DNA particles in the blood may help speed detection of coronary artery disease

Higher levels of DNA particles in the blood were linked to high levels of coronary artery calcium deposits in a study. These particles are potentially markers of disease, and may eventually help identify patients with severely narrowed coronary arteries, predict how many coronary vessels were affected, and even whether a patient is likely to suffer a serious heart problem or heart-related death. The...

Early Respiratory Infection May Double Type 1 Diabetes Risk: Study

 What may seem like a harmless cold during the first six months of life may more than double a child's chances of developing antibodies that often lead to type 1 diabetes, new German research suggests.  Infections have long been suspected as potential triggers of type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes (also called childhood diabetes or immune mediated diabetes mellitus) is an autoimmune condition...

Does drinking alcohol increase the risk of cancer?

Do you enjoy an occasional, or even a daily, glass of wine, beer, or other drink that contains alcohol? Many adults do. Indeed, 37% of adults in the U.S. report drinking low to moderate amounts, which is, on average, up to 1 drink per day if you are a woman, and 2 drinks per day if you are a man. Another 28% of adults drink more each day, which is considered heavy drinking. A drink of alcohol is...

Steps to prevent heat-related illnesses

Heat related illnesses are one of the main causes for loss of workdays and also death in a number of tropical countries. People who are at highest risk are the elderly, the very young, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness. But even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. The...