With the help of genetically engineered mice whose livers turned into glowing light bulbs, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have illuminated the underpinnings of an insidious and growing health concern–type II diabetes.In the study published in the advanced online edition of Nature, the researchers report that a protein called TORC2 serves as a key biochemical control point linking feeding, insulin, and elevated blood sugar production in the liver. [click link for full article]

Caretakers of children who are especially susceptible to air pollution (which can lead to increased risks of respiratory disease) will be able to identify locations in their everyday lives that contain high levels of particulate matter, thanks to research by an interdisciplinary team led by the University of Cincinnati and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). [click link for full article]

There is a serious disparity in the early detection of coronary heart disease (CHD) between men and women. Twice as many women as men aged 45-64 have undetected or “silent” myocardial infarctions, suggesting a general diagnosis problem. New research by Warwick Medical School shows that a doctor’s gender may hinder early diagnosis of heart disease in women. [click link for full article]

Like cigarettes and alcohol, no one thinks red meat is good for you. Except maybe its producers. This month Quality Meat Scotland, a red meat promotional agency, is hosting a seminar at the Moredun Institute in Edinburgh about the health properties (sic) of the fatty acids found in red meat. [click link for full article]

The UK’s first and leading complementary cancer care charity, Penny Brohn Cancer Care (formerly Bristol Cancer Help Centre), announced its Autumn programme of support group meetings for people living with cancer and their loved ones, taking place at the Charity’s purpose built premises based at Chapel Pill Lane, Pill, Bristol, BS20 0HH. People with a cancer diagnosis are invited to attend a 15 week support group at Penny Brohn Cancer Care, taking place every Thursday from 2.00-4. [click link for full article]

IPSOGEN, a leading provider of molecular diagnostic tests for the disease management of cancer patients, announced the signing of an agreement with Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp, NYSE: LH) under which LabCorp will offer a JAK2 molecular diagnostic assay in the USA. [click link for full article]

Regardless of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels, if you are moderately overweight or obese you are likely to have a raised risk of developing coronary heart disease events, according to a report published in Archives of Internal Medicine (JAMA/Archives), September 10 issue. [click link for full article]

Non-Caucasian patients seeking medical care for primary biliary cirrhosis have more severe liver disease compared to Caucasian patients, a new study has found. The reasons for this disparity are not clear, say the authors. These findings are in the September issue of Hepatology, a journal published by John Wiley & Sons on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). The article is also available online at Wiley Interscience ( [click link for full article]

Opponents of the Montgomery County, Md., sex education curriculum on Tuesday filed an appeal in Montgomery County Circuit Court requesting that the lessons not be taught, the Washington Post reports (de Vise, Washington Post, 9/5). The curriculum, approved first as a pilot program by the Montgomery [click link for full article]

Injection drug users are still at a very high risk of acquiring hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV); however, needle-sharing is less common, and users do not become infected as quickly as they did in the past, according to a new study in the September issue of Hepatology, a journal published by John Wiley & Sons on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). The article is also available online at Wiley Interscience ( [click link for full article]