News  

- Statins increase delirium risk
Taking statins could increase the risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients by 28 per cent, Canadian research suggests. The researchers advise patients to temporarily stop taking statins before surgery, to lower their risk of delirium.
CMAJ Online 2008

- Clean teeth stop MI
Keeping your teeth clean could help to prevent a heart attack, according to UK research. The study, presented last week at a conference in Dublin, found that having poor dental hygiene and bleeding gums could increase the risk of heart disease by allowing bacteria into the bloodstream.
Society for General Microbiology conference, Dublin

- Spit test for cancer
A test that identifies proteins in saliva could help to detect cases of oral cancer, US research suggests. Researchers discovered five biomarkers that confirm the presence of oral cancer with an accuracy rate of 93 per cent.
Clinical Cancer Research Online 2008

- Babies born with rhythm
Newborns have a strong sense of rhythm and are sensitive to pitch and melody, say UK researchers from the University of Plymouth. The findings, based on a study of 100 babies, suggest introducing a child to music at an early age could enhance their musical abilities and help them to talk.