US Scientists Find Flexible Stem Cells in Placenta
Reuters
WASHINGTON -- Scientists looking for easier and less-controversial alternatives to stem cells from human embryos said on Friday they found a potential source in placentas saved during childbirth. They described primitive cells found in a part of the placenta called the amnion, which they coaxed into forming a variety of cell types and which look very similar to sought-after embryonic stem cells.

Nursing Shortages Worsening
Marietta Times
An aging army of registered nurses (RNs) across the United States, many just ahead of the huge baby boomer generation is fast-approaching retirement age. A July 2002 Health Resources and Services Administration report predicts that by 2020 the nation would need 2.8 million nurses, or 800,000 more than the projected supply. In Ohio, demand is expected to reach nearly 112,000 with fewer than 80,000 nurses on hand.

Hospital Develops Programs To Aid Nurse Retention
Benton Courier
While a nationwide nursing shortage continues, Saline Memorial Hospital is taking steps to reward nurses on staff at the hospital in Benton. The SMH Board of Directors has approved a recommendation from the Nurse Recruitment and Retention Committee to establish a reward program.

Calif. Drug Proposals Spark Huge Campaigns
The Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The soaring price of prescription drugs has led federal and state lawmakers to seek ways to ease the burden on uninsured residents. But in California, the land of direct democracy, drug companies and consumer groups are going straight to the voters with dueling initiatives in one of the costliest campaigns in U.S. history.

Two Okla. Children Die of Rare Infection
ABC News
TULSA, Okla. -- Two children died Friday after being infected with a rare parasite associated with swimming in stagnant water, health officials said. The boys, ages 9 and 7, did not know each other but were both believed to have been swimming in area ponds before contracting Naegleria, an amoeba that enters the body through the nose and can cause a deadly inflammation of the brain.

Thousands of Flu Shots Bought by Illinois Have Expired
USA TODAY
CHICAGO -- All 700,000 flu shots ordered from Europe by the state of Illinois last year amid fears of a nationwide shortage have expired and may go to waste at a potential cost to the taxpayers of $2.5 million, officials said Wednesday. Illinois never even received the vaccine, because the Food and Drug Administration would not approve its import.

Avian Flu Vaccine Set for U.S. Production
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Mass production of a new vaccine that scientists believe can protect against an avian flu outbreak could begin as early as mid-September, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said Sunday.

Woman Suffers Lead Poisoning From Indian Herbal Medicines
Stuff.co.nz
A 51-year-old woman has fallen sick from lead poisoning after taking Indian herbal medicines. She was treated at Christchurch Hospital for nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and muscle ache in what is thought to be the first case of its kind in New Zealand.

Scientists Develop Dengue Testing Chip
New York Newsday
SINGAPORE -- Scientists in Singapore said Thursday they have developed a chip that can halve the cost and time needed to test for dengue fever. Researchers at Attogenix Biosystems and inventors of the penny-sized plastic AttoChip, said the chip analyzes the DNA of blood samples for genes and viruses and carries out multiple tests simultaneously to identify the different strains of dengue.

Scientists Discover Toxin Which
Could Lead to Alzheimer's Breakthrough
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
SYDNEY -- Australian scientists have made an important discovery that could prove a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment. For the first time they have found a toxin in the brain that causes Alzheimer's to get worse. Importantly, they believe there are already drugs available that could be used to stop the illness.