Understanding malaria
Researchers have taken another step towards greater understanding of malaria after figuring out how the mosquito manages to fight off infection from the parasite.
Health
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WHO: Mercury in skin-lightening creams still a problem
The World Health Organisation has released a technical document focusing on the issues associated with skin-lightening creams thatcontain mercury. One in three woman in South Africa are reported to be using these products on a regular basis despite the fact that it could cause kidney damage among other side-effects.
Addressing Tenofovir shortages Living with AIDS # 519
The inability of contracted pharmaceutical companies to produce enough of the antiretroviral drug, Tenofovir, has forced the Health Department to increase the number of manufacturers that can produce the medicine in the face of worrying shortages.
From Comrades 2012 to comrades
Seven members of the Treatment Action Campaign's (TAC) Runners for Health who participated at the Comrades Marathon successfully completed the marathon. Six managed to get bronze medals. This week they shared their reflections on this epic road race.
Unicef: Treat pneumonia and diarrhoea and save infants
Childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea, two diseases that should ordinarily be treated and cured, are killing two million children under five each year.
CT scans could triple the risk of leukaemia and brain cancer
Radiation exposure received from two to three computed tomography (CT) scans of the head in childhood (aged under 15 years) can triple the risk of later developing brain cancer, while around five to 10 such scans could triple the risk of developing leukaemia.
Water and sanitation undermines health efforts
South African health officials have failed to advocate for more free water while efforts to improve sanitation have been undermined by lack of funds, resulting in high levels of disease and mortality mainly among the poor.
Cancer docs suffer grief, doubt when patients die
A recent study revealed that some cancer doctors experience grief, self-doubt and despair when patients die, while others build up emotional walls and distance themselves from patients they can't save.
25% reduction in preventable diseases by 2025
The World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has approved a resolution calling for a 25% reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 2025.
Early baldness may be a risk factor for prostate cancer
New research suggests that male pattern baldness may be a risk factor for prostate cancer.
Blood test may improve diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer
Scientists have discovered that a simple blood test could lead to better diagnosis and treatment for early-stage breast cancer patients, according to an article published online first in The Lancet Oncology.
Many docs unfamiliar with chemo-risks
A survey of more than 1000 primary-care doctors in the United States suggests the vast majority have little knowledge about the long-term side effects of chemotherapy.
Gene variation may give some smokers advantage over others
Smokers lucky enough to have inherited a 'super-detox gene' could answer the age-old question of why some will develop smoking-related illnesses within the first five years of lighting up while others happily puff away for 50 years before dying of old age.
TAC “Comrades” tackle the race of a lifetime
Runners for Health, a group of runners from the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), will be participating in this year's Comrades Marathon. The annual 89 km race, running between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, will take place on Sunday. Read here why they describe it as their biggest challenge yet.
Tenofovir shortages endanger lives Living with AIDS # 518
Insufficient production of Tenofovir, a crucial antiretroviral drug that is part of the three-drug combination therapy that AIDS patients need to suppress their virus, has left patients in the public sector taking sub-optimal treatment.