Scientists Raise Fat-Burning Levels in Mice

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Deleting the receptor of a protein known to promote obesity allowed mice to burn more fat, researchers report.

Health Tip: Pregnancy Can Lead to Skin and Hair Changes

(HealthDay News) -- Fluctuations in hormone levels and other factors during pregnancy can lead to changes in a woman's skin and hair.

Health Tip: Keep Your Gums Healthy

(HealthDay News) -- The best way to prevent gingivitis (gum disease) is to practice good dental hygiene. It's never too early to start in life, because children as young as 6 can develop gum disease.

Many Brain Tumor Patients Turn to Alternative Therapies

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- About 40 percent of patients with incurable brain tumors use alternative therapies in addition to conventional treatments, finds a new study.

Researchers Turn Stem Cells Into Intestinal Tissue in Lab

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) --Researchers say they've turned human stem cells into functioning human intestinal tissue in a laboratory setting.

Neighboring Apartments May Expose Kids to Cigarette Smoke

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Children who live in smoke-free apartments but have neighbors who light up suffer from exposure to smoke that seeps through walls or shared ventilation systems, new research shows.

Stray Breast Tumor Cells During Early Chemo Could Be Bad Sign

FRIDAY, Dec. 10 (HealthDay News) -- High levels of breast cancer tumor cells circulating in the blood during the first round of chemotherapy are a sign that the patient may not do well in the long run.

Few Lives Saved by Ovarian Cancer Screening: Study

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Available ovarian cancer screening only slightly reduces the number of deaths from the disease, a new study finds.

Online, Mail Reminders Improve Colon Cancer Screening Rates

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Both electronic and mailed reminders help encourage some patients to get colorectal cancer screenings, two new studies show.

Black, Low-Income Patients More Disabled by Parkinson's Complications

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Black patients and those with lower levels of income and education have more severe parkinsonism with greater levels of disability, a new study FINDS.

Road Material in N. Dakota May Up Lung Cancer Risk: Study

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to a mineral found on gravel roads in North Dakota may significantly increase the risk of a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma, says a new study.

Sperm-Producing Cells Coaxed to Produce Insulin

SUNDAY, Dec. 12 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have been able to prod human cells that normally produce sperm to make insulin instead and, after transplanting them, the cells briefly cured mice with type 1 diabetes.

Kids Not So Stuck on Sugary Breakfast Cereals, Study Finds

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Getting kids to happily eat nutritious, low-sugar breakfast cereals may be child's play, researchers report.

Acupuncture Might Treat Certain Kind of Lazy Eye

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Acupuncture may be an effective way to treat older children struggling with a certain form of lazy eye, new research from China suggests, although experts say more studies are needed.

Health Highlights: Dec. 13, 2010

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

What's Good for Heart May Also Be Good for Brain

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Sticking to a heart-healthy lifestyle may also ward off Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study that suggests that raising "good" cholesterol levels can help prevent the brain disorder in older people.

Taxing Sodas Won't Spur Much Weight Loss, Study Says

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Taxing sodas and other sweetened drinks would result in only minimal weight loss, although the revenues generated could be used to promote obesity control programs, new research suggests.

Clinical Trials Update: Dec. 13, 2010

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Federal Judge Strikes Down Health Reform Law

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- A federal judge ruled Monday that the new U.S. health-care reform law is unconstitutional, saying the federal government has no authority to require citizens to buy health insurance.

Oxycontin, Other Opioid Painkillers Tied to Higher Health Risks

MONDAY, Dec. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Two new studies suggest that Medicare patients who take opioid painkillers such as codeine, Vicodin or Oxycontin face higher health risks, including death, heart problems or fractures, compared to those taking non-opioid analgesics.