Clorox goes green with new natural product line Aug 10, 2010
She said the company still sells cleaning products "that contain potentially hazardous chemicals," including ones linked to asthma, birth defects and reduced fertility. "Clorox should extend the philosophy behind Green Works to all of their products," she wrote. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
The infertility dilemma Aug 8, 2010
But several large studies from a number of countries have documented a small but higher risk of birth defects in children born after IVF and ICSI (between 4-6 percent) when compared to naturally conceived children (between 2-3 percent) ... (One wonders, however, what the FDA would do with a medicine that increased the rates of birth defects in a similar way to what s being seen in IVF and ICSI children). (Boston Globe)
In the jailhouse (10) Aug 8, 2010
In 1958, after the polio vaccine had been invented, the March of Dimes began to raise money for research to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. That is the same mission they stand for today. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Pool disinfectants can cause asthma Aug 7, 2010
These disinfection byproducts can mutate genes, induce birth defects, accelerate the aging process, cause respiratory ailments, and even induce after long-term exposures. In this study, collections from public pools and a control sample of tap water were evaluated to identify recreational water conditions that could be harmful to your health. (India Times, India)
Shop and donate: March of Dimes fundraiser at malls Aug 6, 2010
Twenty radio stations are participating in the effort to raise money for March of Dimes research and programs aimed at preventing prematurity, birth defects and infant mortality. More than 400 babies are born prematurely in an average week in Georgia, March of Dimes spokeswoman Laura Johnson said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Scientists Develop the First Model for Investigating the Origins of Testicular Cancer in Humans Aug 6, 2010
29, 2009) Boys with the sexual birth defects known as hypospadias and cryptorchidism are at risk for developing testicular germ cell cancer, but their relatives are not, according to a new. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Riding for a Cause — Journey promotes awareness for childhood illnesses Aug 4, 2010
Two died of cancer, one died of leukemia and one died of complications of general birth defects, he said. Because there are children still dying of those causes, children who have been neglected/abused, I wanted to do something to help. (Brenham Banner, TX)
Can I still highlight my hair if I'm pregnant? Aug 4, 2010
These are important questions, because anything you eat, drink, touch or breathe has the potential to affect your pregnancy -- from making you sick to causing a miscarriage or creating birth defects. It's most important to be careful during the first trimester (the first 12 weeks of pregnancy) when the baby is developing especially rapidly. (CNN -- Health)
Stars line up in acne case Aug 3, 2010
Accutane has also been linked to birth defects and depression. The brand name was pulled off the market last year after juries awarded millions of dollars to former users over the bowel disease claims. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
What are the Causes of a Biotin Def... Aug 2, 2010
net A biotin deficeiency may lead to hair loss and birth defects ... Found in both the first and the last trimesters of pregnancy, the study reported that the deficiency could increase the risk of birth defects in the developing baby ... While more research is needed to determine the role of biotin in preventing birth defects, the Bastyr Center for Natural Health says that, Taking a biotin-containing prenatal formula seems a reasonable step for pregnant women, since the vitamin is considered... (Suite101.com)
Researchers Find New Translocation; Weak Spots in DNA Lead to Genetic Disease Jul 31, 2010
11, 2008) When chromosomes break, trouble usually ensues; chromosome abnormalities are the single biggest cause of birth defects in humans. But a new study of translocations, in which two chromosomes swap. (Science Daily)
Facebook faces privacy criticism Jul 29, 2010
Disturbing story of Falluja's birth defects. Eminem's D12 bandmate shot dead. (BBC News -- Technology)
EPA Relies on Industry-Backed Studies to Assess Health Risks of Widely Used Herbicide Jul 29, 2010
It has been the focus of intense scientific debate over its potential to cause , birth defects, and hormonal and reproductive problems. As the Huffington Post Investigative Fund reported in a last fall, the EPA failed to warn the public that the weed-killer had been found at levels above federal safety limits in drinking water in at least four states. (Scientific American)
U of M to launch atrazine treatment firm Jul 29, 2010
The EPA announced last fall that it is studying atrazine's potential association with birth defects, low birth weight, and premature births. to see the EPA website dedicated to atrazine. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
Stunning $50m legal coup for ageing thalidomide victims Jul 28, 2010
An 86-year-old war hero and one of Australia's leading plaintiff lawyers have negotiated a $50 million windfall payment for 45 Australian and New Zealand victims of the drug thalidomide, which caused birth defects in thousands of children around the world in the early 1960s. The deal was signed off in Sydney yesterday when several "thalidomiders" and their advisers met three senior representatives of the giant Diageo group the multinational company that took over the UK firm that sold the drug... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Health benefits of corn Jul 27, 2010
Folic acid present in corn is known to prevent neural-tube birth defects. Experts also recommend corn for people who suffer from Anaemia. (India Times, India)
Fresh or Frozen Might Not Matter for Donated Eggs Jul 27, 2010
The current study did not follow up on the health of babies born using frozen eggs, but Noyes said her own research has shown that these babies aren't any more likely to be born with birth defects than babies conceived naturally. "That's reassuring," she said. (MEDLINEplus)
Certain Epilepsy Drugs May Increase Risk of Suicide, Study Suggests Jul 27, 2010
(July 23, 2008) Taking the epilepsy drug topiramate alone or along with other epilepsy drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, according to a study in Neurology. Research has shown that many. (Science Daily)
The Health Consequences Associated ... Jul 26, 2010
The Health Consequences Associated with Anorexia. The Health Consequences Associated with Anorexia. (Suite101.com)
New Epigenetic Player Implicated in Mental Retardation and Facial Birth Defects Jul 26, 2010
ScienceDaily (July 26, 2010) A subtle mutation affecting the epigenome -- a set of dynamic factors that influence gene activity -- may lead to an inherited form of mental retardation that affects boys, find researchers at Children's Hospital Boston. The disorder, which also involves cleft lip or cleft palate, appears to hinge on an enzyme working in a biological pathway that may offer several potential drug targets. (Science Daily)
Straw Residue Helps Keep Nitrogen on the Farm Jul 26, 2010
If nitrates leach into drinking water supplies, they are a human health concern and have been linked to blue-baby syndrome, various cancers, and birth defects. Legume cover crops, such as hairy vetch, have been considered as an alternative or supplement to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers that may improve the sustainability of agricultural systems. (Science Daily)
Hard-edged Premier struggles to show softer side Jul 25, 2010
The minister said the health issues identified by residents (such as cancer and birth defects) were, unfortunately, ''part of normal living. Ouch. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Recreational Pool Disinfectants Linked to Health Problems Jul 23, 2010
These disinfection byproducts can mutate genes, induce birth defects, accelerate the aging process, cause respiratory ailments, and even induce cancer after long-term exposures. In this study, collections from public pools and a control sample of tap water were evaluated to identify recreational water conditions that could be harmful to your health. (Science Daily)
- Clinton addresses rights, Agent Orange in Vietnam Jul 23, 2010
Dioxin, a toxic chemical used in the herbicide, has been linked to cancers, birth defects and other ailments. Vietnam says as many as 4 million of its citizens were exposed to the herbicide and as many as 3 million have suffered illnesses caused by it. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Urine in Public Pools Could Cause Cell Damage Jul 23, 2010
Long-term exposure to these disinfection byproducts can mutate genes, induce birth defects, accelerate the , cause respiratory ailments, and even induce cancer, according to the researchers. While the new study did not examine actual effects on humans, it suggests such research might be warranted. (Fox News)
Some Cosmetics Contain Toxic Chemicals Jul 23, 2010
Phase out ingredients linked to cancer, birth defects and developmental harm. Create a health-based safety standard that includes protections for children, the elderly, workers and other vulnerable populations. (News4Jax.com, FL)
Damage from Binge-Drinking in Pregnancy Worsens with Age Jul 23, 2010
Children of pregnant women 30 or older who binge-drink are more likely to suffer greater damage from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), a group of birth defects that includes irreversible physical and mental disorders as well as permanent mental retardation, the study says. The findings are reported online in advance of print publication in the October issue of Alcoholism: Clinical imental Research. (MEDLINEplus)
How Women can Prepare Themselves fo... Jul 22, 2010
How Women can Prepare Themselves for Becoming Pregnant. How Women can Prepare Themselves for Becoming Pregnant. (Suite101.com)
GlaxoSmithKline reports 2Q loss on legal costs Jul 22, 2010
Glaxo said it had settled the vast majority of product liability cases involving Paxil, which has been linked to birth defects, and a substantial majority of liability cases involving Avandia, which has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease. GSK also said it had settled antitrust litigation involving Canadian drug maker Apotex. (USA Today -- Money)
Study Suggests Higher Cancer Rate Among IVF Babies Jul 21, 2010
Babies born using this technology are known to have an increased risk of birth defects and of birth complications, such as preterm birth. Previous research has also suggested that children born through this method of conception may also have an increased risk of cancer. (MEDLINEplus)
Glaxo to pay $1.14b over birth defect suits Jul 21, 2010
14 billion) to resolve more than 800 cases alleging its Paxil antidepressant - sold in Australia as Aropax - caused birth defects in some users' children, according to people familiar with the settlements. The agreements, which would provide an average payout of more than $US1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Preterm Births Higher Among Overweight and Obese Mothers, Study Finds Jul 21, 2010
26, 2010) Obesity in pregnant women is associated with pregnancy complications, birth defects, as well as a greater risk of childhood and adult obesity in infants born to obese mothers, new research. (Dec. (Science Daily)
Letter to the Editor: Health care bill is linked to EPA (6) Jul 21, 2010
International researchers' consensus is that children living near traffic areas are far more likely to die of cancer, have higher blood benzene levels, suffer physical birth defects, suffer mental birth defects including autism and retardation, suffer respiratory illnesses and be born prematurely. Children's health is a marker indicating the health of the population in general. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Time Out: eaching a doctrine is now hate speech? Jul 20, 2010
OK, so if I'm teaching about birth defects to medical students and say that Down Syndrome children do not have the normal chromosones. ("Oh, so now you're equating gays with handicapped children!"). (Fort Madison Daily Democrat, IO)
Morning after pill awareness shortfall Jul 20, 2010
One-third thought it caused an abortion and nearly two-thirds thought it could lead to birth defects if it did not prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception works by using hormones to convince the body to delay ovulation. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Stillbirth In First Pregnancy May Up Risk of Second Jul 20, 2010
Among the most common causes are birth defects, poor fetal growth and problems with the placenta -- such as placental abruption, where the placenta peels away from the wall of the uterus, leading to heavy bleeding. Certain health conditions in the mother, like diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure (what doctors call pre-eclampsia) may also raise the risk of stillbirth. (MEDLINEplus)
- Softcover: UK: China today, the world tomorrow Jul 18, 2010
Then there is Linfen, a coal town in Shanxi Province, said to be the most polluted place in the world, where birth defects run at six times the national average which, in turn, is three to five times the global norm; and where the miners death rate per tonne of coal is 30 times that of the US.. The Yellow River is all but destroyed. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
FDA Panel Votes Against New Diet Drug Qnexa Jul 17, 2010
The committee, however, was concerned about increased risk of psychiatric and cognitive issues uncovered in the company's trials, and said the there was a lack of data to rule out cardiovascular risks and the drug's potential to cause birth defects in women who become pregnant while taking it. There were also concerns because 18 percent of participants taking a high dose withdrew from trials after experiencing mild side effects, such as tingling of the hands and feet, headache and constipation. (ABC News)
Database for Personalised Cancer Treatment: Largest Study of Genomes and Cancer Treatments Releases First Results Jul 16, 2010
29, 2008) Thalidomide, a drug blamed in the 1950s for causing birth defects, is now showing promise as a safe and effective treatment for women with recurrent ovarian cancer, according to a new. (June 2, 2010) Scientists may be on the cusp of pinpointing a gene that is involved in the progression and spread of bowel cancer, new research. (Science Daily)
EPA Finds More Problems at California Toxic Dump Jul 16, 2010
toxic dump blamed by residents for birth defects ... For the second time in four months, federal investigators have found problems at a central California landfill that local residents blame for birth defects, and ordered the West's largest toxic waste dump to clean up soil tainted with a cancer-causing chemical ... Residents of Kettleman City, an impoverished Central Valley farming community, have blamed the toxic waste dump for at least 11 birth defects, including cleft palates and heart... (ABC News -- Wire)
FDA Panel Vote Against Availability... Jul 16, 2010
FDA Panel Vote Against Availability of New Weight Loss Pill Qnexa. FDA Panel Vote Against Availability of New Weight Loss Pill Qnexa. (Suite101.com)
U.S. Advisers Reject Vivus' Fat Pill Jul 16, 2010
Shares of Vivus Inc's sank 62 percent on Thursday after U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisers expressed concern the once-a-day pill could cause depression, memory-loss and potential birth defects if used among millions of overweight or obese Americans. Their decision stunned investors, who had more than doubled the share price of the California biotech in the last year on hopes that safety woes would not keep the drug from market. (ABC News -- Wire)
Arsenic Shows Promise as Cancer Treatment, Study Finds Jul 16, 2010
Beachy and Kim became curious as to whether and how arsenic worked to interfere with the signaling cascade as a result of observations that birth defects caused by arsenic exposure resemble the physical effects of having an inactive Hedgehog pathway. They studied human cells in culture and discovered that levels of arsenic trioxide similar to those currently used in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia inhibit the Hedgehog pathway. (Science Daily)
FDA report on diet drug gives hope to local firms Jul 14, 2010
They also said that Qnexa, which combines the appetite suppressant phentermine and the anticonvulsant topirimate, hadnt been adequately tested in pregnant women to assess the risk of causing birth defects. Contrave combines naltrexone, which is prescribed for alcohol and drug addiction, and the antidepressant bupropion. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
U.S. Report on Kids' Health Brings Mixed Results Jul 13, 2010
In addition, she said, folic acid can help to prevent birth defects and may reduce the risk of preterm birth. The report also found that the rate of teens giving birth has declined. (MEDLINEplus)
Breathing the filth: Hydrocarbons in the air are more toxic than oil in the gulf Jul 13, 2010
If you could somehow film events inside a placenta, you might see the moment when carbon monoxide gas and ozone - both directly related to fossil fuel combustion - cause a fetus in a smoggy city to be three times more likely to develop heart defects than other babies, according to research by UCLA and the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program ... Ultrafine particles - so tiny thousands could fit on the dot of this "i" - from diesel combustion have been linked to heart attacks, birth... (Juneau Empire)
Top Two Health Benefits of Whole Gr... Jul 12, 2010
Nevertheless, eating some refined grains are also good, since -- unlike whole grains -- they are fortified with folic acid, which prevents birth defects and possibly plays a role in lowering the risk of heart disease. There are a lot of examples of whole grains, like barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, and wild rice. (Suite101.com)
Guess who's coming to dinner? Jul 11, 2010
They use words such as carcinogenic (meaning causes cancer); mutagenic (meaning changes DNA) and teratogenic (causes birth defects). They argue there's enough evidence to say there are about 50 additives that should be avoided due to adverse health effects - and breakfast additives 282, 220 and 211 are on that list. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Chinese researchers join race to become science superpower Jul 10, 2010
More than 200 institutions in China practice controversial stem cell therapies for people suffering from injuries, diseases or birth defects. China is also the leadin 00004000 g source of what are known as ''junk'' patents - ridiculous claims of ''inventions'' that are little more than snake-oil scams. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Mother's Diet, Genes Raise Birth Defect Risk Jul 8, 2010
LONDON (Reuters) - Mothers who eat a high fat diet before and during pregnancy may be putting their offspring at risk of birth defects, scientists said on Tuesday. British researchers studying mice found that a pregnant mother's diet may interact with the genes her unborn baby inherits and influence the type or severity of birth defects such as congenital heart disease and cleft palate ... Jeremy Pearson, associate medical director of the British Heart Foundation charity, which part-funded the... (MEDLINEplus)
IVF Kids As Mentally Healthy As Others Jul 7, 2010
Even though the majority of babies conceived through assisted reproductive technologies are born healthy, current evidence suggests there is a small elevated risk of birth defects. In addition, women who undergo such procedures are more likely to deliver low-birthweight babies than those who conceive naturally. (MEDLINEplus)
Maternal Diet and Genes Interact to Affect Heart Development Jul 7, 2010
It is already known that children born to mothers who have diabetes or are overweight have an increased risk of congenital heart disease and other birth defects. It is also known that certain genetic changes can result in congenital heart disease. (Science Daily)
Many birth defects preventable, experts say Jul 6, 2010
Most birth defects develop during the first three months of pregnancy and involve some structural, functional or biochemical abnormality that results in the child's disability or death. Heart defects are the most common, making up a fourth to a third of all birth defects, according to the CDC. About one of every 100 to 200 babies is born with a heart defect ... "The heart has four chambers two on top called atrial, two on bottom called ventricle. They are separated by a muscular wall called the... (USA Today)
Pregnant drinking hits sons fertility Jul 5, 2010
Women who drink while pregnant may not only be putting their child at risk for a number of birth defects, they might also be damaging the fertility of their future sons, a new study suggested. 00000000. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Cleft Palate Broken Smiles, Wound... Jul 4, 2010
Cleft palate ranks fourth among all facial birth defects. According to the Center for Disease Control, cleft palate occurs one of 700 infants in the United States and is more frequent in Asian, Indian and Hispanic populations. (Suite101.com)
Oil spills raise arsenic levels in the ocean, says new research Jul 3, 2010
It can disrupt the photosynthesis process in marine plants and increase the chances of genetic alterations that can cause birth defects and behavioural changes in aquatic life. It can also kill animals such as birds that feed on sea creatures affected by arsenic. (EurekAlert!)
Other opinion: State fees Jul 2, 2010
On that same day, the fees for birth certificates will jump a whopping 63 percent - from $16 to $26 - all to fund the program that records and studies birth defects. No doubt these programs have merit. (Brainerd Daily Dispatch)
Unravelling the mystery Jun 30, 2010
More than ten thousand inhabitants were affected by mercury poisoning, resulting in deaths, neurological disturbances, stillbirths and birth defects. The population were farmers and fishermen who consumed marine products from this bay. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Health Legacy of Uranium Mining Lingers 30 Years Later Jun 29, 2010
During her seven years at the mill, she had two children with birth defects. Then, at age 41, 16 years after she left the mill, she was diagnosed with a degenerative bone disease. (Scientific American)
UN Starts $5M Agent Orange Cleanup in Vietnam Jun 29, 2010
Dioxin is a toxic chemical used in the herbicide that has been linked to cancers, birth defects and other ailments. "Without action, the hotspots will continue to contaminate the wider environment and pose a serious health risk to people living and working nearby," the U.N. Development Program statement said. (Time.com)
A mission of hope Jun 28, 2010
A fetal ultrasound exam revealed multiple birth defects; after an abortion, Brooks suffered from manic and depressive spells. Butler ultimately persuaded Brooks to enter a hospital for treatment. (Boston Globe)
Psychotropic Drugs Can Cause Birth Defects Jun 27, 2010
Psychotropic medications can cause birth defects, study finds ... Psychotropic Medications Can Cause Birth Defects, Study Finds ... ScienceDaily (June 27, 2010) A new study shows that use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy increase the probability of birth defects. (Science Daily)
Sickly silence Jun 26, 2010
The shadow of Thalidomide, the 1960s anti-nausea drug which led to severe birth defects, is thought to be one reason for the wariness on the part of some doctors to offer treatment for the often misleadingly named sickness that strikes at any time of day. And for most women, it can be kept in check with small, regular meals and taking ginger or peppermint in various guises, until it eventually subsides with the progressing pregnancy. (BBC News -- Health)
Overcome your speech problem Jun 26, 2010
Any injury or damage to these organs, due to accidents, strokes, birth defects can lead to problems. Audiologist and speech language pathologist, Shubha Prabhu says that delay in language and speech with mental retardation needs psychological assessment of the patient and counselling for parents. (India Times, India)
Biomedical Scientist Concerned About Effects of Oil Spill on Human Health Jun 26, 2010
The researcher said a carcinogen usually has mutagenic and teratogenic effects on cells, meaning it can cause mutations in DNA and cause birth defects. A study of the blood of individuals who worked on the Exxon Valdez cleanup following the spill in March of 1989 found DNA damage in those subjects. (Science Daily)
