Popular Articles

Growth Factor Identified As Possible Cancer Drug Target By UNC Scientists
To grow and spread, tumors need new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. One growth factor that causes angiogenesis has been identified - vascular endothelial growth factor or VEGF - and drugs to inhibit VEGF are already in use. But not all tumors respond to the therapy initially or over the long term. Thus new growth factors need to be identified to aid in developing the next generation of angiogenesis inhibitors.

Statistics Show Drop In Births, Lower Demand For Infertility Services During Recession
More people in the Atlanta area and across the U.S. are delaying pregnancy in a possible reaction to the current economic recession, leading to a decline in the number of couples seeking infertility treatments, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. According to the Journal-Constitution, 13 states saw a decrease in the number of recorded births in 2008 compared with 2007. The Georgia Hospital Association reports that there were 5,352 fewer recorded births in Georgia in 2008 than in 2007. Mark Perloe of Georgia Reproductive Specialists said there has been a 20% decline in the number of people seeking infertility services. To retain business during the economic downturn, Perloe said Georgia Reproductive Specialists is offering a discount on select services of as much as 70%.Elisabeth Burgess, a Georgia State University sociology professor who focuses on families, said, "In times of economic downturns, different people react in different ways." For some people, "[f]amily becomes more important, so you might decide to have a child." The Journal-Constitution reports that one cycle of treatment can cost $15,000 or more, which some people pay for through credit, retirement savings or home equity loans. Evelina Sterling, co-author of a book on budgeting finances for infertility treatments, said that 70% of infertility patients cover the costs of the treatments completely out of pocket. She added that some older infertility patients "can"t wait on" the economy to recover to start a family.Carol Hogue, a professor of maternal and child health at Emory University, said there has been a "very predictable" pattern of reduced births during periods of economic recessions dating back to the Great Depression. The Journal-Constitution reports that some people delay planned pregnancy because of concerns over job security, health insurance, income and the cost of raising a child. Statistics from USDA show that the average middle-class family will pay $11,000 to raise a child in the first year, with the largest portion of that cost going to child care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reported in 2007 -- the latest year for which data are available -- that prenatal care and routine delivery costs about $7,600 after insurance (Cash, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/24).
News of the day
Nanobiotix Reports Exciting Preclinical Results Using Its NanoXray™ Therapeutics Technology To Destroy Tumors
Nanobiotix, an emerging nanomedicine company, announced exciting preclinical results using its patented nanoXray therapeutics platform to fight tumors. The preclinical study, performed at Institut Gustave Roussy, one of Europe"s leading cancer treatment centers, showed that an intratumoral injection of NBTXR3 nanoparticles and activated via standard radiation therapy led to complete tumor regression in mice at 60 days, compared to zero tumor regression in mice treated with xray only or NBTXR3 only. The study was led by principal investigator, Jean Bourhis, M.D., Ph.D. a prominent radiation oncologist and researcher at Institut Gustave Roussy.
Mental Health

Preventing Road Rage, UK

Figures from the British Institute for Anger Management reveal that the UK already has the worst road rage figures of any European nation, with 80% of drivers saying they"ve been involved in an incident and 1 in 4 admitting to committing an act of road rage themselves. Men are three times more likely to commit an act of aggression than women and over 60% of drivers say they have been intimidated by aggressive tailgating. Whilst road rage levels peak during the rush hour, if this summer proves to be a bumper year for British tourism, there is likely to be an increase of incidents regardless of the time of day, particularly if travelling with excitable children when stress levels inside the car can boil over for the driver. Road rage is generally brought on by stress and anxiety. If you are prone to suffering with stress when behind the wheel, diffusing relaxing essential oils in the car can help combat stress and maintain calm. Florame has three neat little natural devices that could help reduce feelings of stress - the organic and sustainable lavender or sweet orange Wooden Diffusers and the Relaxing Roller Ball. Simply put Florame"s lavender or sweet orange Wooden Diffuser into the vehicle at least 24 hours before the start of the journey. The Diffuser is both eco-friendly and organic, made using wood from sustainable s. The wooden stick is placed directly into the bottle of organic essential oil - the oil is then drawn up the stick by capillary action into the wooden ball which slowly diffuses the scent into the car, helping to naturally alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety whilst also making the car smell gorgeous! The Diffuser is priced at ÷£7.34 and is available from http://www.florame.co.uk. Small enough to fit into any handbag, pocket, brief case, glove compartment or suitcase, Florame"s organic Relaxing Roller Ball is the ultimate in mobile aromatherapy and has been developed to help maintain a sense of wellbeing. The Rollerball should be applied to pulse points when stress levels rise and again if feelings persist. It"s priced at The Rollerball is priced at ÷£5.60 and is available from http://www.florame.co.uk. Other steps you can take to help combat road rage include allowing extra time for your journey, listening to an audio book that will keep the whole family gripped, keeping the car well ventilated and having water on hand to ensure you remain hydrated. Florame


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