Month: January 2012

People who live to be at least 110 may be protected from disease by rare differences in some genes, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed the entire genetic makeup (genome) of two people. The man and woman had both lived past the age of 114. Both had about as many gene mutations linked to disease as most people. But each of them also had other gene mutations that had not been seen before. Researchers said it’s possible these gene differences are linked with longer life. The journal Frontiers in Genetics published the study. HealthDay News wrote about it January 8.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a first step to limit use of antibiotics in some animals raised for food. The FDA said it would restrict use of cephalosporin antibiotics. They are injected into some cattle, pigs and poultry just before slaughter. These antibiotics are not used as often in animals as some others. But they are frequently needed to treat serious human infections. The number of infections that “resist” one or more antibiotics has been increasing rapidly. Many experts say one reason is the routine use of antibiotics in animals raised for food. The FDA said in 2010 that this use of antibiotics was “a serious health threat.” But this week’s action is the agency’s first to address the threat. The Associated Press wrote about it January 4.

A shorter treatment can prevent active infection in people who have tuberculosis (TB) bacteria in their bodies, a new study finds. Standard treatment is 9 months of taking a daily pill, isoniazid. The new study included 7,731 people. Some had tests that showed TB bacteria in their bodies. Some were in close contact with someone with an active infection. Half were randomly assigned to receive standard treatment. The other half received isoniazid plus a second drug, rifapentine (Priftin). But they took both drugs only once a week, for 3 months. Weekly doses were taken in a doctor’s office. Researchers kept track of people for nearly 3 years. Very few developed active TB. But the numbers were lower for those who got the shorter treatment with 2 drugs. They also were more likely to complete treatment. The New England Journal of Medicine published the study December 8.

Why do kids get little physical activity in child care and preschool? Researchers asked providers and got a long list of answers. Centers often lack play equipment because of cost or space problems. What they have may be safe but boring. And child care providers feel more pressure to stress ABCs than active play. Researchers found this out through focus groups that included 49 child care providers. They said state licensing rules limit the play equipment they can offer. And kids often lose interest in equipment that meets safety standards. Providers said parents also worry about injuries and don’t push for more physical activity. But they do push for more academic work. The journal Pediatrics published the study. HealthDay News and Reuters Health news service wrote about it January 4.