Insidermedicine in 60 - May 15, 2008

From New York - Gene therapy is showing promise for the treatment of Batten disease, a rare and fatal neurologic condition. Researchers injected healthy genetic material delivered in a viral vector into the brain of a patient with Batten disease and noted a slowing of the disease's progression. These results may be promising for those with Batten's and other neurologic conditions.

From Ottawa - With a study showing that Trasylol, also known as aprotinin, raises the risk of death following heart surgery by 50%, Bayer has suspended further manufacturing and marketing of the compound. While the medication became widely available in 1993, suspicions regarding its increased risk started in 2006 following the publication of a paper linking it to heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

And finally, from London - In correspondence published in the Lancet, it is argued that an important part of the solution to alleviating both the oil and food crisis is to get those who are obese more active. An obese population with a BMI of 29, when compared to one with a BMI of 24.5, needs to consume 18% more calories. If over 1 billion people are obese, this increment puts immense pressure on the food supply. As well, given the increased mass, more fuel is needed to transport those who are obese.

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

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• gene
• therapy
• dna
• batten
• disease
• neurological
• bayer
• trasylol
• heart
• surgery
• obesity
• oil
• gulf
• war
• food
• supply
• shortage
• bmi