Radiotherapy for cancer is often debilitating but also necessary, so anything that can help improve side effects is a huge step forward. Hats off then to scientists at Newcastle University who have come up with a simple, one-off treatment that can prevent long-term side … Read More
A new jab for patients with high blood pressure could replace daily tablets
People with high blood pressure typically take tablets daily to control the condition – and ACE inhibitors are the most common. But exciting research is being made into a long-acting injection that could revolutionise how hypertension is treated. Scientists at Queen Mary … Read More
Fifteen minutes running or walking during the school day makes kids sharper
Here’s a message that could be useful for parents – children who run or walk for 15 minutes a day during the school day are mentally and physically sharper than those who don’t. A study has shown primary pupils who … Read More
We need to ban indoor tanning now to cut our risk of aggressive skin cancer
Australia, and Bondi beach in particular, is one of the skin cancer hotspots of the world. I once made a documentary there, “Dying for a Tan”, talking to people with pale skins baring all in the vicious Australian sun. Even knowing that … Read More
The whole of the UK can quit smoking for good – but only by thinking outside the box
We know the dangers, but still seven million people smoke in the UK. The Government wants England to be smoke free by 2030 – but getting there will take some novel thinking. I was in Singapore when the government was attempting to … Read More
Researchers are trailblazing new ‘cell surgery’ in their search for origins of cancer
Honestly, medical research gets more and more amazing. Researchers at Warwick University are trailblazing new ‘cell surgery’ in their search for the origins of cancer. A bit of background first. When a cell divides, it makes a copy of every chromosome and then … Read More
Mobile phones don’t increase your brain cancer risk, new study proves
For years, rumours have floated around about a link between mobile phones and brain tumours. The scaremongering was reignited by the recent launch of faster, 5G technology. Since mobile phones are held close to the head, the radiofrequency waves they emit penetrate … Read More
New Covid study shows importance of vaccination to the wider community
Still, there are people who question if the Covid vaccination is worthwhile. But more evidence is coming to light, this time from a study in the US, showing indisputably that it saves lives not just at the individual level, but … Read More
US bid to outlaw abortion hurts women everywhere – it’s no different from the Taliban
Championing a woman’s right to control what happens to her body, including her right to have an abortion, is something I am dedicated to. So I’m appalled by attempts in the US to reject these basic women’s rights. Believing I have … Read More
Respiratory breakthrough will help Covid-19 patients worldwide
For patients in ICU with Covid, ventilation is undoubtedly life-saving. but neither the lungs nor the body much like being mechanically ventilated. A team of experts from Warwick University has found that, while ventilation improves patient oxygenation, stresses and strains inside … Read More