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Reuters Health News
Safer prenatal Down's syndrome test found in U.S
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A prenatal blood test can be used to determine if an unborn baby has Down's syndrome without the small risk to the fetus posed by invasive testing methods such as amniocentesis, U.S. researchers said on Monday.
Fans found to help prevent sudden infant deaths
CHICAGO (Reuters) - While letting infants sleep on their backs has cut the danger of sudden infant death syndrome, measures as simple as using a fan or opening a window could further reduce it, according to a study published on Monday.
ADHD drugs cut risk of drug abuse, smoking: study
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Girls who take stimulants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are less likely than others with the condition to start smoking or to abuse alcohol or drugs, U.S. researchers said on Monday.
Kids want an exotic pet? Ask your doctor first
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Reptiles, monkeys, rodents and other exotic pets are growing in popularity but should be discouraged in homes with small children or people with immune system problems, according to a report published on Monday.
Microwaves pose burn injury risk to small children
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Microwave ovens pose a serious safety hazard to young children, a new study of scald burn injuries demonstrates.
AIDS pioneers and cancer scientist win Nobel prize
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Two French scientists who discovered the AIDS virus and a German who bucked conventional wisdom to find a virus that causes cervical cancer were awarded the 2008 Nobel prize for medicine on Monday.
Genes may explain racial disparities in asthma
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Asthma patients who are black tend to have more severe disease than asthma patients who are white, leading to more asthma control problems, higher rates of emergency department visits, and overall worse quality of life. These findings point to genetic differences that lead to poor responses to drug therapy as the source of these racial disparities.
Just one exercise session speeds fat metabolism
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A single bout of exercise helps obese individuals boost their body's fat-burning rate and improve their metabolic health, results of a small study confirm.
No need for panic over killer illness: S. Africa
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African health officials said on Monday they were closely monitoring an unknown disease similar to hemorrhagic fever that has killed three people, but called on the public not to panic.
China vows clean up of "chaotic" dairy sector
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's dairy industry suffers from chaotic production and lax oversight, the government said on Monday, announcing toughened rules after tainted milk products left thousands ill and shook confidence in "made-in-China."