Insidermedicine in 60 - January 25, 2008

From Washington - Researchers from three continents have come together to map the genomes of 1,000 people in a project that they hope will help determine the genetic roots for disease. Researchers have previously catalogued dozens of specific regions of variation in the human genome and linked them with common diseases, but these DNA maps are not highly detailed. This new project promises to examine the human genome in detail that has never before been attempted.

From Atlanta - Americans are putting themselves at unnecessary risk by failing to receive important vaccinations as adults. A study from the CDC reports that the main reason for this is that most people don't even know that these vaccines exist. For example, only 10% of respondents knew that hepatitis vaccines are recommended for adults. It is important to remember that vaccinations are not only for children, and you should talk to your doctor about what vaccines are available.

And finally, from Ireland - Over-the-counter cough and cold medications may offer little or no relief. In the wake of studies suggesting that these medications may be harmful in children under the age of 2, researchers looked at 17 studies involving over 2,800 adults, and 8 studies involving over 600 children and found that the effectiveness of over-the-counter cough and cold medications is weak, at best. The authors conclude that there is little evidence for or against the use of these medicines, and more comprehensive studies need to be conducted.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• human
• genome
• project
• 1000
• dna
• genetics
• gene
• vaccine
• flu
• hepatitis
• shingles
• needle
• oct
• dimetapp
• robitussin
• medical
• syrup

[JackHansenCopywriter]

Nice work, I will follow this!