High humidity present in bathrooms and kitchens could be degrading the vitamins and health supplements stored in those rooms, even if the lids are on tight, a new study shows. Crystalline substances are prone to a process called deliquescence, in which humidity causes a water-soluble solid to dissolve. Keeping vitamins and supplements away from warm, humid environments can help ensure their effectiveness.

Researchers have developed a rapid, multiplexed genotyping method to identify the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect warfarin dose.

The family dog may not only be a friendly companion but also a reflection of community health.

Musculoskeletal Imaging Consultants (MSKIC) announces release of “Inside Business with Fred Thompson” documentary. MSKIC accomplishes Obama challenge of “more for less” by leveraging technology and bypassing obstructions to health information sharing. President Obama challenged the medical industry to improve quality and decrease Medicare health expenditures by improving health information sharing and thereby eliminating unnecessarily repeated studies…

Musculoskeletal Imaging Consultants (MSKIC) announces release of “Inside Business with Fred Thompson” documentary. MSKIC accomplishes Obama challenge of “more for less” by leveraging technology and bypassing obstructions to health information sharing. President Obama challenged the medical industry to improve quality and decrease Medicare health expenditures by improving health information sharing and thereby eliminating unnecessarily repeated studies…

Researchers are investigating new ways for developing a novel painkiller based on natural compounds found in the venom of scorpions. These compounds have gone through millions of years of evolution and some show high efficacy and specificity for certain components of the body with no side effects.

Infectious diseases in the general population depend to a large extent on underlying genetic vulnerabilities, an expert in innate immunity says. While microbes are required for infection, he says, one’s genetic background could make the difference between fighting an infection and succumbing to it.

Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) and Facet Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ: FACT) today announced the publication of Phase 2 data showing that the addition of daclizumab to interferon beta (IFNand#946;) led to a significant reduction in the number of new or enlarged multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions when in comparison to IFNand#946; alone in patients with active relapsing forms of MS. The trial, called CHOICE, also showed that daclizumab led to an increase in a subset of the natural killer (NK) cells that help regulate the immune system. These data were published in Online First, the online edition of The Lancet Neurology, and would be reported in the recent issue of the Lancet Neurology…….

A University of Melbourne study has revealed that certain breast cancer genetic variants increase mammographic density, confirming the link between mammographic breast density and breast cancer. Professor John Hopper of the University’s School of Population Health says women vary greatly in their underlying risk of breast cancer. “These findings provide an insight into possible new pathways into the development of breast cancer”……..

Diamonds and gold may make some hearts flutter on Valentine’s Day, but in a University at Buffalo laboratory, silver nanoparticles are being designed to do just the opposite. The nanoparticles are part of a new family of materials being created in the laboratory of SUNY Distinguished Professor and Greatbatch Professor of Advanced Power Sources Esther Takeuchi, PhD, who developed the lithium/silver vanadium oxide battery. The battery was a major factor in bringing implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) into production in the late 1980s. ICDs shock the heart into a normal rhythm when it goes into fibrillation……..