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3D printing used for stem cells
4 February 2013 Last updated at 20:05 ET A 3D printing technique that produces clusters of stem cells could speed up progress towards creating artificial organs, Edinburgh scientists have claimed. In the more immediate future it could be used to generate biopsy-like tissue samples for drug testing. The technique relies on an adjustable “microvalve” to build up layers of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
Genetic patch ‘stops deafness’
4 February 2013 Last updated at 21:33 ET By James Gallagher Health and science reporter, BBC News A tiny “genetic patch” can be used to prevent a form of deafness which runs in families, according to animal tests. Patients with Usher syndrome have defective sections of their genetic code which cause problems with hearing, sight and balance.
Sunshine may ‘reduce arthritis risk’
4 February 2013 Last updated at 21:34 ET Living in a sunnier climate may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to US researchers. Their study of more than 200,000 women, published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 1 , suggested a link between sunlight and the risk of developing the disease.
Cardiac guidelines ‘not endorsed’
5 February 2013 Last updated at 06:55 ET By Marie Louise Connolly BBC Northern Ireland health correspondent The guidelines used to assess children’s cardiac services in NI were not endorsed by local professional medical bodies, it has emerged. The assessment has led to the future of cardiac services at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children being placed under threat.
Sperm count ‘linked to TV viewing’
4 February 2013 Last updated at 21:42 ET Men who do little exercise and spend much of their spare time watching TV have lower sperm counts than more active men, a study suggests. Clocking up 20 hours a week of TV time appears to be detrimental, the US authors from Harvard say in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
NHS trust tricked in email scam
5 February 2013 Last updated at 15:35 ET Rotherham NHS Trust in South Yorkshire has admitted it lost more than £680,000 in an email fraud.
Pollution linked to low birth weight
5 February 2013 Last updated at 20:46 ET Pregnant women who live in areas with significant air pollution risk having babies of low birth weight, the largest study to date suggests. The study, in Environmental Health Perspectives, looked at more than three million births in nine nations.
Warning over NHS doctors’ contracts
5 February 2013 Last updated at 21:25 ET The NHS must manage its consultants better to secure improvements linked to a sharp rise in their pay a decade ago, the National Audit Office has said. Pay for senior consultants rose by a maximum of 28% after changes in 2003 designed to lift productivity and career development, the watchdog said. While there had been benefits, it said value for money could still be boosted and performance assessed more widely
Obesity ‘leads to lack of vitamin D’
5 February 2013 Last updated at 20:45 ET Obesity can lower vitamin D levels in the body, a study suggests. The report, in the journal PLOS Medicine, analysed genetic data from 21 studies – a total of 42,000 people. It found every 10% rise in body mass index (BMI) – used as an indicator of body fat – led to a 4% drop of available vitamin D in the body.
NHS cover-ups ‘should be a crime’
6 February 2013 Last updated at 08:08 ET By Nick Triggle Health correspondent, BBC News Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. “A story of appalling suffering”: Watch Robert Francis QC’s statement in full NHS staff should face prosecution if they are not open and honest about mistakes, according to a public inquiry into failings at Stafford Hospital.
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