Insidermedicine in 60 - March 16, 2009

From Washington - According to research presented to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, oral immunotherapy may be effective against peanut allergy. In a study of 39 children, researchers found that 55% of those who received long-term, steady exposure to small quantities of peanuts are now able to eat peanut products daily. The study is still in its early stages.

From North Carolina - According to a study in the journal Respiratory Research, genetic variation may explain why some smokers develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and others do not. In a study of 880 smokers, researchers found that five variants in a certain gene were significantly associated with COPD. This may explain why 90% of COPD is linked to smoking, but only 25% of smokers develop it.

And finally, from Florida - According to research presented to the American Heart Association, sitting in traffic may increase the risk of heart attack. In a study of over 1,400 cases, researchers found that those who suffered a heart attack were over three times as likely to have been sitting in traffic within an hour of the onset of symptoms. The researchers suspect that air pollution and stress are the major factors.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Kelly Schweitzer.

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Science & Technology

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