Gene Therapy Shows Promise Against HIV

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- A new study is among the first to hint that gene therapy could become a weapon against the virus that causes AIDS.

Green Tea May Ward Off Eye Disease

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Substances found in green tea work their way into the tissues of the eye and could protect against common eye diseases like glaucoma, researchers say.

Protein Appears Key to Intestinal Balance

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- A protein that plays a key role in protecting the intestinal tract from bacterial infection and inflammation has been identified by U.S. researchers.

Traumatic Amputations in Children Have High Costs

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Finger and thumb amputations accounted for almost two-thirds of all pediatric amputations due to trauma in the United States in 2003, a new study shows.

Chickens May Provide Clues to Color Vision

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Chickens and other birds have a better ability to see color than humans, a new study finds.

When Seniors Tutor Kids, They Sharpen Their Own Minds As Well

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- After retiring from her job as a Salvation Army pastor, Elizabeth Reed felt she still had more to offer.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Virus Link Questioned

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- In a finding that questions previous research into the disease known as chronic fatigue syndrome, British researchers report that they've found no link between the condition and xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus.

Gas Cooking Might Up Your Cancer Risk

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Slaving over a hot stove -- make that a hot gas stove -- might raise your risk for certain types of cancer.

Second Language Comes Faster When Taught in Own Accent

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Learning a foreign language is easier if it's taught in the accent of the listener, a new study finds.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 19, 2010

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

Rituxan Approved for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Rituxan (rituximab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat a slowly progressing form of blood and bone marrow cancer known as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the agency said in a press release.

Health Highlights: Feb. 19, 2010

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

Surgery Alone May Thwart Stage 1 Lung Cancer

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Surgery alone offers a reasonable overall level of survival for patients with stage 1 small cell lung cancer, a new study suggests.

Dips in Breast Cancer Rates Seen Most in Affluent Women

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Breast cancer rates are declining, especially among women over 50 who have estrogen receptor-positive tumors, and now a new study narrows down the reason why.

Drug Improved Survival in Mice With Cystic Fibrosis

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- In the search for new treatments for cystic fibrosis, U.S. researchers have identified a defective signaling pathway that contributes to the severity of the inherited lung disease.

Facebook Profiles Don't Stretch the Truth

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Countering the notion that Internet users favor idealized virtual identities, a new study shows that people who join social networking sites such as Facebook create profiles that stick closely to the truth.

Dolphins May Warn of Health Risks in Humans

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists report that dolphins suffer from diseases similar to those found in humans, and the mammals' experiences could shed light on the effects that contaminated water and seafood have on people.

Teens Might Exercise More If They Think It's Fun

FRIDAY, Feb. 19 (HealthDay News) -- The best way to get teens to exercise is to focus on the fun of physical activity, a new British study suggests.

Health Tip: Reduce Your Baby's Risk of SIDS

(HealthDay News) -- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) describes the sudden death of an infant younger than 1 year without explanation.