Benzodiazepine Often Used in Older People Despite Risks Benzodiazepines include the medications alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). These drugs are widely prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep problems. But while effective, they have serious risks—especially when used over long periods. Long-term use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. Benzodiazepines can […]

 Immune System Reset May Halt Multiple Sclerosis Progression MS is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. It results in damage to nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. The disease’s widely varying symptoms can include tingling or numbness in extremities, motor and speech difficulties, weakness, […]

Pathways Underlying the Benefits of Calorie Restriction Calorie restriction is the process of reducing food intake—typically by at least 30% from a normal diet—without malnutrition. Researchers have known since the 1930’s that this regimen, also referred to as dietary restriction, has numerous health benefits. It can extend the lifespan of yeast, worms, flies, and some […]

Great news for all those women (and men) who have wanted to try the beautifying effects of snail slime but could never get past the “ick” factor. 20yrsyounger.com promises to get rid of the Ewww… while still letting women reap the anti-aging and rejuvenating benefits of snail slime cream. The process itself is called lyophilisation […]

In crowded Philippine IDP camp, children learn to smile again ZAMBOANGA, 19 November 2013 (IRIN) – Two months after renegade Muslim militants opposed to efforts by the Philippine government to end a decades-long rebellion laid siege to the southern city of Zamboanga, traumatized children are learning to laugh again. A girl reconnects with friends who […]

Save the oceans from warming WARSAW, 18 November 2013 (IRIN) – The Earth’s oceans are being forced to absorb more and more planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, causing them to acidify at rates not seen in the last 300 million years, says a new report released for policymakers today at the UN climate talks in Warsaw. A […]

Polio drive to target millions in Horn KISUMU, 18 November 2013 (IRIN) – Efforts to stop the spread of polio in the Horn of Africa region are being ramped up with major immunization campaigns underway, targeting millions of vulnerable children. Polio mainly affects children under five years of age/ Photo: Jane Some/IRIN There have been […]

Haiyan Typhoon – David Guetta & Secretary-General Philippines Appeal United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and international music artist David Guetta came together at the United Nations to ask for your help in supporting relief efforts in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan. … … Millions of people have been affected by this disaster. Families have lost […]

First director named for NHGRI’s new Division of Genomics and Society Lawrence Brody, Ph.D. selected to lead new division that includes ELSI research program Bethesda, Md., Thurs., Nov. 14, 2013 – Lawrence C. Brody, Ph.D., a pioneering genetics and genomics researcher, has been selected to be the first director of the newly established Division of Genomics […]

Massive anti-polio campaign to reach 20 million children across Middle East 8 November 2013 – Aiming to stop a polio outbreak in Syria from spreading across the region, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is spearheading the largest-ever immunization campaign in the Middle East today, with plans to vaccinate some 20 million children in […]