Hot News Today is about Federal government says marijuana has no accepted medical use; Marijuana has been approved by California, many other states and the nation's capital to treat a range of illnesses, but in a decision announced Friday the federal government ruled that it has no accepted medical use and should remain classified as a dangerous drug like heroin.
The decision comes almost nine years after medical marijuana supporters asked the government to reclassify cannabis to take into account a growing body of worldwide research that shows its effectiveness in treating certain diseases, such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.
7.08.2011
Man gets world's first synthetic trachea
Hot News Today is about Man gets world's first synthetic trachea; Doctors in Sweden have performed the first-ever implant of a synthetic trachea, researchers announced.
The organ, implanted in a 36-year-old Icelandic man suffering from tracheal cancer, consisted of an artificial, trachea-shaped scaffold that had been lined with the patient's own stem cells. Because the organ included the patient's own cells, the patient did not need to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent a rejection of the organ, the researchers said.
The cells take just a few days to grow around the scaffold, said the researchers from the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm. And the procedure does not require a donor.
The organ, implanted in a 36-year-old Icelandic man suffering from tracheal cancer, consisted of an artificial, trachea-shaped scaffold that had been lined with the patient's own stem cells. Because the organ included the patient's own cells, the patient did not need to take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent a rejection of the organ, the researchers said.
The cells take just a few days to grow around the scaffold, said the researchers from the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm. And the procedure does not require a donor.
La. gov to choose adviser on insurance management
Hot News Today is About La. gov to choose adviser on insurance management
The division is seeking a financial adviser to determine the market value of the Office of Group Benefits' book of business, before the administration looks for a private company to manage one of the agency's insurance plans.
Bank of America Sells Balboa Life Insurance to Securian
Hot News Today is about Bank of America Sells Balboa Life Insurance to Securian; Bank of America Corp. (BAC), the biggest U.S. lender by assets, agreed to sell life insurance operations to Securian Financial Group Inc. after A.M Best said it may downgrade the business.
The deal for Balboa Life Insurance Co. and Balboa Life Insurance Co. of New York is expected to be completed on Oct. 1, St. Paul, Minnesota-based Securian said today in a statement that didn’t disclose terms. Bank of America was left with the life businesses after striking a $700 million deal in February to sell the Balboa unit that insures foreclosed properties to QBE Insurance Group Ltd.
Bank of America acquired insurance operations in 2008 with the purchase of home lender Countrywide Financial Corp. A.M. Best said Feb. 16 it may downgrade the life business because the parent company was unlikely to build the operations after the QBE deal.
The deal for Balboa Life Insurance Co. and Balboa Life Insurance Co. of New York is expected to be completed on Oct. 1, St. Paul, Minnesota-based Securian said today in a statement that didn’t disclose terms. Bank of America was left with the life businesses after striking a $700 million deal in February to sell the Balboa unit that insures foreclosed properties to QBE Insurance Group Ltd.
Bank of America acquired insurance operations in 2008 with the purchase of home lender Countrywide Financial Corp. A.M. Best said Feb. 16 it may downgrade the life business because the parent company was unlikely to build the operations after the QBE deal.
#Nicole Richie, join NBC's 'Fashion Star'
According to Paul Telegdy, NBC’s executive vice president of alternative programming, “NBC could not have asked for better additions to the celebrity mentors than John Varvatos, one of the most well-known menswear designers in the nation and international style icon and creative director, Nicole Richie. Both are trendsetters and tastemakers and their design skills and expertise will be invaluable to our contestants on the series.”
NBA Star Deron Williams Signs With Turkey During Lockout
Hot News Today is about NBA Star Deron Williams Signs With Turkey During Lockout; Deron Williams is set to become the biggest N.B.A. star to play in Europe — a development that is bursting with intrigue, risks and caveats.
Williams, the Nets’ star point guard, has agreed in principle to a one-year deal with the Turkish club Besiktas, according to the team’s coach. His commitment would begin Sept. 1 — when the N.B.A.’s lockout would be two months old — and the deal includes an escape clause allowing him to return when the lockout ends.
“It’s the biggest signing in the history of European basketball,” Ergin Ataman, Besiktas’ excitable coach, said Thursday.
Williams, the Nets’ star point guard, has agreed in principle to a one-year deal with the Turkish club Besiktas, according to the team’s coach. His commitment would begin Sept. 1 — when the N.B.A.’s lockout would be two months old — and the deal includes an escape clause allowing him to return when the lockout ends.
“It’s the biggest signing in the history of European basketball,” Ergin Ataman, Besiktas’ excitable coach, said Thursday.
Obesity Epidemic Grows #Report
Hot News Today is about Obesity Epidemic Grows #Report; Despite the bombardment of news about the dangers of obesity and the billions of dollars poured into healthy choice programs, America is getting fatter.
A new report from Trust for America's Health, a nonpartisan advocacy group, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that not one state has reported a decrease in obesity. In fact, adult obesity rates have increased in 16 states in the past year.
"Obesity is one of the most challenging health crises this country has ever faced," said Jeff Levi, executive director of Trust for America's Health. "Twenty years ago, no state had an obesity rate higher than 15 percent. Now, only Colorado is below 20 percent."
A new report from Trust for America's Health, a nonpartisan advocacy group, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, found that not one state has reported a decrease in obesity. In fact, adult obesity rates have increased in 16 states in the past year.
"Obesity is one of the most challenging health crises this country has ever faced," said Jeff Levi, executive director of Trust for America's Health. "Twenty years ago, no state had an obesity rate higher than 15 percent. Now, only Colorado is below 20 percent."
GM Tests Offering Free Auto Insurance to New-Car Buyers
Hot News Today is about GM tests offering free auto insurance to new-car buyers ; Out in states like California, uninsured motorists remain a serious problem. So General Motors is involved in an experiment in two states that could help insure more drivers.
The test is taking place in Oregon and Washington, where drivers who take delivery of a new GM vehicle will receive a year-long insurance policy from MetLife at no additional charge.
The policy includes both liability and physical damage coverage and exceeds requirements in the two states. The deal applies to 2010, 2011 or 2012 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac car, truck or crossover and is only good on purchases through Sept. 6. But hey, it's a start.
The test is taking place in Oregon and Washington, where drivers who take delivery of a new GM vehicle will receive a year-long insurance policy from MetLife at no additional charge.
The policy includes both liability and physical damage coverage and exceeds requirements in the two states. The deal applies to 2010, 2011 or 2012 Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac car, truck or crossover and is only good on purchases through Sept. 6. But hey, it's a start.
7.06.2011
Healthy lifestyle cuts risk of sudden cardiac death
Hot News Today is about Healthy lifestyle cuts risk of sudden cardiac death; Leading a healthy lifestyle that includes not smoking, keeping weight down, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet can dramatically reduce risk of sudden cardiac death, a study shows.
The study is published in TheJournal of the American Medical Association.
Sudden cardiac death is different from a heart attack. It is the abrupt loss of heart function that occurs when problems develop in the heart's electrical impulses. Between 250,000 to 310,000 people experience sudden cardiac death in the U.S. each year.
According to the study, women with a low-risk lifestyle -- defined as not smoking, having a healthy body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, exercising for 30 minutes a day or longer, and keeping a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet -- were 92% less likely to experience sudden cardiac death compared with those who did not follow the low-risk lifestyle.
The study is published in TheJournal of the American Medical Association.
Sudden cardiac death is different from a heart attack. It is the abrupt loss of heart function that occurs when problems develop in the heart's electrical impulses. Between 250,000 to 310,000 people experience sudden cardiac death in the U.S. each year.
According to the study, women with a low-risk lifestyle -- defined as not smoking, having a healthy body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, exercising for 30 minutes a day or longer, and keeping a heart-healthy Mediterranean-style diet -- were 92% less likely to experience sudden cardiac death compared with those who did not follow the low-risk lifestyle.
Pennsylvania Slayings May Have Been Linked To Insurance Scam
Hot News Today is about Pennsylvania Slayings May Have Been Linked To Insurance Scam
The man suspected of ruthlessly shooting five people in Pennsylvania, killing two, has reportedly been found dead by police. The manhunt for the suspect led from the scene of the crime, in rural Douglass Township, to the house of 51-year-old Mark Geisenheyner, outside of Philadelphia.
SWAT teams surrounded the house Monday and cornered Geisenheyner, who was armed with a .45 caliber handgun, in his basement. After six hours of negotiations, the NY Daily News reports, Geisenheyner was shot and killed. It is still unclear whether officers shot him or he took his own life.
The man suspected of ruthlessly shooting five people in Pennsylvania, killing two, has reportedly been found dead by police. The manhunt for the suspect led from the scene of the crime, in rural Douglass Township, to the house of 51-year-old Mark Geisenheyner, outside of Philadelphia.
SWAT teams surrounded the house Monday and cornered Geisenheyner, who was armed with a .45 caliber handgun, in his basement. After six hours of negotiations, the NY Daily News reports, Geisenheyner was shot and killed. It is still unclear whether officers shot him or he took his own life.
Kim Kardashian Is A Star
Hot News Today is about Kim Kardashian Is A Star; Kim Kardashian is a woman who has always had access to fame. Her sense of style, beauty, prowess in the business world, as well as her notoriety in the tabloids have worked together to create a near-constant media frenzy about her personal affairs.
U.S., Sweden play for bragging rights in Group C finale : Women's World Cup
Our Hot News Today is about U.S., Sweden play for bragging rights in Group C finale:Women's World Cup
The United States plays Sweden in the group stage finale at the Women's World Cup on Wednesday, a game that would seem to have little importance with both teams already through to the quarterfinals. But there is plenty still at stake for the Americans, starting with the bragging rights -- and everything that comes with them -- for winning the group.
We go for a win," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said Monday. "Absolutely."
The two-time World Cup champions need only a tie against Sweden to win Group C and likely avoid a quarterfinal matchup with Brazil. The Group C winner plays the second-place team in Group D, likely Australia or Norway. The Group C runner-up gets the Group D winner.
Brazil, runner-up in 2007 and at the last two Olympics, needs only a draw against World Cup newcomer Equatorial Guinea to win Group D.
The United States plays Sweden in the group stage finale at the Women's World Cup on Wednesday, a game that would seem to have little importance with both teams already through to the quarterfinals. But there is plenty still at stake for the Americans, starting with the bragging rights -- and everything that comes with them -- for winning the group.
We go for a win," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said Monday. "Absolutely."
The two-time World Cup champions need only a tie against Sweden to win Group C and likely avoid a quarterfinal matchup with Brazil. The Group C winner plays the second-place team in Group D, likely Australia or Norway. The Group C runner-up gets the Group D winner.
Brazil, runner-up in 2007 and at the last two Olympics, needs only a draw against World Cup newcomer Equatorial Guinea to win Group D.
Quit Smoking Drug Chantix Ups Heart Risk : Study
Our Hot News Today is about Quit smoking drug Chantix ups heart risk : Study
Chantix is the most popular anti-smoking drug on the market, with annual sales of $800 million. It has already been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Now experts say it may also be linked to a higher risk of heart disease -- the very thing smokers are trying to prevent by quitting -- reports CBS News correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook.
Today's study is worrisome news for the more than 7 million Americans who have taken Chantix. A new analysis links the pill to a seventy two percent increase in the risk of heart problems.
"It's causing the problem that we need to prevent among smokers," said Dr. Sonal Singh of Johns Hopkins university, who led the research. "We need to prevent cardiac disease among smokers, not increase it."
Chantix is the most popular anti-smoking drug on the market, with annual sales of $800 million. It has already been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Now experts say it may also be linked to a higher risk of heart disease -- the very thing smokers are trying to prevent by quitting -- reports CBS News correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook.
Today's study is worrisome news for the more than 7 million Americans who have taken Chantix. A new analysis links the pill to a seventy two percent increase in the risk of heart problems.
"It's causing the problem that we need to prevent among smokers," said Dr. Sonal Singh of Johns Hopkins university, who led the research. "We need to prevent cardiac disease among smokers, not increase it."
Autism Study Downplays Role of Genetics
Our hot new today is about Autism study downplays role of genetics: The analysis, which runs counter to decades of research, says environmental factors may be more important than genes in determining whether a child develops autism. The conclusion is roundly criticized by other autism experts.
Environmental factors may be more important than genes in determining whether a child develops autism, according to a controversial new analysis of the disorder in twins.
That finding runs counter to decades of prior research, which has generally found that genetic inheritance is the biggest determinant of a child's risk of autism. The authors of the new study, published online Monday by the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, came to their conclusion after studying 192 pairs of identical and fraternal twins in which at least one twin met clinical criteria for the neurodevelopment disorder.
Environmental factors may be more important than genes in determining whether a child develops autism, according to a controversial new analysis of the disorder in twins.
That finding runs counter to decades of prior research, which has generally found that genetic inheritance is the biggest determinant of a child's risk of autism. The authors of the new study, published online Monday by the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, came to their conclusion after studying 192 pairs of identical and fraternal twins in which at least one twin met clinical criteria for the neurodevelopment disorder.
7.03.2011
Mobile Phone Cancer Link Looking Less And Less Likely
Hot News Today is about Mobile Phone Cancer Link Looking Less And Less Likely
Evidence from a growing number of studies does not support the theory that cellphones raise the risk of brain cancer, an independent international panel of experts has found after carrying out a thorough analysis of all published research.
The analysis was carried out by the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) Standing Committee on Epidemiology.
Evidence from a growing number of studies does not support the theory that cellphones raise the risk of brain cancer, an independent international panel of experts has found after carrying out a thorough analysis of all published research.
The analysis was carried out by the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) Standing Committee on Epidemiology.
New bill to regulate California insurance hikes
Hot News Today is about : New bill to regulate California insurance hikes;
There is a move to give the state insurance commissioner more power to regulate health insurance premiums.
Many plans are increasing their rates Friday, with no obligation to justify the increases. The latest rate hike by some of the state's largest health insurers affects 1.5 million Californians; mostly small business and individual policyholders.
The premium jump ranges from as small as 3 percent to a whopping 92 percent. For some customers, it's the third rate hike in less than a year.
There is a move to give the state insurance commissioner more power to regulate health insurance premiums.
Many plans are increasing their rates Friday, with no obligation to justify the increases. The latest rate hike by some of the state's largest health insurers affects 1.5 million Californians; mostly small business and individual policyholders.
The premium jump ranges from as small as 3 percent to a whopping 92 percent. For some customers, it's the third rate hike in less than a year.
Purchasing 2011 MLB Celebrity Softball Game tickets
Hot News Today is about Purchasing 2011 MLB Celebrity Softball Game tickets; For professional baseball players and avid baseball fans, the Major League Baseball All-Star game, is an often anticipated and frequently talked about aspect of the Major League Baseball season. Through the first grueling 80 games of the season, fans, players sports media personalities cast votes, in order to determine which players will represent their respective teams, in the time-honored All-Star tradition.
During this year's week of All-Star festivities, held this season in the beautiful surroundings of Arizona's Chase Field, the American League and its National League counterpart will, via their representatives, slug it out, vying to win home-field advantage for whichever team from their division becomes the fortunate ones who make it to the 2011 World Series. The All-Star game, however, isn't the only event of the 2011 All-Star week which attracts visitors from across the United States.
During this year's week of All-Star festivities, held this season in the beautiful surroundings of Arizona's Chase Field, the American League and its National League counterpart will, via their representatives, slug it out, vying to win home-field advantage for whichever team from their division becomes the fortunate ones who make it to the 2011 World Series. The All-Star game, however, isn't the only event of the 2011 All-Star week which attracts visitors from across the United States.
Abbey Clancy v Kate Moss: Celebrity Wedding Face Off
Hot News Today is about Abbey Clancy v Kate Moss: Celebrity Wedding Face Off
Abbey Clancy tied the knot with footballer fiancee Peter Crouch in the same week that model Kate Moss got hitched to The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince, but who will be the queen bride in this week's Celebrity Face Off?
Abbey Clancy tied the knot with footballer fiancee Peter Crouch in the same week that model Kate Moss got hitched to The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince, but who will be the queen bride in this week's Celebrity Face Off?
Red Sox nip it in the bud
Hot News Today is about Red Sox nip it in the bud: As Bud Norris stacked one shutout inning upon another after a flawed start in the first, ringing up 10 strikeouts in the process, it appeared Marco Scutaro’s leadoff home run was all the offense the Red Sox would muster against the Astros’ righthander.
Until, that is, the offense came to life in the seventh inning.
The Sox opened the floodgates with an eye-popping, six-run, six-hit outburst in the seventh - sparked by Dustin Pedroia’s tying two-run single and Adrian Gonzalez’s towering two-run double for the go-ahead runs - in last night’s 7-5 victory over the Astros before 36,279 at Minute Maid Park.
“We only had one run on one hit,’’ said Scutaro, who was penciled in as the leadoff hitter when an ill Jacoby Ellsbury was a late scratch. “We had a couple of guys get on and we got a couple of big hits. Pedey came up with a big hit, then Gonzo.
Until, that is, the offense came to life in the seventh inning.
The Sox opened the floodgates with an eye-popping, six-run, six-hit outburst in the seventh - sparked by Dustin Pedroia’s tying two-run single and Adrian Gonzalez’s towering two-run double for the go-ahead runs - in last night’s 7-5 victory over the Astros before 36,279 at Minute Maid Park.
“We only had one run on one hit,’’ said Scutaro, who was penciled in as the leadoff hitter when an ill Jacoby Ellsbury was a late scratch. “We had a couple of guys get on and we got a couple of big hits. Pedey came up with a big hit, then Gonzo.
Heart problems killed Savage
Hot News Today is about Heart problems killed Savage : It was his heart — not the car crash — that caused the May 20 death of former professional wrestler "Macho Man" Randy Savage, according to the autopsy report released Thursday by the Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner's Office.
The medical examiner's report said Savage, whose non-wrestling name was Randy Poffo, had an enlarged heart with severe atherosclerosis of his coronary arteries. The autopsy also noted Savage received only minor cuts and bruises from the accident.
Savage was pronounced dead at Largo Medical Center after the accident, which happened when Savage hit a tree in Seminole.
The medical examiner's report said Savage, whose non-wrestling name was Randy Poffo, had an enlarged heart with severe atherosclerosis of his coronary arteries. The autopsy also noted Savage received only minor cuts and bruises from the accident.
Savage was pronounced dead at Largo Medical Center after the accident, which happened when Savage hit a tree in Seminole.
study:Copper kills 97 percent of hospital ICU bacteria
Hot News Today is about study:Copper kills 97 percent of hospital ICU bacteria
Antimicrobial copper surfaces in intensive care units (ICU) kill 97 percent of bacteria that can cause hospital-acquired infections, according to preliminary results of a multisite clinical trial in the United States.
The results also showed a 40 percent reduction in the risk of acquiring an infection.
The study, presented at the World Health Organization's 1st International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control (ICPIC) in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, backed what research teams at three U.S. hospitals suggested four years ago: replacing the most heavily contaminated touch surfaces in ICUs with antimicrobial copper will control bacteria growth and cut down on infection rates.
Antimicrobial copper surfaces in intensive care units (ICU) kill 97 percent of bacteria that can cause hospital-acquired infections, according to preliminary results of a multisite clinical trial in the United States.
The results also showed a 40 percent reduction in the risk of acquiring an infection.
The study, presented at the World Health Organization's 1st International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control (ICPIC) in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, backed what research teams at three U.S. hospitals suggested four years ago: replacing the most heavily contaminated touch surfaces in ICUs with antimicrobial copper will control bacteria growth and cut down on infection rates.
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