at combating asthma,”, according to the Daily Mail. The newspaper said the tablet could free patients from dependence on inhalers and “revolutionise treatment for the...

New breast cancer genes probed

Wednesday May 4 2011

Researchers have found three more genes linked to the most common form of breast cancer, The Daily Telegraph has reported. The newspaper said the finding could lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating...

New clues on body's storage of fat

Wednesday May 4 2011

Scientists “have found a way to turn body fat into a better type of fat that burns off calories and weight,” BBC News has reported. The website said that modifying the production of a protein linked to appetite...

Obesity in mid life linked to dementia

Tuesday May 3 2011

“Obesity in middle age increases the risk of dementia,” reported The Guardian. The newspaper reported that compared to people of normal weight during middle age, the risk of dementia later in life was around 80% higher...

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Body shape 'increases heart risk'

Tuesday May 3 2011

“People with coronary artery disease have an increased risk of death if they have fat around the waist,” BBC News has reported. This news story is based on a systematic review that combined...

Heart attacks 'worse in the morning'

Thursday Apr 28 2011

“Heart attacks are far more dangerous in the mornings than at any other time of the day,” reported the Daily Mail. It said that patients who had an attack between 6am and midday suffered a fifth more damage...

Researchers link spring births to anorexia

Thursday Apr 28 2011

“People born in spring are 'more likely' to become anorexic,” reported The Independent. The newspaper said the finding comes from the first large-scale study of the link between anorexia and the season of birth.

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New guidance for ovarian cancer tests

Wednesday Apr 27 2011

The diagnosis and early treatment of ovarian cancer is in the news today, with the publication of new NICE guidance for doctors on recognising ovarian cancer. NICE call for more initial investigations (such as a blood test)...

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Chilli peppers 'help to burn fat'

Wednesday Apr 27 2011

“A sprinkling of red chilli peppers on your dinner keeps hunger pangs at bay,” reports the Daily Mail. It said that spicing up a daily diet with chopped chilli peppers could help curb your appetite. The effects of capsaicin...