London Drug Disaster
The six volunteers who participated in a widely publicized London
trial of an experimental drug that left them seriously ill were
offered interim payments by the drug’s manufacturer if
they agreed not to sue. The drug, TGN 1412, had seemed safe in
tests on primates and other animals, but within minutes of the
clinical trial’s start, all six men experienced life-threatening
inflammation of their tissues and multiple organ failure. One
man, 20-year-old Ryan Wilson, is likely to lose several fingers
and toes, and all six will have permanently damaged immune systems.
The offer—£5,000 (about $9,400)—was turned
down by each of the men.
Heart Disease Goes Global
Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms including abdominal fat,
cholesterol disorders, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance,
among others, is known to be related to fatty Western diets.
And now the condition—which is linked to increased risk
of heart disease—is becoming increasingly common in China.
According to a study in the Journal of the American College
of Cardiology, about a third of a sample of 2,334 people
over age 60 in the Beijing metropolitan area had metabolic syndrome.
The researchers believe that as the economy and lifestyle in
China becomes more Westernized, so too will the risk for cardiovascular
disease.
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Apr. 18, 2006.
 Starling Grammar
Scientists recently reported in the journal Nature that
a group of starlings were able to differentiate between a regular
birdsong “sentence” and one containing a clause. Starlings,
whose songs are made up of a complex mix of whistles, warbles,
and rattles, make different combinations of sounds in their songs.
They can even recognize other starlings by learning another individual
bird’s unique sound combinations.
 A Mother of Thousands
Noelle has given birth hundreds of times. She’s a pregnant
robot being used for training in hospitals and medical schools
around the globe. This high-tech simulator was created by Miami-based
Gaumard Scientific Co. Inc., and models range from a $3,000 basic
version to a very high-tech $20,000 version. Noelle can be programmed
to experience many complications, including breach presentation,
and can be in labor for hours or just minutes. She ultimately gives
birth to a simulator baby that shows vital signs when hooked up
to a monitor. The baby can also change colors: a healthy baby will
be pink while a baby experiencing oxygen deficiency will be blue.
Paul Elias, “Robot Birth Simulator Gaining Popularity,” AP
A Little High Is Too High
Many Americans have borderline high blood pressure—a category
between normal blood pressure and hypertension, sometimes called “prehypertension.” According
to the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, blood pressure
that is just a little high can still increase one’s risk
for heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, or congestive
heart failure. People can take control of their bloodpressure
without medication before it turns into hypertension by exercising
and eating plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It’s
 also important to stay away from foods high in fat, cholesterol,
and salt.
HealthDay News, May 2, 2006.
Happy Campers
More and more summer camps are making it easier for kids to enjoy
healthy—and fun—vegetarian fare. At Kids Make a Difference
Camp, based in Los Angeles, camp director Andy Mars serves only
healthy vegan meals. Campers learn how to help with meal preparations—such
as rolling their own vegetarian sushi—and roast veggie
hot dogs over the campfire.
Media
Center | Health | Research
| About PCRM | Catalog
| Join Us | Search
| Site Index | Home
The site does
not provide medical or legal advice. This Web site is for information purposes
only.
Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
|
