Insidermedicine In 60 - November 25, 2009

From Massachusetts - For the first time, scientists have developed a cancer vaccine that can eliminate tumors in mice, according to a report published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Researchers from Harvard University developed an implant-based vaccine. Smaller than a fingernail, the vaccine contains antigens that are tumor specific and is implanted underneath the skin, releasing cytokines and reprogramming the immune system to specifically target tumors.

From London - According to a report published in The Lancet, walking and cycling show more health and climate benefits than driving lower emission vehicles. Researchers estimated the future health and climate consequences of different transportation plans--comparing current projections (with things remaining as they are) with several alternative scenarios that included lower emission vehicles, less motor traffic, more active travel through cycling and walking and a combination of all of these. They found that active travel and less motor traffic showed as much as 40 times the health and carbon dioxide benefits when compared to only driving lower emission vehicles.

And finally, from Italy - Limiting salt intake significantly reduces risk of stroke and heart disease, according to a report published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 13 studies--covering more than 170,000 people--and found that cutting salt consumption by 5 grams a day could lower risk of stroke by 23% and heart disease by 17%.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• climate change
• stroke heart disease
• environment
• salt
• sodium
• cancer vaccine
• cytokine